A Gilty Pleasure

With a few exceptions, you need to live in New York (or travel there often) to take advantage of the best sample sales. Thanks to the founders of Gilt Groupe, you can now attend equally fantastic sample sales from the comfort of home. Gilt Groupe is an invitation-only, online shopping experience. Visit their Web site for details on how to join their waiting list. You can find deals for women, men and children as well as luxury home goods … up to 70% off retail.




Gilt Groupe also has a division called Jetsetter, which offers travel discounts at luxury resorts around the world.

Whether you’re interested in browsing designer clothing or just looking for great deals, I recommend signing up to become a member of Gilt Groupe.

Talent Squared

I love learning about the unique qualities of successful entrepreneurs. I knew a little about the brothers who started Dsquared, Dean and Dan Caten, but recently learned more about their story. The 46-year-old, identical-twin brothers have worked their entire adult lives bringing their fashion line to fruition.

Tonight, they could gain more global notoriety than they ever have before. The brothers were selected to design outfits for a number of athletes and celebrities attending the Winter Olympics opening ceremony. While this isn’t the typical high-fashion audience, it’s an amazing opportunity. Their talent and hard work got the Catens to this point, but they also seem like genuinely nice people.

Being especially close with my sibling, I think this quote from one of the Caten brothers (I’m not sure which one), touchingly sums up their relationship:

“Together we’re one really strong person. I don’t think we’re not strong as individuals, but together we have a force that’s stronger than anything else.”

Good luck tonight.

Intense Nutrition (for your hair)

There are many lotions available that protect your skin during the brutally cold/dry winter air. When it comes to your hair, there aren’t nearly as many effective options. Conditioners, which are considered solutions for dry hair, can do more harm than good by irritating your scalp. Another option, hair oil, typically reduces volume and leaves your hair feeling stiff. Rene Furterer, the French hair products company, may have the best solution for defending your hair against the winter elements - at least among those I’ve tried.

Karite Huile oil conditioner works differently than typical conditioner. Instead of using it on wet hair in the shower, you spray it on dry hair the night before a shower. If you spend extra time working it into the ends, you’ll notice the difference the next day. Depending on the natural level of oil in your hair, you may want to use it more sparingly at the roots. Even if you can't escape winter, your hair doesn't need to suffer the effects any longer.