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

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.

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

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!"

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

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!

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arrested developments...(Part 1)

Salut Cuffies,

A look at just one of the newest and hottest cuffs to shake up the runway at the Spring/Summer 2010 NYFW shows. This futuristic 3-Triangles Leather Cuff bracelet from Givenchy is what I'd call "hard-core pretty". Paired with the black and cream-themed feminine chic pieces below, it adds the perfect edge to any night in the city...Non???

Bisous,
Lee

Tagged : by moɴCʜɑɴ℮ʟ ♪♫ featuring Givenchy jewelry

Items in this set:
Draped silk dress, $2,700
Wool and cashmere-blend coat, $2,195
Chain-detailed strappy sandals, $1,050
Chanel Vintage Classic 2.55 Quilted Bag
GIVENCHY - 3D TRIANGLES LEATHER CUFF BRACELET, 390 EUR