From the category archives:

Hurricane by Jane Jewelry

Hurricane by Jane Jewelry Featured on Shecky’s

by Jane Diane Matthews on March 31, 2010

According to Shecky’s, the infamous group behind such magical events as “Girl’s Night Out,”  my jewelry is “Taking the Accessories World by Storm.”

Click here to see the full story.

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A Perfect Cocktail Dress For Pear Shaped Gals from Newport News

by Jane Diane Matthews on March 30, 2010

My relationship with Newport News can be labeled as a “love/hate” affair. Many times I find myself browsing through their website or catalogue and find myself enraged with the styles they are featuring as they would look best on a group of ladies who lunch in Florida or Texas. I also have learned this following shopping tip the hard way “When shopping on Newport-News I have found that it is very important to check the fabric description to avoid purchasing an item that looks inferior and double check the sizing information as their shipping fees are costly.”

Just as I am getting ready to write off the clothing purveyor for the last time, they have an item that is so irresistible, affordable and versatile that I get sucked right back in. This time, the shopping bait is this lovely Shirred Two Tone Dress ($79):

For years black and white combinations have ruled my wardrobe. Regardless of whether you hop on the current trend of graphic prints, favor the color combo in the form of animal prints or even opt for classic tuxedo inspired pieces, you can never go wrong. Plus, this garment is part of the March Sale currently featured on the site and by using the discount code 695 (enter upon check out and expiring tomorrow 3/31/10) the additional 20% discount will allow you to own this baby for chump change.

Not only does this item eloquently pay homage to the b & w craze, it is perfectly constructed for our pear shaped figures. The item features subtle, jet black, sequin beading on the neckline and waistline. The light will reflect off the beads, and draw the attention to our “look” upward and away from our large, swinging hips. The bottom is constructed of loose, cascading fabric, exactly how our pear shaped assets should be covered. Ultimately, this item would be a perfect and affordable look that can be worn to any number of occasions ranging from date night to bridesmaid dress.

When it comes to wearing this dress in out accessories are the key to owning the look. Step one, wear your hair back and wear a bold pair of earrings like Yowl ($67) from Hurricane by Jane, L.L.C.:

The earrings are substantial looking enough that they only additional accessories you need are a great pair of shoes and a coordinating clutch. Chances are you have a metallic combo in your wardrobe, but if you were looking for a splash of color to mix it up, just go for your favorite and do it! Turquoise is a choice color popping up this spring and I think these satin shoes from Luichiny:

Combined with this affordable grey satin clutch from Target will complete the look!

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Express Discount For Pear Shapely

by Jane Diane Matthews on March 29, 2010

Spring has officially sprung! Now is the time women across the nation re-evaluate their wardrobes, clean out their closets and make a shopping list to rejuvenate their options. Express has always been a great store for that, and thanks to a 25% discount pear shaped women can do so on a budget.

Express is known for their Editor Pants, that works on nearly every body type and shape. Since they are some of the best fitting bottoms for pear-shaped gal, including a cropped pair in your wardrobe will come in handy. Gals in the know, are stocking their closet with some key essentials for 2010, including military styles and these adorable cropped editor pants from Express ($59.50):

The inseam is 23″, so the pant would look great with a ballet flat, kitten heal or even some boots with a long shaft (as long as the pants cover the top of the boots). The fabric is made of a form flattering cotton and spandex mix, and the front is adorned with silver military styled buttons.

The key to wearing these pants is finding a top that will provide enough visual interest and work with the cut of the pant. My suggestion is this cute, Embellished Smocked Top for $49.50:

This top is following the currently popular safari trend but both pieces are subtle enough that they can be worn together and not make you look like a fashion victim. When adjusted, the smocked waistline will fit snugly around the top of your hip bone and should meet the top of the pants for full coverage.

No necklace is recommended for this look as both the top and the bottoms feature embellishments that provide enough detail around the neckline and elsewhere. However, some bling from Hurricane by Jane would be the icing on the fashion cake. I recommendation a great set of Pearl Tassel Earrings ($42):

Combined with the Twisted Sister Bracelet ($65).

Combining unique jewelry with any store bought ensemble will help ensure that your pear shaped look is one of a kind. Just make sure to follow the basic tips of adorning your pear shaped figure any time you shop. Remember, three way mirrors and an honest opinion from a stranger are the best way to ensure that you are draping your pear shaped curves in the most flattering way possible.

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Friday Finds: Hurricane by Jane Twilight Collection

by Jane Diane Matthews on March 26, 2010

Twilight. As the most mysterious time of day sweeps across the sky, many gals start to let their hair down. The hour signifies freedom from the daily grind and new opportunities for sipping champagne, fine dining and romantic liaisons.

This passion for nightfall inspired the newest collection by Hurricane by Jane. Aptly named “Twilight” the new necklaces, earrings and bracelets are composed of the finest materials. Included in the mix are sterling silver and gold-filled link chains, beads and findings complimented by jet-black stone beads (agate, spinal and onyx), iridescent moonstones, Swarovski crystals and ravishing pearls.

