Perhaps you are more gifted in the art of personal finance than I. As the holidays loom near, I am leery of spending anything on myself. And it's all for the sake of my loved ones, for whom I am staving off in order to deliver a round of Christmas gifts. Friday is, of course, the day to start making it happen—the "biggest shopping day of the year"—although I have suggestions for shopping throughout the week, lest you become lightheaded in the crowd.

If you are also a woman with a fondness for cashmere, or you have one such female on your list, I suggest you make Souchi (807 NW 23rd) one of your stops. Beginning Friday, and continuing through Sunday, their Thanksgiving weekend sale includes 20 percent off full-price items from the Souchi cashmere line, as well as pieces from (Milla) Jovovich-Hawk and Ports 1961, 30 percent off denim from Genetic Denim and Rachel Mara, plus 30 percent off select popular yarns both in-store and by special order. The regular sale rack is worth checking in on too, with 50-75 percent off everything, including Corey Lynn Calter, Lyell, and more. The store is also keeping special hours throughout the sale, remaining open 'til 7 pm.

Also in my demographic are the items at 20 percent off through the end of November at Pin Me (3705 N Mississippi). Includes the entire store of clothing, jewelry, bags, and shoes, including local designs (such as jewelry by Anna) and those shipped in from elsewhere (Gentle Fawn, Tart, and many more). Up the street, Phlox (3962 N Mississippi) has all you'll need to impress your snooty New Yorker sister-in-law, with designs from Lewis Cho and Tibi on sale Friday only, with 20 percent off storewide, and 50 percent off a selection of fall items.

For the European-minded dresser on your list (think sophisticated aunt or stepmother), consider Sofia (1313 NE Fremont). With lots of imports found nowhere else in town, this subtle NE boutique has classy selections for the more modest dresser. Speaking of modesty, Shade Clothing has been an increasing presence in Portland boutiques—I recently checked out a slew of their very cute, simple, cotton tops at Nolita (923 NW 10th). Shade's aim is to make clothing that is fashionable and flattering, but that is also modest, doesn't pull up or slip down, reveal what doesn't wish to be revealed, etc. While I am instinctively suspicious of this moral-minded approach, I must admit that the pieces are appealing, and would be an exceptionally good choice for your youth group-going cousin, or anyone else who isn't heebed out by a turtleneck with virtuous intentions.

Another spot to hit on Friday is the second incarnation of Le Train Bleu's physical boutique (748 NW 11th), which is celebrating with a reception at 7 pm, where you can rest your weary eyes on some of the most attractive retail merchandise available in this town. This is where to shop if you are a unique young woman with money to spend, and also where to splurge on your favorite daughter.

When it comes to the men in your life, it is almost always true that buying clothing for them is hardest of all. But whether you need a nice travel jacket for your moderately cool dad or something that even your too-cool-for-school little punk of a brother won't sneer at, check out the new merchandise at Upper Playground (23 NW 5th). Heavy on design and art from cutting-edge contributors, pieces from wool jackets to T-shirts, hoodies, pants, bags, and even pillows should be easy to find a home for.

If you're into group things, and smart enough to recognize the opportunity to get all your holiday shopping done in one day, stop by the annual Riches at Rimsky's Holiday Sale, featuring local, handmade items from I Love Mice Elf (soaps and bath products), Lisa Johnston-Smith (functional ceramics), Westcoast Bound Books (journals), and more. (Sun Nov 26, Rimsky-Korsakoffe House, 707 SE 12th, 11 am-4 pm) There's also a Crave shopping party on Wednesday, with participating boutiques like LUSH and Diva Chocolates, plus salon services and cocktails included. (Wed Nov 29, Disjecta, 230 E Burnside, 5-9 pm, $15 advance)

Finally, gripe though I may, even I can spare the minor expense of finding something to wear to the holiday parties at Yes (811 E Burnside), which, in its final week as a real-life entity, is offloading everything for at least half price before its web-only launch, set for February 1.

It begins... marjorie@portlandmercury.com