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Hot or not: Are my earrings too big?

Yesterday I was jonesing for fall weather, when I stumbled into Burlington Coat Factory and found these earrings. I thought, If I can't have cool temperatures and changing leaves, then I can at least wear orange. Plus, they were only $3.99. Behold:

But this morning when I put them on, I had second thoughts. Is my jewelry too big? Over breakfast I asked my husband, who confirmed that yes, the earrings are quite humongous. But then I got to work and got a few unsolicited compliments on them. Now I'm more torn than ever.

What do you think? Are these earrings large and in charge -- or behemothly bad? Either way, I'm not taking them back to Burlington. That store has sweet deals, but the customer service line is looong.

~ Deal Diva Dalia

(Photo: My coworker Jana, who also happens to be wearing big orange earring today, offered to take this picture of me. Solidarity, Jana!)

Wardrobe MVP: And the award goes to....

Take a good look around your closet. What can take you from work to weekend? On the road? Rain or shine?

What's your wardrobe MVP?

I found myself mulling this recently when packing for a trip to NYC. I didn't have much room in my carry-on suitcase. What were the essentials that I needed to look good during two days in the city, then two more hiking out in the country?

I came up with three finalists:

1. Black jersey dress: This beauty goes everywhere. Pair with wedges for a dinner date. Top with a jacket for work. Slip on comfortable walking flats to pound the pavement in the Big Apple. You get the picture.

But ... it's still a dress. And as such, it's a touch dressy to bum around on a Saturday afternoon.

2. Khaki cargo skirt: The ultimate in casual chic. It's basically shorts, but classier. A T-shirt with anything else just looks lazy. Wear with a cargo skirt and your just as comfy -- only now you also have hot legs.

But ... a skirt is a problem when you want to use those legs, say to go biking.

3. Jeans: Can't live without them. Bar appropriate. Park appropriate. They'll even keep you warm.

And the WINNER is....

A cop-out! I couldn't decide and packed all three. Help me be more decisive! What gets your vote for Wardrobe MVP?

~ Deal Diva Letitia

Old Navy free graphic tee, today only

TODAY ONLY: Get a free graphic tee at Old Navy when you buy a pair of jeans, on sale for $19. Select styles, while supplies last, yada yada.

P.S. - The jeans are actually great. I picked up a second pair of Old Navy's "Diva" style last weekend. I got so excited about it in the store, I replied to my own tweet with the news. Sigh.

~ Deal Diva Stephanie

Saturday sale at Designers' Consigner and Designer Exchange in St. Pete

I wrote a story for the St. Petersburg Times recently about development along Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. While reporting, I stumbled into a gem of a consignment shop on the west end near the beach called Designer Exchange. The same owners run Designers' Consigner in downtown St. Pete. I chatted up owner Julie Karikas about serious business for the story, and, like a good shopping addict, about their AMAYZING WARES. They had Trina Turk, Betsey Johnson, Chanel, you name it. It was a sparkly paradise. Here's a picture of the beach store:

Natch, I signed up for their mailing list. Good news. Designers' Consigner (the one downtown at 1033 Central Ave.) is moving out summer items to make way for fall. They're having a sale Saturday only -- take an additional 20 percent off things already marked 75 percent off. Apparently, the sale rack is quite packed. There's also a load off stuff marked half off. Designer Exchange, the beach store at 7038 Central Ave., is having a killer sale, too -- four racks of stuff for $5.

If you go, let us know what you score. And tell them Deal Divas sent you.

~ Deal Diva Stephanie

Photo: Times photo, Dirk Shadd

Winkers butt pants sales skyrocket!

WINKERS UPDATE:

Well, well, well. What do you know?

I'm woman enough to admit when I'm wrong.

Online orders pour in for winking pants.

~ Deal Diva Stephanie

(Tune in next week when we bring you news of the Apocalypse.)

Dress like Katie Couric with TVNewsCloset.com

Do you dream of dressing like Katie Couric? Or is local TV anchor Heather Van Nest more your style? How 'bout a little Gayle Sierens and Kathy Fountain thrown into the mix?

Okay, maybe not, but a new Web site that consigns TV broadcasters' cast-off duds has caught my fancy for a few reasons. 1) It's a cool idea. A Dallas-based former news anchor created the site to help those still in the industry, giving them a place to sell clothes that have worn out their welcome on air or to pick up new things on a budget. 2) This stuff is affordable. As in, 60 percent off the original retail price. 3) I know we have some loyal readers who work in TV land, and I want to help my fellow news sisters and brothers out!

