For some of us (ShopGuy), the best part about the whole holiday season is the Christmas stocking. None of the gifts is huge or expensive, everything is usually practical and there’s always something unexpected in there. Consider this week’s column your shopping stocking. It’s overflowing… Read More
When I was a little girl, my grandfather always joked that my allowance was burning a hole in my pocket. Thankfully, for me and my pants, a trip to the mall or the gift shop downtown usually would extinguish the fire. As a grown-up, the… Read More
You’ve heard of the “call of the wild.” Consider this the call of the styled. You know you’ve got it – great fashion sense, that is – so flaunt it by nominating yourself or a friend for the first ever ShopGirl Style Awards. These will… Read More
And now, for the understatement of the year: My homemaking skills leave something to be desired. Dust bunnies multiply like, well, rabbits in my presence. The floors in my house are clean enough to eat off – if you’re a dog. And before I met… Read More
Remember those Old Navy ads last year? “If you are chilly, here, take my sweater.” Yes, it’s a sweet little tune. But as much as I love you, I hate the advice. If you are chilly, step away from my sweater. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
You stopped checking your 401(k) weeks ago because you couldn’t take the pain. You haven’t filled up your car in months because the last time you did, it cost $60 – and you drive a Civic. And any candle of hope you may have had about getting a… Read More
My mother always told me it was a bad idea to talk politics with people you don’t know very, very well. Heck, my parents wouldn’t even tell ME which party they supported, although it didn’t take much to figure it out. And in journalism – the career in… Read More
If you think “Nightmare on Elm Street” is creepy, you clearly haven’t experienced “Nightmare on Main Street.” This is what would happen if I didn’t stock up on fabulous Halloweenies for ShopGirl Jr. and ShopMom. In my family, Halloween is so over-the-top it’s scary. And… Read More
Perhaps it’s time to rethink pink. I’m not [a] colorist (or stylist, for that matter). Some of my best friends are pink. They’re even pinker on those first few bikini-weather days in Maine. But when it comes to the marketing blitz that has become Breast… Read More
He hadn’t been in a fight since we left Bangor. We thought he had finally turned his life – and his wayward habits – around. Then, out of the blue, he comes home one night, bloodied and battered. Looking way worse for the wear. Crying… Read More
Big plastic flowers that look like they’re buttons. Sleek silver spoon bands that hardly cost nothin’ googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if… Read More
For once, and perhaps the only time, Heidi Klum and I have something in common. Unfortunately, it’s not dress size, salary or modelesque looks. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i… Read More
It’s not the most scientific of experiments, but I believe my theory on menswear can be proved by one photo: a man strutting down the catwalk in a floral embroidered linen shorts-suit. One look at The New York Times’ fashion-week coverage, and it was clear… Read More
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I’m beholding, and I have to say, ShopGirl readers are the fairest of them all. A few weeks back, I asked you to tell me about your favorite beauty products. The response was overwhelming –… Read More
I have my own version of Christmas in July. Every year, as midsummer turns to late summer, the packages start arriving, usually by FedEx. Some are big, others are small, and there’s so much bubble wrap inside that shaking doesn’t do any good. Not that it matters. I… Read More
I initially had planned to call this column “hot fun in the summertime.” Then it started to pour. Oh, look, it stopped. Sun again. Hooray! googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var… Read More
I spent last weekend doing the can-can. Now, I’m no Elaine Benes, but everyone who knows me knows I’m not much of a dancer (and the speakers at Geddy’s – back when it actually was Geddy’s – don’t count). So I can assure you I was not doing… Read More
It’s bigger than a breadbox. But way smaller than a Hummer. It’s as stylish as a Marc Jacobs bag. But, unlike said bag, it will get you to work and back. The fastest can go up to 100 miles per hour. But the most efficient can get up… Read More
Why more people don’t love The County is beyond me. I have a friend who is occasionally forced to visit family up north, and to hear her talk about it, you’d think she was headed to Siberia for the weekend. And she’s a shopper. Which… Read More
Our washing machine picked one heck of a time to die. It couldn’t have happened in, say, February, when we have to bribe our friends and family to venture north of Augusta. Nope, instead it bit the dust in the height of the Orono tourist season. And it… Read More
