I had you at champagne and truffles, didn't I? On top of that (and who needs anything more?), you can get some holiday shopping done early, get your items gift-wrapped and support the Greater Chicago Food Depository at the same time.

At the free event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 1, the adorable boutique Virtu, 2034 N. Damen in Bucktown, will be serving Moonstruck Chocolates and unwrapping the new Snow & Graham holiday collection for shoppers. The collection includes holiday cards (shown above, printed on 100 percent recycled card stock), candles, calendars and more. Ten percent of the day's sales will go to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

L.L. Bean is bringing the great outdoors to Lincoln Park this weekend to celebrate the grand opening of its new store at 4999 Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center in Skokie. (Though the event is this weekend, the store doesn't open until Friday, November 7.)

The Great Urban Outdoors event will include a huge campsite in Lincoln Park where people can get fly fishing lessons and check out outdoor performance gear, clothing for all seasons and outdoor camping and sporting equipment. The event is from 1 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, October 31 and Saturday, November 1. Everyone who attends will get a $20 coupon they can use toward their purchase at the store. L.L. Bean employees will also be handing out gift cards at the event.

Here's a video from a past L.L. bean opening: www.youtube.com/llbeanPR

Slicksugar.com clothing, from left: Rock On Tee, $16 on sale; Road Trip Tee, $8.99 on sale; Trans Am Tee, $17 on sale.

I think babies and toddlers should always dress like grownups. Or better yet, like grandpas. Nothing but three-piece suits, pocket watches and bow ties.

Slicksugar.com may not help with the grandpa look, but the baby rocker Web site does offer plenty of clothes that Logan Square hipsters would covet. So start your holiday shopping early and take advantage of this: The site is offering free shipping from now until November 15. Use the promo code: SSNNOSHIP. And you can use it on sale items as well (some are shown above), which is good, because the full-priced stuff can get a bit expensive.

Get 40 percent off everything in Contemporary Sportswear at Neiman Marcus, including this Diesel Printed Tee, $50.

1. NOW THROUGH SATURDAY, NOV. 1: BIG NEIMAN MARCUS SALE
Save 40 percent off everything in Contemporary Sportswear, the Sport Shop, Dress Collections and designer coats at all Neiman Marcus locations.

2. NOW THROUGH SUNDAY, NOV. 2: OUTERWEAR SALE AT VERUCA SALT
Who else needs a winter coat? This sale could help. Get 15 percent all outerwear at Veruca Salt, 1921 N. Damen. Designers include Sunner, Doma and Foley and Corinna. And if you're too cold and coat-less to get to the store, stay at home! The online code for the sale is: COLD.

There is never of shortage of cute accessories at The Dressing Room.

3. ALL OF NOVEMBER: GET 20 PERCENT OFF AT THE DRESSING ROOM
Stop by The Dressing Room, 4635 N. Lincoln, this month and get 20 percent off select brands, including Tulle (one of my favorites because it's fairly affordable and super cute), Charlotte, Tarantola, Fresh Ink and 525 America. Enjoy!

4. SATURDAY, NOV. 1: SHARON KHAZZAM TRUNK SHOW AT BARNEY'S
Just by walking into Barney's, I feel like I'm spending money. But if you're having a girl's shopping day this weekend and want to ogle some jewelry that you probably can't afford, stop by Barneys Chicago, 25 East Oak, for a trunk show and personal appearance from jewelry designer Sharon Khazzam from noon to 4 p.m.

5. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5: HALF-YEARLY WOMEN AND KIDS SALE AT NORDSTROM
It figures something this good only happens twice a year. But I know I'll be making plans to visit the Nordstrom shoe department on this day. Save 40 percent or more on shoes, handbags, clothes and accessories. And if you're like me and have more nieces and nephews than pairs of shoes, this could be a good time to get holiday presents for cheap! Shop in store and online at nordstrom.com. Sale lasts until November 16.

Don't miss the cinnamon stick mystery sale starting today, Oct. 29, at Cinnamon Boutique, 2104 W. Roscoe. Select a cinnamon stick when you check out and receive either 10, 15 or 20 percent off your purchase. Sale goes through Friday Oct. 31. If you stop by the store, let me know what you think!

After you show political support, why not, um, get some support?

On Nov. 4, head over to Knickers, 492 N Main in Glen Ellyn, and get 10 percent off any bra just for showing your "I Voted" sticker or polling booth receipt.

"All women lean to the right or the left -- in both politics and bra sizing," said Kathryn Hudson, owner of Knickers of Glen Ellyn.

