LA TOUR EIFFEL- PARIS OOTD

Posted on March 22, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Sadly this is my last outfit of the day from my trip 3 weeks ago. This reminiscent journey is coming to an end but I am sure I will have many more travel fun to come this year. On this day my mom and I whisked away for a day trip to Paris without my sister Gwen. On only a couple of hours time we managed to eat lunch inside the Eiffel Tower and tour the well known Louvre Museum as well as take many pictures amongst other things. It was a bit chilly so I opted for comfort and an androgynous aesthetic to keep me warm. My feminine detail came in the form of this amazing Kate Spade Eiffel Tower purse. I purchased this at the Kate Spade outlet in Orlando and although its not roomy I couldn’t help but wear it out for my special day date in the city of Love. Experiencing this trip to three different countries with the two girls I love most (my mom and sister) is going to be one of my most treasured memories. Links to items below!

HM Jeans
Forever 21 Button Up
HM Sweater
Kate Spade Purse
Aldo Oxfords

Love – Ari

Parc de Montjuic -Barcelona OOTD

Posted on March 21, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Barcelona was magical! This city was such a nice contrast to the gloomy city vibes of London. Although still a bit chilly, the sun was out and the vibes were friendly. We took a tour bus and made some stops along the way to explore the beautiful landscape. On this day we visited this park “Parc de Montjuic” and were able to capture some outfit of the day shots after we panicked on the cable cars up the mountain. I was wearing this knit zara black dress with gold accents and detailing. I stayed with my misguided leopard coat, aldo oxfords and tights from the day before and added some funky Pom-Pom socks from ASOS to keep my feet warm and spice up the look. Last but not least this jaw dropping huge pearl choker necklace from ASOS was the standout item. I love the way it makes a statement and can be paired with any simple silhouette. Links to items below as always.

ASOS Faux Pearl Choker

Aldo “Grummer” Oxfords

Missguided Leopard Faux Fur Coat

XOXO -Ari

Winter Skin Banished!

Posted on March 17, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Hi there lovelies! So as you all know I (Gwen) have been in London for the past two and a half months and although it has been slightly warmer these days (It is a gorgeous sunny day as we speak) I still wanted to share the products that have helped calm and hydrate my skin over the winter months.

Here’s a little history on Kiehl’s : they were founded as an old world apothecary in New York City over 150 years ago! They began offering homeopathic and herbal remedies, essential oils, over-the-counter drugs, and the first Kiehl’s brand name products. Today, Kiehl’s is known for their quality skin care and hair care products and are known for mainly selecting naturally derived ingredients as well as using minimal preservatives.

The Centella Skin Calming Facial Cleanser was recommended to me due to the concerns I expressed to one of the women at the store. The issues I was having were: dry and rough patches of skin and some redness due to some problematic areas (pimples/bumps). It’s key ingredients are Aloe Vera, Chamomile and Tiger Herb which together work to soothe, comfort and heal the skin. This cleanser can be applied on wet or dry skin, using circular motions over the entire face. It is then suggested you remove product with a warm damp cloth. The Ultra Facial Cream is one of Kiehl’s iconic products loved by many and I now know why! This cream is such a light-textured moisturizer that helps to retain moisture within the skin for up to 24 hours! The key ingredients are: Antarcticine (Glycoprotein extract) and Imperata Cylindrica (Desert plant Extract) which together work to prevent dryness and create a lasting hydrating effect on skin. A little goes a long way, I apply a few pea sized dots all over my face (and neck) and again work it in circular and upward motions.

I have been using both of these products over the last two and a half months and have noticed such a difference in my skin! I no longer have dry patches and my skin feels insanely soft and hydrated. I would love to try out a few of their other products as well. Have you ever tried anything from Kiehl’s range? If so let me know which ones down below!

Till next time,

Gwen xx

Viva Barcelona OOTD- Giveaway

Posted on March 13, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

So as some of you may have been keeping up with, I Ari finally got some stamps on my passport! I visited my sister Gwen in London and we did some major country hopping in the short time we were reunited. I had the best time ever and now have the travel bug, bad! Our first day in Barcelona was filled with good food, amazing views and lovely weather. We did some site seeing and even ended up at the beach! It was about 45 degrees or so and winter gear was required (especially for my thin Florida blood). This look consisted of this thick quilted pink sweater dress from Zara’s end of season sale, black aldo oxfords, fleece lined leggings, pearl & gold collar necklace, bowler hat and lastly this show stopping leopard jacket! This misguided coat is so beautiful in person and surprisingly light weight. I ordered it a size UK 8 (US 4) but looking back probably would have gone for a 6 (US 2). It is supposed to be oversized and boxy (that is the look) so it still worked well. We are hosting a giveaway of this same exact coat in a size UK 8 from misguided on instagram! Their was a mixup with my shipping and I was sent two by accident so I thought why not share the wealth? If you like this look and would like to rock this coat check out our instagram to see how to enter. @itsapplesandorangesblog. Links to items below.