Approximately one week into my new job, I had a startling realization: I have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear. Unlike most women, who claim they have nothing to wear but actually have dozens of perfectly suitable outfits, I was completely out… Read More
Don’t know much about golfin’ That’s why I got this song googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0] googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
Beached Wail Don’t despair – there’s no end to the bargains for accessorizing your moment in the sun
Bathing suit shopping in Maine gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “cruel summer.” Is there anything worse than trying on a bikini without a tan? Oh, wait, yes: trying on a bikini with a farmer’s tan. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
Who’s your daddy? Mine is Ed. He likes delicious food, nice cars and the Andresen family cat, Sam. On warm summer days – heck, on any day, really – he enjoys firing up the Weber. And when I say “firing up,” I’m not kidding (look… Read More
There’s a line in the new movie of “Sex and the City” that takes my breath away every time I hear it. And I’ve heard it about a million times now because it’s on the trailer. No, I’m not talking about, “Welcome home, baby,” although that one’s pretty… Read More
When it comes to shopping, it’s a family affair. I mean, I had to inherit the gene from somewhere, right? So it’s no surprise that when Mom and Dad come to visit, we grab Junior and hit the road for some serious retail therapy. That’s… Read More
Think your closet is full? Trust me, you’ve got nothing on the Penobscot Theatre Company. Even if you wanted to sit on the balcony at the Bangor Opera House, you couldn’t because there’s simply no room. The seats are long gone. In their place sit five full rows… Read More
Feet are the great equalizer. It doesn’t matter if you’re big, small, short or tall. You might be a dead ringer for Gisele Bundchen or you could bear a striking resemblance to the gal in the Planter’s peanuts ad. But if you’ve got great feet, nobody can take… Read More
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… Read More
And now, the contest is here And so he faces the final bid googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if… Read More
Once upon a time, in a nearby kingdom, there lived a fair young maiden who couldn’t wait for the ball. Or, in this case, the prom. But she had a big problem: She hadn’t a stitch to wear. It would be convenient – literary, even… Read More
Oscar Wilde once said, “I have the simplest of tastes. I am always satisfied with the best.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. Well, scratch that. I would’ve said, “I am always satisfied with the best – at the best price.” googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
Easter. It’s a time for egg hunts. Pretty dresses. Wild hats. And, if this lovely weather keeps up, mittens and scarves. It’s not supposed to be this early, or this cold – but far be it from me to question any religious calendar. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
Sure, my degree is in journalism. And I studied art history, too. But lately, my research has centered on genetics. Or jeanetics, as the case may be. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false;… Read More
Lately, my mane has become my bane. At ShopGirl Jr.’s suggestion, I’m growing out my hair for Locks of Love, which means it’s incredibly long and even more annoying. My “chickens,” which is what I call those short pieces of hair that stick up… Read More
Some days, my life feels like a circus. When it comes to juggling, my daily planner would give Cirque du Soleil a run for its money. I walk the tightrope – between all-out fun and good taste – all the time. Though I still haven’t… Read More
You’ve got questions; I’ve got answers. But please, don’t call me Radio Shack. Since I started this column, I have received hundreds – possibly thousands – of letters and e-mails from you, my dear readers. Usually, you want to know where you can buy a… Read More
This time of year, I start feeling a little like Tom Jones. No, I don’t wear my shirt unbuttoned to my navel. And it has been awhile since I’ve had a perm. But every once in a while, I want to belt out, “Love is in the air,… Read More
Trust me on this: A new TV is a good-luck charm. When I bought my first big-screen, a major upgrade from my post-college model, the year was 2002. The purchase – an impulse in the truest sense – was inspired by the fact that Tom Brady & Co. Read More
Say what you will about Bill Belichick’s cutoff sweat shirt – the New England Patriots might just be the most stylish team in NFL history. They may not have Joe Namath sporting a full-length fur coat on the sidelines, but who else could bounce back… Read More
