Teen Vogue BTSS Event Turnout

Posted on August 9, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Below are the pictures I was able to get before and after the Sierra Marie youtube star mayhem ensued at the Teen Vogue back to school event at the Florida mall. As I previously blogged I was chosen for the VIP portion and was able to get a sneak peak into all the fun prior to the panel fashion show. I am so glad I was able to attend and receive goodies and a gift card to be able to implement some of the inspiration displayed at the event. Whether it be the 70’s vibe or mixing and matching prints (my favorite) this school year is sure to be one for the books! You to can be VIP at a teen vogue BTSS event at a mall near you! It was amazing to meet Elaine Welteroth (teen vogue beauty and health director) and revisit blogger/stylist Melanie Pace. Check out the link below for the rest of the mall tour and how to apply.

macys btss teen vogue back to school blogger fashion

Jacket- Primark I Shorts-Thrifted I Top- Forever 21

Props to fellow blogger Kiara Michelle she rocked it! Check her out at kiaramichelle.com

List of Events

Toodles,

Ari

Teen Vogue Back-to-School Saturdays

Posted on August 6, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Although I am far beyond my teen years (Id like to think I can still pass for one) I am still excited to share this event and opportunity with our followers!. The Teen Vogue insiders program provides the inside scoop on trends and events for teen vogue readers and others with like minded interests. They are hosting a series of Back to School events in conjunction with your favorite bloggers and fall trends! Not only do you get to have a sneak peak of fall style, you can also apply for the VIP experience and meet with beauty vlogger Sierra Marie and blogger Melanie Pace. All you have to do is email tvitgirls@gmail.com with the subject line “VIP Experience” and the city in which youT wish to attend. Check out the link below of the shows happening all throughout the month of August and see if your local mall is a host! I will be sure to blog about the VIP experience and show you guys tons of photos after my event August 8 at The Florida Mall. Prizes, giveaways and more, hope to see some of you there!

What are some trends you guys are looking forward to for “back to school”?

-Ari

LIST OF EVENTS

YSL Vox Box Review

Posted on July 27, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Luxury cosmetic brands are typically out of my reach seeing as I can’t justify spending the same amount on one thing versus being able to obtain more items (more is more people). In comes influenster! They have graciously sent over the YSL vox box including two brand new YSL cosmetic products to test out for our readers. Disclaimer* Although these items were sent for review, my opinions and thoughts are mine. To start off, the touche eclat blur primer serves many purposes. It can be used as a luxurious base for any foundation or alone to even out the skin tone on a makeup-less day.

Touche Eclat Blur Primer

               Pro’s                                                                                                              Cons
-Super velvety and smooth                                                         -Shimmer/Glitter is very visible worn alone
-Non-comedogenic                                                                    -Slight residue feeling
-Blurs imperfections and minimizes large pores

The second product sent over was the Touche Eclat Blur Perfector. This compact is meant to transform from a balm to a powder to soften the skinds imperfections, mattify and set makeup.

Touche Eclat Blur Pefector

Pro’s Cons
-Beautiful Packaging -Not great to initially set makeup with (I prefer a setting spray
-Universal for all skin-tones
-Minimizes pores
-Can be used for touch ups throughout the day
(not to initially set makeup)

If I were to repurchase one item it would definitely be the perfector seeing as it doubles as a compact and works great for so many purposes.

Toodles, Ari

L’Oreal Stylist Brow Plumper

Posted on July 23, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again “I need full and thick eyebrows”! It’s so hard to grow them out especially in the summer where covering them up with bangs isn’t really an option due to the sweltering NYC heat. A few months ago I tried the Maybelline Brow Drama, but as I stated on my post I wasn’t a huge fan of the brush and felt that it didnt distribute any color on my brows. As you know this makeup addict will continue the search for the perfect product… In comes L’Oreal!

L’Oreal stylist brow plumper is a fiber infused gel which adheres to the brow hairs creating a fuller but natural look. The mascara like wand fills in the sparse areas for an even coating throughout your brow hairs. First you start off with clean brows. Then work the wand in upward strokes following the shape of your natural hair. Comb through to blend and voilà your brows will begin to appear plumper.

I still love to fill in my eyebrows using pencils but for days when I’m in a rush and can’t take the time to sculpt and carve them out the L’Oreal stylist brow plumper is the way to go! I purchased my first one while in London and was hoping that it would be available in the U.S as well. Just my luck I found it at my local Rite Aid a few days ago. Medium/Dark was the shade I thought would suit me best.

Hope you all enjoyed this mini review. What are some of your favorite brow enhancing products?

Until next time!

xx, Gwen

Mac “Stone” Lipstick

Posted on July 21, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Having been a cult favorite for some time now, Mac cosmetics has finally come out with some of their signature lip pencils in lipstick form. The color “Stone” is a sexy matte greyish taupe brown that is so on trend right now! This color is muted on its own for everyday use or can be vamped up with some gloss on top for a sexy night transition. I personally would not wear it unless I had a full face just because it makes my skin tone look a little sickly on its own. With a nice highlight and blush, cat eye and bold lashes this lippie is sure to call everyone’s attention. Check it out on Mac’s website or try it on in store! Link down below.

Mac “Stone” Lipstick

Toodles, Ari

Out with the old, in with the new Summer Fashion!

