Lounge Sets & Cozy Trends Edit

Hi there!

The upside of spending so much time at home is getting to wear cozy loungewear, amiright?! This post has everything from cute loungewear (which makes me excited to change from my pajamas to my workout clothes into these cute sets) to cozy looks for winter into spring that are real clothes, but still comfy. I’m on board for the cute cropped puffer jacket trend (the one I am wearing that is floral is one of my faves ever and super cute boho vibes). I’m also loving the shacket look, and the one I tagged is inexpensive and great quality. Shop all these looks on my LIKEtoKNOW.it page as well, or on here.

The first look is my matching knit lounge set in white that was literally $14 and is still available. I’m wearing a small and I’m 5’6” tall and wear a small top and a 4 pant (I’m a 2 or 4 dress size depending on the brand). It’s great quality for this price and I recommend it. The other white set from a past post that is also from this brand was a little cheaper material and much baggier so I wouldn’t recommend it as much. Nasty Gal has great sets for great prices but some of them run SO big and the material is cheap. Make sure you look closely at the pics before purchasing. I only share what I love -I’m not going to share something I don’t totally love with you guys. The slippers are linked here too, and I have all my Amazon faves I talk about in stories and posts linked on my Amazon shop or you can shop them on @liketoknow.it app so follow me there!

The second look includes the long knit cardigan I also threw on top of the first look set (it’s older and sold out from Nordstrom so I linked a similar one that is even better pricing). Alternative links are always on my LIKEtoKNOW.it page with varying options retailers and price points of what I wore! The knit joggers are SO comfy and warm and they are from H&M’s conscious collection which means it’s made from recycled materials. H&M always takes your used garments for recycling if you ever need to know of somewhere to drop off donations. My white tee is also so soft and I have a bunch of them they fit like bodysuits which are right on trend. The slippers are always a big fave of yours. I’ve bought these a bunch and wear them all the time!

In look #3 I’m in the same white tee, cozy fuzzy slippers, and knit joggers with an awesome Amazon find long cardigan that is such great quality and so affordable! I love the neutrals look as it’s always chic and this one has the fun cheetah print in neutral colors for a pop of a fun print. It’s a sweater dress cardigan, which I didn’t have one quite this long before and it can be worn to stay in or go out as any of these looks can!

Look #4 is another I’m loving and wearing often: the matching sweatpants and hoodie lounge set. It’s also from the conscious collection and the material is SO GOOD and soft. Super affordable, too. I’m posting a reel soon I made with ways to dress up the “current uniform” sweats set that adds a pop of color and fun to your neutrals (ie: a great blazer or long coat on top and accessories). See the pic below for the H&M spring long coat I just picked up that totally elevates the sweats and makes the whole look so chic! All the H&M finds have been on sale recently, on the US and Canada sites. My LoveShackFancy Superga sneaks made an appearance and my Gucci mule slides for this dress-up reel video too (I tagged second hand alternatives on LIKEtoKNOW.it also, since this is how I often buy a designer item if I go the designer route)! An accessory like my older (thrifted find but I found a similar one linked here) Chanel ice cube bag statement purse and great sunnies like my Gucci sunglasses instantly dress up an outfit too! My hoop earrings in all the looks so far are Ettika. My code carolina10 gets you 10% off!

Look #5 down on the photos is my Free People famous tunic dupe that is SO much cheaper and such great quality: another Amazon find! This sweater comes in tons of colors and is under $30! I styled it with my fave Nordstrom Spanx leggings and my fave moto boots (mine are a dupe for the ones I tagged, purchased in a small boutique in Paris a couple years ago). My double hoop earrings are also Ettika. The backpack is the Chanel Gabrielle and here’s a link to a second-hand cute version!

Look #6 is the cropped zip puffer trend but this one isn’t plain black like the London Rag one I shared before (they have some cute colors like grey and white on the site too, always use code Car20 for an additional 20% off that can be combined with any existing promotion), and instead is a soft sweater material and a floral print. This is a Forever 21 find and I’m obsessed with it. I love the bohemian feel and girly too. I paired it with older Free People joggers (linked alternatives on LIKEtoKNOW.it & one alternative here) and a fave white Adidas sneaker my Hubby got me a while back. I linked a similar one.

Look #7 of the photos above is the shacket trend. I gave that a go with this great one from F21 that is so affordable and great quality. It is a soft felt-like material and goes great as shirt or jacket. I’m in a small and it’s oversized and fits loosely as I want it to. I paired it with a black Nordstrom turtleneck and Spanx leggings as well as my fave JCrew rain boots as it’s been snowing a bit lately and the streets are slushy. My Chanel Gabrielle backpack (a second hand find from a while ago) is one of my faves too it’s so easy to wear and not fussy.

