Newbie Princesses Get Royally Glam - Right Off the Cuff
Every newbie princess needs a “first-things-first” approach to her transformation. Lucky for Kate, “The Firm” is giving her tailor made Princess Lessons. But for us newly discovered princesses, there’s no princess support group.
Until now!
So, how do we take that first step to glam things up right off the cuff? Aha! The cuff! (Never underestimate the power of an inspired expression.)
Voila. The magic of “the cuff.” A cuff is a fabulous place to start building your princess arsenal of glam. Best part - it’s impossible to get it wrong. Second best part - there are tons of unique pieces to reflect your royal style. Third best part - it doesn’t have to cost you a royal fortune.
Where to find these “uniquely-you” royal treasures? Vintage stores are great places to start your quest, as well as your favorite boutiques, upscale chain stores, and of course surfin’ the web. You can find cuffs that really rock an outfit that are not made of precious metals, but are funky and fun.
Here are a few of my royal faves. I’m still adding to my collection.
This is a sterling silver antique cuff my mother bought me one summer while I was holed up in a classroom on the mainland off of LBI taking college admission tests. I imagine she found it in one of those charmingly musty shops, the kind with rusty tin, clapping-monkey toys. Her sister gave her a cuff just like it when she was a girl. My mom cherishes it to this day, and wears it constantly. I cherish mine too, and it is also one of my number one “go-to” princess pieces. Wearing it, I always get my elegant, understated, princess glamor punch.
Here’s an interesting turquoise cuff that I found in an antique shop in Cranbury, New Jersey. I love that it is substantial and delicate at the same time. (Like a princess!) And the color of the verigated stone is gorgeous. I also love that it has an earthiness, yet it’s still feminine. Contradiction makes mystery!
Above is a a fave of mine too — a big ole’ chunky funky cuff I found in a sale pile at Anthropologie. I have to put clear nail polish on the wires from time to time, or the little buggers dig into my skin, but it’s a wonderfully glamorous piece, with quiet drama. Added plus: it’s princess pink!
A piece I found at Cache, the chain store with tastefully sexy clothes and accessories. I like this because it is has a delicate airiness, yet it’s still statement-worthy, and the unusual design gives a great modern spin to an outfit.
This came from my favorite boutique of all time, Reve, located on 22 North Dean Street in Englewood, New Jersey. This is the piece de resistance of glamourpuss style (celebreties flock there) with prices in all ranges. I bop in almost every week after my voice lesson in nearby Tenafly. I love the owner, my friend Ilana, and her daughter Meital (who created ReveBoutique.com.) The above silver tone cuff was inspired by designer Rona Fisher and it only cost me ten bucks during Reve’s annual Summer Sidewalk Sale. Everyone grabbed one: the staff, the owners, clients-I wear it all the time and people still stop me on the street about it…I’m pretty sure that’s why they are stopping…
This one’s also from Reve. It too, has that delicate-but-strong contradiction thang going on. And it’s just so darn pretty! A cuff metaphor for continuous blooming!
This one sparkles so bad! Also from Cache. A tasteful glamor workhorse. A+ for what it does for a black outfit. A wowzer with red.
Now for the “Wish List”. If you liked the cuff my mom gave me, you might like Tiffany’s Rococo Cherubs silver cuff. The pattern was created with roller dies from Tiffany’s silver studio dating back to the mid-1800s.
As for my “Wish List”, it’s Tiffany’s silver cuff designed by Elsa Peretti.
And that’s not the half of it! :) But, no need to fill your wish list to get yourself gorgeously, royally cuffed. (the above two styles are close to 900 dollars) There are tons of wonderful styles that are more down to earth for the up and coming princess:
As in this awesome, studded stretch bracelet by Jessica Bara you can buy for just a tad over 100 dollars at Reveboutique.com. Princess, shine!
(Photo by Tim Fitzharris)
Go get cuffed, princess, but keep it legal.
“Get out there and be the real princess you are…and do all the royal goodness that a true princess does.”
TTFNP, (ta ta for now, princess)
xoxoxoxxo
Princess Diane von B
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