Eco Friendly Laundry & More!

Hi guys!

If you’ve been following along on my Instagram you will see my eco journey (I created a highlight reel too) through stories and posts dedicated to reducing waste. I’ve always like to use clean products (skincare or laundry/cleaning products included there) but now I’m finding ways to reduce waste. Less plastic is a big part of that.

I’ve partnered with two amazing companies NetZero Company and Tru Earth. Both have eco laundry strips I was gifted which save tons of plastic laundry jugs from going into landfills, they reduce tons of pollution due to the lightweight shipping of this product (versus the heavy laundry jug alternative), and they are hypoallergenic and free of chemicals and dyes so it’s better for your skin, hair, and overall health. You also save money when you use dryer balls as I no longer buy fabric softener or dryer sheets. They are good for about 1,000 dryer loads! By the way dryer sheets are among the most toxic household items you will use. All kinds of chemicals are on those, isn’t that nuts?

Net Zero also gifted me a collapsible reusable straw with holder for my purse and I’m waiting to receive some other exciting products from both stores that I’ve been super excited to use so I’ll share more on my stories later.

Both companies have other zero waste products in their stores too! Things like reusable makeup wipe pads to eliminate cotton balls and wipes, reusable silicone ziplock style bags, bees wax wraps (a fave of mine that is reusable for covering food and won’t harm the environment), cloth grocery and produce bags, and much more. Use my code Carolina10 in each store for a discount. They are both small businesses, and they ship everywhere! Unfortunately with Tru Earth I won’t get credit if you just use the code. You also have to click this link first to shop their products (If you go with their stuff I so appreciate you clicking my affiliate link so I can get credit for introducing you)! Don’t forget to use Carolina10 to get 10% off of anything on their sites!

Let me know how you like the products once you’ve used them. Finding ways to reduce waste feels so good & you are doing so much good for the planet 🌎 ♻️ 😉

Xo,

Carolina

PS my Amazon shop link I’ve been asked for (with all my fave products on Amazon to easily shop in one page) is once again linked here!

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

Accessories edit with Promo code

Hi there!

Karim and I have loved our staycation in various parts of our province of Ontario, including this gorgeous vineyard. It’s fitting that the dress is from a Canadian store close to us in Toronto (it’s a Canadian chain) called The Latest Scoop. I styled alternative look-alike options on my LiketoKnow.it also, follow me there! My dress is the “ribbed knit midi dress” and comes in 5 colors. They are having a sale on sale for an additional 20% off! It’s so easy breezy to wear and can be dressed up or down. I styled it with my “Greece White Leather” Steve Madden flats, which are perfect Hermès dupes! Use code Spring40 to get 40% off this style now. Steve Madden also has a Canada site so no encountering customs fees to have it shipped internationally, etc!

My gorgeous palm earrings are from the American brand Ettika. My personal discount code for them is “Carolina10” for 10% off! I’ve worn other pieces of theirs in previous blog posts, so I will post those couple photos below for you to see those jewelry items. More pics of Ettika pieces they’ve sent me and I wear nonstop are included in my “product faves” highlight reel on my IG. Lastly, the bag is Topshop and is on sale! There’s also a Topshop Canada (I picked it up at our local mall in Toronto). I love the cute shell detail. 🐚 I also linked look-alike bags on my LiketoKnow.it profile.

I’m obsessed with the varying landscapes of Ontario! If you look at my “Toronto” highlight on my Instagram @carolinasantosread.fashion or @carolinasantosread (blog or performer pages) you will see what I mean.

I hope you are enjoying Summer:)

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)

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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

All Of The VELVET Feels

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Velvet romper by 12thTribe and Celine Nano Crossbody Bag shot in LES by Francisco Graciano

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Velvet 12th Tribe romper and Celine Nano Crossbody bag shot in LES Manhattan by Francisco Graciano

Hi there!

Happy New Year! So it's that time of year where the holidays are over and it's cold and somewhat dreary in New York, but that doesn't mean we can't wear something fun, amiright? My latest trend obsession has been velvet. I have these great burnout velvet flare leg pants I've been wearing and I recently bought this 12thTribe long sleeved floral romper shown in the photos above. Because of the cold weather I paired it with warm tights, ankle booties, a chunky belt and my Celine Nano Crossbody bag.

Francisco and I took to the streets of Manhattan's Lower East Side to photograph the look against the Brooklyn Bridge on a cloudy day (which made the floral red and purple hues of the romper really pop).  

12th Tribe is my new online shop (since its Cali-based and I'm an East Coaster) go-to outside of Free People for boho fashion. You might remember a previous post of mine where I talked about the faux suede fringe jacket I got from them too. They have great clothes and their customer service is incredible!

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

Holiday Party Dresses and Can't Leave the House Without Items!

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Party dress no 1 by Free People "Ginger Meadow Dress," vintage shoes. Photography by Francisco Graciano, shot in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Hi there!

So it's the holiday season (wopee!!) and I'm not sure about you, but for me it's certainly the time of year I pull shiny things out of my closet. And party dresses.  All of my party dresses (appropriate for winter).  In this post I want to feature some of my favorite party dresses as well as can't-leave-the-house-without items to be party ready.  The first dress above is from Free People (my fave, in case you didn't see my Nov 12th entry).  I'm a Free People Me stylist (Lina7) and I just LOVE this brand's look, customer service, and free people me program.  

This dress is called the "Ginger Meadow Fit and Flare" dress, and I love the lace and beading on the top attached to a cushy deep red velvet skirt.  It's whimsical and vintage and has a victorian lush feel to it.  I feel like a character in Alice in Wonderland in it, thus the idea for the shoot in a magical garden I love to visit in Park Slope, Brooklyn.  Photography again by my talented man, Francisco Graciano.

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Free People "Reflected Moonlight" dress, vintage shoes, Topshop faux fur jacket, and JCrew statement necklace.  Shot on the Gowanus canal in Brooklyn by Francisco Graciano.

In this second look photographer Francisco Graciano and I took to the streets of Gowanus, Brooklyn (or more specifically the Gowanus canal) to shoot Free People's Reflected Moonlight dress in nude and gold with the setting sun and water in the background. Also in this look are my vintage shoes, Topshop turquoise statement faux fur and JCrew statement necklace. I love a little sparkle around the holidays, and what better way to do sparkle than a metallic? I love how this dress contrasts nude with gold to make gold work like a neutral and match with almost anything. It adds a little festive flair to an outfit, and has you feeling glamorous.  I love the gold and black color combination which is why I went with my black heels instead of my favorite gold glitter peeptoe Louboutin heels featured in the photo below, which are very festive! I also styled this dress with a statement faux fur from Topshop, because a fun faux fur jacket makes an outfit look more glamorous and party ready! This outfit had me feeling like a rockstar.  Also at the back of my nude tights was a black seam going down the leg which adds a feminine and sexy edge to a party dress.

Can't leave the house without items...read below

Last but not least before embarking on your party adventure I always suggest bringing along my can't-leave-the-house-without items in your party clutch.  Stylist tape (shown above my Victoria's Secret fashion tape) to hold your dress straps where they should be, accessories like my Topshop earrings, Chanel powder to take down shine when you've been dancing away, travel perfume (I love Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel), Rosebud Salve lip balm, and a fun party bag like my Coach gold python clutch. In the photo I went with gold and pink accessories for my cousins' wedding in Brazil recently, to match my gold peeptoe glitter Christian Louboutins and pink silk Nicole Miller gown.

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Here was the final look! Pictured with my cousin Fernando whom I walked down the aisle with in the wedding party for my cousin Camila's wedding last month in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Xo,

Carolina