The new girly toolkit: Statement necklaces and repurposed antique finds

What is it?
A dynamic sister act brings hip, funky one-of-a-kind jewellery finds to downtown Toronto. Lindsay and Hilary MacMillan launched Elle Hardware earlier this year after combining their talents for sourcing unique baubles and creating beautiful clothing designs. The store’s no-frills exterior hides a treasure trove of jewels and other diamonds in the rough, including vintage scarves and handbags that range from bohemian-beaded leather satchels to lady-like clutches and totes.

Lindsay combs the world for trendsetting designers and showcases Canada’s emerging talents, too. While she loves jewellery’s ability to compliment an outfit, she leans toward pieces that make a statement. Here you’ll find necklaces made with leather, rubber, silk and Swarovski crystals, and rings and cuffs of repurposed cutlery. She’s selected each collection for its craftsmanship and attention to detail. If you’re looking to break out of a style rut, sometimes a well-placed bracelet or charm is all an outfit needs to go from drab to fab.

Hilary launches her self-titled fashion collection this fall – and her first jackets and coats already seem to keenly anticipate long-lasting trends to see you through the new season. Her neutral caramel and camel tones flatter the edgier trinkets you’ll find throughout the store.


Why we love it?
The sisters scrapped the “look, don’t touch” policy in favour of letting you try on each piece. It’s a great place to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon playing dress up with a close gal pal.

And if you’ve ever wanted to know the story behind the clasp, Lindsay’s on hand to share the details behind each design. It’s a good thing too, because chances are the piece you’ve found has more than one interesting yarn to spin.


Designers to watch
Catherine Weitzman’s handmade collection draws inspiration from land and sea with delicate two-sided glass shaker necklaces, rings and earrings filled with tiny beads set in gold and silver bands carved to look like driftwood. She splits her time between New York and Hawaii, and her bi-coastal lifestyle shows in her work’s unique combination of uptown polish and surfer girl cool.

Leo Krukowski is an Ottawa street artist who scours flea markets for antique silver butter knives, forks and spoons to transform into stunning rings, cuffs and pendants. Each piece has a history that he’s careful not to tarnish.

Charlotte Hosten’s collection of jewellery and accessories flirts with femininity and flights of fancy. The Montreal designer’s necklaces stand out for their mixture of hardware, vintage beads and brooches, Swarovski crystals and beautiful recycled silk Sari fabrics.


Where to find it?
ELLE Hardware, 695 Queen Street West, 416-360-0333