Vacation (honeymoon) resort edit

Hi there!

Karim and I recently had our honeymoon in Europe (Island hopped in Greece, plus Mallorca and Madrid to see some family and friends). Although we couldn’t go to a friend’s wedding in the UK due to restrictions not easing up, we were so happy to have our postponed honeymoon. Next month we will have my family wedding in Brazil as our small wedding in Canada last year with Karim’s family and my parents didn’t include our friends and my big Brazilian family!

I’ve posted all these looks plus much exclusive content on my @shop.LTK app page. Follow me on there by searching for “Carolina Santos Read” under “influencer search” and you can shop all my looks including alternative looks should anything be out of stock, or just because I like to offer varying price points that are more affordable and similar as well. I won’t be posting quite as much on here going forward as most people follow my blog on Instagram as well as my LIKEtoKNOW.it app page instead, but I’m not going anywhere so feel free to email me through here with questions or DM me!

In order of how I wore them on the trip I uploaded photos above of some of my absolute favorite looks I wore while in Mallorca, Santorini, Naxos, Athens, Madrid, and Lisbon. Feel free to let me know what’s your fave! I’m loving trends like tie shoulders, smocked details, ruffles, a great print, neutrals, espadrilles, woven bags, white, and more. I also brought back some oldie but goodie looks and linked very similar currently available alternatives for you to shop. I’m also OBSESSED with the Greek designer Nema Resortwear and I bought her shell print light blue shorts and puff sleeve top, as well as a navy and gold maxi dress with the same seashell print that had me feeling like a Greek goddess. The boutique Alley Naxos (@alleyNaxos on IG) was so lovely to shop at and carries a lot of her pieces! Unfortunately the designer is not selling outside of Greece in stores or online, I contacted their PR team, but I linked similar looks (great wedding guest look ideas too not just resortwear) on the app.

I hope everyone is having a FABULOUS summer!
with love,

Carolina xo

Spring Into New Trends

Hi there!

On a recent trip to Austin, TX my dear friend and talented photographer Sarah and I shot some Spring looks. Check her out on IG @sarah_uftring. You might recognize a few of these pieces from my last post, but styled new ways. I love little pops of color for Spring, and naturally florals and other fun prints.

In the first look above I am showing off my new dress that I got myself as an early birthday present from a little Texas boutique that had all the bohemian vibes and of course I spotted a rack of all Spell dresses, one of my fave brands. They do a lot of recycled materials and all compostable or recyclable tags and packaging which I love. The booties are still available and are so inexpensive and a great quality staple brown suede boot!

In the second look above I went a little more classic with my look with my pop of color spring long coat, which is so inexpensive! It comes in a few colors. I styled the look with the boho top I shared to LIKEtoKNOW.it already which is an inexpensive dupe of Spell the Aussie brand that makes all my boho style dreams come true. My high waisted raw hem ankle cut flare jeans are my fave jeans of this season, and my booties are still avail (I shared them a bunch over the holidays when they were first on sale). The look below it wearing my new brown warmer double breasted coat sold out so quickly after it went on sale. There are other colors available in it though like a beautiful light blue tone. My white tank top underneath and the same jeans and ankle boots make for an effortless classic look. The coat dresses up any outfit!

In the next look I kept the same jeans on and changed into my fave oldie but goodie cowboy booties (linked similar as mine aren’t available anymore) and a new teddy coat long shacket. It runs big so definitely size down if you don’t want an oversized fit. It’s so warm and cozy and funky! Perfect for end of winter into Spring. It’s on sale right now too!

Now for some really springy looks like my dress in the first look above. I love my Spell seashell skirt I got around the holidays in their last sale. It’s not available on the site anymore but I linked a similar one. As always check my @liketoknow.it page in the app for alternative brands and similar items at varying price points for every look I link. Spell makes gorgeous prints but so many companies are doing this right now! I styled the skirt with an older fringe vest and my bell sleeve stretchy top from Bohemian Groove on the Move, one of the best traveling boutiques (but you can always order through their website or IG and they invoice you directly and ship anywhere). It’s a small business owned by a badass female and I’ve gotten amazing pieces from her from time to time! The top I’m wearing from them is not available anymore so I linked a similar one that’s on sale. I finished off the look with my brown booties and fringe purse. The purse is on sale too!

