I don’t care what the Beatles say. All I need is gloves.

And a hat.

This is the time of year when everyone starts to bundle up. It starts with a sweater, progresses to a puffy jacket, and pretty soon, poof! We’re all waddling around looking like the Michelin Man gone badly awry.

I’ll tackle the coat conundrum in a future column, but for now, let’s stick to accessories. As a girl, I wouldn’t be caught dead in a hat and scarf. Even mittens were a stretch. Then I moved north and realized that headwear and neckwear weren’t optional. Until recently, however, this meant yet another boring fleece hat and a plain-Jane muffler.

These days, men and women alike can brave the elements in style. There are options to suit every taste, from the sporty, vibrant knitwear at Target to the chic, elegant caps and affordable cashmere gloves at Marshalls and T.J. Maxx ‘n More.

Actually, at Target, I like the men’s hats for both sexes. The stylish caps are attractively priced, most under $10. But I lost my head to a cute little knitted number at Marshalls. It was black, of course, adorned with two small crocheted flowers – think Ali McGraw in “Love Story.” At $9.99, I fell in love with the price tag.

But I couldn’t leave it at that. I was drawn like a moth to a flame toward the luxe cashmere gloves in soft winter white. And – bargain! – they were only $14.99. I may go back and buy them for all my girlfriends, unless you beat me to it. I did manage to tear myself away from the supple Nine West leather gloves ($39.99), however.

Next stop, T.J. Maxx ‘n More, where I immediately grabbed a chic chapeau – quilted, a la Chanel; black, a la everything I own; and inexpensive, a la my budget. Plus, it was waterproof. I resisted the lovely scarves, only because I have enough of them to keep every neck in Alaska toasty. And I hesitantly turned away from the outrageously cute Lulu Guinness leather gloves for $39.

See, I’m trying to beef up my hat collection. I buy them, but never get up the nerve to wear them. I’ve heard many other women echo my sentiments, but I’m taking a stand. If you see a hat you adore, buy it. Wear it. Just make sure it’s not too big (vision impairment) or too small (that uncomfortable squeezed-head feeling). For a sweet little hat that’s just right, check out the angora crusher at the Gap ($19.50). I have a crush on it. but when I saw it, I had already blown my budget.

Imagine how I felt when I went into Filene’s and saw yet another hat I adored – loden green, with a leather tie, by Liz Claiborne. Ah, so stylish. But because I have SADD (shopping-attention-deficit-disorder), I quickly turned my attention to the Liz Claiborne “Teddy” gloves ($15), which are as soft and cuddly as Elmo, without all that pesky singing, tickling and dancing.

Also of note are the lovely, unique hats, scarves and gloves at The Grasshopper Shop and, if you really want to splurge, the hand-knit cashmere gloves at Molly’s in Winterport.

But I have my own cashmere gloves now. And two cute new caps. Not to mention the faux-fur wrap I already own, my grandfather’s trusty Burberry scarf and the adorable crocheted hat and mitten set I got for Christmas last year. I’m set to stay warm in any weather, without looking like a puffy white mess.

ShopNotes

. For a unique holiday shopping experience that helps a good cause, check out the annual auction to benefit PICA, or Peace through Interamerican Community Action. The auction will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the University College of Bangor’s College Center, located at 210 Texas Ave. in Bangor. Proceeds from the auction will benefit PICA’s fair trade work, the Bangor Clean Clothes Campaign, PICA’s Youth Adelantando group, and the building of a sewing cooperative in Carasque, El Salvador. Items from such shops as The Grasshopper Shop, Mainely Pottery, the Green Store, Winterport Boot, and Justice Clothing will be up for bid, as will 10 pounds of organic, free-range ground beef from Meadowsweet Farm, a Swedish massage from Donna Kraft-Smith, and an original painting by Michael Lewis. For information, call 947-4203 or visit www.pica.ws.

. Portland designer Jill McGowan, known for her gorgeous shirts and tailored clothing in silk, cotton and wool, will hold a benefit clothing sale next weekend to raise funds for the Pittsfield Public Library restoration and expansion project. The sale will take place from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27, at 67 Main St. in Pittsfield. The clothing will be sold at discounted prices. A book sale is also planned.

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. Tune in to ShopGirl at 5 p.m. Fridays on WLBZ-2.