Ah, to be young – and modest – again.

Last week, I had the pleasure of taking my husband’s cousin Michelle shopping. She’s 12. She’s a sweetie. She’s visiting from Germany. And she wanted American jeans (isn’t that always the case?).

Normally, this wouldn’t be a problem, but in Germany, low-rise jeans aren’t hot with the preteen set. In theory, this is a good thing, because I’m not a big fan of little girls baring their hips in the name of fashion. But I dare you to find a pair of cool-looking jeans with a higher waist. Sure, there are plenty of high-waisted jeans out there, but with a high waist, you’re almost guaranteed a tapered leg, unflattering pockets and roomy thighs.

Being 12 is hard enough without adding “mom jeans” to the mix.

Michelle had already visited Wal-Mart, where she found a pair of jeans in the juniors section. But she wanted more. So we found ourselves on a mission. Now, I know of several manufacturers that offer a higher-waist jean, but most target an older consumer – Cambio (available at Terra Cotta in Ellsworth and The Kimball Shop in Northeast Harbor) makes a beautifully cut jean, but they’re a little out of Michelle’s price range.

We tried the bargain route, which is the way I love to shop.

At T.J. Maxx ‘n More, we loaded up a cart with jeans in all shapes and sizes. After three fruitless trips to the fitting room, we gave up. Target was no better. And neither was Filene’s. It wasn’t until we visited Burlington Coat Factory that I realized the problem. Michelle kept saying that the waist was too big. And too short. Then I got it.

We headed away from juniors and into misses, where Michelle found a pair of Zena jeans that fit like a dream. Plus, they looked hip enough for a 12-year-old. And they only cost $9.99. Fantastic.

But it was a minor victory. We hopped over to the mall, stopped at the Gap, and shopped around. Gap offers two cuts of higher-waist jeans – Classic and Reverse Fit – and several lower-waist jeans that show neither London nor France. But they cost a little more than Michelle wanted to pay, and they didn’t really fit right to begin with.

Next, we hit American Eagle, where the manager suggested the Favorite jean, an everyday style with a lower waist that doesn’t threaten visible underwear. Again, the fit wasn’t quite right, so we trotted off to J.C. Penney. On our way, we made a quick detour to the pet store, where Michelle fawned over puppies and bunnies.

At Penney’s, Michelle filled her arms with jeans by Mudd and Arizona, but we hit paydirt as we wandered toward the fitting room – in the form of Levi’s Modern Boot Cut. If ever there were a jean that was hip (without showing too much hip), this is it. At $36, the price was right. And since everyone who visits the United States seems to leave with a pair of Levi’s, it was a fitting way to end our day.

We were both wiped out by this point, and Michelle needed a drink, so we headed toward the food court. On the way, she wanted to stop at the pet shop again – she wanted a bunny, but she settled for an iced tea instead. Jeans will make it through Customs, and so will a few T-shirts. But a rabbit? Somehow, I don’t think so.

ShopNotes

. Looking for fashion, beauty and image tips – and a great place to shop? Visit Spectacular Events today for “Image, Style & Fashion 2005,” a fund-raiser for Zonta Club of Bangor, which works to advance the status of women. I’ll give a talk on savvy shopping at 3 p.m., but other great speakers, including Sharon Pelletier from WABI-TV5, will touch on such topics as wardrobe coordination, nutrition, beauty and self-image.

. Animal lovers, take note: Elmer’s Garden and Elmer’s Discount in Columbia Falls will hold a huge sale on Saturday (that’s today, folks) on all animal-related items. Elmer’s has a huge and eclectic selection, including pet dishes, pet-themed frames, travel gear, stuffed animals, and French poodle collectibles, all priced 50 percent off. A hefty portion of the proceeds will benefit The Ark animal shelter in Cherryfield. For information, call 483-6513.

. On the market? Sold? Check out Chez Suz T-shirts, emblazoned with fun, flirty real estate slogans, at Malibu Tans in Bangor. Designer Susan Price will be on hand for the trunk show from noon to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 7. Long-sleeve shirts will cost $25, tanks will cost $20 and her newest item, undies, will be on sale for $12.

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.