Cuffed and Clustered...(Part 11)

Salut Cuffies,

Something tells me Zsa Zsa Gabor would go wild over this OOAK (or "one-of-a-kind") hand knitted steely gray cuff by Miami-based Etsy shop, Magical Mystery Tuca. The 8 1/2 inch adjustable piece is embellished with a hand beaded silver lace overlay, vintage rhinestones, bicone crystals, metal findings and shell beads. The result: An indulgent Doctor Zhivago-esque bracelet, seemingly plucked straight from lead actress, Julie Christie's wardrobe. What a decadently delicious way to keep any cuffy's' wrist fashionably toasty!

Bisous,
Lee

Enjoy this cluster inspired by today's featured cuff!
"Grey Skies" curated by Lee Dorsey

Hello again world...

... and oh how I've missed you. (*heavy sigh*) While I was out of sight, you were never out of mind. But I'm back now cuffies! My mood: Beyond excited. In a word, I woke up READY --- ready to get back to blogging about my most beloved accessory, and more importantly, about the people who reinvent, revere or simply "rock" them out each and everyday.

Bisous,
Lee

This shimmering hand-carved 14K rose gold plate over sterling silver cuff was designed by NYC born, L.A. based label Gara Danielle. It was created specifically for Halle Berry to wear in her first fragrance campaign shoot in Ohahu, Hawaii. Berry later auctioned off the $4,000 organic stunner for charity.

Cuffed and Clustered...(Part 10)

Salut Cuffies,

As if plucked from Edgar Degas' lovely impressionistic painting The Green Dancer, this scrumptious hand embellished cuff by Etsy shop Bonheur is a feast for the senses. A fine example of "wearable art", this piece is a luxurious hodgepodge of emerald green vintage velvet, fine black mohair felt, black and forest green silk, vintage turquoise/black brocade, tulle, lace, shiny cut seed beads, sequins and pearls. Its lovely satin ribbon corseted closure reminds me of the worn slippers of an aspiring ballerina --- forever green, forever strong, forever graceful.

Bisous,

Lee

Enjoy this cluster inspired by today's featured cuff!"Pines of the Pacific Coast" curated by Lee Dorsey

Arrested developments...(Part 11)

Salut Cuffies,

Need a little cafe au lait to start your day??? This snazzy cuff bracelet may be just the ticket! A city skyline silhouette is created in 14K gold plated metal. The "skies" are a sensual wet sand color, and are made of authentic stingray skin. This piece by New York based designer, Kara Ross, exemplifies both her love of nature and her passion for the "exotic". Her extensive world travel experience is reflected in her one-of-a-kind design aesthetic. Perfect for beach combers and city slickers alike this cuff sparkles like a diamond in the sand.

Bisous,
Lee

Work Chic by dianelynn-catchinguponfavesagain featuring Lanvin bags

Items in this set:
Marni Dot print dress with drawstring waist, 730 GBP
Blade Runner wool-blend jacket, $425
Wanted Shoes, Heels, CRISH - PINK MULTI, 170 AUD
Amalia MM Bag - Sand, $2,790
Cinetico Earrings, 3,200 GBP

With cuff design in mind...(Part 11)

Even your wrist needs to get away once in a while. Treat it to a vacation with this adjustable cuff made of reused and recycled maps.

Map of Paris France Area Cuff Bracelet by VSC83

Where can YOUR jewelry take you??? If you're wearing one of VSC83's original "map cuff bracelets", the possibilities are plenty. Oakland based Etsy seller, Victoria, crafts these ingenious cuffs using upcycled maps. Each cuff has a metal base that makes it adjustable, a black satin ribbon lining that makes it comfortable and a glazed coating that makes it durable. A perfect conversation piece, VSC83's cuff are simply..."rockable"! Read all about this map-lovin'-lady in this week's artist interview...

Q: What makes your shop unique?
I love to work with recycled/reused items when I can, as well as make my own findings and beads in order to create designs that you won't see everywhere else.

Q: How long have you been designing cuff bracelets?
For about seven months now (I've been designing other items for years though.)

Q: Describe the cuffs you design (materials, style, special features etc.)
I'm currently designing map cuffs, which use re-purposed and recycled road and street maps. No two cuffs are ever exactly alike! My favorites are the old National Geographic maps I was lucky to find, which were printed in the 1960s. I've also done aeronautical chart map cuffs, which were fun!

