DEAR SHOPPING: I am looking for budget-priced, plus-size maternity clothes for my daughter. At most department stores, maternity clothing goes up to an extra large but no further. – Karen, Citrus Heights
DEAR KAREN: I checked with Avenue, which is a national plus-size retail store that sells sizes 14 to 32. (For store locations, go to Avenue.com .) A spokeswoman said that although the chain doesn't carry a maternity line, there are tops and bottoms that could be used throughout your daughter's pregnancy. She might need to buy a size up.
Another place to check is Plusmaternityclothesetc. com. It offers plenty of markdowns on apparel. Motherhood Maternity's outlet store in the Folsom Premium Outlets is worth a try, too. This store goes up to a 3X, and a sales associate says the collection is well-stocked, with its own space in the store. You can shop Motherhood online at www.motherhood.com.
DEAR SHOPPING: Do you know if I can still purchase Clinique's lipstick in Dipped Brown Sugar?
– Ann, Lincoln
DEAR ANN: I contacted Clinique and was told that shade is no longer available because it was a limited-edition item. The recommended substitute – if you want to stick with Clinique – is Gold Spun in the Long Last Glosswear collection.
Also send questions to Shopping for Answers, P.O. Box 15779, Sacramento, CA 95852
