From the category archives:

Discount Shopping

Friday Finds: USC Sample Sale Features Hurricane by Jane Jewelry at a Discount

by Jane Diane Matthews on June 11, 2010

Hurray today is Friday! If you live for weekends, you have made it to another one and if you are looking for something fun to do on Saturday, the USC Sample Sale featuring Hurricane by Jane jewelry is tomorrow. The sales event is a fundraiser for the University of Southern California and proceeds from each and every purchase you make will go towards their scholarship fun. Plus it is a way to do some good both for others and for your fashionable self!

Smart gals know that sample sales are the best places to score unique and affordable designer wares and there are plenty of offerings to choose from. As a former sale producer, I have been to more than my fair share of events and know how to price merchandise to move. Attendees can score great prices on some of my best selling pieces such as the Gold Triple Strand Necklace (current retail $53, USC price $47), Silver Triple Strand (current retail, $47 USC price $40) and the Floating Leaf Earrings (shown below, current retail $46, USC price $38):

Don’t forget, 25 percent of each purchase will go directly to the scholarship fund and I’m happy to do it. Inventory is limited and there is never-been-seen, one-of-a-kind-originals up for grab as well. Plus, my entire Twilight Collection will be on display and available by special order only.

Hopefully I’ll get to see you tomorrow, so please stop by, shop and say howdy please!

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Friday Finds: Upcoming USC Sample Sale, June 12 2010

by Jane Diane Matthews on June 4, 2010

Ladies and gentlemen, please mark your calendars (June 12, 2010) for the upcoming USC Sample Sale. The event is a fundraiser for the University of Southern California and is a way to do some good both for others and for your fashionable self.

If you have been dying to live out your greatest “Confessions of a Shopaholic” fantasy on a budget, this event features a slew of up-and-coming as well as established LA based designers, including me, Hurricane by Jane. There will be clothing, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics and a whole slew of goodies, all at bargain basement prices.

As a former sample sale producer for no defunct Girlshop.com, I can tell you that these events will allow you to score the lowest prices on designer goods. Since the designers are on site and controlling their own prices (unlike retail stores) consumers will be able to get wholesale (the price designers charge retailers for their wares) pricing. That means no mark up for you, hurray!

As one of the participating vendors, I am pleased to contribute around 25 percent of my total sales receipts directly to the scholarship foundation. I’ll be presenting some of my most popular sellers like the infamous Gold Triple Strand necklace (this baby retailed for around $90 when Shop Intuition carried it) but at this event I will have a limited number of pieces at the bargain basement price of only $46 (currently $53 on ETSY):

Additionally I will be selling necklaces, bracelets and earrings all hand crafted by me and made of sterling silver and gold-filled findings. There will be a mix of some of my current Twilight collection, some best sellers and one of a kind pieces.

Come shop and meet both me and some other great people featuring ladies clothing from Amy Tangerine and Yanak, shoes from Clever Apparel, swimwear from Lolli Beach Candy and much more. As a matter of fact, there are over twenty vendors directly on site for your shopping pleasure!

The complete list of vendors and all additional information can be found right here. The quick stats are:

  • Event Date: June 12
  • Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
  • Perks: Gift bags to be given out to the first 100 people to confirm attendance on the RSVP VIP but whole sale prices and huge discounts can be enjoyed by all!
  • Location: Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows (101 Wilshire Boulevard Santa Monica, CA)

It is the goal of the foundation to raise $30,000 for the worthy cause. If you were thinking about expanding your seasonal wardrobe, why not check out the event first and leave the malls and chain stores for another day!

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Lord & Taylor Shoe Discount for Pear Shapely

by Jane Diane Matthews on May 24, 2010

Shoe shopping can makes the average gal feel like Cinderella and her famed glass slipper. Women have always had a love affair with their footwear. The right pair of shoes can make us taller, allow us to walk miles and will always fit us no matter how much weight we may gain.

Right now Lord & Taylor is acting as our Fairy Godmother and a 20% discount off of regularly priced shoes is the magical, pixie dust. Customers need to enter the discount code SHOES until (05/24/10) upon checkout. There are plenty of options to choose from that can be put into the rotation of any pear shaped lass.

