CUFFS

drool | vintage glam meets summer tan

2012-01-24T10:02:00.000-08:00

Summer can't get here soon enough.

The lovely Luisa Bianchin posing for photographer Alexander Neumann. Styling by Vanessa Bellugeon.

happy january!

2012-01-09T12:12:00.000-08:00

January always seems like such an uneventful month. It's a little too quiet after all the fun and fervor of the holidays. Did you know that January 16th is National Nothing Day?

Do with this month what you will, but make it fun. Now that the hunt for gifts and party fits is over and your shopping funds are left unallocated, decide to find something fun and perhaps just slightly out of your comfort zone, if for no other reason than to add a little excitement to an otherwise uneventful thirty-one days.

Here's a little inspiration from Fashion Salade. Try a new color, texture or print. Layer it and make it your own.

Shop Art | Jeff Felker

2012-01-04T15:31:00.000-08:00

This post is a little belated given that Jeff Fleker's work will only be up on our shop walls for one more week, but I wanted to be sure you had the chance to see it.

We have quite a few new pieces on display that are not shown here. A lot of his recent paintings are done on 9x12 cuts of wood, and are such a great price at only $100.

Stop into the shop this week or peruse his Etsy shop!

frame it | Ephemera Friends

2011-12-30T10:20:00.000-08:00

Last month we asked a gaggle of local ladies (including our Cuffs team) to create a work of art using their favorite item of clothing as its subject. I wish I had thought to create something as simple and endearing as these illustrations by Ephemera Friends.

boys on film | Patrik Ervell

2011-12-14T07:58:00.000-08:00

Have you seen these shots of the latest Patrik Ervell show from Jak & Jil? Leaves you with no idea about what the clothes look like, but the concept is intriguing.

prints for peace | threeASFOUR

2011-12-12T10:01:00.000-08:00

Design collective threeASFOUR brings religion and politics into the fashion realm with their Spring 2012 collection, beautifully combining the religious and cultural iconography of Israelis, Palestinians, Jews and Arabs in their prints.

If only life could imitate art in this case.

hotties | Rebecca & Fiona

2011-12-02T08:54:00.000-08:00

Get ready for the weekend with Sweden's dance pop duo, super hotties, Rebecca & Fiona.

Les feux de la Ville | Arizona Muse

2011-11-28T09:52:00.000-08:00

We were first taken with Arizona Muse back in April. So imagine our glee when we stumbled upon this amazingly glam spread in Vogue Paris, where Arizona is all smiles, sparkle and spectacle. Check out more work by photographers/videographers Inez & Vinoodh here.

smile, it's fashion | Natalia Grosner illustrations

2011-11-23T07:58:00.000-08:00

What's not to love about these whimsically fashion-forward figures by Natalia Grosner.

in living color | backstage at Tsumori Chisato

2011-11-21T11:01:00.000-08:00

bundle up | stay warm

2011-11-11T10:09:00.000-08:00

local love | Sister Crayon

2011-10-31T12:35:00.000-07:00

Sister Crayon's "(in) Reverse" video is appropriately haunting for today's post (not to mention epically beautiful). Happy Halloween!

60's & smiling | Kirsten Dunst

2011-10-25T12:13:00.000-07:00

Love these. Love the shining, color blocked, 60's styling. Love her beaming smile. Read the accompanying article here.

local love | Darya Dyatlova + Lisa Kennedy Watrous

2011-10-24T11:17:00.000-07:00

We couldn't have been more excited when local stylist Lisa Kennedy Watrous of Closet Candy and fashion photographer Darya Dyatlova of izoominka approached us about providing the wardrobe for their latest collaborative project.

Get the look!

"in orbit" polka dot denim by Motel

"pearl" beaded angora beanie

"circa celebration" tee by CIVIL

"fool proof" chiffon feather print palazzo pants by Aryn K

feeling fall | tomboy style

2011-10-13T11:57:00.000-07:00

There is, of course, a lot to love about fall. But very near the top of that long list is that we now have a legitimate excuse to layer up in our most comfy, cozy attire. No, I'm not talking about sweats and a hoody; but how about your boyfriends jeans, a chunky knit sweater and an oversized blazer? Something like this...

these...

or this...

Fall is the perfect time to embrace your inner tomboy. Take a cue from a few of our favorite iconic beauties, all known to don a boyish outfit or two.

