SAVOR SUMMER Bring on the heat. As the season wanes, the deals get sweeter for warm-weather clothes and accessories

Summer lovin’ -I just had to shop. Summer lovin’ – head bands and flip-flops. I bought a shirt, perfect for me. And cargo shorts, cute as can be. Summer days may be driftin’ away, but ah – those summer delights.

My name may not be Sandy, but I’d love to tell you more (tell you more) about my fair-weather romance with this season’s trends. I’ve tried them all – with the exception of the micro-mini – and these are my favorites. Now that August is almost here, everything is on clearance, too. Even more to love.

To heck with Grease – “cheap” is the word. And these are the ones that I want – ooh, ooh, ooh.

A one-of-a-kind purse

$45 and up ($85 for pictured model), Maureen Elizabeth Handbags, Main Street, Bangor

I’m all for status bags, but there’s something amazing about a purse that you’ve customized to your own style. Plus, Maureen Buzzeo has such a great eye – and such great sewing ability – that each bag is a work of art.

A great dress

Max Studio, $39.99, Marshalls

A dress is the ultimate in summer clothing: effortless, cool and always chic. This year, I’ve loved everything from long halter dresses to short sundresses such as this beauty from Max Studio. Try Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, Dressbarn and J.C. Penney for stylish, affordable options.

NATURE-INSPIRED ACCESSORIES

Shell necklace, $6.25, Old Navy

Wood, bone, coral, tortoiseshell and turquoise are the crown jewels this summer. I love the cheap yet chic necklaces at Old Navy. Try Claire’s, too.

THE HEADBAND

$4.50, Old Navy.

This just screams “Look at me, I’m Sandra Dee” – and I love it. Whether you choose leopard spots or polka dots, preppy apples or funky batik prints, a headband is an inexpensive way to jazz up your outfit. This one comes from Old Navy, but Claire’s, The Cherished Home in Belfast and Metropolitan Soul in downtown Bangor all have adorable options.

THE LONG CARGO SHORT

$12.99, Old Navy

Normally, I’m not much for cargo anything, but oh, how I love these shorts. They’re perfectly practical, yet utterly stylish. I have them in two colors, and would’ve bought white, too, if I weren’t such a klutz.

THE EMPIRE-WAIST TOP

$26, Maurice’s, Waterville and Presque Isle

I have about 20 different variations of this top and I adore every single one of them. What’s not to love? They’re flattering, forgiving and fabulous.

THE BOTTLE-OPENER FLIP-FLOP

$19.99, Marshalls and T.J. Maxx. When my friend Melissa e-mailed last week to tell me everyone’s favorite Reef sandal was on sale at Marshalls, I almost got a speeding ticket on my way there. Oh, well. Some things are worth the sacrifice.