Archive for June, 2011

Meet Arantxa: Diary of a Brill Intern

Ever since I was a little girl I knew I wanted to work in fashion, and someday hope to attend Parsons: The New School for Design in New York City. When the time came I decided instead to study English, but fashion was always on my mind. Throughout university I debated where I wanted to go with fashion, was it design? Or a magazine perhaps? Finally I landed on PR, and when I got the opportunity to intern with Brill Communications I was thrilled! My first day at Brill was like the first day of school, I was nervous but so excited and lucky to be given this chance, to experience and learn everything I could about PR, fashion and the industry.

I have been with Brill for just over a month now, and have learned two key ingredients; work hard and be nice. These are also the ingredients to success. The team embodies these two qualities and it is evident in their work. The ladies at Brill really have a special touch, they have made my experience so enjoyable and I love being here everyday. I have also learned that growth only comes through experience and it is this experience that will prepare me for my future.

In the past month I have had the opportunity to attend different events put together by Brill, such as; the Danier Fall Preview and a Victoria’s Secret Event for the opening of a new VS Store in Sherway Garden’s Mall with appearance by VS Angel Doutzen Kroes, who graciously signed autographs. I have learned so much with these experiences and know that I will continue to learn more. I hope that I can contribute as much as I have learned, and I look forward to the rest of my summer with Brill!

Cheers,

Arantxa

Happy Birthday Wills!

June 21st is not only the first day of summer, it’s also (our teen crush) Prince Williams 29th birthday.  In celebration of this we thought we’d share some of our favorite pics of him from over the years.


He may be taken, but we’ll always have a soft spot for those royal baby blues.

Happy Birthday William!!

xo

The Brill Team

Brill Bulletin: Who’s blogging across the Country

After some gentle nudging from a ‘close friend’ of the Brill bulletin, we decided to introduce a new column here on our blog.  Who’s blogging across the Country is our way of recommending sites we love and think you’ll enjoy   Luckily, when we approached our first subject she happily accepted.  So, without further adieu I’d like to introduce you to Vancouver based Olivia J. Lovenmark who writes a fashion and style blog called  Style Stuck.

Olivia J. Lovenmark

Location: Vancouver, BC

What do you do for a living? Or is blogging your full time gig?

I blog for myself at StyleStruck.ca and work full time as a Social Media Strategist for a Vancouver based group buying site. I also work as a freelancing blog content creator on the side!

Tell us a little bit about Style Struck?

StyleStruck.ca the site is my place to share all my interests and passions, particularly to do with fashion. I love sharing interesting things I find on the web, my home, my cat (Marie), and my love for France.

How did you get into blogging?

Blogging came about for me just over two years ago when I was looking for a way to keep myself involved in the fashion community after I finished my time in Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s fashion program. Blogging felt natural as I love to share what I’m into and love to write! Being able to connect with an audience has become as important part of my life.

You often show images of your personal style on your website, what inspires you?

I can’t say that there is any one thing that inspires me. I’m mostly inspired by a way of life, by having things around me that make for a well-enjoyed life, like delicious scented candles, cashmere, a nice, cozy home (complete with cat), and a style that reflects that. This usually means that you’ll find me in preppy pieces that are clean cut and feminine. I believe that I’ve had the same style since I was about eight when I decided that my look would be candy colored polos and khaki shorts with a bow of sorts in my hair.

What are some of your favorite fashion/beauty blogs?

I love Garance Dore, Cupcakes and Cashmere, The Glamourai, The Doctor’s Closet, Jak and Jil, Aureta’s Blog and A Cup of Jo. I am also obsessed with The Coveteur!

Who is your favorite Canadian designer? Why?

I really like (212), a line designed by two local boys who spent time in NYC and then opened up shop in Vancouver’s Gastown, as well as Vancouver-based Dace.

What are some of your favorite trends for summer?

Onesies – I have two now, nude pumps, clean white V-neck sweaters with everything and of course, nautical stripes.

Let’s talk beauty, what are some of your must haves for summer?

Matte bronzer. I have the most amazing one by Benefit called “Hoola.” I must have a sheer baby pink non-sparkly gloss for summer days and a matte bright pink lipstick for evenings.

We often do posts outlining “what’s in our bag”  If we were to look inside yours what would we find?

