Whew!

Whoever said vacations were for relaxation never took a trip with ShopGirl. I recently returned from Toronto, considered by many to be the fashion design and shopping capital of Canada. It was fantastic and the shopping was definitely all it was cracked up to be. I even found a vintage Gucci bag in a vibrant print for $20 Canadian – not bad.

My favorite stops were along the Queen West strip – a street that begins in the heart of the garment district. Along the way, I stumbled across Barfly, a store that sells everything you need for a hip home bar, including sleek glasses, funky coasters and their signature product: the retro beer fridge. The company takes curvy old refrigerators, paints them up in slick colors and outfits them with a tap. Keg not included. Check it out at www.barfly.ca.

Another cool shop, Comrags, features the fashions of Toronto designers Judy Cornish and Joyce Gunhouse. They create gorgeous, simply cut clothing in figure-skimming fabrics and scrumptious colors. These may be the cutest dresses on earth … and those striped capris! Ah … You can see for yourself at www.comrags.com.

After all that Canadian excitement, I thought my shopping return would be less than satisfactory, but I was wrong. My first stop was T.J. Maxx ‘n More in Bangor, which just got in a ton of new spring purses, a selection of Arts-and-Crafts-style candle holders and home accessories, and enough Ralph Lauren Golf pants to make anyone want to hit the links.

Speaking of the links, Marden’s just got in a ton of golf paraphernalia, including spikes for women and men. While you’re there, check out the $5.99 wicker baskets – perfect for the belated Easter bunny. And if you think procrastination doesn’t pay, think again. Rite Aid slashed all its candy prices last week, so if you got a late start hopping down the bunny trail, you’re in luck.

Reader question

Dear ShopGirl,

Love your article on shopping. I was wondering why you have not mentioned the great finds at the Goodwill store in Bangor.

– Louise Cox

Dear Louise,

I apologize for taking so long to answer your letter, but it’s hard to reveal one of Bangor’s best-kept secrets.

A lot of people associate Goodwill with used clothing, but for months now the Goodwill on Stillwater Avenue in Bangor has consistently stocked dozens of racks of brand-new, tags-still-on designer clothing.

On my last visit, I found an amazing selection of dresses with such labels as Laundry by Shelli Segal, Polo Ralph Lauren, DKNY, Liz Claiborne and Guess. The formal clothes – sleeveless silk shells, beaded tops and two-piece prom dresses – are unbelievably beautiful and very affordable. You won’t find rock-bottom prices on any of these items, but if you’re buying a designer dress for less than $30, you’re still way ahead of the game.

I bought an Anne Klein 2 silk skirt, originally priced at $168, for $14.99. I almost walked out with a pair of red pleather Rampage pants and a Polo shirtdress, too, but I changed my mind at the last minute. There were also a ton of shorts, tank tops, and even new bathing suits.

The men’s selection, especially the shirts, is equally great. I’ve seen many dress shirts by Kenneth Cole and Ralph Lauren, as well as Charter Club, a private-label brand sold at Macy’s.

In addition to the clothes, there’s a wide selection of bedding, including down comforters and sheet sets. Candle holders, home accessories, shoes and handbags round out the mix.

The clothing is not separated by size, so it’s best to go when you have a fair amount of time to sort through the racks. Also, weekends are a zoo. I went on a Tuesday night and it was pretty quiet, plus, I didn’t have to wait in line to use the dressing room.

Goodwill also sells a discount card for $5, which gives you 10 percent off every purchase for six months. If you’re lucky, it will pay for itself the first time you use it. Now that’s a great deal.

Do you have style in Presque Isle? Is shopping lucky in Lincoln? Shop Girl wants to hear from you. Send questions, comments or suggestions to Kristen Andresen, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329 or e-mail kandresen@bangordailynews.net.