Vanity Planet Rejuvenating Scalp Massager

Posted on June 30, 2017 by itsapplesandorangesblog

So I must admit, I can be easily convinced to buy things especially when you use key words like “rejuvenating and aids with hair growth”. SOLD! When I purchased the groove scalp massager from Vanity Planet I really had no idea what to expect. I’ve known for ages now that scalp massages help with blood flow to your scalp which can promote hair growth but who has the time and finger strength to do that every day? Laziness aside, this just wasn’t something I was doing on a frequent enough basis to make a difference in my hair. Along came this handy tool! It is relaxing and cuts out the work for you while speeding up the time frame in which it gets done. I have used it to shampoo/co wash my hair to really help eliminate dandruff and built up product. This baby can go right in the shower and while I wouldn’t dunk it in the water since its battery operated, the site does mention that it is water resistant. I’ve also used it in conjunction with oil masks. I pile on some of my favorite hair oils and help them penetrate by using the massager. You could even use it just for fun to relax. The only con I would say is that sometimes the vibrations feel very strong on my hand and they feel tingly. Switching hands or using a barrier (like a cloth) to hold the handle eliminates this issue for me. I don’t mind having to do that because I know that means the bristles are working hard! Speaking of the bristles they are a rubber like flexible material and don’t get snagged or tangled up in my curly hair which is a must. All in all I would highly recommend this to anyone who is lazy like me but still wants to incorporate scalp massages in their beauty routine. Link to item down below!

Groove Rejuvenating Scalp Massager

XOXO- ARI

ASOS SWIM

Posted on June 9, 2016 by itsapplesandorangesblog

ASOS is literally my go to site whenever I am in need of special one of a kind pieces. This time around I wanted to treat myself to some stylish swimsuits for my tropical get away with my sister and mother. Not only did these suit me perfectly for the trip but they are also versatile for pretty much any water related event. With recent weight gain I desired more coverage with certain trouble areas and figured one pieces were the way to go. When looking for bathing suits I look for a couple of things, texture, details, and shape. I prefer feminine sweetheart neck lines that accentuate my bust with added surprises like the peplum to give the illusion of a curvier bottom half. I typically steer clear of added material to my chest seeing as it can draw the eye more to this area but could not resist this beautiful ruffle frill trim on this white polka dot suit! Sometimes it’s ok to let go of your style rules and it can pay off in the end. Lastly the scuba material really helps to create structure and sculpt any problem areas like the tummy. This white suit is unfortunately out of stock for the moment but the red peplum is still available in black. I have also linked similar items that may be of interest down below.

Disclaimer, if you are more into comfort versus style these wouldn’t be for you! I couldn’t exactly lift my arms with the shoulder straps and the scuba material peplum sucks you in for a tight fit perhaps not working well with water sport activities. These suits are meant to be admired and sun bathed in :0)

XOXO- ARI

ASOS Swim Suits- Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here

Sale at Sephora

Posted on April 14, 2016 by itsapplesandorangesblog

If you love Sephora you know that their twice a year sale is very much awaited by many. For about a week or so the store offers 10-15% off products (this percentage depends on your reward status). I purchased my items in store, picking up some replacements and three new products that I am very excited to try. Here’s a closer look…

Top left hand corner: Beauty Blender solid cleanser I really love this for those times my brushes need some inbetween cleansing. Wet your brush, give it a swirl around the soap and boom all clean! (For a deeper cleaning I use Dr. Bronners Pure Castile soap and a little drop of coconut oil)

Bottom left: Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with rose clay This mask is one of the new products I cannot wait to try. It’s described as a two in one purifying mask and skin refiner. It Gently deep cleans while refining skin’s texture. I’m planning on staying in this Friday night and giving it a go.

Center: Dr. Jart+ Bright Infusion sheet mask Yet another new product, which claims to moisturize and brighten while improving complexion and skin texture. I’m all about brighter skin! Brighter equals youthful in my opinion.

Top right: Drunk Elephant Framboos Glycolic night serum The last new product I purchased, which is the main reason I waited for the sale (this bad boy is pricey!). This serum is a chemical exfoliator which claims to resurface your skin by gently lifting dead cells all while hydrating your skin at the same time. I am on a very clear path to having the smoothest and brightest skin as I possibly can!

Bottom right: Smiths’s Rosebud minted rose lip balm An oldie but always a goodie. This is a multi purpose balm as you can use it for your lips, elbows, knees basically where ever you notice any dryness. I go through this super quickly as I also use it for my cuticles.

Did any of you shop during the sale? If so what did you get? Please share down below!

