Archive for January, 2011

Brill About Town | Toronto | Fave Lunch Spots

With the #BrillBuilding situated in the heart of the entertainment district, we have many lunch options. Even though know we should brown bag it, working right at John + Richmond leaves us with many delicious temptations. Here are our favourite spots to pick up lunch:

Sandwich Box – 388 Richmond St. W. – This one’s a no brainer – it a has fresh selection of healthy ingredients and easy to customize sandwiches and salad for the picky eater.

Soup Nutsy – Metro Centre, 220 Wellington St. W. - We’re Seinfeld fans so we love the name. Most importantly though, this is the SOUP MECCA. Ashley and Jura frequent this place more often then they’d like to admit. Try the chili or homestyle chicken noodle – absolute heaven on a cold day)

z-teca – 327 King St. W. – Out go-to Mexican spot. Think healthy, fast-casual, California style. Burritos, salads, quesadillas – all made to order. Kate’s favourite: the veggie burrito with guac. Shout out to owner, Marco!

Fusaro’s Kitchen – 127 Spadina Ave. – Also known as Fusaro Fridays. We love home-cooked Italian and for lunch, this is the place to go. Sherrill suggests the meatball strogannoff over rice (Sherrill is the rice queen). Although she doesn’t typically love to share, Lisa loves the coconut brownie for dessert.

RaviSoups – 322 Adelaide St. W. – Our other favourite option for soup and wraps with creative, exotic ingredients that are full of flavour. Desia orders the hot pot soup (spicy!) while Greg goes for the oven roasted veggie wrap.

With all of our TV and magazine colleagues in the ‘hood – what are your favourites? Tweet us!

Cheers,

The Brill Team

British Invasion: All Eyes on Oliver Goldsmith

Who is Oliver Goldsmith? The first to think of the sunspec as a fashion piece. P. Oliver Goldsmith revolutionized the world of eyewear when he founded the family-run business in London. With heritage brands all the rage, we thought we’d take a look back in time and feature the 20th Century icons who helped to make OG a household name.

Audrey Hepburn in OG

Britt Ekland in OG

Grace Kelly in OG

Princess Diana in OG

Did you know OG was the first eyewear brand to appear on the Royals?

The Beatles

Michael Caine in OG

Create and customize your own OG look

Josephson Opticians is proud to have the Bespoke Box in their stores. This elegant box, crafted in Italy from the finest leather, consists of 4 simple layers:

- The first provides a choice of frames styles from the top 12 vintage classic shapes produced by Olivier Goldsmith Sunglasses.

- The second layer allows the customer to choose from 24 acetate samples in a variety of different colours and patterns. These acetates range from standard acetate in a multitude of colours, to limited edition acetates from The OG archives.

- The next layer gives 18 lens choices- 3 High Performance, 12 CR-39 lenses, and 3 glass lenses.

- Finally, completing your custom frames is a choice of 9 nose rulers to find the best fit for your nose; to provide optimal comfort.

Starting at $695 the Oliver Goldsmith Bespoke frames are the perfect accessory for those who want a look all their own. All custom and couture glasses are made in England by Goldsmith’s master craftsmen who have over 70 years of collective experience in hand-making frames, using both rare and vintage acetates.

Cheerio,

The Brill Team

Beauty Bulletin: DIY Half Moon Manicure

Sound like an impossible task? Here at Brill we’ve never shied away from a challenge. You may recall Sherrill’s uniform dressing dare (two weeks, six articles of clothing – no cheating) inspired by the brave Mia at Sweetspot. Today: a little tutorial on how to create the perfect half-moon mani at home.

We’re no Deborah Lippmann (ahem, celeb and editorial manicurist) but we’re going to do our best to break it down. With the right materials and a little patience, you too can achieve this look:

1. Lippmann Collection – Addicted to Speed (super fast drying clear coat)

2. Deborah Lippmann – Fashion (not-so-typical taupe)

3. Deborah Lippmann – Between the Sheets (tantalizing fushia)

4. Lippmann Collection – Rich Girl

5. Nailene Perfect Tips

* Lippmann Collection and Deborah Lippmann available at DONATO salon + spa | Nailene Perfect Tips available at Shoppers Drug Mart *

STEP ONE | PREP

Moisturize your hands with Lippmann Collection’s ultra hydrating Rich Girl. Massage into cuticles. To ensure the polish adheres properly, remove excess cream from the nails with a damp cloth.

STEP TWO | FASHION

Apply an even coat of Fashion to the nails. Because this is your base and you’ll only see the moon, don’t worry about it being too perfect.

