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.

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

"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

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

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")

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

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

"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

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

"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

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

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!

"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.

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...

"Off the cuff..." (Part 1)

"Smoking kills. If you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life." - Brooke Shields, during an interview to become a national spokesperson for the federal anti-smoking campaign

It happens to the best of us...
You get caught off-guard. Backed into that proverbial "corner" -- forced to say something. So you come "off the cuff"...and end up wondering, "What was I thinking???" You weren't. *sighs* C'est la vie! And it sure is funny sometimes...

Bisous,
Lee

"You guys, line up alphabetically by height." - Bill Patterson, Florida State football coach

"So, where's the Cannes Film Festival being held this year?" - Christina Aguilera

"If we don't succeed, we run the risk of failure." - Dan Quayle, former Vice President of the United States