citygirlinme-blog

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Current nighttime skin routine. 😴All products linked through #liketkit at http://liketk.it/2p1Gq and if you're already signed up, just ❤️ this photo! @liketoknow.it

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Having way too much fun doing style posts. 📸 by @stephenjcaruso #NMCstyle

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There's a new series on my site called #CoffeeTalk where I share relevant links from the web; things I would naturally tell a friend over my favorite warm beverage ☕️. There will be plenty of 😳🤓😱😬😂 to go around. Enjoy your weekend! http://nicolemcaruso.com/coffeetalk

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Thank You.

This has been a long time coming, since my posts have been all-but regular in the last few months, but I have decided that I am moving on from this blog. It has been a wonderful journey to have met and worked with so many amazing people and brands. From Lucky FABB conferences, to rewardStyle brunches, to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, I have been pinching myself the entire way through.

I am so excited to announce that you can find my new online home on the Verily Magazine blog, and in our future print issues as Beauty Editor. Being part of the Verily team is a dream come true. It is an honor to work with such amazing, talented people, and to be part of a movement to change the way magazines tell women what to be, by embracing our true identities. Our very first print issue is coming out very soon — you can subscribe here.

And of course, you can still find me on Pinterest & Twitter for my daily musings.

Thank you to all who continue to support me, it means more than words can say.

(Image by Emily Winfield Martin)

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The Modern Cat Eye.

Hello City Girls! There are occasions that call for a cat eye, some of which are a casual Tuesday morning. My lovely model Ally stopped by with her new Eyeko duo wanting a lesson in application. She, like many of us, loves the look of a defined lash line, but had bad luck with other products that did not make it past 2pm without flaking off. I've been a loyal customer of Eyeko after hearing that it was the cornerstone of Adele's signature look, and recommended she buy it. 

The keys to modernize this retro look: dewy skin, flushed cheeks, and a pink pout.

Ally's skin has been extremely dry due to the low temperatures we've been having in New York. I used Bobbi Brown's Tinted Moisturizing Balm on a Real Techniques stippling brush, and buffed it all over her face in a circular motion. Next, I concealed the darkness under her eyes with my all time favorite Bobbi Brown corrector and concealer (she calls it the secret of the universe). I primed her lid with The Balm Put a Lid on It, and dusted a pale pink shimmer shadow up to the crease. To define her lid, I put a golden brown shade into her crease and blended it with a clean brush until it resembled a shadow.

To start the Eyeko liner, I held it like a pencil with the tip pointed toward her ears. I worked it backwards in a downward slant over the lash line so that it was thicker at the outer corners and thinner as it moved toward the nose. **Expert tip: with the ring finger, lift the lid up the tiniest bit while the eye is closed to ensure the liner hits the lashes. If not, it could look like it's floating on the eye** After both eyes were finished, I swiped on 2 coats of the Eyeko skinny mascara which thickened and defined her lashes. I mean, look at those!

To finish the look, I took the same stippling brush with Nyx Rouge cream blush in Hot Pink over her cheekbones. I dabbed a little bit more cream blush on a lip brush and patted it over her lips. What do you guys think? Do you dare to create a cat eye for day?

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Shoes.

With Fashion Week just around the corner, I have been musing over ideas for outfits to wear to the shows. An updated pair of shoes has the power elevate every day basics. Did you know these pairs are all from Free People? They really have something for everyone's taste. While these are a bit over my budget, I'm entertaining the idea of the investment because every pair is leather--- and we all know that makes for a long-lasting shoe. Anyone else having to restrain themselves from these beauties?

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Makeup Inspiration: Keira Knightley

After coming across this photo on Pinterest, I've been revisiting it to examine which products I could use to recreate this feminine look she wore to the LA Film Festival.

Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing foundation in Alabaster -- This liquid foundation is a medium coverage with hydrating properties that soothe normal to dry skin in these winter months. It looks and feels like skin, while giving a even finish.

Make Up Forever powder blush in Cotton Candy 88 -- A matte baby pink blush gives just the slightest flush of warmth to the cheeks. When the eyes and lips are more dramatic, a toned down blush keeps everything in balance. In an upward sweeping motion, dab this on the apples of the cheeks. 

Chanel Les 4 Ombres eyeshadow quad in 14 Mystic Eyes -- These four hues compliment her dark brown eyes, but would look great with any eye color. I would start by sweeping the the lightest brown over the lid and lightly smudge it under the lower lash line. In a V shape, I would blend the darkest brown along the upper lash line and into the crease. On a different brush, I would apply the silver to the inner corners of the eyes in this > < shape to widen and brighten. Next, I would blend the tiniest amount of the light pink along the top of the crease to add warmth.

