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

