Holiday Gift Guide: Karina's Picks

Clockwise from top left.

TASCHEN: Great Escapes Box Set
I love Taschen. They have the most eclectic book collection, and it totally helps that they look great in a bookshelf! This Great Escapes Box features a compilation of books on the most extraordinary and tempting hotels around the world. Ranging from funky and inexpensive to luxuriously elegant and wildly pricey, the hotels and the photos featured are enough to make anyone wish they were taking a great escape.

Gregory Pullover Parka by Elizabeth & James
Just like a good trench, every person needs a good parka in their closet. This Gregory Pullover Parka by Elizabeth & James is enviably cute while still practical enough for those uber chilly days!

Voluspa Candle Available at Anthropologie
Time and time again, the collection of candles by Voluspa never disappoint. Their long-lasting scents fill wide spaces with serene scents sure to get you totally addicted (I am!) Available at Anthropologie, these candles come in a variety of scents for every type of customer. My personal recommendation is Champaca Bloom -- you'll never try another candle again.

Pickling Classes at The Brooklyn Kitchen
Although this particular class is only available at The Brooklyn Kitchen, I imagine there are plenty of courses offered all over the country, because who doesn't like pickles?

Suede Sandstorm Boot by Madewell
These shoes have been on my "wanted" list for quite some time. They look totally comfy for long days walking and can be paired with casual and formal attire (some knee highs would look great!) Come this Christmas, I hope they're mine!

Crochet Pearl Ring, via Etsy
It was love at first sight when I saw this ring. I am enamored with the crocheting and unique pearl, particular the color. Although this ring is one of a kind, the vendor has other fantastic pieces to add to your staple jewelry collection!

Navajo Cutout Dress, via Nasty Gal
The great deals found on Nasty Gal continue to amaze me. Not only are their duds affordable, but they're unique and adorable! Take this Navajo Cutout Dress. It's utterly flattering and perfect for those upcoming holiday parties!

Magno Medium Radio, via Areaware
For all you design thirsty fiends, this Magno radio is retro inspired while still being kind of modern. I think I just might need this for my morning showers! :)

What are some of your "must-haves" for the upcoming gift giving season?

xoxo

Holiday Cards

Are you lovelies sending out holiday cards this year? I'm currently crushing on these...

(Kate Spade)

(ddots)

(NiftyPear)

Hip Restaurant: Marlow & Sons, Brooklyn

This weekend Alex + I ventured to South Williamsburg's Marlow & Sons. It's been getting great recognition, for a few years now, for pioneering the local food movement in Brooklyn (even being featured on The Martha Stewart Show), but us Manhattanites shamefully never got around to going. Well, I'm so glad we finally did. The food is truly amazing. To start, we had the most perfect dirty martinis, and mouth-watering oysters, from Cape Cod, served by our very knowledgeable and friendly wait staff.

For our entrees I had haddock in a cauliflower puree, and Alex feasted on a pulled pork sandwich (with rosemary mayo - yum!) And for dessert we had the most decadent caramel chocolate cake with sea salt that I am seriously still thinking about. Marlow & Sons has officially been added to my fave list. And their store is pretty cool too. ♥

(Photos via Ontheinside and Travel & Leisure)

Miami Countdown begins...

(Lisa Michelle, and me, in Miami last year during my wedding venue scout.)

Happy Monday, sweet peeps! Hope everyone had a lovely long weekend involving lots of stuffing, afternoon naps, and Black Friday scores. Alex + I purchased a small Christmas tree for our tiny apartment, and I got an early start on holiday shopping for friends and family. :) How was your weekend?

As we mentioned last week, Lisa Michelle and I are going to Art Basel this week in Miami Beach, so stayed tuned for a guide and photos! xo

P.S. On the subject of art, last night Alex + I watched Tamra Davis's documentary, Jean-Michel Basquiat: Radiant Child. Amazing unseen footage. Highly recommend!

Have A Dreamy Thanksgiving Weekend!

(Image via Smitten Kitchen)

Get your drawstring pants ready because we are officially one day away from Thanksgiving!

Claudia, Lisa Michelle and I will be heading to our parent's house in Queens to mark the holiday with a lavish dinner cooked by our Mom. The girls and I plan on bringing a few hors d'oeuvres to get the party started, and I think I finally found what I will make: sweet potatoes with pecans and goat cheese (pictured above). Don't they look drool worthy? I'm sure the festivities will be followed by food coma and great conversation, my favorite part of holiday dinners. ;)

How will you celebrate your Thanksgiving? We would love to know!

