MY favorite Chicago Attractions!

Type in to google "favorite Chicago attractions" and you'll get the same list over and over again- Navy Pier, "The Bean" at Millenium Park, Cubs and White Sox games, Architectural Boat Tour, and of course the infamous Giordano's Pizza. For the first month of living in Chicago, these were all great to go to. I loved the Architectural Boat Tour, but it's definitely something you only want to do one time. Giordano's is always great too- if you want to wait two hours for a table and another 45 minutes for your meal.

After exploring the city more, I've come to realize that there are SO MANY MORE great things about Chicago that you probably won't find at first look on these websites. My personal favorite is going to Second City and seeing a comedy show. This is something you can do over and over again because the performances are always changing. Take your girlfriends or your hunny. While you watch the show, enjoy drinks and dinner! You're waited on during the entire show by the wonderful staff. I give this attraction an A+.

Something else that I love to do is Yoga in Millenium Park on Saturday mornings. Yoga starts at 9:00 am. Now, if you had a rough Friday night and this sounds too early, don't worry! There's a cardio core class at 10:00! (However, this may just kick your butt a little more than Yoga!)

After your workout, enjoy brunch and BOTTOMLESS (yes, bottomless) mimosas at Eve on the corner of Pearson and Wabash for just $20!! I've already been twice in the last two weeks. Such a great deal and the food is absolutely AMAZING! My suggestion? Steak and eggs. Can't go wrong there.

My last spot, one that I absolutely love at night, is where Rush turns into State St., by Carmine's and Lux Bar. There is a beautiful area with a fountain and gelato stand that's open every night! Sit by the fountain with a loved one and split a cone of one of their delectable flavors. My favorite? Butternut Pecan. Oh. My. Gosh...

So what are you doing!? It's Friday! Get out there and try these favorite new attractions!

Have a fabulous weekend!- the people at kate boggiano.

Real Fashion. Incredible Prices.

So who out there is absolutely obsessed with designer clothing...but absolutely NOT willing to pay the ridiculous price of owning any of it? I know I fall under this category! But not to worry my friends, there is a light at the end of the tunnel...

I have for you 3 fabulous websites that you can find trendy designer clothing with markdowns as high as 75% off! The websites feature clothing for men and women, accessories, shoes, and even trips to exotic locations around the planet!

The first one I joined is GiltGroupe. Gilt features designers like Alexander McQueen, Nanette Lepore, and Marc Jacobs. Their "Jetsetter" feature allows customers to book trips at reduced prices to exotic hotels and vacations spots all over the globe.

Next is HauteLook. This site features lines like Cosabella, Michael Stars, and Romeo and Juliet Couture, just to name a few. HauteLook also features products like teeth whitening materials on sale.

Last is my new personal favorite, Rue La La. This exclusive site hosts designers like Chanel, Trovata, and Tibi. Who wouldn't love to find a Chanel bag for 75% off?!

Each sale on all three websites lasts approximately 2 days, so designers change every 48 hours! This means there's always fresh products on the site for your enjoyment! So join now and invite all of your friends to join too!

BBQ Bash

Host an August Party

We all know there's a little "event planner" inside of everyone. So why not plan a fun evening for all your friends? The perfect August activity that doesn't cost much and is fun for everyone is a cook out hosted at your very own home. Couples, girlfriends, guy friends, come one come all! If you're a single Sally you can host this on your own, or if you have a special mate, team up and plan a smashing event for all your pals!

Instead of doing the traditional cookout with burgers and dawgs, impress your friends and try this- Teriyaki Salmon and Green Onion Kabobs This recipe is quick and easy to prepare and after your friends try it, your party will be the talk of the town!

Nothing goes better with something made on the grill than fresh fruit. Make an endless fruit salad with fresh strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, and green apples.

For dessert, be simple. Set out some vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup. No one's ever too old for ice cream.

Now, don't think I didn't forget- here is the most important part. The drinks. Well you are just so lucky I am here because I found the PERFECT website that matches grilled foods with the perfect wines. And look- the first one I came upon is for Kabobs! Check it out

Now all you need is an evite (facebook event, duh) and a cute outfit and you're ready to go! Look no further than kateboggiano.com for a summer top or cute ruffled dress.

