BEST AND WORST 2005

Ah, 2005, we hardly knew ye.

And yet, you left a few indelible fashion impressions. There were highs (heels included), and lows (low-rises, that is). Glitter and fur and fabulousness ruled, while Willy Wonka glasses and the universally unflattering gauchos turned heads. Not in a good way.

As we look forward to all 2006 will bring, I’d like to pause for a moment and look back at this year’s best and worst trends. And I welcome you to send me your favorite – and least favorite – looks from 2005.

Enjoy, and have a happy new year!

BEST

Embellishments – Glitter, sequins, rhinestones, metallic threads. You name it, we wore it.

Faux sure! – Who says fake fur has to be fancy? This year, we saw it on parkas, mittens, even purses.

Big beaded necklaces – Vintage plastic, faux pearls, shells of exotic nuts – if it’s big and bold, it’s the perfect stand-alone accessory.

The pashmina wrap lives on – I swear, this is the most useful accessory ever made. It’s warm, it’s stylish, and it automatically dresses up any ensemble.

Fabulous jeans in any size – Whether they choose 7 for All Mankind at TJ’s or Seven-Seven at Lane Bryant, all women can be assured of sexy, stylish denim that flatters their figures.

A return to classics – I’ve never

met a woman who looked bad in tailored wool trousers, a fitted blazer and an elegant string of pearls.

Fashionable flats – Sequined ballet flats, sweet little moccasins and satin slides are almost enough reason for me to ditch my stilettos. Almost.

WORST

Too many embellishments – Whoa, Stevie Nicks. Velvet, lace, leather and suede tassels don’t all need to be on the same skirt.

UGGs, uggain. – As someone who’s always freezing, I understand the allure of shearling. Just not in our climate. It’s wet and slushy here – not exactly the ideal conditions for $150 suede boots.

Too-big sunglasses – Jackie O had it right. Willy Wonka, Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Richie did not.

The poncho lives on – Year one, it was cute. Year two, it was Martha Stewartized. Year three? Well, maybe there shouldn’t be a year three.

Low-low-low-low-rise jeans – I don’t care if you’re built like Heidi Klum. I don’t want to see your

hipbones, your bellybutton or your thong. Why does this look persist?

A return to gauchos – I’ve never met a woman who looked good in them. Sure, all that drapelike fabric seemed like a good idea, but really, it wasn’t. Cropped pants, yes. Gauchos? Not so much.

Four-season sandals – Don’t get me wrong. I love a good flip-flop as much as the next gal. But after November, it’s too cold to wear them. I guess there is an upside. You don’t need to worry about a pedicure, because your toenails are already a nice shade of blue.

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