Help the Economy: Shop Online Today!

Yes, Black Friday sales were up 3% from last year, but that momentum is quickly slowing, so get those fingers ready...and shop online today for Cyber Monday.

The best deals will be on electronics, especially at Best Buy, Circuit City, WalMart and Amazon. If you're looking for apparel and accessories, try my favorites: Net A Porter, Piperlime, Bluefly and Lands' End (the best for parents' gifts).

And don't forget to help the little guy on Etsy, a hub for handmade wonders, or even better, a local boutique (online and offline).

As Discussed...

Back in July '07, my very first Kate's Faves post featured a lovely birthday present from my dear friend, Robert. It just so happens that it's the same Comme des Garçons wallet featured in this year's New York Times Holiday Gift Guide. Thanks for making me hip Robby!

Even better, the flannel version of these Steven Alan bloomers also made the list.

Such a Sweetheart

I absolutely adore this look, and of course, the name - "Ric Rac On the Yacht Dress."

There's a Lumberjack in All of Us

My second lumberjack-inspired purchase of the season arrived from Fred Flare last night and I'm oh so excited!

Ain't No Sunshine...

It happened. I lost them. I'm devastated. Do I get the Tom Ford Whitney's or refuse to purchase pricey shades due to the inevitable future loss?

Shiny iPhone Gear

Now that I've fallen prey to my iPhone, I'm embracing the gear to protect it. These metallic cases from incase are fab.

Rock N Roll

Love this look from sass & bide. Minus the shoes.

My New Motto

Sass & Bide's Que Sera Sera, what ever will be, will be.

















Thanks Jeff.

Pucci Does it Again, and Again...

I'm always drawn to Pucci's whimsical patterns and exceptional quality. This Harlequin Clutch is no exception.

Fall is Here

I love the detailing and lines of this RM by Roland Mouret wool dress from Net-A-Porter. So much so that I'm willing to accept it's fall.

Going, Going, Gone...

Hurry, before it's too late, this Diane von Furstenberg kimono wrap dress is on sale and quickly going out of season!

Jump Suit/No Jump Suit?

In all honesty, I've always wanted to rock a jump suit. How about this Marc Jacobs velvet number for my debut?

Knee High News

Jil Sander's new Pull on Knee Boot in light grey suade with a wood heel is perfection for fall.

No Explanation Needed

Bill Blass Flamenco backless blouse at net-a-porter.

Oh Oscar!

The leaf embroidery on this Oscar de la Renta dress is stunning and makes for the perfect dress for late summer weddings and soirees.

Shopping for Accessories in "This Economy"

Speaking of accessories, I could use some new jewelery in my life to spice up my mounting dress collection. While I like the vintagey feel of this Swarovski gold plated tassel necklace, perhaps I should consider this $4.99 alternative at Old Navy.

Panache Goes High Tech!

My favorite boutique in Chicago - Panache - just got better! In their 25th anniversary year, you can now shop online for select accessories and clothing is coming soon.


Definitely also check out their store at 2252 N. Clark during their massive 70% off summer sale. I walked out last week with three new dresses and a purse for a steal. (Yes, another purse.)

Get Your Fi*rce Fix While It's Hot

Christian Siriano's new exclusive line for Bluefly.com launched yesterday and it's (dare I say)...fi*rce. Needless to say, I particularly like the gold silk 'Heidi' pencil skirt.

While the other pieces are beautiful, I would most certainly look like a lovely linebacker in all the 'poof' sleeves.

Not surprisingly, pieces and sizes are already selling out...

Mad Men Mania!

Mono is good for nothing. Except being spoiled by my wonderful man and Mad Men marathons, of course. Luckily, I'm caught up on the nicotine, drama, fashion, "etiquette" and 1960's ad business and ready for the season 2 premier on Sunday, July 27.

Peggy, glad to see you're getting a much-needed makeover this season. In labor and didn't even know you were pregnant? Get yourself together girl!

Picnic Perfect

How perfect are these eco-friendly Rebecca Minkoff totes for movies in the park and/or Ravina?

