BROOKLYN IN THE CITY: Surrey

{ GUEST BLOGGER } Micaela Armstrong

I spent most of my life growing up in Surrey, so I definitely have a soft spot for this city! According to the city of Surrey website, its population is around the half million mark and is expected to grow by several hundred thousand in the next few decades. Keeping this in mind, Surrey has done a great job of planning and executing a number of great cultural and musical events for those who reside there! This summer is no exception, so I compiled a few ideas for events happening in Surrey in July and August (and some that have already started!)

1.) Canada Day Celebration: Every city has a Canada Day celebratory event and Surrey is no exception. Seeing as the weather has been absolutely gorgeous, try to get outside this Canada Day and enjoy the festivities! This particular event has music, amusement rides, face painting and fireworks at the end of the night.
WHEN: Wednesday July 1st 2015, 10 am - 10:30 pm
WHERE: Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre, 176th St. and 64th Avenue in Surrey

Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre, Surrey, BC Canada
176 Street & 64th Avenue - See more at: http://www.surrey.ca/canadaday/72.aspx#sthash.3nc5Ss2y.dpuf

Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre, Surrey, BC Canada
176 Street & 64th Avenue - See more at: http://www.surrey.ca/canadaday/72.aspx#sthash.3nc5Ss2y.dpuf

2.) Surrey Urban Farmers Market: The Surrey Urban Farmers Market is a great place to shop for local food. Stop by and support local farmers and artisans! There are a number of vendors selling fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and baked goods.
WHEN: Wednesdays from 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm (Until October 7th 2015)
WHERE: Surrey City Hall Plaza, 13450 104th Avenue, Surrey

3.) Fusion Festival: This annual festival is an amazing way to experience dozens of different cultures at once. The entertainment includes artists representing various cultures through dance and music. Not only is there free entertainment, there are tons of cultural pavilions showcasing international food! Admission is free and food tickets are $1.00 each.
WHEN: Saturday July 18th and Sunday July 19th 2015, 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
WHERE: Holland Park, located at the corner of King George Blvd and Old Yale Road in Surrey

4.) Surrey Night Market: There's no need to drive out to Richmond to visit a night market this summer! There's one right in Surrey and admission is only $2.00. There are approximately 50 international food vendors varying from burgers andcurries to fresh juice and mini doughnuts. With 125 mechandise vendors and a nightly stage for local artists, the Surrey Night Market is not to be missed!
WHEN: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (until September 20th 2015)
WHERE: Cloverdale Exhibition Grounds - 17726 62nd Avenue, Surrey

5.) Surrey Food Cart Festival: A food cart festival is something I've never experienced, but it's definitely on my to-do list for this summer. Surrey's food cart festival is happening this July and there will be 20 food trucks serving everything from grilled cheese to Vietnamese! There will be music and entertainment galore, and it's easily accessible by transit. Furthermore, it's a "zero waste" event, meaning that an average of 90% of the waste will be recycled or composted instead of going straight to the landfill. Kids under 13 get in free and adults pay only $2.00, so go check it out! 
WHEN: Saturday July 25th 2015, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
WHERE: City of  Surrey Plaza at City Hall - 13450 104th Avenue in Surrey

There's tons going on in the growing city of Surrey. It's so great for those residents who don't want to cross any bridges and endure traffic just for the sake of enjoying a sunny summer afternoon. Take advantage of what this city has to offer and explore Surrey this summer!





Micaela Armstrong is Executive Assistant at Brooklyn Designs and a part-time student at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

TV STYLE: The Bachelorette Kaitlyn Bristowe

Talk about DRAMA!!

What do you think of The Bachelorette season so far? These guys have to be the most dramatic bachelors yet! But on the plus side, some of them seem like really genuine guys with big hearts. What about Kaitlyn? I am a fan and am glad that she was chosen to be the Bachelorette this season. Loving all of her fashion too!! She's worn some great outfits so far during her quest to finding love.

Last week we spotted Kaitlyn wearing our new Easton necklace! This necklace features a large tusk pendant that has a hammered finish and is accented with a small faceted Turquoise bezel set charm. I designed this piece with Kaitlyn in mind and is one of many pieces that I specially designed for the show. Can't wait to see what other pieces Kaitlyn wears!

We also spotted Kaitlyn wearing our Easton long tusk necklace this week during her group date in Doublin. I really love how Kaitlyn layers all of her jewels and mix and matches different sizes and textures together. This top really caught my eye too, and you can get a similar look via Aritzia in their Babaton CAYDEN sleeveless blouse.

During Kaitlyn's date with Nick we spotted her wearing our new Ellis ring in Aqua Chalcedony. This ring is very similar to our popular Hamilton ring worn last season by Andi Dorfman. We added 2 textured bands to this gorgeous gemstone for an updated design and love how well it looked on Kaitlyn last night. This ring sold out quickly when we first introduced it, and we'll be restocking this in all sizes very soon! 

Want to know what I like best about Kaitlyn? She's Canadian!!! 

Who is your favourite guy for Kaitlyn? What fashion styles are you loving from Kaitlyn's closet so far? We want to know!! Comment below and tell us what you're thinking and connect with us on Instagram #BrooklynDesigns.

BROOKLYN IN THE CITY: Vancouver

{ GUEST BLOGGER } Micaela Armstrong

As the school year comes to an end and the summer starts to heat up, it's always a great time to check out what the city has to offer. Whether it's local food, activities or music, there's tons going on in Vancouver! I've put together a list of five events happening this summer that you should put on your to-do list.

