Festive in Black & Gold

At a holiday party wearing my Ralph Lauren black with gold crest blazer, a Zara black turtleneck, gold Topshop sequin mini skirt, black tights, and vintage black suede pumps. My gold clutch is a Coach python holiday clutch. Photography by Francisco Graciano.

Sitting by the tree at a holiday party wearing my Ralph Lauren black with gold crest blazer, a Zara black turtleneck, gold Topshop sequin mini skirt, black tights, and vintage black suede pumps. My gold clutch is a Coach python holiday clutch. Photography by Francisco Graciano.

Standing by the tree at a holiday party wearing my Ralph Lauren black with gold crest blazer, a Zara black turtleneck, gold Topshop sequin mini skirt, black tights, and vintage black suede pumps. My gold clutch is a Coach python holiday clutch. Photography by Francisco Graciano.

The details  

Hi there! 

Merry Christmas Eve and Happy first day of Chanukah everyone! In the spirit of the Holiday season I wanted to share my favorite holiday color combination: Gold and Black. 

In the look above I styled my favorite Lauren by Ralph Lauren black blazer with gold RL crest over a Zara black turtleneck tucked into a Topshop gold sequin mini skirt. I finished the look with black tights and vintage black suede pumps, and my favorite gold python clutch from Coach. I also added a couple statement necklaces for some added sparkle!

Make sure you sparkle over this holiday season and ring in the New Year in style. I love an excuse to sparkle and shine and be festive. If you've been following along on my social media I've been snapping and Instagram story sharing some fun holiday moments and looks too.

Xo, 

Carolina  

Mala Beads & Jewelry

Wearing the gold plated brass Buddha pendant. Found at the Great Eastern Imports website or their Etsy shop (more below). Photography by Francisco Graciano.

Wearing the rose quartz and hermatite wrist mala beads. Photography by Francisco Graciano. 

My best friend Samantha in the gold plated brass Om Mani Padme Hum Pendant. Photography by Francisco Graciano.  

Wearing the rudraksha and amazonite as well as the amazonite wrist malas with my Hamsa bracelet from Mexico. Photography by Francisco Graciano. 

Francisco is holding the gold plated silver Vajra pendant with a Swarovski crystal in the center. I can't wait to wear this one as a necklace! Photography by Francisco Graciano.  

Wearing the aquamarine mala bead necklace with crystal. Photography by Francisco Graciano.  

Francisco in the same aquamarine and crystal mala. Photography by Yours Truly.  

Hi there!  

 I am loving mala beads right now. Not just because they are a trend (though that certainly is the case) but because as someone who practices meditation and yoga as well as going to a Buddhist meditation center regularly, they are part of my lifestyle and aesthetic. Another thing I love about Buddhism is that they are completely inclusive and any religion is welcome. It is more than religion, and the jewelry is beautiful.

The company I partnered with is Great Eastern Imports, out of Thailand. I was originally going to go to Thailand with Francisco in September but with the Thai King's passing the dance festival Francisco was going to be performing at was cancelled and we weren't able to go, since his schedule was filled up quickly with rehearsal instead and then the rest of their Asia tour (and my own shedule and travels proved difficult to rearrange). So in the end we still partnered with this great company but by mail instead. 

The pieces above are all described in more detail in the captions so you can see what pieces specifically I, my friend Samantha, or Francisco are wearing if you want to purchase those items. I should mention they typically sell wholesale out of their website to other retailers but for individual purchases they have an Etsy shop too! They also have an array of other beautiful pieces so I encourage you to visit their site and look through.  

With the holidays approaching, these make great gifts! I can't wait to wear some of these pieces with my party outfits either.  They are not only beautiful but a great reminder to slow down and take time for yourself during this hectic holiday season.

Xo, 

Carolina  

Velvet and Wellness

At the Tournesol wellness event in my Free People velvet bell bottoms and bolo tie, H&M white silky blouse, Aldo studded booties and Valentino Rock Stud purse. Photography by Francisco Graciano.  

Hi there!

I was recently invited to the first Conscious Dinner in NYC (they have had them in different cities such as LA before, but will be starting them in NY now as well) last week and it was such a fun event I thought it would be fun to blog about it...and what I wore, of course.

