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  

Festival Wear 🌸🌼🌻🎸🎤

Having a ball at the Governors Ball music festival in NYC recently! Wearing 12th Tribe pants, Free People top, H&M platform booties, and a Rebecca Minkoff purse (the mini Love Crossbody). 

Hi There! 

With Summer now in full swing, music festivals are going on everywhere! I was recently at the Governors Ball festival in New York, and I went in full festival garb.

In my look above I styled my 12th Tribe bell bottom print pants with Free People fringe top, H&M platform lace-up booties, and my Rebecca Minkoff mini pink Love Crossbody purse. I also topped off the look with natural curly hair and a flower crown. 

Last year at Governors Ball I wore a jumpsuit which was beautiful but difficult to use the bathroom in (had to get full naked in a portopotty!) so this year I opted for an easier pant and a platform rubber bootie that was easy to clean at the end of the festival once it was covered in mud from the field.

Happy Festival Season babes! 

xo, 

Carolina

Walking the Strange Creek festival last year wearing a Free People fringe kimono, Aldo studded ankle booties, and Express cutoff black denim shorts and H&M black crop top. 

Here's an outfit from last year's Strange Creek Music Festival wearing Topshop pants, Aldo ankle boots, and a Free People top and necklace.  

Boho Gets Dressy

In my new Farm dress, Louis Vuitton mini alma bag, and Gap espadrille lace-up wedges. Photography by Francisco Graciano. 

Hi there!

As you probably already know about me, I love boho chic. Bohemian fashion usually has a very laid back connotation, but it doesn't always need to be. Sometimes boho looks upscale while still holding onto its hippie roots. I was recently at a wedding at the Metropolitan building in Long Island City that had a gorgeous vintage shabby chic feel.  The decor was too gorgeous to miss a photo op.

The dress I'm wearing in the photo is a recent find from my favorite store from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The store is called Farm. Unfortunately they are only in Brazil but you can shop online! I bought this dress in Recife on my recent trip to see family. I love the billowy sleeves, open back, and floral design.  They matched my new Louis Vuitton plum colored mini Alma bag and purple wedge ribbon tie espadrilles from the Gap.

The length of the dress works because it's baggier on top, so it shows off some form without being too tight all over.

I danced the night away in this look!

Xo,

Carolina

Here I am with my best friends from college Josiah and the maid of honor Vanessa!

The 90s Are Back

Visiting the Ricardo Brennard museum in Recife with my cousin, boyfriend, and Mom wearing my espadrilles from Spain, Forever 21 skirt, H&M crop top, and Aldo choker. Photography by Francisco Graciano.  

Hi there! 

Happy first day of summer! I was recently on vacation visiting family in Brazil and while visiting the Ricardo Brennard museum Frsncisco and I felt inspired to shoot in the beautiful setting that is the grounds of the museum.  

Recently 90s fashion has resurfaced in a big way. In my look you'll see two or three of those trends: the choker, the crop top, and a long skirt. My crop top from H&M is updated with small mesh cutouts on the sides, and the choker from Aldo is a felt wrap choker that can be worn different ways. The skirt is a flowy light pink number from Forever 21 that is slightly sheer with a darker pink solid mini inside to add depth, and the draping on the skirt adds some nice texture too. I finished the look with an espadrilles from Spain (where espadrilles originated: "alpargatas") for a casual daytime look. Swap the flat for a wedge or heel in the evening and voila you have a fun summer going out look!

Enjoy the beautiful weather, 

Xo, 

Carolina

Rompers Are My Favorite

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In Olinda, PE, Brazil wearing my Topshop heart romper and Havaianas sandals and a typical hand woven clutch from the local artisans in Olinda.  Photography by Francisco Graciano.

Hi there!

 I was recently in Brazil visiting family with Francisco, and we couldn't resist shooting for the blog in the beautiful city of Olinda in the state of Pernambuco in Brazil.  The colorful houses and hilly setting is idilic, and it has such a rich history. But I digress...

In this episode I'm so excited to tell you how much my love for rompers runs deep.  They are so easy to throw on and I love them in both solids and prints.  The photos above showcase one of my favorite rompers from Topshop.  It's navy with pink hearts and the criss cross neckline gives a beautiful neckline and shoulder perspective.  This romper is perfect for day (I styled it here with one of my favorite pairs of Havaianas: Brazilian-made flip flops, and a woven nude clutch I purchased from the artisans in Olinda) and transitions into night.  For a night look I would sweep my hair up and add a heel or wedge and some accessories like a long earring or bracelets.

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In my orange and black lace Topshop romper, tan fringe sandals from Spain and black cross body fringe Rebecca Minkoff purse in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  Photography by Francisco Graciano.

In this look above I wore another of my favorite Topshop rompers: an orange solid romper with a black lace back detail.  I accessorized it with my black fringe Rebecca Minkoff crossbody bag and tan fringe sandals from Spain, as well as a dangly earring since the neckline of the romper goes up so high.

This romper transitioned from our sightseeing walk in downtown Puerto Vallarta to dinner at night.  I made it funkier with some fringe accessories, but I have also worn the romper with a heel, blazer, and dramatic smoky eye for a night event.  The high neckline allows for a fun statement necklace as well, or no necklace to further accentuate the back lace detail.

Rompers are so much fun to wear, the key is to wear them your way and you can't go wrong.

Xo,

Carolina

Effortless Summer Chic

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

Hi there! 

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

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

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

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

This look is also dressy or casual!

xo, 

Carolina  

White & a Tan is Always in Style

Express lacy hater dress with Arezzo nude wedges, and Forever 21 boho robe. Clutch and earrings from a small boutique in Brazil. Photography by Francisco Graciano.  

