A friend recently invited me to join HauteLook, a free site that offers members access to exclusive on-line designer sales. While it's too soon to tell if this site will prove useful, upcoming sales for December - which include fashions from LaRok, Rock & Republic, and Ya-Ya - look promising.

Here's what they say: "HauteLook is a private club which organizes exclusive 48 - 72 hour on-line private sales for its members. Held only for the top designer brands in the fashion industry, HauteLook provides an exclusive platform where these brands can reach their customers directly. As a result, HauteLook members are able to receive discounts of up to 75% off of retail prices on the latest fashion merchandise from the comfort of their home or office."

Join HauteLook Today!

UPDATE: Victorya's winning designs - both priced under $20 - are now available in Steve and Barry's stores nationwide. This includes the necktie trapeze dress in black or burgundy and a plaid shrunken vest. Click here for more info.

We take a certain amount of pride in going against the grain when it comes to reality TV critiques - and so it was with some reluctance that we found ourselves in full agreement with the judges who picked Victorya and Kevin as the winners of the second challenge in Episode 2 of Project Runway. We, too, thought Victorya's design was the best: simple, modern and feminine - with a twist.

Some more interesting take-aways...

• It's amazing what you can do with $15. Granted, the designers moaned and groaned about the funds they were given, but in the end, didn't they create some amazing looks? Goes to show that great fashion is truly about great design.


• Chris (our fave designer from Episode 1) is such a sweetheart - when Sarah Jessica Parker was introduced as the surprise guest, he actually started crying (with joy). Can't blame him - when we saw Sarah Jessica debut Bitten in person on The Oprah Show, we shrieked like a Beatle-crazed schoolgirl.


• SJP proved she can spot a good design when she sees one, so why is the real Bitten SJP collection such a letdown? Victorya's design will definitely give it a boost when it goes into production, but that line seriously needs a complete overhaul.


• Crazy Elisa and Sweet P actually produced a fabulous outfit despite their creative differences. We loved how it moved on the runway, and the cape would make a welcome addition to any woman's winter wardrobe.

Global Girlfriend is one of our favorite places to shop for unique gifts, great customer service and that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from knowing your dollars are actually doing some good - from stylish jewelry to handknit handbags, all items are women-made, eco-friendly and fair trade. Here are a few of their fabulous offerings...



[1] Velvet Flower Coin Purse, handmade by women in Vietnam, $10.00
[2] Mod Squad Knit Bag, handknit by women artisans in Nepal, $28.00
[3] Recycled Glass Necklace, women’s co-op in Ghana, $42.00
[4] Button Book Marks, women's craft co-op in Boston, $12.00