Cold Shoulder Vibes

It’s been such a long time since an actual post was written on this platform! If you guys haven’t been keeping up with us on social media, well why aren’t you? We are always talking about the latest and greatest in fashion and beauty over on itsapplesandorangesblog Instagram page. Taking a cue from a classic play book I thought I would bring it back to what I know and what I am good at for this post. I love a sexy yet classic silhouette that can be worn many different ways for various functions. This ASOS cold shoulder kimono tie pencil dress is literal perfection. The dark emerald green color and thick material make it a staple fall transitional item (although you can break the rules and wear it whenever like I do). It can even be worn with a turtle neck underneath for a chic office look. It is fully lined and hugs the body close for a structural heavenly look! I paired it with nude suede pumps from BCBG via Marshalls, an older H&M mixed metals clutch and a jacquard old navy blazer. Day or night, this little number is sure to leave an impression. Check out the link!

Do you like wearing darker “fall” tones in the off seasons? Sound off below!

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ASOS Cold Shoulder Kimono Tie Pencil Dress

XOXO- ARI

Street Style Layers

When it comes to layering, let’s face it the colder it gets the less you care about the actual pieces you’re throwing on. On days like this style takes a back seat and your left with an outfit more so resembling the abominable snow man than an actual look. Thankfully it never gets that cold in central Florida! On this chilly day I wore this amazing jumpsuit/onesie purchased from ASOS from the brand Missguided. Equipped with grey striped detailing, long sleeves and a super functional turtle neck collar its perfect for these Florida versions of cold days. I paired it with my army fatigue anorak and my Nike Theas for a pop of color. This outfit is street style meets comfort and warmth all in one! Links and details down below. Let us know, what is your favorite way to layer during those in between months? Comment below!

Jumpsuit

Similar styles Here, Here, Here, Here, and Here

XOXO- ARI

Kylie Lip Kit 

Hey there loves! It’s been a while since I’ve come on here to talk about a new product, that is until now! I ordered one of the Kylie Lip Kits a few weeks ago, gave it a test run and am now ready to share my thoughts. Well here goes…

I purchased the shade 22 which is a gorgeous brunt orangey-red. The formula is very pigmented, has a creamy consistency and dries quickly (which doesn’t give you much room for error). The kit also includes a lip liner which helps perfect the edges of your lips and provide an adhesive base for the liquid lipstick.

The lipstick wore well for the first 4 hours but I noticed a little bit of flaking in the center of my lips towards the last hour. I then went on to eat and drink checked back on how it looked and most of the color in the center was gone. Reapplying isn’t a deal breaker for me, as long as the product doesn’t look too cakey afterward (which it didn’t).

Pros: Color pay off, creamy texture & comfortable to wear.

Cons: Flaking, Price tag ($29 for .11 oz / 3.25 mil)

Although I would recommend the liquid lipstick (if you’re willing to hash out $29 for it) I wouldn’t necessarily purchase another one.

Here’s the link to 22 which is still available for purchase: 22 Lip Kit

Till next time,

Gwen, xx

Warm Layers

Layering can walk the line between looking chic and sloppy depending on the execution. On colder days the type of layering I would do consist of everything and anything I can get my hands on to keep warm. No consideration for colors, patterns..just throw it on! Since Florida winters aren’t as brutal and its already starting to show signs of letting up, I can actually put together some pieces that are more cohesive. I wanted to keep my look very neutral and also incorporate my hat that I never get to wear. The loose V-neck t-shirt and hat are Forever 21, boyfriend jeans and both sweaters from H&M, Zara patent loafers and ASOS frilly socks. My lip color is the NYX liquid suede lipstick in “Stone Fox” which I felt went with the aesthetic of my muted look. This casual vibe can be worn on a day date or just out shopping or lunch with friends. What are some of your favorite ways to layer? Links to items down below!

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Fedora Hat

Frilly Socks

V-Neck T-Shirt

NYX “Stone Fox”

XOXO- ARI

 

Florida Winter

Even though I was born and raised in New York, if the temperature drops below 65 degrees here in Florida I’m not happy about it. Sure, the cute boots, jackets and sweaters come out to play but so does the ashy skin, terrible colds and not so fun morning routines. I digress. This outfit was from a couple of weeks ago when it was a freezing 39 degrees! My sister in New York would kill me for even uttering those words since she has to deal with below zero temps. I decided my newly purchased missguided booties could come out to play along with one of the only pair of jeans I own. The boots are currently sold out but many different brands have almost the exact same style (they are very trendy this season) and Ill link them below as usual. The quilted down jacket is via spiga, button up shirt dress is forever 21 and the jeans are from free people purchased at you guessed it, marshalls. Heres to hoping for some relief from the “winter” woes soon. Enjoy!

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 XOXO -Ari

Missguided Boots (in case they come back in stock + other color options)

Same exact boots, Public Desire

Shirt Dress

Via Spiga Coat

 

 

H&M Boho Chic

For this holiday season I had the rare opportunity to see my sister and co-blogger! Since living in separate states can be difficult we always try and make the most of it when we do finally get together. This ootd post was taken on a random dirt road and I couldn’t be happier with the results! Make sure to also check out Gwen’s outfit from the same shoot for more rustic inspiration. The flowly boho maxi dress is from h&m and features a v-neck, tassled tie strings, a cinched waist and flowy ruffles and floral accents all around. It sounds like a lot for one dress but it looks beautiful due to the muted earth tones and meticulous placement of all of the dramatic parts. This dress (or something similar) can be transition from a casual day time event like brunch to a night out for dinner. I paired it with my Guess brown leather sandals and a top knot for a more off-the-cuff vibe. Links below and stay tuned for more pics from our family visit.