This will be our last post for the weekend. We hope you all have a lovely holiday and can't wait to see you again Monday!

And! as always, link time...

You still have time! Last minute Thanksgiving recipes (c/o Martha Stewart)

Seven Black Friday sales. Best of luck to those brave enough! (c/o NY Mag)

For those unruly hair days, 6 great hairstyles for hats (c/o Refinery 29)

Gift ideas from ten tastemakers (c/o Style.com)

I want these! Embroidered Silk Hot Pants (c/o Polyvore)

Happy Thanksgiving! xoxo

Art from Miami: Hernan Bas

The Merger, 2005, acrylic, gouache, watercolor and oil pastel on paper, 30 1/4 x 22 1/2 in. (76.8 x 57.1 cm), Rubell Family Collection, Miami


The Burden (I Shall Leave No Memoirs), 2006, acrylic and gouache on linen, 20 x 16 in. (50.8 x 40.6 cm), Rubell Family Collection, Miami

Next week, Claudia and I are heading back to Miami for Art Basel. We grew up between Miami and New York and even though we're all settled here now, including our parents, going back there always feels like going home. Miami is one of the prettiest places and if you look beyond its reputation as a superficial party city, you'll actually discover there is a lot of rich history to explore and in the past decade alone, has grown significantly in terms of art and culture.

One of my favorite artists to come out of Miami in the past several years has to be Hernan Bas. He is a relatively young artist whose work can be described as very romantic and melancholic. I remember the first time I ever saw his art was in 2002 at the Fredric Snitzer Gallery for his exhibit, First Comes the Blood, Then Come the Boys. I was drawn to his work because there was something mysterious and enigmatic to it, and of course as a young collegiate, I highly romanticized anything that seemed esoteric. Since 2002, I believe his style has grown to be even more complex and he has gained well deserved recognition. The last time I saw his work for example, was at the Brooklyn Museum last year. And although I don't think he will have any shows during Art Basel, seeing his work again now reminds me of how much talent is in Miami and it thrills me to know I will be back again next week!

Bas' next New York exhibit will be in 2011 at the Lehmann Maupin gallery.

Stay tuned for a more in-depth Art Basel Guide next week!

Cabin Fever

With the holidays officially in full swing (Shh...Hurray for Christmas music!) I am daydreaming of spending time in a cabin. Wouldn't this rustic cabin be fun (and glamorous) to stay in with a group of friends over a ski weekend? Like sleep-away for grownups. :) See more at Elle Decor

P.S. And you could pack these yummy socks.

(Photos via Delight by Design and Elle Decor)

Colorful Coffee

Loving these Pantone coffee mugs. Wouldn't they make a great holiday gift? A stylish way to start your morning. ♥

P.S. Check out the cool new Pantone Hotel in Brussels.

(Photo via Shelter Pop)

Have a Dreamy Weekend! + Dreamy Wish List

(Image courtesy of Etsy)

Thanksgiving is next week, which means Christmas follows closely after. This year I'm determined to be prepared with my gift list to give and receive. Between now and the anticipated holiday, I will post a few items from my "wish list." First up: this tub caddy made of Reclaimed Oak from a Broken Down Hardware Store, available on Etsy. I'm a big bath taker, but finally, I don't have to rescue my ipod each time I move around a bit, as it flings into the air and lands submerged in soapy water. Rejoice!

What's on your wish list?

And as always, our list of view-worthy links from around the web!

How-to: setting a thanksgiving table for friends (c/o NY Times)

Pumpkin Pie making workshop, for New Yorkers. I can't get enough pumpkin pie. Seriously. (c/o Flavorpill)

In cased you missed it: Lykke Li's new video for her single "Gimme Some" -- so good! (c/o Platform)

We continue to love this girl. Interview with "Tiny Furniture" director, Lena Dunham (c/o Interview Magazine)

Good for the soul: Kindness is everything (c/o Goodlife Zen)


Have a dreamy weekend! xo

Happy Hour: Thanksgiving Cocktails With Wild Turkey (obviously!)

Last year we hosted a big Thanksgiving dinner for friends and family at our apartment. It was the typical madness that ensued, involving yummy food, karaoke, and even inflatable turkeys. This year, we're doing a very different Thanksgiving and going to our parents house. But I still want things to be festive and fun so instead of just bringing dessert and wine, I have decided to make these cool cocktails with Wild Turkey Bourbon. If there's any occasion to ever drink Wild Turkey, this is it! The name is way too perfect, I think I'm just going to have to make it my official November drink (but perhaps enjoy it this way.)