The event was hosted by Integral Fitness and held at Tournesol Wellness, a space for holistic wellness including primary care benefits of everything from Reike practitioners to Herbologists, Yoga and Meditation, etc.  As we checked into the event we went into the kitchen of the space downstairs and had a wonderful vegan meal including kombucha and coconut water stations, and a tea and herbal liquid elixir station where I bought some mushroom immunity and some sleep tea.  

Afterwords we stepped upstairs and signed up for different rooms and experiences.  Francisco and I and my friend Lindsey (who has an awesome new blog all about sustainable clothing) experienced everything from an improv room to Reike, Herbology, and a talk about being our truest selves.  The other rooms also included astrological readings and sound therapy.  It was so much fun!

My outfit incorporated a huge trend at the moment: velvet.  In these Free People pants I always feel like a rockstar.  I styled them with a silky H&M blouse and Free People silver rose and red suede tassel bolo tie which also looks great as a choker, and my Aldo studded booties I wear all the time.  My new Rock Stud Valentino purse rounded out the outfit.  It was a beautiful night for velvet since it is such a cozy fabric especially for the holiday season, and it feels festive for parties.  Since this was a more casual party, velvet pants and a top felt just right.  I also wear it in dresses, shorts, and tops.  How do you wear it?

Xo,

Carolina

The kombucha they were serving was fantastic! 

I loved the Anima Mundi teas and elixirs so much I bought an immunity elixir and dream tea for my insomniac boyfriend.  

This was the elixir I decided on. Perfect for mixing into my morning smoothies! 

Here with Dasha the event organizer. Thanks Dasha! 

Bows: Uptown VS Downtown

In my JCrew sleeveless ruffled collar top with Free People gold chain and attached velvet black bow, vintage striped skirt, black tights and Christian Louboutin pumps, Valentino Rock Stud bag and Guess coat. Photography by Francisco Graciano.

Hi there!

I hope everyone is enjoying their "Turkey Hangover Day" aka Black Friday. I got lots of Christmas shopping done today and am feeling accomplished. 

You may have noticed bows or ties popping up on shirt collars and all over the place.  I challenged myself to style this two ways: Uptown vs Downtown (NYC). For those of you non New Yorkers, uptown chic is usually a little more preppy and classic whereas downtown has more of a bohemian or rock and roll vibe.

In the looks above I styled a free people velvet bow on a gold chain over a JCrew button up collared sleeveless off white silk blouse which I tucked into a vintage silk pink and black striped skirt. I completed the look with tights, black stiletto Christian Louboutin pumps, my new Valentino rock stud bag, and my Guess puffy coat. It's a put together Gossip Girl style look which is chic and definitely preppy, like a schoolgirl who's grown up.

In the below looks I styled a crisp white Ralph Lauren oxford shirt with high neck collar and attached big bow with my ripped H&M high-waisted skinny jeans, Aldo studded booties, and  Rebecca Minkoff black fringe bag.  In the other photo I also added a studded tweed jacket over the blouse which I scored at H&M years ago. I posed on the fire escape for a completion to the edgier version of the bow shirt trend. 

So there are many ways to wear this bow trend, two of which I had a blast putting together and wearing! The classic white shirt will remain a closet staple, but it can always receive updates.

Xo,

Carolina

In my Ralph Lauren bow tie high collar white blouse, H&M ripped high -waisted skinny jeans, Aldo studded booties, and Rebecca Minkoff black fringe purse. I finished the look with vintage Chanel studded earrings. Photography by Francisco Graciano. 

Fringe in Austin

Frolicking and spinning in my Forever 21 fringe vest and blouse, Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply jeans, Maypol espadrilles, and Rebecca Minkoff black fringe purse. Photography by Jessica Remmes.  

Hi there! 

As you might have already seen on my IG, I was on a girls trip to Austin, TX last week through the weekend and we had such a great time! Our theme was "fringe" and it's such a fun trend to incorporate into your wardrobe I felt compelled to blog about it.  

In the look above I styled my light pink faux suede fringe sleeveless jacket and blush pink peasant blouse with lace and bow neck detail, both new pieces from Forever 21, with my oldie but goodie Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply ripped boyfriend jeans, Maypol gold espadrilles, and Rebecca Minkoff black fringe leather bag. It was the perfect look for a stroll on the bike path along the river in Austin. 