Enjoy!

Employee of the Week!

Meet Sarah Williams

Sarah was an intern here last summer and now she is an employee here at KBO! Sarah attended Furman University and is enjoying living in Chicago. Here's a little Q & A to get to know her.

Q: What's your title at Kate Boggiano?
A: Public Relations Assistant. I write press releases, assist with press outreach, and try to create hype about the brand.
Q: What's your favorite fashion trend of the moment?
A: My favorite fashion trend for fall is leather piping. It adds a little edge to anything.
Q: Favorite new KBO item for fall?
A: My favorite KBO fall item is the Maggie jacket in tweed. I'd wear it with a white long sleeve shirt, black leggings, and riding boots.

FFF (Fun Fashion Fact) of the Day!

The “Gibson Girl” look, popularized in 1890 by Charles Dana Gibson, came to symbolize the sensible American girl's ideal image.

Follow us on Twitter @kateboggiano and join the Kate Boggiano fan page on Facebook!

This Week at KBO

First and foremost- thank you to everyone who came to the Chicago Sidewalk Sale at Daley Plaza and our Warehouse Sale this past week and weekend!! Each event was such a success and we have YOU to thank!

This week we are making our final preparations for our first Fall 2010 shipment, happening at the end of this week! As you can imagine, things are a little crazy around here, but we're excited to finally get into the new season!

You can check out our entire Fall Collection online at kateboggiano.com! Be the first to strut around town in the new Scarlet Dress or show up to a friends party in the adorable Veronica Blouse!

We hope your case of the Mondays isn't too bad! Have a great week!

Warehouse Sale!

We have ANOTHER event this week!

If you live in the Chicago area or are visiting this weekend, stop by our KBO studio for our semi-annual Warehouse Sale! Enjoy savings from 60-30% depending on your arrival time. Get there early for the best savings and best selection. Peruse sample racks for great finds as low as $30. And enjoy 20% off all Fall 2010 merchandise, all day long!

Our studio is located at 2150 S. Canalport Ave. in the neighborhood of Pilsen in Chicago, IL.

Event begins at 8 a.m. and lasts until 4 p.m.

For current season merchandise, past seasons, and our famous seamless collection, prices are as follows:
60% off, 8am-9am
50% off, 9am-11am
40% off, 11am-12pm
30% off, 12pm-4pm

Line up early for the best deals! You won't want to miss this! And remember, if you wear anything KBO to this event, you'll receive $5 off your purchase!

Hope to see you there! If you can't make it, then we hope you have a have a fantastic weekend!

Are the rumors true?

Sources Tell us Who's Covering the Bibles of Fashion for September!

The stars who are covering all of the major fashion magazines for September have been revealed (or at least they are some very good educated guesses)!

Some won't come as a shock while others were very unpredictable. Julia Roberts is said to be on Elle while Jennifer Anniston, no surprise here, will show on Harper's Bazaar. Also, Katy Perry will be featured on the cover of Seventeen- yet again, these were rather predictable.

However! There are some exciting choices for mags like Vogue, Vanity Fair, and InStyle. Halle Berry is said to be featured on Vogue, which is a very new and fresh choice for this fashion Bible. Vogue has not featured an African American woman on their cover since Naomi Campbell in 1989. It's about time, right!?

The others that we have heard about so far, but are open for changes, are Hillary Swank for InStyle, Lady Gaga for Vanity Fair, Freida Pinto for T, and Mary Kate Olsen for Marie Claire.

We'll see in September how this all pans out!

Stayed tuned for more updates on our twitter! @kateboggiano

Look of the Week

What to Wear to a Job Interview

Got a job interview coming up this summer? Well we certainly don't want you dressed in a wool suit during this sweltering heat season! So we're here to give you advice on some great interview attire ideas.

