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

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