Q: What type of woman do you imagine wearing your cuffs? (Include the name of at least two celebs that you think would love to rock your cuff and tell why...)
The type of woman who wears my cuff is fun, confident, and also sentimental! In general, my cuffs represent a geographical location close to the wearer's heart. This allows them to take that memory with them wherever they go in the form of a fashionable accessory. I could envision a musical artist - anyone from Madonna to Miley Cyrus - wearing this cuff, since they are on the road a lot and probably miss their hometown!

Q: Finish the following sentence: "I consider myself a cuffie (lover of cuffs) because..."
...they come in all shapes and sizes, colors and styles! I also love the adjustable ones, since I have a smaller wrist and many "normal" bracelets are too big.

"Off the cuff..." (Part 5)

“I love cigarettes. Love them. I think the more positive approach you have to smoking, the less harmful it is.” --- Sienna Miller

Enjoy this week's installment of Cuff Mate's funniest series!

Bisous,

Lee

"What’s up London?” - Brittany Spears, addressing the audience at her show in Manchester, UK

“I learned through talking with my therapist that it is still cheating even if it’s with girls.” - Fergie

“I’m not a hero. A hero is a sandwich and I’m on a low carb diet.” - Shaquille O'Neal

Catalogue this...(Part 3)

Just in time for summer, this funky fresh neon cuff by Anthropologie --- my alllllllll time FAVORITE retailer (Did I mention it's my favorite???) --- is a wake cup call for your wrist. As in-your-face as highlighted sentences on clean white paper, this cuff screams for attention. Its brass base was first wrapped with neon yellow ribbon, then adorned with sparkling rhinestone gems and smooth creamy-looking beads. Offering even the most "color shy" an easy way to bring some vibrance to their warm-weather wardrobe, this cuff is such a ham!

Cuffed and Clustered (Part 9)

Salut Cuffies,

A vintage brass filigree pendant is suspended on a dyed silk ribbon to create this marvelous wrap cuff. The simplicity of this design only adds to its beauty, and the rich saturated dark pink color of the ribbon is one of my all-time favorite hues. To ice the cake, Etsy shop Handmade By Nikki, actually donates 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this organic-looking piece to the Asha House, an orphanage in New Delhi, India that provides a safe haven for marginalized and at risk children. As refreshing as a tall glass of raspberry lemonade on an August afternoon, this earthy cuff will touch more lives than your own.

Bisous,
Lee

Enjoy this cluster inspired by today's featured cuff!

"Rockin' Raspberry" curated by Lee Dorsey

Arrested developments...(Part 10)

Salut Cuffies,

This ruby red vintage-esque cuff, by costume jewelry label, 1928 grabbed my attention tout de suite! Ornate gunmetal toned filigree reminds me of an old French cathedral, while tiny aurora borealis crystals (stones that have undergone a special steam treatment to make them shimmer in every imaginable color), make it sparkle like an antique chandelier. Dramatic and dreamy, it seems like something you would find in the jewelry boxes of Hollywood's most legendary actresses, like Vivien Leigh and Rita Hayworth. Capturing the spirit of another era, this cuff is perfect for sirens of any age.

Bisous,
Lee


Red Light District by colormeconscious featuring Marc Jacobs dresses

Items in this set:
Marc Jacobs Sequin covered prom dress, 2,345 GBP
Leopard Lace Pump, $995
Lydia Ruched Cross Body Bag by Lulu Guinness, 175 GBP
Bella Rouge Ruby Red Cuff Bracelet, $38
Rosemount Sunglasses, $175

Double Trouble...(Part 3)

Salut Cuffies,

Sleek and sophisticated --- these two celestial cuffs are the epitome of contemporary chic. Steely blue juxtaposed with highly polished silver is a glamourous, yet understated combination. On the left, the Italian made "Dare to Love" cuff by Zoppini has 40 gorgeous blue faceted spinel stones set on a polished stainless steel multi-rung band. The cuff on the right, by Just Cavalli (also of Italy) features reptile embossed blueish leather, metal braided detailing and a center logo. Refined to their core, these cuffs just work!

Bisous,

Lee

Steely Blues by colormeconscious featuring Betsey Johnson intimates

Items in this set:
SEE BY CHLO? LV537 WHITE/BIVE COTTON E3173, 210 GBP
Button jacket size 8, 460 GBP
rolled sleeve chambray romper, $435
Distressed denim cut-offs, $110
Begonia Butterfly Print Swimsuit by Bossamare, 130 GBP

With cuff design in mind...(Part 10)

Taking it to the edge and back again, this decoupage cuff is uber cool...even a little dirty --- but in a good way.

