Tampabay.com

JANUARY 27, 2012

Total coat score at Macy's!

coat_0.jpgEven though it's 400 degrees this January in Florida, I needed a coat. I'm venturing to South Korea in February and March, as I've mentioned, and it's flipping cold there. Having been an official Deal Diva for several years now, I knew better than to buy cold weather items before Christmas, or even New Year's. I went to Macy's One Day Sale the first week of January with some hesitation, because I've learned the best discounts typically aren't on the advertised dates. All the coats were still around $50 at the lowest, and if you haven't gleaned, I'm a miser.

I went to Macy's at Tyrone Mall last Friday, on a random night in January with no advertised sales. Bank!

I got this coat you see here by I.N.C. And yes, this picture was shot in my half-bath. I had a hard time finding a place in the house with both a hook and good enough light. I suppose I could have put the coat on, but my makeup wasn't done, etc, etc, etc. Anyway. The coat. I LOVE IT so much. It has a total 1960s Twiggy vibe. It's flattering and classic, yet interesting. I will have this forever.

It was priced at $119, marked down to $44 on the random Friday. I had some money left on a Macy's gift card from Christmas (another strategic play), and I walked out of the store with this guy for $12.

The sleeves are a little long, as you can see by my artful cuff. Or maybe my arms are a little short. Either way. My boyfriend (who flipped with glee at the sight of this coat -- I've never seen him like anything of mine more, which is always fun), suggested I get the sleeves tailored since I saved so much money. You can see why I like him. Smart.

Coats are on sale right now, everywhere. If you need one, now's the time before they clear the racks for swimsuits, which is already starting. This is a timing game, my friends. Play, will you?

Deal Diva Stephanie

Photo: My coat on the towel rack in my half-bath, iPhone.

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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!

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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.

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 ksanders@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.

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 ksummers@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.

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