Flip-flops: All day, every day
Florida needs a new summer image. Our signature sunshine causes wrinkles and skin cancer. Cheeseburgers taste like paradise but make you fat. Alligators bite. Real hurricanes lack alcohol.
Enter the flip-flop, our all-weather friend. If the secret to a happy life is comfy shoes, it’s no surprise this beach classic has matured into a fashion must. From the $1 plastic variety to the $200 designer thong, the flip-flop has you covered. We’ve found styles for every flip-flop-worthy occasion. As always, look for sales. And don’t forget that pedicure, or fresh polish.
Your feet are the party
Traffic, $15 at store in WestShore Plaza, Tampa
You’re a walking nightclub in these disco-ball inspired flip-flops in silver, summer’s hottest metallic. No worries about someone’s spilled drink ruining your investment: This is a dead-ringer for a Bandolino style priced at $49 at Macy’s.
Three hot trends, one smokin’ shoe, Kenneth Cole Reaction, $69 at Macy’s
Flip-flop meets wedge heel meets jeweled gladiator style. This shoe works hard so you don’t have to. Pair it with a tank dress, cargo shorts or jeans and your feet are the center of attention.
Get your prep on Capelli New York, $9.38, Dillard’s
You don’t need a lifetime golf club membership to wear plaid in the summer. When classy fabric meets leather (only you know if it’s faux), it looks like you planned to run into your boss at the grocery store.
b&b (beach & bbq)
J-Crew, $5.20 at Prime Outlets, Ellenton
Polka dots are a summer classic. This adorable ribbon strap and water-ready sole make feet happy at the beach. A raised heel means you’re ready for a poolside fiesta.
Little black thong, Italian Shoemakers Inc., $39.95, DSW
A slight heel morphs the flip-flop into its sophisticated cousin, the thong sandal. This pair further refines the look with patent leather shine and a silver buckle. Completely acceptable at the casual workplace or a cocktail party.
~ Deal Diva Letitia
(Photos: Times staff)
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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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