Latest bargains run gamut from software to soft wear

Anyone who has visited Marden’s this week knows why a fence suddenly appeared around the electronics section.

It’s a computer blowout, and the sale doesn’t discriminate – there are deals for Mac addicts and PC lovers alike. Macintosh G4 servers share floor space with Hewlett Packard printers, Sony VAIO personal computer systems and Epson flatbed scanners. There are cables and CDs, FireWire and Zip drives, hard drives and software, Palm Pilot accessories (though no Palms as yet) and all sorts of other equipment that someone, somewhere probably can use.

At press time, there were still plenty of bargains, but ShopGirl suggests that you go soon if you’re looking for something in particular.

OK, enough about software. It’s time to talk soft wear. On the clothing front, ShopGirl’s favorite trend this season is the sweater coat, aka the duster, the belted cardigan or whatever else you want to call it. These thigh- to midcalf-length knits are versatile, stylish, and best of all, they’re warmer than your average sweater. Plus, you don’t have to travel far to find one. Nearly all the stores I’ve visited lately carry them, in a wide range of prices and fabrics.

ShopGirl’s favorite find is the camel-colored, rib-knit duster by Airport, at TJ Maxx ‘n More for $19.99. It’s strikingly similar to one found in J. Crew for nearly $60 more, minus the belt. However, the beltless style makes it easier to wear loose and open without feeling like you’re wearing a bathrobe.

If you want to be truly trendy, stop by Molly’s on Main Street in Winterport. Even if you can’t afford the Manolos that grace Sarah Jessica Parker’s feet in “Sex and the City,” you can pick up her latest fashion find, the Mia & Lizzie rhinestone horseshoe set in sterling silver. It’s available in three sizes, ranging from $22 to $26.

You also can pick up Perfumeria Gal lip balm from Madrid, a favorite of Catherine Zeta-Jones that was featured in the September issue of Allure magazine. It comes in luscious scents such as apple (pictured) and spearmint, but it doesn’t leave a fruity-sweet taste in your mouth. The tins are gorgeous, and they’d make the perfect stocking stuffer. The gloss leaves a soft shine, but it’s not so goopy that your lips get stuck together. And the best part? It costs $5 per tin.

That’s all for this week, shoppers. Keep writing with your questions and comments, and I’ll keep answering.

Dear ShopGirl,

When is Old Navy coming to Bangor? I’m tired of driving to Augusta. – Sailor Girl

Dear Sailor Girl,

Rumors have been circulating about Old Navy moving to the former TJ Maxx location on Broadway for more than two years, but I’m sorry to say that you’re going to have to keep driving south for deals. A representative from Old Navy left me a message saying that the company will add a store in Biddeford in 2002, but so far, no plans for Bangor.

Dear ShopGirl,

Please tell me where to get dresses size 16 or 18, A-line or flare styles. Myself, along with a lot of friends, can’t fit in the straight styles but we have money to spend. If you could help, it would be greatly appreciated. I’ve tried for over a year. – Brenda in Winterport

Dear Brenda,

I can understand why you’ve had trouble. Many of the women’s-size dresses that I came across on my search were unflattering, poorly made or completely lacking style. I was able to find a few promising suggestions, however.

Lane Bryant in the Bangor Mall had an excellent selection of dresses and skirts in fashionable fabrics, including the modified A-line dress in black with blue detailing pictured on Page E1. Though the dress is sleeveless, you can buy a coordinating jacket or blazer. Also promising were the Venezia Jeans brand “Elemental Stretch” collection of skirts and matching duster jackets. The skirts have a straight cut, but are designed to have more give, which makes them perfect for women who work at a desk all day.

For something contemporary yet traditional, you could try Best Bib and Tucker on Main Street in Bangor, which carries (or can order) clothing up to size 18. The store specializes in high-quality, higher-end pieces with a classic look, and on-site tailoring is available, which would ensure that the dress would fit correctly.

At Filene’s, I found a group of Amanda Smith Women midlength dresses with matching jackets priced at $79.99 to $99.99 for both pieces. They were a bit more businesslike, but they were available in fashionable fabrics and fully lined with soft red or silver satin.

Fashion Bug Plus at the Broadway Shopping Center in Bangor had some funkier options, such as a black A-line dress with a sparkly black or red knit duster and a slim chain belt. When I last visited, there was a flowing paisley sundress with a slanted hem and spaghetti straps on the clearance rack in size 18 for $24.98, but it’s out of season and it may be gone now.

If you don’t mind shopping online, Nordstrom now carries women’s clothing designed by Emme, host of “E! Fashion Emergency.” The fashionable line includes A-line skirts in leather or tweed, a boatneck sheath dress or a sexy, trendy wrap dress. For information, visit www.nordstrom.com.

Let me know how your search turns out. If you need any more assistance, I’d be happy to help.

Attention shoppers: You need help finding something. I need an excuse to go shopping. Coincidence? I think not. Write me with your question and I’ll help you find an answer. Send letters to Kristen Andresen, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04401-1329, or e-mail them to kandresen@bangordailynews.net. Due to an illness in Kristen Andresen’s family, ShopGirl didn’t run on its scheduled date last month. The column resumes today and will appear every other week in Saturday’s Style section.