Pear shapely gals tend to have very shapely legs and have to be extremely cautious with the type of footwear that they should wear. Some shoe “don’ts” include:

  • No Ankle Straps: Visually, ankle straps will give the appearance of your leg being cut in two and will make your gams look stumpy. Pear shaped gals should instead look for mules, slides or any other option that may help aid in an optical illusion of long and lean legs.
  • A Little Lift: Yes, flats are extremely comfy and depending on the season, they can be incredibly “in.” However, a little lift will make our legs will look more shapely and will make our calve muscles more defined.
  • Go Neutral: Since everyone is a different color, one gal’s nude can be another gals downfall. Luckily, metallic colors such as silver, gold and gunmetal are considered neutrals and manufacturers are finally acknowledging variations in flesh town. The point of this is by choosing a perfect shade can elongate the look of your leg.
  • Avoid Stacked Heels- Stacked heels have the odd effect of making a stocky leg look even stockier. However there are plenty of other options such as wedges, kitten heels and stilettos that will work for us.

Considering the wide selection of shoes Lord & Taylor has, you can find plenty of options from the retailer. Happy shopping!

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Loehmann’s Discount for Pear Shapely

by Jane Diane Matthews on May 17, 2010

As I sit inside my apartment staring at the vast, gray sky, I believe I have an official case of the Monday’s. Thankfully my buddies at Loehmann’s have just the right thing to turn my frown upside down: a coupon worth $20 off any purchase of $100 or more:

The discount is valid until May 25, 2010, and can make completing your prom look more affordable!

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Target Discount for Pear Shapely

by Jane Diane Matthews on May 13, 2010

There is nothing like a shopping spree at Target to fill the cupboards and closets with the latest must have items. I’ve wasted countless hours perusing the shelves at my local Target and am loyal to a fault. Not only can I get Piglet (my loving kitty) all his favorites, but also the bargain prices on designer wares are my Achilles heel.

Target makes high-end designers like Jean Paul Gaultier, Zac Posen, Felix Rey, Isaac Mizrahi and Cynthia Rowley accessible to the less, financially blessed masses. Right now, every item is even more affordable as discount code TGTREACT will save you 15 percent off your entire only purchase from the retailer (expiration T/B/D). Don’t worry about losing that discount to shipping charges, as right now there is free shipping on selected items over $50. One choice includes this affordable ($79.99) pear shaped prom find from Master Zac:

This flirty frock has all the elements for a fun prom look: bold color, a narrow top, fuller bottom and a low price tag. The ruffle dress is available in bright red or a more tame black and blue combo and since the look is made up of separates, you can mix and match the pieces into your conventional wardrobe for many years to come.

The key to successfully wearing “off the rack” items comes from unique styling pieces. Whether you want to choose a unique necklace like the Pearl Tassel ($44) from Hurricane by Jane:

or kick it old school with vintage rhinestones, you have the power to own the look, so go for it!

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Starbucks Discount for Pear Shapely

by Jane Diane Matthews on May 11, 2010

Although I focus much of my efforts supporting local retailers and merchants, Starbucks Frappuccino Blended Beverages are some of the most delicious concoctions on earth. When done correctly, the original treat tastes just like coffee ice cream, but is easier to manage thanks to the cup and straw.

If you are searching for an affordable and tasty way to get your afternoon caffeine fix, then make note! Until May 16, participating Starbucks are offering Frappuccinos at half price between 3-5pm. YUM! A great happy hour can really fill your spirits and to find an option sans alcohol will allow you to take your coffee break in style!

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When to Get the Best Deals on Clothing

by Jane Diane Matthews on May 6, 2010

The health of the American economy is hinged on consumer spending. Shopping activity comprises 70 percent of all economic activities in the country and the less we shop, the weaker our nation becomes. Ultimately, it is our duty to spend as freely as possible, but that is not going to prevent me from spending my hard earned cash on sale items.

If you are committed to the art of discount shopping, then you need to know the schedule of savings from major retailers. From first hand experience I know that discount, designer retailer Loehmann’s puts their new merchandise on the floor on Tuesday and Thursday. Recently I spotted this Woman’s Day article on Shine (Yahoo). The piece provides consumers of a master schedule of when to shop for everything from travel, overnight stays in hotels, major electronics and clothing. According to the article:

“Paying full price for clothes is a good way to go broke in a hurry. But knowing when to shop can save you up to 60 percent off current fashions, says Michelle McKinney Hammond, author of Divanomics: How to Still Be Fabulous When You’re Broke.

If you have your eye on specific items at a big retailer like Old Navy, Banana Republic or Kohl’s, Hammond suggests you wait six weeks from the time those items were first introduced in the store (that’s how long it takes current items to go on sale).

Once you’ve waited it out, hit the store on a Thursday night, which is typically the first day of a sale at most major clothing stores. “Don’t wait until the weekend,” she says, “because the choices may be picked through, reducing your chances of getting the right size and style.”

Ultimately, those who plan for indulgent expenditures can get the most value for their money. Next time you spot a must have item at your favorite retailer try to have a little patience. By waiting a couple of weeks or more to buy said item, you can save some serious cash!