Finally, the last look above is my white teddy coat I shared in an older blog post last winter but I found similar alternatives, one of which is linked (but you can find more of them on my LIKEtoKNOW.it page). The one I linked above is on sale! I paired it with the same shacket in the pic above it (more shacket options on my LTK page too), my fave flare corduroy pants (comes in many colors), a band tee, and ribbed knit beanie as well as my fave moto boots (less expensive options linked on my LIKEtoKNOW.it page as well). My jewelry is Ettika & you can take 10% off with code Carolina10.

Xo,

Carolina

The Look 2 Ways: Sporty & Chic

Hi there!

Isn’t this warm fall surge lately insane? So nice! I headed outside to shoot this look two ways. My photographer friend Prash and I collaborated at Toronto’s Graffiti Alley for some of these looks, the ones in the park were shot by my Hubby. Follow Prash on IG @blinking.lens. My goal was to style this new London Rag collection coral lightweight sweater as a casual sporty chic look with their black joggers and their cropped puffer jacket and then elevate it with black paper bag high-waisted slacks (recent Simons find in Canada and now ON SALE!) and an older black velvet blazer (also from London Rag and still available on the site. You might remember my red one from a past post). I love the way the nude heel adds a dressy office look that can be worn out to dinner/drinks, or you can throw on the joggers after work and your sneakers to head out to the gym after your work day! My code Car20 gets you 20% off on London Rag’s website.

Additionally, I really love these London Rag black vegan croc print ankle booties which are super on trend with the pointy toe and block heel. They were also sent to me with the pieces I mentioned above and you guys they are SO GOOODDD. I would size down as they run a little big (I’m usually an 8 and this 8 was a bit roomy). Again use my promo code Car20 for a 20% discount. I love how they finished the sporty chic look but with a bit of a dressy vibe. I honestly felt like Posh Spice leaving the gym and ready for a meeting.

My next post will include a resort wear look from London Rag that is so perfect for your next vacation but doubles as loungewear (so versatile)! Stay tuned!

Be sure to follow me on the @liketoknow.it app under “Carolina Santos Read” for all outfits linked and alternative options of the items in my blog posts (if I can’t find them on there but also just to give you guys other options to go with). Note: London Rag doesn’t have a presence on LiketoKnow.it so your best bet for their items is to shop their website with my links on here using my promo code. Happy Shopping!

Xo,

Carolina

Fall Layering & Trends!

Hi there!

I wanted to share a few on trend looks from my recent shoot with my talented photographer friend Brandon Gregoire (a few looks shot on my own), because they are looks I’m wearing on repeat right now. With the weather getting cooler but some days warmer, layering is always the best way to go so you can shed layers or add a layer depending on how cool it is that given time of day.

The first look above includes an oldie but goodie hat with a newer H&M mock neck sweater (I love the dusty rose color which I didn’t have in my sweater options) with big sleeves. It’s from the conscious collection which I always look for if I ever buy something from a fast fashion source. It is made from recycled materials! The corduroys were a recent JCrew outlet score, as well as the tan suede booties! They are both currently on sale too. Note: the second photo down doesn’t include those booties and rather older Aldo ones as well as an old pair of H&M skinny black jeans. On my LiketoKnow.it (download the app or just go to the webpage and follow me as “Carolina Santos Read”) I linked alternatives to those jeans and black booties that are currently for sale, at different price points! The earrings are Ettika (use my code Carolina10 for a discount on all Ettika jewelry)!

The second look includes a new favorite color blocking sweater from Target (later edit: now on sale!) that I am obsessed with! It’s a long cardigan style and so soft and warm. It’s so versatile as you can dress it up or down and it’s effortless. The color blocking on this sweater is also a huge trend right now (like the big sleeves of the last sweater I spoke about). I styled it with a tan tank bodysuit and those oldie but goodie black H&M skinny jeans (check out my LiketoKnow.it for great options for those!) I Earrings, necklace, and bracelet are Ettika (again use my code Carolina10 for a discount). Ettika pieces don’t tarnish and are so beautiful and well priced! They are based out of California and their pieces make such beautiful gifts too. The bag is Furla (I linked a current website calf skin one since my plastic one is only available at 2nd hand stores, like Vestiaire Collective, where I am linking one that is almost exact in another color. I also linked a Rent the Runway option on my LiketoKnow.it).

