This is a different sort of outfit post. A couple of weeks ago, I was approached by Iman's team (yes, the Iman), to participate in a styling contest using some pieces from her Global Chic collection. The winner (as voted by their readers) would get to spend a super fab night out with the supermodel herself. Well....let's just say that I wasn't able to get my stuff together in time for the deadline (Memorial Day), however I was so impressed with the pieces that I wanted to incorporate them anyhow.

Since Iman's collection is called Global Chic, I wanted to keep with the travel theme. Truth be told, there's nothing I love more than a good beach, but at the end of the day - I really do love New York, as cliche as that sounds. For Memorial Day weekend, I chose a (working) staycation, but that doesn't mean I didn't appreciate how quiet the city was or how excited everyone was to have the time off.

If you haven't checked out Iman's Gobal Chic collection, I highly recommend that you do. It's available on HSN in sizes up to 3x.

Outfit details:

Sunglasses: Iman Global Chic (not available online, similar available here)

Hoodie: Iman Global Chic (other colors available, too!)

Leggings: Lane Bryant

Shoes: Torrid (style no longer available, similar available here)

Handbag: Iman Global Chic (other colors available)

Rolling duffel: Iman Global Chic (style no longer available, similar available here)

Finally - something to get excited about! One of my favorite skincare brands, Peter Thomas Roth, is launching a haircare line. Since PTR has already done so much for my skin (three words: Radiance Oxygenating Masque), I can't wait to get my hands on this new line to see how much it will do for my hair and body. The only problem? The line debuts this fall - but if you make your way to a Hilton Hotel & Resort this summer, you'll get a chance to try the line yourself (don't think that I haven't thought about flying somewhere fabulous just to get my hands on this). The line will consist of:

• Mega-Rich™ Shampoo - A vitamin-infused shampoo with Biotin B-7 Complex™ and vitamins C, E & pro vitamin B5 for clean, nourished and healthy-looking hair (1 oz.)
• Mega-Rich™ Conditioner - A vitamin-infused conditioner with a mega-luxe Biotin B-7 Complex™ and vitamins C, E & pro vitamin B5 leaves hair soft, smooth and stylish (0.75 oz.)
• Mega-Rich™ Body Lotion - Rich with vitamins C, E and pro vitamin B5 for softer, smoother and more nourished, moisturized skin (1 oz.)
• Mega-Rich™ Body Wash - Uniquely formulated body wash that contains micro-beads with vitamins A, C & E and moisturizers that burst onto the skin leaving it clean, fresh and moisturized (1 oz.)
• Moisture Infusion Facial Bar - Gently cleanses the skin while delivering essential moisture (1.25 oz.)
• Massaging Bath Bar - Innovative massaging soap stimulates skin for a truly unique bathing experience (1.75 oz.)

You can find these products at over 300 Hilton properties nationally, if you can't wait for the fall 2011 launch. Are you as excited as I am?

I'm going to be completely honest - I'm not 100% thrilled with how this photo turned out. To be clear, this isn't a fishing for compliments moment, but I think that it's important to be honest, accept life's challenges and grow. Not every outfit is worthy of an outfit photo. On this day, I learned a whole lot about the difference between what I think looks great on me and what photographs well. These two things aren't mutally exclusive, so I'm sharing this look with you as a learning opportunity. What I learned is that I feel more comfortable in looks with defined waists or at least a pattern to break up the look. Also, I never feel comfortable in brown, no matter how much I try. These are my style challenges.

On this particular day, I had the chance to meet the absolutely delightful Kate Walsh (of Grey's Anatomy & Private Practice fame) to discuss her breakout fragrance, Boyfriend (more on that soon). It was the first truly warm day in NYC, and I'm 99% sure that none of us saw it coming. I'm happy that I tried a look outside of my comfort zone, but I definitely won't be repeating this look. You live and you learn! What style lessons have you learned recently?

Outfit details:

Scarf/headband: Vintage Elsa Schiaparelli (an estate sale find, gifted by my aunt)

Top: MICHAEL Michael Kors

Jeggings: Lane Bryant

Watch: MICHAEL Micahel Kors

Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff (style no longer available)

Sandals: DV by Dolce Vita

Connecticut - you've been blessed! Space NK, the legendary UK beauty mecca has opened a standalone outpost in New Canaan, CT. This marks the sixth freestanding location, in addition to the 14 shop-within-shop locations found in Bloomingdale's across the country. The New Canaan space is very similar to the Upper East Side location that opened late last year and will carry over 60 brands, including Tata Harper, Diptyque, Eve Lom, By Terry, Kate Somerville and Clarisonic, just to name a few faves. If you live in the area, this outpost is definitely worth checking out.

Space NK

Store Address: 36 Elm Street, New Canaan, CT 06840

Phone: 203.801.0868

Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm

Photo courtesy of Space NK

Last Monday (forgive me, I'm running way behind), I headed to New Jersey to chat with the amazing folks from Unilever. The day started out without the promise of sun (and bonus threat of rain), so I tried to nod to spring while remaining somewhat professional. Naturally, I ended up in the NYC work uniform of all black. What can I say? When in doubt, go back to black (even if it is in an Amy Winehouse kind of way).

Outfit details:

"Maxi" dress (aka I'm 6'2" and nothing will ever actually be a maxi dress on me): MICHAEL Michael Kors

Shrunken blazer: Torrid

Necklace: Amanda Jaron (style no longer available)

Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff (style no longer available)

Wedges: Torrid (style no longer available, similar available here)

City Chic is having a blowout sale - 50% off everything online. C'mon - you know you can't resist. Shop now! Hurry, the sale ends 5/30.

Forgive the half styled photo. I am currently on my way to New Jersey to visit Unilever's headquarters with a few of my favorite ladies. We will be chatting with the executives about the business of blogging and a few of our favorite products. I'm excited to learn more about the Unilever brands and spend some time with my blogging gal pals.

Needless to say, I whipped a few coats of MAC's latest polish, Ocean Dip, across my nails this morning before running out of the house. Hope you don't mind the DKNY makeup bag backdrop, but I just had to share a snap of this stunning color. Released as part of MAC's Surf, Baby! collection. Given the weather in NYC recently, I must say that it was optimistic of me to select a color from a beach-inspired collection, but the heart wants what the heart wants.

Ocean Dip is a bright, clean teal. Similar to other shades (thinking Alice & Olivia, for example), but somehow sweeter. Don't get me wrong, it's not meant for a conservative office environment, but it's a notch below neon. The formula is a perfectly opaque cream. Truth be told, I can't wear to get this shade on my toes during my next appointment at Haven Spa Soho.

MAC's Surf, Baby! collection is on counters and online now. Ocean Dip retails for $15. What's on your nails this week?