Catalogue This...(Part 1)

In "Catalogue This" (the second new Cuff Mate series) you'll find even more cool cuffs to "cop"...and this time from the online catalogues you've come to know and love. Today's installment is from Boden ---the effortlessly cool British retailer whose contemporary line of quality constructed, color-drenched and eco-friendly clothing for the whole family make it one of my favorite stores. The Colourblock Bracelet below is made of resin, and comes in pink, purple (shown), yellow and turquoise tones. Versatile and fun, it is most definitely a summer staple.

Double Trouble (Part 1)

Salut Cuffies,

Introducing the first of two new series on your favorite "cuff lovin'" blog. "Double Trouble" brings you TWO times the luscious cuffness in one post. Up first, take a gander at these demure lovelies. Evocative of the finest French lingerie, each cuff is strikingly feminine and sensual in its own little way. On the left is a nude and black lucite 2 inch wide Tarina Tarantino cuff that combines Swarovski crystals with glass pearls for an eclectic mix of posh and punk. The nude rope and crystal statement cuff on the right is by German designer Sabrina Dehoff. Its oversized jagged shape juxaposed with a row of glamourous crystals, in my opinion, make it visually stunning. What do you think???

Bisous,

Lee


Nighttime Nudes by colormeconscious featuring Miss Selfridge

Items in this set:
INTERPLANET Satin Dress w/ Lacey Hem, $160
Black and Nude Satin Dress, 45 GBP
Crystal embellished silk-crepe blouse, $2,385
Jacquard Cropped Trouser, $310
Privee chiffon plunge bra, $90

Arrested developments...(Part 5)

Salut Cuffies,

Here's one frog you might not want to turn into a handsome prince. This fantasy creamy cuff by Roberto Cavalli --- aka. "the king of party glamour" --- is made of Plexi and has pewter-toned brass accents. A Swarovski-crystal embellished frog, hinged opening, and press-clasp fastener on the side are the finishing touch. Reminiscent of a luscious vanilla scented rain forest, it is simply dreamy... AND I might add, it has just the right amount of luxe and whimsy to make for a timeless addition to any wardrobe.

Bisous,
Lee


Spring Is Here! by colormeconscious featuring Sergio Rossi shoes

Items in this set:
jardin one shoulder dress, $385
D.S. & Durga Masculine, Marblehead Reds, $85
SERGIO ROSSI A03541 PINK SUEDE 1868102, 465 GBP
Jive Bag - Small, $375
Frog and flower cuff, $1,025

With cuff design in mind...(Part 5)

Soft Cyprus green flowers seem to dance with joy on this demure hand embroidered felt cuff.

Queen Anne's Lace Green Silk Embroidered Wrist Cuff by Waterrose

Waterrose is a refreshing sight on the vast Etsy landscape. Designer Rose's intricately embroidered cuffs made of hand dyed felt and lined with linen or silk are a delight. So soft and feminine, they make me ache for something hand crafted --- an heirloom only a grandmother could concoct. Read all about an artist taking needlework to new heights in this week's artist interview...

Q: What makes your shop unique?

I think the type of embroidery designs that I create make my shop unique. Embroidery seems to now be making a comeback, just like knitting. This comeback is important for all arts to keep them alive and appreciated.

Q: How long have you been designing cuff bracelets?

Three years.

Q: Describe the cuffs you design (materials, style, special features etc.)

About three years ago we were traveling down the Pacific Coast Highway and we came to a quilt shop. I'm a quilter as well. As I walked around in the shop I found the most amazing bundle of felted wool. I didn't know what I was going to do with it. It sat on my design table for about three months and then I had an ah ha moment. I had been doing some embroidery and was wondering how to turn it into wearable art...well the wool felt was the perfect canvas.

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...)