My third look includes a Poshmark score Donna Karan vintage never worn double breasted blazer with gold buttons. (I linked some great alternatives on my LiketoKnow.it and my fave of them on here.) I’ve been looking for a black blazer like it for some time and am so happy with this one! The white top underneath which you can see in the picture where I’m on the fence (no pun intended) without the blazer on is a new Vici Collection top. (My LiketoKnow.it account has similar options to it too!) The puff sleeves are really trendy at the moment and I just love this trend! LoveShack Fancy is doing lots of sweaters like this top but they are a big splurge. I finished the look with an older pair of Ralph Lauren jeans that I cut at the ankles myself, and my oldie but goodie super fave Aldo studded booties. Again there are new and available alternative options for all my older items on my LiketoKnow.it page so you can shop similar jeans and booties to what I have on! Earrings are Ettika (Carolina10 is my discount code for them)!

Finally, I shared another look I’m loving right now. You might remember my Vici Collection (Vici Dolls) rust-colored corduroy flare pants from a past post which are now sold out but I linked my fave alternative here and others on my LiketoKnow.it account. I Loving this color again this season, and I threw on a Blank NYC jacket I recently scored on Poshmark. It’s available on Amazon so I linked it here. I had it in black a long time ago and wore it to the point of ruin so I got it in this color. It’s so versatile with the vegan leather and knit material mix and multiple ways of wearing it, as shown. There are many of them on Poshmark still! Use my code PoshLina7 for $10 off your first Poshmark order if you’re new to the app. The hoop earrings are Ettika: my discount code with them is Carolina10.

Be sure to follow me on the @liketoknow.it app under “Carolina Santos Read” for all outfits linked and alternative options of the items in my blog posts (if I can’t find them on there but also just to give you guys other options to go with). Happy Shopping!

Enjoy this beautiful fall weather!

Xo,

Carolina

Loungewear But Make it Fun

Hi there!

With the weather starting to feel chilly and more like fall, I really love cozy loungewear. I’ve included two looks I love that elevate your loungewear vibes. They are comfortable but different and a lot of fun.

The first look is a tie dye set from Vici Collection, where you can look stylish while wearing a super soft Beachy tie dye hoodie and jogger set. Note the link I included above is for other tie dye sets since mine is out of stock but there are plenty of similar ones available. The slippers are Amazon fashion! So comfy and with memory foam as well as the fuzzy goodness. Then the second look I call “loungewear but make it fashion” where you can be a tad extra while sitting at home on your zoom meeting. The pants are by my girl crush brand “Bohemian Groove on the Move” who founded their company out of an airstream which couldn’t be more cute and bohemian. She typically travels with the store (you can also shop online) but she is currently based in the Palm Beach, Florida area. You can also DM her on Instagram to place orders! The Bowie top is a second hand score off of Poshmark at my fave Posh reseller’s closet: Randi with “@rollingrackposh.” Join the Poshmark app to shop my Poshmark closet @poshlina7 and if you use my link to join you get $10 to shop with!

I hope you’re all staying safe and healthy! With all this added time at home these days I thought it would be fun to put together this edit.Who said you can’t get dressed up to go nowhere?

Xo,

Carolina

Miami & workout-wear! + promo code

Hi there!

I just got back from a lovely stay in Miami (who doesn’t have a great trip there, especially when getting away from the cold, amiright?) and I wanted to share some workout-wear and later some resort-wear I got recently!

I’m wearing Constantly Varied Gear leggings in all my looks above. They are a small business out of Massachusetts and they have great products! They are also made to last and fit a curvy and athletic shape well. I found the elastic to be strong in the stretch of the pants but it also hugs well and you feel sucked in like a good pair of workout pants should make you feel! Additionally, I’m loving that they stay up where they should during a high intensity workout or a stretch and tone workout like yoga. I’ve worn them for both and they pass my test! Use code “Carolina” for 10% off your order!

Finally, in my photos below I’m wearing a Free People movement set called the “genesis bra and legging” set in rose water. It’s a lovely soft stretch fabric that hugs you in the right places and is flattering. I love the scalloped detail on the bra and leggings too!

Happy workouts guys! It’s almost the holidays when I eat so much so I’m gearing up for that. Exercise also just makes me feel so good! I used to be a dancer full time so I still stay active nowadays whenever I can, whether I’m on a dance or acting project or working for my blog:)

Xo,

Carolina

Animal print autumn

Hi there!

