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

Neutral Zone

Posted on February 29, 2016 by itsapplesandorangesblog

With Spring time being just around the corner I decided to create a soft nude look on the eyes and lips. The warmer it gets the less I want to wear a full face. It’s something about light colors that suit everyone’s skin tone, especially when the suns out. Below you’ll see my creation as well as the products I’ve used.

Products used:

Ex1 foundation (shade 300)

Dr. Brandt Pores no more Primer

L’Oreal Brow Stylist Definer (brunette)

L.A Girl Orange Corrector (for under eye area)

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer (NW35 for dark spots)

Maybelline Fit Me concealer (shade 25 Medium)

MAC Mineralized Skinfinish Bronzer (Dark Tan)

Charlotte Tilbury Blusher (shade Ecstacy)

Becca & Jaclyn Hill Highlighter (champagne pop)

Stila Eyes of the window eyeshadow palette (mind)

Rimmel Super Curler Mascara

Clinique Skinny Stick eyeliner

L’Oreal Super Slim felt eyeliner

NYX lip liner (shade ever)

Nars Audacious lipstick (shade Brigitte)

Gerard Cosmetics Gloss (nude)

Hope you all enjoyed this almost spring look. Till next time.

xx, Gwen

Sunglassspot Sunnies

Posted on June 12, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

As many of you may have caught on already the hype about Sunglassspot.com is too real! This awesome website features designer inspired sunglasses as well as fun decorative sunnies for the climbing temps! At only $5.00 a pair you cannot beat the quality or design. You can change up your look every day and protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun while always staying on trend! The following picks were a combination of mine and my sisters. The plan was to each get three and now that we’ve received them, we want more! Check out how my picks look on my face below and make sure to check out the site for more stylish options.

Sharp Rimless Bottom Clear Lensed Cat Eye

Round Metal Trim High Pointed Tip Cat Eye Mod

Retro Round 50mm Pearl

Sunglassspot

XOXO, Ari

Everyday Casual Look

Posted on June 8, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Sometimes low key basics can translate better than any other cool and curated outfit. On this regular day I didn’t really feel like fussing with coordinating a stylish over the top look, I just wanted to be comfortable, cute and most of all weather appropriate. My H&M boyfriend jeans are always my favorite go to for anytime I want to be comfortable yet still on trend. I paired them with an old blue and white pin stripe cotton button up that was light and breezy enough for the hot weather. These everyday low Target sandals completed the look. This casual ootd could also be replicated for the Fourth of July (considering the color scheme) or any other event not requiring so much effort. Accessories include my trustee Kate Spade purse (which I should have opted for my nude version instead but was in a rush) and my hair which was reaching for the heavens on this sticky humid day. Links to similar items below!

H&M Boyfriend Jeans
Similar Red Sandals
Similar Striped Shirt

Toodles- Ari

New product alert: Covergirl Review

Posted on May 19, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Hi there lovelies! Fun news: Covergirl was gracious enough to contact us and mail out two new products that are just about to launch! Super exciting right? One of my favorites from Covergirl is the Lashblast Fusion Mascara, makes them really pop! Naturally I was elated when we were sent this package with their new mascara and eyeliner. I’ll be demonstrating some before and after photos and of course per usual give you my honest opinion on these products. Let’s begin!

The mascara is called the “super sizer” and it claims to build up to 400% more corner to corner volume. The applicator brush is made of rubber and it starts off thin and becomes fuller as you reach the top. There are also tiny little bristles in between the larger ones for an added grip on your lashes.

“Intensify Me” is a liquid liner but has the control of a pencil liner. The paddle shaped tip gives you two looks in one, lay it flat and it creates a thick and dramatic line turn it sideways creating a thin and elegant line.

Here are some before and after photos (now please be kind everyone I am not wearing any concealer and my under eye lines/ bags are insane)

Natural Lashes

Two coats of the super size mascara

Thin application of the intensify me eyeliner

My overall thoughts: I feel the mascara is great for lengthening as you can tell in the photo they practically touched my brows after applying two coats. The formula isn’t too wet or gloopy which I really like and my lashes also appeared darker, this is due to the smaller bristles I mentioned before. Does it volumize your lashes? I don’t think it does as much volumizing as I would like it to. I feel this had a more lengthening affect on me.

On to the liner: I really loved the concept of the paddle tip making super easy to use either side for whichever look you’re going for. The formula dries quickly leaving a satin finish. As I mentioned above I am awful at applying liquid liner but this consistency is really smooth and glides on beautifully!

Thank you again Covergirl. Such a pleasure working with you!

Signing off as

Easy, Breezy Beautiful Cover-Gwen

Américaine fille à Paris – Part Une

Posted on May 6, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Bonjour les amis! What an amazing time in the city of lights! My long weekend was very well spent site seeing, eating and riding the metro all around Paris. Boy am I glad I grew up in NYC, the metro was a breeze to navigate! I knew my savvy subway skills would come in handy one day! (I still hate the MTA)

I arrived Saturday morning and headed straight into town. I walked along St. Germain blvd a famous strip known for its shops and cafes. Stopping at one of the most well known ones “Cafe de Flore” I had a glass of chablis & a quiche lorraine, so yummy! I then walked to the infamous cathedral Notre Dame. What a beauty! I continued my journey walking along the left bank and stopped at the Pont de l’Archevêché, one of the narrowest bridges in Paris and where people from all around the world have left their “locks of love”. Sunday consisted of the open bus tour which took us along all of the major sites such as the Eiffel Tower, Trocadero, The Louvre, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe and so many more. Ahhhh la Tour Eiffel, I caught a glimpse of it from afar and I squealed like a little girl! It was indeed magical especially at night during the light show. I also went on a boat ride along the river Siene admiring all of the beautiful bridges. I learned that there are 37 of them! Monday was my last day and there was no way I was leaving Paris without visitng the Louvre. What an amazing museum! Such significant works of art and sculptures, it really takes your breath away! In between all of the site seeing fun I of course stopped at cafes and grabbed tasty baguettes, gelato and pastries. I don’t know how French women remain so slim, all there is to eat consists of carbs. I pretty much had bread with every meal, well worth it in my opinion! Now for the fun part, photos!

I wanted to also mention that this was my first time traveling on my own. I will admit I was a bit anxious before leaving but once I arrived my fears were put to rest as everyone seemed welcoming. I stayed at this great hostel called Generator. Now I know what you’re thinking hostels are usually known to be a bit sketchy but Generator recently opened up (about three months ago) and the space is gorgeous! There’s a dining area on deck as well as a “chill lounge” and bar. The staff was beyond helpful and friendly. I would totally recommend it to anyone traveling solo.

Hope you all enjoyed this little sneak peak at my trip. Part deux is coming up next… Want a hint? It has to do with goodies I bought in Paris!

à la prochaine! , baisers – Gwen

Nautical Spring Look

Posted on March 30, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

We are well into spring although the weather has taken an odd turn towards cold these last few days in Florida. With that being said the day time is still very enjoyable for a nice casual outing. I went to the farmers market with friends and spent a lovely Sunday relaxing and sampling amazing food and crafts. My oufit of choice was based around these awesome horizontal navy blue striped pants purchased from Primark on my recent trip to London. Not only are they versatile and appropriate for work and regular life (a must these days) they are also trendy and have a nautical flair perfect for spring and summer. I paired them with this Ralph Lauren peplum button up, nine west tassel flats and my Kate Spade bag that is attached to my body at all times. All american and preppy, perfect for the weather and any occasion. Links to similar items below!