Pass the Turkey (created by Master Sommelier Fred Dexheimer)
1.5 oz Wild Turkey 101
2 oz apple cider
1 tbs cranberry jelly
1 sprig fresh sage
1 sprig fresh thyme
Directions: Muddle sage and thyme with apple cider. Add ice, top with Wild Turkey and cranberry jelly. Shake well, strain over ice in a glass rimmed with turkey jus and breadcrumbs.

Smashed Pumpkin
1 oz Wild Turkey 101
1/4 oz almond liqueur
1/4 oz cinnamon schnapps
2 oz pumpkin pie filling
1/2 oz heavy cream
Directions: Puree or froth pumpkin pie filling with heavy cream. Mix with other ingredients in a shaker with ice; shake well and strain into a martini glass. Rim with crumbled graham crackers and a cinnamon stick; top with a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Recipes and images courtesy of Wild Turkey.

Gobble, Gobble...

How cute are these little scene-stealers? I bet they're tasty too. =) See more here!

(Via Cupcakes Take the Cake)

Pretty Plates

With Thanksgiving next week, I've been thinking about dinnerware + decor. I'm loving these West Elm metallic leaf plates. Seasonal yet affordable. xo

(Via West Elm)

Dia De Los Muertos

As promised, here are photos from our second annual Dia De Los Muertos party! We were so impressed with everyone's enthusiasm with their outfits -- it was truly an amazing turnout!

Our very talented friend, Thomas Smith, was the photographer of the night and has shared the wonderful photos he took. I can't wait to plan our third annual. Enjoy!


Even our bathroom got dolled up!


The ladies do last-minute touches...


My cane was a last minute costume add, courtesy of my boyfriend's sprained ankle.


DOPT's own Lisa Michelle giving the camera some love.


Charlie + Johnny get into character.


The lovely variations of Dia De Los Muertos makeup. Looking good, ladies!


Party time! My boyfriend, Charlie, DJ'ed a great set!


Our favorite co-chair party planner, Rachel.


The DIY decor.


Claudia + Alex accomplish looking spooky yet adorable.

For more pictures, visit Tommy's Flickr site!

Film: Tiny Furniture (2010)

On Sunday, Claudia, Karina and I went to the IFC Center to see Tiny Furniture, written and directed by Lena Dunham. If you haven't heard the buzz around this one yet, let me give you a little background.

It's a semi-autobiographical account of Aura, a 22 year-old recent college grad who moves back to her family home, which happens to be a super nice loft in Tribeca. In typical post-college fashion, Aura is sort of a mess. With no job, no relationship and no clear direction on what to do, the story is about her trying to figure it all out. Along the way she reconnects with her kooky childhood friend, played by Dunham's real life friend, Jemima Kirke and flirts with the idea of two "he's so wrong for you" kind of men. Aura is incredibly honest, vulnerable, and sometimes cringe-worthy endearing. And what's most impressive is that because it's semi-autobiographical, the whole time during the movie I kept thinking of how proud I was of Aura/Dunham because it meant that at some point, she got her life together enough to write a feature length film and then received a ton of press and even some awards.

Also worth mentioning - her real life mother and real life sister play her mother and sister in the film. It was really interesting to see how well they acted together and how natural it all felt. And it was nice to see the sister dynamic on screen because if there's one thing the ladies of DOPT can relate to, it's relationships between sisters.

If this movie is playing near you, I highly, highly recommend it. It's fresh, incredibly relevant to our generation, and funny. You can see the trailer for it below.



And if you like Dunham's style, be sure to check out her even funnier web series, Delusional Downtown Divas. It's amazing.

Time to Sparkle

(Clockwise from top left: 3.1 Phillip Lim; Madewell; Charlotte Ronson; Dagmar)

These party dresses are getting me excited for upcoming holiday parties. Sparkly dresses, black tights, fancy hair + evening perfume... it's my favorite time of year for dressing up. What about you, sweet peeps? Will you be dolling up? xo

P.S. How fab is this fur coat?

P.P.S. More party dresses. These are seriously sexy. I want all of these!

This morning...

Wouldn't mind to be here.

Have a Dreamy Weekend!

(Images courtesy of Creatures of Comfort)

One of my favorite things is finding jewelry made with unexpected materials. Take this Michelle Lane Systematic line, made from hand-sewn rope. Lane, who is a professional stylist, was inspired by fashion and physics. Wow! The dreamy necklaces are available at my favorite online store, Creatures of Comfort, where I'm also hunting for a good winter boot (recommendations welcome!)