What to put on first: a trusty lightweight dress. For most interviews, you want to keep to neutral colors. If you think the dress bares too much skin, layer it with a lightweight blazer. For shoes, don't go too sky high. Conservative yet trendy heals will look perfect with a dress and blazer combo. And finally, don't overdo it with the jewelry. Simple studs and a not too chunky necklace are the way to go.

Try this!

The Isadora dress with a cute blazer like this KBO one is a perfect interview outfit!



Sidewalk Sale!

Today is the last day for the Sidewalk Sale at Daley Plaza! Come see us and wear KBO to receive a $5 gift certificate!!

Featured Intern of the Week

Meet Meghan Trepp!

Introducing Meghan, another intern for Kate this summer! Meghan is finishing up her last year of school at Northern Iowa. Find out her current favorite fashion trends and KBO item!

Q: What's your title at Kate Boggiano?
A: I'm a design intern for the summer. I cut out custom orders out of patterns and make sure they match the specification sheet. I also sketch new outfits/tops for each new season.
Q: Favorite fashion trend of the moment?
A: I would have to go with ruffles.
Q: Favorite KBO item right now?
A: The Jackie Shirtdress in black, it really is perfect for every occasion.
Stay tuned to meet our last summer intern next Tuesday, Brandi!

FFF (Fun Fashion Fact) of the Day!

Prior to 1850, 70 percent of the clothes worn were hand-stitched by the people who wore them. Clothes were a commodity, not fashion.

Sidewalk Sale!

Fashion Focus Chicago presents the 4th annual Sidewalk Sale at Daley Plaza, going on TODAY and tomorrow! Come see us, and remember to wear KBO for that $5 gift certificate!

Follow us on Twitter! @kateboggiano

Event this week!

Chicago Sidewalk Sale

Want to see some real local Chicago talent? Want to meet Kate herself and other local designers? Here's your chance!

What: The 4th annual Chicago Sidewalk Sale is happening this week! Shop local stores and designers on your lunch break! This fun and convenient event takes place every year in Daley Plaza for two days only. Don't miss the fashion show at noon both days for great style tips and tricks from some of the top Chicago designers.

Where: 50 W. Washington St, Chicago, IL

When: July 20-21, 9am-3pm

Our summer line will be in full force for your shopping pleasure! See you there!

Receive $25 gift certificate!

Here's how

Wear anything Kate Boggiano to work and snap a picture of yourself! Become a fan of our facebook page and follow us on twitter @kateboggiano and upload the picture! We'll get in contact with you and send you a $25 gift certificate! (perfect to spend on our new pieces for fall...!) Get snapping!

It's going to be another scorcher this weekend, so stay hydrated and be safe! Don't forget to come see us at Daley Plaza on Tuesday and Wednesday next week!

Peace-love-KBO

You won't want to miss this!

Upcoming event!

Fashion Focus presents the 4th annual Chicago Sidewalk Sale at Daley Plaza!

When? June 20-21 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where? Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St.
What? Peruse all the affordable merchandise and see first-hand how local designers and independent boutiques are thriving in Chicago. Meet Kate herself and receive her personal advice! Along with the shopping, there will also be a runway show at 12 p.m. on both days featuring the latest looks of the summer season from the participating Chicago talent. Bonus!

And remember! If you wear KBO to this event, we'll give you a $5 gift certificate towards your next purchase!!

If you're in the Chicago area, stop by and see us, you won't regret it!

Look of the Week!

Here's our look of the week, perfect for work, shopping, dinner...basically anything!
Try one of our custom tailored shirts
Add a cute belt with it

And don't forget about our seamless leggings!

Meet the parents

This week, our look of the day is going to be something beautiful and appropriate to wear when meeting his parents! So, naturally, we're going to tell you what NOT to wear when meeting the potential in laws. So everyone in a relationship and even all the single ladies, listen up! We know that this can be a stressful occasion...we've been there! The only thing you have to do is take our advice (and keep your elbows off the table!)

Always look classy, not only when first meeting the potential in laws, but always when you're around them! It's important to present yourself as a sophisticated woman with killer confidence.

