Never, ever underestimate the power of fashionable sexcessories. When I opened up my package to find Hippy Cuffs by Fun Factory inside, I was very intrigued. The product's simple packaging is stylish and chic while exuding a sort of eroticism at the same time. It comes in two boxes--one box that actually holds the display tray that shows off the cuffs and another wraparound box, which closes with a simple magnet, that gives it a more polished look. Stylized artwork of the cuffs and women and men wearing them decorate the box, but not in an outlandishly trashy way. I found the packaging very tasteful and have actually saved the box because it's just so darn pretty.

The cuffs themselves are made of high quality, skin-soft rubber. I am usually wary of rubber, but these cuffs surprised me. If I hadn't known they were rubber, I would have thought they were silicone! There was no odor whatsoever. This rubber does contain latex, so a warning to all you fashionistas out there who are latex-sensitive! I have always had issues with latex condoms myself, but for some reason these cuffs have yet to irritate my skin. The base color of the cuffs is a dark chocolate brown while the floral pattern is in a perfectly complementary shade of blue.

The cuffs come with cuff links, which consist of a small silver disk linked to a short metal bar. The "face" of the disk is translucent blue with the word "FUN" inscribed in it. If the person picking over your fashion choices is familiar with the Fun Factory logo, then they will know where your cuffs came from. If not, your secret is safe. These links don't "open", you just have to push them through the holes in the cuffs. The first time I attempted this (I have never before used cuff links in my life), I was afraid I would tear the cuffs. However, the rubber is both sturdy and just the right amount of stretchy, and within minutes I had both cuffs on.

My wrists are on the smaller side, so the cuffs are very floppy looking when I wear them on my wrist. Instead, I have discovered that if I pull the cuffs to about halfway up my arm, they fit nicely and give a sort of invisible 3/4 sleeve look. I have a pair of lace-up fishnet gloves that go great with these because the lacing seems to almost disappear into the cuffs. There are two sets of holes to choose from so that the diameter of the cuffs is adjustable. My cuffs also came with a bit of brown ribbon, which I laced through the holes of one of the cuffs... but with only two sets of holes, you can't achieve that same glorious corset look that some of Fun Factory's other cuffs offer. On Fun Factory's website, it is even suggested that these cuffs can be worn on the ankle! I have tried this, but the look is not for me... maybe with a cute pair of heels?

So they're pretty in the streets, how well do they hold up in the dungeo--errrr sheets? The cuffs also come with a light silver chain with lobster claw clasps on both ends which can be clipped either around the cuff links or through the holes themselves. This chain is of pretty good quality and is sturdy enough, but for personal preferences, it simply wasn't heavy enough for me. I like to be able to feel my restraints, and this chain was a little too sweet and light for me to really feel threatened by it. However, for those who enjoy the merry chinking of lightweight chains, the chain that makes these cuffs naughty is the perfect finishing touch.

I have never had such fun showing off body jewelry than I did with these Cuffies. They are the perfect blend of sweet and sass and they go well with a variety of my outfits. They come complete with cuffs, links, chain, and a little length of ribbon if you choose to lace up a cuff. The whole package (including the packaging itself) is very attractive and the quality of the Cuffies has overall impressed me.

It's been decided that these cute cuffs are not suitable for anything more than the lightest of bondage. Nowadays, I use them mostly as fashion accessories. The other day, I figured out a way to make a cute collar out of these cuffs! Here's how:

1. Lay each cuff flat, with the one end of one cuff overlapping one end of the other cuff so that the holes on the ends line up.

2. Use the two cuff links to secure this end. The blue cuff link faces should now be facing up, while the little rod part of the link is on the very bottom of the stack.

3. Wrap the connected cuffs around your neck so that the links are at the back of your neck.

4. Secure the top holes of the free ends of the cuffs with the satin ribbon. The bottom of the cuffs will be free to move, so they will form a "collar" shape.

The result is super cute and I like to wear it with a a scoop-neck t-shirt under a blazer.