This has been by far one of the prettiest New England autumns with the foliage and weather. I’ve been very inspired by cashmere and animal print so I wanted to post this look!

I found the black and cream cheetah print skirt at a small NY boutique but the brown and cream cheetah one on the last couple pictures is from Vici Dolls, and they have a very similar dark print one to the one I wore in the first few photos! My LiketoKnow.it account has some similar ones linked too!

I went with a tan cashmere sweater by Halogen from Nordstrom over the skirt that I slightly tucked in, and an oldie but goodie pair of Vince Camuto black and gold moto booties (now on sale)! I also styled the look with Vince Camuto grey heeled boots (mine aren’t available anymore so a similar one is linked here and on LiketoKnow.it). The faux fur black sleeveless vest is a Vera Wang for Kohls from some time ago, so I’ve linked a similar one:)

In the Vici Dolls brown and cream animal print look from the last couple photos I’m wearing a black Nordstrom brand turtleneck and an oldie but goodie grey suede moto jacket from Nordstrom by Vigoss. I’m wearing a small in everything and I’m 5’6” for reference. Check out this look-alike by Blank NYC!

If you guys ever have questions on brands or links message me either here or email me through my website as you’ve done before, or through my Instagram @carolinasantosread which is usually how I hear from you, and I love hearing from you!

I hope everyone is as excited for Halloween as I am! I’m off to Miami tomorrow for a vacation and work trip.

Xo,

Carolina

A New Twist on a Classic (Denim Shirt)

View fullsize

View fullsize

Free People "Because You Are Mine" embroidered shirt, JCrew dark wash matchstick jeans, and Vince Camuto Moto boots. Photographed in Philadelphia by Francisco Graciano.

Hi there!

I was recently at a Free People store and picked up this beautiful denim button-down shirt with white flowered embroidery that I fell in love with. I love that it's a twist on the old classic denim shirt, and it's perfect for spring. Additionally, it's currently on sale so what's not to love about that? 

I was in Philadelphia for work recently and Francisco and I found some great spots to shoot! In the photos above I styled the top with dark blue JCrew matchstick skinny jeans since I love to mix two color denims together (for an updated Canadian tuxedo), but I more traditionally matched a black belt to my Vince Camuto motorcycle boots which are also on sale right now! 

This is a look which could easily be styled with a bolo tie and cowboy boots for a more obvious country western vibe, but I chose to make it edgy while still feminine with my Moto boots. Going into Spring I've certainly been feeling like mixing girly accents with rock and roll which overall I would say I'd my favorite style aesthetic. 

Happy sale shopping! There are some great sales at the moment.

Xo,

Carolina

Free People and Fall Nail Art

View fullsize

 Free People Movement drifter pant and white flowy top, Aldo booties, Zara vegan leather jacket, Urban Outfitters beanie, and Chanel purse. Photography in Brooklyn by Francisco Graciano.

View fullsize

Free People floral corduroys and slouchy top, Aldo booties, and Rebecca Minkoff fringe purse.  Photography in SoHo by Francisco Graciano.

View fullsize

For outfit credits please see photo above.  Photography by Francisco Graciano.

Hi there!

For today's blog entry I wanted to talk about how much I love Free People.  Free People is a clothing store chain that to me captures the essence of the style I love.  They combine rock and roll with festival and traditional hippie fashion that can either be rough around the edges or girly.  It's not too fussy or contrived, and the pieces I buy from Free People I find to be timeless.  Check out my Free People Me (#FPMe) account under Lina7, where I've styled a lot of other Free People pieces in my wardrobe.  The fact that this brand allows for consumers who may or may not be bloggers or stylists to style their FP wardrobe and post on the FPMe app is genius.  There you can see how other people styled the pieces you are wanting to purchase and get ideas about fit and styling beforehand.  Free People also holds events for Free People Me stylists a few times a year.  I've been invited to rooftop dinners, yoga sessions, and scored dress benefits.  You guys seriously rock.

If you look at my images above you'll see a few "oldy but goodie" favorites.  The first image has some Free People harem/slouchy pants (called "The Drifter Pant") that I wear day to day or to dance class or yoga styled with my Aldo studded booties, Free People baggy white top, and my Zara blush vegan leather jacket I talked about in my last post.  I finished the look with my hair naturally curly, a berry lip and cat eye, and an old Urban Outfitters black beanie that is a fave of mine once it starts to get colder.  My quilted chain strap Chanel is a classic and goes with any outfit. The Free People pieces in that outfit are versatile from the yoga room or dance floor to a casual stylish day look.

