July 4th Outfit Inspo

Posted on July 4, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Happy Independance day to all of my fellow Americans! I am so excited to be able to share some outfit inspiration for this awesome day, but mainly happy for the day off from work. Who wouldnt be looking forward to gorging oneself on barbeque food, watching fire works and wearing fun patriotic themed items? This year I decided to tone down my previous enthusiam (ie tattoo american flag lips) and went for a more subtle approach in showing my support. My camo skinnies serve as a “neutral” base while also representing for our troops, American flag canvas flats are old season target and my crisp white button up finish off the look. Links to similar items below.

Untitled #2 by ari-pena featuring canvas shoes

Happy fourth everyone!

Ari

Gwen packs for Puerto Rico

Posted on June 13, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Hey Everyone! So as you previously read my sister and I are going on a very much needed trip. We are so excited to see each other and will hopefully be able to snap a few photos of us together.
Although my packing technique is not as organized as Ari’s I’d like to believe that it is also a good method when trying to figure out what to bring along with you on a trip. So what I generally do is look at all of my products (hair, skin, makeup) and say to myself “will I really use this?” if my answer is no I obviously keep looking, if my answer is yes I place that item aside. Now another thing to consider when traveling is the climate of your destination as well as the duration of your stay. I snapped a few photos of what I will be taking for this trip (Sorry they are not tucked in neatly in my suitcase, I still haven’t officially packed Yikes!)

Suncare

First order of business is of course suncare! Sunscreen/Sunblock is very much needed when out and about in the sun all day.

Personal Hygiene

I know that most hotels and resorts provide lotion, shampoo conditioner and all that good stuff, but I personally like to bring my own things. I normally just buy small clear bottles and pour the product in.

Hair Care

Because we are going to be in the pool or beach most of the time, curly hair will be the way to go.

Skincare

My skin hasn’t been behaving lately so I am taking a small bottle of acne cleanser and of course can’t forget my dirt, oil and makeup removing wipes.

Makeup

This may seem like a lot of products but I did add a few items for the nights when we get all dolled up for a night on the town. My daytime essentials will most likely be my cc cream (which has spf), mascara, my brow wiz, a peachy blush and a lip butter or stain. Also check out a great travel piece for storing small items (like makeup) that Ive mentioned in a previous post from Sonia Kashuk. It is affordable and available at any target near you in varying prints and styles.

Hopefully this helped all of you traveling this summer to get an idea of what you should or shouldn’t bring with you.

Puerto Rico here we come!
Hasta Luego
-Gwen

*If you are curious about any product I posted or would like a review please comment down below. Thanks a bunch!
Xo

To Tokyo

Posted on May 27, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Memorial weekend has come and gone and with it came an opportunity to get away, perhaps relax and enjoy family and friends company. I don’t typically do the usual BBQ setting but this is my first year being a godmother and attending such family oriented festivities. Memorial weekend brought me down to Miami to visit him and also get the chance to reconnect with old pals for some fun in the sun. I love the combination of black, white and leopard and felt inspired by my new crop top from H&M. This look is similar to an old club look of mine and can be recreated with different pieces to convey the same effect. The crop mesh top with Tokyo emblazoned on the front can be paired as a I did here with a high waist skirt or even jogging pants for a more sporty look. The striped skirt and leopard heels are both old season Forever 21. Links & options down below!

I purchased the top in store only two weeks ago but it is not on the site! Check your local H&M and you may score the exact one. Here are some similar options

Here, Here, Here, Here & Here

Similar Heels- Here, Here and Here

Similar Skirts- Here & Here

Go-To Curly Hair Products-Shea Moisture Line

Posted on May 17, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

So as mentioned in one of my previous hair post, I have taken on the task to try and nurture my hair back to health after a long time of chemically damaging it with relaxers and heat. I still from time to time use rollers, or straighten it but for the most part wear it in its natural curly state. Its been quite a journey figuring out what works best for my hair type and I am still learning as I go along. My main concerns were affordability and using natural products (to bring my hair back to life). In comes Shea Moisture products! This nutrient rich line is certified organic, cruelty free, dosent incoporate parabens or sulfates and the list goes on and on! With ingredients like coconut oil, silk protein and even yucca its hard to believe that both of these products are under $15.00 each. The curl enhancing smoothie was my first purchase followed by the thickening growth milk that I use in conjunction together. This combination works wonders for me and depending on how much hair you have and how much you use, these products go a long way. They are available at drug stores and also linked below!

They are all taped up from the travel and usage they have gotten!

Pros- Conditions Hair, Restores Moisture & Shine, Minimizes Frizz & provides control. Be sure to “rake” this thoroughly through your hair as to not have any clumping in any one specific area. It wont flake but it will be a bit greasy if not spread evenly or if too much is used. It does not leave my hair hard at all! Super soft with control, whats not to love?

I added this thickening growth milk to the mix after realizing the smoothie was for thick hair. I personally have very thin hair and this adds volume and also helps soften it. I mix this and a the smoothie in my palm and apply it generously in a “raking” motion. This can be used on damp on dry hair as a styling cream.

Stay tuned for a step by step curly wash and go routine!

-love

Ari

Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie

Yucca & Aloe Thickening Growth Milk

Downtown Orlando Fashion Week 14′- Day 1 OOTN

Posted on May 10, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Florida Fashion Weekend kicked off May 9 with a two day event filled with fashion and fun. I was happy to be able to get on the media list for the pre- show mixer hosted at Jai Gallery to get a look at the models before hand. I have never attended an event like this before and had no idea what to expect. I went with these bold yet sophisticated statement making basketball shorts that I recently ordered from ASOS. This “river island” piece kills the tough task of making shorts chic by adding a touch of sheer element. Everyone and everyone was giving me compliments the entire night and I even got mistaken for one of the models (correction because of my shorts clearly not my height, a girl can only dream). I paired them with a white quilted crop sweater from H&M and my amazing shoe cult by nasty gal heels. Sleek straight hair and my go to Phillip lim bag completed my overall aesthethic and I was ready to take on the night! Stay tuned for pics from the actual show. Links to items below!

