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Has Tampa finally arrived?
Just in time for fall, a breath of fresh air has blown into Tampa's fashion scene.
Zara, a Spanish retailer that sells Vogue worthy styles at decidedly less snobby prices, is finally open at International Plaza. Notice the hesitation to use the word cheap. Better to say that Zara will make a statement piece accessible to every woman's wardrobe, every season.
The feel is modern romantic. The store is stocked with silky floral tops that flow off the shoulders and military jackets inspired by the Napoleon era. The prices reflect Zara's status as a sophisticated older cousin of Forever XXI. A sheer chiffon ruffle blouse is priced around $40. Dresses run between $80 and $200, which is still cheaper than going to Europe to shop. The opposite sex can tag along for the trip, as the back of the store is dedicated to men.
Rapidly changing styles are Zara's signature, along with bargain basics. A charcoal pencil skirt is selling for $35, with a matching jacket at $85. Impressive, but workplace practical is easily found. What's novel to this area are the standout plaids and gypsy influenced tops. Zara brings Tampa one step closer to a true metropolitan shopping market. Shall we hold our breath for H&M?
~ Deal Diva Letitia
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About the bloggers
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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