Fringe has such great movement and there are so many great ways to wear it. During the trip we all wore it on bags, boots, tops, pants, jackets, vests, and even a bolo tie.  Check out more images below for other ideas on how to wear fringe for a fun day or night look! 

Xo, 

Carolina

Here we are out on Rainey Street where we found some of the coolest bars. I'm wearing a fringe bag and Christina has on a fringe leather jacket! 

Post blowout appointment getting ready for the festivities in my 12th Tribe "ferris fringe jacket" cowboy boots and white eyelet dress with RM fringe purse.  

In the same fringe jacket and vegan leather black romper and cowboy boots for a night of line dancing at White Horse that later took us to a gallery party and more fun! 

Here I am in one of my favorite fringe beaded Native American style tops from Farm (the Brazilian store I've blogged about before). Christina has on a great pair of fringe suede pants too! 

Resort Wear Goes Citrus

Sporting my DressLilly two piece floral and lemon set with Jack Rogers sandals and Celine bag! Feel like having limoncello in Capri in this getup 😊 

Hi there! 

If you follow my blog IG @carolinasantosread you might remember one of my Spring/Summer NYFW inspirations from the Altuzarra (and others) runway involved the citrus fruit trend for Spring 2017. There's something very Italian about this trend and I wanted to feature it in a resort segment.

The look above is from DressLilly.com and is a complete steal under 20 bucks! Definitely the look for less. I love a two piece like this that can be worn separately or together, but there are so many other ways to wear this trend such as on a top, dress, or just the accessories like a lemon earring with a red dress. It makes me want to cruise up the Amalfi coast in Italy. It's fun, flirty, and fresh instead of just bright colors and florals for Spring. I accessorized it with Jack Rogers sandals and Celine bag. 

I'm currently in Austin, TX on a girls trip and will be blogging some more resortwear next, but of a more Western variety. Stay tuned! 

Xo, 

Carolina  

Burgundy & Chanel

In my Chanel ballet flats, Celine mini luggage tote in a matching burgundy, black and burgundy pants from H&M, and black cutout turtleneck top and sweater from Brazil. Photography by Francisco Graciano.  

Hi there! 

One of my favorite colors this season (just like last fall) is burgundy. I incorporated this color and black into my look above. In it I styled my new Chanel burgundy and black ballet flats with my matching Celine mini Nano Luggage Tote, a pair of H&M paisley black and burgundy pants, and a black turtleneck cutout top and leather and cloth sweater from Brazil.  

Wearing ballet flats and going out to see Waitress the musical recently had me wanting to dance, and what's more appropriate than dancing on Broadway? Hehe. These flats were a great investment because they are a staple piece that is not only good quality and will last, but it won't go out of style. Trendy pieces I don't always buy designer, but a classic piece that lasts you end up getting your money's worth.

Style the burgundy trend in any way you like, and it goes really well with black, white, army green, and grey. You can color block it with another hue too, but to me I think more muted colors go well with it.  I even topped off my look with a new Sephora matte lip stain in a purple red that really popped with this look!

I hope everyone had an awesome Halloween! 

xo, 

Carolina

Nautical Gets an Edge

Wearing black leggings with my Aldo booties, H&M bodycon striped dress and Bebe leather biker jacket. Louis Vuitton mini cross body Alma bag. Photography by Francisco Graciano.

Hi there!  

Remember that post I did this summer about the nautical look worn in a more traditional preppy sense? Well this fall I'm feeling the nautical trend but revamped and made modern in a slightly edgy way. How to do this effectively without looking like Popeye? Read on.  

The TommyxGigi collection Tommy Hilfiger partnered up with supermodel Gigi Hadid for is kind of an obsession of mine at the moment. I even posted a #wcw this week on my Instagram with actress Ruby Rose wearing my favorite nautical military jacket from the line. Ruby would look good in anything and with her short hair and tattoos she effortlessly makes nautical look badass. But how should other (maybe less obviously edgy people) go about edging it up a bit? 

In my look above I paired pieces I already had in my closet such as my H&M long sleeve turtleneck navy and white striped bodycon mini dress, a black legging, my Aldo studded ankle booties, and my favorite oldie but goodie Bebe black leather biker jacket. My Louis Vuitton mini Alma cross body in plum added a bright pop of color, and I also accessorized with wayfarer style black shades. 

