by Jane Diane Matthews on April 28, 2010
Macy’s current slogan, “Way to Shop” is like a verbal high-five. The store wants to celebrate the shopping accomplishments of their customers and right now they are offering a 25% discount and free shipping to make the task easier. From April 28-May 2, online shoppers who enter the code MACYSFRIEND will enjoy the discount while those who prefer shopping in store can get the savings by printing out this coupon.
Since prom season is right around the corner, one of the best uses of this discount will be applying it to the dress for the evening. Yes, I am obsessed with prom fashion and that is because as a pear shaped gal, I searched for months for the perfect dress and never found it. That is why until prom season 2010 is over, I am dedicating my efforts for helping mothers and daughters find great options at affordable prices.
So, what is my choice from the Macy’s Prom Preview 2010 selection? This little dress by Trixxi ($49.99) in the color suited for the Royal Tudors:
Since the 2010 Golden Globes red carpet, the color purple has been a major trend. The bold color is flattering to many skin types and the cut of the dress is perfectly suited for pear shaped gals. The garment features pleating throughout, the fitted bodice top will lock onto our narrow upper torsos and the bottom is generously cut to accommodate fuller bottoms.
This look can benefit from some great accessories from Hurricane by Jane and the winning look would be the contemporary styled Picasso Necklace ($56) and Bold and Beautiful Earrings ($73) from the recent twilight collection:
The reality is, that there are thousands of girls building their prom looks and their ultimate goal is to feel like a unique princess on the night in question. The goal can only be achieved by mixing their off-the-rack purchases with unique, contemporary hand-made accessories of any type.
Shoppers need to focus their energy on finding the best fitting and most flattering dress in their price range. Only after that task can you spend time and money on the accessories, and the jewelry by Hurricane by Jane is a great place to finish off any special occasion look.
by Jane Diane Matthews on April 27, 2010
Hi, I’m Jane, and I am a handbag addict! Seriously, even after giving away dozens of purses, my closet is still jam-packed with hundreds of them. Unfortunately, I am not exaggerating. Thanks to Loehmann’s announcement that they just received a new and fabulous shipment of Marc by Marc Jacobs handbags discounted up to 40 percent off of department prices, I am doomed to add to my collection.
Loehmann’s is known for featuring the latest and greatest offers from top end designers at substantial discounts. The collection of purses in question range in price from $99.99-$299.99 (originally $168-$498) and their are wallets ranging from $59.99-$149.99 ($98-$248). From personal experience, I can tell you that the stock varies from location to location, and at this point, it is unknown exactly what handbags are being featured. However, I can assure you they will be spanking new and delicious!
If you want dibs on the Marc Jacobs offerings, go to your nearest Loehmann’s today. If however, you are watching your budget and want to get the most bang for your buck, wait to shop until Thursday April 29 as this coupon will provide you with an additional 15 percent savings. The coupon is valid until Sunday, May 2 and can be used to save money on any one item of your liking!
Happy Shopping Ladies!
by Jane Diane Matthews on April 21, 2010
Maxi dresses are a staple of my wardrobe. Not only are long dresses the most comfortable and versatile items I own, they are perfect for my physic. Long story short, the dresses are detailed to highlight the most fit portions of our bodies, (upper torso) and the bottom portions are generously cut for our larger hips. Max & Cleo’s Blackberry Halter Dress ($97) is my most recent obsession:
The combination of the color most associated with royalty matched with the plunging neckline will make this the perfect addition to my pear shaped wardrobe. If you are a first time Bluefly shopper, you can easily get this dress and another treat and be rewarded with a $30 savings. All you need to do is buy $150 worth of merchandise and enter the the coupon code AFF30 to save $30 bucks.
There are plenty of options to choose from, but a dress like this needs a great pair of shoes like these gorgeous, albeit pricey option from Prada:
Of course a great piece like the Golden Moon Necklace from Hurricane by Jane to complete the look:
Regardless of how you opt to use your first time $30 incentive from Bluefly, please choose wisely to avoid buyers remorse!
by Jane Diane Matthews on April 20, 2010
I’m committed to preventing other girls from making the fashion mistakes I made at my prom. If I had to do it all over again, my hair would not be so quaffed, I would wear some Hurricane by Jane Jewelry, and my dress would not have been made out of black acetate. The fabric did not breath and I was a bit dewey all night long:
However, it was the 80s, I thought I was styling and I have this great photo as my memory. It is my goal to prevent history from repeating and with that in mind, Lord and Taylor has another coupon offer, this time a huge 25 percent discount offer (FRIENDS) for dress shoppers to take advantage of.
