Crazy About Cuffs

Lately my eyes have skipped right over summery shirtdresses, beachy carry-all totes, color-blocked shifts, blush-colored separates, whimsical maxi skirts, printed tunics, bright bikinis, fun flip-flops, crisp white tees, and denim cutoffs. Come mid July, I always experience a rather sudden disinterest in summer clothes and accessories. It feels too late to buy anything new for warm weather (unless it's a total steal) and it feels too early to think about the promises of fall (fabulous ankle boots, cropped blazers, cozy cardigans, lacy date-night tops, terrific trench coats, multicolored scarves, buttery ballet flats, and flared corduroys).

My rule for shopping in July and August can be summed up in three words: transition pieces only. I only let myself lust after items that can be worn, someway or somehow, until the first dusting of snow blankets the ground in late October.

This usually requires a stern line of questioning (Can I wear these tucked into riding boots? Can I pop a scarf and a sweater over this? Can I get away with wearing tights under this? Can I pair this with shades of burgundy, deep orange, forest green, navy blue, and/or camel brown? Can I layer this over something I already own?)...but when I'm not in the mood to mentally flip through my whole wardrobe and make a case for an iffy clothing purchase, I stick to accessories.

Of course, not all accessories can make a seamless transition from summer into fall...but I've found that cuffs are a pretty safe bet. Here's a look at what I wish was my collection:

Wish List, Mostly Unrealistic

(First row, from left to right)
1. ABS' Turquoise Pave White Resin Cuff
2. Citrine by the Stones' Smoky Topaz Gold-Plated Wire Cuff
3. Blydesign's Purple Agate Shield Cuff
4. Sundance's Tribal Sunflower & Swirls Cuff

(Second row, from left to right)
1. Ben-Amun's Gold Cuff with Turquoise Stones
2. Courtney Lee Collection's Silver Brittany Cuff
3. Melinda Maria's Full Moon Pave Cuff
4. Alkemie Jewelry's Coin Cuff

Wish List, Totally Dreaming

(First row, from left to right)
1. Kenneth Jay Lane's Swarovski Crystal-embellished 22-karat Gold-plated Cuff
2. Aurelie Bidermann's Camden 18-karat Gold-plated Studded Leather Bracelet
3. Milly's Links Enamel Cuff
4. Emilio Pucci's Glass Crystal and Stone-embellished Cuff

(Second row, from left to right)
1. Paige Novick's Lapis Medallion Cuff
2. Oscar de la Renta's Russian Gold Wide Cuff Bracelet
3. Ashley Pittman's Dark Horn and Turquoise Cuff
4. Dannijo's Studded Stingray Cuff