Shop local designers from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, June 4, and Friday, June 5, at 233 N. Michigan (on the Concourse Level next to Delmonico's restaurant).
Parker Posey wore Chicago designer Cynthia Rowley to the Lucille Lortel Awards (for off-Broadway shows) in New York Sunday.
The waxed linen dress, from the designer's Spring collection, gives the illusion of leather. You can find it at Cynthia Rowley stores (1653 N. Damen and 810 W. Armitage in Chicago) and at www.cynthiarowley.com.
I think the dress is pretty darn cute (and perfect for a Picasso-loving biker chick!).
Join White Attic, a beautiful shop that offers re-colored and re-invented antique and vintage furniture, for a grand opening party from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at its new location at 1842 N. Damen in Bucktown. (The original White Attic is in Andersonville at 5225 N. Clark). At the party, get 10 percent off all dressers, credenzas, chairs and lamps. Enjoy some light refreshments and "nibbly bits."
Owner Terry Ledford on the vintage 1960s chair shown above: "I had the chair reupholstered using new fabric I sourced. I will be doing this going forward -- finding vintage upholstered pieces, choosing new fabrics and having them reupholstered. I love taking older pieces and making them new!"
Ledford on the accessories below: "All of the items were also from the 1960s. We hand sanded each piece to remove the finish and then use a satin varnish on the casing and latex paint to paint out the fronts."
Ork neighborhood posters are $25 (or $30 for silkscreen). Artist Jenny Beorkrem also offers neighborhood posters for Boston, Brooklyn, Seattle and other cities. Available at Sacred Art or www.arkposters.com.
For your art-loving friends (or your friends who keep saying they need art for their walls but never do anything about it), why not buy them something from a Chicago artist? Sacred Art, 2040 W. Roscoe, is a great Roscoe Village art boutique that features emerging artists from the Chicago area only. And the best part is, the art is pretty affordable.
Right now through Sunday, Nov. 30, if you buy two regular prices items, you'll receive 50 percent off the third. Besides posters and silkscreens (like shown above), you'll find paintings, jewelry, clothing, stationary, photography, ceramics and more.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; by appointment Tuesday. Store is closed Thursday, Nov. 27 for Thanksgiving.
AT LEFT: Wish Tula on Southport a happy birthday. AT RIGHT: Score 70 to 90 percent off men and women's designer clothing at the Jake Warehouse Sale.
THURSDAY, NOV. 6: OPENING RECEPTION AT SACRED ART
Chicago abstract painter Christine Olson is a regular at Roscoe Village shop Sacred Art, 2040 W. Roscoe, which offers paintings, jewelry, clothing and more from emerging local artists. Come check out Olson's new work, which ranges from $35 to $1000, and get a clairvoyant reading at an opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m.
THURSDAY, NOV. 6: TULA ANNIVERSARY PARTY BENEFITS BUCKINGHAM FOUNTAIN
Treat yourself to champagne, cider and mini candied apples at Tula's Second Anniversary event 6 to 8 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the parkways foundations & Buckingham Fountain Restoration Project. When you RSVP to JLynnePR.com, you enter to win a fall sweater. Tula is 3738 N. Southport.
SATURDAY, NOV. 8 AND SUNDAY, NOV. 8: JAKE WAREHOUSE SALE
My husband and I will be the first in line this weekend at the Jake Warehouse Sale, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days at the Jake warehouse, 5215 N. Ravenswood. (Actual Jake boutique locations are at 939 Rush in Chicago and 565 Lincoln Avenue in Winnetka). All designer goods, including men and women's clothing, denim, shoes and accessories, will be 70 to 90 percent off (which is really the only way you can shop at Jake, since it's so darn expensive). Look for women's brands like See by Chloe, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Mayle, Missoni; denim by Superfine, Notify and Kasil, and shoes from Loeffler Randall, Pedro Garcia and more. Men can look for brands such as Trovata, Oliver Spencer, Rogues Gallery and denim brands such as Ernest Sewn, Nudie and more. Quantities and sizes are limited. All sales are final. For more information, call (773) 271-5253.