My buyers range in age from 18 to 80. Also a mom or two who have purchased a piece for their younger daughters for special occasions to keep as heirloom pieces. That is quite a question, what two celebrities I think would rock my cuff. While she isn't alive, I think that Katharine Hepburn would have been a perfect candidate. She had such class and style and was never overstated. And, also Katherine Heigl. I think that she is fun and spirited and appears to appreciate beautiful accessories.

Q: Finish the following sentence: "I consider myself a cuffie (lover of cuffs) because..."
...for me these cuffs are an extension of an art that I love doing. So I create cuffs because I want a customer to look at the piece of art and think about the design and the love that has gone into making this special accessory.

Cuffed and Clustered...(Part 5)

Salut Cuffies,

Be at peace with nature in this zen-inspired cuff. In the capable hands of Kaleb and Jillian, husband and wife/owners of In Bloom Designs, a block of raw Pau Ferro wood has evolved into something much more. Notice the delicious rich coco brown band flecked with cinnamon highlights and polished to perfection. The subtle facets cut into the wood keep it from looking rustic, and a large pale amethyst focal stone, zoisite cylinders and gold wire wrapping give it a grown up sophistication that I really admire. A balanced reflection of the natural world, these Ontario Etsians clearly know a thing or two about organic beauty.

Bisous,
Lee

Enjoy this cluster inspired by today's featured cuff!

"Lavender Fields" curated by Lee Dorsey

"Off the cuff..." (Part 3)

“I make Jessica Simpson look like a rock scientist." --- Tara Reid

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

Bisous,
Lee

“The cool thing about being famous is traveling. I have always wanted to travel across seas, like to Canada and stuff." - Brittney Spears

“The Holocaust was an obscene period in our nation’s history. I mean in this century’s history. But we all lived in this century. I didn’t live in this century." - Dan Quayle

“I think gay marriage is something that should be between a man and a woman.” - Arnold Schwarzenegger

Cuff Love ...(Part 1)

Congratulations Carissa and Moon!

Salut Cuffies,

These cookies and cream inspired cuffs were a delight to design, and turned out so scrumptious, I just had to share...Southern cutie, Carissa Kollman contacted me about 6 weeks ago with a special request for her April 11th Charlotte wedding: Custom Corsage Cuffs for her hostesses! The design: Edgy modern in black and champagne to coordinate with her bridesmaid's dresses. The result: Four lovely cuffs that for some reason remind me of glammed up Oreo cookies.... Yum!

Bisous,
Lee

P.S. To find out more about Corsage Cuffs from Color Me Conscious, e-mail me today at colormeconscious@gmail.com. All cuffs are made to order, and come in any style and color palette imaginable. A memorable keepsake your maids are sure to love, it's a jazzy alternative to the traditional flower corsage, n'est pas???

Arrested developments...(Part 4)

Salut Cuffies,

Organized chaos never looked so good! This ornate oxidized silver cuff --- a favorite of R&B songstress Joss Stone --- was fashioned by jewelry designers (and sisters) Danielle and Jodi Snyder. Their Dannijo label is most noted for its seamless integration of mixed metals with diverse color elements. Since each piece is handmade with love in their NYC studio, no two are exactly alike. Wrapped in chain and studded with rhinestones, the oxidation (or darkening of the sterling silver) gives this cuff an iced-out "Terminator II" feel. Rocker glam at its best, it's a solid bet that Joss Stone isn't the only cuffie in love with this piece.

Bisous,
Lee


Blue Lightning by colormeconscious featuring Oscar de la Renta skirts

Items in this set:
Striped silk bustier top, $300
Black silk-faille tulip skirt, $1,290
JULIETTE HAS A GUN Lady Vengeance Perfume, 88 EUR
Nicholas Kirkwood Suede Sandal with Python Skin Panel, 675 GBP
Night Pearl leather clutch, $2,120

With cuff design in mind...(Part 4)

Crisp and classy, this cuff will add just the right touch of western elegance to your spring wardrobe.