Oooh, well, I shall have to do one of those again soon! But you will find my over-stuffed leather Zara wallet, at least two, if not three lip  glosses, keys, my day timer, my iPad, a few pens and highlighters, my MAC pressed powder, bronzer, sunglasses and kleenex. My bag, as you can guess, is rather heavy.

If you had to chose one item from your closet that you couldn’t live without what would it be?

Anything white. I can not live without clean, white basics be it a white collared shirt, a white V-neck sweater or a white tank for layering. I feel out of sorts without my whites.

Given the choice to have dinner with one person (dead or alive) who would it be and why?

Karl Lagerfeld, hands down. Not only is he incredibly interesting, Karl is brilliant. I would show him the picture of me dressed as him for Halloween in 2009.

When you’re not blogging, what are some of your favorite things to do in your city?

Play softball with my team on Thursday nights, visit new cafes and lounges with my boyfriend, go shopping for home decor and host lunches with my girlfriends at my apartment.

Thank you for having me!!

We hope you love her just as much as we do.  Thanks for being our first guest Olivia.  You can follow her on twitter @StyleStruck.

Until next time…

The Brill Team

Meet Michelle: Diary of a Brill Intern

After completing a graduate program in communications and PR a few months ago, I set my sights on gaining some real world experience. There was never any doubt in my mind that I wanted to be in the fashion industry, and  Brill was my first choice.   Being an elite fashion and lifestyle PR firm, with an impressive showroom and very friendly and welcoming staff,  has made my first few weeks not only a great learning experience, but also very enjoyable.

My second day I was lucky enough to participate in Brill’s event for the Victoria’s Secret Summer Bombshell Tour. VS supermodel Doutzen Kroes was in town signing autographs at the newly opened Sherway Gardens location and throwing the opening pitch at the Blue Jays game. Having always been a fan of the Victoria’s Secret brand, and of course their fashion show, you can imagine what a great kick start this was to my time here at Brill. And who doesn’t love the VS Angels?

Photo: Sonia Recchia/ Pimentel Photo

I am looking forward to interning the rest of the summer at Brill; working alongside the fabulous Brill team, meeting all the talented and interesting people who come to check out our showroom and events, and getting a first hand look at the fashion and PR world.

Wish me Luck!!

Michelle

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

With Father’s Day right around the corner, we thought we’d share some incredible gift idea’s to show your pop just how much you care.

1) Esprit – Soft plaid shirt in lightweight cotton with cuffed sleeves, great for kicking around the house with the kids on a Sunday afternoon. $59.50 at www.espritshop.ca.

2) NIP + FAB Scrub Fix – Perfect product for the perfectly groomed pop, it exfoliates his skin leaving him the best looking dad on the block. $10.95 at Shoppers Drug Mart www.nipandfab.com

3) ECCO – A casual moccasin with attractive detailing, and removable leather lining is a great option for stylish Dad’s looking for functional footwear. $175.00 at ECCO locations across Canada. www.eccocanada.com

4) Danier – This slim fit jacket is the epitome of cool and comes in lamb leather with a washed effect. Motocross details such as topstitched sleeves, metal eyelets and zippered cuffs give it added edge. $249.00 at www.danier.com and Danier stores across Canada.

5) Cromwell and Cruthers Shaving Oil - All-natural, clear formula (helps to achieve the perfect shave), and convenient concentrated for travel while still lasting for up to 100 shaves. $5.95 at Shoppers Drug Mart and Mountain Equipment Co-op. www.cromwellandcruthers.com

6) Jeremy Tarian -  The L-train sunglasses are inspired by the subway lines that connect Brooklyn and Manhattan, adding a unique touch Dad will love. $375.00 at Josephson Opticians. www.jeremytarian.com

7) Kiss My Face Active Athletic Shower Gel Whether you’re in the bath or the shower, this soothing shower gel is perfect for reviving pop’s sore muscles after a long day. $11.99 at Loblaw and Health Food stores. www.kissmyface.com

Cheers,

The Brill Team

CFDA Awards Best Dressed

On June 6th, fashion’s finest (and fiercest) gathered at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall in New York to honor outstanding talent in the Fashion Industry at the CFDA awards and the Brill building has been buzzing ever since .  As you can imagine, with an office full of women things can get pretty heated when discussing our favorites (and sometimes our least favorite) but we think we’ve finally narrowed it down.

So without further ado here are our top picks.