Don't overdo it with the bling. Even if you are very fortunate to own expensive things, don't throw it all on at once to meet his parents. It might give off the wrong impression of being materialistic if you wear your ski high Jimmy Choo's that just so happen to match your perfect Chanel earrings and bracelet combo with your Miu Miu bag draped over your shoulder. What they are worried about is a loving wife for their husband and mother of their future grandchildren.

And lastly, as always, be comfortable in what you're wearing! They are going to be more impressed on the real you, and being comfortable and loving what you're wearing will give you confidence that will make you shine!

Try this!



The Rosalie Ruffle Dress, flirty and chic! Top it off with a cute jacket from KBO, like this Alexandra jacket. Coming soon in the Cruise collection!

Intern of the week

Introducing Sakshi Awal

We're on to featuring our third intern, Sakshi! Learn about what Sakshi does here at Kate Boggiano!

Q: What is your title at Kate Boggiano?
A: I am a design intern here. What that entails is researching and creating trend reports, measuring and cutting patterns, filling spec sheets, and inventory/stock check. I also get to design and display my ideas for the upcoming season.
Q: Favorite fashion trend at the moment?
A: My current favorite fashion trend of the moment is the exaggerated shoulder.
Q: Favorite KBO item of the moment?
A: That would have to be the Sophie Ruffled Blouse in emerald.

Stay tuned to next Tuesday to learn about another design intern, Meghan!

FFF (Fun Fashion Fact) of the day!

Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, was said to use kohl to widen her eyes. Egyptian women are also said to have used henna to lighten their hair

Follow us on Twitter! @kateboggiano

Busy as a bee!

What's going on this week

Fall production is underway! Kate's been back and forth between the office and the factory working hard to make sure our fall collection is made to perfection! We're also preparing for our upcoming events we have! The Sidewalk Sale is July 21-22 and Warehouse Sale is July 24th! Become a fan of our facebook page, Kate Boggiano, to find out more details! Hope to see you there, and thanks to everyone who came to Pretty in Pilsen!

More stores!!!!!!

Here's a few more Kate Boggiano authorized sellers. Take a look at the list and find a store near you! Suggestions for a new store? Send us the store name, city, and state, and we'll try and get in there!


Theadora- Birmingham, AL

Mark Shale- Woodridge, IL

S'Agaro- Winnetka, IL

Vibrato- Wilmette, IL

Audrey Sweet Threads- Woodmere, OH

Vintique- Neenah, WI

Have a good weekend!

Receive $25 gift certificate!

Step 1: Become a fan of our Facebook fan page and follow us on Twitter, @kateboggiano
Step 2: Wear KBO to work and snap a picture of yourself
Step 3: Upload your picture to our fan page
Step 4: We will reach out to you and make sure you receive your $25 gift certificate good towards your next purchase!
Step 5: SHOP! SHOP! SHOP!



Remember, Pretty in Pilsen is tonight! Hope to see you there!

From all of us at Kate Boggiano, have a fantastic weekend and remember your sunscreen!!

Event tomorrow!!

Pretty in Pilsen

Summer sale happening tomorrow!!! Pretty in Pilsen features Kate Boggiano and 4 other local designers. It's happening tomorrow, July 9th, from 5:30-9:00 pm. Come by yourself or round up the girls for a fun-filled Friday night of shopping! Get all the KBO summer gear on sale! Enjoy no lines and no parking hassles and receive personal advice from Kate herself.

Location: 2150 S. Canalport Ave, between Halsted and Cermak, in the Pilsen neighborhood, Chicago

Also! If you come wearing anything KBO, you'll receive a $5 gift certificate towards your purchase!

Can't wait to see you!

Other upcoming events:

Chicago Sidewalk Sale at Daley Plaza, July 20th and 21st
Warehouse Sale, July 24th

Our favorite Look of the Week!

3 different ways to wear
the Jackie Shirt Dress, $255
with
Maria Fitted Raincoat, $350
and
Leggings, $29.95

It's Wednesday, that can only mean one thing...