STEP THREE | ADDICTED TO SPEED

Apply a coat of Addicted to Speed immediately following Fashion. Wait one minute.

STEP FOUR | APPLY MOON GUIDES

Once the clear coat is dry, apply the Nailene rounded sticker guides slightly above the bottom of the nail bed. The most important part of this whole process is ensuring the guides are adhered securely and evenly.

STEP FIVE | BETWEEN THE SHEETS

After you’ve applied the guides to each nail, apply a coat of Between the Sheets to each nail. Don’t worry about getting lacquer on the guide. After you’ve done one hand, remove the stickers quickly – like a band-aid. The line will be smoother now than when the lacquer becomes tacky.

STEP SIX | ADDICTED TO SPEED

After all guide are removed, apply a coat to finish the look and speed up drying time.

And VOILA!

Tweet us your half-moon mani. Have fun with colour combinations and let us know what you’ve come up with.

Cheers,

The Brill Team

En Francais SVP: Ce que nous lisons en ligne

Il arrive souvent que l’on nous demande comment on fait pour rester à l’affût des tendances. À part les magazines, y a-t-il des sites internet ou des blogues que nous privilégions?

Garance Doré

Notre réponse : bien sûr! En voici quelque uns :

Divine.ca

On peut compter sur ce cybermagazine (bilingue!) lorsqu’on veut découvrir les dernières nouveautés en mode, en beauté ou encore ce qui se passe du côté du divertissement à Montréal. Il y a aussi des quiz amusants et une petite section « potins »…

Sweetspotqc.ca

Nouveau depuis septembre 2010, ce « guide des tendances du Québec » présente des nouveautés mode, beauté, et art de vire, mais se distingue par sa section maman/enfants, pleine de suggestions de jouets, d’activités et de vêtements pour les tout-petits et leurs mamans.

Mamzellebeaute.com

Ce blogue est rapidement en train de devenir LA référence en matière de beauté pour les internautes québécoises. On y parle uniquement de beauté, de nouveaux produits et on y dévoile des conseils et trucs de pro!

alamodemontreal.com

Mode, design, tendances et trouvailles vintage, ce blogue s’adresse aux montréalais passionnés de design à Montréal. La section voyage présente des tendances actuelles ailleurs dans le monde, comme à New York ou à Paris.

Je suis…l’Aristocrate

N’ayez crainte messieurs, nous ne vous laissons pas de côté! Un des rares blogues destinés à la mode masculine, L’Aristocrate nous tient au courant des tendances, des évènements du milieu de la mode, et teste des nouveaux soins et produits pour hommes. Il présente également ses coups de cœur de la mode masculine, issus des dernières collections et des looks croqués sur le vif sous la rubrique « style de rue ».

Garance Doré

Évidemment, on ne pouvait pas parler de nos sites web préférés sans mentionner Garance Doré, de qui nous nous sommes inspirées pour illustrer nos produits préférés avant Noël. On craque pour ses illustrations, pour ses photos « style de rue » prises un peu partout dans le monde et ses topos amusants.

Évidemment, nous avons d’autres bonnes adresses, mais nous les dévoilerons une autre fois…

En attendant, bonne lecture!

L’équipe Brill

Fashion Bulletin: Golden Globes Best Dressed

The awards season has officially begun, starting off with a bang at The 68th Annual Golden Globes. We aren’t usually all on the same page when it comes to the red carpet fashion but this year our hits and misses were crystal clear. Here are our favourites:

Desia: Emma Stone, newly blonde in Calvin Klein Collection and Leighton Meester in Burberry Prorsum.

Lisa: Mila Kunis in Vera Wang.

Kate: Claire Danes in Calvin Klein Collection.

Sherrill: Anne Hathaway in Armani Privé.

Ashley: January Jones in Versace and Natalie Portman in Victor & Rolf.

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Who is at the top of your list? Tweet us.

Cheers,

The Brill Team

How We’re Using Social Media: Part Two

Earlier we delved into the topic of social media and how we’re using various tools (see part one here). The basics are all well and good but keeping up to speed is important. There are many websites and blogs that are incredible resources in up-t0-the-minute social media, tech, and PR-related news.

Mashable (AKA Mecca):  Needs no introduction. In a little more than five years, founder Pete Cashmore has created the number one go-to for all things social media. If you haven’t bookmarked this already, do so immediately.

Mashable is the most prolific news site reporting breaking web news, providing analysis of trends, reviewing new websites and services, and offering social media resources and guides.

*Tip: Be sure to follow @mashable on Twitter for immediate firehose updates.

