Usually, the dreams begin just as the cold winter wind rips the last autumn leaves from the trees.

Longing dreams of sun-warmed sand. Blue skies. Of spending time outside sans parka and gloves. 

Which is why, after years without a proper winter vacation  — and with a lot of parka-glaring — Shopping Siren is going to Disney World. (Yeah! Woot! Yippie-kai-yay!). Orlando, with its palm trees and abundant supply of Mickey Mouse ears, is the stuff those chill-induced dreams are made of.

Bag Lady is happy, for now, to stick it out in Maine and live vicariously. (Mood subject to change come the first nor’easter.)

But of course, that only means one thing. We shop.

After a long and more-glorious-than-normal summer, SS’s warm-weather fashions are threadbare, worn out or — in the case of some severely unfortunate sunglasses — broken beyond repair.  Ever tried to find shorts in October? A bathing suit in November? *shudder* Don’t even.

If you want summer clothes and accessories for a fab Florida vacation or to fill out a wardrobe pre-summer 2011, the time to strike is now! The prices are fantastic. And the selection is … well, better than you’ll find when the snow starts flying.

— Flip-flops, Payless, $3.99-$5.99

SS recently found a pair of $30 Cabela’s walking sandals for $5 online. They’re a half-size bigger than she’d normally wear, sure, but for a $25 savings, she’s perfectly happy cinching the Velcro a little tighter. But flip-flops? No cinching required! These Payless sale sandals come in an array of colors, sizes and styles. Choose from comfy Airwalks, casual American Eagles or stylin’ Montego Bay Club. Perfect for throwing in a carry-on bag or tossing in a closet for nine months. (Wait, no, don’t cry! There will be a next summer. We promise!) 

— Comfort Plus by Prediction wedge-heeled sandals, Payless, $11

Cute, a little dressy and more than half off their original price of $22.99, these little red sandals couldn’t be more perfect. Well. As long as you’re a size 7. Or willing to squeeze into a size 7. Or willing to split open seams and resew elastic backing to make size 7s into size 9s.  

— Cell phone wallet, Percy’s Burrow, $7.49

Pretty pink faux leather wallet with a cell phone pocket and an optional, attachable chain that BL begs readers not to wear around their necks. (Please!) Great little wallet fits all the important things you need to lounge by the water during your beach vacation: room key, tip for the cute cabana boy and cell phone — turned off.

— Kirra spaghetti strap tops, Pac Sun, 2/$20

Your choice of color, purple or white. The lacy, baby doll frill says fun in the sun. It also says no support. Listen to the latter only if you must. (Like, don’t cause a scene. Unless you mean to.)

— White skorts, shorts and capris, CJ Banks, $9.99

These were love. Originally priced from $45.50 to $35.50, these solid wardrobe essentials are going to be impossible to find come winter, and at these prices? Disney fabulous.

— Kids’ T-shirts, Percy’s Burrow, $11.63

Adorable Maine-themed tie-dye shirt with the slogan, “Peace, love, and lobster.” Amen.

— Swim suits, JC Penney, various prices (and sizes!)

The good news: JC Penney has an entire clearance rack filled with bathing suits at low, low prices. The bad news: Some colors and patterns may make you dizzy, matching bikini tops and bottoms were virtually impossible to find and, unless fate is smiling on you, your size likely won’t be there.

However, we did spot a St. John’s Bay swim top in not-horrible chocolate brown, size 8, for $6.77. There was also a bright blue bikini top, vaguely sized “medium,” for $4.37. But our catch of the day: an a.n.a black and white asymmetrical one-piece, size 6, for $13.77. Suit up!

— Cabin Creek patriotic women’s T-shirts, JC Penney, $1.97

Blue or gray T-shirts with flags or red, white and blue hearts emblazoned across the front. Although more may have been hiding somewhere in the store, SS only saw these shirts in medium. Stash away for the next Fourth of July barbecue or switch things up and wear it for Christmas. Hey, patriotism is year-round.

— Nicole Miller posh pink shorts, JC Penney, $18

Flat-front, bright pink and just long enough to cover without making you look like a flamingo.

Pair with:

— Worthington sheer blouse with cap sleeve, J.C.Penney, $11.99

The color: Raven. So, is that black? Blackish? Discuss among yourselves.

— Joneswear leopard-print long skirt, J.C.Penney, $19.99

Part poly and spandex, also pairable with the sheer raven blouse for pure animal madness. Or, Orlando date night.

Best find: American Living black and white skirt, JC Penney, $11.57

Regularly $58! Ignore the fact that this skirt is a size 4. It’s regularly $58! OK, so you’ll need to actually be a size 4 (or somewhere thereabouts) in order to make use of this knee-length skirt. But if you are, it’s a great deal.

Flattering stripes, an in-style style, colors that will go with anything in the closet and a fabric weight that can take you from summer to fall or spring to summer. For less than $12. What’s not to love? (If you’re a size 4.)

Think twice: American Eagle flats, Payless, $5

Ballet flat colored somewhere between dusty rose and pumpkin orange, with what appeared to be a Koosh Ball perched on the toe. This shoe completely misses fun, flattering and flirty in favor of sad, ugly and just plain wrong. There’s a reason these are on sale for $5. So step away, quickly, and let these disappear like so many bad dreams into the night.

Bag Lady and Shopping Siren’s true identities are protected by a pair of stylish, sweater-wearing Doberman pinschers (who, being penny pinschers too, are just growing out their coats for winter) and the Customer Service counter at the Sun Journal. You can reach them at baglady@sunjournal.com or shoppingsiren@sunjournal.com.

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