Knickers specializes in bra fittings and carries a full line of bras to fit virtually every size and shape.

Macy's want to celebrate its 150th birthday with a gift for devoted shoppers. This Saturday, the first 150 customers (who are 18 and older) to enter the main entrance at any Macy's store will receive a $15 gift card for use that day, along with a special red carpet celebration. A few other ways Macy's is giving back this weekend:

SPECIAL SAVINGS PASS: Before you head over to Macy's, go online at Macys.com, click on "print savings pass," bring it in with you during store hours between now and Sunday and get an additonal 20 percent off a selection of regular, sale and clearance purchases.

FREE ONLINE SHIPPING: Not gonna make it to the store this weekend? Macys.com is also offering the sale online between now and Sunday. They're even offering free shipping this weekend for purchases of $99 or more. Here's the promo code: 150BDAY.

Check out additional activities at the following locations:

Macy's Woodfield: Cheer on the AYC Des Plaines Warriors cheerleaders and the Maine West High School Warriors cheerleaders as they perform at the main entrance at 10 a.m. Enjoy special offers throughout the store.

Macy's Old Orchard: Join the Niles West High School cheerleaders for a kickoff performance at the main entrance at 10 a.m. Enjoy special offers throughout the store and more.

Macy's Northbrook Court: Watch a spirited performance by the Deerfield High School Band at the main entrance at 10 a.m. and enjoy special offers throughout the store.

Macy's Oak Brook: Enjoy special offers throughout the store like cosmetic gifts-without-purchases, register-to-wins, Frango sampling, special offers from Starbucks and more.

Macy's Orland Square: Enjoy special offers throughout the store such complimentary fall skincare and color consultations at Clinique, Estee Lauder, MAC, Lancome, Chanel, Bobbi Brown, Origins, Philosophy, Clarins, Shiseido, Christian Dior, Benefit, Prescriptives and Elizabeth Arden. Also, enjoy free coffee in the Home area and complimentary bra fittings in Intimate Apparel.

From left: Large Roe Ring (Burlesque), $72; Petal Ring (Moonscape), $75; Large Roe Ring (Kelp), $72.

CORRECTION: In today's Sun-Times Shopping with Jessica column, I wrote that Bucktown boutique Virtu, 2034 N. Damen, is discontinuing their line of rings by designer Poppi. But they're not going anywhere. One ring from the line -- the Small Roe Ring -- will no longer be offered, but the Large Roe Ring and the Petal Ring (the shop's most popular ring, according to owner Julie Horowitz Jackson), will continue to be sold at the store. Happy shopping!

For discounts, special offers and the chance to find your new favorite designer, check out one of these six shopping events this weekend:

Shoe labels such as Pour La Victoire (left and center) and Sam Edelman will be on sale at Veruca Salt this weekend.

TODAY, OCT. 22 - SUNDAY, OCT. 26: FALL SHOE SALE AT VERUCA SALT
Take 15 percent off all shoes at Veruca Salt, 1921 N. Damen. Can't make it all the way to Bucktown this weekend? That's OK, you can still shop online. The promo code is: SHOES.

FRIDAY, OCT. 24: AN EVENING WITH VINTAGE
Calling all "Mad Men" fans! Joan Holloway has nothing on you: If you have a flair for sporting vintage fashion, stop by StyleChicago.com's An Evening of Modern Vintage where you can shop vintage boutiques, get makeup tips from Benefit and MAC and sip classic cocktails from the '50s and '60s. From 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at W Chicago, 172 W. Adams. Tickets are $35. Go to stylechicago.com to RSVP.

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, OCT 24-25: BRIAN REYES TRUNK SHOW
Meet Designer Brian Reyes and preview his spring 2009 collection from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Simone's Boutique, 1060 Gage Street in Winnetka. His new collection is inspired by the simplicity of nature and the vibrancy of tribal cultures.

"Black Graniluform" necklace by Ryan Davies, available at Robin Richman.

SATURDAY, OCT. 25: TAX-FREE FASHION AT ROBIN RICHMAN
Taxes are the worst. Don't you wish -- for once -- that you could just pay the number on the price tag? Well from 5 to 8 p.m. at Robin Richman, 2108 N. Damen, you can do just that. Join the Bucktown boutique for an evening of "Tax Free Fashion" where you can be the first to see the new work of local designers Anne Novotny (Frei Designs), Jacki Holland, Tania Bowers and Ryan Davies. Meet the designers, have a cocktail and the boutique will pay your sales tax.