Anjelica Huston

Dree Hemingway

Emmanuelle Alt

France Gall

Jane Birkin

Kellis

Lykke Li

Lou Dillon

Nico

Pamela Love

Robin Wright

See more at one of our favorite blogs, Tomboy Style. And be sure to check out our tomboy temptations at SHOPCUFFS.

'blondie' bootes - $54

'real gone' cardigan - $40

'tux' sweater - $46

'grand national' button-up - $40

'cold classic' wool trench - $108

'high road' cropped tweed jacket - $94

'elspeth beard' faux leather shorts - $42

'dashing' leopard print tuxedo flats - $42

'flower patch' floppy brimmed hat - $34

Kate Bosworth for Vanessa Bruno | crazy beautiful

2011-09-30T09:21:00.000-07:00

LØV from Vanessa Bruno on Vimeo.

*directed by Stephanie Di Gusto

but of course | Vena Cava + Maggie Gyllenhaal

2011-09-21T11:26:00.000-07:00

Vena Cava, Spring 2012

hopelessly devoted | Lindsey Thornburg

2011-09-15T18:54:00.000-07:00

We're longtime fans. And Lindsey Thornburg continues to woo us with her 2011 campaign.

girly glam | Erin Fetherston

2011-09-12T08:56:00.000-07:00

Love this peek into designer Erin Fetherston's home and closet from Tales of Endearment.

C.A.2 | leather, like lace

2011-09-03T12:24:00.000-07:00

By the design team at C.A.2.

Lanvin Fall Campaign Video | i know you want me

2011-08-31T11:23:00.000-07:00

Gotta love it.

summer | one last hurrah

2011-08-29T10:43:00.000-07:00

Although we've already begun stocking fall frocks, this spread from Vogue UK's June edition has us wrought with summer nostalgia.

coming soon | SLVDR Fall

2011-08-16T14:37:00.000-07:00

we say | let your frizz fly

2011-08-10T11:18:00.000-07:00

knitwear research & design | cool a** job

2011-07-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

I've always thought that if I had another go at life I would aspire to be a textile designer; a wildly artistic job that would allow you to take inspiration from absolutely anything, turn it into a work of art, and then lay it out repetitively, symmetrically and mathematically. This combination of artistic abandon followed by a task of minute organization sounds to me like a fulfilling, well-balanced work diet.

Add to that a concentration in knitwear, like the work of Nanna van Blaaderen and you're now allowed to play with textures,shapes and weaves. And doesn't that sound absolutely dreamy?!

François Berthoud | Swiss Fashion Illustrator

2011-07-21T11:40:00.000-07:00

Illustrations via Trendland

launch 2011

2011-07-20T13:53:00.000-07:00

It's all happening this Saturday at The Greens Hotel in Sacramento. Get your tickets here. Be sure to stop by our pop-up shop in room 'G'! We have so many goodies ready to stock!

perfectly prada | fun with fashion

2011-07-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

We're loving everything about Prada's 2012 Resort collection. From the era-blending vintage style, to the unexpected mix of prints and patterns, to the primly perched models. Doesn't it inspire you to rethink your own closet and experiment with new combinations?

found | pictures of pictures

2011-07-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

Private View: Inside Baryshnikov's American Ballet Theatre...brimming with beautiful behind-the-scenes photos by Eve Arnold.

fair play

2011-07-14T18:27:00.000-07:00

In honor of the coming California State Fair and all of the down-home, kitschy goodness that comes with it...

photos via LIFE Magazine archives

Balmain

2011-07-11T09:20:00.000-07:00

Resort 2012

get your sale on

2011-06-30T08:58:00.001-07:00

HERE & HERE

And if you're local to Sacramento, stop in the shop and get 35% off menswear and shoes PLUS 10% off your purchase of $50 or more! Sale ends July 4th!

latest & greatest

2011-06-23T18:52:00.000-07:00

Stop by the shop tomorrow and say hello to our newest shopgirl, the lovely Kim Flora. Atop her countless talents (prolific painter and seamstress extraordinary, to name a few) she's now fully schooled in all things Cuffs and can help you with all of your shopping-for-awesomeness needs.

rugged

2011-06-20T13:12:00.000-07:00

Loving the rugged mix of prints and textures in this spread by Fabio Bartelt for Brazil's Criativa Magazine. A wardrobe well worn by the stunning Aline Zanella.

warm glow

2011-06-03T07:37:00.000-07:00

newly discovered

2011-05-12T08:19:00.000-07:00

GENETICBOI. What's not to love about his personal style shots? The action, the muted color wash and of course the styling.