In the next look I’m wearing my new fave cropped puffer jacket. It’s floral, it’s super soft and comfy, and it’s now on super sale and under $20! I have been wearing it so much. I’m in the same accessories and jeans from the look above. Honestly though, how perfect is this jacket?!

The last and final look is my oldie but goodie Free People floral print fringe kimono with velvet print. It’s older and I will wear it forever. I’m linking a similar one here. It makes me feel like one of my faves when I wear it: Stevie Nicks. The top is the same bell sleeve cropped stretchy top, and the same new ankle cut raw hem high waisted jeans I have been wearing on repeat. My cowboy booties will never go out of style and only get more comfortable as they get beat up and broken in. I linked a similar pair here.

Happy Spring! Enjoy the beautiful weather getting warmer as it’s now starting to do back home and not just in Texas, hehe.

Xo,

Carolina

Boho workout looks & Promo code!

Hi there!

One thing that I’ve enjoyed getting into a rhythm of but slightly differently in this pandemic is my workout routine. Now I do livestream workouts instead of taking classes, and occasionally I take class outside in a socially distanced safe way through a Toronto yoga group I joined! If you are in the GTA and want to join us feel free to send me a message in my “contact” section and I’ll send you more details. The IG for this group is @thruyoga. Check out some photos below from our inaugural class taken by a member who is also a photographer. In the photos above you can see some of this bohemian activewear I’ve been LOVING.

The first set with a black and floral print is by one of my all-time fave and go-to brands for boho chic: Spell Designs from Australia. This “Oasis set” is amazing and they do biker shorts in this print too! They now have a whole activewear line so check them out. I linked the 7/8 leggings above but this is the link for the “Oasis crop.” Spell has been using sustainable recycled fabrics for their activewear line and this makes me SO happy!

I also have the gorgeous Sugarmat pieces that I added above with photos from their site. This company is from Montreal, Canada but they ship anywhere. I’ve included some photos below from the yoga class I took outside wearing the bold ruby autumn legging! These leggings are high waisted with a cute ruffle detail as well as the gorgeous floral. I would size down a size since they run a tad big. I had to take mine in. I’m a size 4 pant and I got the medium and should have gotten a small. The Rose “pink polka chic sports bra” is absolutely darling. It runs true to size or a tad on the small side (I’m a size 2 dress and small top and the S size is great for me). Both looks have matching top or bottom in a set but I mixed and matched these. Both these pieces are currently ON SALE and I have an ADDITIONAL 15% OFF discount for you. Use my code “SugarCarolinaS” for 15% off sitewide with Sugarmat. I also have the “love affair” yoga mat and “pink pampas yoga mat carrier” (which doubles as a yoga strap) that I added photos of above. I always get compliments on this mat! Again use my referral code SugarCarolinaS for an additional 15% off discount without a purchase minimum.

Lastly, I am late to the party on the bike shorts trend but I’m loving this Free People blue and gold floral “high rise bike short” in the “Indian Summer” print I recently bought that I love. The material really sucks you in and it’s high-waisted: my fave. I paired it with an older Under Armour top above playing tennis with my family in Connecticut. The look of me in my living room taking zoom dance class includes the same shorts and the “Happiness Runs Crop” in the ice blue color also from Free People which is one of the comfiest crop top/sports bras you’ll ever own and has great stretch to it too! My earrings are Jcrew Factory. The pink biker shorts as the very last pic are from the CUTEST workout collab between LoveShack Fancy and Bandier. I love the floral activewear they did. I linked mine here and on LiketoKnow.it you’ll see some alternative options for my Reebok sneakers and Lilly water bottles and fleeces!

