Meet Maine Maven

If you read today's Bangor Daily News, you already know that today's column was ShopGirl's last hurrah. But it's not the end — you can find more of Kristen Andresen's writing online, every day, at The Maine Maven.

The site features the best of Maine — food, fashion, lifestyle, entertainment and the arts — updated daily in Kristen's trademark style.

If you like ShopGirl, you'll love Maine Maven. But don't take our word for it — see for yourself at www.MaineMaven.com.

It's all about ME. And it's all about you.

Head of the class

This sure beats an apple.

Ann Taylor Loft has launched its Loft Loves Teachers campaign, which will donate $28,000 to help education professionals fund their projects (in partnership with DonorsChoose.org). In addition, the Loft offers special clothing discounts and classroom incentives to teachers who register for the program.

To sign up, visit teachers.anntaylorloft.com.

You'll be even more of a class act.

Hospice couture

Looking for some haute stuff?

Look no further than the Haute for Hospice fashion show, scheduled for 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19 at 3Tides in Belfast.

For the uninitiated, the Belfast area is a hotbed of fashion design. Don't believe me? Well, I've seen furs by Greg Tinder of Tsarevich Couture (pictured) in the New York Times Sunday Styles section. And Meredith Alex of MAD Girl Designs came within a stitch or two of "Project Runway's" top 12. In addition, Debbie Bergman of Purple Fleece and Maureen Stalla of Maureen Stalla Jewelry will showcase their gorgeous work.

As if the fashion weren't mouth-watering on its own, you'll have a chance to sample goodies from The Edge in Lincolnville, Darby’s Restaurant in Belfast, Let Them Eat Cake in Belfast, Maine Foodie in Northport, and 3Tides. Wine and locally brewed beer also are available.

Tickets to the event cost $40, tax deductible, and advance reservations are required, as space is limited. For information or to order, call 338-0628. Proceeds will benefit Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County -- what could be more stylish than that?

Like Zoltar, only better

As a girl, I was fascinated by those fortune-telling machines you'd sometimes see in old-school amusement parks, a la the movie "Big." Every time I was fortunate enough to find one, I'd happily part with my quarter and watch as the mechanized mystic sprung to life. Thirty seconds later, it would spit out a satisfying prediction of love, long life, a bit of trouble ahead, but a happy ending.

See, I've always wanted to know what's in store.

And it would appear that Marshalls has the retail equivalent of a crystal ball. Visit http://whatsin.marshallsonline.com/index.jspa and watch as scintillating deals -- in the store nearest you -- magically appear on your screen. Or, log on and share your finds with the world. Instead of generic fortune-cookie prognostications, you'll find news that you can really look forward to: A new pair of Seven jeans is in your future. Good things (like a Coach bag) come to those who wait. Trouble has passed; happy times -- and a great pair of Nine West stilettos -- lie ahead.

Now that's what I call good fortune.

Fashionably great -- an update

Congratulations to Merijane Spinney of Bangor, who has won two tickets to the inaugural University of Maine Museum of Art Fashion Challenge.

As if that weren't great news in and of itself, Merijane plans to use her second ticket to bring a woman from the Spruce Run shelter to the show. "Wouldn't it be great fun to give someone a much-needed day of pampering, beauty and shopping? People think fashion is a trivial thing, but it's really not. Feeling good about yourself and comfortable in your own skin is a huge part of a person's success and happiness in life, in my [not so] humble opinion," she says.

Hairdresser Heather Clement will donate her services. Heather van Frankenhuyzen of Bella Luna will donate fabulously fashionable clothing. I'll donate something -- shoes, maybe? Any other takers? If we combine all of our talents, we'll be sure to make at least one Bangor woman's night fashionably great.

Jean-ious

True Religion jeans, dark wash, $99, Marshalls. Need I say more?

Style? It's in the bag -- or the oven.

Just when we thought T.J.'s couldn't get any better, the Homegoods offerings dramatically increase and the purse section becomes a mini-boutique in and of itself. Which is a bit of a problem if, like me, you love cooking and fashion in equal measure. On a recent visit, I was torn between a LeCreuset pan and a sleek leather bag by Francesco Biasia. Girls a bit edgier than I will appreciate the Ed Hardy tattoo bags while girls a bit trendier than I will adore the slouchy Juicy Couture hobos bedecked with sweet little charms. I even spotted a medium-size -- authentic -- Coach bag.

In the words of Poison, however, every rose has its thorn: the shoe section seems a bit smaller (although the high boots by Coach and Via Spiga did not disappoint). Not to worry, though. At Marshalls, they're building a shoe-tique.

Looks like a little sole searching is in my future...