Breaking Beauty Podcast: Caroline Rodino on Luxe-for-Less Beauty and Fashion Finds, Iconic Jewelry Stacking, and Embracing Self-Care at Any Age
Release Date: April 23, 2025
In this enlightening episode of the Breaking Beauty Podcast, hosts Jill Dunn and Carlene Higgins engage in a deep conversation with Caroline Rodino, widely known as Shop With Caroline. Caroline offers invaluable insights into affordable beauty and fashion, the art of jewelry stacking, and the importance of self-care and personal reinvention at any stage of life.
Guest Introduction: Caroline Rodino
Caroline Rodino, a Gen X influencer with nearly 850,000 Instagram followers and 300,000 on TikTok, has carved a niche for herself by promoting accessible fashion and beauty. Her platform, Shop With Caroline, originated during a challenging period when she was caring for her children and ailing parents. This "aha" moment led her to prioritize her well-being, eventually transforming her hobby into a thriving community that empowers women to feel seen and heard.
"Shop With Caroline started as a fun hobby, posting her favorite fashion outfits. And then it just turned into this massive community. She was definitely tapping into a niche of people that felt like they were maybe not being heard."
— Jill Dunn [02:43]
Building a Community During COVID-19
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Caroline found herself isolated and overwhelmed by personal responsibilities. Turning to social media became a therapeutic outlet, allowing her to connect deeply with her audience.
"During COVID, I was alone with my thoughts, like, 24/7. So getting on and doing those coffee talks, it became kind of a personal journal."
— Caroline Rodino [09:19]
Caroline emphasizes the significance of genuine connection, tirelessly responding to every DM and comment to foster a supportive community. This dedication resonated with many, transforming her platform into a beacon of motivation and relatability.
"I really dedicated my... I would not go to sleep until I answered every single DM. I built that community literally brick by brick."
— Caroline Rodino [11:00]
Empowerment and Reinvention at Any Age
A central theme of the conversation is the empowerment of women to reinvent themselves regardless of age. Caroline challenges societal norms that suggest life slows down or opportunities diminish as women grow older.
"People have been made to believe that life is over. But you're actually starting from experience."
— Caroline Rodino [14:04]
She advocates for embracing change, setting new boundaries, and pursuing passions without waiting for a "perfect" moment. Her message is clear: confidence and self-belief are key to making meaningful changes in life.
Fashion and Jewelry Stacking: Luxe-for-Less
Caroline shares her expertise on creating stunning jewelry stacks without breaking the bank. Influenced by her Cuban heritage and her father's flair for accessorizing, she views jewelry as armor and a form of self-expression.
Key Tips for Jewelry Stacking:
-
Mix Different Lengths and Styles:
"Different lengths, different chains. The bigger, thicker chains don't tangle."
— Caroline Rodino [26:06] -
Incorporate Sparkle and Color:
"Maybe a pop of colors the same way I get dressed. It's like a little edge, a little pop of color."
— Caroline Rodino [26:34] -
Combine Metals:
"Mix in like one tennis, one little bit of sparkle. So when I'm building the stack, I love gold. I'm a gold girl, but I still like mixing metals."
— Caroline Rodino [26:34] -
Balance Thick and Thin Chains:
"Limit the thin chain. Like one or two thin chains. That's it. But I personally, four or five necklaces look amazing together."
— Caroline Rodino [27:37]
Caroline also emphasizes supporting women-owned businesses and finding quality affordable pieces that align with personal style.
"The purpose of all of this really, is because I believe in women, and I do believe we've been forgotten."
— Caroline Rodino [22:17]
Shopping on Amazon: Navigating the Luxe-for-Less Landscape
Caroline discusses her strategies for finding high-quality, affordable fashion items on Amazon. She debunks the myth that Amazon only offers low-quality products, highlighting her success in sourcing designer dupes and versatile wardrobe staples.
