Hot Pick: Hayden-Harnett Joey Cuff

Come on, we dare you to name one thing that Toni Hacker can’t design really, really well. Because while some emerging artists stick solely to their chosen specialty, she just can’t stop expanding her Hayden-Harnett line (in collaboration with husband Ben) into all corners of the industry. In addition to dresses, separates, outerwear, wallets, belts, and every type of bag under the sun, the Brooklyn-based designer recently rolled out a stellar line of boots.

From day one though, Hacker loved leather cuffs, presenting them with heavy hardware and belt-style closures. Her newest creation, the Joey, is more traditional, but no less stunning, pairing metal studs with textured leather (above is the tonal brown whipsnake).

Available at the Hayden-Harnett Web site.

Leather Wrapped Jewelry

Lambskin leggings might be popping up everywhere, but leather is snuggly wrapping itself around jewelry as well, recently debuting in numerous collections. The result is tough, but luxurious, with a dash of mystery that can only be derived from touchable hidden textures buried underneath the hide.

A few of our favorites include Annie Costello Brown’s heavy weight chain necklaces enveloped with leather and arranged in intriguing knot formations, and Belgian designer Natalia Brilli’s horse head pendant necklace that resembles a chess piece (above). Also notable is Wendy Nichol’s collection of studded cuffs and earrings now swathed in leather for Fall.

Our only complaint? Everyone is dabbling in black leather, which is striking, but there are other shades on the color wheel that would vibrantly elevate the pieces.

Natalia Brilli is available at Erie Basin. Wendy Nichol is available at Ravinstyle. Visit Annie Costello Brown’s Web site to view styles.

Rising Trend: Unisex Jewelry

There's nothing innovative about women wearing menswear, from skinny ties to tailored vests...it's all repurposed from decades past. And yet, slouchy boy-cut pants seem fresh after an avalanche of matchstick jeans over the years, and now unisex adornments are on the rise too, perfect for women who want to tone things down, and embrace a rugged, less-obvious look.

Giles and Brother, Philip Crangi's diffusion line, serves up a bevy of unisex styles flaunting heavyweight brass hardware elements. We love the railroad spike cuff, a curved bracelet with a gritty appearance available at Kabiri. A similar version, wrapped in leather with bolt ends (above right) is available at Barney's CO-OP.

Molly Mendenhall

There are many ways to skin a cat, as the saying goes, and while the exact task of course is an analogy, and not to be taken literally, the sentiment does ring solidly true. Do things your way, instead of mimicking the traditional path. Order a meal like Sally Albright with everything on the side, or take world-class photos with a cheapie instamatic like Terry Richardson. And when it comes to fashion, it's all about individualistic style, or at least it should be. And if you wear jewelry, than by all means slip something around your neck that hasn't been mass marketed to death.

Heralding from the beautiful state of New Mexico and clocking in at a mere 19 years old, designer Molly Mendenhall draws on her surroundings to create multifarious pieces that are bold and earthy. Leather necklaces are intricately beaded and embroidered and adorned with feathers, gemstones, and shells. Some pieces are dyed by hand, and others incorporate copper and antique brass elements. Each design is one-of-a-kind, making each selection a collector's item.

The designer operates two Etsy shops, one called Hokaiye, which stocks her elaborate beaded pieces, and another called ChanteDesign which features lower-priced designs, such as pretty painted stone necklaces.

Hot Pick: BauXo Surpass Necklace

Leather jewelry imparts a nice textural contrast when layered over pieces like a linen shift dress or metallic-threaded tunic top, and also lends a casual flavor, never looking overdone. The surpass necklace from BauXo owes its bohemian essence to its earthy brown color, but the circular elements veer it into mod territory, blessedly straying the wearer away from a categorical look.

Available at Candystore Collective. Visit the BauXo Web site for more information.

Daughter of the Sun

You left it in the dust years ago…a frantic lifestyle brimming with sharp edges and one-upmanship. These days you’re calmer, more in sync with yourself, less in tune with what everyone else is doing. Sipping on iced peppermint tea, casually paging through The Secret of the Golden Flower, while Eva Cassidy serenades you through your ear buds…yeah, if this isn’t the good life, than someone has deceptively pulled the wool right over your eyes. Either way, your compass has been set just perfect, with your instincts never more in focus, your choices especially discriminate.

Native American artistry is on vibrant display with designer Amy Woodruff’s Daughter of the Sun line, a collection of hand crafted leather jewelry with a vintage flavor. Staying true to her ancestral Chocktaw and Cherokee roots, Woodruff’s pieces are hand-cut, tooled and dyed, and flaunt intricate nature landscapes. Each necklace boasts adornments such as feathers, bells or brass pendants. Our favorite is the macramé necklace (above), woven with brass beads, and tooled with an Art Nouveau design.

To view styles and purchase, visit the designer’s Etsy store. For more information, visit the designer’s Web site.

Urban Dencity

You may like your men gritty and rough, but deep down you are a lady, who has little interest in looking scummy. And while there is something infinitely pleasing about having your hair freshly cut, legs smoothly shaved, and toes pedicured, you’re no snob hung up on achieving the picture of perfection. Treasuring sophistication after all is a completely different animal than simply keeping up with appearances. Light, elegant, clean…these are words that resonate with you, and infiltrate your decisions on everything from dining to décor, and certainly wardrobe.

With her Urban Dencity line, jewelry designer Kim Shephard creates decadent pendant necklaces that will make you feel every inch a beautiful woman. Richly colored leather is used as a backdrop to sterling silver and gold-filled pendants, some filigree with an antique vibe, and others intricately cut with modern designs. Hung on vintage-looking chains, the two-toned medallions are detailed with colored beads and stones that add just the right touch (not too much, not too little).

To view styles and purchase, visit the Urban Dencity Web site.