Each and every piece is hand crafted in limited quantities by the designer, Jane Diane Matthews. The artist measures, cuts and wire-wraps each item individually and lovingly packages each piece in an organza bag.

If you are looking for designer quality, hand-crafted jewelry at affordable prices, look no further! Hurricane by Jane Jewelry will blow you away!

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Please Stand By…..

by Jane Diane Matthews on March 25, 2010

For an Important Message From Our Sponsor…

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Update: Hurricane by Jane, Jewelry That Will Blow You Away

by Jane Diane Matthews on February 16, 2010

I am self-employed. Professionally I have always been a “Jane of all trades” and truly thrive by making my living through a mix of endeavors. My current revenue stream is generated from my copy writing work for the websites GoBankingRates.comGoInsuranceRates.com, the PPC advertisements on PearShapely.com and my handmade jewelry line, Hurricane by Jane.

For those who have recently visited and checked out my collection on ETSY, you may be wondering what the heck is going on. The boutique is looking a bit weak and incomplete. Well, there are actually very good reasons for the current state of chaos, and whether you care or not, I’m going to share them with you:

  • Keeping a Presence: Although the bulk of my collection is still currently live on ETSY, I’m consciously letting the listings expire while I work behind the scenes. It is a fact that at this present time my best jewelry adorned foot is not forward, but still in place just acting as a door jam.
  • New Collection Coming Soon: I’ve built all the pieces for my most recent collection and the work is truly stunning. Of course I am still integrating gold and silver, but these pieces incorporate some black magic courtesy of onyx, agate and black spinal.
  • Photography: My darling husband is also my photographer. He works a full time job and our “studio time” needs to be squeezed in on weekends. This weekend marks when the new images will start being shot so I can show you the beauty I have created.
  • Cleaning House: Once the new collection posts (my goal is three weeks from this point) the collection will be streamlined and will feature a mix of my best sellers and new bracelets, earrings and necklaces. That means, some of those items you have been wanting may vanish completely. The time to act is now, so feel free to contact me directly at hurricanebyjane@gmail.com with any questions you may have.
  • Free Shipping: With the launch of the new collection, there will be free shipping for each and every item purchased!

The update will be worth the wait, pinky swear! Personally, like my pubescent years, I cannot wait for the changes to be in place. In the meantime, thanks for your support during this awkward looking-time period.

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Pop culture maven’s know that Leather Tuscadero was the coolest chick to ever visit the Cunninghams. She intimidated the Fonz, wore a skin-tight leather jumpsuit in the 50’s world of Happy Days and introduced the world to chick rock-n-roll, 70’s style!

Just seeing Suzi Quatro slither across the screen was enough to get my attention. No, she wasn’t my first girl crush, but her outfits were worthy of any blonde bad girl and she was my leatherette role model. But time has since moved on, and I think the last thing the world needs is another middle aged woman (like myself) shoving herself into a leather, sausage casing.

If you have always had a crush on leather but are looking for clothing with a contemporary twist, Andrew Marc, the hide master himself, has a new collection of sweetly, styled leather dresses. Several of the offerings are perfectly proportion to adorn the most stylish of pear shaped gals. My favorite for our body shape is the Elena Dress ($158):

The empire waist will show off your narrow top, the metallic mesh detail will highlight a whittled middle and the bigger bottom would accommodate our swaying hips. Since I am not one for showing off my legs I would rock a pair of leggings or even a pair of skinny jeans. If you are thinking about adding this piece to your wardrobe, you need to act before the end of March as there is a substantial e 25% discount exclusive for Facebook Fans of Andrew Marc. More information  on how to cash in on the exclusive Facebook Fan discount Facebook Fans can be found on the Andrew Marc blog.

At this point, I will just casually mention that completing the look with some great Hurricane by Jane jewelry is a smart move. But I am going to resist plugging any one piece, as I have already produced my new collection and will be totally overhauling my boutique in the next few weeks. Brace yourself ladies…

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Pear Shaped Body Figure Fixes

by Jane Diane Matthews on January 12, 2010

Pear shaped women, I’m talking to you! No matter how much weight we lose, our bottoms will always be bigger then our tops, and that is okay. As I have mentioned, dressing to maximize your pear shaped figure is an illusion and smoke and mirrors are the key to doing so stylishly.

Some simple steps to take to ensure that you are making appropriate clothing choices to flatter your body include:

  • Avoid Anything Mini: Short items tend to hit at the largest part of our curves and will unnecessarily exaggerate heavy thighs. The same stands true for short-shorts as for pear shaped gals they are a no-no.
  • Tight All Around: Anything too tight will shine a spotlight on bulges and curves. The general rule is if you wear tight bottoms (like leggings or skinny jeans) wearing a flowing top will add balance and if you choose to wear a fitted top, make sure your jeans are dark and either trouser or boot leg cut.
  • Skirt the Issue: A-line or circle skirts will comfortably accommodate swinging hips and choosing a knee length item will be your best bet.
  • Bag It: Although loose clothing can be extremely comfortable, clothing that is too baggy will do nothing to flatter your figure. If you must wear baggy boyfriend jeans (a weekend staple of mine) make sure the top is fitted and interesting enough to draw the viewers eyes upward. Great accessories like an awesome necklace from Hurricane by Jane jewelry can contribute to that optical illusion.

