The Canadian Suit

I've gone back and forth with this look many times. I love wearing a denim shirt, and I adore wearing comfy jeans. But how does one mix the two together to make the perfect modern day take on the Canadian Suit? Well, from my extensive research (ehem, Google images) what I found is key on perfecting this look is not wearing all one wash. And, I think it helps not wearing denim that's too tight. The slouchy denim look is what will set you apart, even better if combined with killer heels. ;)

How would you wear this look?

(Image courtesy of Denimology)

Afternoon Craving: Homemade Kettle Corn Popcorn

It's that time of day. Doesn't this look tasty? I can't get enough of sweet + salty combos. See recipe here. (But if you're feeling lazy, you can always buy a bag of this!)

(Recipe + Photo via Cooking on the Side)

Dreamy Dame: Garance Doré

The Sartorialist recently posted photos of his girlfriend, photographer Garance Doré. Don't we all wish we looked like this while working? Damn, this lady has style... So chic + seemingly effortless. Adore. And check out her blog too. It's quite fabulous. Happy Tuesday. ♥

(Photos via The Sartorialist)

Hip Hotel: Soho Beach House

It's that time of year when Art Basel, which takes place in Miami Beach and is currently one of the most important art shows in the US, starts to peak out in the horizon. And the good news? This year I'm finally going! My ticket is booked and the daydreaming of art + beaches has officially begun (even if it's not til December. =)

So it's through this daydreaming, that I discovered the recent opening of the stunning Soho Beach House, the Miami branch of the exclusive British members-only club, The Soho House. But what's great about this location is that they are loosening the velvet rope and anyone (well, anyone who can afford their price tags) can stay at the hotel, dine at their restaurant, Cecconi's, or enjoy the luxurious Cowshed Spa.

I'm loving the design mix of old + new. And that bedroom view is stunning. Can't you just feel the humidity on your skin as you would open that sliding door upon arrival? Ahh... Visit: Soho Beach House

(Photos via Cool Hunting + Soho Beach House)

Brighten your day...

Wouldn't this print be fun for a frame wall near the entrance? See more fun prints at Hijirik Studio on Etsy | xo

Happy Birthday, Papa Cifuentes!

Happy Birthday to our wonderful Dad! I have to say, the three of us are incredibly lucky to have someone so cool and hip as our father. He has always been funny, thoughtful and an eternal optimist. He's taught us to always look on the bright side of things, give people the benefit of the doubt, give back to the community and work hard to achieve our goals. We are thankful for everything you do, Dad, and we hope you have a wonderful birthday!

We're celebrating with dinner tonight and I am making this for dessert.

Have a lovely weekend! ♥

Happy Hour: Warm Winter Margaritas

If you've been to our apartment in the last few weeks, you'll know that this time of year means one thing for us: prepping for our annual Dia de los Muertos party. About once or twice a week, we've had a few girls over for craft night so we can make paper mache skulls, paper flowers and papel picado. It's very labor intensive work, but really fun, especially when we drink wine or make fun cocktails. For our next craft night, I think I am going to make these Warm Winter Margaritas. They were created by Marcela Valladolid, who has the show, Mexican Made Easy on the Food Network. I think they sound like the perfect Mexican cocktail to keep us in the spirit!

Warm Winter Margaritas
Ingredients – Serves 4:
28 oz. apple juice
1 cinnamon stick
2 cups dried fruit of your choice
2 tbs granulated sugar
6 oz. Sauza® Tequila Blanco
Steps: Combine apple juice and cinnamon in a heavy pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove cinnamon stick carefully. Add sugar, dried fruit, and tequila. Mix well. Serve warm.

For the actual party, I am thinking of making these cute little tequila shots with Pop Rocks! The colors are so perfect for Day of the Dead, I can't wait!

Pop Rocks On
Rim shot glass with Pop Rocks flavor of your choice
Fill with 1 part Hornitos® Premium Tequila
Enjoy!

Dreamy Dancers

Martha Graham by Barbara Morgan

Twyla Tharp by Richard Avedon.

Alvin Ailey and Judith Jamison (photo unknown)

This morning I woke up thinking about ballerinas. I'm not entirely sure why, but I had the sudden urge to look up Martha Graham today, her name has been floating around my subconscious mind for reasons I have yet to determine. There is just something so incredibly inspiring about dancers; their grace, elegance and discipline are so hard to achieve and yet they tend to make it look effortless. So I did some digging and thought I would share these lovely images with you.

You can buy tickets to the NYC Ballet here and to Alvin Ailey here.

TasteSpotting

Have you heard of the website, TasteSpotting? I only recently discovered it when Gwyneth Paltrow mentioned it as one of her favorite food blogs (which I linked to last week, but it's worth mentioning again because it looks so yummy!) The site compiles tons of recipes from around the web, and is a great place to visit when you're not sure what to make for dinner. I'm especially loving the sweets recipes. Bon appetit!

(Photos top to bottom via: Fritesandfries, alacarte + julialikesred)

Earring Love

My amazing late grandmother was an avid collector of eclectic jewelry: oversized stones on rings, over the top diamonds and pearls, which were funky yet utterly chic. And like her, my mom has collected an array of both hand me downs from my grandmother and new finds that keep the tradition of a vast jewelry collection going. So, as not to disappoint my lineage, I scour to find my own staple finds that I can one day pass on too.

