Friday, July 23, 2010

SHOULDER BAGS AND SHOOTINGS: ARTICLE, REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY ENDED
SHOULDER BAGS
AND SHOOTINGS

BY DOROTHY HOWELL

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Life is beyond fabulous for Haley Randolph. She just spent two amazing weeks in Europe with her boyfriend Ty Cameron, owner of Holt’s Department Store where Haley works. And now Ty’s grandmother, Ada, is letting Haley drive her way-cool Mercedes. Plus, Haley’s closing in on the season’s must-have handbag.

But when Haley finds the body of her nemesis in the trunk of Ada’s Mercedes, things aren’t so fabulous anymore. Topping the list of suspects, Haley must solve this murder quickly – and find that hot handbag – before she becomes a killer’s next fashion fatality!

You can even read an excerpt on the author's website!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dorothy Howell, was inspired to write Handbags and Homicide by her crazed obsession with designer purses. She lives in Southern California, where there is, thankfully, no rehab program for handbag addiction, and is hard at work on her next Haley Randolph mystery.Dorothy also writes historical romance novels under the pen name Judith Stacy. She’s sold 23 funny, heartwarming romances that have reached almost 3 million readers worldwide.Her romance titles include the line's Top Seller for the Year, a No.1 on the Barnes & Noble Historical List, and a RITA Award Finalist. Visit her romance book web site at www.JudithStacy.com , and you can find excerpts from HANDBAGS AND HOMICIDE and PURSES AND POISON, the other 2 previous Haley Randolph mysteries!.

Also, be sure to check her new Website and her Facebook page.

Check out her DESIGNER HANDBAG giveaway on her site as well!

AUTHOR ARTICLE:

GREAT PLACES TO SCORE A
DISCOUNT DESIGNER HANDBAG

By Dorothy Howell

You don't have to dress less-than-glam during these hard economic times -- not when shopping centers and Internet sites are flush with places to snag a genuine designer handbag at a deeply discounted price.

Stores selling discounted handbags range from small, intimate vintage and consignment shops to large department stores, and even larger outlet malls. Internet sites offer a wide range of styles, colors, and designer names.

The Premium Outlets and the Tanger Outlets far and away have the largest concentration of discounted designer merchandise. Along with handbag stores such as Coach, Judith Leiber, Kate Spade and Dooney & Bourke, you'll find a fantastic array of designer stores. Michael Kors, Liz Clairborne, Prada, DKNY, Gucci, Calvin Klein, Burberry, along with many others, carry everything from clothing to shoes, and a sampling of their handbag lines.

The Premium Outlets have over 40 locations nationwide, along with malls in Puerto Rico, Japan, Korea, and Mexico. Tanger Outlet has over 30 locations in the U.S. Both offer AAA and AARP member discounts. Join their VIP Club and visit their Web sites for coupons and special offers. Check out their seasonal sales weekends and national promotions for extra savings in addition to everyday discounts.

First, and in some cases, second quality merchandise is available. You'll have to bring along a magnifying glass to find flaws, though. Most are detectable only to the factory-trained eye.

These outlet stores are great places to shop. There's no digging through clearance bins or blowing the dust off of merchandise that's been sitting around for months. The stores are immaculate, the shelves are orderly and well stocked. The staffs are knowledgeable and helpful, the same as you'll find in their retail stores. Many times, after making your selection, the clerk can bring you a "fresh" bag from the stock room. Care is taken to wrap your treasure in the store's signature tissue paper, and deposit it into their trademark shopping bag.

Discounts typically run 20% to 40% off the MSRP, with deeper cuts of up to 65% off of sale and clearance items. Many of these stores offer a full guarantee on their products, plus a money back return policy. But, as with any store, ask before you buy. Keep in mind that these outlet malls are huge, so wear comfortable shoes and plan for a full day of shopping.

Great bargains can be found in retail giants such as Macy's and Dillard's Department Stores. These discounts are usually offered seasonally so you'll have to watch for them. The selection of these bags will be limited, but you can expect to pay from 20% to 30% off their retail prices.

Leading discount department stores such as Ross Dress For Less, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls offer designer handbags. The selection varies. You might find a Diane von Furstenberg, Betsy Johnson or a Fossil bag mixed in with their non-designer bags. Merchandise varies from location to location. These are no-frills stores. If you don't mind digging for a good deal, you can expect to save 20% to 60% off of department store prices.

Some of the most sought-after designer brands are offered at Websites such as Rue LaLa and Gilt Group. These sites offer members-only pricing on luxury brands, usually for a limited time. Shop early. Expect to pay sales prices of up to 70% off retail.