Slick Sunnies

Tom Ford's semi-retro "Jason" shades are just as hot for the lads as they are for the gals.

Golden Girl

As previously reported, Gold Fiction is now available at Channel and the nail polish is a beauty!

Necessary Reads

If you haven't already, be sure to pick up the August issue of Domino magazine for a beautiful feature on the farmhouse I visited last summer in New York. Go Alice!

While you're at it, everyone's favorite architect, Mr. Jeff Corney, looks fabulous in his stunning condo in the July issue of Chicago Social. The Mies van der Rohe feature story is of course by my favorite editor, miss Amalie Drury.

KatesDressCollections.org

This cobalt blue cotton tank dress by MINT jodi arnold is a perfect addition to my mounting summer frock collection. Donations can be made to the above mentioned charitable organization.

Polka Dot Passion

French Connection's Donna Shoulder Dress is the culmination of my latest fashion obsessions: playful polka dots and a flirty off the shoulder fit.

No. 1 Stunner

Jimmy Choo's new Rock sunglasses with Swarovski crystal detailing. Ooh. Ahh.

Wrapped Up

Diane Von Furstenberg does it right every time and her Pelego Wrap Dress in Orchid Lei is no exception.










Kate Brennan

You Make Me Feel Like Dancin!

I've been strangely drawn to these shoes from Frye and finally figured out why (no, I didn't intentionally make that rhyme). They remind me of my very short stint as a "tap dancer" when I was a little tot.

Giddy Up

Make no mistake about it, I am not looking forward to the fall (yet), but these equestrian boots from Chloé (via Net-a-Porter) are absolutely beautiful and a must-have next season.

ExfoliKATE

According to Daily Candy's 2008 Best in Beauty, the Exfolikate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment smooths and buffs in two minutes flat. And with a name like Kate, it's got to be great!

Yes, yes, yes!

Hypercolor is back! Check out American Apparel's Thermochromatic Sheer Jersey t-shirt.

Brocade Home

A wise man once said, "dang girl, you get a lot of catalogs." It's true, I do. And only because I make sure I recycle all of them, I love it!

My most recent unexpected catalog is my new favorite - brocade home. Snazzy damask wallpaper, intricate headboards and crystal chandeliers? Sold.

And, they have a blog!

Jet Set in Style

Speaking of Tory Burch, her Weekender with lemon patent trim is fab.

Attainable Tory Burch

Need a Tory Burch fix, but don't want to drop a cool $200 on a pair of her coveted ballet flats? Try her Geometric print flip flops in a slew of "cool" shades from NET-A-PORTER.

Sunset Grill, Hilton Head SC

You ain't...I mean...you haven't seen a Carolina sunset until you discover the Sunset Grille in Hilton Head, SC. "Discover," because it's a bit of a scavenger hunt to find, tucked discretely behind an RV park, atop an unassuming dock house on the north side of the island.

After you fill up on the southern-style smoked seafood platter, you must try the lamb shank and save room for the bread puddin' for dessert. Well worth the calories and subsequent guilt the next day.

Hilton Head

Enough said.

If Soap Was Sexy

Only Tom Ford could make soap sexy. His new Cleansing Bar, for Men is scented with the Tom Ford fragrance, sleek in design and convenient (because of the rope, of course).

Kiehl's Kissable Lips

My absolute favorite lip balm from Kiehl's is now available in three limited edition flavors: Pear, Cranberry and Mint.

Sleep "Tight"

How "tight" are these sleep masks by Cris Notti? Even better, these are only three of more than 60 patterns to choose from and they're only $20 each.

Sandals with a Kick

Beautiful Ralph Lauren Collection Mimi Suede Rosette Sandal made with metallic suede and a snazzy fuchsia rose.

Baby Wants Candy

Another sweet treat - an envelope wallet from Hobo in Wasabi.

A Little Arm Candy

In doing a little window shopping for handbags, I came across this snazzy little turquoise number from Miu Miu at Net-A-Porter that I do adore!