Posted on July 15, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

The unbearable summer heat has reared its ugly head and it has come at a particularly opportune time in my life. I am turning 26 this August and have been giving away or selling old gently used clothing that don’t fit my new aesthetic that I am trying to go for. No I am not giving up my crop tops for good (never gonna happen), but I am going for a more neutral palette in my wardrobe with sophisticated pieces that can transition in my different life roles easier. Some key pieces that one can invest in are a good pair of sunnies (to ward off the harmful rays), a long line loosely fitted tunic that can be paired a million ways, comfortable sandals and shorts that don’t scream twerkathon. This one is particular is hard for me seeing as my body shape does look better with tighter options. As we age I think the key is going for more tailored classic shapes that can complement our body types and shift the focus. I picked some summer items that inspired me below. What are some pieces you are looking to incorporate in your closet this summer? Comment down below!

Untitled #9 by ari-pena featuring gold flat shoes

XOXO, Ari

Sunny Days

Posted on July 13, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Ahhhh summer, it always feels like a long time coming especially in places where there are such harsh winters. It’s so interesting to see how when the sun is out everyone’s mood instantly lights up, goes to show we all need some vitamin D in our lives. Although sun exposure brings out the bright side in all of us we need to make sure we protect the skin we’re in, after all it is the only one we’ve got.

Sunscreen/Sunblock is an essential tool in blocking out harmful rays that can cause major skin damage, such as discoloration, sun spots and skin cancer. Most people think sunscreen/sunblock should only be applied when going to the beach or on a hot summer day but the suns rays can also penetrate through clouds causing exposed skin to burn. Now the difference between the two is that Sunblock actually blocks out the suns rays due to the titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Sunscreen absorbs the UV radiation and reduces the amount that reaches your skin, making it so that you can still tan whilst using sunscreen.

I wanted to share with you all some of my favorite sunscreens. I recently picked up the Dr. Dennis Gross dark spot sun defense. It has an SPF of 50 and has been formulated with vitamins C & E which also help even out skin tone. What I love about this is the consistency of it, it has just the right amount of thickness and my skin soaks it right up. Another selling point for me was the ability to reduce the appearance of dark spots. I am one of those people that is constantly picking at my face, which then leaves me with dark spots. Here’s a closer look at it. I bought mine at sephora, you can find yours Here

These are some other sunscreens I have tried and thoroughly love.

sunscreen by gwendolyn-pena featuring Supergoop!

Happy Summer everyone and don’t forget to protect your skin!

xx, Gwen

#Madereal

Posted on July 10, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Its been a few days now since I’ve been back in NY settling in and sorting out the awful jet lag. Since arriving, I’ve been trying to get into the swing of blogging again and figuring out what summer events I will be attending. It just so happened that Ari tagged me on @yoli_stylista’s instagram post advertising the Madereal event. I quickly rsvp’d, as I was sure it would be a great one.

“Wearemadereal” is a group of women who work together to empower and inspire other female entrepreneurs. Through hard work, dedication and sacrifices they have collaborated together creating a Vodka, called Made Real. It is designed to bring together driven women, offering a casual and relaxed vibe for those occasions where ideas are being exchanged.

These women live by the motto “We inspire, and get inspired”. I am always glad to be a part of a female dominated movement. It is important that we support each other in all endeavors whether it be blogging, styling and Vodka making.

The event was a pre Vodka launch, held at the Rooftop at the McCarren Hotel in Williamsburg. Three separate booths were set up, one for nail painting, another for hair styling/ braiding and the last booth had post cards you could write a note to a woman that inspires you and the team would mail it out for you. Such a great idea! The best part of it all was of course the Vodka tasting. My favorite drink was the “Mint Condition”. Here are a few photos I was able to snap (I was enjoying myself a little too much and wasn’t able to capture it all but I hope you all get my drift)

So there you have it my friends be sure to follow @wearemadereal on Instagram and stay tuned for more upcoming events. Also be sure to support and purchase a bottle here: Madereal . I am one who isn’t a huge fan of Vodka but I could honestly say it was the smoothest I’ve had in a long time!

xx Gwen

Red, White and Cool

Posted on July 4, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Happy Fourth of July!!! In spite of a lot of negative statements and sentiments being felt by some during these dubious political times, I am still happy to say I am proud to be an American and celebrate this day. The struggle to identify with one “culture” when you are first generation is hard but I think both me and my sister could say we got the best of both worlds and are better people for it. This great nation still has a long way to go with relation to race, immigration issues (just to name a few) but nonetheless its the place we call home. Its also great timing that Gwen has come back now from her 6 month stay in London to celebrate with all her close friends. Below is my OOTD for your standard BBQ or casual outing for this holiday. Plaid is so versatile and it doesn’t hurt that It incorporates the flags colors. I paired this #fabfound Marshalls dress with my Aldo lace up booties and some gold accessories. This piece could also be used to layer and could have been worn with shorts and a crop top as well. Heres to another great year and awesome fireworks! Links to similar items below and previous Fourth of July outfits for inspiration.

Similar Dresses from Forever 21 –Here, Here, Plus Size

Previous Fourth of July Posts – Here and Here

XOXO-Ari

Frizz Happens

Posted on June 28, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Hello Lovelies!

On this Sunday I wanted to share with you another casual look sure to make any curly haired trendy girl happy. I bought this limited edition “Frizz Happens” t-shirt from the amazing Alyssa or “Forever Flawlyss” on Ig and Youtube. She is a beauty and fashion blogger gaining more recognition and rightfully so! Her curly hair tutorials as well as fashion posts on instagram are incredibly unique and fun to recreate. She came out with this “frizz happens” t shirt line for only a limited time and I jumped on the chance! Living in such a small place I sometimes want to scream this to people when they rudely stare at me and my big hair. Frizz does happen, GET OVER IT! I paired my awesome shirt with camo print jeans, a blush blazer, Kate Spade eiffel tower purse and my new favorite nude sandals purchased at TJMAXX. This shirt is no longer available but you can get pretty much any saying printed on a white t-shirt in your local malls or even etsy.com