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How to Look Skinny Now!

by Jane Diane Matthews on May 5, 2010

There is no scarier time of year then now as bikini season is right around the corner. Annually, women across the nation swear that they will do their best to shed those extra pounds and if they aim to do it at a healthy rate, the loss should be capped at about 2 pounds a week. Slow and steady is the key to effective weight loss, but for those raised on good ol’ American instant gratification that can take too long.

As always, the way to muddle through the process of “dieting” is smoke and mirrors. Here are some style tips you should implement now until you achieve your goal:

  • Go Nude: The reports are in and one of the hottest spring 2010 trends is nude tones.  “Pear Shaped Women Encouraged To Get Nude This Spring” and by wearing a nude pump, you can elongate your leg and look instantly slimmer. This illusion will come not only from the additional inches of height, but once you find a neutral shade that matches your skin tone, viewers will see your leg and shoe as one visually, unobstructed look.


  • Perfect Pants: According to fashion author Charla Krupp, flat front pants (with a hidden zipper) free of pockets will make you look skinnier. “Keep the length about a quarter of an inch from the ground and wear the highest heel you can stand in,” as that will make you “… look your longest and leanest.”
  • Straight Skirts: Bell hems and poufy skirts are a pear shaped gals worst fashion enemy. A-line skirts are not only the most basic cuts, but the simplicity will elongate your bottom torso while making you appear more narrow in the hips.
  • Swimsuit: A contemporary one piece will not only cover any bulges in your mid section, but the solid suit will not visually cut you into two. The top should feature a halter construction, and while you are at it, you can get some hidden body control to boot. Newport-News has their own, affordable Shape FX line. Through the end of today you can receive a 30 percent off of any in-stock, swimsuit by using the coupon code “626“:

More of Carla’s tips can be found here, including to use self-tanner on your legs and eating fiber rich foods and drinking water to reduce bloating. Do you have any other tips for looking instantly skinny? I would love to hear them so please feel free to post your comments.

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Score Great Prices on Lucky Brand Jeans

by Jane Diane Matthews on May 3, 2010

Patience is a virtue, and nearly one year offer proclaiming my love for the Shelby Sweet-N-Lows by Lucky Brand Jeans, I’ve finally fulfilled my dream of ownership. Pear Shaped Gals unite, as right now the best fitting jeans for pear shaped figures are a bargain at $55:

The denim is currently reduced from $99.99 to $69.99 and there is an additional 20 percent discount on sale merchandise through today. The final discount (applied at either check out or in stores) will reduce the jeans to a bargain price of $55, and these jeans are worth every penny.

Since becoming a devoted fan of the line, I fell in love with the Sweet-N-Low jeans and have proclaimed the Shelby style the “Best Jeans for Pear Shaped Figures” because:

  • Jeans are cut to accommodate hips
  • The rise is high enough to prevent “crack” from showing and does not require a thong to wear
  • The flare legs will help balance out the look of our hefty bottom and enhance our pear shaped figure
  • Fabric is 99 percent cotton and 1 percent Lycra ensuring a great fit
  • The color is a dark, rich indigo perfect for wearing either to work or play
  • They are a great value for the money

Why take my word for it? Go for it and happy shopping!

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Stock Up on Basics Thanks to an Old Navy Discount

by Jane Diane Matthews on April 29, 2010

Old Navy is the great equalizer of fashionable trends as nearly everyone can afford to splurge there every now and then. If you are bracing yourself to stock up on new summer basics like white t-shirts, shorts and flip flops, now is the time, as the merchandise is plentiful and you can save 15 percent on your total order thanks to the discount code ONGET15.

With that code by your side, there are plenty of basics any pear shaped gal can easily incorporate into their wardrobe. After stocking up on those goodies, why not treat yourself to an affordable Maxi Dress ($29.50) that will be perfect keeping cool regardless of the temperature:

If you are a pear shaped gal and have yet to embrace this trend, it is time to jump on the bandwagon. The top can be adjusted to fit and enhance your slim upper torso and every other body part you do not want to put on display, will be well hidden. For my money, I find maxi dresses the most comfortable, versatile and easy-to-wear pieces in my wardrobe.

This particular dress is available in both blue and black (so New Yorkers can get in on the action as well). But the bold coloring of the royal blue dress is my personal choice and to complete the Boho look all you need to add are some flip flops, an over sized purse and the Who Night Owl Necklace ($69) from Hurricane by Jane:

The enameled, owl, charm has one of the cutest faces I have ever seen and it is simply adorned with a lovely, gold filled link chain. This necklace is getting a lot of attention, however my charm supply is limited so “if you want it here it is come and get it!”

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