TvNewsCloset.com is still in its infancy, so the stock isn't huge yet. (The site needs some dresses.) But ladies can pick up this pair of Banana Republic pants for $18, or this Ann Taylor skirt suit for $40. There are also Bill Blass, Burberry, and Jones New York suits for men.

The site is geared toward TV folks but anyone can participate. So if you are looking to shed some suits or add some to your wardrobe, you might want to check this out.

~ Deal Diva Colleen

(Photo: AP. Work it like Tina Fey and Jimmy Fallon on SNL's Weekend Update.)

Quote of the day: Dalia's mom

"It's not cute. It doesn't make you look cute. So don't do it."

-- Linda Wheatt. If I had a dollar for every time my mother said this during my childhood -- well, let's just say I'd be able to afford this dress. Actually, her advice makes sense. If an item of clothing is ill-fitting, skanky or otherwise classless, then no self-respecting Diva should wear it. What fashion advice have you gleamed from your parents?

~ Deal Diva Dalia

(Photo: Here's me with my momma last winter. Another favorite saying of hers: "Guess which one is the mother and which one is the daughter.")

Marisu Miranda displays Valentino-inspired dress at WestShore Plaza

Have you ever test-driven a car you could never afford or strolled through the lobby of an out-of-your-league hotel? Then have I got the dress for you!

Since Aug. 15, this one-of-a-kind red gown by Tampa Bay designer Marisu Miranda has been on display a showroom at WestShore Plaza near Saks Fifth Avenue. The creation, a tribute to design legend Valentino Garavani, will be on display through the fall along with step-by-step documentation of how Miranda created the masterpiece. (That's her on your right, putting the finishing touches on the garment.)

Now for the price: $4,500, plus an additional $700 to $1,000 for alterations. Did I mention it has pockets?

I'll keep it real: This dress costs more than twice as much as my first car. But it is gorgeous, is it not? Inspired by Miranda's luscious-yet-too-pricey-for-me frock, I trolled the Web and found a few special-occasion crimson gowns with recession-friendly price tags:

Belted sheath dress, $79.50, The Limited

Wrap dress, $24.99, Target

Strapless taffeta dress with ruffle hem, $148.00, Cache

Jersey-knit braided neck dress, $54.00, Torrid

Silk halter dress, $148, Victoria's Secret

Banded knit dress, $14.99, Wet Seal

Even if you can't afford Miranda's gown, remember it's free to look. Shop with your eyes! Hers is a name you'll want to remember. A native of Barcelona, Spain, Miranda is a third-generation fashion designer. At her design studio, Marisu Miranda Moda at 1724 S Dale Mabry Hwy., she sews everything by hand. Check out more of her designs here.

Happy (window) shopping!

~ Deal Diva Dalia

Unemployed? Get a (good) FREE hair cut!

Times are hard out here. Not only are people losing their jobs left and right -- their grown-out messy manes can be down right frightening to passersby.

Thank goodness some Tampa Bay stylists are thinking about those of us who have to look at these tragic coifs!

I kid. I kid.

In an effort to give back, this weekend Albie Mulcahy of the Velvet Salon is offering free cuts and styles to Tampa Bay residents who have lost their jobs.

Mulcahy will team up with former Vidal Sassoon artistic director Maurice Tidy and several other stylists from the area for this fabulous event!

The stylists hope to give fresh starts to those who have lost their jobs, starting with a new hair cut.

And don't expect a run of the mill snip snip either...Mulcahy has been described as a cross between Andy Warhol and Billy Idol. His Velvet Salon, also known as VLVT may be in St. Petersburg but it's London-chic. The shops slogan: Modern Hair for Modern People. 

[Albie Mulchay pictured in black shirt]

Free cuts depend on a first come, first serve basis. So be prompt. And bring your virtue with you... these stylists are depending on your honesty when it comes to your employment-status.

Peep the event details below:

What: Free cuts/styles for Tampa Bay's unemployed.

When: Saturday, Aug. 29th & Sunday, Aug. 30th -- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Velvet Salon, located at 406 11th Avenue N., St. Petersburg, FL

For more information call: 727-209-8588

~ Deal Diva Nicole

[pictures: photos.com/St. Petersburg Times]