...and such an enviable collection of bags and shoes!

grit & glam

2011-05-10T07:51:00.000-07:00

bootybootybooty.bootyeverywayah.

2011-05-04T17:48:00.000-07:00

you got what i need

2011-05-02T10:44:00.000-07:00

Via you need free style.

fresh air

2011-04-28T15:25:00.000-07:00

With a name like Aurore de La Morinerie, she must have been destined to create beauty. Her fashion illustrations are light and breezy but also bold and elegant. They feel just like stills from the warm, blustery spring weekend ahead.

So much more here.

true romance

2011-04-13T19:06:00.000-07:00

via nomenusquarterly.com

more than amused

2011-04-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

Arizona Muse is fast becoming fashion's muse of the moment (pun practically obligatory). You've got to love her fresh face and that opposing gritty androgyny.

One can't help but lust for her chin-length locks.

april flowers

2011-04-01T17:38:00.000-07:00

Lovely spring styles from Kersh for these lovely spring days... now in stock.

('tropic storm' bustier top - get it here)

('undercover' camo tank - get it here)

('olivia' maxi dress - get it here)

i so tired for smile

2011-03-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

A tribute to crafty fashion with fashion craft. Burda retrospective collages by Raul Ronald Morena Cardenas.

elizabeth taylor

2011-03-23T10:03:00.000-07:00

rest in peace

tainted love

2011-03-22T09:09:00.000-07:00

While Gretchen Jones' personality was not the most endearing of last season's Project Runway contestants, her designs took her to the finale and stole the show. Her ability to combine clean, modern, geometric lines and flowing, casual comfort has us swooning.

See more here. And don't skip the jewelry!

tantalizing textiles

2011-03-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

So in love with Miss Moss' colour comparisons.

hot in the face

2011-03-11T12:20:00.000-08:00

I don't think I'll ever be good at self-promotion. Seriously, my face is flush and my hands clammy as I type this...more shameful than shameless, I guess. Which is probably why I don't include any personal style posts on this here blog. I prefer to leave it to the professionals, namely Erin Sierchio of Bows & Sparrows who was kind enough to feature me in her latest Closet Case post.

See more here and look for a coupon code for free domestic shipping on all online orders!

sans couleur

2011-03-04T08:28:00.000-08:00

photos via JJJJound

boyyzzzzzzz

2011-02-26T14:35:00.000-08:00

Thx Justin Wuuuuu-uu-uuoooh!

Boys of Milan & Paris FW2011 from Justin Wu on Vimeo.

absolute drool

2011-02-18T08:50:00.000-08:00

Vena Cava's Fall 2011 collection is a perfect blend of 90's glam and bohemian chic. It's somehow both edgy and romantic. The slinky fabrics, the earthy, rich color tones, the vacillating hem lines... oh, and that makeup! I'll take one of each, please and thank you.

Nice job, ladies.

newbie

2011-02-12T07:10:00.000-08:00

Visit the shop today and put our newest shopgirl, Tracey, to the test!

And don't forget, it's Second Saturday! Stop by Cuffs to check out new works by Mark Fox and Manny Lee and catch a live performance by The Common Men.

marked mood

2011-02-04T10:51:00.000-08:00

waiting. waiting. waiting for spring.

Stunning photographs by Anne He.

open road

2011-01-28T08:44:00.000-08:00

Karla Spetic's Spring 2011 collection makes us want to take to the open desert roads like Thelma and Louise (minus the cross-state womanhunt nipping at our tails of course). Alas, the warm months of summer still seem so distant. But, it we can't actually do it, what's the harm in looking like we're doing it, right? Dressing the part is half the fun!

love her

2011-01-21T18:43:00.000-08:00

****something new****

Lykke Li - Untitled from Lykke Li on Vimeo.

****something old(ish)****

Little Bit - Director: Mattias Montero from Lykke Li on Vimeo.

****all. so. good.****

keeping it simple

2011-01-20T11:48:00.000-08:00

Often in art, as in music, the most simplistic compositions become the most highly revered and are somehow timelessly inspirational. The same holds true for fashion. While trends will always come and go, incorporating them among classic shapes and colors is an easy way to keep a look discerningly current.

