Shop For A Cause In Streeterville; Prepare Now For Holiday Crowds

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STREETERVILLE— Shop local accessories, men's and women's clothing designs for a cause at the Bright Pink shopping benefit next Tuesday, October 12 in the 2nd floor Superior room at The Affinia Hotel. Come when the event begins at 5:30 to be one of the first 50 to receive a goodie bag, or closer to its 8:30 end to spend the early evening sipping a complimentary cocktail and enjoying free appetizers and dessert as you browse. 50% of each designer's proceeds, like Miriam Cecilia Carlson dresses, jewelry by jules. and Love, Lulu Mae headpieces will benefit Bright Pink, an organization supporting women at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer. [Trendy Magazine]

CHICAGO— Despite the everlasting recession, holiday spending is expected to increase by 2.3% this winter. With people lining up last year at crazy hours to buy gifts when sales were even worse, you might want to warn the family now that Thanksgiving dinner will probably be eaten in sandwich form in the car. [Chicago Sun-Times]