Awesome Performance by a live band!

One of Misly Beltinor’s Lovely Models

asos, river island, phillip lim, target, h&m, pullover, sweater, sheer, basketball shorts, heels, nasty gal, shoe cult, fashion, orlando, downtown,

Feeling myself and I cant be bothered!

Free samples of “Onli” Beverages and Sparkling Water. My fav was the hibiscus pomegranate aronia flavor!

River Island Basketball Shorts

H&M Quilted Sweatshirt

Similar Booties- Here, Here, Here and Here

Dry Shampoo

Posted on May 1, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Left-Right Aveeno Pure Renewal Dry Shampoo, Batiste Dry Shampoo (for dark and deep brown hair) and Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo for brunettes

Hey there everyone! Now ladies I know that most of us lead such busy lives causing to sometimes skip that hair wash we desperately need (Yes I said it). Guilty is written all over this girl who will wear a bun all week long, alas in comes the wonderful invention of the dry shampoo! This product has been out for some time now but different brands are now coming up with various alternatives for those with lighter or darker hair, some even have a red hair option. Here are the three that I have tried and my thoughts on why I did/ did not like them.

First up is the Aveeno Pure Renewal it is said to rejuvenate your hair for a clean and fresh look by removing excess oil and helping boost volume. It is also sulfate free. The price ranges between $5.99 – $8.99 depending on where you buy it. I personally LOVE the way this smells but because my hair is dark it did leave a white layer over it, which was a bit difficult to blend out. The formula itself isn’t too heavy or sticky but I found it did very little for my oily hair.

Next up is the Batiste Dry Shampoo which claims that a quick burst will instantly revitalize hair leaving it fresh and clean. It also has a tint of color making it easy to blend with your natural (or dyed) hair color. The price ranges between $7.49-$8.99. I purchased the dark to deep brown color (but they have a blond, medium brown and red tone as well). I’ve only used this one about 3 times but in that short amount of time I have found that this one really worked for me. It has a light airy feeling to it but still manages to absorb the oil without making my hair look too matte. The color matched perfectly with my hair and it also smelled super clean!

Lastly is the Drybar Detox for brunettes, running you at $20 which is a bit on the pricier side. This product claims to also absorb oil leaving your hair feeling clean light and full. It matches my hair perfectly as well and it does absorb the oil but it has a very heavy feeling and leaves my hair looking more matte and stiff than I would like. Another con for me is that the sprayer lets out so much product that it gets everywhere! My normally white shower curtain has brown stains because of it.

And there you have it my friends. In case you haven’t already guessed it, my favorite Dry Shampoo is the Batiste! Good quality along with a good price!

Below are links to purchasing these products. I found both the Aveeno and Batiste products at Ulta but I believe they are also sold in drugstores or Walmart. The Drybar Detox is sold on Drybar’s website but I found mine at Sephora.

Aveeno Pure Renewal
Batiste Dry Shampoo
Drybar Detox

Hasta Luego,
-Gwen

Pewter Power OOTD

Posted on February 24, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

These target pumps finally got to see the light of day as I’ve had them in my closet for some time. I got them on clearance for the low low price of $8.98! I mean can we say bargain people? In trying to incorporate more pieces in my wardrobe that can work for both my day job as well as everyday life, these snake-skin pewter pumps can be paired with an array of looks for both since they are closed toe and have a relatively low heel. For a casual weekend I went with a black button up (old season forever 21), white ann taylor shorts,my Kate Spade nude quilted bag and my hair straight for a sleek vibe. These lovelies are from the Sam & Libby Collection and are still available online and perhaps for cheaper at a target near you! They also come in black and nude for a more classic take on the look. Links below

Ann Taylor “City Shorts”
Sam & Libby “Dominique” Pointed Toe Pumps in Pewter
Similar Silky Button Ups- Here, Here & Here

V-day Collab Outfit & Makeup Inspiration-Sexy & Fun!

Posted on February 10, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Whether you have a valentine or not the following outfit and makeup can serve dual purposes for inspiration for this upcoming special day or any sexy night out on the town. Heck maybe you can find a valentine wearing this … Continue reading →

Nasty Gal-Shoe Cult Strut Cutout Bootie

Posted on February 5, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Here is my formal introduction to my new additions in my heel collection (more like my children). These amazing heels are the “Strut Cutout Bootie” from the much-anticipated Shoe Cult collection from NastyGal. I originally wanted these as soon as … Continue reading →

Sparkle & Nude

Posted on January 18, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Feeling sexy is subjective and it cannot be made more clear by the plethora of different looks and styles that are “trending”. Both me and my sister have very different views on what looks or makes us feel sexy and I have to say a good nude shoe has got to be top five for me. This outfit is based off this old season pair of sandals/heels from forever 21. I love the way they elongate my leg (as a proper tone nude shoe is supposed to) and the sparkle detail gives it a pop that I love! This is such a special shoe in that it can be paired so many different ways and everytime I wear them I feel chic and pretty while at the same time being a little enticing. This time I played off the neutrals vibe and wore a sheer creme top with rolled up sleeves, for a nice element of surprise I chose neon yellow/green shorts from the Jennifer Lopez collection at Kohls. The body chain added another sexy touch as it defined my waist a little bit from the oversized shirt.