"You can find incredible dupes on Amazon for $20, $40, $50 bucks that are real leather. They look amazing, and you can try different trends."
— Caroline Rodino [29:19]
Shopping Tips:
- Use Specific Keywords: Searching for designer names or specific styles can unearth quality dupes.
- Stick to Trusted Sellers: Shopping within brand storefronts on Amazon ensures authenticity.
- Be Selective and Return Unwanted Items: Caroline buys what she loves and returns the rest, maintaining a curated collection.
Beauty Routine: Skincare and Makeup Favorites
Caroline unveils her minimalist beauty regimen, focusing on products that deliver tangible results without complicating her routine.
Skincare Essentials:
-
Hyaluronic Acid Serum:
"I use a 3% hyaluronic acid every single day."
— Caroline Rodino [44:32] -
Vitamin C Serum:
"Drunk Elephant Vitamin C is like a bottle Orange top. I love that."
— Caroline Rodino [44:47] -
In Beauty Extreme Cream:
"Her eye cream is amazing. I've never gotten more compliments on my skin in the last two months."
— Caroline Rodino [45:27]
Caroline praises brands that cater to aging skin, advocating for representation of mature women in beauty marketing.
"I want to see a 50-year-old with good skin. Even if I'm 20, I'm going to buy that."
— Caroline Rodino [45:59]
Makeup Must-Haves:
-
Monica Blender Gel Eyeliner:
"It's gel and it's creamy. I love supporting my best friend, so I will support her all the way."
— Caroline Rodino [46:31] -
In Beauty Lip Glaze:
"It's my go-to. It's the one I keep going back to for whatever reason."
— Caroline Rodino [46:53] -
Joosh Beauty Jetsetter Pack:
"It's everything you need in one pack, like the blush and the foundation. It's everything I need."
— Caroline Rodino [48:42]
Caroline also shares her experience with brow gels and the importance of maintaining a makeup routine as a form of self-care.
Embracing Self-Care and Personal Well-Being
Caroline speaks candidly about her personal journey with self-care, including cosmetic procedures like Botox and breast augmentation. She underscores the importance of making informed decisions that align with one's desires and well-being.
"I love supporting my best friend, so I will support her all the way."
— Caroline Rodino [46:31]
Caroline emphasizes that self-care is not about succumbing to societal pressures but about feeling confident and empowered in one's own skin.
"I truly believe that how you look in the mirror directly affects how you feel and then what you go do with it."
— Caroline Rodino [17:49]
Life Advice: Getting Unstuck and Embracing Change
In response to an Instagram follower's question about making a life pivot, Caroline offers heartfelt advice centered on self-awareness and gradual change.
"Start small with small habits. Find what brings you joy and build from there."
— Caroline Rodino [52:40]
She advocates for leveraging personal passions as a foundation for new ventures, highlighting the transformative power of consistency and commitment.
Conclusion
This episode of Breaking Beauty Podcast offers a blend of practical fashion advice, beauty tips, and profound life lessons. Caroline Rodino's journey exemplifies how embracing one's passions and supporting fellow women can lead to both personal fulfillment and community empowerment. Her emphasis on affordable luxury, authentic beauty routines, and continuous self-improvement serves as an inspiring roadmap for listeners seeking to enhance their lives and self-image.
Notable Quotes:
-
"You have every opportunity. But I think as a society and other women, we have been made to believe that life is over."
— Caroline Rodino [14:10] -
"I love the whole feel of the jewels and I also, I think now again it is over the top. It is a lot. But now I'm really supporting a lot of people."
— Caroline Rodino [21:22] -
"Nothing is going to change if you keep doing the same shit over and over again."
— Caroline Rodino [52:40]
Connect with Caroline Rodino:
- Instagram: @ShopWithCaroline
- Podcast: Coming In Hot
For more insights and detailed discussions, visit the Breaking Beauty Podcast website at breakingbeautypodcast.com and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes.