W by Worth Showroom Shopping

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In my new Vince Camuto Moto boots, Zara top and Simply Vera by Vera Wang faux fur vest, ready to shop! All photos by Francisco Graciano. 

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Hi there!

I was recently invited by Claire at the W by Worth Showroom on 5th avenue and 57th Street (Worth New York's ready to wear brand) to come in for a fitting. Francisco and I went to my appointment and he photographed me candidly looking through and trying on some gorgeous pieces, and I fell in love with the W by Worth line as well as the experience of shopping at the showroom and here's why you will too.

Shopping at the showroom allows for a more personal experience much like meeting with a personal stylist or shopper while having the store to yourself. Claire understood my style aesthetic from my blog and Instagram as well as what I told her I liked, and we both pulled pieces for me to try on. What she pulled for me that I didn't initially gravitate towards on the rack I immediately understood why she had me try on when I did.

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Olive isn't a color I wear a ton of and these pieces above were my favorite in terms of their effortlessness, chic, and the color working with my skin tone and hair color. I normally gravitate towards color and pattern, black, or jewel tones as you can see from the pieces I pulled to try on. I walked away with the gorgeous olive sweater tunic and might need to get this olive leather mod dress; it would look so fabulous with a turtleneck and tights underneath!

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I can't wait to continue to shop this way, it was such a fun shopping appointment with zero stress, lines to wait in to checkout, or clothes to send back if they didn't fit. Claire gets me, go see her at the showroom! Worth headquarters are located in the Garment District if Worth New York is more up your alley.

Xo,

Carolina 

Burberry & a Military Trench

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Walking Central Park in my Burberry rain boots and matching scarf, Celine Nano Crossbody bag, Zara military pea coat, Urban Outfitters beanie and Ray Ban sunglasses.  Photography by Francisco Graciano.

Hi there!

Did you survive Storm Jonas? I always love walking in New York's Central Park after a snowstorm through the fluffy snow and seeing the glistening trees on a sunny day with blue skies.  Today was that kind of day, a beautiful aftermath of the storm.  Of course this couldn't be done without the right outerwear, and if you're anything like me you want to be properly outfitted without sacrificing style.

I paired my traditional plaid print Burberry rain boots (lined with Hunter fleece boot socks) and matching Burberry scarf with my army green Zara military long pea coat in a trench coat style.  I love the way the army green pairs with the beige tone of the scarf and boots to add to the military color palette.  Also the look and feel of a traditional Burberry plaid is very iconically British as is a military style coat: a likely pair.  I styled it further with my Urban Outfitters black beanie, Ray Ban sunglasses, and beige Celine Nano crossbody bag.  Burberry plaid is a very obvious print so keeping the rest of the outfit neutral and solid colors is key with a more traditional look (especially when I want the print to pop).

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I love the details of this coat including the buttons on the back and sleeves as well.  Here you can see my Hunter fleece rain boot liners in red to match my Burberry rain boots. Photography by Francisco Graciano.

I really love the details on the back of this coat!  The buttons on the back of the waist sash as well as the four buttons on each coat sleeve really make this coat unique and traditional in an old military trench coat look.  It's warm and so much fun to wear, and dresses up any outfit.  

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Bag details: the Celine Nano crossbody bag in beige.  Photo by Francisco Graciano.

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One more outfit details shot.  Photo by Francisco Graciano.

In the two above photos I wanted to showcase the Celine Nano crossbody bag's details.  I just love the architecture of this bag.  Modern, sophisticated, versatile, yet unique which is why I suppose it's become such an iconic bag.  The large Celine Nano luggage tote is beautiful too, but I like the side strap versatility of the smaller crossbody version. 

Today's blue skies made me want to look up and appreciate this cold yet beautiful winter day!

Xo,

Carolina

Puffy Coat or Faux Fur?

