Make a splash in red, white or blue
I'm feeling patriotic. The promise of a three-day weekend and fireworks will do that to a girl.
In honor of July 4th, here are three pieces in red, white or blue to inspire your Independence Day (all very cheap or on sale, of course). Make sure to pair them with some neutrals so you don't end up looking like Lady Liberty! Flags are meant for poles, not bodies.
This Banana Republic halter buckle top comes in royal blue (left) and fire engine red. Both colors would look cute with a white bottom and gladiators. Mostly rayon with just enough spandex to give it that comfy stretchiness, it's got a wood ring embellishment at the neckline. Originally priced at $44, it's now marked down online to $24.99. 
These beaded wire earrings (right) from Forever 21 are a steal for $4.80. They are cheap enough to wear without worry at the beach, but spiffy enough to pair with a sundress for your post-sun and sand activities. Or, heck, rock them all day long.
I really don't think you can go wrong with white pants in the summer. They feel fresh and crisp...but keep you from getting too crisp in ice-cold restaurants. (Don't you hate when those artic temps give you goose bumps and ruin your just-out-the-shower smoothness?) Please, for everyone's sake, buy a pair that doesn't allow the world a peek at your under things. I like this mostly cotton Centara Trouser (left) from White House Black Market. The tab-and-button closure is chic enough to forgo a belt. Used to cost $88, now just $34.99 online.
Sound the firecrackers!
~ Deal Diva Colleen
Stephanie Hayes came out of the womb wearing high heels. While other kids were reciting multiplication tables, she was learning to calculate an extra third off the half-price discount during buy-one-get-one week. She loves animal prints, black mascara and anything that sparkles. She objects to visible panty lines, Crocs and anything that costs more than a car payment. And she doesn't drive a nice car. She can be reached at (727) 893-8857 or 
Since she was a little girl Nicole Hutcheson dreamed of dressing like a Vogue cover girl. But her reality was more JCPenney catalog. The fact only honed her better ability to find luxury for less. Always on the hunt for markdowns on designer labels, this Deal Diva’s weaknesses are good jeans and killer heels. She can be reached at (727) 893-8828 or 
Colleen Jenkins learned two invaluable shopping tenets from her mom: 1. Buy quality. 2. Get it on sale. Then she added one of her own: Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! This Deal Diva’s idea of a blissful Saturday includes a trip to the Ellenton outlet mall. She loves mixing classic with trendy and cheap Target accessories with her markdown Banana Republic duds. She can be reached at (813) 226-3337 or 
A disciple of the little black dress classics school, Letitia Stein stretches her budget by looking for styles with staying power. She lives for 80 percent off shoes at DSW, floral sundresses and bohemian chic tops. She confesses to being a bit of a snob when it comes to handbags and jewelry. She can be reached at (813) 226-3400 or 
Thanks for all the shopping ideas. I'm heading online now to get my fourth of July weekend outfit, to be enjoyed for the rest of the summer!
Posted by: Ann McMahon | July 01, 2008 at 04:13 PM