Till next time,

xx, Gwen

Spring Forward

Posted on March 23, 2016 by itsapplesandorangesblog

It is technically Spring in the North East, although it seems as if winter wants to stick around a little bit longer. For the most part I enjoy wearing which ever color I fancy on my nails, but I do tend to stick to darker hues for the winter and lighter for the summer. Which is why I went ahead and dug up some of my favorite pastel colored nail polishes in lieu of the “warmer” weather. Check them out…

From left to right:

Essie – Bikini So Teeny (Periwinkle blue shade, with a slight shimmer)

Essie – Mint Candy Apple (Minty turquoise shade)

OPI – You’re such a Budapest (Periwinkle purple shade)

Essie – A Crewed Interest (Light peach shade)

Barry M – Coconut (Milky Off white shade)

All of thee Essie and OPI shades were purchased either online through Amazon.com or at local drugstores/beauty supply stores. The Barry M nail polish might also be available on Amazon, but I purchased mine in the UK.

These five shades are great spring staples and are muted enough to wear even at the office (except for the minty blue). Hope you enjoyed this quick post and please share down below what some of your favorite “springy” nail polishes are.

Until next time,

xx, Gwen

Warm Layers

Posted on February 23, 2016 by itsapplesandorangesblog

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!

Fedora Hat

Frilly Socks

V-Neck T-Shirt

NYX “Stone Fox”

XOXO- ARI

Florida Winter

Posted on February 18, 2016 by itsapplesandorangesblog

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!

XOXO -Ari

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

Same exact boots, Public Desire

Shirt Dress

Via Spiga Coat

Worth the picture still…

Posted on February 1, 2016 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Although this post may be a bit delayed I still wanted to share a small moment with me and my sister and co blogger Gwen. She came to visit Florida for the holidays and per usual we didn’t get as much blogging or pictures as we would have hoped due to actually spending time together like normal people. It’s sad to say most times these perfectly curated and set up photos are what people post to show how much of a “good time” they are having. In reality they aren’t present in the moment and just experiencing everything from behind a lens. On this day we went to a Lakeridge winery (beautiful location close to home) and sampled some amazing wines. My outfit was inspired by this cool denim buttoned overall dress purchased from Forever 21. I wanted to keep everything else lady like and in proportion so I went with an old navy basic striped round collar shirt, nine west black patent leather booties, asos frilly socks, urban outfitters sunnies and my neutral Kate Spade chain link purse with my signature puff ball accessory. Links to items can be found below. Don’t forget to spend time with your loved ones and appreciate the non-picture perfect moments in between.

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Forever 21 Denim Overall Dress

Asos Jonathan Aston Socks

Urban Outfitters Sunglasses

XOXO- Ari

Hot new shit (drugstore edition)

Posted on January 26, 2016 by itsapplesandorangesblog

The drugstore is a bad place to be when you’re just “looking” around. During my trips to Target, CVS and Ulta, I spotted a few new products. My eyes would literally light up every time I saw the word “new”. Here are the items uI brought home with me…

From left to right: Garnier SkinActive Micellar cleansing water, Essie Gel Setter top coat, Maybelline Master Precise Skinny eyeliner, Biore Pore Penetrating Charcoal bar, Pixi Glow Tonic exfoliating toner, Maybelline Lash Sensational luscious mascara, L’Oreal Brow Stylist definer and Real Technique Miracle Complexion sponges.

So far I have only tried the Garnier Miceller water, the L’oreal brow stylist definer and the Essie gel setter. The Garnier Micellar water is gentle and removes all of my makeup without any stinging or burning, also it does not leave any residue. I don’t have a firm opinion on the L’Oreal brow stylist yet (I need to apply it with a full face of makeup. And lastly the Essie Gel Setter is a no light gel like top coat. I absolutely love it! My nail color has lasted for about 5 days without chipping!

I would be more than happy to review any of the other products as well, any one in particular you guys would like to know more about? Let me know in the comment box down below.

I’m really excited to try the rest of these products (especially the real techniques sponges) and cannot wait to report back to you all!

Find these items at Drugstore.com, Ulta.com, Walmart.com, CVS.com, Target.com along with any other drugstore in your area.

xx, Gwen

Twitter Fingers

Posted on January 18, 2016 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Now although we don’t condone bullying or violence, this epic line from the 2015 Drake hit “Back to Back” stands alone as a clever jab in the now infamous Meek Mill feud. When I saw this genius t-shirt on ASOS I knew that it had to be mine. I love a crisp white shirt with black lettering (as Ive featured many here before) because It can be paired with so many items and are a cool way to incorporate some humor and or fun into your wardrobe. You can rock this t-shirt in a sporty casual capacity as I did with sweat pants, Nike roshe run sneakers, and a vans beanie for a pop of color. Another cool way would be with dark jeans, heels and a sharp blazer for a smarter look. This look is youthful, fun and perfect for those off days where you just want to relax. Links to exact items down below!

Twitter Fingers Asos T-Shirt

Vans Beanie

XOXO -Ari

H&M Boho Chic

Posted on January 8, 2016 by itsapplesandorangesblog

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.