2007: The year in style

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As we prepare to bid adieu to 2007, let’s pause, for a moment, and reflect on the year’s shopping highs and lows.

Now, some of you may be asking, “Shopping lows? Is there such a thing?” For you I have two words: colored jeans. As a whole, though, the year was relatively innocuous. Gone were gauchos, ponchos and anything else that ended in “os.” Classic looks – with a glamorous twist – returned for women of all ages, sizes and budgets. And trapeze jackets, baby-doll tops and flowing silhouettes were a forgiving alternative to the belly-baring, muffin-top-enhancing looks of years past.

A list of my best and worst shopping experiences follows. I invite you to share your most favorite – or least favorite – looks and-or stores of the year with me by e-mailing kandresen@bangordailynews.net.

Until next year, happy shopping!

Best denim trend

Premium denim for all sizes. Why should beanpoles have all the fun? Stores such as Lane Bryant and Avenue have responded to demand for designer labels such as Antik, Yanuk and SE7EN7 (which is not, for the record, the same as Seven for all Mankind). That’s what I call good jeans.

Worst denim trend

Premium prices for workaday jeans. I still cringe at the thought of paying more than $60 for anything, but I feel a little better knowing I’m shelling out serious cash for perfectly faded jeans that fit like they were made for me. Sure, you can slap a $178 price tag on a pair of store-brand jeans, but at the end of the day, they’re still store-brand jeans.

Best downtown shopping occurrence

Bella Luna opens. An affordable, hip boutique for women is long overdue in the Queen City and Bella Luna has admirably answered the call. If you haven’t already visited this Main Street shop, go now.

Worst downtown shopping occurrence

Ofelia’s closes. Yes, it’s reopening in Brewer, but what a fiasco that was. I loved Ofelia’s thrift store, but I loved the idea of a downtown music and art space even better. What a bummer – and an avoidable one, at that.

Best warm-weather trend

Dressy Bermuda shorts. At first, I was skeptical, but now I can’t say enough about these. Every woman in the office who wore these this summer looked fabulous. I hope this trend continues.

Worst warm-weather trend

Micro-miniskirts. Look! There, on your legs! It’s a Band-Aid! It’s a superwide belt! Oh, wait, it’s your skirt!

Best foot forward

Flats everywhere. They’re affordable enough to collect, incredibly comfortable and perfect for work or play. Too bad we can’t wear them again until all this slush goes away.

Worst foot forward

Ankle-snappers. Yes, they look sexy. And sure, Victoria Beckham wears them. But, as their name suggests, these stilt-high platform heels are an accident waiting to happen.

Best cosmetics trend

Short, dark nails. When OPI’s Russian collection arrived, I bought four bottles immediately. My favorite? Midnight in Moscow, which is on the redder side of black. I am completely in love.

Worst cosmetics trend

Neon-bright makeup colors. Teal, blue and pink eye shadow? Again? Having lived through the ’80s, I’m not ready for them to return.

Best accessory

The versatile headband. Sure, they’re a little preppy, but they’re a quick, easy, cheap way to jazz up your “do.”

Worst accessory

The vile knockoff bag. They’re everywhere, still. And they don’t fool anyone. Why, oh why, do people keep fueling the demand?

Best office look

The cropped jacket. Oh, so ’50s – in a good way. This look is even better with big buttons and a trapeze silhouette.

Worst office look

The exposed bust. Ladies, please keep the girls in check. Seriously. Are you there to work or work it?

Best overall

The triumphant return of the dress. Whether it’s a wrap or a sweater dress, this wardrobe staple makes it easy to look polished.

Worst overall

Negative body image. Repeat after me: I’m perfect just the way I am. I don’t need to lose a single pound. I look fabulous in my jeans. Now, keep telling yourself that until you believe it, you beautiful thing.