Missguided Kylie Faux Fur Leopard Coat
Win this coat in a size US 4 UK 8 on our instagram! Here

Black Bowler Hats, Here & Here

Sweater Dresses Here, Here & Here

Aldo Oxfords Here & Here

Love Ari

Sisters in London

Posted on March 11, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

First and foremost we would like to apologize for going so many days without posting (we have a good reason, promise!). Ari and our mom came all the way to London to visit me for a few days, it was a short trip but none the less packed with loads of fun! They spilt their time between London, Barcelona & Paris (insane I know).

In this post I want to share an outfit I put together for a day out in London as well as our amazing time at Kettners for Afternoon Tea.

I knew our day in London consisted of loads of walking so I wanted to be comfortable yet polished as we were going to be having Afternoon Tea. I chose this “nothing to wear” tee shirt from Asos which I think is utterly adorable, don’t we all have this problem ladies? Because I chose such a simple top I decided to pair it with my blue velvet skater skirt from Forever 21 which gave the outfit a nice twist to a mostly all black look. I then threw on some tights, my trusty studded boots and my new baby, the Cambridge satchel.

Afternoon Tea at Kettners was absolutely fabulous! I was highly impressed with the array of sandwiches and delicious pastries we were served. My drink of preference is normally coffee but the peppermint tea at Kettners tasted like no other!

It was such a great weekend! One we will never ever forget! I leave you all with a photo of Ari and I in front of Buckingham Palace.

Till next time!

Gwen xx

Glam Glow BrightMud Eye Treatment Review

Posted on March 1, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Glam Glow Brightmud eye treatment is the ultimate splurge and luxurious go to item when you want to feel fancy and give yourself a boost. It was always something both me and my sister wanted to try but strayed away from due to the hefty price at Sephora. At $69.00 this eye treatment is said to minimize puffiness, dark circles and fine lines while brightening and hydrating the area. What’s great is that it is for all ages, skin types, gender and requires only 3 minutes! I found it at my local marshalls for half the price and couldn’t resist the temptation to buy it and spilt it with my sister. Here are my impressions of the product. Links down below!

Pros
-Super Soft and Hydrating
-Amazing smell
-Thick consistency glides and smooth’s well (goes a long way)
-“Cooling effect”
-Left under eye soft to the touch but yet firm and “tight”
-You can take it off in 3 minutes!
Cons-
-Pricey (I was lucky to find it at Marshalls for half the price)
– I don’t know If it will work with wrinkles and fine lines since I split the box with my sister. I didn’t notice any major difference as far as lines with the ones I had.

I loved this product and give it a thumbs up for those that may suffer from dry skin to keep that sensitive area under your eyes smooth and firm. It is an awesome luxury product that one can splurge on for special occasions or events. Glam glow has various other masks and products that work wonders and are more affordable, all available a Sephora.

Love, Ari

London Fashion Weekend

Posted on March 1, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Based on the title of this post I am sure you can all guess I was over at London Fashion Weekend and boy did I have loads of fun! Upon arriving I located the tote pick up area (which was filled with amazing goodies as you will see below). I then proceeded to walk around the shops for a bit but not before grabbing some bubbly of course. Here’s a closer look…

I made my way to The Cambridge Satchel Company to check out a bag I’ve been lusting over for quite some time now. I am utterly delighted to say I am now a proud owner of one. I chose the 11 inch classic satchel in oxblood. So gorgeous! They were also offering complimentary engraving, which is such a nice way to add a personal touch to your new love.

I was also able to sit in on a catwalk show presented by Theoutnet.com in which they show cased this springs most popular trends. Hyper Florals, Shimmer and Shine, Make it Monochrome and That Seventies Show were the four categories demonstrated. Here are some of my favorite looks.

I have been in love with London fashion upon arriving here but being a part of this amazing weekend has taken my love to a higher level!

