WHIMS: 2011 CADILLAC CTS-V SPORT WAGON

We recently drove the all-new 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon on the icy backroads of the Adirondacks in upstate New York, en route to a few days of skiing at Whiteface Mountain in Lake Placid, and can honestly say we haven't had this much fun winter-driving in a while. Granted, we were in a six-speed manual, which made handling the 556hp supercharged 6.2L V-8 engine even more exhilirating, but we were also happily surprised with the wagon's nimbleness, the control we had in cornering and the solid grip of the 19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires. This outstanding performance was enhanced with heated Recaro leather-and-suede racing seats and a suede steering wheel and shifter, not to mention the superior sound emanating from the ten-speaker Bose 5.1 digital surround system. At a starting price of $62,000 (our model priced out at $68,500), it's definitely worth considering if you're in the market for a wagon that offers all the space and comfort of a large vehicle but has the performance of a sports car…and looks good, too (we did get double takes wherever we stopped). The one caveat: We estimated about 14 miles per gallon driving around town and only 19 mpg on the highway. cadillac.com.

Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme’s Hair Atelier

When we were invited last summer to meet French hairstylist John Nollet in his newly opened salon at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, we expected to see a large, busy space with assistants bustling, blow-dryers whirring and scissors snipping. Instead, the concierge escorted us to Suite 101, with its nondescript door, around the corner from the elevators. It was hard not to notice that Nollet’s atelier is perfectly located for quick and discreet arrivals and departures by his French celebrity clientele, like singer Vanessa Paradis and La Vie en Rose’s Marion Cotillard. Inside, the small yet chicly decorated room with gold walls has French doors that open onto a long terrace overlooking the hotel’s garden courtyard. In 2009, the Park Hyatt hired Nollet to bring his styling services to 11 of its properties around the world. From Tokyo to Buenos Aires to London, he appeared at guests’ doors with his elaborate, custom-built Louis Vuitton trunk containing the tools of his trade to cut and color their coifs. The yearlong tour was such a success that the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme invited Nollet to permanently set up his Hair Room Service by John Nollet in its hotel. Guests can still arrange appointments in their rooms, but the privacy and charm of the personal service with Nollet in Suite 101 is a Parisian pas de deux worth experiencing. From $950 a session; paris.vendome.hyatt.com.

Dior’s New Limited-Edition Makeup Palette

Courtesy Dior

Every fall since 2007, Dior has introduced a limited-edition makeup palette that has become a must-get for travels and gift-giving. This season’s tweed deluxe mini-clutch with patent leather trim has everything one needs to create a soft day look, with multitoned Diorskin Nude sculpting powder, taupe and pale pink eye shadows, Crème de Rose lip balm and petal-pink lip gloss. For a dramatic evening eye, there’s dark aubergine eyeliner and medium plum eye shadow. A universal red lip color and the Diorshow Iconic mascara complete the kit. $77; dior.com.

Burberry’s New Fragrance Line

James T. Murray

After ten years as Burberry’s chief creative officer, Christopher Bailey has introduced a fragrance line he trusts will become the brand’s signature scent. Burberry Body Eau de Parfum Intense, with its suede drawstring pouch and jewel-like bottle, “represents all the moods, attitudes and expressions of the brand,” he says. “It’s unmistakably British.” From $85; burberry.com.

Estée Lauder’s Dy-Skin Remedy

Courtesy Estée Lauder

Estée Lauder’s original 1956 Re-Nutriv face cream has been specially developed for dry, delicate skin. We applied the new Re-Nutriv Replenishing Comfort Creme on a red, irritated patch and found it healed in a few days. $135; esteelauder.com.