Here’s some color commentary on the wearin’ o’ the green

St. Patrick’s Day is full of traditions that some may consider questionable: Grayish slabs of salt-brined beef. Boiled cabbage. Bath water-warm Guinness.

As an Irish lass myself (don’t let the Danish name fool you), all of those things sound downright delightful. And anyone who knows me can testify that I certainly have the gift of gab. But if I had to settle on only one Irish custom to celebrate the holiday, it would have to be the wearing of the green.

And I’m not talking about green beer – which is neither Irish nor flattering.

Now, you could get all cute and treat yourself to the Scunci headbands at Hannaford, which boast a pair of large, antenna-like shamrocks that bounce when you walk (I saw them at Old Town for less than $3). Or you could be regal and buy an “emerald” tiara in Target’s dollar spot. There is no shortage of holiday T-shirts out there – from the cute and girly styles at Target to the humorous men’s T’s at Wal-Mart.

But if you’re after a look that’s a little more polished – for work, anyway – you can tone it down a bit without compromising your festive nature.

I have one word of advice: accessorize.

I found my pot o’ gold at Old Navy, which is loaded with chic, sleek flats, bags and jewelry in every shade of green. If you’ve worn Old Navy’s flats before and found them uncomfortable, try them again. The spring 2008 version seems to be a little more forgiving and a LOT more stylish than last year’s flats. In fact, torn between the graphic emerald and turquoise link pattern and the preppy paisley print, I almost bought two.

Instead, I settled on the paisley – goes with everything. Next, I toyed with the idea of buying a Lucite-handled, convertible clutch (a steal at $12.50) in a lime-and-white pattern reminiscent of my grandmother’s patio set in the ’70s – and I mean that in the best possible way.

Ultimately, I ended up buying not one, but two enameled bracelets – this could be my favorite spring trend – and a fluttery, kelly-green T-shirt. I can’t wait to pair it with a white A-line skirt when the weather warms up. Very Jackie O.

For the more adventurous hipsters out there, I recommend Jessica Cosmetics’ nail polish in Fun House – a crazy, acid green that can be seen on the ShopBlog (http://communityv1.bangornews.com/blog/4).

At The Grasshopper Shop in Bangor, I spotted the coolest green totes by Ann Millie in a stylized floral print: small for lunch ($4.95), large for groceries ($12.95). They’re a bargain, and they beat brown-bagging it any day.

So do the mock-croc bags at Bella Luna. Though I never once considered myself the type to carry a lime-green crocodile bag, the doctor’s satchel (man-made materials, for all you vegans!) called out to me. So did its under-$80 price tag. While you’re there, check out Jessi Sader’s “Good Luck” totes – perfect for St. Paddy’s.

And if you find yourself all dressed up in your green gear with no place to go, don’t fret. You can head to one of the four Irish pubs within a mile of downtown Bangor – Paddy Murphy’s, Cristor’s, the Whig & Courier or Geaghan’s. Have a Guinness. Heck, have a pile of corned beef and cabbage. Just do us all a favor and skip the green beer – you’ll be wearing the green (on your tongue) all the next day.

ShopGirl wants to hear from you! Send tips, questions or comments by e-mail: kandresen@bangordailynews.net or by snail mail: Bangor Daily News, attn: ShopGirl, 491 Main St., Bangor, ME 04401.

Are you a basket case?

Easter’s coming up quickly! Need tips on filling the basket? Visit the ShopBlog at http://communityv1.bangornews.com/blog/4 for some of ShopGirl’s favorite holiday destinations.