That’s it for activewear for now. I’ll be posting to my Instagram more photos in these items in the coming days and feel free to ask me any questions about fit as always.

Xo,

Carolina

Spring in my Step (& Promo code!)

Hi there!

I am just loving the warm weather currently. With a few more businesses opening up, I feel as if my walks aren’t just for some socially-distanced fresh air but I can get things done and I’m not just exiting the house for air or a grocery run, so my style has reflected a happy sensibility while keeping it casual.

In this look I’m wearing an oldie but never-blogged-about-before goodie: my Spell City Lights top (sans print as my maxi dress I have blogged about before) with a pair of Zara embroidered jeans and my new London Rag bag and pink slides I was recently gifted for the blog. Get 20% off sitewide at London Rag with code CAR20! These slides are the perfect comfy casual “go on a walk and run an errand” sandals and my bag is so perfect for the time we are living in as I can disinfect the plastic easily when I get back home! The added bonus: I can find my keys and wallet since it’s see-through.

I hope everyone is seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. I know the nice weather is always a HUGE perk for me!

Xo,

Carolina

Stay at home looks

Hi there!

I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy. I’ve been spending a lot of time in my new home of Toronto, and doing many different stay at home activities including Spell’s stay at home series, and other brands as I mentioned in my last post! I love the cooking classes (including immunity truffles, see my IG’s “isolation inspiration” highlight reel for more), exercise classes, skincare lives, and more.

One of my absolute favorite at home looks was a recent purchase from Vici Dolls called the “Positano French Terry Knit Pullover” and marching “Positano French Terry Knit Shorts.” I’m wearing the pullover in a small and the shorts in a medium (I’m a size 2 dress and 4 pant and I’m 5’6” tall). It’s so romantic and bohemian at the same time and I feel so cozy!

In the photos below I was tired of wearing joggers or sweats and sweaters so I put on my fave Spell Dahlia jumpsuit (I blogged about this piece before in the Joshua Tree Jumpsuit post) which is now ON SALE! Go snag it on their website. Share with me on IG what your fave at home looks have been!

Xo,

Carolina

Spell seashell collection

Hi there!

I hope everyone is staying safe during our quarantine time. I know my few weeks staying in has come with its set of challenges like not having my work trips or being able to travel, but I know with our collective effort we will be back to normal soon! We are all in this together.

On a trip to Portland, OR some months ago I first wore my new seashell gown by Spell. This collection is truly gorgeous, and I’m especially obsessed because of my love for ocean anything and mermaids! If you zoom in you can see the seashell and mermaid details on this dress and so much from this collection available online only currently. I’m extra in love with the fact that it’s eco friendly fabric! My love of all things mermaid and ocean stems very much from my love of preserving the environment. Spell also just had a sale on their activewear (still going!) so I treated myself for my birthday tomorrow!

Stay safe and well. @Spell IG and other brands are also offering a lot of online workouts in their lives on instagram which then stay on stories and some post to their IGTVs for a free on demand workout. My faves have been @spell, @revolve, @nastygal, and @vaaris (just launched featuring equinox, pure yoga and other workouts on demand in IGTV). I’ve also created a highlight reel called “Isolation Inspiration” on my instagram @carolinasantosread or @carolinasantosread.fashion with quotes, workouts, funny memes and more to help during isolation:)

These photos were taken by my talented friend Sarah who is a photographer in Austin, TX. Her IG is @sarah_uftring.

xo,

Carolina

That 70s rock Vibe ✌🏽

Hi there!

I’ve moved to Toronto from LA, just to add another city to my list, hehe. No, in fact wonderful life changes are happening (upcoming wedding and more) and I relocated but I am looking forward to also working in Toronto.

Speaking of Toronto the look above was photographed in Toronto as well as at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on a recent business trip to Cleveland, Ohio! I’m loving these rust-colored 70s corduroy flares from Vici Dolls, with one of my oldie but goodie Rock and Roll band tees with “The Who” on it, and an oversized cable cardi I recently picked up from Nordstrom. I’m styling them with either my white teddy coat (a Walmart.com find!) or my grey suede moto jacket I’ve blogged about before, my Gucci Soho bag, my Free People “Reach for the Star” ankle cowboy boots and Ettika star earrings. Use code Carolina10 for 10% off sitewide on Ettika jewelry!

