TheOutnet.com: Designer duds at outlet prices
If you make a dash for the designer stores at outlet malls, be sure to check out a new bargain shopping option that doesn't require driving to Ellenton or Orlando.
It's called theOutnet.com, a Web site that sells pieces from more than 200 designers at discounts of 40 to 60 percent off original prices. The offerings include clothing, bags, shoes and accessories.
Launched this spring, theOutnet.com restocks its virtual shelves each week. In addition to its regular reduced duds, the site also features monthly time-limited sales with continually dropping prices for the shopping thrill-seeker.
The prices are still, well, pricey. But deals are relative. If you are a diehard Vera Wang fan, then you'll probably be downright elated to snatch this gorgeous crew neck dress for 60 percent off its original $560 price tag. Love Tory Burch? Get this printed tunic for $175, 50 percent off the original price.
Of course, there's a catch. That Tory Burch tunic only comes in size 2, and the Vera Wang dress in sizes 8 and 10. But outlet shoppers are used to hit-or-miss deals, and part of the fun is snatching a great find that just happens to be in your size.
My favorite part of the site: the Dress Me section. Clueless about what to wear to the five summer weddings you've been invited to? Freaking out about an appropriate outfit when meeting your S.O.'s parents for the first time? This part of the site is full of wardrobe solutions. Even if you can't shell out the cash for the designer clothes, you can still visit for inspiration.
~ Deal Diva Colleen
(Photo: Get the iconic Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress shown above for $231...but only if you are a size 12. Luckily, sunglasses don't come in sizes, so buy the Tom Ford pair shown here for 50 percent off the original $300 price tag.)
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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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