Liquid Gold: Argan Oil

I am all about a simple beauty routine. Wash your face every morning and night and apply a paraben-free moisturizer with SPF during the day. I also do this mask once a week, if I can. But as I approach the big 30 (in August to be exact) I've decided to step up my ritual just a tad to include Argan Oil, which I apply on my neck and eyelids, and anywhere I might have patches of dryness. I personally love Acure Argan Oil, but there are a lot of great options to research. And it's multi-purpose! You can use a bit in your hair to make it look extra shiny. :)

Photo via Amazon.com

Get the look.

Have you heard of Apiece Apart? I hadn't until I stumbled upon this super chic outfit. The shop is based in NYC but you can shop the collection online. I'm buying this full look. It will be my summer go-to when it's a little brisk yet sunny. :)

Photo via Apiece Apart

My photography.

As you might notice from my 'about me' section, I'm a photographer on the side. And recently, I have really enjoyed taking live band performance photos. I think it's something about the energy that I really love to capture, especially the bands who give it their all. Below are a few recent selects I'd like to share, if you'd like to see! And for more of my work, you can visit: www.karinalcifuentes.com

Cuyana.

I recently purchased this bag with my initials monogrammed and LOVE IT. It's super roomy and comfortable. Love Cuyana. I want so many of their items. 

Brooklyn.

This was taken by my sister, whilst window shopping in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Gotta love a brick wall.

Miami, I miss you today.

Taken at 6:00am. I can still feel the dewiness in the air.

Photo Credit: Curated Woman

The Barn in Tivoli.

After recently becoming engaged, I went down the rabbit hole of wedding venue research. I somehow stumbled upon the small town of Tivoli in New York and this wonderful and amazing cabin called The Barn in Tivoli. This place is pretty near perfection (outdoor shower and all) and is within walking distance to a lake for swimming. This is my dream. Eventually I would just love a home for our future family to escape to on the weekends. A sanctuary where chubby babies can play in the grass and I can invite friends over for cheese, wine, and decadent dinners...someday.

Photo credit: The Barn in Tivoli

Pretty packaging.

I think that everyone has a personal preference when it comes to packaging whether you're aware of it or not. But if you look carefully, chances are there are similarities in the packaging of the products you choose. For me, I've always been drawn to minimal design or anything that has an apothecary feel to it, or somewhat medicinal (for example, I love C.O. Bigelow in New York. Do not go there nearly enough) Also, I tend to be drawn towards neutral colors. Isn't that funny? I think I grew up around a lot of color in my household (coming from a Hispanic family) so perhaps this is my rebellion. :) Anyhow, came across these cool packaged products and wanted to share.

Photos via (Clockwise from upper left) Martino Group, March Pantry, Loto Massage Oil,  Sofia Ginger Scones (yes, scones!), Garrett Markeson, Sort of Coal

Chef Apron.

West Elm apron, $24

Not sure why I've waited so long to buy an apron. I cook all the time and without fail, it usually results with at  least spaghetti sauce or what have you flicked onto some random spot on my clothing. And I've always liked pinstriped aprons. Something about them reminds me of a French bistro with lots of fresh baked bread! And I love that aprons can be a lingering memento of the good meals you've had. I especially like this West Elm apron, pictured.

Photo via West Elm.

Clare Elsaesser.

Clare Elsaesser's work is right up my alley. Her pieces are beautiful and feel personal, like drawn from life. She says "My paintings are inspired by daydreams, retreat and the formidable nature outside my window. " Her work has such a unique quality. You can tell Clare puts a lot of heart into them. And I want them all to adorn my walls. So many great ones to choose from...

Photo via Clare Elsaesser.

Cos.

Have you guys heard of Cos? They're a European brand set to open their first U.S. store (in New York) this spring/summer. And when I read about the company in Vogue, I immediately went to their website to peruse the praised items. The clothes are very cool yet mature. You'll see several basics with a hint of being conceptual. It's for the understated girl who highly appreciates fashion but doesn't need to drown themselves in trends. If it's too serious, you can mix and match (I especially like this skirt, which I would pair with a basic T.)