"Life is a Dream Graffiti Grunge" Decoupage Bracelet Cuff by Dolores Mederise

Love is clearly a battlefield in this graffiti-ed out cuff. Street tough with a refined air, New York designer Sylvie created this urban piece using decoupage --- a technique of decorating something (in this case a lightweight metal cuff) with cut-outs of paper or other flat material, and then overlaying it with varnish or lacquer. Sylvie's cuffs, sold through her Etsy store, Dolores Mederise, come in a plethora of styles --- some retro, some renaissance, a few Asian-inspired, others geometric, still others that are soft and romantic. There really is a cuff to satisfy every woman's tastes in her well-thought out treasure of a store. Read all about this up-and-coming designer in this week's artist interview...

Q: What makes your shop unique?
I think the cuffs make my shop unique. Most of the cuffs I've seen use the traditional technique of decoupage by using a variety of pieces of paper layered over each other. I look for specialty designer and handmade papers that I use in one large piece.

Q: How long have you been designing cuff bracelets?
I have been making wire crochet cuffs for 2 1/2 years under my other shop name Albina Rose. I've been doing decoupage for over 20 years. Just last fall, I combined my love of beautiful papers, decoupage and making jewelry. The result was these funky cuffs.

Q: Describe the cuffs you (materials, style, special features etc.)
Well, the cuffs I design reflect a variety of styles that depend on the materials. Two of them were made using real pressed leaves and Queen Anne's lace. Very natural and organic with a wonderful texture. The design of the paper usually dictates the style of the cuff--elegant, artsy, funky, whimsical, or edgy.

Q: What type of woman do you imagine wearing your cuffs? (Include the name of at least two celebs that you think would love to rock your cuff and tell why...)
The type of woman I think likes my cuffs is probably age 25-45 and has good taste. She likes unique and artsy. Doesn't mind standing out a little. Probably likes to be noticed. I don't really follow celebrities so I'm not that familiar with them. But I think maybe Angelina Jolie would wear a 2-inch wide, edgy cuff because that's who she is---edgy, unique and confident. I can picture Debbie Harry (Blondie) wearing one of my cuffs also. She is bold, fearless and original. And that belies my age because she was very popular in the 80s and always one of my favorites.

Q: Finish the following sentence: "I consider myself a cuffie (lover cuffs) because..."
...even though I'm on the shy side, I like to be different from other people. I love artsy cool stuff and original one-of-a-kind works. My cuffs give me a little individuality that allows me to stand out just enough without screaming "Look at ME!"

In good company...(Part 6)

Who loves Paris in the springtime??? I sure do. Ms. Hilton's sunny smile matched her springtime digs as she shopped at upscale West Hollywood retailer Fred Segal early last month. Her bright buttercup maxi dress is set off by a "Deco Cuff Bracelet" by Lia Sophia in ... turquoise --- aka. "THE color of 2010" (according to the color industry forecasters at Pantone that is). The turquoise enamel, rhinestones and silver tones in this piece, as well as its belt-like design, make for an interesting combination. Though yellow and turquoise are an unlikely pair, a generous splash of white (in the trim of her dress, oversized shades and slouchy bag) help them blend perfectly. Fantastique mademoiselle!

Copy this look in Dannijo's version of our featured cuff. ("Tasmin Cuff")

Cuffed and Clusted...(Part 8)

Salut Cuffies,

Talk about the "Midas touch"! I fell head over heels for this golden goose egg of a piece. Made of eco-leather, this big bow bracelet by Houston based Etsy shop, EPIPHANY6 & CO., has an edgy cartoonish glam about it (think Snow White at an Aerosmith concert...no???) that makes it stand out from the crowd. One size fits all thanks to its clever toggle and chain closure. Deliciously decadent and over-the-top, this piece is only for the brave at heart.

Bisous,

Lee

Enjoy this cluster inspired by today's featured cuff!

"Midas Touch" curated by Lee Dorsey

Arrested developments...(Part 9)

Salut Cuffies,

There's something so funky/cool about this leather mix wrap cuff by Chan Lu. Such a relaxed warm weather feel --- reminds me of the colorful bunches of Indian corn sold at the farmers' market late in the summer...In this piece, orange leather intermixes delicately with smooth stones such as peach coral, quartz, and carnelian. Its most unique feature however, is that it is actually a wrap cuff (should wrap around an average wrist 5 times), finished off with a sterling silver button closure. With this laid back cuff and a pair of flops, you'll be set for the season!