I also recently found this black and white striped off the shoulder dress (snapshot below from my time in LA this week) at Topshop recently and it's currently on sale! I paired it with a preppy pink Zara blazer and black studded flats to add girly and edgy touches. In colder weather (like it's getting back in NY) I'll throw a black turtleneck under it and tights, and perhaps an over the knee boot like the Rebecca Minkoff runway look I posted below as one of my current inspirations for this. 

Another look I have in mind to wear soon is a long sleeved striped shirt with my black vegan leather skinny Moto jeans and a chunky boot or stiletto. See where I'm going with this? Not too edgy not too prep. The right balance is key. More photos below!

Xo, 

Carolina

The look on the left, one of my inspirations for this post. Bravo in your NYFW runway Rebecca Minkoff!  

My fave TommyxGigi jacket on actress and girl crush Ruby Rose. She edges up a nautical look naturally. Her sleeve tattoos are beautiful. 

My other striped dress look from Topshop, Zara, and Aldo.  

How to Wear Liquid Metallics & Pleats

In this look I styled a Zara gold pleated a-line skirt with Free People Prima ballerina top and Kate Spade "wish" espadrille wedges. Photography by Francisco Graciano.  

Hi there!​

Recently on the NYFW runways it was all about liquid metallics ​to me. It's one trend I knew I had to incorporate into my wardrobe but the look seemed hard to pull off. In these two ways of styling this skirt (see photos below for my more casual version in Miami recently for daytime) I show you how I styled it because, well, I'm here to help!

I love the idea of metallics functioning as a neutral to soften the look and not make it so edgy, so in the nighttime look above (which can easily be a daytime look too) I paired a cream cutout top from Free People (it's called the "Prima ballerina top" and it's available now in many colors) with a Zara pleated a-line liquid metallic gold and tan skirt. ​I finished the look with my Kate Spade gold wedge "wish" shoes that are oldie but goodies. Francisco and I even laughed at the spontaneous Marilyn moment I had with the subway vent gusts of wind as I was standing near one.

​In the look below I styled the same Zara skirt with an older H&M black mesh cutout crop top fave and my recent Maypol gold flat espadrilles from TJMaxx for a more casual sporty daytime look. 

My advice with metallics is to ​mix and match. For example a band tee with silver skirt and ankle booties or a gold jacket over a black look for a pop without looking like you're from outer space. Have fun with it! :)

Xo,​

Carolina​

In this look worn on a recent trip to Miami (look at that view!!) I styled the same Zara skirt with an older H&M crop top and my Maypol gold espadrille flats. 

The movement in the skirt is spectacular! 

Blogger Previews at W by Worth & Fall Trends

It totally works with my loafers and can be worn with a sweater or long sleeve turtleneck underneath to layer! 

This newer take on a mod dress was beautiful. I loved the buttons and tailoring  

Couldn't resist dancing to play up the fun ruffles! 

The nautical skort is such a great look, so many ideas on how to style! I'm on the waiting list for this... 

I've dreamed of a red suit for a while, very tailored and longer with a black pump... 

She showed me how to use this scarf with sleeves which is really cool! 

Loving the color and texture as always

All photography by Francisco Graciano.

Hi there!

As you can see by the looks above, I was recently invited to blogger previews at W by Worth for the Fall/Winter collection, but I waited to post until now since the looks you see above are now available for purchase. I wanted to use the opportunity as a how to wear for fall trends! For my blog I find it important that you not only get outfit inspiration, but you know how to make the look work.  If you ever need to style something and don't know how, please reach out because I love to style too, and there are a variety of ways I do that (including skype/facetime)!

One of my favorite trends I saw on runways and am seeing translated to the streets is the mini mod dress.  The two I pictured above I loved in the W by Worth lineup: the colorful tank and the black and red checkered short sleeved number which is so much fun to wear not only with a boot or heel, but with a loafer like the one I wore to the showroom (perhaps not the same color but you get the idea hehe). My gold glitter loafers are Steve Madden by the way.

I also love the bohemian vibe as you've seen from so many of my posts.  Boho chic can be dressy, casual, edgy, you name it.  In this look they've cut the dress to a shorter length and added a ruffle detail which I'm seeing everywhere and loving.  With the movement in this dress, I had to do some dancing in it.  Of course I'm a dancer too, so...you're welcome.