Hi there! 

Coming out of resort wear season and right into end of Spring / early Summer means sporting a cute sun dress. My favorite wardrobe staple sun dress is a white lacy number that you can accessorize with.  

In this look (my dress is Express so it was a steal) I pair my white lacy halter dress with my Mexico tan, a great nude wedge (I went with my Arezzo ones from Brazil recently)  with nude handmade clutch and a gold shell earring (both from a boutique in Brazil). I also paired a boho colorful robe (also a steal from Forever21!!) over the dress to add color and texture and a tropical vibe since I was vacationing at a resort in a Puerto Vallarta, and at night on the marina there can be a little breeze.

A close-up of the texture and color of the boho robe and my shell earrings paired with the halter dress. 

A white dress for summer can transition from the beach to going out at night, and you can't go wrong with a neutral palette, it matches absolutely everything. Add on your accessories to style it your way and have a little more fun with it. The best part about a tan is you need little to no makeup because to me natural beauty is so much more beautiful than an overly done-up face. I do love to play with makeup, but a beachy look is effortlessly beautiful and it requires less maintenance. For example my new lip obsession is the Burts Bees tinted lipstick line. It moisturizes with just a hint of color and leaves your lips soft. That and a pair of sunnies (with plenty of sunscreen) is all you need on your face at the beach!

Happy Spring:)

Xo, 

Carolina

Beachy Resort Wear

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Wearing a Lilly Pulitzer (for Target!) dress, wedges by Arezzo, shell earrings from Brazil and new shell purse by SkinnyDip London.  Photographed in Mexico by Francisco Graciano.

Hi there!

The dreary weather this week (not today, thankfully!!) had me wishing I was back in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico enjoying the warm sun, though I'm grateful for the time Francisco and I got to spend there.  Warm sunny weather and beaches always gets me excited for resort wear, which is why I wanted to dedicate another post to this genre.  

Nothing makes me think of resort, beachy weather, boats, and being tan more than one of my all-time favorite designers: Lilly Pulitzer.  Growing up in the Connecticut shoreline (post Madrid) I discovered Lilly where she is widely popular.  Her bright color and preppy prints are fun to wear and look great with a tan! Of course living in West Palm Beach, Florida for so long she created what she loved to wear and for the beachy lifestyle she had. I love this dress I bought not long ago when Lilly launched a Target collection.  Not as bright as my other Lilly dresses, this one struck me for its nautical feel with the white and blue colors and its sand dollar and starfish print.  I'm a sucker for starfish and like to pretend I'm actually a mermaid (it's okay to think I'm nuts, I'm fully aware).  The silhouette of the dress is an effortlessly chic slip on but with its flouncy ruffles and synched waist it adds shape and texture.  

I paired the dress with my brand new crossbody shell bag one of my best friends Jessica gifted me for my birthday from one of my favorite accessory stores based in England: SkinnyDip London.  They sell their products online and in various stores including Topshop.  Last summer I bought a pink shell coin purse from them, and now I have a rose gold gorgeous shell purse as well! Lastly I added my favorite shell earrings from Brazil and my neutral-toned Arezzo wedges I bought in Brazil last fall (their Spring line) for a beachy dressed-up look that isn't too formal or fussy.

The marina in Puerto Vallarta was the perfect setting to photograph this dress when Francisco and I were out for a celebratory dinner.

Xo,

Carolina

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Posing with my favorite VW model next to the Beetle: a traditional microbus (or "combi" as it's called in Latin America).  I couldn't help myself, we matched!

Resort Wear & Spring Trends

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Wearing a new Zara off the shoulder top with new Aldo lace up flats, H&M ripped black jeans, and a Rebecca Minkoff fringe cross body bag. Photographed in Mexico by Francisco Graciano.

Hi there!

I was recently in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for a resort vacation and Francisco and I took some resort wear shots, the first of which I'm featuring here and will continue to feature in the next couple posts! These spring looks transition easily into summer as well, but when I think resort florals and a beachy feel (sometimes preppy) certainly comes to mind.

In the photos above I'm wearing a new Zara floral off the shoulder crop top (link includes the exact link to the top) that I paired with my new Aldo green lace-up "Harmony" flats, my also new H&M skinny high-waisted ripped black jeans, and an "oldie-but-goodie" black leather fringe cross body bag I scored at a Rebecca Minkoff sample sale.  

I'm not always one to follow every new trend, but this spring's off the shoulder trend as well as lace up flats I'm really loving.  The top and shoes are recent purchases that won't break the bank, and neither will the H&M ripped jeans.  The top and pants are both under $40 and the shoes are only $60! As always, click on my direct links to buy.  As a rule when I'm trying out new trends I stick to a more affordable store so if I don't wear it another season I'm not worried about the price I paid (a one season investment is ok if you didn't spend too much in my eyes).  However, I can see myself wearing these two trends for many seasons! 

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Here is a closer look at the accessories linked above.  I love how the shoes tie around the ankle!

My Rebecca Minkoff bag is a high quality purse (I always like to buy bags of good quality since I wear them often and even trend purses should last multiple seasons), and her price point is always reasonable for being a high end designer. Plus she's from New York! Fun fact I shot a commercial that her husband directed! They are SUCH a cool and awesome couple and family.

Tag me in your resort looks on Instagram and I'll repost! My fashion blog (new) IG is @carolinasantosread and my personal performer one is @L1naBaller1na.

Xo,

Carolina

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A different take on the same look.  I call this "resort hipster." Thanks for your eye, Francisco!