It is with a heavy heart and an empty shopping bag that I share this news: After decades of pretty, plus-size clothing, funky jewelry on the cheap and more zebra-striped bags than I can count, Fashion Bug is closing.

Not just Lewiston’s Fashion Bug, which would be bad enough, but all Fashion Bugs everywhere. More than 550 stores in 43 states.

We pause now for a moment of silence.

. . .

Sadly, it’s the circle of shopping life. Stores open. Stores close. Stores have mega closing sales.

There is always a silver lining.

At Fashion Bug, everything is now 20 percent to 50 percent off. Greater discounts are expected as Fashion Bug winds down between now and the first of the year.

I’ve heard inventory will keep coming to some stores, at least for a while. At the moment, the Lewiston store has leftover summer wear, an array of new fall fashions and some winter gear.

All sales are final, so make sure you like it before you hand over your money. But don’t let that scare you away.

If you have to say goodbye, at least get a good buy.

* Turtlenecks, $14.39

Thicker than a regular turtleneck, but not as thick as a sweater, which makes it the perfect top for chilly autumn days. You know, the ones that are coming way too soon.

* Fashion scarves, $11.99

In sparkly blue, classic black and rainbow, to name a few. Toss one around, oh, say, a turtleneck, and call it an outfit! (Well, along with pants. Outside outfits need pants.)

* Two-button blazer, $37.59

Dove gray blazer traditional enough for work but with style. Conservative and cute — kind of like that Republican you dated in college.

Pair with:

* Purple bejeweled-neck tank top, $27.99

Subtly tie-dyed (yes, such a thing exists) with bling along the neckline. Sounds outlandish, I know, but wear under a black jacket or, perhaps, a gray blazer and you’ve got work wear with a pop of color. Lose the cover and you’ve got a stylish evening outfit. (Again, though, pants.)

* Sports bra, $13.99

In white, gray or black. Because support is good.

* Pea coats, $75.99

In plus sizes only, as far as I could tell. Pretty colors, including red, with a pair of button accents at the back. If you have to shovel snow this winter, you might as well look cute doing it.

Best find: Maroon zebra-striped purse, $29.59

It seems like every time I go to Fashion Bug, there’s a zebra-striped bag. Big, small, black and white, colorful — I’ve seen it all over the years. Fashion Bug’s closing sale is no exception. This one is slightly fuzzy outside and offers a lot of room inside. Are you confident enough to tote a fuzzy, maroon, zebra-striped purse? If Fashion Bug has taught us anything, it’s that you are.

Think twice: Bedazzled boat tote, $15.99

White canvas boat tote with silver bling along the handles and edges. When I said there’s always a silver lining, this isn’t what I meant. Leave the tote for someone else and try not to judge. We all say goodbye in our own way.

Goat note:

Last month, charmed by Buttermilk, the Houlton jumping goat, Bliss went on the hunt for goat products. Marcia from Friends’ Folly Farm dropped us a note afterward to let us know that her Monmouth farm is filled with goat greatness. Yarn, milk, soap . . . they got goat.

And Buttermilk, the Houlton jumping goat? We hear she’s got her own Facebook page now and her fame has helped her farm raise money for animal causes. You goat, girl!  

Shopping Siren’s true identity is protected by a pair of stylish, sweater-wearing Doberman pinschers (who love all bugs, including Fashion Bugs) and the Customer Service counter at the Sun Journal. You can reach her at shoppingsiren@sunjournal.com.

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