I leave you with a quick look at my outfit (although it isn’t too visible as I am still wearing my pea coat) Boohoo dress (Similar, the one I am wearing is velvet material), Target Booties.

xx – Gwen

E45 Cream

Posted on February 25, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

This winter I have been battling with the effects of the cold weather against my skin, as with everyone back home I am sure (so glad I am missing out on all of that awful snow NYC has been getting). As usual, my face and hands have taken most of the beating but I am thrilled to say that I have found some products to remedy them. (I will further speak of my new facial skin care, but for now I want to focus on my hands) I discovered E45 cream back in NY when my boss brought some over from a trip to London. I fell in love with the scent and consistency of the cream which is really thick but does not leave a residue behind. So when I stumbled upon E45’s overnight repair and protect cream along with the nourish and restore one I knew I had to give them a try.

E45 is known as Dermatological skin care designed for all skin types, specializing in sensitive, dry and eczema prone skin. They have expanded their line of products with these two hand creams. The overnight repair and protect cream contains vitamin B3 which boosts skin’s natural defenses and enhances cell regeneration while asleep. Its lightweight and non greasy texture absorbs quickly and leaves skin hydrated. The nourish and restore hand cream is lightly fragranced and is specially formulated to not only replenish moisture but also locks it in to help keep skin protected.

These two babies have not left my side and I can truly say my hands are having much better days because of them. I purchased my hand creams at Boots but Superdrug and Amazon carry them as well.

Keep hydrated everyone!

xx Gwen

“Hello Lover” Fur Missguided Heels

Posted on February 23, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

As best expressed by Carrie on Sex and the City their is nothing like a sexy taupe/nude sandal to elongate the leg and make anyone feel sexy. Add some delicate fur detailing and you’ve got the perfect heel to add detail and texture to any outfit. This look was put together short notice for a night out with friends. Since the temperatures were still on the chilly side I opted for a 3 quarter sleeve turtle neck tunic, sticking with the black theme I threw on some trustee short shorts to make the look more night club appropriate. It needed the extra “Ari” flare as I can’t ever go out without having some sort of statement item and I remembered I had these amazing Missguided faux fur heels that would go perfect and be just the pop I needed. I absolutely love the items on Missguided’s website but buyers be warned they do take forever to ship your item and have been known to have issues with shipping in general to the U.S. (from other reviews online). I will continue to purchase from this website in the future but keeping that in mind and not counting on items to be received quickly. Links to similar heels below!

Similar Heels Missguided & Boo Hoo

❤ -Ari

Brows on Fleek

Posted on February 20, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

If you’re someone who’s all about makeup I am pretty sure having perfect eyebrows is at the top of your list. I personally would much rather have a nice full set of brows (very Cara Delevingne esque) but hey beggers can’t be choosers right? Which brings me to the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz. This guy is my ultimate holy grail! Whether I want to go all out “brows on fleek” mode or I want to keep them au naturale looking this tiny little pencil gets the job done! Being the makeup enthusiast that I am, I could never cease to search for other amazing products, which brings me to the Soap and Glory Archery pencil. Holy moly this is basically the same product as the Anastasia but at a more affordable price (Archery: £8/$12 vs. Brow Wiz £15.50/ $21). Here’s a side by side comparison of both.

Left: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in the shade Dark Brown/Brunette

Right: Soap and Glory Archery in the shade Hot Chocolate

Both have a twist up pencil/crayon on one end and a spoolie on the other.

Left: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Right: Soap and Glory Archery

(Please excuse my eyebrows, they are not on “fleek” at this moment but will be soon)

Left brow: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Right brow: Soap and Glory Archery

I filled them in pretty heavily in order to see if there is really a difference in shades. I would say the Soap and Glory Archery has a warmer undertone while the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz is a true dark brown hue.

If you were to ask me which product is best, I would honestly say they are both amazing! Archery is a bit more budget friendly, you can find it in a drugstore (Boots in the UK carries Soap and Glory’s entire makeup line), it is highly pigmented and blends in wonderfully. The Brow Wiz is one of Anastasia’s best products as its known to glide on smoothly giving your brows amazing definition. You will not be disappointed with either one of them.

Hope you all enjoyed this side by side comparison of products. I love finding dupes and affordable options for us gals looking to save a few pennies. Are there any products you have an amazing dupe for? Leave your comment/suggestion down below! Also if you can think of any makeup products you would like to find a dupe for, leave me a message as well, I would be happy to be of help!

xx -Gwen