These gorgeous fashion sketches from Hiroshi Tanabe are so simple, yet so endearing.

A few of our favorite style icons who keep it interesting while keeping it simple...

color coded

2011-01-12T09:13:00.000-08:00

Still loving the muted tones and chunky knits that winter inspires.

However we're SERIOUSLY itching to ditch the weight of wool in exchange for a few bits of glorious, vibrant color.

Summer can't get here soon enough.

[Stunning photos by Swedish fashion photographer Sandra Freij]

bearded man

2010-12-21T08:40:00.000-08:00

You've got to love a good beard. Almost as much as a man who ably dons a nice jacquard.

Sketches by Antoin Caecke from his book 'Jacquards'.

baby, it's cold outside

2010-12-16T09:34:00.000-08:00

There's a bone biting chill in the air this morning. A rare occurrence here in California that leaves one wondering, well, what to wear. Here are some inspirational street looks from some of the earth's more boreal locales. These are peeps that know (from experience) how to rock a rugged up look.

[photo cred: stockholmstreetstyle, stilinberlin, altamiranyc, the sartorialist]

long story|short

2010-11-19T12:04:00.000-08:00

You may have noticed our recent embrace and full endorsement of a longer hemline for Fall/Winter. Everybody's doing it. And doing it well.

Erin Fetherston does it with ease and just a touch of glamour.

Dress is up.

Lela Rose

Peter Som

Tommy Hilfiger

Dress it down.

Rebecca Taylor

Street Peeper

Have fun with it.

The Galmouri

Fashion Toast

Our faves from the shop...

http://www.shopcuffs.com/wild-thing.html

http://www.shopcuffs.com/go-it-alone.html

http://www.shopcuffs.com/new-wave.html

http://www.shopcuffs.com/furthermore.html

http://www.shopcuffs.com/gala-gal.html

Of course, we wouldn't dream of suggesting that you forsake your shorts and tights for the season or that you completely forgo that mini-skirt and socks ensemble.

CUFFS

[photo credits: The Examiner, Style.com, Street Peeper, The Glamouri, Fashion Toast]

slips: your grandmother's answer to sheer

2010-10-07T13:06:00.000-07:00

Try instead a clinging pair of boy shorts or (if you're feeling adventurous) those high-waisted briefs you otherwise reserve for laundry day.

These are perfect:

Get them here.

As seen here:

(photo credits: the examiner, style.com, trendhunter, shopcuffs.com)

for.fall

2010-09-28T18:29:00.000-07:00

Textured neutrals with pops of rich color:

photos: Vogue Germany, September 2010

a hearty welcome

2010-09-21T10:04:00.000-07:00

to our newest shopgirl, Ali! She'll be your personal guide through all of the latest and greatest at Cuffs, every Tuesday. Today is her first day on the job so come in, say hello and put her skills to the test!

And while you're at it, don't forget to check out her beautiful artwork, now on display at the shop.

home.is.wherever.im.with.you

2010-09-09T17:18:00.000-07:00

And we're back. I'm STILL recovering from what was (to say the least) a jam-packed, saltwater-fest of sand and sunshine amidst a constant whirlwind of hellos, goodbyes and assorted meat pies. I'm not kidding. J could not spend a single day in his homeland without consuming at least one meat pie. We're even thinking about serving them at our wedding. Yup. He pop the questions that apparently everyone (but me) suspected he would. I said yes.

Unfortunately, all of the meeting and greeting and celebratory shindigging left little time for fashion related activities. But we did manage to fit in a visit to Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art where, by some miraculous alignment of the fashion planets, we happen to catch Valentino's Retrospective exhibit. To be honest, I didn't expect to be as impressed as I was. It quickly occurred to me that I had never really seen haute couture gowns up close and personal in such a way. When you witness the delicacy in every detail and the substantive luxury in each fabric it truly is breathtaking. I highly recommend that you try to catch this exhibit if you have the opportunity.

Had I been permitted to take photos, I would certainly have a shot of every dress to show you, but it was expressly forbidden within the gallery. I did take one covert shot before I realize how loud the faux-shutter sound effect is on my camera. It seemed to echo across the gallery and back again.