I think these affordable Mango Oraculo earrings are the perfect add to my very own collection, because sometimes it's about the sentiment, not just the price. :)

Dreamy Wedding: Congrats Aimee + Trevor!

Our friends, Aimee + Trevor got married this weekend at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. It couldn't have been a more beautiful wedding! Congrats to the lovely couple! ♥

Photos by Abdi of 3 Photographers.
Dress by Carolina Herrera.
Wedding stationary by Mr. Boddington.
And the best wedding DJ ever, Dave Fischoff of PopShopDJs.

Have a dreamy weekend!

I'm having a Penelope Cruz-loving kinda day. As I am getting older (this Cifuentes sister is 31 - Viejita!), I'm beginning to think of women I would like to emulate. Penelope Cruz is definitely one of them. (Gotta think big, people!)

Not only is she incredibly stunning + glamorous, but over the years she has proven to be an exceptionally talented actor (loved her in Vicky Christina Barcelona) and activist, and now soon-to-be momma (check out her cute baby bump!) I ♥ this Annie Leibovitz photo from a few years ago. So classy!

OK, enough girl crushing. New York is having fabulous weather this weekend + I am looking forward to enjoying the last of the coat-less sunshine (and more apt renovations - does it ever end?!)

Hope you all have a lovely fresh-aired weekend!

And here are some fun posts for your Friday xo...

Smallest doggie ever! - I want!

Chanel nail polishes perfect for Fall

Did you catch this adorable video?

Elle's Women in Hollywood

Design*Sponge's Living In: Party Girl - ♥

A Black House: Could you live here?

Gwyneth Paltrow's favorite food blogs

Danish furniture = cool

(Photo via Vanity Fair)

Alexandra Grecco Fall 2010 (Directed by Karina!)

Loving this playful new video for Alexandra Grecco's Fall 2010 collection! The clothes are feminine + sweet with a touch of retro sexiness. And the video is simply adorable -- from the inspiring cat-eye liner to the catchy song by The Generationals, it makes you glad to be a woman! Enjoy! (Bonus: The video was directed by Karina, and produced by Lisa Michelle, my sisters + fellow DOPT contributors! Congrats, seesters!) ♥ ♥ ♥

Spooky Treat

These cookies on Etsy are getting me into the Halloween spirit. :)

Couples that look alike

This website is so amusing. It posts photos of couples that look alike. My husband + I didn't look too much alike when we first met (I used to dye my hair jet black + was shaking off my hipster phase), but over the years our styles have merged and we look more and more alike.

How about you, lovely readers? Do you look like your significant other?

(Photos via Couples That Look Like Siblings)

Closet Crush

Loving the new blog feature, Closet Visit (via Unruly Things). The artist Jeana Sohn visits cool closets à la The Selby. Her latest visit to Bo Carney's closet, of Mohawk General Store in LA, is so inspiring. This girl has such incredible style. Sophisticated yet comfortable. ♥

(Photos via Jeana Sohn)

Ode to Papel Picado

I remember the days of my yesteryears when I would plan my Halloween day costume for school weeks in advance. But as an adult, not too sure if I could get away with wearing a flapper costume to meetings. I just love Halloween though and shining my enthusiasm through some article of clothing. That said, I think this ode to Papel Picado necklace is the perfect and stylish way to go, designed by Bona Drag. Adore.

xx.
Karina

Have a dreamy weekend!

October has landed. It's officially time for cozy sweaters, pumpkin patches + cinnamon spice lattes! On my fall to-do list: apple picking, throwing a pumpkin-carving party + going on a fall foliage tour. Do you have any upcoming fun fall to-do plans?

Have a great weekend, everyone! xo

And here are some fun DOPT links for your Friday!

How Martha Stewart does Halloween. This woman truly rocks.

Can you believe this photographer is only 18?

Loving these wallpapers

Crazy, cool human Pac-Man video. This must've taken them forever!

Spa Week is approaching :)

Take amazing iphone photos like Mark Romanek using these apps: OldCamera + Hipstamatic

Vogue Paris 90th Anniversary - Très Chic!

(Photo via Left Wing Lucy)

Fall Soup

The rain continues here in New York. Doesn't this leek, butternut squash + potato soup look heavenly for a day like this? Makes you almost feel the heat from the toasty fireplace. ;)

(Photo + Recipe via the lovely blog, Cannelle et Vanille)

To Cut or Not to Cut: That is the Question

OK. So I have to share that I have been sort of tempted to cut my tresses recently. Maybe it's the New York humidity that has left me up in arms in a "I give up!" stance. But also, anytime I see a cute girl with a short do, I'm on the verge of pulling a Demi Moore in G.I. Jane (well, maybe not that drastic!)

The oh-so lovely model Carmen Kass has recently sported her new short cut. And I think her stylish new look might be enough to put me over the scissor edge!

What do you think of this look?

**disclaimer: my feelings to make impulsive hairstyle decisions do change frequently. So I may very well love long hair next week. But I do love this look! Choices, choices. :)

(Image courtesy of Style.com)