Prom dresses need to be fun, flirty and most of all, work well with your body type so you can feel confident all night long. If you are looking for a contemporary twist on the LBD, this Trimmed Strapless Dress from BCBGMAXAZRIA ($358) is a perfect option for pear shaped gals:
The strapless cut will lovingly hug our upper torsos, the slimmest part of our bodies. The fitted bodice will also narrow our waist and the fuller bottom will accommodate swaying hips. Plus, the dress is knee length, and for the most bottom heavy of pears, the extra fabric will be a blessing.
No prom outfit is complete without sparkling accessories and the Boogie Nights Necklace from Hurricane by Jane is the must have piece to wear:
Swarovski Fireballs made up of illuminating, precision-cut crystal glass, and the three beads in this necklace will catch the mood lighting all night long. Stud earrings, a simple clutch an comfortable shoes are the rest of the goodies needed to finish off the outfit and will ensure that you can kick it all night long.
by Jane Diane Matthews on April 15, 2010
Happy Tax Day everyone! April 15 is one of themost stressful days of the year as people are scrambling to file their taxes and do their civic duty. The good news is, after the deed is done, consumers may find that they have more spare cash in their wallets than previously anticipate. The better news is that many retailers and restaurants are offering freebies and great discounts as a way to promote themselves and as an incentive to get people spending their refunds.
If you are interested in tapping into the offers, first thing to do is grab your travel mug and get a free coffee from Starbucks. While sipping on the elixir, it is time to check the racks at Banana Republic as for the next four days, you can get a healthy 25 percent discount off of brand-new, full price items. Those comfy on their couches can also get the 25 percent savings by shopping online (enter discount code TAXBREAK25 upon checkout).
Pear Shapely ladies can always find some great options at Banana Republic like this Silk Flutter Tier Top ($69):
Flowing fabric will help make your bustline look fuller, regardless of if you wear tailored pants, a pencil skirt or skinny jeans. The Layer Cake Necklace ($65) by Hurricane by Jane, would draw additional attention upwards:
Simple earrings like Dangle Me This ($42) would complete the look:
Whatever your shopping preference, with the current Banana Republic discount, the world can be your oyster!
by Jane Diane Matthews on April 14, 2010
Kohl’s commercials are confusing. They feature women who find their self worth by combining sales and coupons to score the shopping deal of the century. Sure, I love a good discount as much as the next crazed shopper, but my ego is not directly hinged upon it.
Despite my confusion, when there is a straight out sale I can easily understand, I fully support it. Kohl’s is finally having such a simple event. From 11am to 4pm today, online shoppers can receive either 20 percent off a $100 shopping spree (discount code APR20EDT) or a 15 percent savings of of any purchase (discount code APR15EDT).
That means I can take the time to stock up on my favorite undergarments for my pear shaped figure but add some pieces to my pear shaped spring wardrobe. One spring trend that every fun-loving, pear shaped gal should embrace is tie-dye. The trend is an easy way to incorporate splashes of color and at $19,99, this Apt. 9 Hammered-Sating Top, event those with a limited budget can partake in the fun:
For the most slimming, style effect, pear shaped gals should plan on wearing this flowing top with dark, skinny jeans. Your sculpted arms will be on display as the colorful pattern will bring all eyes to your upper torso. A necklace would be too much detail so simple earrings and a bold bracelet from Hurricane by Jane are all you need. The sterling silver and gold filled detailed Icicle Hoop Earrings ($47) and the heavy gage, sterling silver and gold filled link chain Heavy Metal Bracelet ($69) would be the accessory icing on this fashion kick:
Happy shopping!
by Jane Diane Matthews on April 13, 2010
As a native Long Islander, no birthday celebration was complete without being completely embarrassed by the crazy antics included as part of your Benihana celebratory meal. Flying shrimp, steaming onion volcanoes and loudly singing staff are part of the deal. For years, I did not believe I was turning one year older unless my age was ushered in by the event.
The joyful experience became the a bit tainted on my 13th birthday. Right after the meal was complete, my parents sat me down to ask me the question “If mommy and daddy split up, who do you want to live with.” The decision was made, life went on, and I could not bring myself to go back to my happy place again.
Luckily that is all water under the bridge and my love for birthday celebrations have escalated over the years. This year’s event was most joyous as I once again dared to go to Benihana, and it was their treat thanks to my membership in their “Chef’s Table” club. Sign up was quick and easy and within days I received a coupon for a free birthday dinner, up to a $30 value.
I must have had some birthday magic that day as my honey and I went for lunch, with coupon in hand and they comped us both. Yup, we each got to feast like kings, totally for free. The food was as tasty as I remembered and after I begged, the waitress blocked the staff from singing to me.
My love for the wacky chain is flourishing once again and I encourage you all to take advantage of the best, free birthday meal ever!
by Jane Diane Matthews on April 12, 2010
Hurray, Spring is here! It is time for all pear shaped gals to rejuvenate their spirits and sometimes the quickest way to do so is with a little addition to their wardrobes. One rite of passage I partake in annually isby replacing my classic Chuck Taylors sneakers. The classic footwear has been around since 1917 and fashionable consumers can now receive a 20% discount plus free shipping (coupon code: CHUCKS17) by shopping directly through Converse.com.
As a brand loyalist, I first fell in love with the sneakers in high school as they always upped the cool factor of any outfit I was wearing. Yeah, I pushed the trend to include wearing two colors of the shoes at the same time, things are a bit different now. Although I’ve never turned by back on the brand, I have learned how to best wear the foot covers to flatter my curvy figure. Pear shaped gals should stick with the low-tops, as high tips will visually cut our leg and make them look stumpy. If you are thinking about adding your first pair of Chuck “Ts” then sticking with a solid color, like a Metallic Silver ($75) is a great way to ease into the brand:
Courtesy of my flat feet, the shoes are extremely comfortable. (courtesy of my flat feet), and can be worn with any weekend ensemble for both style and substance. The shoes can be paired with jeans, skirts, shorts and even dresses to ensure maximum, sporty style.
by Jane Diane Matthews on April 8, 2010
If you haven’t heard, nude is it for Spring. I’m not encouraging pear shaped gals to run out of their houses naked, but to find appropriate clothing in shades of caramel, pink and other flesh tones. Although it may appear to be a bid challenging for us, when there is a will, there is a way and England based Topshop is gonna help me get my seasonal, trendy, fashion fix thanks to this Spot Asymmetric Wrap Dress ($100):
The base color is beige and the polka dots are a chocolate brown, a lovely combo for pear shaped figures. The ruffle collar detail will add some girth to our upper torso and the additional puckers throughout will tie the look together. Don’t worry about the asymmetrical fabric, as the way it is positioned will actually provide an optical illusion for slimming down our hips. Plus the waist tie will whittle our middles and help create the always coveted hour glass figure.
Nude pumps are the next key to ensuring that our pear shaped figures will look their bests as our legs will look longer and who does not want to benefit from a couple extra inches in height. The Elgort Pump ($79) is one great option. The pretty pair can be scooped up from Nine West during their current 30% off Friends and Family Sale (enter code NWFRND4 at checkout from April 8-April 12):
So far, so cute! Of course a pretty pedi is a must for peep toe shoes, and some jewelry from Hurricane by Jane is another necessity. Since the fabric is patterned and the shoes have grommets, the Bold and Beautiful Earrings ($73) will finish off the look fabulously:
The sterling silver and gold filled link chain will work extremely well with the entire color palate and who doesn’t want a great pair of black earrings to incorporated into their wardrobe. Plus the jewels will allow you to use your favorite black purse with the ensemble thus saving on the overall budget, hurray!
by Jane Diane Matthews on April 1, 2010
Prom is an important right of passage for many young women, and the season is right around the corner. Finding the right date, transportation and outfit for the evening is the key to ensuring that the evening goes off without a hitch. All this can be a bit more challenging for pear shaped girls who are not fully accustomed to properly draping their curves.
Lord and Taylor is here to make the task a bit easier. The department store is always a must stop destination when shopping for prom ensembles and until April 3, 2010, you can save a whopping 20% off by using the discount code “SHOP.” The discount is applicable on both sale and regularly priced items and this
For young pear-shaped ladies looking for a fun and flirty look for prom night, I think this Ombre Strapless Bubble Dress from Xscape ($159) will fit the bill:
There are several reasons why this dress would make a perfect prom choice. When combined with the 20% discount as well as the current promotion offering free shipping, the total for this dress is $127. The orange and pink color combo would look great on nearly all skin tones and the pleating at the empire waist with a cute bubble hem will allow pear shaped girls to show off their best features while elegantly covering excess junk in the trunk.
The color palate achingly cries for gold accessories and the Hurricane by Jane Orb Necklace ($45) would elegantly and affordable accent the look:
A single Swarovski Fireball is adorned by a detailed gold filled link chain and the simplicity of the design will ensure that they dress still holds center state. Like Cinderella, the prom princess will need to wear some great shoes that are both stylish and comfortable and that is where these gold, satin sandals from Annie ($49.95-$50.95) come into play:
The jewel embellishments will coordinate with the Orb necklace, the golden hue is understated and perfectly suited for the dress and the 2 1.2″ heels will help a girl boogie, oogie, oogie until she just can boogie no more. The look can be completed by adorning your ears with a pair of pearl or diamond studs which can easily be borrowed from a friend or family member and another $10 will allow you to get this Rose Mini Clutch (Payless).
The total for this outfit will still be under $200, which will leave some pocket change perfect for getting a professional to style your hair for the big day!
