CUFF 'EM, OFFICER!

I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number of carats in a diamond. ~Mae West

We couldn't agree more. Nothing is as boring as counting calories and a girl's worst accessory is the scale. (Seriously, at dinner the other night, we spied some Chanel clad celebutante remove a scale from her 2.55 and weigh a grilled chicken breast. So not sexy.)

It goes without saying that in leaner times, its fun to celebrate excess where you can. And in an ever rotating merri-go-round of trends, seasons and designers--costume jewelry is the way to add a little zhudje, a little sparkle and a little sass to any outfit.

We've posted before about baubles we baubles we believe are absolute neccessities: cocktail rings, breastplate necklaces, layered thin chains--and we'd like to add massive metal cuffs to the must-have mix. Case in point: uberstylist Rachel Zoe catalogued an oversized Chanel gold cuff on her list of six prized pieces of jewelry in her style script Style A to Zoe.

A cuff can rough-up any demure outfit. Likewise, when placed at the upper portion of the arm, a cuff can also add a grecian elegance to any long gown.With larger pieces of jewelry of course, it's best to make sure that they simultaneously complement your outfit and make some style statement on their own. No need to have your gems and your gowns competing for attention . . .



*Bottega Veneta silver metal cuff. In mint condition. Priced at $850.

**Designer brass metal bulb cuff and ring set. In excellent condition (missing one stone on the cuff--see photo). Priced at $600

***Lia Sophia amber gem inlaid cuff. In next-to-new condition. Priced at $200.

****&*****Designer starburst deco metal cuffs. In mint condition. Priced at $170 each.

******Designer geometric lacquered metal cuffs. In mint condition. Priced at $140.