It was also really fun to see the passage of time through Valentino's designs and how clearly styles, and his own aesthetic, evolved through the decades. As if I could, I chose one to purchase for myself from each collection. It was excruciatingly difficult.

Aside from my close encounter with couture, I was continually impressed with Australian street style. Shy Sheila that I am, I couldn't bring myself to ask my favorites for a photo, like any true blogger would. But check out Sydney street style here and few of my favorites here, here and here.

Okay, so on to a quick photo summary of the trip:

I know it's been ages since we've gotten an update up at the online shop, but rest assured, we've got heaps and heaps of fall goodness coming your way very soon. And if you're so lucky as to live in sunny Sacramento, the brick-and-mortar is stocked with early fall knits and jackets. Stop in and say hello!

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros "Home" from Edward Sharpe on Vimeo.

seeyouinseptember.california

2010-08-05T14:46:00.000-07:00

Australia bound in less than 48 hours.
Home to an abundance of designers we love. Such as...

Collette Dinnigan

Lisa Ho

and Akira Isogawa

Weather permitting, I'll be living in this, this and these. All stuffed into this guy. Photos to come, I'm sure!

soinlove

2010-07-20T19:11:00.000-07:00

...with these photos by Olivia Malone for Lindsey Thornburg.

Equally in love with some of the shots we got out of the lovely Heddy for our latest update.

Feeling very bohemian-glam, hippie-chic, i-don't-sweat-i-glow at the moment.

mixology

2010-07-09T09:26:00.000-07:00

Quite often I have customers come into the shop who are looking for something very specific. This can be hard because, as any diligent shopper knows, when you're looking for that light grey wool blazer lined in periwinkle, or that vintage emerald green cocktail dress, or those chocolate brown strappy sandals that aren't too strappy and have a wedge heel rather than a stiletto heel (and so on and so forth), you're never going to find it. You only find those pieces you love when you're not looking for them.

So, when this customer walks through our doors, I always do my best to suggest other pieces that might work in place of the item they're goose-chasing. I'll admit, my success rate in this situation is not the highest, but it's always worth a try. One thing I alway push when my customers are looking for one thing to go with another (a jacket to go over a dress, a top to wear with this skirt, etc.) is that they try mixing prints and patterns. I often get that (all too familiar) what-are-you-crazy? look, and I understand that this can often put people well outside of their comfort zone, but I'm a firm believer in the concept. It is the easiest way to pull a new and interesting look from a tired closet, or to pair that top you've never worn because you couldn't figure out what to do with its crazy print.

Check out these suggestions from the sagacious Amber Mortensen of Painfullyhip.com from her Budget Style article about how to mix without necessarily matching.

[photos credits: Painfullyhip, trendhunter(3), The Glamourai]

whynot

2010-07-02T18:26:00.000-07:00

Tell me, what's not to love about a holiday that allows you to sit on the front lawn in an aluminum chair with a hot dog in one hand, a flaming sparkler in the other and a cold brew between the knees, all while rocking your very kitschiest patriotic getup?

Let's celebrate.

loveaffair

2010-06-25T15:07:00.000-07:00

I'm having a love affair with summer. We've been sneaking around, seeing each other only occasionally, because I'm so busy. But it's more exciting that way.

I'm dreaming of road trips to music festivals, beach days with picnics and bonfires with s'mores. Hence our latest update.

Lalalalalalalala

2010-06-22T15:44:00.000-07:00

Via one of my favorite Sacramento DJs, DJ Roger.

flybynight

2010-06-21T10:42:00.000-07:00

Spent a lovely weekend in San Francisco not too long ago. The weather was absolutely amazing; hot and sunny as I've ever seen it.
After an amazing brunch at Bar Tartine we fit in a little shopping. I scored these:

The hat hooks are amazing... really large. Plucked them from the back of a little shop in the Mission for only $10! The little pink package of what looks like candy is actually a six pack of large, clear plastic hair baubles from the dollar store... like the ones you might have worn when you were seven. I made Kat model them for me:

Love this. Need to get one for the shop:

For a laugh:

As soon as I got home I had to start planning for Deeda Salon's Hair Wars show at The Park.

Deeda's Kentucky Derby theme this year was brilliant and the vintage feel of it made it easy for me to pull outfits straight from our racks. Unfortunately I didn't get many shots of the fits we styled, but the hair is worthy of posting alone: