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!
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!
by Jane Diane Matthews on May 28, 2010
Till this very day Marilyn Monroe is still one of the most popular of Hollywood icons. Fans always have a soft spot for the talented, smart and sexy blond with the sultry voice and people still clamor to get a piece of her. Those with $150,000-$200,000 to spare can get that much closer to her greatness as her gorgeous and infamous pink dress from her dazzling performance of “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” (Gentlemen Prefer Blonds) is currently on the auction block:
What girl would not want to own such an amazing piece of history? Although I love my Hurricane by Jane, only diamonds would do the gown justice!
Not only is this gem going to the highest biggest, but according to MSNBC.com “Hundreds of iconic movie items will go up for grabs from June 10-12, 2010 at the Profiles in History “Hollywood Auction 40″ in Calabasas Hills, Calif.” Some other treasures included in the auction includes the original “bottle” that acted as Barbara Eden’s home in the first season of “I Dream of Jeannie,” the hat worn by the “Wicked Witch of the West” in the Wizard of Oz and Johnny Depp’s hands from Edward Scissorhands.
This auction is certainly going to make some memorabilia collector very happy. Congratulations to the lucky auction winners, whomever you may be.
by Jane Diane Matthews on May 21, 2010
Try as we might, we cannot prevent the 80s from coming back into fashion. Acid wash, shoulder pads and neon are filling the racks of retailers across the nation. Well, if you cannot beat it you might as well join the action and start paying tribute to your favorite trend. One style trend of the time was covering your denim jacket (preferably from Levis) with buttons and flair.
Pardon the cliche, but these buttons are as cute as a button! For the low price of $3 you can start your new and improved collection out with this whimsical fruit salad featuring a Silly Pear, Surprised Pineapple and a Bucktooth Orange.
Granted that they probably won’t live up to the potential of your replica album cover pins or the classic “If you can read this you are too close” pin, but it will certainly be a good start.
by Jane Diane Matthews on May 14, 2010
Vegas is one of the most magical cities in the world! Neon, liquor, gambling, gourmet dining, shows and shopping are just some of the temptations that are just about 300 miles from my front door. Oh, if only there was an easier way to get there instead of the typical 5-8 hour drive. Of course I can easily jump on a flight, but I hate wasting my gambling money on that.
Introducing the X-Train Las Vegas Party Train. This ride is going to be complete with a full bar, gambling and food. All the necessities for enduring the 5 1/2 hour trek in style:
It is important to note that the images currently being used to promote the X Train from LA to LV are actually images of the “Blue Train, South Africa’s fabled luxury hotel on wheels” (thanks to Core77.com for pointing this out), but a girl can still dream can’t she. However, Carpenter Sellers Del Gatto Architects, the same group behind the Blue Train has been commissioned for this project as well. The trains are going to start running in 2011.
The train line is supposed to start running next year and is going to run on existing Union Pacific tracks. The publicly-traded, Delaware-based Las Vegas Railway Express, Inc. are the masterminds behind the plan and will be paying additional fees to Union Pacific to get priority clearance and to make the commute a bit faster.
Those interested in getting the full “poop” can read the press release here!
by Jane Diane Matthews on May 7, 2010
I haven’t been “like a Virgin” since around the time that Madonna song was first released. My husband is well aware of the fact and loves me despite any previous indiscretions I may have had. That is why I am so grateful that one of my favorite bloggers, Nicole Antoinette, pointed me in the direction of a “Vaginal Rejuvenation Spray” entitled “Instant Virgin.”
According to the manufacturers there is “No need for dangerous and expensive cosmetic surgery, because now you can easily rejuvenate and tighten your vagina, with Instant Virgin.” Thank goodness! Boy, am I relieved to find a product that will prevent my vagina from “further aging” as that has been my primary concern for decades.
Since I have officially entered my middle-aged years, I doubt that I am the intended market for this product. However, my experience has led me to create this scenario of the closeted vaginal rejuvenation spray user: A girl who is barely legal drinking age, trying to make up for a failed one night stand after too-many woo-woo shots. After the regret sets, in she purges her system of any remaining alcohol, takes a long, hot shower (about two hours long) and scrubs aggressively. The final step for undoing last night’s sins, a spray to the groin and a prayer to her maker. Oh if only I had this product during my college days, the morning after would have been a most delightful experience!
The fact remains that “…Most men prefer a tight vagina.” Well, for sexual novices out there, that is what Kegel Exercises are for and at the end of the day, your man will be more than grateful for any vaginal action he may get. Regardless of your virginal status or not!
by Jane Diane Matthews on April 30, 2010
Messy eaters with beautiful tables=a bad combination. That is why any hostess with the mostest needs to have an arsenal of table coverings to protect their treasured furniture.
If purchasing a tablecloth is in order, why not consider something with a little charm that can add a little bit of warmth to any celebratory meal. My choice is this lovely vintage cloth featuring, what else, pears:
Yes, I love my fruit and if I am eating it, I love a crop that is decades old. The ETSY seller estimates that this beauty is from either the 50s or 60s, measures 51″x50″ and features a”repeating design in red-brown, yellow and green (for the leaves) of pears, apples and cherries.” This table topper looks good enough to eat, and for the low sales price of only $24, you can certainly partake in the feast!
by Jane Diane Matthews on April 23, 2010
Snacking is one of the greatest American past times, and that could explain the currently large state of the nation. However, if you are a pear shaped gal, looking for a satisfying sweet, there is nothing better than freeze dried fruit to tantalize your taste buds:
Freeze dried fruit is 100% fruit with all the liquid removed. What is left is the concentrated flavor perfect for beating a sweet craving with very few calories.
My personal favorite dried fruit is the mango from retailer extraordinaire, Trader Joe’s. Honestly, it is better tasting than cotton candy. However, since the theme of this blog is everything pear and not all states have the best grocery store in the world, shoppers can find some great options thanks to Amazon.com.
by Jane Diane Matthews on April 16, 2010
Babies need extra TLC and there is no better fabric for their delicate skin like 100 percent cotton. If you are a pear shaped gal looking for a way to get your kiddo in on the action then this adorable hand printed pear onesie ($10.50) features the perfect combo of fabric and pear silkscreen:
The Portland, Oregon based artist cut the pear, silk screen stamp and then choose a festive pear green paint to pay homage to our favorite fruit.
by Jane Diane Matthews on April 9, 2010
Whether it is hand created by me, or by other talented artists, I love jewelry. Regardless of who is creating the piece, it is always my goal to find something unique and unlike any other offering out there. That is why when I spotted this Brass Pear Vintage Button Necklace ($38) I felt compelled to share:
The necklace is constructed of vintage finds including a brass pear, old skeleton key, and a yellow bakelite button. The whimsical combo of items nearly guarantees that this item is one-of-a-kind. If you are looking for a cool necklace to incorporate into your wardrobe while paying subtle homage to your pear shaped figure, this is it!
