2nd time around If you’re game for value, these thrift and consignment shops in the area can turn you bargani-hunting grounds into Elysian fields

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Betcha didn’t know I’m an avid hunter. Even when it’s trendy, camouflage isn’t exactly my style. But in my time off, I can be found stalking the wild deals. Bursting-full clothing racks are my duck blinds. Fortunately, I don’t need a tree stand to snag unsuspecting cashmere sweaters and designer jeans. I have honed my skills over the years and can zero in on my target from a distance.

Fortunately, my hunting season never ends. And I don’t even need a license.

You see, my hunting grounds are Maine’s thrift and consignment shops, where bargains are bountiful and the thrill lies in the chase.

Over the last several weeks I’ve visited some of my favorite haunts and bagged some great goods.

My voyage began in Caribou at Second Hand Rose, which carries high-end brands in great condition. I passed up a handful of traditional Dooney & Bourke bags and Talbots blazers, but I did snag a beautiful black-and-white dress from Ann Taylor.

Several weeks later, I headed to Camden, where Frugal Suzy’s is always a surefire stop. I knew I was on the right track when I found two of my favorite Polo T-shirts, gently worn, for $6 apiece. I had heard quite a bit about Heavenly Threads, across Elm Street at the Congregational church, so I walked over and had a great time. I loved the vintage straw purse and old-school Leslie Fay dress that I found upstairs.

Down the road apiece in Rockport lies the recently opened Cottage Consignment, which takes the “cutest consignment shop” award, hands-down. Not only is the interior beautiful, but the clothes and accessories are, too. I found a Prada robe, a great pair of Cole-Haan flats (for $8) and fantastic dresses, including a sassy little slip from Laundry by Shelli Segal. Oh, there was a cute Kate Spade bag by the door, too, but at $60, I’m sure someone has already snagged it by now.

Heading north on Route 1, I discovered that Robertson Haberdashery in Searsport was having a blowout sale. Unfortunately, the reason for the sale is that the shop is closing. I’ll be sad to see it go. The last time I did my tour de thrift, a reader suggested I stop at Affordable Adorables and Talk & Shop, both on Main Street in Bucksport. They’re both closed on Mondays, so I was out of luck, but I’ll go back. Ditto for the Waste Not Want Not shop at the Episcopal church in Hulls Cove. It opens for the summer in July.

I’ll also go back to 2nd to None on Main Street in Ellsworth, where I found a gorgeous – and new – pair of Banana Republic premium jeans for $8.75. Score! Plus, a portion of my purchase benefits the Hancock County humane society. Also in Ellsworth, Jalysa’s Closet on Water Street is a great destination for cool vintage and sweet jewelry. On High Street, near Jasper’s, Sacred Hoop has a nice selection of name-brand goods and a nice selection of vintage, and the store donates to animal-related charities.

Heading back toward Bangor on Route 1A, I had to stop at Nice Twice. This is the place for fantastic bags (including a new Coach knockoff for way less than you’d pay at a purse party), groovy jewelry and a load of children’s clothing. I picked up an American Eagle blouse for $3.50. Did I mention the prices can’t be beat?

Aunt Nellie’s Attic in Holden is always a fun stop. Now that they’ve added Aunt Nellie’s Annex, with brand-new clothing and gorgeous pottery made by artisans at the Hammond Street Senior Center, there’s even more reason to stop. Plus, you can snack on free popcorn while you’re there. Mmmmm. I grabbed a pair of Jackie O-esque sunglasses for $2.

At a reader’s request, I made a voyage to St. Augustine’s Thrift Store in Dover-Foxcroft, which is a sparkling-new facility that carries a cool mix of clothing and household items. I couldn’t resist picking up a few baby items for my very pregnant best friend. I have yet to check out The Kids Shoppe in Veazie, but I plan to stop there and The Growing Place in Bangor sometime soon because I’ve heard that both shops carry fantastic children’s clothing, toys and practical items such as playpens and highchairs.