When it comes to patience, I’m not the most virtuous girl in the world. More often than not, I stand next to the stove waiting for water to boil. I’m guilty of searching the far reaches of closets for hidden Christmas and birthday presents. And… Read More
I could blame it all on Junior, but really, it’s nobody’s fault but mine. For months I’ve been obsessed with puffer jackets – the hooded, often fur-trimmed down parkas everyone and their sister (MY sister) seems to be wearing. ShopGirl Jr. got one from L.L. Read More
We’re five days into the new year, which begs the question: How many resolutions have you broken so far? The “Skinny Bitch” diet, which seemed like such a good idea on Tuesday, took a turn for the worse Wednesday, when you mistakenly ordered a steak… Read More
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… Read More
New Year’s Eve has always been a fashion minefield for me. For starters, I’m always freezing, which automatically eliminates anything remotely sexy. Do you know what happens when you add sequins or glitter to a sweater or long-sleeve shirt? Instant grandma. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
I’ve always thought shopping is a lot like real estate: It’s all about location, location, location. It appears that you, dear readers, would agree. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i… Read More
Well, aren’t you little miss (or mister) popular? So far, you’ve been invited to a dozen holiday parties. Your social calendar is so packed, you don’t know how you’re going to squeeze it all in. And after all those cheese balls, cookies and cups of cheer, you’re not… Read More
I’m a calendar girl. Not the kind Neil Sedaka crooned about. Oh, no. I’m afraid it’s much less sexy than that. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0;… Read More
Let me be blunt: I wouldn’t be caught dead within a five-mile radius of the Hogan Road or Stillwater Avenue this weekend. I’m so over the traffic, the parking wars and the general rudeness that come packaged with “holiday cheer” that the only way I’m… Read More
With less than a week to go before Thanksgiving, I should be searching for a turkey baster, a set of matching napkins that aren’t stained and a viable alternative to turnips. Don’t kid yourself. Nobody likes turnips. Instead, I’m shopping for throw pillows. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
Never have I been so excited to not find a parking space. Last Friday night, as I drove around and around and around downtown Bangor, I noticed something unusual. Not only had the sidewalks not been rolled up -it was 6:15, after all – but… Read More
Some offers are just impossible to pass up. Last week’s talk at Eastern Agency on Aging’s annual board meeting was one of them. And while I’m not wild about public speaking – is anyone? – I did get a sweet incentive: I could take… Read More
Think pink? You may want to think twice. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0] googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
I am such a dork about Halloween. Regular readers of this column know that Oct. 31 is my favorite day of the year. I don’t have kids, yet I almost made the ghoulish cake (complete with marshmallow ghosts) in this month’s Martha Stewart Living. In… Read More
I’m surrounded by pedal pushers. My sister just splurged on a new bicycle and helmet, and when we go to Dick’s Sporting Goods, she’s all about the jerseys. Her boyfriend keeps a stock of those gooey power gel packs on top of the fridge. My… Read More
There’s a fine line between trendy and ridiculous. I’ve known this for some time and, frankly, I thought I had immunity. Then I tried this fall’s “hottest” new nail polish shade: deep blue. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
From time to time, I get enlisted to help people purge their closets. In my day-to-day life, I’m a bit of a Pollyanna, but when it comes to wardrobe editing, I’m ruthless – don’t believe me? Ask my best friend. Things got a little tense there, but I… Read More
They’ll run. In memory of their mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts. In celebration of their cousins, wives, girlfriends, colleagues. Some will run for their lives. But all will run for a cure. Tomorrow, thousands of runners and walkers will gather in Bangor for the Komen Maine… Read More
Save for a brief interlude in Bangor, I’ve lived in Orono so long, I’m starting to feel like a townie. I grumble about the traffic when the students return to UMaine in the fall. Never mind that I was one of those students not too… Read More
I haven’t slept for days. My right arm feels like it’s going to fall off. And for some reason, I can’t stop thinking about cow racing. Might as well face it – I’m addicted to Wii. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