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H&M Dress

XOXO- ARI

We are the champions…

As of lately I find myself leaning towards more androgynous or sporty looks. Though this may be a hindrance in the love life department, it is comfortable and very on trend. You can choose to go all out or just incorporate some sporty items in small doses in each outfit. Whether it be a great pair of sneakers or an oversized hoodie, this look is perfect for the colder temperatures and I love pairing it with ultra-sleek hair, a face beat for the gods and one feminine item (just to really distinguish myself from the boys). In this look I am rocking a champion brand t-shirt exclusive to ASOS. It is a size XS from the men’s section and fits great. I paired it with my h&m boyfriend jeans, timberlands and my go to trench jacket for a small cinch at the waist and hint at femininity. This look may not be for everyone and you could easily swap out the timberlands for booties or wear a skinnier jean depending on your comfort level. Links to items below!

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XOXO -ARI

Champion T-Shirt- Exclusive to ASOS

Timberlands

 

 

Fall Favorites 

We are now about midway through Fall (although it hasn’t felt like it) and I have been loving some old favorites as well as discovering new ones. Here’s what the last month and a half has been like for me…

  

The crisp feeling in the air is such a nice feeling, especially after a hot summer. A nice way to warm up and feel cozy is by lighting candles. Yes everyone is obsessed with the Bath and Bodyworks candles and for good reason. My Fall favorites would be Sweater Weather and Mahogany Teakwood. They both have a very refreshing & clean aroma, I especially love Mahogany Teakwood because it has a sort of manly undertone to it.

Speaking of scents, my absolute favorite perfume would be Chloe, it too has clean and crisp notes with a hint of cedarwood giving it that musky undertone I adore!

Another thing I adore for the Fall is swapping my lipstick and nail polish shades to suit the weather. I normally choose browns, mauves, berries and burgundy tones. Lolita by Kat Von D has been my go to color! My second favorite would be Melted Berry by Too Faced. I don’t often paint my nails myself with dark colors because I make a huge mess but I still purchase whichever color I like and bring it to the nail salon with me. I believe I’ve already done my nails about 4 times with this gorgeous rich brown called Branch Out by Sally Hansen. 

On to the last two items which have been essential for my combination skin. Mario Badescu’s rose water spray gives my skin life! Thanks to my roommates suggestion, I bought the CeraVe face lotion which has a little bit of a thicker consistency for those windy/dry days.

There you have it my friends! What are some of your Fall favorites? Let me know down below!

Keep cozy,

xx, Gwen

Colourpop Ultra Matte 

Liquid lipsticks are all the rave at the moment, which means I had to test some of these bad boys out for myself. Loads of makeup brands have launched their own versions of these long wearing formulas including the fairly new brand Colourpop. Known for their fun notes and holographic packaging, Colourpop has delivered some great products thus far, including the ultra matte lipsticks. Here’s my honest opinion (based on the two shades I purchased).

Pros: very pigmented, about 4-5 hour wear, great price ($6)

Cons: dries very quickly, can flake a bit

Now let me elaborate on my cons. The texture/formulation is really thin and liquidy, which is why I feel that they dry quickly, you don’t have much time to work with the product once applied on the lips. Now on to flaking, this happened to me because I made a mistake applying it the first time, figured I could just add another layer but after it dried it began to flake off a bit. Basically you have to be quick and precise with these. I will also say that as many other liquid lipstick formulas these are drying but it’s nothing a little lip balm underneath can’t fix.

    Chocolate brown on top is Limbo, Mauve/Rosey on the bottom is Tulle.

Limbo

 Tulle

Overall I feel that for the low price of $6 these are a really good buy. I’ve tried some higher end ones that feel the same way so why not save a few dollars, right?

Hope these swatches were of help for those wanting to purchase any of these shades. Which are you favorite liquid lipsticks? Leave comments and suggestions down below.

xx, Gwen

Trend Alert- Button Up A-line Skirt

Trends can be tricky especially if you buy something that will only work for you for one season, or one type of event. I typically love following trends but really put thought when it comes to actually buying them. If the piece is flattering, I then think about the many ways I could wear it (will it be suitable for work, or an evening out, casual lunch etc.). If the item can be worn many ways and throughout different seasons then I can justify investing in it. It’s a big plus if it’s a great material that will be long lasting. These button up skirts are all the rage now and can be seen on every blogger and fashionista alike. Seen mostly in denim or suede this A-line cut is super flattering for everyone and it incorporates the emerging 70’s style. I found this one at TJMAXX and immediately fell in love! The light weight material and length make it easier to wear year round here in Florida but can also be paired with tights for when it does get chilly. For this particular day I wore a denim button up, forever 21 mules and fedora hat to complete the look. How do you incorporate trends into your wardrobe? Comment down below! Links to similar items listed below.

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Forever 21 Mules
Forever 21 Fedora
TJMAXX Suede Button Up Skirt & also in Plus Size

XOXO- Ari