Another FAVE of mine at the moment is the nautical look.  I like it so much you'll see another outfit coming up of how I added a twist to the classic nautical preppy look.  But here above you can see me in their nautical high waisted skort which I would pair with tights and an over the knee boot, and a turtleneck sweater tucked into the shorts for fall.  There are so many great ways to wear this look!

These are just a few of my favorite fall trend ideas.  Tell me what yours might be! Thanks for all your great comments on my Instagram page @carolinasantosread as well.

Xo,

Carolina

This was an awesome showroom visit thank you to the wonderful W by Worth PR ladies!  

Yoga, Meditation, & Free People

Sporting my new Free People Karma tank from their FP Movement line while doing some yoga. 

In my Free People Karma tank. Photo by Francisco Graciano.  

On a nature walk with Francisco.  

On a nature walk on free time between sessions.  

Goodbye beautiful Sky Lake Lodge Shambhala retreat center! Until next time. Find more about their programs at www.skylake.shambhala.org or follow their IG @skylakeshambhala.  

Hi there! 

I've just returned from a fabulous Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) weekend retreat at Sky Lake Lodge meditation center. It gave Francisco and I the opportunity to take time away from the busy city to do yoga, meditate, and reflect to de-stress and cultivate Mindfulness as we transition into fall. Sometimes weekend adventures I find to be just as valuable and exhilarating as a long vacation. 

On this retreat I wore my new Free People movement line "Karma Tank" (shown above and now on sale) amongst other FP Movement and Free People pieces. Another item I purchased recently and used on the retreat was their meditation spray, a part of a whole new beauty line they are now selling in stores and online. I was first introduced to their new body products and newer FP Movement pieces at a "Movement is Free" yoga event I was invited to and attended a few weeks ago in SoHo.

Check out some photos from that fabulous event below! Thank you to the FP corporate team for the wonderful event (your events are always the best)!  

Xo, 

Carolina

Our yoga setup before class

My snapchat posts included this one wearing FP Movement "Amanda Tank" and holding up one of their newer pants.  

I love this spray to focus the mind and spirit. 

The mantra they had displayed at the event! 

Some goodies I walked away with and am loving!  

Florals & Transitioning into Fall

Wearing my Free People Tree Swing Sleeveless Printed Top as a dress (because I have a short torso don't judge me), Gap espadrille wedges in a plum color with matching plum Louis Vuitton Mini alma bag. Photography by Francisco Graciano.

Hi there! 

Florals for fall are certainly not anything new, but this particular Free People dress (called the "Tree Swing Sleeveless Printed Top") in the cranberry color is such a fun piece that transitions from summer into fall.  Now that in New York the temperatures are starting to cool down a little, I paired it in my look above with my Gap plum colored ankle tie espadrille wedges (an oldie but goodie from years ago) for a warm daytime look, and at night I threw on my black leather motorcycle jacket from Bebe (another oldie but goodie from years ago that gets better with age) for some warmth.  I can't wait to layer it this fall with leggings or over the knee boots and a jacket and scarf!

I have to let you in on a little secret.  I usually shop at my neighborhood Free People Upper East Side location or online, but I snagged this dress at Nordstrom Rack on sale and paid a third of the price while this dress is still full price in store! Major score.  So if you're interested in it look there too as well as on the website/in stores.

 As always I am a proud Free People (FPMe) girl.  Find me on the Free People app as "Lina7" to check out other ways I've styled Free People looks that may not be on the blog.  Check back with me next week to see a Free People Movement line top and accessories I purchased after attending a Movement is Free event in SoHo with yoga, juices, the debut of their skincare line, and some new FP Movement pieces for us to shop.  

Xoxo,

Carolina

Here's a look at the details of the dress so you can see the clasp at the clavicle and the purple and green within the floral pattern.

NYFW OOTD

About to hit up the Desigual SS17 NYFW runway show wearing a Desi top, H&M skirt, Christian Louboutin heels, Chanel vintage cuff bracelet, and Salvatore Ferragamo evening bag. Photography in Gramercy by Francisco Graciano. 

Heading to the Michael Costello show wearing a new H&M leotard, pink Farm Rio maxi skirt, Christian Louboutin black pumps, a vintage Chanel cuff bracelet, and a Salvatore Ferragamo evening bag (a treasured gift from my Mom). Earrings are from a small Brazil boutique called Manhattan in Socorro from this past May's trip. Photography by Francisco Graciano. 

