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Hurricane by Jane Jewelry

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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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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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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How to Wear a Maxi Dress and a Bluefly Discount For Pear Shaped Gals

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!

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More Pear Shapely Prom Dresses Using a Lord and Taylor Discount

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.

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Banana Republic Discount for Pear Shaped Gals

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!

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Kohl’s Sale for Pear Shapely

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!

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Pear Shaped Women Encouraged To Get Nude This Spring

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!

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Lord and Taylor Discount For Pear Shapely Prom Dresses

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!

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