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.