The American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront is all about tradition, right? Well, what could be more traditional than shopping? I mean, I’ve been doing it for years. And it’s a skill that has been passed on through the generations – you should see… Read More
I want it fall. I want it fall. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0] googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
Wouldn’t it be great if we all had a mirror, mirror on the wall that told us WE were the fairest of them all? Instead, we get bombarded with TV shows and magazine headlines that tell us we’re not quite good enough: Lose 10 pounds… Read More
I have a confession to make: The beginning of August and the three weeks after Christmas are not my favorite times of year to write this column. Why? Two words: Slim pickings. Of course, there’s the excitement of the end-of-season clearance, but haven’t we all been shopping those… Read More
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… Read More
A tisket, a tasket, a fancy picnic basket. What more could you ask for on a sunny day? On second thought, don’t answer that. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i… Read More
This is a column that has been nine months in the making. Well, 81/2 months, to be exact. I’ve been waiting, anxiously. Nurturing it as it grew. In its first trimester, this was nothing more than a gestational ode to a stylish sling. In trimester two, it started… Read More
A few weeks ago, I heard a radio interview with Brooks Jackson and Kathleen Hall Jamieson, authors of the recently published “UnSpun: Finding Facts in a World of Disinformation.” In the book, they assert that spin is “a polite word for deception.” The interviewer asked:… Read More
Obviously, I’m more of a spender than a saver. And I leave all stock and bond trading to my financial adviser, aka ShopGuy. But right now, I’m riding the market bubble. See, last Thursday, ShopGirl Jr. and I experienced the beauty that is Bangor’s Outdoor… Read More
Betcha didn’t know I’m an avid hunter. Even when it’s trendy, camouflage isn’t exactly my style. But in my time off, I can be found stalking the wild deals. Bursting-full clothing racks are my duck blinds. Fortunately, I don’t need a tree stand to snag unsuspecting cashmere sweaters… Read More
To be honest, I don’t care whether or not you use gas or charcoal. And it’s up to you whether or not you cook your steak until it’s gray on the inside. But I will not stand for you trying to use salad tongs to flip kabobs. Nor… Read More
Pity the poor dad. Always getting the shaft. Nowhere is this point more eloquently demonstrated than in these familiar childhood song lyrics: “Let the sun shine in, take it with a grin, mothers never lose and fathers never win.” To add insult to injury, we,… Read More
If you think dandelions are persistent, you should meet my readers. No, they’re not a bunch of weeds. And though I sensed a little bitterness this week, that’s not what I mean, either. They’ve got deep roots. And once they have found a spot they like, they are… Read More
Unless you’re “nummah than a pounded thumb,” as they say in these parts, there are certain garden centers that you know all about: Sprague’s in Bangor and Surry Gardens in Surry come to mind. They’re tried and true, classics really, with a huge selection of hardy – and… Read More
Some glad morning when this month is over, I’ll fly away. And for once, I’ll be ready. See, ShopGuy has been trolling the Web for cheap jaunts across the pond. The problem is, they’re usually a last-minute proposition. And in order to drop everything and go, I’ll need… Read More
Imagine if motherhood came with a job description: You get no vacation days. No sick time. Late-night and early-morning shifts are required, often in the same day. And if you think doctors have it rough, try being on call all day every day for 18 years. Read More
I’m a little embarrassed to admit this, but I’m currently obsessed with Fergie. Last week it was Justin Timberlake. Who knows? I might download some Pussycat Dolls for the iPod before the month is over. Or not. But back to Fergie: Anyone who calls herself… Read More
Tomorrow is Earth Day. And what better way to celebrate than to shop for something that won’t end up in a landfill? Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for buying things. Though I love trees, I’m not exactly a tree-hugger. But as ShopGuy often reminds… Read More
As the old saying goes, a good year is determined by its spring – and if this season’s clothing trends are any indication, 2007 is shaping up to be a very good year, indeed. Gone are the days of ridiculous accessories (for the record, I… Read More
Who knew Mother Nature could be so cruel? Despite my better judgment, I started shopping for spring clothes last Friday. On Saturday, I went so far as to wear a sleeveless blouse to a party. On Sunday, I got a mild sunburn while sitting in… Read More