Boho is always my vibe but especially with a little bit of a rock and roll twist. It’s warm and stylish and effortless!

Xo,

Carolina

Effortless Summer Chic

In my Free People eyelet off the shoulder peasant top and Topshop palazzo pants, fringe sandals and handmade brown wicker weaved clutch from Brazil. Photography by Francisco Graciano.  

Hi there! 

I am back in New York after a few exciting trips to Brazil to see family as well as Mexico City to perform with a dance company.

In this post I am featuring effortless summer style because it is quickly becoming summertime and for me that means being able to wear the most fun outfits sans stress of coats or scarves.  

This look above features a red billowy eyelet print off the shoulder peasant top from Free People with Topshop printed palazzo pants, my fringe sandals from a boutique in Madrid and a handmade brown wicker clutch from Brazil.  

I love how flowy and baggy the pants are which allows for a breezy summer night but is cool enough for daytime. The top has the exotic elegance of an off the shoulder look with the versatility of a regular length or midi length top thanks to its elastic bottom. I allowed for my tummy to show to offset the baggy pants and top and create a waistline.

This look is also dressy or casual!

xo, 

Carolina  

Suede, Fringe, and the Reformation

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Wearing the Rosetta Dress by Reformation and fringe sandals from a boutique in Madrid, Spain.  Photography in San Antonio, TX by Francisco Graciano.

Hi there!

I was recently in San Antonio, Texas visiting Francisco's family when we thought the backdrop of this park would be perfect to shoot my new Rosetta Dress by Reformation.  I wanted to convey the movement of this dress and showcase the color (seen here in cognac) as well as the neckline bow detail and billowy sleeves.  I love how figure-flattering this dress is, as well as transitional from warmer fall days into winter when worn with tights and boots. In New York the weather has been so unpredictable that it is helpful to have pieces such as these in your closet at the moment!

I really love Reformation because aside from their clothes being fabricated in the United States, they are a sustainable and eco-friendly company.  Their clothes are all recycled and made with fabric that doesn't harm the environment.  Also, the company takes into account the costs associated with creating fashion.  They actually track the pounds of carbon dioxide emitted and gallons of water used to make and wear their clothes, and in exchange they help plant forests to naturally capture CO2 from the air and invest in clean water solutions. They also use very minimal and always recyclable packaging when they ship. They are awesome.  Follow @reformation on Instagram to find out more.  In addition to posting their Ref Babes wearing their clothes, they provide frequent tips on how to reduce your carbon footprint which is really helpful.  You also might have seen some famous faces in their clothes.

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Still dancing in my Reformation Rosetta Dress, fringe sandals and 12th Tribe faux suede Ferris Fringe jacket.  Photography by Francisco Graciano.

As you can see I was still dancing in the photo above where I styled my Reformation dress with my fringe shoes and new faux suede Ferris Fringe jacket by 12th Tribe.  I love the movement in the fringe jacket, and as a dancer I'm naturally drawn to movement.  I'm loving the suede and fringe trends for fall and winter, they have a 70s boho feel that is so much fun to wear.  I picked up this jacket in the camel color because it's a neutral tone and matches with a lot of other options, and can be dressed up with a dress or skirt, or dressed down with jeans.  I'm new to the [12th] tribe babe having actually discovered them recently on Instagram.  They have a beautiful boho vibe and funky clothes.  I'm loving their clothing! Their team is super friendly also.  I wish they would come to New York, but in the meantime I'll gladly have their clothes shipped from California.

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Wearing all Free People in a recent Free People secret stylist shoot in Manhattan's Upper East Side styled by Jessica Hill and shot by Isabella Nicole from FP UES.