Bisous,

Lee

Orange Crush by colormeconscious featuring Miu Miu bags

Items in this set:
By Malene Birger Rosette detailed sleeveless top, $365
Rolled-hem cotton-blend shorts, $200
Rocket Dog Total Cactus Flower Print Flat Shoes, $59
Mixed leather tote, $1,750
Tiffany Notes earringsTiffany & Co.®, 285 GBP

With cuff design in mind...(Part 9)

Pretty in purple with a passionate print. This cuff + Your jeans = Earthy chic!
Triple strand cuff bracelet in ornate medallion print by Ponder and Stitch

Say "Salut" to Amy, cuffies! This Woodstock, Illinois artist shares her talent with the world in her Etsy shop, Ponder and Stitch. Sewn with love, her cuffs would go perfectly with your most comfortable tee and pair of dungarees. Amy's love of sunny florals and happy colors comes across strong in her work, and gives it a truly "laid back cool" aura. Her signature cuffs (like the one above) have either three wide or three skinny bands of vintage fabrics and are topped off with a chunky vintage button. Read all about this cutesy cuff maker in this week's artist interview...

Q: What makes your shop unique?
I'd like to think it's unique because I tend to gravitate toward vintage materials and give them a modern twist, like vintage, rustic feed sack turned into a modern bracelet!

Q: How long have you been designing cuff bracelets?
I've been making my cuffs for a little under two years.

Q: Describe the cuffs you design (materials, style, special features etc.)
I like to use vintage or vintage-inspired fabric, usually with dainty floral prints. I think the most noticeable thing about my cuffs is that they are multiple stranded. I think it adds detail and a new look. :)

Q: What type of woman do you imagine wearing your cuffs? (Include the name of at least two celebs that you think would love to rock your cuff and tell why...)
A lot of my cuffs have a kind of boho feel and look great with long summer dresses...hmmm, it's hard to pick celebs, though. I'd say maybe Kate Hudson and Nicole Richie.

Q: Finish the following sentence: "I consider myself a cuffie (lover of cuffs) because..."
...it's a great way to accessorize simply without going over the top. I love my cuffs!

Catalogue This...(Part 2)

Shout out to LuLu's for this wildly affordable and highly versatile hammered cuff. Its beaten metallic silver and large black onyx-esque focal stone give it a southwestern new age feel that will send it to the very top of your everyday essentials list. This Solar Eclipse Cuff is 7 inches long (one size fits most) and has an open back for easily slipping it on and off. Catering to the hip fashionista with a flare for the trendy --- and "Pepsi cola pockets", LuLu's doesn't disappoint.

Double Trouble (Part 2)

Salut Cuffies,

Spring has definitely sprung in these joyful green cuffs. Like plump caterpillars basking in the sun, their pale green tones set in shimmering golden makes for a delightful combination. Lilly Pulitzer's "Multi Later Gator" Liza Cuff is on the left. It features a multicolored enamel filled band and is 3/4 inches wide. On the right is a 1 1/2 inch chunky gold green stone fashion cuff by Zalina. Celebrate the season of renewal by reinvigorating your wardrobe with one (or both) of these lovelies!

Bisous,

Lee

Glowing Catterpillar by colormeconscious featuring Arden B tops

Items in this set:
Jonathan Saunders Chester graduated print dress, 925 GBP
Chiffon Tuxedo Ruffle Tunic Tank - Women's Clothing and Apparel - Chic..., $39
Old Navy Womens Watercolor-Graphic Racerback Tanks, $13
Margo python pumps, $1,170
Tracey Neuls TNA911-GRN 2 Eye Star 2, 725 CAD

Arrested developments...(Part 8)

Salut Cuffies,

Stepping outside the box with ease, this three-strand pearl bracelet by Stella McCartney is far from conservative. Not your grandma's stuff single-strand, McCartney infuses a breath of urban air into her work. Its taupe canvas trim makes it casual enough for everyday wear --- while gold-tone hardware does a fab job of dressing it up a bit. The cuff's closure as equally snazzy, and uses a metal loop and press-stud-fastening tab. Pearls for the cosmo girl, this cuff presses all the right buttons.