SATURDAY, OCT. 25: EILEEN FISHER SHOPPING EVENT AT MACY'S
Check out the Eileen Fisher fall collection at 1 p.m. at Macy's on State (3rd floor, Eileen Fisher Department) and enjoy informal modeling and personal shopping assistance from a Eileen Fisher representative. Also, you'll receive 20 percent off your purchase during the event.

BCBGeneration Ruffled Charmeuse Top, $88 at Macy's.

SATURDAY, OCT. 25: BCBGENERATION'S GIRL'S DAY OUT
Shop the new brand BCBGeneration and enjoy sweet treats, get personal shopping assistance and receive a tote with any $150 purchase during the event. From 1 to 3 p.m. at Macy's on State Street (BCBGeneration, 3rd Floor).

Faith Hill, country singer and object of my husband's affections for many years, has decided that for her 41st birthday, she'd like the world to see she still looks hot in a bikini. She'll be on the December cover of Shape magazine wearing this gold, pink and white bikini.

So how does the mom-of-three keep herself looking so great? She credits pilates. "I could bend in ways I haven't been able to since I was a teenager," she tells the fitness magazine. "My husband [Tim McGraw] loves it!" I would think so. Congratulations Tim.

There's no way for us to tell how much the photo has been digitally altered, but I'd say she looks pretty darn good. What do you think? Let me know. And what do we think of the bikini? Evil Kenley from "Project Runway" would no-doubt approve of the floral print...

Head to your nearest Urban Outfitters -- or to Urbanoutfitters.com -- for their first big sale of the season, including men's and women's clothing, as well as accessories. Here's a bit of what to expect:

From left: BDG Striped Shawl Collar Cardigan, $34.99 (originally $48); Silence & Noise Rose Window Top, $24.99 (was $38); Play by C. Ronson Indigo Dress, $69.99 (was $118).

Join Lumen, a sophisticated bar and lounge in a converted meat-packing warehouse at 839 W. Fulton Market, and Y.E.S.! for a fall fashion show to celebrate Chicago's rising designers from The Fashion Incubator from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 23. Chicago's Steven Rosengard from "Project Runway" will host the event, which is $30, but your money goes toward the Chicago chapter of Dress for Success. RSVP to dfs.yes.tickets@gmail.com. Cocktails and appetizers will be served.

The lifestyle boutique (left) and pedicure stations at Silken Tent in Glenview.

These two events in the burbs seem pretty cool (and see my post below for six free shopping events in the city!):

SATURDAY, OCT. 18: Silken Tent, an "eco-chic" spa and boutique at 2300 Chestnut in Glenview, is hosting a one-year anniversary celebration where you can shop from their favorite local green designers, get accessorizing tips from Paul Lewin of Tivi and decorate organic cookies with Beth and Craig Nielson of Nielsen-Massey Vanillas. The free event is from 1 to 5 p.m., but you can stay for dinner and take a class with Silken Tent chef Tim Kuck and learn how he prepares Cherry Vanilla Chicken. The class is from 5 to 6 p.m. and costs $25.00 per person -- price includes dinner and goodie bag. RSVP at (847) 510-1240.

SATURDAY, OCT. 18: Learn makeup, skincare and fragrance trends and get one-on-one consultations at the Fall Cosmetics Trend Show at Nordstrom, 100 Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook. Tickets are $15 per person, which is redeemable towards a purchase made at the event. Light refreshments are at 7:15 a.m., show is at 8 a.m., and one-on-one consultations are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. To RSVP or for more information, (630) 571-2121, ext. 1840.

Who wants to spend $132 to look like Lindsay Lohan? Not me -- at least not if I have to wear these. I can see someone maybe being able to rock the pair on the left, but the metallic pair are leggings only Samantha Ronson could love...

But maybe I'm wrong. What do you think? Leave a comment and let me know.

From Lindsay Lohan's new "6126" collection, inspired by Marilyn Monroe and available at shopintuition.com. From left: The Mr. President Leggings, $132; Glimmer Leggings, $99; Dom Leggings, $123.

I have enough friends with babies and children to know that Pottery Barn Kids is huge in the parenting world. So for all of you parents who have procrastinated getting costumes -- rejoice! Pottery Barn's Halloween costumes are on sale for 50 percent at www.potterybarnkids.com. I think I like the hedgehog the best (bottom left).

Doma jackets from left: Leather Bomber, $537; Jacket with Knit Lining, $762; Jacket with Knitted Detail, $628 (prices are before the 15 percent off!).