1.) Greek Day on Broadway: I went to my first Greek Day celebration a few years ago with some friends and had a blast! There will be plenty of delicious food and drink, as well as entertainment (and a kids' tent for the little ones), so check it out!
WHEN: Sunday June 28th 2015, 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
WHERE: 3200 West Broadway, Vancouver

2.)  Vancouver International Jazz Festival: This annual Jazz festival is the jump-starter for festival season in Vancouver. With free concerts and dozens of artists, there's something for everyone. Take a look at their website for more information on the various venues, as well as artist information!
WHEN: June 18th - July 1st 2015
WHERE: Downtown Vancouver/Various Venues

3.) Vancouver Farmers Markets: Vancouver Farmers Markets are celebrating 20 years this year! With loads of vendors, you can feel good about saving money, shopping locally, and eating fresh. There are seven markets all the way from Trout Lake to Kitsilano. Be sure to check the VFM website for information on the different locations and hours!

4.) Celebration of Light: Speaking of anniversaries, the Celebration of Light is turning 25! You can't experience a summer in Vancouver without going to the annual Fireworks. It's free to watch and there are three different nights to go. Just make sure to get there early if you want a good spot.
WHEN: Saturday July 25th, Wednesday July 29th, and Saturday August 1st 2015.
WHERE: See website for more details!

5.) The Fair at the PNE: For over 100 years, the PNE has been a source of entertainment with its many performances, exhibits, rides and food. With new attractions, such as the Craft Beer Fest and Dinosaurs Alive. A Jurassic Experience, you can find something new to do every day!
WHEN: Saturday, August 22 - Monday, September 7, 2015 11 am - late
WHERE: Hastings and Renfrew, Vancouver

Summer's over before you know it, so get out there and enjoy Vancouver!




Micaela Armstrong is Executive Assistant at Brooklyn Designs and a part-time student at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

BROOKLYN STYLE: Simple Summer Earrings

{ GUEST BLOGGER } Micaela Armstrong
 
During the hot summer days, my mind is often consumed with piling on the sunscreen, staying cool and still looking stylish (or trying to, at least). I find that the easiest way to accomplish an easy-going and lightweight summer look is to go simple.

Now I LOVE wearing jewelry but I dislike feeling weighted down by any of my accessories when I'm out at the beach or having a drink on a patio. For me, comfort is key in situations like that.

For a simple look, or a few pairs of earrings you can just throw on and head out the door, Brooklyn Designs has you covered!

Our Addison earrings are one of our best sellers for a reason. They're super cute, dainty and available in silver or gold.

Speaking of dainty, our Brooke earrings are another essential for a delicate summer look. They're super lightweight and will go with pretty much any outfit. Perfect for transitioning from a day look to a night out!

If you'd rather wear something more minimalistic, check out our Kelly earrings. These are just generally great everyday earrings to wear, and are a popular choice!

 

Our Kelly earrings were worn by the lovely Alison Sweeney on the Biggest Loser!

I'm so glad summer is here, but it can be more difficult to accessorize as the temperature increases... Fortunately, it is totally doable with a pair of our simple summer earrings.

What tips and tricks do you have for styling on a hot day? Let us know in the comments below!

Micaela Armstrong is Executive Assistant at Brooklyn Designs and a part-time student at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

Red Carpet? Cannes Do.

{ GUEST BLOGGER } Karin Maxey

I got the email late one night in February. The Cannes Film Festival was “glad to inform me that my short film, Eye for an Eye had been accepted into the 2015 Short Film Corner.” My first phone call: my best friend & co-producer on the film, Momona Komagata, who is also the film’s enigmatic lead actress. My first thought: what jewelry am I going to wear?! I’m not a shoe gal, I do like my purses, but for me; it’s always been the jewelry. And if there was ever an excuse to sparkle it up, getting to attend one of the film industry’s most treasured and glamorous events was it. 

We attended premieres of world class film in competition for the prestigious Palme D’Or at night; walking the very same red carpet as the likes of Rachel Weisz, Emily Blunt, and Sophie Marceau. By day, we’d be navigating the massive Palais on the shores of the Mediterranean; taking workshops, pitching European distribution companies in hopes of furthering our little film’s run, and meeting other filmmakers from around the globe. It was a heady four days, for sure.

Our film started with the Director’s vision back in 2012, and we were able to shoot it with an international cast and crew after winning the StoryHive grant from Telus Optik the following year. Post-production wrapped on the 18 minute love letter to Vancouver in 2014, and we hit the ground running with province-wide release on Telus VOD and submitted to our favourite festivals. Cannes came first. Eye for an Eye is about a man who must choose between seeking revenge for his brother’s tragic death, and the life he’s made for himself with the woman he loves.

The biggest choice I had to make on the Croisette: which Brooklyn Designs piece to wear with what. The Illiana necklace was our good luck charm; dressing up airport chic and later adding just the right amount of geometric glamour to Momona’s gown from Vancouver designer Evan Ducharme. We rotated through the subtle sparkle of Lindsay, Jasmine, and Katia earrings for both day and night, while the Casey and Eternity necklaces offered an elegant touch to our “business casual” daywear.

Turns out having jewelry on loan makes you feel like a bit of a star yourself. Even if you’re not Jane Fonda (who still looks pretty rockin’ at 77, by the way) in Cannes, anybody could be somebody, and good manners, grace, and a little bit of sparkle will go a long way.