Dior Diorshow Extase mascara -- Big, fluttery lashes are the key to this look. This mascara coats every lash in inky black. I would apply two to three coats of mascara to the top lashes, and one coat to the bottom lashes.

Anastasia Brow Gel in Clear -- To recreate these neat and shapely brows, I would apply a few swipes of a clear gel to set them in place.

L'Oreal Colour Riche balm in Plush Plum -- This mauve rose balm gives the lips the perfect amount of color and hydration. The key here is that they don't look overly glossy or overly matte, just youthful and feminine.

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2013 Resolutions

WEAR MORE COLOR: After working in the corporate environment with all-black-everything dress codes, I need more color in my life. It brightens the complexion, boosts signals in mood, and is all-around cheery. blue dress // pink dress // red lace dress (all via Shopbop)

INVEST IN CLASSIC PIECES: Whenever there's a function or a last minute event, these 3 pieces can create countless options for easy, comfortable, stylish outfits. The investment part is a bit more of a sacrifice, but I'm learning that quality is better than quantity, in everything. classic white shirt // classic pencil skirt // classic black flats

BE WHERE YOUR FEET ARE: In 2012 I spent a lot of time thinking about the past and future, with little consideration for the present moment. And so, the year flew by. I decided that for 2013, I don't want the recollections of my memories to be through Instagrams or text message history, I want to be truly present in each moment of each day. So far, the first days of the year have been gratifying. I'm more focused, less disorganized, and a bit more joyful. When things start to hit the fan, I've promised myself to look down at my feet, and just be.

READ MORE BOOKS: Since when are classic books just for school? I usually prefer magazines and newsfeeds to heavy literature, but little can take the place of knowing the building blocks of our society and culture.  A Tale of Two Cities // This Side of Paradise // Mansfield Park

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New Year, New Favorites.

Hello City Girls! It's been a while, hasn't it? It's time for some new, fresh content and I wanted to share with you my latest favorites for beauty, style, and home.

For my beauty cabinet:

First Aid Beauty face cleanser -- For the first time ever, my sensitive/ oily skin has been really really dry. This creamy cleanser takes off all of my makeup, eyes included, without leaving my skin feeling tight afterward or causing breakouts. It's a bit of a splurge at $18, but the tiniest pea size amount cleans my entire face (HD foundation too!). 

Boscia Luminizing Black Mask -- After a long week at work, my skin was looking tired under the unsightly lights of the office bathroom. I decided my skin needed a pick-me-up in a major way. This mask is totally black -- something my husband is still getting used to -- and when it is fully dried, you make a few funny faces, and you can begin to peel it off. It removed the layer of dead skin cells without drying my face. I will warn you, it feels a little like pulling a BandAid off, but after one try you'll see why I keep going back for more.

Fresh Sugar Rose lip butter -- They call it butter for a reason. This gorgeous petal tint is creamy, hydrating, and perfect for every day. Amazing.

For my home:

Anthropologie small plates -- I've been in an endless circle of using too-big plates for breakfast, which results in a full sink before dinner even starts. These plates are the perfect size for small meals, cookies, pie, and I love the splash of color in the kitchen.

Design Sponge by Grace Bonney -- Everyone gets a little sick of looking at the same things in their home day in and day out. This book is a huge source of inspiration, ideas, and attainable DIYs. Santa always knows what I want!

For my closet:

Nine West Sosie booties -- Finally! I've found the booties of my dreams. I wear these with everything-- from tucked-in jeans, to maxi dresses, to pencil skirts. They are the perfect balance of buttery leather, comfort, and classic style.

Caravelle by Bulova rosegold watch -- The lovely team at Bulova sent me this absolutely gorgeous watch back in September, just in time for my birthday. I finally got the links adjusted to fit me and I haven't taken it off. This watch is perfect for every day, but looks sophisticated enough to wear to the office.

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Calling all City Girls! LeSportsac loves us.

    All of the time in the past few weeks that I have not been posting, due to my responsibilities at a new job, brings a lot of necessary drama to this exciting  collaboration. Get ready to hit the streets, LeSportsac is calling all City Girls.

After spotting countless City Girls on sidewalks and subways, toting their favorite LeSportsac bags, it dawned on me-- there is an army of LeSportsac- loving ladies who style their bags to suit their lifestyle. From backpacks and diaper bags, to luggage and weekenders, to totes chock full of day-to-night necessities, City Girls demonstrate how these legendary bags are as stylish as they are reliable. LeSportsac loves us-- they know that once we get our hands on a good thing, we can't get enough-- so they are offering my readers a chance to win one of many LeSportsac goodies and awarding us 15% off a future purchase!