And now, I bid you a lovely weekend along with our tradition of view-worthy links!

Band to watch: Headless Horseman (c/o Stereogum)

Who Knew Miami Had Hipsters? I did, I did! (c/o Refinery 29)

For my fellow veggies, good piece on must-visit veggie restaurants! (NY Mag)

House Plants for the Inept. Don't judge. (NY Times)

What a frisky dolphin! (The Frisky)

And! In case you missed it, my video for the lovely Alexandra Grecco.

Happy Hour: Danish Modern

A couple of years ago, I was fortunate enough to go on a work trip to Copenhagen. I knew it was going to be absolutely amazing so my friend Julia and I decided to extend our trip and go to Sweden for Thanksgiving. And we were right. It was amaaaazing! (We're smart like that.)

Anyway, it got me to thinking about how the holidays are spent there and all of the new food and drinks we tried. One thing that sticks out is lingonberrys, which are the Swedish cousin of cranberries. They tend to serve them with a lot of meals in all sorts of forms - in juices, desserts, on the side, etc. I guess they are very abundant. Well, today I came across this very cool cocktail on Food2.com and knew I had to share it with you because it very much reminds me of my little trip. Not only is the name cool, but it looks quite delicious!

Danish Modern
Ingredients
1 1/2 ounces vanilla vodka
1 ounce lingonberry concentrate, (recommended: Hafi)
1 to 2 dashes bitters
Juice 1/2 orange
Juice 1/2 grapefruit
1/4 wheel fresh grapefruit or orange, or a twist of each
Serving suggestion: Cocktail glass
Directions: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, lingonberry concentrate, and bitters. Cover and shake vigorously until thoroughly mixed and chilled, about 30 seconds. (In general, the drink is ready by the time the shaker mists up.) Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Top with the orange and grapefruit juices. Garnish cocktail with citrus. Drink.
Cook's Note: Look for lingonberry concentrate at specialty stores, or stores that feature Scandinavian products.

For New Yorkers, also be sure to visit Scandinavia House.

Recipe and image via Food2.com

Dream Home

White + Wood in Brooklyn. Wow.

(Via Escapade + The Selby)

P.S. See more beautiful white rooms here.

Film: Belle de Jour (1967)

When I first thought of posting about Catherine Deneuve, I wasn't sure if I should write it as a Dreamy Dame post, or focus more on one of her movies. She's beautiful in everything she does, but after refreshing my memory and doing a little research, I decided to write about her most memorable role to me as Séverine Serizy in Belle de Jour.

Directed by Luis Buñuel, the movie is about a wealthy young newlywed, Séverine, who has become bored in her marriage. Although she loves her husband, she wants danger and excitement! So what's a girl to do? Become a prostitute at a brothel, of course. Things are fine and dandy for awhile because she finally feels alive, but as in real life, everything gets pretty complicated when you lead a double life.

As always, Deneuve is incredibly stunning in this provocative role. She has the perfect combination of beauty, mystery and elegance.

Another one of my fave films that she's in? Dancer in the Dark. More on that one in the future.

Surprise Tuesday Night Post

I know we don't always post on weeknights, but I just found a very cool site that I just had to share with you. Maybe you already know it, but I just discovered Textbook and have easily spent the last hour or so reading almost every post from the past year. It's so much fun. The site's author, John is not only a fashion aficionado, but also quite the literary and history buff. He's combined his two loves to create Textbook, where he pairs his fave characters with clothes he would imagine them wearing by our fave designers. The above photo is what Joan of Arc would wear (Aquilano Rimondi, Rodarte and Alexander McQueen). Which of course reminds me of one of my favorite Smiths songs, Bigmouth Strikes Again.

If you like Textbook, also check out the similar feature, Now and Then on Size Too Small. It is equally as awesome.

Check out more must-read fashion blogs here, courtesy of Refinery 29.

Dreamy Dame: Miriam Cifuentes (Our Very Own Mama)

The past couple of weeks in New York have had some really cold and rainy days, so I've been using that time to scan some old photos. Among my favorites? Vintage Mama!

We recently wrote about our Mom and her new cooking venture, Cooking With Miriam, so I thought it would be fun to share these images with you.

Aren't these photos fun? Check out those silver platforms! And I also love the one with our Dad. So handsome!

More amazing photos of vintage parents can be found here, here and here.

♥