Clearance sales just get better and better

Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, it did.

A few weeks ago, I thought I had hit the clearance jackpot, but I was wrong. When I went shopping this week, everything was on sale, everywhere.

It started with a tip from a friend, who mentioned that all of the winter clothing at Mardens (you know, the Spiegel stuff) was now three for $10. At the Brewer store, I plowed and picked my way through racks upon racks of wool pants, sweaters, blazers and tops and headed off to the fitting room with armloads of clothes (including a cute pair of Gap corduroys). I even picked up a few nonclearance items, including three adorable XOXO tops, which made me look like a tart (and not in a good way).

As is the usual case with clearance, nothing fit. The Gap pants were too small. The Spiegel stuff was a little blah. And I would’ve needed a crowbar to get into the petite sequined top that caught my eye. Among the highlights of the new arrivals were women’s J Crew warmup jackets for $9.99 and men’s Abercrombie & Fitch sweaters for $19.99. If you’re in the market for footwear, check out the selection of Steve Madden and Doc Marten boots.

Boots weren’t on my agenda, so I left empty-handed. Off I went to Miller’s Discount, which – surprise! – was in the midst of a moving sale (the new location is 15 Acme Road, across from the Brewer pool). The remaining selection was pretty picked-over, but the prices were amazing – 75 percent off most everything, except Carhartt and Dickies. As I left, I looked across the street and noticed a sale sign in the window of Sylvia’s resale boutique – always a treat – but it was closing time, so I’ll have to go back.

Next, it was off to the mall, which was a bargain hunter’s paradise. Filene’s had fabulous deals – check out the sales on Tommy Hilfiger, Liz Claiborne, Anne Klein and Calvin Klein, and don’t forget your coupons. I spent about an hour trying to choose baubles on the clearance jewelry table, but then I decided to wait because I had left my coupons at home. I’ll be back for chandelier earrings, vintage-style beaded necklaces and a chic pendant – all under $10.

At the Gap, nothing on the sale rack called my name, but I wanted pretty much everything else in the store, except for the knickers. Call them what you will – cropped pants, capris – they’re still knickers. Among my favorites were the pastel corduroys, the floral-patterned crusher hat and matching handbag, the chic, simple knitwear along the wall that leads to GapKids.

A friend tipped me off to a group of sheer plastic handbags at J.C. Penney, but I just bought a new bag. Still, I wandered down there, stopped to peer in the window at American Eagle and Weathervane (if you try on a pair of pants there, they’ll give you $5 off your purchase), but didn’t see anything I needed. At J.C. Penney, I contemplated a lace-trimmed camisole ($9.99) that was remarkably similar to a higher-priced version I saw at the Gap, but it’s too cold for me to even consider buying anything without sleeves.

Fortunately, I found something with sleeves – and faux-fur lining. As I was leaving Penney’s, a corduroy jacket with shearlingesque trim stopped me in my tracks. It was exactly what I had been looking for, but I figured I had missed my window of clearance opportunity. Not so. The jacket fit perfectly and the sign said it was on sale for 75 percent off the original price of $89. At the register, it rung up for $19.99, or 78 percent off. I’m not going to question the math.

By the time I finished at J.C. Penney, I needed dinner. But I’ll be back. Clearance time is like summer in Maine – sweet, but way too short. I plan to make the most of it.

Reader question

Dear ShopGirl,

Your column is one of the first things I read in the Saturday BDN and I never fail to relate to some portion of it, usually with a chuckle. However, I can’t seem to recall any reference to my particular problem.

What does a woman facing age 79 next month, who is 5 feet tall, weighs less than 100 pounds, has no butt to speak of and small thighs, and who wears a size 6 petite (or XS petite) top do about a waist that’s a size 10? Think how much material is left unoccupied in the seat and legs of a 10 petite short.

Dieting doesn’t work, except in all the places I don’t want it to. Various types of exercise have also failed. Hip-huggers seem more appropriate for teenagers, and taking every below-the-waist garment to a seamstress for alterations is way beyond my means.

I shall look eagerly forward to your solution to my predicament.

Sincerely,

E.G., Bangor

Dear E.G.,

Thank you for writing! I am not sure I’ll be able to provide a solution, but I have a few suggestions. Best Bib and Tucker in Bangor offers on-site tailoring and a wide range of sizes, which could solve part of the problem. I would recommend stretchy pants with an elastic waist, but that’s an obvious answer and, I’m sure, not what you’re looking for. Nancy Paul of The Pretty Woman in Orono usually has a great selection of clothing to fit almost any figure, but she’s between seasons, so her offerings are a bit slim. She did say that if she were able to meet you in person, she may be able make some recommendations.

I know this isn’t much help, so I’m asking my readers: If you know of a shop, brand or catalog that carries clothing that is larger in the waist and smaller in the legs, please drop me a line.

As always, happy shopping!

ShopGirl would love to hear from you! Send questions, comments or suggestions by e-mail to: kandresen@bangordailynews.net, by U.S. mail to: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402-1329, or by fax to: 941-9476.