The second two photos include my Free People floral corduroys from last year (their actual name is the "FP Printed Cord Skinny") that I will be re-wearing this season styled above with the same Aldo booties and Free People top. I completed the look with my natural curly hair and my Rebecca Minkoff fringe black cross body bag I scored at last year's sample sale.  This outfit is casual and comfortable with a bohemian and slightly edgy vibe that I just love.

Did you know Free People is the same company as Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie? Well now you do.  All 3 of those stores have a similar aesthetic but a slightly different target demographic.  Anthro and Urban have insanely beautiful stuff too, and Anthropologie has some great sales.  I'm currently eyeing a coat at Anthropologie!

View fullsize

Nail Art done by Marie Nails (Nolita location) for a recent print shoot showcasing fall runway nail art trends. Photography by Prime Content Studio NYC.

View fullsize

Another fall nail art trend for my recent print shoot.  Nails by Marie Nails (Nolita location), photography by Prime Content Studio NYC.

In the above two photos you'll see a couple of fall nail art trends that were seen on the fall runways this year.  The former of the two photos is a spin on the black and gold as well as glitter trends (I am obsessed with the detail in the leaf nail, they are wizards at Marie Nails).  The latter photo is a spin on the paint trend as well as red and black seen on runways such as Desigual (the Barcelona designer famous for mixing things up).  Which one's your favorite? They are both gel nails with nail art design, and they lasted a really long time.  My favorite was the black and gold because I had never had studs on my nails before, and I absolutely loved how it looked.

Xo,

Carolina

My Favorite Fall Color and Fall Florals

View fullsize

Burgundy vegan leather pants and booties by H&M, turtleneck by Zara, jacket by Blank NYC, purse by Kate Spade.  Photography by Francisco Graciano

View fullsize

In the same vegan leather H&M burgundy pants and black booties and Zara top as the previous picture.  Perfect for a fall family foliage stroll in CT!

Hi there!

I'm not sure about you, but this fall in NYC the weather has been a little nuts.  First it's cold, then it warms up to 70s, then it goes back to the 40s.  For this weather I find layers most suitable, but a fun color palette to play with makes layering so much more fun.  In the two above photos taken in 5th Avenue NYC (by my talented photographer boyfriend) and in the Connecticut shoreline with my parents, you can see I'm pretty into the color burgundy for fall.  This burgundy has been described as oxblood or bordeaux depending on the shade, but it's an unmistakable deep red that is so beautiful and fun to pair with black, pink, grey, army green, brown, and orange.  These vegan leather H&M pants are not only affordable but comfortable and can be dressed up or down.  I paired them here with a chunky heel lace-up bootie (also from H&M) and a black sleek turtleneck (and opted for straight hair to round out a polished look).  I've been layering a black jacket with it, army jackets, and my light pink vegan leather jacket in my photo below (see florals below).

View fullsize

Over-the-knee leather boots by Nordstrom, patchwork suede mini skirt by Zara, purse by Celine.

Here's another example of burgundy done in a patchwork suede mini skirt I recently purchased at Zara.  I paired it with over-the-knee black leather boots from Nordstrom and my brand new fall splurge: the Celine nano cross body luggage handbag in beige.  As you can see the skirt has suede patches of beige, black, and navy to go with the burgundy.  I styled the skirt with the same black turtleneck, an older necklace from Urban Outfitters and my new Celine nano luggage tote. I was ready for a night in Lincoln Center last weekend to see Marcelo Gomez's choreography premiere "After Affect" at American Ballet Theater. Of course this required I pay homage to my bunhead days and sweep my hair into a high bun!

View fullsize

Shopping at the famers market in fall florals.  Vintage skirt, shoes by H&M, top by JCrew, jacket by Zara, and purse by Chanel. Photography by Graham Scott.

View fullsize

For outfit credit see photo above.  Photography by Graham Scott.

Lastly, in these two photos you'll see I styled the same H&M lace-up platform booties with hose, a floral mini skirt, an army green (with black vegan leather collar) silk button-down blouse, and pink vegan leather jacket with my matching light pink Chanel tote bag.  This spring-looking outfit can be worn into fall when the weather isn't too cold, layered with a jacket, long-sleeve, and hose underneath.  This look was so much fun to wear to buy pumpkins and fall flowers. I love the way light pink looks with army green (just like in my maxi dress from my previous post), and florals can easily transition from spring into fall.

Xo,

Carolina

Summer To Fall & jumpsuit love

View fullsize

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