This time of year, I have a split shopping personality.

On the one hand, I’m ready for spring, and all the joy it brings. What’s not to love about flip-flops, floaty tops and Bermuda shorts?

On the other hand, I have no willpower when it comes to end-of-winter everything-must-go clearance sales. Boots for $5? I’ll take seven. Pairs, that is.

My most recent shopping forays have appealed to both sides of my personality.

Blame it on the unseasonably warm weather, but I couldn’t help myself at Marshalls a few weeks ago when I spotted the perfect spring khakis. Sure, I have a full closet, but the one thing I lack is a decent-fitting unstained pair of chinos. They may have been last season’s from American Eagle, but you’d never tell once they’re on. And for $14.99, who’s counting?

Ditto for the big but not too Olson-twinsy shades I found at Marshalls, also $14.99 – ever since I turned 29 again, I’ve been a little sensitive about those laugh lines around my eyes. These sunglasses will ensure that only smiles – not sun damage – will be responsible for any future wrinkles.

But sun was the last thing on my mind at Kohl’s, where I spent the better part of an afternoon combing the $10-and-under rack. There, I found a marine-blue, crushed-velvet blazer for $5 and a Nine & Co. green denim twill blazer for $7.50 (it sounds strange, but it works). I figured these would help me navigate the weird weather between now and summer.

That and they’d be the perfect foil for all the barely there summery tops I scored elsewhere. But more on that later. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the shoe giveaway at Kohl’s. Well, it felt like a giveaway when I got to the register. The of-the-moment round-toe pumps I found on clearance for $10 were actually only $5. And Filene’s had dreamy Valerie Stevens high boots for $15.

Back to the tops, though. It’s going to be a while before anyone will be baring their shoulders, but that’s no excuse not to buy the filmy, layered Tribal tops at The Grasshopper Shop ($47) in a vibrant, summery print. While you’re there, check out the long-awaited addition to the Crocs family – the cushy, molded-sole flip-flop ($29).

Also check out the clearance rack, where there are great deals to be found. The same can be said for Old Navy, if you act quickly. The 99-cent lace T-shirts at Old Navy are almost too good to be true, as are the under-$6 camisoles and tanks at Marden’s.

They’ll look great with the oh-so-trendy oversize white purse by XOXO that I picked up at Marshalls for $29.99. If you’re going to buy one standout accessory this year, make it a big slouchy bag in any color but black.

My mother taught me well – I usually don’t wear white before Memorial Day. But this bag could make me change my mind. That has been happening a lot lately, but with prices like these, it pays to have a split personality.

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

? I say IKEA, you say high shipping. A reader wrote in to tell me that she tried to order the spice rack in last week’s ShopGirl only to find that the UPS fees cost nearly as much as the rack – and the jars weren’t available online. The company only recently started shipping to Maine, so it may be a while before those fees go down, but it’s worth the drive to visit IKEA in person. It’s also worth the shipping price if you order bigger-ticket items.

? The Grasshopper Shop’s 25 percent off housewares sale will continue through the end of March. If you go, be sure to check out the sweet blue deviled-egg tray – just right for Easter.