Tampabay.com
AUGUST 31, 2009

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

Goldcup 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

Join the discussion: Click to view comments, add yours

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!

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is produced by the editorial staff of the Times and is not tied to advertising.

Meet the authors
E-mail us ideas you'd like us to write about.
Follow us on Twitter!
Join our Facebook page.

Advertisement

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.

Emily Nipps As a sullen teenager, Emily Nipps refused to wear anything but black, olive green or burgundy, preferably ripped. She has since added color to her life but still experiments with her dark streak. A product junkie, she has tried tons of overpriced face creams and hair products but loves drugstore brands that work the same. She's an Aries and a bassist in a punk band. She has a pet pig, seven chickens, three cats and a rabbit. And just as many lip glosses. She can be reached at (727) 893-8452 or nipps@tampabay.com.

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.

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.

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.

Registration FAQ

Read our Frequently Asked Questions on how to register to comment on the site.