Hi there! 

So New York Fashion Week just wrapped up but I wanted to share with you a couple of my fashion week OOTDs (outfit of the day). Fortunately but unfortunately I had to leave halfway through FW to head to Miami for work (but I always love an excuse to head down to Miami) so I'm focusing on these two looks you for now. However, there will be plenty more fall looks coming up including a blogger preview trip to the W by Worth showroom before their fall/winter line premiered to the public. 

In my first look which I wore to the SS17 runway presentation for Desigual, I wore a Desigual top with a new H&M mustard yellow eyelet mid-length skirt, Christian Louboutin black classic pumps and an oldie but goodie classic Salvatore Ferragamo evening bag. This bag was a gift from my Mom years ago and I treasure it. It's perfect for a fun evening occasion, or daytime if you want to just bring the essentials. I also styled the look with a vintage Chanel cuff I scored at a thrift store years ago while traveling around the English countryside on tour dancing with Giffords Circus. It is another timeless piece I treasure. 

As you can see from the look I am into pairing older classic elements (Christian Louboutin black pumps will never go out of style) with a modern elegance of a fun graffiti and comic strip shirt tucked into a classic A-line skirt in the currently very popular mid length.

In the second look I styled a new H&M floral off the shoulder leotard with a matching Farm Rio maxi skirt, Christian Louboutin black pumps and my Ferragamo evening bag. I finished the look with my vintage Chanel cuff. In this look I went a little more romantic since Michael Costello has such gorgeous gowns and dressy clothes for women and men. Another big fall trend is still the off the shoulder look but the ballet look is in, and being a dancer myself I naturally love getting to wear this! 

Check out my (sometimes blurry sorry) iPhone photo recaps below of the Desigual and Michael Costello shows! 

with love,

Carolina

xoxo

I love their motto and the Desigual woman. I relate to this wanderlust theme since I have a passion for travel and have moved countries various times! 

On the runway pre-show before they took the protective covering off! 

I met the talented Nigel Barker! 

Desigual SS17 presentation

This embellished white lace dress with butterfly and other details was so gorgeous! I need it  

They used crowns and face paint on the models to resemble snapchat filters like the butterfly filter that I love! What a fun detail. 

Michael Costello SS17 was beyond stunning with its use of feminine silhouettes, plum, white, black, and pops of red. A gorgeous palette. 

Gorgeous. A lot of flower crowns everywhere, I'm into it! 

I really love a good jumpsuit

I loved seeing the babies on the runway!  

Smorgasburg: End of Summer Casual

Duck C Bao Asian bun and Lychee iced tea! Please read on for outfit details:)

Duck C Bao Asian bun (and lychee bubble tea: yum!) 

Organic coconuts and coconut water are my fave! 

In Williamsburg for Smorgasburg wearing Zara shorts, a vintage tee, Aldo studded flats, and a Chanel classic quilted chain strap black purse. Photography Francisco Graciano. 

Vietnamese street food puffs with beef and herbs. So yummy! Francisco also got noodles but I was feeling full and wanted room for ice cream:) 

The People's Pops in the Blueberry hibiscus flavor was delicious! They were doing shaved ice too.

Hi there! 

Francisco and I ventured into Smorgasburg in Williamsburg, Brooklyn on a recent Saturday afternoon for end of summer outdoor eating fun. The concept of Smorgasburg is to get a lot of food vendors in one place so you can sample a variety of food and drink options. We definitely had fun!

To the festival I wore a vintage London tee tucked into Zara red denim frayed shorts, with my Aldo studded ankle strap flats and a Chanel quilted black chain strap purse. I finished the look with Ray Ban wayfarers for an effortless casual summer outfit with an edgy but playful finish. 

Check out Smorgasburg for great eats! I described in my photo captions what we ate, and everything was delicious! I love how many organic options they have too. Don't forget sunscreen or a hat though because you will be in the sun a lot. The views of Manhattan from the water are gorgeous! We even raised up my coconut like the Lion King against the beautiful Manhattan skyline for a photo op.  We later went vintage and local artisan shopping in the heart of Billyburg.

Stay tuned for my NYFW posts beginning later this week! 