  • Crop It: When opting to layer with either blazers or cardigans, check the length. The items can be cropped, go about 3 or 4 inches below the natural waist or cover your thighs. Anything else and you risk accentuating our bottom-heaviness.
  • Wrap It Up!: I’ve amassed a full collection of wrap dresses as when constructed properly, they are a curvy and pear shaped gals best friend.  Julie Brown has an awesome option on Bluefly:

At the end of the day, you got to work with your strengths. If you have any other style tips specifically catering to pear shaped gals, feel free to post your comments and share your knowledge with the world.

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Bluefly.com Discount for Pear Shapely

by Jane Diane Matthews on December 15, 2009

If you are at all like me, you have been waiting ever so patiently for retailers to start discounting to help make their final numbers for 2009. That time is now and fully immersing yourself into the world of discount shopping will help you reap the rewards of fashion finds, perfect for holiday dressing. Bluefly.com is taking an additional 15% off of every item currently on the site and offering free shipping as well.

As usual, the options for great clothing is nearly limitless, but of course my focus is finding options that will compliment pear shaped body types. My first choice is this beautiful graphic silk dress from Hale Bob (today’s price is $165.75).

By pairing this sheath with solid black tights and black boots, pear shaped gals will help contribute to the optical illusion of an elongated figure, slimmer legs and a larger upper torso thanks to the bold patter. The best feature of this dress is the “obi wrap belt along empire waist with leather center” right beneath a plunging v-neck. The belt feature will highlight the narrow waist typically associated with our luscious body shapes while the empty space left by the neckline should be filled with a great piece of Hurricane by Jane Jewelry such as the asymmetrically constructed Lucky Charms Necklace ($94):

Simple earrings and maybe a bold, black, acrylic bangle-bracelet would be the final pieces needed for fully styling this look.

Although this Nanette Lepore blazer would also work with the look , this is great National Velvet jacket ($157.25) is a great centerpiece for any outfit including jeans and pencil skirts:

Velvet is always the lux fabric for the colder months, and since winter has only just begun, you will have plenty of time to get some wear out of this wrapper.

Of course the site has every type of fashion item conceivable and I have only selected 2 great options from a list of thousands. This sale is a limited time offer that is not being heavily promoted on the web. So don’t waste any time thanking me when there are divine and fashionable bargains to be had.

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Pear Shapely Discount for Ann Taylor

by Jane Diane Matthews on December 10, 2009

When it comes to shopping and friendships, I do not discriminate. Any person or store stands a chance as ultimately, the source will open my world in ways I have never previously imagined. Ann Taylor is now worthy of my loyalty as how can I resist a 30% discount off an entire purchase. You can benefit from this too by entering the code “WINTER” until December 13. Then you can stock up on some great items not only for yourself, but for sharing the joy this season.

This offerings include tons of contemporary styled ruffled sweaters and tops that perfectly capitalize on the season’s must have design point. My choice is this supple-soft cashmere sweater with small, jeweled button details ($170):

The colors available range from pastels such as “shoreline” and to the neutral end of the spectrum featuring winter white, heather gray and black. This item would make an excellent layering piece that can be worn throughout the entire season and a bold bracelet such as the Heavy Metal from Hurricane by Jane L.L.C. would be the icing on the cake. The entire combination would draw the eye upward to visually accentuate our slim, Pear Shapely torsos.

Perhaps you finally got an invite to the must-have holiday event of the season and need the perfect little black dress to wear. Then this gorgeous silk taffeta ($215) will do wonders:

This online exclusive is the perfect “LBD” for pear shaped women for a plethora of reasons:

  • Black: Say no more!
  • V-Neck: Perfect for showing off decolletage and drawing the eye up
  • Skirt: Fuller to accommodate our swaying hips

If you are chilly, just throw on the previously mentioned cashmere sweater or a wrap you may have floating around and pair it with some exquisite jewelry from Hurricane by Jane.  The pieces featuring iridescent moonstones will look just divine. Whether you want to keep it simple and just adorn a great pair of earrings like the Moony Dusters ($45):

Or want to also drape your neck with the coordinating Ring of Fire necklace ($57), I’ve got you covered.

Combined, the entire look is simple, elegant and timeless, but all the pieces are strong enough to stand on their own well into 2010. Don’t forget, Hurricane by Jane is offering free standard shipping for the holiday season, so get your order in now to take advantage of the beautiful handcrafted jewelry and the savings.

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