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Wearing all Free People in a recent Free People secret stylist shoot in Manhattan's Upper East Side styled by Jessica Hill and shot by Isabella Nicole from FP UES.

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close-up outfit details

I was recently fortunate enough to be gifted some beautiful Free People pieces and then instructed to head to my local Upper East Side Free People store and meet my secret stylist who would style me for a Free People photo shoot.  Remember a few posts ago where I mentioned how good Free People is at inviting their FP Me stylists to events and things? This is a perfect example of their awesomeness.  Anyway, Jessica Hill my fabulous stylist and Isabella Nicole (find them under those names on FPMe, I'm Lina7 if you have the app) the talented photographer and I got ready and hit the streets of my beloved Upper East Side neighborhood to showcase the look. In this outfit I'm wearing all current Free People pieces: the Swingin' Suede dress (worn as a coat), the Midnight City Embroidered Top, the Denim Super Flare, and the Koda Brushed Scarf in off white. I loved how the outfit came together: the neutrals offset with the black jean, the soft texture of the oversized scarf next to the embroidered flowers on the billowy top.  The third photo showcases the texture and details in this outfit really well.  What you can't see in that photo is that this top also has a drawstring at the waist which allows the top to be synched and folded over to create a crop top perfect with the slightly low rise jeans I was wearing. 

This shoot was serendipitous since it gave me more outfit inspiration of ways to wear my current obsession over suede and update a 70s bohemian chic look.  Jessica and Isabella and I all agreed that the way the outfit came together incorporated my love of boho (which Free People does so well) with an updated uptown flare so fitting for the Upper East Side neighborhood the store is located in and where I'm proud to call home.  Thank you Jessica and Isabella for your eye and willingness to play with me, and of course a big thank you to Free People for always being so good to me!

Xo,

Carolina

Fitness & Fashion Merge

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Dress by Haute Hippie, shoes by Aldo, bag by Chanel.  Photography by Francisco Graciano.  

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Dress by Haute Hippie, shoes by Aldo, purse by Chanel.  Photography by Francisco Graciano.

Hi there!

For my second fashion blog entry I wanted to talk about the merging of fashion and fitness.  As a professional dancer, fitness is a big part of my life.  Maintaining a healthy fit body is exceptionally important for a long, successful career.  This doesn't mean we can't have fun doing it.  Lately I've been really into merging my passion for fitness with my fashion aesthetic.  It all sort of started when I was invited to a Fitness & Fashion night in September by my friends at one of my favorite brands: Haute Hippie.  They are the epitome of chic hippie style with a high fashion edge.  In the two photos above (shot once again by my talented photographer boyfriend Francisco) you'll see me in a Haute Hippie army green maxi sleeveless dress I've been rocking on these warm fall days we've had lately.  To buy this dress (on sale currently I believe!) head to www.hautehippie.com.  I layered a Zara cream lace vest over it and Aldo metallic gold espadrille sandals that I bought over the summer.  My bag is an older Chanel tote that I cherish, and the baby pink is fun to transition into fall with neutrals such as army green, tan, and cream.

On the evening I went to the party in my Upper East Side neighborhood, I looked at the fall lines of Haute Hippie, Zadig e Voltaire, and Rebecca Taylor all in the cool townhouse setting of the exclusive Fitness Cell gym.  I had a moment as I photographed the clothing and mingled with fashionistas and personal trainers.  There's no reason these two loves can't all be combined.  Check out my fun new workout-wear looks below of new Free People and Athleta sportswear I've added to my fitness clothes.  These are pieces that can be worn under street clothes to add a sporty chic look to an outfit, or can be worn in a complete going-to-the-gym look that looks great and makes you feel like a rockstar.

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Athleta spokesmodels in all Athleta looks at the Wanderlust Festival in Prospect Park, Brooklyn.  I'm in the middle wearing Athleta pants, bra, and sweater. 

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Here I am heading into one of my favorite fitness studios: Flex Pilates.  Ready to get my sweat on in my new Athleta pants with Under Armour top, Louis Vuitton bag, and Aldo shoes!