Xo, 

Lina  

Nautical and Beachy

Wearing my new anchor dress I bought in a small boutique on Block Island this summer by designer Escapada, and gold Maypol espadrille flats also a recent buy from TJ Maxx. I topped it off with an oldie but goodie pink Chanel quilted purse. Photography by Francisco Graciano. 

Hi there! 

Are you looking forward to your Labor Day long weekend? I have the perfect end of Summer beachy and nautical look for you. On a recent trip to Block Island I purchased this beautiful little nautical anchor dress from a small boutique on the main strip. The designer is Escapada. Nautical looks are absolutely everywhere for summer and can transition into fall beautifully too. My last look from Newport had the traditional white and navy stripes with a pop of yellow (which can be done with long sleeves jeans and a blazer or cute scarf once the weather gets colder). This week's look is more traditional with navy and pink anchors. We photographed on the water in Watch Hill, Rhode Island before hitting the beach. It's a simple beachy dress that can be dressed up or down.

I kept it casual with a pair of gold Maypol (made in Spain) espadrille flats that were a recent purchase from TJ Maxx. A gold espadrille is comfy, cute, and right on trend! I was looking for a pair like these all over and the Rochester, NY store had them but Manhattan had sold out. Jane Martin, store manager at the Pittsford Plaza TJ Maxx was kind enough to send the pair over to my closest Manhattan store so I could purchase them. That's amazing customer service! I will remain a lifetime Maxxinista for that.

My last accessory is one of my favorite Chanel bags I've had for a long time. You can never go wrong with a classic quilted Chanel and a gold chain strap. It will never go out of style and the resale value is high so these handbags are a great investment. I've sold older ones and put that towards new ones sometimes even making money. Talk about Maxxinista! I updated it with a black pom accessory bought at a small boutique in CT, but they are everywhere including the streets of Manhattan and H&M stores.

Enjoy your holiday weekend!

xo, 

Carolina  

Old Country Glamour

Wearing an Anthropologie nautical top with BCBG yellow skirt, JCrew espadrille wedge sandals, and a Chanel pink quilted purse. Photography by Francisco Graciano. 

Hi there! 

Notice my spelling of "glamour" the traditional English way? Pun intended. On a recent trip to see the old country mansions in Newport, Rhode Island we decided to photograph at my favorite: Rosecliff. This home was built in the 1920s when society's most wealthy all spent their summers in their summer "cottages" in Newport, entertaining society's most prominent figures. The New England mansions were also the perfect setting to photograph a summer staple look: old English glamor, or a classic elegant aesthetic. 

In my rendition of this I could have gone in many directions (all looks I love) such as a tweed for fall, or a madras, seersucker, and many other traditional looks. However given that Newport has a nautical beachy history, I went with nautical chic!  

Stripes are big this season, and what's more classic than white and navy with pops of yellow? I styled a fun Anthropologie peplum nautical striped top with an oldie but goodie yellow silk BCBG skirt, and also oldie but goodie JCrew wedge espadrille sandals. A couple of these pieces may be older, but you can find replicas in so many places, as these are statement wardrobe pieces that don't go out of style! Finally I topped off the look with one of my favorite Chanel pink quilted purses, another iconic bag for an iconic summer look.

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer! 

Xo, 

Carolina

Backless and Free

In my new Reformation Manon dress, in a coral red. With YSL army green platforms and DuMond army green clutch with gold wrist chain. Earrings are from a small boutique in Brazil from my last trip there in May.  Photography by Francisco Graciano.

Hi there! 

On this week's blog post I wanted to feature another look from one of my all time favorite brands: Reformation. If you recall from previous posts, Reformation is a favorite of mine because they are an Eco-friendly company that is completely made in the US with all recycled textiles and renewable energy. The clothes are gorgeous and elegant without being unreasonably expensive, and their marketing is fun and edgy. I highly advise you becoming a "Ref babe" too.

In the photos above I styled Reformation's Manon dress in a coral red with an older pair of YSL army green cork wedges and a DuMond bag (a Brazilian designer that makes gorgeous accessories). The earrings are ask Brazilian from a small boutique in the gorgeous RioMar shopping center in Recife from my last trip there in May to visit family. The bright color of the dress is playful yet sexy and shows off a summer tan. The backless detail of this dress makes it feminine and flirty, and easy to wear out dressed up like I did or by day with a sun hat, picnic basket and your favorite flat sandals for a more casual look.

