Well Well Elle

Posted by Canadian Gift Guide on December 8, 2013 · 108 Comments

When I got into working with and learning about Elle Hardware, I don’t think I entirely knew what I was getting into! The Toronto-based boutique’s website at the time was just on the cusp of being updated, and it wasn’t until I sat down to write this post that I pretty much had a fall off my seat moment at the pretty. Cause there is so. much. pretty. To rewind a bit though. Elle Hardware is a chic boutique located on Toronto’s famed Queen Street West (a primo shopping destination in general). Owner and buyer Lindsay MacMillian gallivants around the globe to curate a truly one-of-a-kind, utterly desirable lineup of jewellery, accessories and more – all of which you can peruse at your leisure in their 1,000 sq ft shop if you’re a lucky Torontonian. For the rest of us, we’ve at least got a pretttttty gosh darn fun website to browse through. Ladies – prepare to be updating your wish lists. I’ve pulled out a few of my fave finds from Elle Hardware, but I can’t wait to see what strikes you.

Multi Tone Swarovski Bracelet – $289.99 and Necklace $539.99
One of the best parts of Elle Hardware is it’s a Canadian brand giving us amazing access to international designers – case in point? This radiant rainbow-toned bracelet and necklace duo from San Francisco designer Theia Jewelry. Not that they aren’t plenty eye-catching on my screen, but I feel like these pieces would absolutely dazzle in real-life given they’re made of six strands of glittering, sparkling Swarovski crystals. Total showstopping statement pieces without feeling overwrought or ‘done’. Amaze.

Opulence Box Clutch – $74.99
How much trendiness can you pack into one little purse? Apparently quite a bit. This petite clutch marries the perfect colour combination of glistening gold with black vegan leather – pretty much guaranteed to go with at least half of your party wardrobe. It manages to be both tough and delicate at the same time, simultaneously channeling Gatsby and forward-looking fractal shapes for a true wow factor that also won’t entirely steal the show. The chain is detachable so you can rock this is a cute shoulder bag for a drink with the girls or an elegant clutch at your office’s holiday party. Either way, prepare to shine.

Braided Cord Crystal Bracelets – $69.99 each
The combination of delicate fabrics and serious hardware popped up all over the fall runways last year as a tribute to the whole ‘hard meets soft’ concept that designers absolutely love to play with – and these bracelets are a perfect demonstration of that. Coupling delicately woven fabric with chunky crystals and brass hardware, these bracelets can be worn on their own for a subtle pop of colour of and shine or layered high for a more dramatic take on the trend. Handmade all the way over in Greece, they’ve got that exotic, one-of-a-kind flair that’ll help you make a true style statement.

Beretta Zip Clutch Bag – $269.99
If you’ve ever wanted to look like you’ve raided the closet of the likes of Rihanna or Miley Cyrus, look no further. This edgy yet glam purse is just the kind of thing I’d expect to see slung over the shoulder of some pop starlet – or a very stylish trendsetter out on the town. Featuring a Beretta revolver outline studded with Swarovski crystals as well as plated metal foliage and bullet details, this purse definitely isn’t for every girl – but those who wear it will know how to wear it. A unique find from one of the fashion capitals of the world, London.

Triple Finger Crystal Ring – $84.99
In a nutshell: brass knuckles for glam girls. This triple ring fits snugly around your ring, middle and index fingers while blinding everyone around you with the four sparkling taupe Swarovski crystals set on top. The idea is to ultimately make it look like you’ve bewitched some bling to simply float above your hand as the actual ring itself isn’t all that visible (or that cumbersome to keep on, as long as you’re not say, sitting at a desk and typing). Really, it’s meant to be a special, eye-catching little detail to round out that perfect LBD. A cool choice for your most fierce fashionista friend.

Jett Zip Top Wallet – $54.99
Skeletons are such a prominent trend, it’s no wonder I’ve touched on them so often here on the CGG. Although once primarily a goth emblem, they’ve been co-opted by the fash pack to adorn everything from floaty tunic tops to striking studded wallets, like this beauty. Made from vegan leather, this traditionally styled chocolate brown vegan leather wallet is given a serious punch of style thanks to row upon row of gilded skulls. Wallets are a particularly cool choice as they’re one of those things we all actually should update and replace once in awhile – just take a peek at your fair lady’s wallet to see if it’s fraying at the seams and you’re set.

Morocco Chandelier Earrings – $139.99 & French Garden Earrings – $289.99
I must really have a thing for Theia Jewelry as both of these pieces instantly popped at me while perusing Elle’s collection (as did the first items I featured in this post). How do I love thee? Let me count the ways: I love the way they feel vintage and modern at the same time. I love the girly colour combinations of muted pastels and rich jewel tones. I love the organized chaos of the beads and gems. I just…love. And I think these would be spectacular to open up on Christmas Day – just think how great they’d look with your New Year’s ensemble…am I right? I am.

Alright peeps. Ready to dream a little dream with me? I’ve got a $250 Elle Hardware gift card to give away to one of you fabulous readers. Interested in getting glammed up? Here’s how to enter:

1) Visit the Elle Hardware website and leave a link back to your favourite piece on their site (they’re regularly adding new items), telling me why you love it. You’ve got till December 28th!

2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around December 29th to select the winners, who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.

3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible for this promotion.

4) Bonus Entries: Show some love for Elle Hardware. Like them on Facebook and / or Follow them on Twitter and leave a comment / tag them in a Tweet about why you love their pieces (or a specific item). Leave links back to your activities below to earn up to two bonus entries.