I have holiday-induced attention-deficit disorder. At Easter, it’s especially severe. Purple Peeps? I’ll take ’em. Another basket? Sure. Because the 30 baskets I already own aren’t quite right. More ornaments for my nonexistent egg tree? Yes! To complicate matters, this year’s Easter crop is especially… Read More
If there were a yoga-class yearbook, I’d be voted “least likely to succeed.” Those pictures of sinuous women twisted up like pretzels? Yeah. Not me. The downward facing dog is, shall we say, a bit of a challenge. And I’m such a caffeinated stress case that I practically… Read More
As I’ve said before, Kermit the Frog had it all wrong. It is easy – and stylish – being green. And what better time to celebrate than St. Patrick’s Day? Surely, if there’s a place for green beer, there should be room for a… Read More
Trend spotting. It’s what I do. But this season, the trend is spotting. As I set off in search of spring-break attire for shoppers heading to warmer climes, I saw lots and lots of dots. If you’re headed to Cancun, you’re going to need luggage… Read More
Here’s a multiple-choice question. By March, my skin looks like: googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0] googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
In February, Punxsutawney Phil is the only living thing that dares to pop up from the ground. Daffodils, crocuses and snowdrops know better. They’re still resting in the frozen dirt. But that doesn’t mean you have to wait for flower power. No, the Awesome Blossom… Read More
When kids hear the words “snow day,” visions of sledding hills dance in their heads. Say the same words to an adult, and the visions aren’t so sweet – thoughts of messy commutes and last-minute babysitters edge out those of inner tubes and flexible… Read More
The Beatles had it right. Love really is all you need. Well, that and food. But on Valentine’s Day, it couldn’t hurt to back up that love with a few tokens of affection. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
Having a good tailor has completely changed my life. You may think I’m exaggerating. But it’s true. Over the course of a month, I’ve acquired a whole new wardrobe. Even better, I got to go shopping in my closet. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
As soon as the temperature dips below 20 degrees, I go into hibernation mode. Long underwear, wool socks and a fur-lined hoodie become my unofficial uniform. When I arrive home after a day’s work, I migrate toward the couch, where a comforter, “Grey’s Anatomy” and two snuggling dogs… Read More
What a tangled Web I weave. And I’m not even practicing to deceive. It’s just that I’m online so much, my work computer crashes under the pressure. Of course, that could be due to the fact that it’s running Windows 98, but that’s a column… Read More
What a difference a day makes. Twenty-four little hours – 40 big dollars. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if… Read More
Dear 2006… I’m writing to thank you for the trends you brought. They were the best in recent years. I especially loved the long shorts and the forgiving Empire-waist tunics. My belly couldn’t be happier, because, well, let’s be honest: I like to eat, and… Read More
Despite my decidedly frou-frou tendencies, I must confess: My ideal stocking would be stuffed with a bag of beef jerky, a lottery ticket, maybe a Pez dispenser to round out the mix. Oh, and pens are always nice. It doesn’t take much to make a… Read More
This time of year, things get a little unbearable at my house. Just ask ShopGuy. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice())… Read More
Hey, smarty pants. Yeah, you. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0] googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
Are visions of sugarplums dancing in your head? Or are visions of sugarplums filling you with dread? This, the most wonderful time of the year, also is the most fattening. Even if it seems like one more helping of pumpkin pie surely couldn’t hurt. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
Thank you for being so good to me lately. It was awfully nice of you to bring Target and Old Navy. I’m still not sure how they fit down the chimney. But I guess that’s why you’re Santa and I’m ShopGirl, right? You even stuffed my stocking with… Read More
November leaves us all feeling like turkeys. And I’m not talking about those pretty tail feathers. Or the fear of ending up in a roasting pan. No. I’m talking about the neck. Turkeys have that weird little flap of skin that hangs down from the… Read More
As if the midafternoon slump weren’t bad enough, it’s starting to get dark a little after 3 p.m. these days. By 4, you’re downright sleepy. Sure, you could grab a cup of coffee, but really, there’s nothing more energizing than a good shopping trip. And… Read More