 Kate Nobelius is co-founder of prestigious and exclusive fashion event and sample sale company, Billion Dollar Babes  . Kate worked in the music industry before founding Billion Dollar Babes in 2001. She is based in New York but is constantly travelling to and from the UK.
We had a coffee with Kate to find out what inspired her to set up her own business, dig deep about all about her shopping habits and discover where she likes to shop online.
What inspired you to create Billion Dollar Babes?
My Mother’s shopping habits. As a child I used to go with her and her designer friends to VIP pre sales; they sipped champagne and spent far too much money. At 22 I moved to the US as a trainee music agent and drove down town to LA to investigate the sample sales but was really disappointed with what I found.
 A few years later I left the music industry but the idea stayed with me and in April 2001 we had our first Billion Dollar Babes sample sale. We were lucky enough to have the likes of Naomi Watts and Portia di Rossi sifting through the rails. And they told their friends. At our first sale we had 150 people, at our second we had 1000.
What makes your product unique?
We're more than just a sample sale because we sell over produced current season stock rather than just past season. We’re also the first national/international designer sale.
How do you get a good work/life balance?
I’m big on balance so I really try to have a balanced life style. I eat well and do lots of core strengthening and restorative exercise such as yoga and pilates. Travelling takes it out of you and I spend a lot of time on planes; when I’ve got two feet back on the ground I try and put it all back in and love having facials and massages.
What’s your best selling product / label?
 Our Christmas sales are huge because people are shopping for others as well as themselves. As for a particular product it’s quite hard to say. Our sales tend to follow what’s big in store.
I guess Diane Von Furstenberg dresses always sell well because for busy women its one item they can throw on and have a complete outfit; Jenny Packham evening dresses are also really popular as is Madeleine Press cashmere.
How would you characterise your fashion style?
Because I travel a lot I like anything that’s easy and comfortable. I like to have my staples for each season. For this season I’ve got my leather boots, wide leg pants, a white ruffle shirt and a couple of pairs of great jeans; a core pair and a fashion pair.
 Where do you buy your denim and why?
I love Radcliffe , 18th Amendment and Acne. Today I’m wearing Acne's high waisted skinnys (picture left) which are great tucked in my boots but also long enough to wear with heels.
Where do you buy your cashmere and why?
I’m not really into traditional cashmere especially in winter when everything is black and grey; I like to buy cashmere with a bit of a fashion detail like a cowl neck or a bell sleeve, just something to make it more interesting. Madeleine Press is a favourite.
If you’re buying luxe lingerie where do you head and why?
Agent Provocateur is amazing for something pretty and Cosabella is really great for easy comfort, especially when I’m travelling.
Heels or flats and where do you buy them?
Always heels (but she was wearing flats!)!
 Miu Miu’s are my heels of choice but Lanvin do some great flat boots.
What beauty products are currently in your bathroom cabinet?
Jo Malone’s grapefruit moisturiser ; it’s uplifting and makes you feel fresh all day – I find it really helps with jet lag.
Antyhing from Peter Thomas Roth , Model Co’s heated eyelash curlers (they’re my little novelty at the moment and I can’t rate them highly enough) and Micheal Kors' leg shine stick – a good tip for you want red carpet legs.
What’s your signature fragrance?
Givenchy Amarige . I've worn it for years.
 Which skincare brand do you depend on?
I’m for anything scientific or organic as long as it does the job. I’m currently into Själ Cela Intuitif and still don’t think anything beats Creme de la Mer’s Eye Balm .
What’s your are three must-have make up products?
Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils , Prescriptives custom blend foundation (I was sceptical about before I tried it and now I couldn’t live without it. No off the peg foundation is ever going to be colour perfect for your skin tone. I have one blend for a day and a different blend for night) and Juicy Tubes in Hallucination
How would you describe the style of your home?
Improving!
I moved into my boyfriends bachelor pad in New York a year and a half ago so that is still very much in his style but we have just bought an architectural building in Tribecca which I am really excited about putting my stamp on. 
Having travelled so much I am influenced by everything so it’s going to be a mixture of boudoir, feminine, chic...
Where do you go for home furnishings?
The Conran Shop is great for little tea sets and I love Italian manufacturers for their furniture.
 What kind of linen do you go for and where do you buy it?
Cotton. I buy Royal Sateen. I bought my first set years ago and I’ve continued to buy it ever since. It’s fabulous. Their sheets have a 410 thread count so they’re really luxurious.
What’s your attitude for online shopping?
Fashion wise if you know the designer and you know your size then it’s very simple, if you don’t’ then it’s not.
That said, I have so many friends that only shop online.
In the US they almost always give free shipping and low cost if not free returns. I think it’s a great time for Brits shopping in the US – with the current exchange rate, even if there’s a hefty shipping charge it can still be far cheaper. In fact the exchange rate has been great for US labels.
Where else do you love to indulge?
Net-a-porter.com . That won’t be a surprise!
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