SATURDAY, NOV 8: FREE YOGA BOOTY BALLET CLASSES
Celebrate the opening of the new Indigo Studio, 309 W. Chicago, featuring the new exercise trend Yoga Booty Ballet, which combines ballet, yoga, and dance to revitalize the mind. Indigo is offering two free classes this Saturday, at noon and 2 p.m. There will be more free classes offered through Nov. 15. For those times and other information, call (312) 520-7348.
FROM NOW UNTIL NOV. 16: NORDSTROM HALF-YEARLY WOMEN AND KIDS SALE
Shoe shopping party, anyone? Save 40 percent or more on shoes, handbags, clothes and accessories at any Nordstrom location or online at nordstrom.com. And when you use your Nordstrom card, you can earn Twice the Rewards points through the end of the year.
GIFTS FROM RED DOG HOUSE, FROM LEFT: Puffy Coat, $68; Bon Ton, $10 (attaches to your dog's leash to ensure you'll always have a poop bag handy -- each one comes with a roll of ten 100 percent biodegradable bags); Argyle Sweater, $30.
ALL OF NOVEMBER: Chicago pet boutique Red Dog House, 2031 N. Damen, and eco-friendly canine daycare Green Dog Inc., 2231 W. Chicago, are asking customers to donate goods for pets in need. When you bring in towels and canned pet food to either location, you'll receive 20 percent off discount cards for your next purchase at Red Dog House or 20 percent off discount cards for your pet's next stay at Green Dog Inc. Towels and pet food will be donated to Animal Care and Control, a Chicago organization that rescues and cares for lost and homeless animals.
Green Dog Inc. offers dog walking, boarding and canine education programs.
Get 25 percent off Wednesday at Sensual Steps, 4518 S. Cottage Grove.
Bring in your voting ballot receipt and save at the following stores:
Knickers, 492 N Main in Glen Elyn: On Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., head over to Knickers and get 10 percent off any bra with your voting receipt. Knickers specializes in bra fittings and carries a full line of bras to fit virtually every size and shape.
Sensual Steps, 4518 S. Cottage Grove in Chicago: The politically active boutique is closed Tuesday (they'll be driving residents around to the polls), but on Wednesday, Nov. 5, bring in your receipt and get $25 percent off new shoes, boots, handbags and accessories from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wine and appetizers will be served!
Beta Boutique, 2016 W. Concord Place in Chicago: Bring in your voting receipt and receive $10 off a purchase of $50 to $100, or receive $20 off a purchase of $100 or more until Sunday, Nov. 30. This adorable boutique, if you don't already know about it, is a permanent sample sale of sorts. It offers designer clothing (such as Betsy Johnson and Cynthia Rowley) for 40 to 90 percent the original price. So an additional $10 or $20 this month is even better! Enjoy! (Note: store isn't open Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. Hours are: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.)
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.
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!
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!
Planning on stopping by the World Music Festival this Thursday? Bring some extra cash and stop by the International Market Place from 6 to 11 p.m. in the G.A.R. Hall in the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington. South Side jewelry artist and full-time lawyer Sandra Aya, who owns the company Pretty Afrika, is a featured artist at the event, and she's definitely worth a visit. Inspired by her time living and going to school in Ghana, West Africa, Sandra creates bold pieces, mostly necklaces, earrings and rings, using turquoise, bone and other beads. And since creativity runs in the family, her mother, Theresa Obeng Sam, will also be a featured artist at the show. Her company, Nubian Creation, offers quilts, handbags and home accessories.
Here's a little of what you can expect from Pretty Afrika. Happy shopping!:
Jessica Sedgwick works in the Chicago Sun-Times features department. When she's not working, she's sniffing out deals all over Chicago for fellow shoppers. Zap her an e-mail if you've got your own tips to share.
![Pretty Afrika by Sandra Aya[1].jpg](http://blogs.suntimes.com/shopping/Pretty%20Afrika%20by%20Sandra%20Aya%5B1%5D.jpg)
Jessica Sedgwick works in the Chicago Sun-Times features department. When she's not working, she's sniffing out deals all over Chicago for fellow shoppers. Zap her an 