Romancing The Stone Cuff by SeptemberRose76

From her Anaheim home, Etsy newbie, Anna, crafts these southwestern chic cuffs, which she then sells in her meticulous on-line store, SeptemberRose76. Bold yet versatile, these beauties have the perfect balance of "cowgirl cool". Anna's store is simply choc full of cuffs (many limited edition or OOAK) and every bracelet uses real leather and is layered with semi-precious stones, wooden beads, shells and studded metallic accents. Read all about the genius behind SeptemberRose76 in this week's artist interview...

Q: What makes your shop unique?
As much of a trend-following fashionista as I consider myself to be, I really strive to make my pieces unique and different from anything you could pick up at a local boutique. I've had a love affair with cuffs since I can remember, and I always gravitate to the ones that are the most bold, stand-out pieces. I'm not a wall-flower, and I don't think the type of girl wearing my cuffs is either! These are truly statement making accessories, guaranteed to be noticed.

Q: How long have you been designing cuff bracelets?
I began crafting for September Rose very recently, in January of this year. I've worked in the fashion industry for the last 10 years, in various segments including buying, merchandising and, most recently, designing. I've been a swimwear designer for the last four years, but I've always secretly wanted to start my own jewelry/accessory line. Naturally, I already knew it would have to be my favorite accessory, the cuff! I have a huge collection of them, and am always on the prowl for that next, unique piece. I had all these ideas about what I thought would look cool, so I finally decided to make my own. I showed a good friend, and she encouraged me to move forward with trying to sell them......and that's how September Rose was born.

Q: Describe the cuffs you design (materials, style, special features etc.)
I am in love with the free-spirited meets rock n' roll vibe of the "boho chic" movement, so I tend to have a blend of both natural and metallic elements. All my cuffs are made with high-grade, genuine leather, and then embellished with semi-precious stones (turquoise is my favorite!), wood, shells, and all kinds of metallic studs. I think the combination of these materials, together with precise finishing techniques, give my pieces a rustic yet sophisticated feel. I want someone to be able to wear it with their white summer dress and sandals by day, and then jeans and sky-high heels at night.

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 would say that my product is geared towards a very hip, fashionable and celebrity/trend-driven female market. I would put my target customer's age range at about mid 20's to 30's. Particularly anyone who follows the "boho" style.... And definitely a girl who wants to command attention when she walks in the room! If I could get my jewelry on any celebrities, Rachel Zoe and Nicole Ritchie would be my top picks. I think they precisely embody the style, and way of eclectically mixing elements that I idolize.

Q: Finish the following sentence: "I consider myself a cuffie (lover of cuffs) because..."
...I am a confident, strong women who enjoys being noticed for her bold fashion choices.

Cuffed and Clustered...(Part 4)

Salut Cuffies,

At first glance, I couldn't quite figure this cuff out. So I took a second glance --- AND a look-see at the description (hehehe) --- and it all came together. San Fransisco designer/dancer, Liza of CBLadornments, created this expressive and modern looker using a technique she invented herself. Combining different textures of resin with other materials, her work simulates "captured motion". This particular piece reminds me of a bubbly cauldron of cherry flavored lava! Hand forged and encased in tin, recycled glass components add an eco-friendly touch. As grown and cosmopolitan as a "Cape Cod" (aka. Grey Goose and Cranberry juice) and the Manhattan skyline, this cuff deserves every bit of its double-take.

Bisous,
Lee

Enjoy this cluster inspired by today's featured cuff!

"With A Cherry On Top" curated by Lee Dorsey

Shackled in time...(Part 2)

Salut Cuffies,

Miles away from the Nile River lied a civilization in which gold had no monetary value. In fact, possessing gold was no measure of how rich or poor you were...It was there that the cuff bracelet continued its long journey through time. Where was this unique land??? Enter Ancient Peru, home of the Inca. Historians have discovered that the Inca believed gold was the male image of god. Result: The more gold jewelry you wore, the more "blessed" you were thought to be. Cuff bracelets were worn by everyone in Inca society. Though crafted of various materials, such as colorful braided fibers and good luck seeds call huairuro, it was still the gold cuff that was most popular and most admired. Inca women used them both in their everyday wardrobe and for special religious ceremonies --- and putting on their cuffs in the morning was probably as much a part of their daily routine as putting on their sandals. A pure gold cuff bracelet everyday??? Now, that's a civilization I could get used to.

