Silver of Hope

Posted by Canadian Gift Guide on December 11, 2013 · 111 Comments

Stainless steel has typically been relegated to more industrial settings – the kitchen, the garage, the workbench, etc. But what happens when you mix it in with fashion? Apparently magic. STEWART/STAND is a brand I stumbled across this fall and instantly fell in love with for their very clever, very unique application of this sturdy, shiny material. Today, I’d love to introduce you to how they’ve married hard and soft (and smart) for a standout line of men’s and women’s accessories.

Continental Clutch Wallets – $149.50
Let’s kick things off with something pretty. At first glance, it’s hard to believe these wallets aren’t simply made from textured patent leather. But indeed, that’s actually imprinted stainless steel, in a shimmery silver diamond or faux croc pattern. The rest of the silver diamond clutch is actually made from a durable yet shimmery mesh that looks dressier than you might think at first glance, while the crocodile wallet is made from Italian leather. The wallet is plenty spacious and roomy enough for your bills, coins and essential cards, making this a great pick for the lady in your life who’s wallet is looking a little sad. As STEWART/STAND’s biggest wallet, it can actually double as a clutch as well, provided you’re not toting too much extra ‘baggage’.

Slim Line Bill Fold Wallets – $64.50 each
The number of wallet options for men available at STEWART/STAND are dazzling. Go for monochromatic silver, mesh fabric, real leather, different colours, billfolds, money clips, card cases…you name it, whatever your guys likes, there is an option. I gravitated toward the bold black wallets simply because they mixed a classic shape with a dramatic stainless steel panel. Plus with paper-thin, lightweight steel panels, they seriously cut down on the bulk of a regular wallet. Now you might be asking – why stainless steel? I mean, it looks hella cool, but beyond that, it’s also useful for RFID-blocking. I’ve touched on it briefly before, but basically those little chips embedded into your credit or debt cards and other ID can actually be accessed without your knowledge, even if your wallet is tucked into your jeans. It puts you at risk for identity theft, so your best bet is to pick up a bag or wallet that can keep your private information private. The good news is, you definitely won’t have to sacrifice style to do it.

Color Block / Solid Color Leather Clutch Wallets – $119.50 each
While sleek silver and grey may make for a striking monochromatic statement, I get that many of you may be craving a little colour in your lives. STEWART/STAND has a line-up of pretty leather pieces in classic primary shades like red and cobalt blue, as well as wardrobe neutrals like black and tan. These striking wallets above are once again big enough to work as a clutch but can just as easily slip into your favourite bag. They may be primarily made of leather, but rest assured – the inside is still lined with that same RFID-blocking material that’ll keep your identity safe. A smart choice for your sister or mom that’s prone to going out for drinks with her girlfriends.

Passport Sleeves – $49.50
Your passport is another piece of identity-revealing material that may be at risk. A simple and stylish sleeve makes it easy to spot in your carry-on luggage, protects your passport from everyday wear and tear, and of course, from RFID signals. What’s particularly neat about STEWART/STAND is while they’ve definitely nailed design and practicality on the head, they’ve also taken things further by focusing in on what they call eco-conscious luxury. Although the brand carries leather pieces, their most popular items are in fact their vegan-friendly collection, which marries high-end mesh with stainless steel to keep animals out of the picture. Beyond that, they’re quick to point out that stainless steel is a totally recyclable material, and 85% of the steel they use to make their pieces actually comes from post-consumer waste. So while you’re certainly indulging in something special, there’s also a ton of thought behind it that should make you feel good about your purchase.

Monochrome Basketweave Clutch / Wristlet – $350
Although many of STEWART/STAND’s pieces are big enough to double as clutches, you may fall so in love with their lightweight yet strong pieces that you want to update your wardrobe with a standout accessory. In which case, I’d point you in the direction of this stunning basketweave clutch, made from ribbons of interwoven stainless steel with a simple (and subtle) magnetic closure. With a detachable wrist strap it’s a cinch to carry around, and the classic grey colour looks spectacular under twinkling lights of any type. It’s pieces like these that have caught the eye of various magazine editors, including O, Lucky, New York and Wired. A truly wonderful addition to any woman’s wardrobe, especially when you factor in all of the amazing features I’ve documented in this post!

As a final note, I should mention that shipping from STEWART/STAND is totally reasonable – at $10, you can easily afford to splurge on a piece that’s both well-designed and crafted. And with that, I’m psyched to share I’m giving away a Basketweave clutch valued at $350 to a lucky reader (note: colour is subject to availability, you may get it in the steely grey above or sassy red patent leather). Interested in winning? Here’s how to enteR:

1) Visit the STEWART/STAND website and leave a comment below by January 2nd with a link back to your favourite item on their site.

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 January 3rd 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: STEWART/STAND is on Facebook and Twitter. You can like them on Facebook, leave a comment about why you think their stuff rocks, and link back to that comment for one bonus entry. You can also follow them on Twitter, tag them (and me @cdngiftguide) in a Tweet about your favourite item from their shop, and leave a link to your Tweet below, to earn a second bonus entry.