Reader Mailbag: Someone tote-ally needs your help
OK, Diva legions. We have a question from reader Mary. She needs your infinite wisdom on where to find some quality tote bags for her co-workers. You all know we love a good free or cheap tote around these parts, but that also means most of ours say things like, "PUBLIX," or "5K RACE TO END BED BUGS," etc. (See photo for a good representation of our fashion collection.)
Here is her question. Leave helpful suggestions in the comments!
"I'm trying to find, locally, nice fabric totes for my colleagues. The totes need to be appropriate for consultants to carry to client sites, such as financial institutions and hospitals, so they cannot be fru-fru, girly things. Vera Bradley items are not professional enough, but I don't want to go with something that is too masculine or too casual (e.g., Land's End canvas). I'd like something a little different, perhaps with a simple print or monogram. I'd like the fabric to be of good quality. I'm thinking that boutique shops will be the most likely sources, but I don't know where to start. I live in Clearwater but am willing to go afar to shop and am expecting to check out multiple sites. Any guidance that you ladies can provide will be appreciated."
Deal Diva Stephanie
Photo: 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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