Bisous,
Lee

Above: Princess Amanda "Turtle Love Affair" Cuff Bracelet (This polished goldtone cuff was inspired by the Incas of Peru --- who were renowned for their love of symbolism --- and is representative of the myriad of good luck symbols embodied by the turtle.)

In good company...(Part 4)

1 vintage Fred Leighton cuff on your right arm + 1 vintage Fred Leighton cuff on your left arm = Twice the ice! (And is twice as nice...) Best Supporting Actress nominee Maggie Gyllenhaal proved the truthfulness of this equation at this year's Academy Awards when she donned these two stunning cuffs. The 32 year old actress known for her "interesting" red carpet choices, scored big with a pair of
jewels that matched perfectly with her black and blue Dries Van Noten gown. The platinum cuff on the left incorporates diamonds with a 1920's emerald, sapphire and diamond brooch turned cabochon. On the right is a 1940's 18kt gold and diamond cuff --- both perfect examples of Fred Leighton's unique reborn vintage aesthetic . Kudos MagPie for the whole look...I know a fellow cuffie when I see one!

Arrested developments...(Part 3)

Salut Cuffies,

Get up close and personal with this "wildly" sophisticated cuff from Rachel Leigh. Launched by former Yves Saint Laurent publicist Rachel Bravman in the Fall of 2004, the Rachel Leigh brand has become a favorite among celebrities --- Paris Hilton, Halle Berry, and Rhianna just to name a few. What I like about Bravman's pieces is that they are both accessible (Many online boutiques carry the line. Try Shopstyle.com!) and moderately priced enough (bracelets ranging from $47 to $326) to satisfy any fashionista. This Olivia cuff has sweet details like braided gold bows that make it fiercely feminine. Gold-plated with an pumkin orange snake embossed leather inset panel, it measures 1 1/2 wide and has a hinged closure. If you're smart, you won't let this lil' number slither past you...

Bisous,
Lee

Fall in Love by colormeconscious featuring Miu Miu coats

Items in this set:
Ava ridged satin dress, $600
Gabardine tulip-skirt trench, $1,260
Jean Shrimpton Photograph
Women's shoes/bags: Lovely People Ambrose - Orange, $100
Patent Smocked Tote, $72

With cuff design in mind...(Part 3)

"Stir It Up" in this laid back, chunky and colorful, upcycled cuff.

Beer Bead Cuff Bracelet by Electric Penguin

This week's talented cuff creator is Pam --- a Philadelphia based designer whose work has a relaxed island vibe. Her cuff bracelets (the one above made of wood tube beads hand wrapped with beer labels) channel a Jamaican sunset, pair of steel drums, and a glass of warm rum. In her reasonably priced Etsy shop, Electric Penguin, you'll find uber funky bracelets, earrings and necklaces often combining hemp or leather with glass or ceramic beads. Read all about this down-to-earth soul in this week's artist interview...

Q: What makes your shop unique?
It's fun, funky, cool, eclectic and NOT the same type of pieces you see all over Etsy (my apologies to those sellers!!)

Q: How long have you been designing cuff bracelets?
Since October 2009 - not long at all!

Q: Describe the cuffs you design (materials, style, special features etc.)
My favorite is made of beer beads (upcycled beer labels on wood tubes) with brown leather. I also make them with ceramic tubes and hemp.

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...)
Definitely someone not wanting the same old, same old! And not too formal either. I'm thinking Demi Moore and Courtney Love.

Q: Finish the following sentence: "I consider myself a cuffie (lover of cuffs) because..." ...they're chunky and eye-catching!