The website e-bay, along with many other online sites, offers designer handbags at considerable savings. The selection is wide and varied. New as well as used purses are available. You'll have to pay shipping costs, in most cases, so take that into consideration when looking at their prices.

Consignment stores and vintage shops are also good places to find a handbag at a low price. Keep in mind these purses are gently used. Designer names and selection will vary widely. Inventory fluctuates so it's good to check back often. Savings can be considerable.

No matter where you choose to shop for your designer handbag, it's important that you can distinguish a genuine bag from a knock-off. Read product descriptions carefully. Do your homework. Know the tell-tale signs of a counterfeit bag. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

There's no need to deny yourself the joy of sporting a designer handbag when so many places offer great merchandise and outstanding discounts to the everyday fashionista. Get out and see what's available. Shopping for your new bag is half the fun!

© 2010 Dorothfy Howell, author of Shoulder Bags and Shootings: A Haley Randolph Mystery

MY REVIEW:

SHOULDER BAGS AND SHOOTINGS by Dorothy Howell is my pick for a perfect summer day at the beach, or curled up in an air conditioned corner of your world! Not only is it an entertaining mystery with a bit of romance but filled with great designer purses---one of my great weaknesses! The story starts with the main character, Haley Randolph, coming home from a fabulous fashion trip to Europe where she shopped with her boyfriend Ty’s grandmother. However, Haley came home without THE handbag she really wanted known as a “Sinful Bag”, the trendy top fashion hit of the year.

When “Grandma” has Haley drop her off on the way home and take her car, little does Haley even imagine what will happen next. Not only is she unable to find the Sinful Bag the next day, but she instead does find the body of her rival, Tiffany, in the trunk of the car before she can return it. Where does that leave Haley when she needs to be spending her precious time in search of this special handbag instead of searching for a killer?

With SHOULDER BAGS AND SHOOTINGS, the Haley Randolph Mystery series is at its best. If you haven’t read the first two books, HANDBAGS AND HOMICIDE and PURSES AND POISON, there isn’t a problem as the book stands on its own; however there are references to these other books that will surely make you want to read them all. Learning more about Haley’s former “detective” experiences and even more so, her fixation with fashionable handbags, is something readers will surely want to look into if they haven’t had the pleasure already. The passionate personality of Haley and her fixation on shopping and buying purses doesn’t normally go hand in hand with solving mysteries. However, Haley somehow takes this flair for finding dead bodies to another level in each of her mysteries and SHOULDER BAGS AND SHOOTINGS is the best yet!

GIVEAWAY

THANKS TO CAITLIN AND THE
GOOD PEOPLE AT FSB ASSOCIATES,
I HAVE ONE COPY OF THIS
FABULOUS BOOK TO GIVE
AWAY TO ONE LUCKY WINNER!




--U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES
---INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
IN CASE YOU WIN!
--ALL COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE TO
COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE!

HOW TO ENTER

+1 ENTRY:
COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FOUND INTERESTING ABOUT THE INFORMATION, ARTICLE, AND REVIEW FOR SHOULDER BAGS AND SHOOTINGS THAT MAKES YOU WANT TO READ THIS BOOK

+1 MORE ENTRY:
BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND THEN COME BACK AND LEAVE A LINK

+1 MORE ENTRY:
COMMENT ON ONE OTHER CURRENT GIVEAWAY YOU HAVE ENTERED. ONLY ONE THIS TIME, PLEASE!



GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
6 PM, EST, AUGUST 6!


62 comments:

debbie said...

I liked your review, the book does sound like a good summer read. I love shopping and mysteries, so it would be a good book to read.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Benita said...

Mystery and purses. You find this a perfect summer read. It sounds fabulous to me. Thanks for sponsoring.


bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

I entered Take Hachette to the Beach.


bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

I am a follower. The book sounds very interesting. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

bermudaonion said...

I want to read this one because it includes purses - who doesn't love a great purse? Please enter me. milou2ster(at)gmail.com

Suburban prep said...

Sounds interesting with "fashion" and mayhem together.

Margie said...

This looks like a fun summer read...a murder mystery with some quirky characters.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

I entered the giveaway for Cowboy and Wills.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

+4 Swag
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Colleen Turner said...

Who wouldn't love a story that combines the pursuit of the perfect bag and a murder? This does sound like the perfect summer read!
Thanks for the giveaway!
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I entered the Take Hachette To The Beach giveaway.
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

+4 swagbucks!
candc320@gmail.com

Pamela Keener said...

Dorothy Howell is a new to me author. I love discovering them through reviews at my fave blog sites. I love mysteries and this book sounds like one I would love to read
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

+4 Swagbucks.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I entered Scout, Atticus & Boo & To Kill A Mockingbird giveaway.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Jess said...