Buenos Aires-based Doma is world-renowned for their leather jackets and coats. The label's signature is washed skins with a super-soft handle that they dye with colors and then craft into chic contemporary designs. But since leather doesn't come cheap, these jackets are on the pricey side. But Veruca Salt, 1921 N. Damen, is offering 15 percent off all Doma leather jackets today through Sunday. Store hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

If you can't make it to the store this weekend, don't fret, you can still shop online. Here's the online promo code for the sale: DOMA

At left: This diabetes "Seed Planter" t-shirt for women focuses on Type 2 diabetes, the most common form. At right, the men's diabetes "Needle Fact" t-shirt will help inform those how a syringe actually helps you stay alive.

Ah, it feels good when some of our shopping dollars go toward a good cause. It makes us feel less guilty about paying way too much for something. But wouldn't it be great if something was cute, affordable and went to a good cause? A new line of T-shirts from FiveHumans -- a company on a mission to cure ignorance of disease through hip, fashionable clothing -- offers shirts with messages about diabetes that cost a mere $29.50. Plus, 10 percent of the proceeds go to the Diabetes Hands Foundation. According too the FiveHumans site, 24 million Americans have diabetes, and 6.2 million remain undiagnosed and untreated. So if you want to help spearhead advocacy, or if you just think the shirts look cool (which they do), head to www.fivehumans.com.

Snag some discounts and raise a glass at the one-year anniversary party for SoKo Fashion, 1925 W. Chicago.

Free shopping parties are one of the city's best kept secrets. You can't really beat getting discounts on clothes, hanging out with your friends while downing a few cocktails and playing "fashion show." This weekend there are six notable fashion events. Here's a roundup (and good luck choosing!):

1. TODAY, OCT. 16: SHOPPING BENEFIT AND COCKTAIL PARTY AT MARLOWE
Celebrate the 12 most powerful and influential women in Chicago (and maybe hit them up for some tips) as they unveil their "biz-over" -- a business and style makeover -- and enjoy hors d'oeuvres by aigredoux and cocktails at Marlowe (800 N. Michigan). Ten percent of the sales at the shop that evening will benefit the Pursuit of Passion Inc., and Thodos Dance Chicago. You must RSVP to kristen@graceprgroup.com by 11 a.m. today. The event is from 6 to 8 p.m. Oh, and did I mention the first 100 guests will receive a VIP gift bag?

2. FRIDAY, OCT. 17: JOEL HALL DANCE CENTER SHOPPING PARTY
Andersonville Galleria (5247 N. Clark), a retail market building featuring more than 50 tenants offering apparel, jewelry, artwork and more, will host a shopping party Friday. Snag some refreshments and take comfort in knowing that a portion of your cash will go to the Joel Hall Dance Center in Andersonville, one of Chicago's largest dance education facilities (and a place this Shopping blogger once took a few jazz and tap classes many years ago). The Galleria is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

3. SATURDAY, OCT. 18: SoKo FASHION'S ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY
Get 15 percent off purchases and enjoy hot cider, wine and snacks as you help boutique owner Sheri Roney celebrate the one-year anniversary of her East Village store, SoKo Fashion (1925 W. Chicago). Her mission was to bring "affordable, trendy clothing to Chicago Avenue." Party is from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

4. SATURDAY, OCT 18: DAY OLD BREAD SALE AT THE T-SHIRT DELI
The T Shirt Deli (1739 N. Damen) is hosting its first-ever Day Old Bread Sale, where they'll try to sell their, um, screw-ups. Like a shirt that was supposed to say "Devoted to You," but instead says "Demoted to You," or a coveted "Edwards for President" tote. Prices range from $5-$20. Sale is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

5. SATURDAY, OCT. 18: ALICE BERRY FALL 2O08 TRUNK SHOW AT B
Check out Alice Berry's new collection of scarves, jackets, outerwear and evening wear at B (1117 W. Armitage). Alice will be there to help you find the best fit for your shape and size, and with a purchase, you can snag a gift bag that includes coupons for Infuse Yoga Spa, Lincoln Park Massage and more. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

6. SUNDAY, OCT.19: p.45 BIRTHDAY PARTY
Celebrate 11 years of Bucktown boutique p.45 (1643 N. Damen) with cocktails, cupcakes and the chance to win a gift bag (which contains items from p.45 designers and is valued at more than $1,000). There are 11 gift bags to win -- good luck! Party is from noon to 5 p.m.

So that's the roundup, now do some shopping for me. And if you attend one of these events -- write me a note and let me know how it was. And as always, if anyone has any shopping questions or subjects you'd like me to address, let me know. Happy shopping!

This floral-printed, scoop-neck T-shirt with cap sleeves is $78 and is available in XS to XL at Anthropologie stores.