Cuffed and Clustered...(Part 3)

Salut Cuffies,

This sunny cuff lit up my day. Made of recycled fabrics (The outside is from a vintage tablecloth, can you believe???), vintage hand-tatted lace trim, a soft cotton lining, and two white yarn buttons, it adjusts from 7 inches when both buttons are secured to 8.5 inches when only one is buttoned --- perfect for a small wrist gal like me! Besides cuffs, Helsinki designer Tuija, specializes in re-purposed goods such as pillow covers and bags --- and all seem to be inspired by the simplicity and purity of the Scandinavian countryside. Something about the golden yellow and homespun aura of this piece makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Like playing "He Loves Me Not" with a hand full of dandelions, this cuff is a smiley face for your arm.

Bisous,
Lee

Enjoy this cluster inspired by today's featured cuff!
"Sunny Delights" curated by Lee Dorsey

"Off the cuff..." (Part 2)

"Whenever I watch TV and see those poor starving kids all over the world, I can't help but cry. I mean I'd love to be skinny like that but not with all those flies and death and stuff." --- Mariah Carey

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

Bisous,
Lee

P.S. Word to the wise: When forced to speak "off the cuff"...have a Twix instead.

"My sister's expecting a baby, and I don't know if I'm going to be an uncle or an aunt."- Chuck Nevitt, North Carolina State basketball player, explaining to Coach Jim Valvano why he appeared nervous at practice.

"The word 'genius' isn't applicable in football. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein." - Joe Theisman, quarterback and sports analyst

"Outside of the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the country."- Mayor Marion Barry, Washington, DC

In good company...(Part 3)

What does it feel like to wear 250 carats of contrasting brown, champagne and mint diamonds on your wrist??? Unfortunately, I wouldn't know (*sighs*), but Hollywood fresh face Amanda Seyfried sure would. The 24 year old actress/model added even more sparkle to her fairy tale inspired Giorgio Armani Prive gown by wearing not one, but three, dramatic cognac diamond cuff bangles by tinsel town favorite, Lorraine Schwartz. Schwartz's jewelry has been described by fans as “exquisite” and “ethereal”. Simply put, she manages to create pieces with a perfect melange of striking yet delicate details --- and these cuffs are no exception. Nicknamed, "The Queen of Bling", the Manhattan-based designer's client list includes everyone from Beyonce to JLo to Cate Blanchett and Christina Applegate. Well Mrs. Schwartz, I dare say you can haul me off to jail in these cuffs any day of the week.

Arrested developments...(Part 2)

Salut Cuffies,

Is it just me or does this Yves Saint Laurent cuff leave you feeling a bit...envious too??? New from the French fashion-house, the gold ribbed band is topped off with both a large and small green crystal, the latter encrusted in a gold setting. The cut of the expertly chosen larger stone reveals an inspiring pattern of swirls and rings that remind me of an ancient tree stump. At once organic and ornate, it sure would be 'easy being green' in this striking piece.

Bisous,

Lee

Green With Envy by colormeconscious featuring Yves Saint Laurent jewelry

Items in this set:
love heart dress, $250
Hydrus Waistcoat, 55 GBP
BIONDA CASTANA SANDAL BLACK/GREEN CALF LEATHER ORIEL, 440 GBP
Chloe bags, 490 GBP
Yves saint laurent jewellery, 325 GBP

With cuff design in mind...(Part 2)

Simple enough to wear everyday. Smart enough to be noticed. This expertly made sterling cuff is meant to be stacked!

Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet by Purple Design Studio

Not too long ago, I sat down with Ruth --- a trained illustrator turned stay-at-home mother of three. Her Etsy shop, Purple Design Studio, has a rustic elegance about it that is echoed in her designs. (If she'd told me her workshop was in a restored 1930s barn, it would have come as no surprise). Besides cuffs, she also creates some clever yet functional, jewelry display frames that I'm dying to get my hands on! Find out what this Kansas "cuffie" had to say about her work in this week's artist interview...

