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On the road again. Just can’t wait to get on the road again. The life I love is going shopping with my friends, and I can’t wait to get on the road again.
Willie Nelson had it right.
I packed up my car and hit the road last Friday to meet an old pal in Portland. We reminisced about old times. We ate sushi. And we shopped until our feet felt heavy and our purses felt light.
The trip was an adventure, for I discovered all sorts of new (or new-to-me) boutiques. But I also revisited the old favorites.
It started with a visit to Bull Moose Music on Middle Street, so my friend Mel could pick up John Mayer’s new-old independent rerelease. We headed upstairs to Casco Bay Books, which carries new and used titles, but also has the best selection of magazines, literary and art periodicals, and ‘zines that I’ve found in the state. Add to that a small but hip collection of trinkets (such as the French lunchbox that I bought for my sister), a coffee shop and a wonderful sales staff, and you’ve got my new favorite bookstore.
We meandered down the street to Circa, where I almost parted with $158 for a crazy fleece coat by Scarborough designer Maralyce Ferree. It was red and fluffy, kind of like Tickle Me Elmo with dreadlocks. Ferree is known for her stylish yet practical jackets, and this fit the bill. Unfortunately, it didn’t fit my budget.
From there we hit the pavement (or, the cobblestones, as the case may be) and scurried off to Dunne Roman on Fore Street, easily my favorite store in the city. They sell everything from fresh and dried flowers to $2,000 antique Swiss armoires, all of it beautiful. Contemplated buying another bonsai tree, but opted out after remembering how I nearly killed the one I have now.
Next stop, iShop! for Aveda cosmetics and a dalliance with a pair of Lucky jeans. I flirted with the idea of buying a lustrous funnel-neck sweater, but the raglan sleeves turned me off, so I left empty-handed. Mel bought a tube of lipstick. Mission accomplished. For her, anyway.
On the way to lunch, we stopped at Cool Jewels on Exchange Street, a shop of the silver-and-stones variety, which must employ a full-time polisher – everything gleamed. I nearly drooled on the sidewalk in front of Abacus, where a handcrafted set of nesting (pardon the pun) rooster batter bowls was on display.
Bowls are the last thing I need, however, so after a bite, we zipped up to Congress Street. Was it a coincidence that the only parking spot around just happened to be around the corner from Central Yarn Shop? Perhaps. This shop bailed me out of a bad needle situation last spring, so I decided to return. While I don’t care for the dim lighting or the barrels of yarn everywhere, Central does have a good selection and I found what I was looking for – a linen-colored ball of mohair-cotton blend – and it cost only $3.50.
But I had work to do. I was on a mission from ShopGuy – he needed hard-to-find books. List in hand, I walked into Yes Books, which was a no-go for his requests.
Off to Cunningham’s Books on Longfellow Square, a big, sunny shop of used and rare tomes that had everything – except the titles on my list. It was an enjoyable hunt nonetheless, and the shopkeeper was gracious and helpful.
On the walk back, we stopped at Terra Firma, a shoetique with cute clothes to boot. A dressy pair of pumps with bold graphic patterns caught my eye, but, alas, they were sold out in my size. Mel pondered a pair of fur-trimmed red clogs, but dismissed them when she saw the brand, which tends to give her blisters. So we left with a yearning in our soles.
A quick sip at Coffee By Design lifted our spirits, but the caffeine wasn’t enough to keep us going for long. We were tired. We were out of cash. And we had exhausted our options. That’s OK, though. Portland is close, and I’ll be back.
Just can’t wait to get on the road again.
ShopNews
. This just in: Through Sept. 29, all sweaters at Gap – in store or online – are $29 or less. I recommend the ribbed turtleneck ($19). I still have a gray one I bought in 1994. And it’s still in style.
. In response to M.W., who asked ShopGirl to track down a Playtex girdle, I wrote that I couldn’t find one locally. A few days later, I found out that Rosen’s Department Store in Bucksport carries the full I Can’t Believe It’s a Girdle line. I hope this helps.
Reader question
Dear ShopGirl,
What is Lucky magazine and how do I get a subscription for it? I enjoy reading your articles!
Sincerely yours,
J.L. Ward
Dear J.L.,
Lucky magazine is entirely about shopping. That begs the question, “Aren’t all magazines entirely about shopping?” The short answer is yes, but Lucky doesn’t even pretend to be anything else. There are few articles, and no in-depth reporting. If you want substance, I’d suggest you try The New Yorker instead.
Lucky is like a catalog of what’s new in clothing, shoes, fragrance, cosmetics and housewares. It tells you where to get it and how much you should expect to pay. The magazine often focuses on one item, such as boots, and displays a range of styles and prices for the season’s popular looks. The beauty of the magazine – especially for people who don’t live in an urban area – is that it tells you how to get your hands on something you can’t find at your local mall.
You can get a subscription by calling (800) 777-4058. Lucky is also available at supermarkets, drugstores, bookstores and newsstands.
Thank you for reading!
ShopGirl would love to hear from you. Send questions, comments or suggestions by mail to: Kristen Andresen, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402-1329; or by e-mail to: kandresen@bangordailynews.net
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