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Splurge vs. Scrimp: swimsuit edition
Ready or not it's swimsuit season. The beach is becoming the weekend's best bet and there's nothing like a Sunday afternoon poolside. So with the water arts taking up so much of our time, it's only right that we make a splash with our swimsuit style.
But on the real, have you seen the price of gas lately? You might just go broke before you even make it to the beach. So we've figured out a couple ways to save on your swimsuit without sacrificing the style. It all starts with following the basic rule of swimsuit wear. Follow this rule and you can look good going cheap.
Rule #1: Material and cut are the most important things when buying a suit. Larger on top -- go for a halter. Thick in the thighs -- you might want to check out some boy shorts. Despite popular belief, Lycra is a girl's best friend when it comes to swimwear. So go for something with stretch and structure.
Start by scouring some of your favorite high end stores for the basic cut you like. After that, go the discount route for close look-a-likes. Here are a couple I found.
Compare if you will.....
SPLURGE: J.Crew is an all time favorite for swimwear. And this little black bikini number is a classic. Notice the rich looking bamboo embellishments. Top: $54 and Bottom: $50.
SPLASH: Go for Target's similar style with this black number that features cute gold embellishments. Price: Top and Bottom $14.99 each.
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SPLURGE: If the bandeau is your cup of tea, there's nothing better than choosing a color that pops. And the cute little tie up bottoms add to the overall 70s look. J.Crew serves up this orange number. Top: $40.00 Bottom: $38.00.
SPLASH: This beachy blue two piece comes in the same cut, but in a different color. Same adorable bottoms with the ties on the sides, but for a whole lot less: Top: $17.99 Bottom: $34.99.
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SPLURGE: If the one piece is your steez, go for a sexy look with a key-hole style. This olive colored J.Crew one piece clocks in at: $125.00.
SPLASH: You can get the same coverage and darling key-hole in this gray colored one piece available at Target. The metal embellishments give it a luxe look. One piece: $29.99.
~ Deal Diva Nicole
(Photos: www.jcrew.com/www.target.com)
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Looking for shopping deals in Tampa Bay? The Deal Divas are on the prowl, sniffing out hot fashion finds that won't leave your wallet in ruins. Now you never have to miss a shopping deal! Sign up for weekly Deal Diva Alerts by e-mail. by e-mail. And check in often for the lowdown on local bargains, as well as fashion advice, fun photos and style news. Because shopping should be all about the Washingtons!
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THE AUTHORS
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 shayes@tampabay.com.
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Kameel Stanley has never encountered a thrift store she didn’t like. Her
mother taught her that the true value of clothes isn’t how much they cost,
but how many outfits one can create from them. Having grown up in Michigan,
she was delighted to learn upon moving to Florida that she almost never
needed to wear socks or boots again. There’s a lot of turnover in her
closet, and she’s obsessed with dresses, necklaces and wedge heels. She can
be reached at (727) 893-8643 or kstanley@tampabay.com.
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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 lstein@tampabay.com.
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Coming from a long line of fashionable women, Kim Wilmath considers herself lucky to fit into their hand-me-downs. Her wardrobe staples include her grandma's vintage blouses and her mom's funky jewelry. When she's in the market for "new" items, Kim hits her favorite thrift stores -- a habit she also picked up from mom. But when circumstances require a visit to the shiny stores in the mall, you'll find Kim at the sale rack like a good little diva. She can be reached at (813) 661-2442 or kwilmath@tampabay.com.
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