Ellsworth offers welcome change of shopping scenery

A few weeks back, I was trolling for deals in the aisles of T.J. Maxx ‘n More in Bangor. As I headed into the changing room with four pairs of black pants, a few wispy floral tops, and an Anne Klein II suit, I had a startling revelation: I’d tried on half of these clothes before, and I didn’t like them the first time.

That’s when it hit me: I needed a change of scenery.

So the idea for the ShopGirl Shopping Trip was born. Each month, I’ll hit the road in search of a new place where I can give my Visa a workout. New fashions, new faces, new “hidden” places – that’s my idea of adventure.

For the inaugural trip, I chose Ellsworth, which is not only the crossroads of Down East, it’s one of my favorite places to shop (and stop for lunch).

As always, I started on Main Street, which has all the charm of a small downtown and all the style of a bigger city. First stop? Shoegazer, which carries (in my humble opinion) the most well-edited selection of hip, affordable shoes north of Portland. There, I considered a pair of socks decorated with the Taj Mahal, a fabulous bag printed with cartoons that spoof the instructions you find on the back of your airline seat, and tights printed with lotus flowers and Chinese letters. But in the end, I bought a pair of funky flowered black patent leather slides from Unlisted by Kenneth Cole (regularly $38, but on sale for $32.80).

Then I headed down the hill to Beal’s Gift Shop, where I drooled over Godiva chocolates and coveted Provencal plates and linens – very tasteful. I window-shopped at Ruth Foster’s Children’s Shop, which boasts charming, high-quality kids’ clothes and sweet toys, then I headed across the street to Vicki’s 2nd to None. The last time I went to Vicki’s, I saw a Marc Jacobs shirt, which unfortunately looked ridiculous on me. Regardless, this is the place to find fashionable secondhand clothes. Plus, a portion of each purchase benefits the humane society. On this visit, I bought a black shirt from the Gap and a red tank top from the Limited for a total of $10.50 – bargain.

Next stop, The Grasshopper Shop, which is having its annual Treat Your Feet sale on shoes, socks and tights. I eyed an adorable black halter that tied under the chest with a pink ribbon, and a shirt and jeans from Calvin Klein that both were 50 percent off. However, I would’ve needed to take 50 percent off my body to fit into either, so I left empty-handed.

Up the street, I checked out the furniture at J.B. Atlantic, which has great prices on TV armoires, couches and farmhouse tables – and an enviable selection of picture frames, glassware and funky decorative items. Then I walked next door to Crossroads Antiques, which always is packed with rare treasures – ditto for The Old Creamery Antique Mall, which has two floors full of goodness on nearby Hancock Street.

Because I’m lazy and it was cold, I hopped into the car and drove south on Main Street to Rooster Brother, which is among my favorite kitchen shops in Maine. I breathed in the heady aroma of fresh roasted coffee and tried to decide between white and black truffle oil. Ultimately, I decided to head upstairs instead and look at FiestaWare and ’50s-style juice glasses printed with cherries.

When in Ellsworth, I usually make a quick detour onto State Street to Pyramid Studios and The Book Shelf. Pyramid has gorgeous, unique jewelry and exceptionally good prices, and The Book Shelf sells used and rare titles – the last time I went, they even had a few out-of-print knitting books, which I promptly bought.

By this time, I was famished, so I zipped up High Street to Frankie’s for a cup of veggie chili and a salad. I also would recommend the Riverside Cafe, especially for brunch, and Cleonice Mediterranean Bistro, both on Main Street; and for Thai food, the Bangkok at the Colonial Inn on High Street.

While I was waiting for lunch, I perused the shop portion of Frankie’s, which has a fabulous selection of gifts from around the world. There, I bought a small Mexican tote printed with strawberries and flowers for $5.99. Next, it was off to Renys, where I bought a $7.99 J. Crew shirt for yoga class. Among the other highlights were lace-trimmed camisoles from Abercrombie & Fitch, athletic pants and shorts from Gap Outlet, galvanized-steel window boxes for $5.99 and spring flower bulbs for $1.99 a pack.

After searching for bargains at Renys, I went to the decidedly more upscale Terra Cotta. As I opened the door, a series of breathtakingly beautiful evening gowns adorned the wall in front of me. To my left a pair of Cole Haan kitten-heel shoes beckoned me. As I perused the racks, Tessuto dresses, shirts by Portland designer Jill McGowan, and T-shirts by Three Dots caught my eye. But my favorite item was the short, playful Eiffel Tower skirt by Love Life. If only I had $88 that wasn’t designated for a door or a few cans of paint.

Normally, I would’ve gone to Marden’s, but I was exhausted, and after Terra Cotta, I didn’t know if I could handle surplus. I stopped at Sacred Hoop, a nonprofit thrift shop that benefits the Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Acadia Wildlife Rehabilitation, and Maine domestic animal shelters, but I didn’t have much luck. Then I hit Monroe Salt Works, which has great jewelry and an extensive Vera Bradley bag collection (check out the decidedly non-Vera Bradley woven plastic totes that are reminiscent of lawn chairs). After a quick and uneventful walk-through at the L.L. Bean factory store, I filled up my gas tank and headed back to Bangor.

My version of “On the Road” wasn’t exactly Kerouacian. It won’t shape an entire generation (though it may shape my wardrobe). But getting out of town made me, and my wallet, feel good. And that, my friends, can’t be beat.

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.