Weekend casual, Florida style
Saturday is my hardest day of the week to dress. I need a look that can go from the couch to Home Depot to the grocery store. Oh, and on a quick walk with the dog and a maybe a run to the mall. Who wears a dress and a heels, like this model? But there's a reason that she isn't pictured in comfy jeans.
Let's face it, it's hard to find a casual top that doesn't look sloppy. Especially one that can easily laundered, because running around in Florida is a recipe to get sweaty.
So this Deal Diva's ears perked up when a local woman asked Clinton Kelly during his recent visit about casual fashion, in her case for a busy Mom working the park circuit. His advise: Embrace the blouse. Ditch the floppy T-shirt in favor of something with tailoring.
I wasn't completely sold. Blouses are lovely for work and the weekend BBQ. But I'm not wearing anything that needs ironing on a Saturday morning. Plus, most of my blouses require dry cleaning or hand washing. Not happening.
Still, I can incorporate the idea into a look that I can throw into the washing machine -- the fitted polo shirt and the light cotton sweater. The preppy polo has a certain class, whether it comes from Penney's or Lacoste. Sweaters are more expensive than a fitted T, but don't look ragged after a few washes.
Now let's see if my dog appreciates getting walked in style.
-- Deal Diva Letitia
(Photo: Old Navy polo, $12.)
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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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