3 tips on how not to be the "WTF is she wearing??" girl

1) Dress age appropriately. It seems that now more than ever, women are dressing younger the older they get. Some fabulous examples of this would be the Real Housewives of Orange County. They bare more than any of their 18 year old daughters do on the show. We know everyone loves to look hot, but there are many ways of doing this that don't involve skin tight, diamond studded, cleavage revealing halter tops...trust us! Our clothes at Kate Boggiano are perfect and "age-appropriate" for any woman around the age range of 25-55. We pride ourselves on classic and beautiful clothes that make every woman look professional yet stunning.

2) Don't mix your work clothes and your play clothes. Most brands design a specific genre of clothing- work attire, evening wear, etc. So while this statement is true most of the time, we're here to show you how you CAN mix your work and play clothes! Kate Boggiano is a line of beautiful shirts, dresses, blouses, tank tops, and leggings that are all office appropriate but also fabulous to wear for a day of shopping with the girls or a night out on the town! We promise you will look stunning and perfectly dressed for whatever occasion. Just check out our Look of the Day below!

3) Always be comfortable. Putting on a dress or shirt that is 2 sizes too small just because you think it does wonders to your cleavage is just downright uncomfortable...and not very pleasing to the human eye. It's always important to feel comfortable in what you're wearing- it will give you more confidence! Throw away everything too small (or too big) and check out kateboggiano.com where you can custom fit your shirts!

The Look of the Day!

This week we picked an outfit that basically is suitable for any occasion.
Shopping with the girls, night out on the town, or you guessed it...in the office.

*Leggings, $29.95

Meet us!

Intern of the week, Alyssa Scheid

Get to know a new person at Kate Boggiano every Tuesday! This week we're featuring Alyssa, a summer intern who will be a Junior at Indiana University in the fall. Here's a little Q & A to get to know her.

Q: What's your title at Kate Boggiano?
A: I'm the marketing/e-commerce intern. I update the website, blog, and Facebook fan page. I also do marketing and industry research for Kate.
Q: What's your favorite fashion trend of the moment?
A: I love a cute blazer, pretty much with any and everything- a dress, shorts, work clothes, etc.
Q: Favorite KBO item of the moment?
A: Definitely the Sophie Ruffle Tank in cobalt- so cute with white or black pants to wear for an evening or to an event.

Stay tuned for next Tuesday's person of the week!

FFF (Fun Fashion Fact) of the day!

Fashion designers of the 1500s showed their designs by crafting doll clothes versions of their fashions and taking them to shows

Have a good day and remember to follow us on Twitter! @kateboggiano

Summer's half way over!

Time to prepare!

Hope everyone had a fabulous 4th of July weekend (and hopefully your weekend is still continuing)! For most, summer is about half way over, can you believe it!? That can only mean one thing...it's time to start preparing yourself for the new season! Don't worry, you don't have to go too far! We have everything you need here at KBO! Check out kateboggiano.com to view our Fall Preview collection. And if you still want to find that perfect dress for Labor Day weekend, we've got you covered there too. Check out our Jackie Shirt Dress (right) $255 and made from the most luxurious cotton!

KBO featured in new stores every day!

Check out some of the KBO authorized sellers and find one near you!

H.L. Hood in Orange Beach, AL
Cerato Boutique in Chicago, IL
Urban Style Emporium in Chicago, IL
Shelly's in St. Louis, MN
Jazzy Giraffe in Asheville, NC
Shaub's in Lancaster, PA

Have a favorite store? Send us their name, city, and state, and we'll try to get in there!

This week at Kate Boggiano



The crew at KBO this week is working hard to prepare the Spring 2011 line! Sketches are underway and we're challenging ourselves to prepare the most fabulous Kate Boggiano spring line yet! Stay tuned to us for further updates!

Have a fantastic week, everyone!

TGIF!

First and foremost

Happy Friday! We hope you have all enjoyed our posts from this week.

Snap a picture at work!

Did you remember to snap a picture of yourself at work while wearing something from Kate Boggiano? Upload it to your computer and attach it to our Facebook fan page! Show others what great KBO outfits you've come up with and we'll send you a $25 gift certificate towards your next purchase! It's the weekend. Go have some fun, and look cute doing it!

Peace, love & fashion from the people at Kate Boggiano