Q: What makes your shop unique?
It is part of me. I design jewelry that I love.

Q: How long have you been designing cuff bracelets?
It has only be about a year since I first started making them and am looking forward to making many more.

Q: Describe the cuffs you design (materials, style, special features etc.)
They are made of a simple sterling silver rod, some of them are patterned, some are plain. Several can be worn together or one individually depending on the persons taste. Each cuff is cold forged; formed, hammered, filed and polished.

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...)
Oh, wow, this is a hard question! Women that love classic styles and great fashion with out the fuss in their everyday accessories. Angelina Jolie, Jenny McCarthy and Jada Pinkett Smith come to mind as busy stylish women/moms that would wear one of the cuffs in an outing to the park with the kids or stack several together for a great look for an evening out.

Q: Finish the following sentence: "I consider myself a cuffie (lover of cuffs) because..."
...I feel naked with out mine! I think that every woman should have at least one great cuff bracelet that can span any occasion.

Cuffed and Clustered... (Part 2)

Salut Cuffies,
There's still snow on the ground here, but this cotton candy dream cuff makes me hungry for a summer fair...Don't know if it's the ballerina pinks, the organic copper butterfly, the bits of sparkle throughout --- or a combination of all three --- but this piece makes me feel like daydreaming. Little details (like the fact that the butterfly has landed right next to three faux diamond "flowers") are what make this piece. Seandre' King, a New Orleans native now living in Sacramento, hand sews each bead. Pale pink pearls and a romantic mix of pink, burgundy, and clear seed beads blend perfectly with the rosy antiqued copper of the butterfly and chain. Finished off with a tan suede lining (for optimal wrist comfort) and an adjustable heart-shaped clasp --- it really couldn't get any sweeter.

Bisous,
Lee

Enjoy this cluster inspired by today's featured cuff!
"The Ruby Ballerina" curated by Lee Dorsey

Shackled in time...(Part 1)

"There's no such thing as a "new" style."

Salut Cuffies,

The legacy of our favorite type of bijoux is a long and beautiful one. Even in ancient Egypt, women adorned themselves with this unforgettable accessory. (Cleopatra, dare I say???) Cuffs made of pure gold were fashioned for rich Egyptians, while the less wealthy wore copper versions and some made of earthenware decorated with colored glazes to look like gemstones. During the Art Deco age of the 20s, Egyptian motifs experienced a serious revival, mainly because of the discovery King Tut's tomb in 1922. Interestingly, the 70s saw yet another Egyptian craze --- and King Tut was again to blame, since it was in the mid-70s that the treasures of his tomb went on a cross-country tour. Today, Egypt lives in these affordable cuffs. The Bangles would be proud.

Bisous,

Lee

Above: Egyptian Lotus Cuff, Egyptian Chevron Cuff Bracelet, and Egyptian Snake Bracelet now on sale at The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store online.

In good company...(Part 2)

"Diamonds are a girl's best friend." --- so sang Marylin Monroe, one of my favorite actresses, in the 1953 classic comedy, Gentlemen Prefer Blonds. But, nowhere did this seem to be more true than at this year's Grammy awards held one month ago today. Per usual, the red carpet had enough bling to light up a small town, but it was the iced-out cuffs that caught my attention (naturally). This stunner was worn by new R&B talent, Melanie Fiona --- and is by far my fave of the night. The "Flash" cuff from Italian jeweler Damiani was crafted with 184 grams of platinum, 188.3 grams of 18k yellow gold, enamel and 88.59 cts. of diamonds. This piece also won the “Diamonds International Award” -- the most prestigious award in diamond jewelry design. The cuff, as well as Fiona's "Torchon" earrings with 18k white gold and 1.84 cts. of diamonds (also from Damiani) have a suggested retail price of...$ 27,590. Sooo...which one of you cuffies out there will take one??? Brrrr...