Bisous,

Lee


Lemongrass Dreams by colormeconscious featuring Missoni dresses

Items in this set:
Candia woven mini dress, $705
Sparkling Lipstick, $12
Savvi suede wedge sandals, $195
Mar y Sol Straw Clutch - View All - Nordstrom, 44 EUR
Three-strand faux-pearl bracelet, $355

With cuff design in mind...(Part 8)

Like a mermaid resting in the cool sand, this eco-friendly needle felted cuff still manages to look oh so warm and cuddly.

Turquoise Felted Wool Cuff Bracelet w/Needle Felting by Needles and Kims

Straight out of Louisville comes an artist taking upcycling to a new heights. Kim, the designer behind Needles and Kims is an Etsian and long time needle arts aficionado --- getting her kicks from creating OOAK needle felted and embellished purses, home accessories, and cuffs (bien sur!) from old sweaters she's machine felted herself. All in lovely muted colors, they are extremely soft to the touch and comfortable to wear (Kim will actually size the cuff to fit YOUR wrist at no extra charge). Her cuffs remind me of my favorite stuffed animals...only all "growed" up! Read all about this eco-friendly crafter in this week's artist interview...

Q: What makes your shop unique?
Everything in my shop is made from repurposed wool (sometimes cashmere) sweaters that I machine felt. My shop is ecofriendly—I love to “reuse and renew”.

Q: How long have you been designing cuff bracelets?
Just since February! My focus for the last year has been on felted wool purses and I just decided a few weeks ago to branch out a bit.

Q: Describe the cuffs you design (materials, style, special features etc.)
A natural look with a bit of glitz, eclectic, sometimes romantic, sometimes with a nostalgic flair. I embellish my cuffs with vintage buttons, yarn, interesting fibers, wool roving, and/or repurposed jewelry. I needle felt the yarn, fibers and roving into the felted wool. I like to add embroidery sometimes.

Q: What type of woman do you imagine wearing your cuffs? (Include the name of at least two celebs that you think would love to rock your cuff and tell why...)I imagine women who wear my cuffs like to have a fun touch in their wardrobes. They are women who have a sense of adventure and aren’t afraid to be themselves.I can easily see Ashley Judd wearing my cuffs. She’s a natural beauty, confident in herself and not afraid to do her own thing. I can also see Sandra Bullock wearing my cuffs. She has a casual look and a fun attitude.

Q: Finish the following sentence: "I consider myself a cuffie (lover of cuffs) because..."
...they’re just so much fun to wear! The ones I make are very soft and comfortable too.

Cuffed and Clustered...(Part 7)

Salut Cuffies,

A touch of something unexpected gives this cuff a "split" personality. The first thing I noticed was its stately vintage cameo focal cab. Next, the lady-like vintage lace trim caught my eye --- tres Victorian! But, look a little closer, because this piece has an slightly edgy side. Created by Etsy shop, Home Spun Jewelry, (located in the Pacific Northwest), this salmon colored sweetie actually uses a 7" zipper as its strapping! Called a "ziplet", it is embellished with vintage square, brilliantly reflective white beads, along with a few small synthetic pearl beads along the lace line, and topped off with a creamy mother of pearl button closure. How ladylike!

Bisous,

Lee

Enjoy this cluster inspired by today's featured cuff!

"Salmon Streams" curated by Lee Dorsey

"Off the cuff..." (Part 4)

"What's Walmart, do they sell like wall stuff?" --- Paris Hilton

Enjoy this week's installment of Cuff Mate's funniest series!

Bisous,
Lee

"I love California. I grew up in Phoenix." - Dan Quayle

"My mother is Irish, my father is black and Venezuelan, and me? I'm tan, I guess." - Mariah Carey

"I definitely want Brooklyn to be christened, but I don't know into what religion yet." - David Beckham

In good company...(Part 5)

Molly Sims, the model turned actress famous for her role in the TV show, "Las Vegas" (playing opposite the delicious Josh Duhamel, I might add...hehehe), has recently turned jewelry designer. Sims has launched a new line of affordable, sophisticated, vintage-inspired designs, called Grayce (available on HSN). Her superb style sensibility is also reflected in her own effortlessly beautiful bijoux choices. At the Domino's 3rd annual Pre-Oscar gala held March 5th in Hollywood, Sims was spotted in this ginormous gemstone bracelet. A double row of what appears to be octagon cut ice blue topaz have been bezel set in gold (top row) and silver (bottom row). With Sims' sultry black dress, this cuff makes a bold and brilliant statement. Jackpot, girl!

Copy this look in Sims' own version of our featured cuff.

Grayce by Molly Sims Large Stone Stretch Bracelet