The title alone makes me want to read this one!

jedziedz(at)hotmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

It sounds really interesting and i love handbags!!! Count me in

bookventuresbookclub AT gmail DOT com

rubynreba said...

The title and cover of the book are striking! I also like designer purses and mysteries so this sounds great!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

Entered Whats New Cupcake giveaway
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

holdenj said...

I have read Haley's other two adventures and can't wait to see how this one turns out. After all, grandma likes her! Thanks for the chance.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I entered the Search giveaway.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

Cindy W. said...

I entered your giveaway for The Search.

Smiles,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Cindy W. said...

A good mystery is always a book for me. I would love to read this book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

Smiles,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Linda Kish said...

A lighthearted mystery sounds great to me. Not too intense or gloomy.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

entered Dead in the Family also

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

enyl said...

The title was really the lure for me,however,the main character's penchant for finding dead bodies is definitly a plus.
enyl(at)inbox(dot)com

enyl said...

Tweeted.
twitter.com@enylstil#shoulder
enyl(at)inbox(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I like the fact that she got the idea for the story when her daughter started telling here all the troubles of working for a retail store.


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I also entered "The Spellmans Strike Back Again".

g.g. said...

I enjoyed the whole thing and liked how the article talks about finding great buys at vintage shops


anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

g.g. said...

I entered for The Search

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

Ruthie said...

Nothing like a designer handbag & the shoes that go with it

ruthiekb72@yahoo.com

Ruthie said...

Entered The Search

ruthiekb72@yahoo.com

katscorner said...

I read the first book in this series and loved it mysteries are the only books I read and I found this one to be great I am so glad the next one is out hope to win.
k.vallee@comcast.net

Allison said...

I love that the character loves purses like me!

allisonsbj3(at)gmail(dot)com

Allison said...

Entered What's New cupcake giveaway

allisonsbj3(at)gmail(dot)com

Shirley said...

+4swag shundelt@yahoo.com

Jeff said...

+4 swag jeff72768@yahoo.com

MRWriter said...

It sounds like a fun murder mystery.

AlexDean03(at)yahoo.com

MRWriter said...

I entered the To Kill a Mockingbird Giveaway.

AlexDean03(at)yahoo.com

missreneer said...

What made me want to read the book is the fact that it is in a series. I have never heard of these books so now I really want to read all of them. Thanks for the great giveaway :)

mrsjohnson1982 at yahoo dot com

Sarah said...

I like that it has fashion and mystery:)

foxchick0323@live.com

Sarah said...

I entered "A vintage affair"

foxchick0323@live.com

Shirley said...

This book sounds so cute! I too Love handbags! So does my daughter together we have a store. lol
I'd love to read this book and will have to get the ones before it as well. shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

http://twitter.com/Grandmamaof10/status/20310402121

shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=100001087052807&v=wall&story_fbid=139662586066816&ref=mf

shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/shundelt45/review/44541452/

shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

http://bulletins.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=bulletin.read&authorID=540593519&messageID=6677752693&hash

shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

+5swag shundelt@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I loved your review It definately makes me want to read this book and the 2 before it too. :)
I love collecting purses to go with each outfit so I could really realte, I'd love to win this book! chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

https://twitter.com/Romantic73/status/20311177549

chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=100000641625482&v=wall&story_fbid=142726052418204

chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/shundelt45/review/44541452/

chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

http://bulletins.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=bulletin.read&authorID=533391661&messageID=6678745745&hash

chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I entered SCOUT, ATTICUS, AND BOO and TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD SPECIAL EDITION GIVEAWAY
chirth7@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

I entered SCOUT, ATTICUS, AND BOO and TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD SPECIAL EDITION GIVEAWAY

shundelt@yahoo.com

Pam S (pams00) said...

This sounds like a fun book! I really enjoyed your review and the add in you included to let us know that we could read it as a stand alone. Also found the deal finder article interesting and will hve to remember some of these tips as I love purses/totes/bags.

Pam S
pams00 @ aol.com

Pam S (pams00) said...

tweeted:
https://twitter.com/pams00/status/20444773773

Pam S
pams00 @ aol.com

Pam S (pams00) said...

entered A STRANGER LIKE YOU

Pam S
pams00 @aol.com

Nancye said...

This quote was taken from the article: This book is "entertaining mystery with a bit of romance but filled with great designer purses---one of my great weaknesses!" ----sounds like my kind of book!!

Thanks for the giveaway!

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

Tweet! Tweet!
@NancyeDavis

http://twitter.com/NancyeDavis/status/20500739311

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

I am going right now to enter the giveaway for "Curtains"

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

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