River Island Culotte Jumpsuit

Posted on August 12, 2016 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I recently went to visit my sister and dog Justin in New York. Being home even for such a short time gives me such nostalgic feelings. I’m always on the fence about moving back or not. On the one hand, New York City is hands down the best place to live with regards to entertainment, food, and general awesome vibes all around. On the other hand, I am not about that life! I am so used to driving and living at a slower pace being in Florida that experiencing the subway and hustling in such an extreme weather conditions doesn’t sound like fun anymore. But I digress; this River Island Jumpsuit really was the real MVP this trip. The culottes A-line and v-cut really flattered my figure overall and the material was free flowing enough to handle the extreme heat of NYC summers. The olive toned neutral color provided the perfect palette to pair with funky accessories like this bolo tie and 90’s inspired chokers. I love a lazy girl stylish jumpsuit, just throw on your sunnies and you are out the door! No need to pair tops and pants and get all complicated in the summer. This exact jumpsuit is currently sold out on ASOS but I included the link regardless because they are always restocking. Also check out the extremely similar options I linked below as well.

Let me know below do you ever struggle with wanting to move or have a change of pace?

Sold out Exact Jumpsuit– Keep an eye on it, ASOS often restocks items!

Similar Culotte Jumpsuits- Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here

XOXO- ARI

Marimekko for Target

Posted on August 9, 2016 by itsapplesandorangesblog

As some of you know Ari came up to NYC for a short weekend visit almost two weeks ago (boy does time fly). I took her to a bunch of cool places, ate some amazing food and snapped a couple of outfit shots for the blog.

Now I know I’m a tad bit late because these items are no longer available (don’t worry I’ve linked some equally cute sets down below) but I had been dying to take photos of this blue, black and white printed matching set that I bought in back in April. Marimekko collaborated with Target creating some amazing prints for homeware, clothing, swimsuits and accessories. I was also very happy to see that the clothing line included plus sized items. I purchased a matching set (which I am all for these days) the top in a 1x and the bottom in a xl at only $24.99 a piece.

Now on to the review: Tops that are too boxy don’t normally suit my body type but this one has flexibility and isn’t too stiff. As for the shorts they are loose enough where you feel comfortable but they don’t stretch to the point where you feel like they’re going to fall off. Overall I love how this fits and would recommend it for other body types as well.

I paired this outfit with slide black sandals from Target which I got on sale for $16.99! Here’s a closer look…

I hope you all enjoyed this outfit of the day. Stay tuned for the next outfit I’ll be sharing!

Here are some similar matching sets from Asos:

Ruffle Stripes

Top Bottom

Pink Clove Printed

Top Pencil Skirt

Target Slide Sandal

Till next time,

xx, Gwen

Flower Power

Posted on May 18, 2016 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Two weekends ago I was in Brooklyn celebrating a birthday when I stumbled upon some amazing murals along the sidewalk. It’s such a rare occasion when I am able to take outfit photos that I of course jumped at the opportunity and made my friends take some of me on their cell phones.

(Disclaimer: Hence why they aren’t the best quality, but I thought why not share).

Not sure if living in London for part of last year had some influence in my style but as of lately I’ve been very much into dark colors, (Shocking right!). When I saw this dress it immediately caught my eye because it has dark undertones but what really stood out was the pop of orange. The dress is from H&M and I purchased it back in the Fall for $14.95! Side note: I am loving the fact that H&M now carries more of their clothing items in a size xl. Unfortunately it is no longer available but, there’s a similar sleeveless style at the moment in stores.

Now on to the boots! These white block heeled boots are one of my favorite purchases I’ve made in a while. I saw them on the Aldo website and proceeded to hunt them down in store. They are sort of an off white/beige shade with a chunky black and silver heel. They can easily be worn with jeans, dresses, skirts, shorts, you name it! Once again they are not available but I did tag the clear heeled missguided boots my sister wore in a previous post.

H&M Dress
Missguided Boots
Ray-Ban Aviators

Hope you all enjoyed this quick ootd. Ari and I will be traveling together soon, which means I’ll make her take loads of photos of me!

Till next time,

xx, Gwen

Fall Favorites

Posted on November 12, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

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

Kate Spade Agenda “Quick & Curious”

Posted on September 23, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

As you may or may not have guessed already, Kate Spade is my number one favorite contemporary women’s designer. Featured countless times here before, I love the way the brand merges modern feminine style with quirky and youthful pieces. The range of items is always classic yet with a fun twist. I knew for the start of Grad school I needed something to help keep me on track of my life and assignments and knew I could count on my favorite brand to deliver. I didn’t want just any old planner, but a distinctive one that would bring me some happiness on my many upcoming joyless nights I would be spent studying. I purchased the 2015-2016 planner with the quote “she is quick and curious and playful and strong”. I absolutely loved the color (although now I am worried about the wear on tear on this beautiful baby blue) and the quote really resonated with me and made me feel special. I printed out some pinterest art work based off of things I love and inspired by YouTube guru Summer Kellsey (New York, pin up girls, Paris, food etc) and proceeded to create a “theme” for each month. You can print your items on shipping labels to make for easier sticking or on regular paper as I did and just use glue to cut and paste the homemade stickers. I also incorporated some fun scrap booking elements that I always have stored from my scrap booking days (things like magazine cut-outs, glitter, and stickers). Have fun with this! You don’t have to decorate, it’s just as beautiful plain but I love the excitement it brings me to look at my “to do” list now that it’s all pretty. Links to the items can be found down below including our pinterest page where you can find some of the same graphics. Enjoy!

