If you missed today's feature on 2B of the St. Petersburg Times, check out these summer finds that won’t leave you in the soup kitchen line. The looks are so much hotter in color here than on dirty old newsprint!

Maxi dress, New York & Company, $49.95
Floor-sweeping dresses are in for summer. This is the first we’ve found not sized for a NBA player on eight-foot stilts. On a tall person, it grazes shin. On a shortie, it hits ankle. Either way, you’re fierce. Bonus: no one will know you haven’t shaved in two weeks.

Madden Girl Sicilly Gladiator Sandals, Rack Room Shoes, $34.99
The hottest trend for summer takes inspiration from sweaty, hairy dudes who beat each other to death for sport. These gladiator sandals are a feminine interpretation of the gross Russell Crowe kind. They’re a rich-looking alternative to the repulsive flip flops you’ve worn to the pool for three summers.

Straw hat, Dillards, retails $28, found on sale for $18.76
Let’s be honest. Floppy hats scream Kentucky Derby. Dump the julep and modernize your summer chapeau. This one by Betmar New York has a structured menswear twist, but in raffia, it’s still right for the beach.

Polka dot bag, Anchor Blue, $22
Big enough for magazines and sandals, but small enough to tote to the office on casual Friday. It’s made by surf brand Roxy, so you’ll feel like a sinewy beach girl, even with Snickers and self tanner tucked inside.

Tank dress, New York & Company, $29.95
Behold the possibilities! Pair it with a denim jacket and a long necklace. Smack on a belt and you’ve got a tunic. Throw it over your bathing suit, but dry off first. Solid colors are a canvas for humiliating water spots.

Bracelets, Body Central, three for $12
It’s best to stay chunky when it comes to inexpensive accessories. Plastic and wood bangles won’t tarnish the way of cheap metal ones. Look for details like hand painting. Folks will think you scored it on vacay in Guadalajara — not at the mall with change from your couch cushions.

Scarf, New York & Company, $16.95
A nice mix of casual spunk and spoiled class. Swoop it around your neck, throw on some big sunglasses and get ready for the comparisons to Grace Kelly. Also, brace for whispers that you’re covered in hickeys.

So Aglow Tan Enhancing Shimmer, Bath & Body Works, $17.50, found on sale for $8.75
Fancy woodland nymph? Good. Club rat dipped in body glitter? Bad. This shimmers enough without looking stupid. It smells nice, too, like a pina colada. The four ounce bottle is on the pricey side. But good Deal Divas know to be patient. This store has sales all the time.

Flip flops, Old Navy, two pair for $5
Speaking of disgusting shower shoes, isn’t it time to restock? There’s really no excuse not to at this price. They come in every color in the spectrum, and they’re from reputable retailer Old Navy, which should ease fears about the icky skin infections populated in ye olde Internet chain mail of yore.

(Photos: Times staff)