There are few words more delightful to the avid shopper than “clearance.”

And this time of year, clearance sales abound as stores make way for their early fall collections. It’s a double blessing for Mainers – not only are we getting everything at drastically reduced prices, but the sales come at a time when the weather is finally heating up enough to wear the shorts, skirts and sundresses on sale.

Recently, I took to the mall and beyond to find the summer sales worth waiting for. Needless to say, I didn’t leave empty-handed.

It all started last week, when I took a young friend shopping for high school-worthy duds. While we were in Weathervane at the Bangor Mall, a denim jacket caught my eye. It was nearly identical to one I had coveted at another shop, but instead of a $64 price tag, the one at Weathervane cost $ 27.65 (the going-out-of-business sale made it 30 percent off) – all the jacket for half the price. Not bad.

This week, I found swimsuits galore on clearance. Nothing quite beat the racks and racks of bathing suits for under $10 apiece at Marden’s – a friend of mine bought eight between the Brewer and Ellsworth stores. But the sales at T.J. Maxx ‘n More and Marshalls in Bangor came close. At Marshalls, an Anne Cole bathing suit on the clearance rack beckoned me, and at $22, it was a steal, but it wasn’t quite right. The Nautica and Donna Karan suits at T.J.’s (around $20 apiece) were fabulous, but again, the fit wasn’t.

That didn’t deter me on my bargain search, however. I went to Filene’s, which is in the midst of a blowout sale – it’s even better if you clip the coupons from the newspaper. Most of the summer clothes are 60 percent off, which equals great bargains on Valerie Stevens suits ($28.80 for a jacket), summery tops and shorts. Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger items are also on sale -I particularly like the pink and orange fern-print dress from Tommy, but I resisted.

My editor told me I needed to go to the Gap, and I’m glad I did. They were practically giving clothes away at the door. OK, I’m exaggerating, but capris for $13? Shirts for $4.99? I decided I needed to buy the embroidered T-shirt I had coveted since I first saw it. At $13.99 (half the original price), I couldn’t let it pass me by. I also picked up a funky floral-print makeup bag for a friend – a bargain at $4.99.

Next, I stopped at American Eagle Outfitters, where all sale merchandise is an additional 30 percent off. I liked the fitted polo shirts, the stretchy striped belts and the plaid miniskirts, but I figured I’d be doing myself and my friends a favor by skipping the skirt. A sign in the window of Aeropostale promised $20 off jeans, but I’m about 10 years too old for that stuff.

I shuffled off to J.C. Penney, which had cute flip-flops for around $6. Nearby, Payless had respectable flippies for $4, but I’m all flipped out. The scents at Bath & Body Works lured me in, as did the 75 percent off sales, but what I really wanted was a fig-scented candle from Henri Bendel Home. Of course, that wasn’t on sale. No big deal. Literally.

I wandered past Victoria’s Secret, where undies and pajamas are 50 percent off, but since I have a gift certificate that I haven’t used yet, I decided to pass. Wilson’s also had a huge sale – 70 percent off – but I’m all set in the leather jacket department, too. I wandered through Sears, where swimsuits and shorts are 50 percent off, but nothing caught my fancy.

It was time to hit the road, so off I went to Burlington Coat Factory, which was chock full of $4.99 shirts and $10 skirts, but I couldn’t find a thing that worked. Clearly, it was time for Target. There, I hit the jackpot. Beach bags were 50 percent off. Accessories were 30 percent off. And many of the cute outdoor goodies were half off (check out the floral print paper lanterns for $5). I got a ribbon belt, which I had wanted for ages. It cost $6.98, and I was thrilled.

What will be even more thrilling, however, is the prospect of fall merchandise. It’s on its way, and I, for one, can’t wait to start browsing.

Reader question

Dear ShopGirl,

I really like your newspaper column and have read it for some time now. It’s a lot of good advice. I always liked clothes and like to hear where things can be bought.

I’m an older lady, but I’m 5 feet 2 inches and under 100 pounds, so I am always looking for petite clothing. In your last column, you mentioned catalogs from petite clothing stores and I was wondering if you could print the addresses of a couple. I would love to have Delia’s and Express and Old Navy, if they carry catalogs. It would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

Pauline Brown, Woodland

Dear Pauline,

Thank you for your kindness!

You can get a Delia’s catalog by calling (800) 335-4217. Express and Old Navy don’t have catalogs, but there is an Express store in the Maine Mall in South Portland, and Old Navy’s nearest store is located in the Augusta Marketplace mall on Western Avenue in Augusta.

Also of interest to you may be The Pretty Woman on Main Street in Orono. Owner Nancy Paul carries a good selection of petite clothing for women of all ages. That’s a bit of a drive from Woodland, though. In the catalog department, you should have good luck with catalogs from Land’s End, at (800) 963-4816 or www.landsend.com, and Nordstrom, at (800) 804-0860 or www.nordstrom.com, both of which have good lines for petites.

I hope this helps, and, 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 04402-1329, or by fax to: 941-9476.