It’s a skirty job, but ShopGirl’s gotta do it

Sure, Helen of Troy had the face that launched 1,000 ships, but I might just have the complexion that launched 1,000 songs.

If it hadn’t been written before I was born, I’d swear “A Whiter Shade of Pale” was inspired by my ghostly legs. Ditto for Bruce Springsteen’s “Blinded by the Light.” And Phish’s “Story of the Ghost”? Yeah, that’s all me.

During my recent vacation in New Orleans, I was walking down the sidewalk in a black sundress when a man turned to his family and said, “That’s the whitest white girl I’ve ever seen.” At the time, I had two thoughts: “Oh, God, he’s talking about me!” And, “Clearly, this guy has never been to Maine.”

For nine months out of the year, my pallor isn’t much cause for concern. But once the weather warms up, look out. Or, at the very least, wear sunglasses. I hate to subject anyone to my pasty legs, but what’s a girl to do? And no, spray tan is not an option.

Instead, I’ve decided to skirt the issue.

Fortunately, spring’s most stylish skirts hit at or a little below the knee, which is a boon to pale gals – and the people around us.

Not surprisingly, my favorite looks of the season come from Anthropologie. Also not surprisingly, I’d sooner get a spray tan than pay $150 for a skirt. But there’s a lot to be learned from a trip to Anthropologie.com. First lesson: Don’t fear color. Second: Everything doesn’t have to match. Third: Don’t let anyone talk you out of buying something you love, even if it’s a skirt with peacocks strutting across the front.

Fortunately, I found several suitable alternatives locally – and for much less dough. Target has a gray-and-apricot floral skirt by Merona that only looks expensive ($19.99). New York & Co. has a bunch of cute, work-worthy options, including my favorite: a simple, rich-looking tan pencil skirt with a toggle closure at the waist ($34.95).

T.J. Maxx ‘n More is a skirt-lover’s paradise. Need something for work? Grab the Tahari tailored A-line skirt in black or white. Not one for ironing? The drapey Michael Kors skirt in black and fuchsia is all you.

If you’re into hippie-chic, head to Gap (yes, I know that sounds oxymoronic, but trust me). You’ll find a bevy of voluminous, tiered cotton skirts in bright solids and pretty prints ($39.50 -$49.50).

Speaking of pretty prints, I fell in love with the retro peach and pink jersey skirt in the window at Bella Luna. Store owner Heather Van Frankenhuyzen explained that it’s not just a skirt – it converts to a dress or a halter top – making it well worth the $80 price tag. While I was there, I also drooled over the printed, pleated skirts in a fine-gauge sweater knit by Cubism ($68). Truth be told, the whole trip to Bella Luna was dangerous, because I wanted everything in there.

The same thing happened at The Pretty Woman in Orono, where owner Deborah Cousins has done a great job finding stylish options at every price point. I ended up buying a soft pink skirt with a brown-and-white floral print (at $24, how could I not?). And though I tried to resist the flattering, midcalf-length white skirt in the window, I had to have it ($44). It also comes in black, so I may get that one, too.

To heck with the Memorial Day rules – for now, I’m loving the white skirt. Wanna know the best part? It’s actually paler than I am. And that’s saying something.

ShopGirl would love to hear from you. Send questions, comments or tips to kandresen@bangordailynews.net or to: Bangor Daily News, Attn: ShopGirl Column, 491 Main St., Bangor, ME 04401. Visit the ShopBlog at http://communityv1.bangornews.com/blog/4.