  Here's how you can participate:

-Tag photos of your favorite LeSportsac bags on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to @lesportsac & @nmcaruso with the hashtag #lesportsaccitygirls. Winners of the above-mentioned prizes will be chosen at random up until December 24th, 2012.

-Look for me around Manhattan! I will be on the hunt for LeSportsac bags on real City Girls. Follow my Instagram feed for live posting.

-Show this coupon at the time of your next purchase of selected LeSportsac merchandise, you can receive 15% off your next purchase (valid in LeSportsac boutiques only).

We cannot wait to see what your favorite bags are and how you style them! Be sure to follow LeSportsac and The City Girl in Me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for all of the updates.

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Wise Words Wednesdays. 3 ways to be successful.

(Source)

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Fall Outfit Inspiration. 

Some days, we need a little inspiration to help us extract an outfit from our closet that looks polished, without trying too hard. Here are some ideas that look easy enough to recreate with any variation on the items included in the look.

Shop Look 1:

       Shop Look 2:

      Shop Look 3:

          Shop Look 4:

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Fashionable Films-- A Series.

As you all know, I find inspiration from films all the time. I fall in love with a character, a scene, a mood, and I translate it into what I have in my closet or what I'm looking for on my next shopping adventure. Here is the beginning of another month-long series of Fashionable Films. This week, I give you Midnight in Paris.

Rachel McAdams plays Inez, an unequivocally driven, somewhat bossy fiancee of Owen Wilson's character, Gil-- who is quite the opposite. What I loved about this film were the juxtapositions of modern day simplicity worn by Inez and her friends, compared with the beaded, bedazzled gowns of The Golden Age girls you see after Midnight when Gil ventures out into the City of Light.

I think the costume designers portrayed the "uniform" of an American traveling in Europe quite well-- simple t-shirts, jeans, belted dresses, signature sunglasses, and a great throw-over-everything jacket. Most often, we look and feel our best when we are wearing clothes that fit well, require little effort to put on, and remain inelaborate and modest. I've returned to this strategy of American simplicity, and I must say, I've had many more "I really like my outfit" days.    

(Quote & photos from IMDB.)

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3 Last Minute Halloween Costume Ideas.

Let's face it, with the craziness that ensues on Halloween, sometimes it's more practical to pull some things out of your closet to create your costume. Here are 3 ideas if you're still trying to figure out what to wear.

1. Beatnik poet: black beret, black turtle neck, black skinny jeans, black loafer flats. Grab a faux cigarette and a collection of Ginsberg poems, and you are good to go.

2. Where's Waldo: blue pom pom beanie, red and white striped shirt, jeans, red sneakers. Try and blend in.

3. Top Chef: Make a DIY paper toque, a white shirt with pockets, black and white checked pants, red clogs. Walk around shouting commands, you're allowed.

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Hurricane Sandy

Because of all the power outages, I am unable to post as usual this week! Thankfully, everyone I know seems to have suffered very little from the storm. If you're looking for some City Girl inspiration, be sure to check out my Pinterest page [pinterest.com/nmcaruso]. Thanks to everyone who has voiced concern.

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How to cover a blemish

First -- Just like a cut or scrape, blemishes are full of bacteria and need to be cleaned. A touch of pure tea tree oil on a q-tip will remove excess oil and cleanse the area before applying makeup. 

And -- Hydrate the skin. The last thing we want is added attention to a blemish with flaking skin. Use something oil-free and non-comedogenic to soothe the area, like this Formula 10.0.6 Shine Free moisturizer with aloe.

Then -- Grab a clean synthetic hair brush, an oil-free full-coverage concealer, and a translucent powder. Make Up Forever's concealer is one of my favorites for 3 reasons: the creamy formula makes it easy to blend, it's completely waterproof, and its pigmented enough to cover a tattoo-- so that blemish is saying bye bye. Squirt a tiny bit on the back of your hand, dab your brush in it, then in a circular motion, cover all of the angles of your blemish and pat lightly to set. Next, with a powder brush, lightly dust the blemish with the translucent powder to make it last all day.

And finally, resist the urge to touch, squeeze, or scratch that area-- treat it like an infection and it will heal faster. Do you have any blemish concealing tips that work for you? Let's hear them!

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Wise Words Wednesdays. You can always mix up accessories to reflect the latest trends, but take a cue from Armani, and buy classic pieces that last.