If you’re looking for such practical items as special-occasion dresses and nice, name-brand sportswear, I’d recommend the Unique Boutique on Wilson Street in Brewer, across from Marden’s. This quirky little shop is a can’t-miss destination.

Of course, I can – and do – miss my favorite destination: the Orono Thrift Shop, which has been closed during building renovations. It will reopen soon, but I’m devastated by the loss. Fortunately, the opening of Ofelia’s on Central Street in Bangor eased a little of my pain. Talk about hunting – this place is loaded with two floors’ worth of affordably priced used clothing and lovely jewelry, some of it new. Check out the gallery while you’re there. I sprung for a $7.50 glass pendant that reminded me of the ocean.

I had the pleasure of participating in a Red Hat Society event last week at the Bangor Goodwill, which was a hoot. While I was there, I made note of the brand-new, well-priced sheets (king set for under $25!) and was devastated when the vintage skirt I wanted didn’t quite fit the way I wanted it to. Oh well, that will leave me more money for my visit to the Brewer Goodwill, which is one of my faves.

Another great spot is The Attic on Center Street, but alas, it was closed the day of my visit. So I headed over to Salvation Army on Broadway. I left empty-handed, but not for lack of great options. This place is loaded with furniture, clothing – some new – and festive holiday decorations. But I spent all my money earlier in the day. Read on for details.

Since I’m a hunter (maybe I’ll just call myself a huntress), I saved my best story for last. It’s the shopping equivalent of shooting a big buck – without spending big bucks. Since I’m a denim fanatic, I perused the racks at American Retro, admiring the many styles by Gap and Old Navy. I stopped to pick up a sweet Lacoste polo for $7.50, and a brand-new cashmere sweater caught my eye for $16.

As I turned to inquire about the changing room, a glorious pair of Seven for All Mankind jeans caught my eye. When I picked them up, I noticed they were my size. And when I tried them on, they fit like they were custom-made. They looked authentic. They also looked brand-new. And when I asked how much they would cost – these jeans normally fetch upward of $150 new – the $40 price tag sealed the deal.

Now that’s what I call trophy hunting. Just don’t expect me to stuff the jeans and mount them on the wall.

Shopping guide

Bangor

American Retro, 40 Main St., 941-9535

The Attic, Center Street, 945-5523

Goodwill, Stillwater Avenue, 947-7984

The Growing Place, 554 Hammond St., 941-1055

Ofelia’s Community Thrift Store, 73 Central St., 990-2016

Salvation Army, Broadway, 945-5523

Brewer

Goodwill, 610 Wilson St., 989-1511

Unique Boutique, 575 Wilson St., 989-1900

Bucksport

Affordable Adorables, Main Street, no number listed

Talk ‘n’ Shop, 79 Main St., 469-1169

Camden

Frugal Suzy’s, 44 Elm St., 236-6889

Heavenly Threads, 57 Elm St., 236-3203

Caribou

Second Hand Rose, 53 Herschel St., 498-2007

Dover-Foxcroft

St. Augustine’s Thrift Store, 1213 Dexter Road, 564-2924

Ellsworth

Nice Twice, Route 1A, 667-3102

2nd to None, 112 Main St., 667-1129

Sacred Hoop, 186 High St., 667-9175

Jalysa’s Closet, 34 Water St., 667-7191

Hulls Cove

Waste Not Want Not shop at the Episcopal church (opens July 21), Route 3, 288-4849

Holden

Aunt Nellie’s Attic and Annex, Route 1A, 989-3631

Orono

Orono Thrift Shop, Birch Street, not yet reopened

Rockport

Cottage Consignment, 398 Commercial St. (Route 1), 236-2939

Searsport

Robertson Haberdashery, Route 1 (closing soon), 548-6509

Veazie

The Kids Shoppe, 1002 Olive St., 942-2148

Thrifty is nifty

Have a favorite thrift or consignment shop that wasn’t mentioned in this column? Tell me – and the world – about it. Post it in the ShopBlog (visit www.bangordailynews.com and follow the link at the bottom of the page) or send an e-mail to kandresen@bangordailynews.net. Reader favorites will be published as part of the July 7 ShopGirl page.