Photo via Cos. 

Where do you summer?

In my mind, the question "where do you summer?" has always been synonymous with yuppies who smoke pipes and play croquet all day. But as an adult, so many of my friends are actually jet setting their way to remote destinations that are beautiful and quaint and actually define themselves as continuous summer homes. So lately I also started to fantasize about having a summer spot, which I could escape to and invite friends over for board games, cozy dinners after a swim in the lake, along with drinking and eating tons of delicious wines and cheeses.

Because I believe in the laws of attraction, I am creating my own mood board of dream homes that could one day be mine. Read on if you're interested...

Gucci Westman for Revlon.

Sultry Samba

I have been a long time fan of makeup artist, Gucci Westman. And lately, I feel like I see her everywhere. Probably because I follow her on Instagram. :) Gucci has great taste and a really creative eye. She created the glossy blue eyelids on Christina Ricci in the film, Buffalo '66, which I tried recreating throughout my youth. But anything that Gucci creates or endorses, I try to recreate or endorse! And when she designed a new line of cosmetics for Revlon, I went nuts on getting the standout items. The line that I like, Rio Rush, is available at a lot of convenience stores (Duane Reade in NY) but I personally love the lipsticks, like this Sultry Samba pictured. And it's affordable so you can buy all the shades. :) So, what do you think?

Image via Revlon.

Mansur Gavriel.

                

Mansur Gavriel was started in 2012 by two very cool and stylish women named Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel. They shared the same aspirations to make functional yet beautiful design. So the two started Mansur Gavriel and the results of their partnership have been perfection! The bags they design are artfully crafted and elegant, the perfect go-to bag for all occasions. I love this bag! And cannot wait to get mine to tote around this summer. If you buy one, you'll want them all! Check out their collection here.

My favorite brunch place in NY. Dudleys.

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Dudleys

My view at brunch yesterday.

I'm a creature of habit. If I find something I like, I will continue to make it part of my routine. That's not to say I'm not adventurous, but I also love knowing what I'll get and where to find it. And Dudley's, in the lower east side, was welcomed with open arms into my so-called routine. Because it's perfect. The staff are gracious, the food is simple yet delicious, and the atmosphere feels cool yet warm. And the prices are reasonable!, which in New York, is hard to find without compromises. If you're a New Yorker like myself, or plan on visiting soon, do yourself a favor and go to Dudley's. They won't disappoint. I recommend the avocado toast with poached egg. #yum

Photos via Dudleys.

Succulents + Plant Life.

My inspiration.

My new collection.

This past weekend I did some shopping for plants and succulents. It's been on my to do list since I've been eyeing gorgeous bohemian homes on Pinterest. I bought succulents, air plants, and a lush hanging plant too. I am so happy with the outcome. Having these plants in my home immediately made it feel warmer and homier, too. I plan on sharing more photos of my home makeover so stay tuned.

If you want to green up your home but don't have time to go to a plant store, Amazon has a gorgeous array of succulent offerings.

Top photo via Skona Hem.

Summer Sneaker.

                          

        

I am seeing these Vince sneakers on cute, stylish girls everywhere. And I've been very tempted to buy a pair. I usually wear Bensimons every summer till they're completely worn out, but these seem like sturdy sneakers that look good but can brave the miles walked in NYC. Would you wear a pair?

Photo via Nordstrom. 

Autumn de Wilde.

By Autumn de Wilde.

Bathe in eucalyptus epsom salt + castille soap.

I swear by this ritual for stress relief and achy muscles. 

I run a super warm bath and put a cap of this brand of epsom salt and as much as I want of Dr. Bronners pure-castile soap (Walgreens also carries a comparable less expensive version.) The combo will produce a milky effect and leave your skin feeling revitalized and super clean. And you'll feel super relaxed...like "put me right to bed" relaxed. I did it tonight right before writing this post (pardon any typos. My fingers feel like blissful jelly) so I anticipate a drowsy but productive slumber. #goodnight

Adventures in a weekend...