Let's face it, shopping is one of the first things to be scratched off the priority list in this shit can economy. In fact, many of us are looking for ways to keep more cash in our ever-fraying pockets. Lately we've used a more discriminating eye when throwing clothes in the donation pile and weeded out a few items to take to thrift stores in an attempt to make an extra buck. Our success at selling our old duds was questionable, but we obtained a wealth of knowledge on what brings in the bucks and what doesn’t that we’ll benevolently share below. Here's our story: more ›

With the recession keeping many buyers at bay, properties have to do more than just slash prices to drum up a potential purchases. To that end, EcoLogic Lofts, Bucktown's hot new green condo complex, is banking on a fashion show to hopefully provide a few leads during the Whirlwind in Bucktown fashion show and mixer. The neighborhood's fashion retailers including Apartment Number 9, Robin Richman and Hejfina will send their duds down the runway for guests to sneak peek while sipping cocktails and noshing nibbles provided by SKYY Vodka, Blue Heron Wine Brands, California Pizza Kitchen and Lindt Chocolate. more ›

Yet another great alternative to mall shopping, we bring you the Project Onward Holiday Sale. This artsy bazaar taking place on Saturday will feature drawings, paintings, embroidered crafts, soaps, jewelry and even holiday ornaments, all of which would make excellent gifts for the craftier friends on your list. Those behind these pieces are local artists with special needs supported by the Project Onward organization, whose mission is to support the creative development of visual artists with developmental, cognitive, and mental disabilities. more ›

We all know the economy sucks and there's barely money for Velveeta Shells n' Cheese let alone shopping. Still, the holidays are creeping up, so we have to find some room in the budget for extras. Though times are tough, there are those who are truly struggling, so if you're looking to kick off your gift-shopping early, why not do so to the benefit of those who are most in need? To that end, stores in Roscoe Village will participate in the Shop to End Hunger event on November 20th to benefit the Common Pantry located right in the neighborhood. Portions of the proceeds on purchases made between 5 and 9 p.m. that night will be donated to the Pantry, which provides food and household items to local families in need. Participating shops include Cinnamon Boutique, Kickin’, À Pied, Little Threads, Village Tap, Fixture, Glam to Go, Original Expressions, Denim Lounge, and Sacred Art. Wine, cheese and even raffles will be available at various locations. If nothing else, this event will help you feel less guilty about spending. more ›

Did anyone else watch The Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo? It followed the oh-so-theatrical daily life of the celebrity stylist and her two oil-and-water assistants as they weathered the storm of dressing stars for Hollywood red carpet moments. Sounds pretty shallow, right? Well, it was. And we were grotesquely enamored with it. It wasn’t so much Rachel’s glamorama lifestyle of rubbing elbows with celebs that kept us glued. It was her 1) her turns of phrase wrought with end-of-the world drama. (Examples: “You are my life. I die. Killing it on a whole 'nother level. Shut it down.”) And 2) her over-the-top boho style that we actually kind of dug. more ›

Most women (and men who like things tight) know how difficult it can be to find a properly-fitting pair of jeans. Thankfully P+L Boutique is here to help just in time to get a new pair for Fall. The Lakeview shop, which specializes in high-end denim, will hold a trunk show featuring 1921 brand jeans this Thursday at which customers can preview the latest looks, enjoy discounts and giveaways and most importantly seek the wisdom of 1921 “denim gurus,” who will be on site to help you figure out which cut is right for you. If nothing else, stop by for the free cupcakes and champagne, which we assume won’t be going quickly among a bunch of women trying to wriggle into their pre-Freshman 15 size. more ›

While most clothing stores are touting markdowns on Summer stuff, Scarlet Designs is hosting a doozy of a sale on Fall apparel this weekend at their Oak Street location. The boutique, which is celebrating its one-year anniversary on the high-end retail avenue, is taking a whopping 90% off of their designer duds and accessories in the hopes of liquidating their entire inventory. Pieces designed by Eniko, Nubian Creation, Pretty Afrika and Sansapelle will be available, among others. Most items are priced under $100. This is hands down the most miraculous deal you’re ever going to get on Oak Street. more ›