Cheap jewelry secrets at Forever 21
Maybe it's the plight of Dolly Parton disease, but I feel naked if I don't leave the house with at least some accessories. And I'm not talking tasteful pearl earrings and a delicate silver chain. I mean chunky, funky, weird, sparkly, colorful, crazy crap. At least one piece.
My bauble collection includes some rings and bracelets from Betsey Johnson and one bracelet from Brighton. I have a boatload of Chico's necklaces, handed down with love from Deal Diva Emily's mom. I have some big hoops and a couple cocktail rings from Dillard's stores. I have a Tiffany bracelet and a diamond necklace from the BF, which I don't wear as much as I should. Too subtle. I know, I know. I'm a disgrace.
But those nice items are in the minority. My top jewelry secret is and forever shall be Forever 21. Wait, don't go. This is useful for everyone, not just those who are A) 21, or B) the weight of a praying mantis. Jewelry is universal!
I can't tell you how often I just pop in there and pick up a necklace or two. I'm especially fond of long, chain styles with funky pendants on the end. They're so very cheap that it doesn't matter if they break after a couple months. I've never really seen many pieces over $10 there, and they're usually more like $4 or $5. It satisfies my need to buy without putting me in a shelter. Psychologists might call this "telling," but what do they know?
Check out this precious "Country Owl" number for $5.80. I first typed that as "County Owl," which is far more municipal and far less charming.
I like this "Antiquated Oval Rock Ring" for $3.80, but I'm not sure "antiquated" is the word they meant to use.
This "Beaded Bracelet Cuff" (well... yeah, that about describes it) is only $5.80. I got one like this at New York and Company for about three times the price a while ago. I should never question what I know.
And don't worry. If your skin turns green from any of it, just pass it off as the hot new trend in skin color. People will ask you where you got it, and you'll thank us one day. Confidence, friends.
Deal Diva Stephanie
Photos: Forever 21, Times files
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Katie Sanders foolishly spurned pretty dresses and shoes as a child, tossing new clothes over her shoulder at birthday parties with a totally rude "no, thank you." Her drab days of monocolor outfits are over now, and she certainly knows better than to turn down free stuff. Her wardrobe mixes classic with quirk. Think blazers with statement necklaces, and lots of patterned ballet flats. She can be reached at 850) 224-7263 or 
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 
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 
From camo pants and construction boots to sundresses, sweaters and sling backs, Keyonna Summers knows how to make all of it rock -- at rock bottom prices. A Detroit native, Keyonna delves into her urban roots to find fashion pairings that give a nod to street fashion while maintaining the class of the modern, professional woman. She believes in searching for affordable clothes that look expensive and can easily be dressed up or down. You won't find plaid shirts or fleece jackets in her closet; the only hiking Keyonna does is to the bargain basement. She can be reached at (727) 445-4153 or 
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