Because this look had me feeling French and oh so chic, we chose to photograph it in my Upper East Side Manhattan neighborhood in front of a French restaurant we like! 

Xo, 

Carolina

Lilly Pulitzer for Summer

In my new flourescent pink Lilly dress with gold accents, Kate Spade "wish" gold bow espadrille wedges, and Kate Spade flourescent green purse (an outlet score)! 

Hi there! 

I hope you're having a fantastic summer. Summertime for me includes some flourescent colors and preppy accents for weekends away on the Connecticut shoreline.  

In my photos above photographed by Francisco Graciano from my friends' Upper East Side gorgeous penthouse veranda, I styled my Lilly Pulitzer flourescent pink dress with gold accents with a gold espadrille wedge Kate Spade shoe. I also wore a Kate Spade flourescent green bag to make it a green and pink (Lilly's traditional preppy color combination) look that wasn't too on the nose. The Kate Spade bag was an outlet score, too! My gold earrings picked up more gold accents, and my hair was styled straight to add to the put togetherness of the look. The neckline of the dress is very 1960s, so I got my hair done with a slight hair flip on the bottom. Later that evening after dinner with friends Francisco and I went to the Joyce Theater in Chelsea to catch Rosie Herrera's dance company performing. For more of my fun nights out be sure to follow my fashion blog Instagram including the new "story" feature on @carolinasantosread.

Not only are flourescents fun and happy summer colors, but they pick up a tan beautifully and accentuate it.  

Enjoy your fun in the sun! 

xo, 

Carolina

The Mermaid Craze

Hi There!

The Mermaid Craze has swept the nation. 

Wearing my DressLily shell bikini at the beach in the CT shoreline. Photo by Francisco Graciano.  

My vintage 1920s gold shell purse adds to my mermaid theme. Purchased from Mermaid by Hand Jewelry.  Photography by Francisco Graciano. 

Here I am lounging on the couch as a mermaid (doesn't everyone?) in my same DressLily bikini and mermaid tail blanket, and Etsy shop starfish hair clip. The hair clip wasn't a recent purchase but I'm sure there are similar ones on Etsy currently. Photography by Francisco Graciano. 

As you can see from the photos above, I'm a little bit of a mermaid fan. Ok a lot bit. But there's definitely something to be said of the recent mermaid craze in fashion.  It's showing up everywhere in all different ways. I love it.

In my first two photos you can see my mermaid-themed beach look, where I styled a DressLily mermaid bikini with a vintage 1920s gold shell purse I found on Mermaid by Hand Jewelry, an Etsy shop (and Instagram page) I came across. The bikini is currently on sale on DressLily!

The second two photos are of my mermaid inspired home look, because all mermaids watch tv now and don't just sit on a rock in the ocean, amiright? In this look I wore a different shell bikini with more pastel colors also from DressLily and a DressLily mermaid tail blanket (both on the site) . The bikinis are on sale and some of the mermaid blankets too! I completed the look with a starfish barrette (purchased on Etsy I believe) that I scored as a bridesmaid in a beach-themed wedding I was in on the CT shoreline.

These looks are so much fun in the summertime, and the blanket can help you feel beachy while accepting a not-so-summerlike climate from the comfort of your own home. I even recently decorated my bathroom with these beach and mermaid-inspired accents! 

Xo, 

Carolina

This mermaid tail hook was a discovery at a boutique in Provincetown, MA on a recent trip. 

These drawer and cabinet knobs were recent Anthropologie purchases, and the shell was even on sale!  

Prints and Maxi Skirts

Frolicking in Downtown Essex, CT on a beautiful summers day. Photography by Francisco Graciano.  

A visit to Marleys Cafe on the shoreline of Connecticut in the town of Essex. Photography by Francisco Graciano.  

Hi there! 

With Summer in full swing, I am a huge fan of the flowiness and the airyness of a maxi skirt. This look is fun and flirty fashion perfect for a dressy or casual summer occasion. The flower print is not too busy and adds a bohemian feel with a bright color palette that is very lively.

I styled a new Farm Rio skirt (I featured a recent dress purchase from them in a recent post, they are one of my favorite Brazilian fashion brands) with a Topshop mesh and spandex crop top, and a great platform wedge. Also in this look is my Topshop shell purse. 

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer!

Xo,

Carolina