The Next Web (TNW): Launched in 2008 as a spinoff to The Next Web Conference, the site is easy to navigate and is divided by channels so you can get just the content you’re looking for.  We like this site for its international coverage of technology news, business, and culture.

*Tip: Need news on the go? Download TNW’s weekly podcast hosted and moderated by Brad McCarty and featuring various contributors and industry names. The show usually lasts around 40 minutes and is always informative, fresh, and entertaining.

PR 2.0: Brian Solis is principal of a PR and new media agency in Silicon Valley. He is among the original thought leaders who paved the way for social media. In PR 2.0, he blogs about the convergence of social media, PR, web marketing, and technology.

PR Daily: A great portal for PR/marketing related stories from across the web. A must-bookmark for PR pros.

Honourable mentions:

Seth Godin’s blog

Think Tank

Forbes’ Elaine Wong: Media Geek

Social Media Today

What sites are you frequenting? Tweet us.

Cheers,

The Brill Team

Brill About Town | Toronto | Favourite Bookstores

Whether it’s to pick up the latest glossy, today’s paper, an inspiring coffee table book, or a new nightstand read, there are a number of great bookstores in Toronto we love. Shall we compare black books?

What: The monthly glossies and the daily paper

Where: Maison de la Presse | 99 Yorkville Ave.

Why: This newsstand stocks a wide range of international publications and all of the Canadian favourites.

What: The bestsellers

Where: Chapters | 142 John St.

Why: Just a hop and a skip from the Brill Building, we love this location for its easy-to-locate wall of bestsellers and massive selection of fiction titles.

What: Local charm and small press

Who: Nicholas Hoare Books | 45 Front St. E. + Type Books | 883 Queen St. W.

Why: We love to support anything homegrown and these shops are true gems. The staff are super passionate about literature so if you’re up for a recommendation – either locations are just the ticket. You’ll be able to find small press titles, unique gifts, and beautiful stationery with ease.

What are your favourite shops? Tweet us!

Cheers,

The Brill Team

Shopping Smarter in 2011

It’s the time of year for making and (hopefully) keeping resolutions. Some set the bar high with grand expectations and some make small but meaningful goals. Whatever it is you’d like to achieve, we’re sure that where there’s a will there’s a way.

Shopping smarter in 2011 may sound like a lofty ambition but it’s easier than you think. Breaking it down…

INVEST IN CLASSICS

1.This soft two-toned leather jacket from DANIER gives this an authentic, vintage look. The asymmetric zipper closure, a slightly shrunken fit and zippered pockets and sleeves are all true to form.

2.Go from day to night with this feminine LBD from Esprit Collection. The rosette neckline and empire waist give this classic a twist and can be paired with a cardi for the office and worn alone with jewels for apres work cocktails.

3.This foldover bag from DANIER has a handy front zippered pocket can be used a clutch, or switch it up with a detachable strap and transform it into a crossbody bag.

4.Heels only kind of girl? You’ll still need a chic ballerina flat to dash around town in; this patent pair from ECCO is our go-to shoe for adding polish to our everyday looks.

5.The trench: A staple in every woman’s wardrobe. This classic style from Esprit is a great layering piece, no matter the season.

ADOPT AN ECO-FRIENDLY BEAUTY ROUTINE

1.This hydrating Shea Butter Body Cream from J.R. Watkins is all-natural and paraben-free. Moisturize your with 10 natural oils and extracts and we promise your skin with thank you.

2. Kiss My Face‘s Peace Soap is all-natural castille soap, which means it has over 100 uses – use it as a body wash, shampoo (for you or your pet), to rinse your veggies, and clean your floors with. When you purchase Peace Soap, you’re supporting Seeds of Peace in its mission to bring teenagers together from opposite sides for one-of-a-kind conflict-resolution training.

3.Begin your morning routine with J.R. Watkins Cleansing Cream. This gentle, yet effective, cleanser removes makeup and dirt while adding moisture every time you cleanse.

4.Follow-up J.R. Watkins Divine Day Cream. This lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, keeping skin hydrated all day.

5.Borrowed from the boys, Cromwell and Cruthers all-natural shaving oil is the perfect alternative to shaving cream. Small but mighty, the formula is super concentrated and packs 100 shaves into its ideal-for-travel bottle.

8 GLASSES A DAY

MAVEA‘s super sleek water pitchers make it easy to stay hydrated all day without hurting the environment with wasteful water bottles. The filter requires no pre-soaking and is designed with a micro-screen to reduce the release of black carbon particles. The silverized filter media inhibits the growth of odour causing bacteria to extend the life of the filter.

What are your resolutions this year? Tweet us.

Cheers to a brilliant 2010!

The Brill Team