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Topshop faux fur turquoise coat, Aldo booties, and JCrew vegan leather skinnies styled with a vintage hat and Celine Nano Crossbody bag. Photography by Francisco Graciano.

 Hi there!

So in my last post I noted my belief that being warm doesn't have to be boring. This is why I want to lay out a few coat options for warm fun coats for this winter season that I'm having so much fun with in my closet right now! 

In my look above you can see my Topshop turquoise blue faux fur coat. I feel like a rockstar in this coat when going out, and it's warm and fuzzy too. I paired it here with my JCrew vegan leather skinnies, favorite Aldo studded ankle booties, a vintage hat and scarf, and my Celine nano Crossbody bag in a burgundy red. Francisco and I took to the streets of Gowanus, Brooklyn to shoot against some graffiti that we thought spelled out what I felt like doing in this outfit quite literally! 

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On the LES of Manhattan in my Guess puffy coat, Free People scarf and Celine Nano Crossbody. Photography by Francisco Graciano.

In the photos above I'm wearing my new Guess puffy coat with faux fur trim on the hood. I styled it with my Celine Nano Crossbody bag, Free People new fluffy white scarf, my favorite booties, and my H&M boyfriend dress pants, as well as a red lip. I love the belt feature on this coat to cinch the waist while still providing a thick layer of warmth, and the faux fur trim makes it playful and more stylish instead of an average black standard puffy coat.

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My new H&M faux fur with Valentino rock studs and Kate Spade purse.

This is a brand new H&M faux fur jacket I found on sale. It's a black with dark green mixed in. For a night on the town I'll pair it with vegan leather skinnies, my Valentino rock stud heels and matching Kate Spade red with cheetah print purse. This is a fun while staying warm alternative! 

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 

New Years Eve: A Feminine Twist on Menswear

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Sleeveless tuxedo top by JCrew, boyfriend fit dress pants by H&M, studded boots by Aldo.  Photography by Francisco Graciano.

Hi there!

“Is it NYE already? What will I wear?!” Don’t worry I have you covered! Every New Years Eve I typically pull out something shiny or sparkly out of my closet, and usually it's in dress form.  This year I thought I’d experiment with a feminine version of menswear.  In the photo above, shot by Francisco Graciano in the Upper East Side’s gorgeous Palace Hotel, you can see I styled my boyfriend fit dress pant from H&M with my sleeveless tuxedo blazer top from JCrew.  I love the sexiness the open shoulders and deep V add to the look, which I think is accentuated nicely with a bralette underneath.  For a little sparkle change the black bralette to a sparkly number.

I also paired the look with my favorite rock and roll studded ankle booties from Aldo.  However, for a more polished sleek look swap out booties for a stiletto (perhaps with a little sparkle) and you’re ready for a night on the town! Or a night in.  Those can be so much less stressful on New Years!

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Here are some of the outfit details, lipstick by Laura Mercier, earrings are vintage.  Photography by Francisco Graciano.

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Lipstick by Laura Mercier, earrings are vintage.  Photography by Francisco Graciano. Celebrate NYE with Moet Chandon and look up to see that ball drop!

In these last two photographs you can see the outfit details with the bralette and tuxedo top as well as my makeup, jewelry and hair choices.  I opted to go with a gold earring to match the hardware in my booties, a pulled back slicked low ponytail for a Spanish dramatic edge (my upbringing in Madrid shows up a lot in my clothing choices), and a fiery red lip to add even more drama. My lipstick is by Laura Mercier and my jewelry is vintage. 

Whatever you decide to do this New Years, be safe and drink responsibly but above all have fun and ring in the New Year in style! Happy New Year 2016 everyone!

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

Tartan and Holiday Nails

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Wearing the maxi tartan "Venitia Dress" by Free People, Aldo studded booties, Rebecca Minkoff fringe purse, and Urban Outfitters sweater and beanie.  Photography by Francisco Graciano.

Hi there!