You will need:

Avery Shipping Labels- (only if you don’t wish to glue with regular glue)
Printer Paper
Scissors/ Glue
Odds and Ends that you find appealing to add (scrap book materials, photos etc.)

My birthday month needed to be extra special! LEOS RULE!

“New York Minimalist”

Each dividing month has an inspirational quote I love.

Use anything you’d like and get to decorating!

Kate Spade “Quick & Curious” Agenda
Avery Labels
Our Pinterest Page
Summer Kellsey Pinterest page

Toodles, Ari

Hard knock life

Posted on September 9, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I have officially been back in New York for two months now and although I am glad to be home I have found that I’ve had to readjust to some things. Things such as being reminded that New York City despite the title it posses of the most dynamic, loud and buzzing place to live in, can knock you down off your high horse from time to time. I suppose that’s the beauty of this place, if you want this hectic life you’re going to have to do better than that (is what I imagine the city saying when I feel utterly defeated). I thought it would be nice to dedicate a post to New York City, as I did with London, although this might not be as heartfelt. This is more of a rant, a love/hate sort of relationship if you must.

Picture this: Here you are on a smoldering summer day waiting at the subway station for a train that’s 20 minutes late. With bag straps branding your shoulders, sweat trickling down your back, visions of smashing every single train fill your brain, but no matter how many times this happens, you’ll continue waiting for the subway because well there’s no other way to get around in this crazy city but also because deep down inside you love it here. I’ve realized that NYC will make you less patient but more tolerant.

On to why I very much love New York. It epitomizes the idea of a fresh start, there’s so much to be found in oneself and each day is filled with new and unexpected opportunities. Every time I enter the subway I may encounter a love of my life, every corner I turn I might stumble upon a new revelation or someone who may hold the key to my next journey. Life here can be so unpredictable and random whether good or bad, it’s what fuels me.

So here’s to New York, you excite me, you empower me and you exhaust me but I love you for it.

P.S was thinking of doing a NYC eats post (same as my London one) for those who might be considering a visit to the big apple, comment down below if you would like to see my favorite food places.

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

Coming to America

Posted on July 1, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

My flight back to New York is only 3 days away! (I’m such an emotional wreck). I have been organizing and packing over the last couple of days and as I was putting together my handbag I thought I would give you guys a glimpse at my must have flight items.

During a long flight something to read be it a book or magazine is great to keep yourself occupied.

Music- either an iPod, iPad or where ever else your music is stored, oh and you must not forget your headphones. Mine are from the brand Frends.

I like to carry a notebook in order to reflect on my journey or jot some notes down. This cute pineapple one comes from Paperchase (UK).

Flushable wipes (self explanatory, especially for us ladies)

EmergenC- this is a good vitamin C packet to take before flying as you’ll most likely be around a sick person along with all of the recycled air, which doesn’t help the cause.

Hand sanitizer- once again trying to keep germs at bay. This Soap and Glory one smells amazing!

Chewing gum– my ears pop when descending and landing, chewing gum really helps my ears from becoming filled with air. My favorite is sweet mint from Orbit.

Hand cream- keeping hands nice and moisturized is very important! Another Soap and Glory favorite! This cream is also considered a hand mask.

Hydrating Face cream or mask- your skin looses a lot of is moisture and can become really dry with such high altitude so once again it is vital to help your skin retain some of it by adding in a hydrating face cream or a mask. I’ve packed the Sephora brand Honey sheet mask and the Nuxe creme fraiche 24 hour moisturizing mask.

Eye mask– undereye areas are also delicate and can become quite dry, placing eye cooling masks can also help keep them fresh looking. I’ve got the Skyn Iceland hydro cool firming eye gels which really help de-puff the under eye area.

Hydrating spray face mist– a mist also works if you prefer a quick spritz of freshness every few hours or so. The Evian facial mist is great for a quick refresher!

Lip balm– we can’t forget the lips! The key word for this post is obviously hydration and your lips should also be nice and moist for the duration of the flight. My current favorite has been the Nuxe Reve de miel lip balm.
This might seem like a lot of products but this is a routine that I am pretty much used to. I also make sure I carry a large tote to ensure I can bring along all of these items. I am currently using my Longchamp tote. It is super comfortable to wear and ultra roomy!
There you have it guys! I hope this post was helpful for any those of you planning on taking a summer holiday (or during any season really).

Safe Travels!

xx, Gwen

North Face Killa

Posted on June 21, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

The brand North Face brings back so many great memories of my past. Growing up in New York, North Face is an iconic staple to get you through any harsh weather conditions (especially the cold). From my coat to my book bag, hat and gloves, north face was where it was at in terms of style and what was on trend. This hip/fanny pack is one way I can rock it while now residing in scorching Florida. I stole it from my sister (and co blogger) who had stolen it from her best friend back when she was in high school. I guess you can say it’s endured a lot and yet still has so much life left to it. It is extremely roomy and can fit my entire wallet, keys, some cosmetics and my phone comfortably with still some room for more. I loved being purse-less for this comfy and casual day! I paired my bum bag with a white crop top and boyfriend jeans from H&M, target studded sandals and a plaid shirt to tie around my waist and cover my belly. This brand will always have a special place in my heart