Desia

Liv Tyler in Proenza Schouler

Runner up:

Leelee Sobieski in Adam Kimmel

Lisa

(Editor’s Note: Lisa’s first choice was Ashley on her own, but I can’t find any individual shots so we’ll leave it at this.)

Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, both in The Row

Jura

Miranda Kerr in Michael Kors

Sherrill

Whitney Port in Pamella Roland

Nancy

Pheobe Philo in Celine

Kate

Karlie Kloss in Jason Wu

So, there you have it.  What were some of your favorites?

Until next time…

xoxo

-The Brill Team

May Madness

Sorry we have been M.I.A. at The Brill Bulletin, things have been super busy.   The hectic schedule started in early May, when Desia, Lisa and Sherrill travelled to Calgary for the Victoria’s Secret store opening in Chinook mall on May 5.  Supermodel’s (and VS Angels) Doutzen Kroes and Candice Swanepoel were on hand for the ribbon cutting and autograph signing to excited customers, thrilled to be meeting the Angels up close and personal.

With just a few days to regroup, May 11 we transformed the Brill Showroom into an ECCO Fall/Winter wonderland.  Our favourite faces from the media were treated to early morning snacks from our good friends at Le Matin as they browsed through some of the men’s, women’s and kid’s styles for Autumn 2011-12.

Next up an emotional and inspiring store opening on May 17 for IZ Adaptive Clothing by Izzy Camilleri, who has designed and manufactured an exceptionally stylish and thoughtful line for the seated community.  Surrounded by friends, family, media members and even a few V.I.P.’s – hello July Black and Glen Peloso, Izzy  demonstrated  the functionality and style of a few of her pieces on 4 very special models.  Check out some of the amazing coverage here: http://torontoist.com/2011/05/wheelin_a_new_wardrobe.php and here:http://www.fashionist.ca/2011/05/izzy-camilleris-adaptive-clothing-for-seated-clientele-is-changing-lives.html

May 19 brought about another Fall Winter preview, this time for Lundstrom and Lundstrom Collection.  Editors and stylists were invited to eleven (boutique) in Yorkville (If you haven’t been – you’re missing out) to peruse the iconic brands designs for 2011/12.  Some favourites included a faux Mongolian Lamb oversized vest, a cozy Navajo knit hooded topper and a stunning Alpaca high collar coat in Ruby.

Faux Mongolian Lamb Fur $365

Navajo knit hooded topper $379

Alpaca high collar coat $995

For Danier’s preview on May 25th, we did things a little differently turning the Gallery at 99 Sudbury into a mystical rock and roll playground perfect for showcasing the new Fall Winter collections and their Designers collaborations: Greta Constantine Skin for Danier, Mark Fast for Danier and Object by George Antonopoulos for Danier.  All of our favourite Fashion folks, were loving next season’s hottest styles which will start trickling into stores mid August.

Photo: JJ Thompson

Photo: JJ Thompson

Photo: JJ Thompson

Last but certainly not least we ended our crazy month with Victoria’s Secret’s only Canadian stop on the highly successful Bombshell Tour featuring Angel Doutzen Kroes.   It was a long and successful day, starting with an early call at CP24 Breakfast and TSN followed by a photo op at The Eaton Centre store.

Photo: George Pimentel

Not to leave the customers empty handed Doutzen was then shuttled to the newly opened (May 5th) Sherway Gardens store where she signed autographs for lucky gals who had been standing in line since early that morning.

Photo: Sonia Recchia/Pimentel Photo

Meanwhile back at the ranch..err The Spoke Club, the Brill team was setting up for a Digital Media Summer Bombshell event on the rooftop patio.  Doutzen looked stunning in a sky blue dress chatting with bloggers about the amazing new summer products available in stores and online.

Photo: Sonia Recchia/ Pimentel Photo

To end the day, our very tired but always charming Angel headed over to the Rogers Centre where she threw out the opening pitch for the Toronto Blue Jays vs. Cleveland Indians game.

Photo: George Pimentel

Even though it’s been a crazy month, we wouldn’t change it for the world.  With the constant hustle and bustle there is never a dull moment at The Brill Building- and that’s just the way we like it.

Until next time,

-The Brill Team

Next up:

June 7: NIP + FAB Media Preview

June 9: Frederic Beausoleil at Josephson Opticians

June 15/16: Esprit FW Media Preview