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Top by Free People Movement, yoga pants by Head.  Taken after an antigravity yoga class at Crunch gym. 

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Here I am upside down after antigravity yoga class at Crunch gym with the same Free People Movement top.  I love the detailing of the top that you can see in the back mirror.

In all the above photos you saw some great athletic-wear that can transition into day to day outfits.  I've worn the Athleta pants everywhere and the pink sports bra under street clothes, as well as the Free People Movement top which has a great neckline to show off toned shoulders, and cutouts in the sides and back to show off muscle.  With leggings and an ankle boot and fall scarf and sweater its perfect for a sporty everyday look.  I chose the burgundy color because I'm sort of obsessed with this color for fall.  

I also wanted to let you know of some great fitness opportunities out there that are money-savers and a fun way to check out new classes.  I participated in the Athleta Fit 6 challenge after Wanderlust festival which allowed me to take some workout classes at new studios at half price, and recently I began a two week free trial of Class Pass which is a great way to take unlimited workout classes per month at participating studios.  I've been taking everything from barre classes to pilates, antigravity yoga and regular yoga, kickboxing, boot camp, pole, and even dance classes (there are all levels on class pass).  My favorites so far have been Joyce Wong's antigravity yoga at Crunch gym, any of the barre classes at Exhale Spa, and pilates with the reformer machine at Flex Pilates.  Let me know what your favorites that I should check out are in your comments!

Xo,

Carolina

Summer To Fall & jumpsuit love

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Photo by Francisco Graciano www.franciscograciano.com

Hi there! My name is Carolina Santos Read.  Born in London to Brazilian parents and raised in Madrid, CT, and New York, I am a freelance dancer actor and model with a HUGE passion for fashion and travel.  I decided to create this fashion blog as an extension of my website after a lot of encouragement from friends (and my handsome dancer and photographer boyfriend) and family to do so.  I hope you enjoy!

For my first post I wanted to talk about how much I love jumpsuits.  Pictured above is this jumpsuit I bought recently on my South America trip with Francisco (who was touring with Paul Taylor Dance Company where he works, and I went along as Taylor wife and unofficial translator post closing of my regional production of South Pacific I was performing in).  The tour culminated in a stop in Rio de Janeiro (where I've been many times to see family), and I can not make a trip to Rio without stopping at my FAVORITE Brazilian clothing store, Farm.  I brought some of the dancers along with me after a fun sightseeing adventure and I explained Farm as an Anthropologie or Free People (some of my favorite American stores) meets JCrew. They are great at fusing hippie laid-back Rio style with bright colors that are festive and fun to wear.  My fashion sensibilities always incorporate color and a little gypsy/boho with a little rock and roll.  I like to mix it up, one day preppy another hippie, another more edgy, but at the heart of my dressing is always a femininity. 

It's starting to get cold in New York, but this jumpsuit can transition into fall because of the dark mixed with a pop of color.  I was pictured here on September 1st heading to Francisco's birthday dinner (a surprise party I set up at Officina Latina restaurant) in SoHo on an end of summer day, so I didn't need a jacket just yet.  I would now style this with a closed-toe heel, leather jacket, and scarf. 

Visit www.farmrio.com.br for the jumpsuit.  Don't forget jumpsuits aren't always just for tall bodies.  I'm 5'6" and have an athletic dancer body but with curves, and I love the way a tight top and baggy pant jumpsuit lengthens and leans me out.  Other jumpsuits have looked awkward on me, but this one was perfect.  With a platform I felt like I was in the 70s and super tall. Another jumpsuit I bought recently was an all-black one from H&M with baggy dress pants attached to a tight tank mesh top with a crop top underneath the mesh.  It's all black and I style it with a pop of color in my makeup and a statement shoe or bag (like my red Valentino rock stud heel for a killer rock and roll look).  With that jumpsuit I tend to wear my hair in a high ponytail or swept into a high bun to draw focus to the high tank neckline and detail of the crop top under the mesh.  

Xo,

Carolina