Let’s talk about socks.

I know, I know, it’s a little personal, and frankly, what you do in the privacy of your own shoes is none of my business. But what I’ve seen in the stores is enough to make me want to play footsie.

This time of year is normally pretty depressing for me, because I have to retire my flip-flops for the season. I hold out as long as I can, but once the snow flies, it’s over. I’ve removed my toenail polish, dusted off the boots and put all my sandals in storage.

But does the fun have to end now that my feet are hidden behind closed toes? I think not. See, I believe in the joy of socks.

Part of it has to do with the fact that I’m freezing all the time, so whenever I see a pair of Smartwools I get all warm and fuzzy. The new generation of Smartwools, available in fashionable colors and stylish patterns, is really worth getting excited about. You can find them, starting at $14.50, at Lamey Wellehan and Epic Sports in Bangor, to name a few. For the full line, visit www.smartwool.com.

My athletic friends swear by Thorlo socks, which are tailored to the sport at hand. For example, the running model has a thin, breathable top to reduce friction, while the walkers have padding where the shoe’s tongue hits the foot. You can find these at Lamey Wellehan, but the Dahlgren alpaca socks there are more my speed – warm, soft, durable – what’s not to like?

Of course, the same could be said of the warm, sweaterlike cable tights at Old Navy. At two pairs for $10, you’re getting a lot of warm style for a little dough. Want to spend even less? Novelty socks are four for $10.

If you head next door to Kohl’s, you’ll find a real treat for your feet – a bargain bonanza that’s high on variety. Kohl’s offers some of the more interesting styles I’ve seen, including knee socks with silk-flower accents, fabulous fishnets and lace stockings.

Also high on the value scale is T.J. Maxx, where luxe angora knee-highs can be found for $4.99; funky graphic trouser socks are a steal for $2.99. For those of you who aren’t quite ready to ditch the mules, toe socks, which are about as practical as the foot thong for flip-flop lovers, are on clearance for $2. I can’t imagine why.

One of my all-time favorite pairs of socks came from The Grasshopper Shop. The white anklets feature a stylishly-dressed gal carrying an armload of shopping bags. “Shopping girl” is embroidered underneath. My friends John and Lynda saw them and thought of me, and whenever I wear the socks, I think of them.

Whenever I’m in the mood for sole-searching, I head to Shoegazer in Ellsworth, which carries a dazzling array of printed tights (perfect under a plain skirt), wild and sassy fishnets and knee-highs (for the daring) and sumptuous cashmere blend socks for those days when I need a little luxury.

Every day can be luxurious when you’re wearing fabulous stockings, even if you’re the only one who knows. It’s called socks appeal.

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.

ShopNotes

. More than 20 artisans will display and sell their work during the annual Designing Women show and sale, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the Holiday Inn on Main Street in Bangor. Admission costs $2, and all proceeds will benefit the Penobscot branch of the American Association of University Women. For information, visit www.designingwomen.org.

. You know the type: under 3 feet tall, wearing pink feathers, a lavender sparkly dress and a tiara – to school. If this sounds like someone you know, do I have the contest for her. The author of “Ellie: The Perfect Dress for Me” and the president of Bonnie Jean Dresses have teamed up to find the designing women of the future. Girls 8 and under are invited to submit a sketch of their ideal holiday dress. Three winners, judged on originality and creativity, will have their dresses custom-made by Bonnie Jean. Moms can help, but the ideas must belong to their daughters. The folks at Bonnie Jean hope to gain insight into how little girls want to dress – not how shopkeepers think little girls should dress. It’s a contest in tune with author C.M. Rubin’s fashion philosophy: “The only person who can develop your style is you.” For entry information, visit www.bonniejean.com/ellie or www.ellieismyname.com.