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

Arrested developments...(Part 7)

Salut Cuffies,

I have a feeling Snow White would have loved wearing this little number. Irish designer J.W. Anderson, uses this cuff to reflect his penchant for stage costume design. Intensely dramatic, it still manges to come off sweet! Though relatively new to the fashion world, (his first collection debuted in the Fall of 2007 during London's fashion week), Anderson's designs are destined to become classics. Indigo leather, gold plated bows and double buckle fastener look great together in this modern fairytale of a piece.

Bisous,
Lee


Navy Horizons by colormeconscious featuring Tom Ford sunglasses

Items in this set:
TIBI NY 10520016 NAVY MULTI SILK E3199, 340 GBP
T-Strap Flat Sandal, $200
Gold Crystal Jeweled Heart Clutch - Forzieri, $630
Talisman Hammered Gold Love Knot Earrings, $1,700
Blue Bracelet With Gold Plated Bows, J. W. Anderson, 140 GBP

With cuff design in mind...(Part 7)

A pastel collage of vintage sparklers on an antique brass hinged cuff --- now THIS is a statement bracelet.

Hidden Garden Cuff by Tied Up Memories

Back from my hiatus to bring you this sensational designer of uber romantic cuffs. Atlanta dweller Tracy, of Tied Up Memories , is the artist behind these delicate looking Victorian pieces. Feminine to the nth degree, Tracy's masterful usage of vintage cabs, crystals and pearls puts these cuffs in a different stratosphere. Hold your pinkie out as you sip a cup of tea and read all about her in this week's artist interview...

Q: What makes your shop unique?
My shop is unique because most of my creations are one of a kind. I incorporate vintage findings in my jewelry that gives it a unique appeal

Q: How long have you been designing cuff bracelets?
I just recently started making cuffs. A customer requested that I make one. So I tried to make a cuff that was different and stay true to my style.

Q: Describe the cuffs you design (materials, style, special features etc.)
The cuffs that I design are antique brass cuffs. I love antique brass. It has that vintage feel. I incorporate a collage of vintage and new findings and apply them to the cuff. The possibilities are endless when it comes to a collage on the cuff!

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...)
Two celebs that I would love to rock my cuff are Cameron Diez and Sarah Jessica Parker! To me Cameron looks like a she would wear cuffs. She is fun and stylish and full glam! Sarah is a fashion icon and loves vintage style so I could see her wearing one to match any one of her outfits!

Q: Finish the following sentence: "I consider myself a cuffie (lover of cuffs) because..."
...I truly enjoy making them and love that people enjoy wearing my cuffs!

Arrested developments...(Part 6)

Salut Cuffies,

When I first heard that Disney was coming out with a jewelry line for women called Disney Couture, I admit...I snickered. The thought of a garish charm bracelet in pastel pinks and purples with shrinky-dink-esque plastic charms of all the Disney princesses made me shudder. So when I actually came across some of Disney Couture's new pieces this week, I realized...it's time to eat some humble pie Lee. DC is truly a fresh, funky line that incorporates all our fave Disney characters into modern, fashionable and extremely wearable pieces. A die-hard Pocahontas fan, I found myself drooling over this dainty gold plated cuff. The blue enamel turquoise accent in front adds the right amount of color to the two gold charms (yes you guessed it --- "Flit" the hummingbird, and "Meeko" the raccoon). As affordable as it is fun, you won't have to 'wish upon a star" to own this enchanting Pocahontas cuff.

Bisous,
Lee


Sunny Seas by colormeconscious featuring Marc Jacobs shoes

Items in this set:
Satin ruffle-front top, $335
Noble Youth Rio Tie/Dye Skirt, 125 GBP
Clean Provence by Clean Perfume for Women : Shop Perfume.com, $76
Marc Jacobs 605185-004 Flat Wide Strap Gladiator Sandal, 245 CAD
Block-color python bag, $2,895

With cuff design in mind...(Part 6)

Green moss and fuchsia berries come together in this crocheted cuff that reminds me of the colors you'd find on a walk in the summer woods.

Spring Cuff by The Needle Nerd

"I love to crochet. If I'm sitting, I'm crocheting. My grandmother taught me to crochet and I've found love in it..." Darla, the face behind The Needle Nerd, shares a bit of herself in her Etsy bio. This mother of two from rural Ohio, offers shoppers a variety of crocheted and knitted items, all handmade, and all in vibrant hues. While it was her cuffs that caught my eye (kinda reminded me of those terrycloth wristbands we used to wear in the early 90s...only much much cooler), I also love her hats, wash sets, nesting bowls and something called "apple cozies" --- oh so clever! Read all about Darla's darrrrling designs in this week's artist interview...

Q: What makes your shop unique?
I'm always trying new ideas and bright colors and making my items top quality. I love custom orders! When someone comes into my shop I want them to see an item and think "I've gotta have one of those" :)

Q: How long have you been designing cuff bracelets?
I've been making cuffs for about 2 years now. I try to make them unique with color, accents and designs.

Q: Describe the cuffs you design (materials, style, special features etc.)
I usually find the perfect mix of yarn colors and the most fun part is finding the accents I LOVE BUTTONS!!! Then I usually get an idea of what I want to do. Then I just begin the play process trying different stitches widths etc.

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...)
Perhaps Ani DiFranco, Alanis Morissette or maybe even Pink :D I can make different sorts of cuffs for different sorts of styles, so who knows, the possibilities are endless.

Q: Finish the following sentence: "I consider myself a cuffie (lover of cuffs) because..."
...I love creating styles for just the right person. They are so fun and the compliments I get from them make it even more satisfying!

Cuffed and Clustered...(Part 6)

Salut Cuffies,

Brick red romances black mortar in this fascinating marriage of leather and "lace". Laced up to perfection, this trendy cuff --- for men and women --- might have been blazay if not for its unique "hole-punch" motif. Crafted by the Denver-based urbanboutique out of premium leather, this 3.5 inch wide smooth finish cuff is actually finished on both sides for a refined and comfortable wear. Like a restored brownstone in the Heights of Brooklyn, it has an urban architectural feel that is both modern and weathered. Leather and "lace" never looked so good.

Bisous,
Lee

Enjoy this cluster inspired by today's featured cuff!

"Bruised and Battered" curated by Lee Dorsey