I’m the world’s biggest klutz. Just this morning I rammed into a trashcan on the way out of the ladies’ room at work. An hour later, I went flying when I tripped over my daily planner, which happened to be on the floor next to my desk. My clumsiness provides my colleagues with hours – OK, fleeting moments – of entertainment.

In the grand scheme of things, this isn’t a big deal, although I did sprain my ankle after tripping over a manhole cover once, and I nearly broke my hip because I missed a step while walking downstairs last fall (when I’m an old lady, to heck with wearing purple. I’m moving to a ranch). Oh, and how could I forget that incident with a tube of blood-red lipstick and the dryer?

The upshot is, no one ever asks me to do the dishes or the laundry, and when there are things to be carried, I’m usually the last person asked. There is a downside, however. I’m like a child, with torn knees in my pants, mustard and ketchup and red wine on my shirts, spaghetti sauce on my skirts (don’t ask – these things just happen), bleach spots on jeans. The best was when I shut my brand new wool coat in the car door. In March. The salt stains never quite came out. It’s no wonder I’m a bargain hunter – I can’t afford not to be, the way I go through clothes.

Which was why I’m thrilled with my recent finds. I need to replenish my T-shirt collection annually, so imagine my glee when I stopped into New York & Co to find V-neck tees on sale for $4 apiece. I bought two. And a faux gold necklace – at $4.99 I couldn’t be expected to resist.

I also found T-riffic buys at Gap (OK, you can stop groaning now). I picked up a casual white sleeveless top for $9.99, and I plan to go back for a $10 camisole. Filene’s and Target also have great deals on basic tops for summer, most of which cost less than $10.

Last week, I concurrently dropped eyeliner and lipstick on my standby tan capris. When I went to wipe them off, I noticed a pen stain near the waist. How do these things happen? I have no idea. What I do know is that I need another pair of capris. I tried on a pair of khaki palazzo pants at Filene’s (supercheap with coupons), but realized I already had a pair from Express in the dry cleaning bag at home. What I needed was a pair of casual chino-type cropped pants. New York & Co. had ridiculous deals (buy one pair, get the second for $10). Aeropostale had adorable capris for $20. In size zero. Old Navy’s roll-up capris are fab, but they’re $29.50. I’ll wait for them to go on sale.

What I won’t wait for, however, is a pair of Old Navy flip-flops for $3.50. When it comes to footwear, I’m like Jimmy Buffett – even when I’m not drinking margaritas, I’m often stepping on pop tops and blowing out flip-flops. I ruin summer shoes like they’re going out of style, so if they don’t cost less than $10, I won’t buy them. Fortunately, Target has flower-embellished flippies for $1. Renys has them for a bit more. And the $10 sequined flats at Burlington Coat Factory are almost practical.

So were the $10 sunglasses I picked up at Molly’s in Winterport. New owner Dustan Peet has carried on Molly’s fine tradition of fabulous clothing, accessories, gifts and home goods in a wide range of prices. This is a good thing, because I just broke my Jackie-O standbys from Old Navy in a freak driveway accident. I now have a glam pair of shades and money to spare.

Which is good, because I also need skirts. I just discovered one of my favorites from last year has a zipper missing. Another is speckled with what looks like Tabasco. I’m a dry cleaner’s dream. Lucky for me, most of the cute skirts I coveted at the Gap now cost $19.99. And a sympathetic colleague bought me an adorable floral skirt at Filene’s ($6 with coupons). Some of the best deals I’ve seen are at T.J. Maxx ‘n More, where you can find embroidered, flowy skirts a la Anthropologie for prices a la T.J.s ($14.99 and up).

After stocking up on basics, I’m now ready for another season in the sun. I’ll have joy, I’ll have fun, I’ll have stains on my clothes before the summer’s done.

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.

(This appeared as a clip-out entry form)

Win me!

Have fun in the sun with ShopGirl’s June giveaways – yes, there are two this month: a reversible sun hat with garden clogs, women’s size 7; or a reversible sun hat with pink Old Navy flip-flops, women’s size 8. A winner will be drawn at random for each prize. Please specify your preference (flip-flops or clogs) on the envelope. To enter, fill out an entry form in the Bangor Daily News lobby or clip out this form and send it to: ShopGirl June Giveaway (specify preference), c/o Kristen Andresen, Bangor Daily News, 491 Main St., Bangor, ME 04401. Entries must be postmarked by Monday, June 27. The winners will be announced on Saturday, July 2, in this column.