When I think of the holidays what comes to mind is not only glitter, sparkle, and metallics but also tartan.  You know, that beautiful old-school English Ralph Lauren version of plaid that can be either worn edgy or preppy.  In my photo above I styled the beautiful Venitia Dress by Free People with Aldo studded black ankle booties, my Rebecca Minkoff fringe purse, and Urban Outfitters sweater and beanie for a bit of an edgier feel. I love this dress not only for its maxi length but the back and front are deep Vs, and styled with my hair up and maybe a black sequin blazer and heels makes it the perfect outfit choice for a holiday party!

Another way to do plaid I really love is in a buttoned up oxford shirt worn tucked into skinny jeans and with ankle or high boots.  Top it off with a blazer and you have a preppy put together outfit! I am also into a little bow under the buttoned up collar for a feminine touch to a masculine look. Additionally, playing with texture is always fun with plaid. Sometimes I wear my tartan oxford with a sequined mini skirt and tights, or with vegan leather pants.  

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Nail art by Absolutta Esmalteria in Socorro, SP Brazil.

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Holiday nail art option number two, also by Absolutta Esmalteria in Socorro, SP Brazil

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Red nails are always a classic for Christmas! New gold moccasin slippers by JCrew factory.

These three holiday nail options pictured above are some of my favorites lately.  In the first photo you'll see a fuchsia nail with gold glitter french manicure accents and a gold glitter statement nail, which I came up with to match my pink and gold look for my cousins' wedding in Brazil last month (see last post for outfit details). In the second photo I went with a lilac nail and cheetah-print statement nail art, and in the third photo you'll see a traditional red nail with my Starbucks and new JCrew factory gold moccasin slippers.  

All three ideas are fun for the holidays and parties, so I'd say go for your design and have fun with it to show off your personality and festive spirit! Happy Holidays everyone from my family to yours.

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

Out on the Town Style: Classic Meets Modern

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Here I am at NYC's new Whitney Museum in the Meat Packing district, wearing my new Diane Von Furstenberg (DVF) wrap dress, Aldo studded flats, and Louis Vuitton Alma bag.  Photography by Francisco Graciano.

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This time shot from the outside patio of the Whitney Museum.  For outfit credits please see photo above.  Photography by Francisco Graciano.

Hi there! 

I am back on US soil after a hop down to South America to be in my cousin's wedding in Brazil which was spectacular.  It was much warmer there than in NYC (as it is springtime there), and I had fun playing with summer/resort wear for a little while longer before returning to what is finally colder fall weather in NYC.  

Even though the weather is getting colder, the holiday season is always a time of celebration and fun cocktail parties.  Next week I will do a feature on holiday dresses, but first I want to talk about a classic timeless piece: Diane Von Furstenberg's wrap dress in a traditional print (the iconic kisses) but in a pop art design shown in my photos above.  I recently purchased this dress because it is modern, flirty, and fun but also timeless.  In my opinion the backdrop of the new Whitney Museum of modern art was a perfect setting to shoot it, among some of my favorite Rothkos, Pollocks, and Warhols: modern and iconic art.

A little over a year ago I visited the DVF "Journey of a Dress" exhibit in LA at the LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) and I was so inspired by the evolution of her iconic wrap dress.  Diane's slogan is to "Feel like a woman...wear a dress" and the effortless wrap dress is easy to wear, chic, and transitions beautifully from day into night.  I styled mine with my Louis Vuitton red Alma bag, black Aldo studded flats for a little edge, and a leather jacket.  It can also easily be worn with tights and heels and added accessories for a night look. As one of my fashion idols, I believe owning a DVF wrap dress is a closet staple like the Chanel quilted handbag, a LV speedy, or a Cole Haan loafer.  What are your closet staples?

Happy Holidays!

Xo,

Carolina 

Free People and Fall Nail Art

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 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.

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

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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!

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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.

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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

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

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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).

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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!

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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.

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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

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