Jo Malone

Posted on February 17, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

This past weekend I was very much in the Valentine’s Day spirit and decided to splurge a bit on myself. I rode the train over to Westfield shopping centre in Shepherds Bush, I was highly impressed to say the least!

On to my purchase: I originally went in looking for an outfit for an upcoming fashion show… Had no luck with that. So I thought I would swing by Jo Malone London to get a whiff of some scents I’ve been dying to try. Upon walking in you realize this store is just pure luxury! from being greeted with a glass of champagne (super fancy right? or posh as the Brits say) to getting a hand massage, I mean I wanted to hang out in there all day long. I began browsing and to no surprise fell head over heals in love with a few scents (I knew this would happen which is why I’ve avoided going to this store for over a year). I left a proud (but painfully broke) owner of a candle and cologne.

“The essence of autumn. The sensuous freshness of just-ripe pears is wrapped in a bouquet of white freesias, and mellowed by amber, patchouli and woods. Luscious and golden. To uplift, to wind down, or simply to add an air of luxury. Transform the atmosphere with luxury and opulence”- English Pear and Freesia candle

“The essence of charm. Peonies in voluptuous bloom, exquisitely fragile. Flirtatious with the juicy bite of red apple and the opulence of jasmine, rose and gillyflower. Mingling with the sensuality of soft, blush suede. Luxurious and seductive”- Peony and blush suede cologne

I love how both scents are described as “Luxurious” couldn’t of said it better myself! I am totally obsessed with my purchase! I mean don’t we all deserve a gorgeous gift that makes us feel special from time to time? (this is how I validate my sometimes over the top purchases to myself).

Purchasing in the U.S? Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth avenue & Jo Malone store

Jo Malone London

Until next time my lovelies, – Gwen

Know Yourself

Posted on February 15, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Not only is this title an ode to drakes new mixtape it also suits this outfit of the day as it’s my my staple go to look. When you know what looks good on your body and most importantly what makes you feel good then the rest is a cake walk. I always gravitate towards a shorts, heels and blazer combination. This particular look consist of a red scalloped hem playsuit I have worn a couple of times already, nude Jessica Simpson faux leather booties, thrifted grey boyfriend blazer, and my faux fur chain link clutch from Forever 21. The different textures make for an interesting visual effect and the gold accents complete the look. You can wear this to brunch all the way to a sexy date night out (hence why I love these three key pieces together). Invest in staple items like a structured blazer and good heels and the rest is up to you to play with! Links to items listed below.

Forever 21 Chain Strap Round Clutch
Similar Playsuits- Here, Here, Here & Here
Jessica Simpson Booties- Here, Here, Here, Here and Here
Similar Blazer –Here

Bellami Clip In Hair 220G Bellissima 22′ in “Mochachino Brown”

Ari….. :0)

Sephora Collection Face Mask

Posted on February 10, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Sephora never dissapoints in the skin care department and this face mask collection is no exception! These exclusive masks come in handy when you are in a bind and are compact and slim to fit anywhere. You can get the at home pampering experience on the go, or actually use it at home. Each of the 8 different types serve different purposes. From moisturizing, brightening, anti aging, soothing, energizing and anti blemish any one of your skin needs can be met by one of these awesome sheet mask. Just unfold it from its pacakaging, place on your face and after 15 minutues remove it. You can then gently massage the excess product into the skin and their is no need to rinse! Pefect for planes or long car rides (where you are not driving of course). Pictured below are the two that Ive tried. I enjoy the scent of both, and like how my face feels tighetend and supple afterwards. I am definitely going to be testing these out more extensively on my upcoming long flight to visit Gwen in London!

The best part is they are only $6.00 each! Make sure to pick one up on your next trip to Sephora.

-Ari

Beauty & Skincare (London Edition)

Posted on February 5, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Boots and Superdrug; two shops that have been screaming my name each time I walk past one. They are basically like the Duane Reade and CVS of New York. I’ve managed to pick up a few things here and there and would like to share them with you all (especially with my peeps over in the U.S, don’t be jealous guys). Here’s a closer look at my purchases (disclaimer one item is from Amazon.com)

Zoella Beauty Soak Opera (Superdrug)

This smells absolutely heavenly! If you guys don’t know who Zoella is on youtube then you need to search her right now! She is a UK based blogger/vlogger and is the most adorable thing ever! She created her own line of a few products; bath fizz, body lotion, makeup bags, body mist and this bath soak/shower cream. It’s floral scent takes you to another place and time, combined with the aloe and shea butter your skin will love you for using this.

Tangle Teaser (Boots)

I’ve had my eye on this little guy for quite some time now, but I thought the price was a bit too steep for a hair brush, that is until I used it. I have very fine hair making it super easy to become tangled, this bad boy combed out all of those knots without pulling or breaking my hair. Ultimate score! (I also had to get it because cough, cough I saw Zoella mention it in one of her recent videos, can someone say obsession?) Oh and lastly I love anything black and gold.

Bioderma (Amazon Purchase)

Now this item is something I was super excited to try as it is only sold in the UK or middle east. (I believe it will soon be sold in the U.S) This is a cleansing and makeup removing water that will gently purify your skin. I have often heard people speak of the Sensibio which is the formula for sensitive skin but I opted for the Sebium which is for oily/combination and blemished skin. So far it has done a great job at giving my skin that deep down clean feeling. What more could a girl ask for?

Max Factor Masterpiece Transform Mascara (Boots)

I spotted this mascara in the “whats new section” and it’s description immediately caught my eye. It claims to capture and volumize each lash for show stopping eyes. The shape of the brush is also something I had never seen before, I was sold! Here’s a closer look at the wand

Tanya Burr Lashes & Gloss (Superdrug)

Here I go again talking about another one of my other favorite UK blogger/vlogger, I just can’t help myself. Again if you don’t know who Tanya Burr is you need to look her up now! She is one of the UK’s top youtubers and is adorable as well. (I am obsessed with the English accent). She too created her own line which includes makeup, lashes and a book! I picked up the “everyday flutter” lashes which give just a touch of flirtiness to the corners of your eyes. I also picked up her lipgloss in the shade “Chocolate Fondue” which is one of those your lip color but better shades.

Rimmel 60 second nail polish (or varnish as the British say) (Boots)

This bright red-orange shade is called “central love heart”. This is my favorite shade of red to paint my nails with, it is just so fun and vibrant! Perfect for Valentines day!

That is all my friends! Hope you enjoyed it!

For anyone back home (United States) looking to purchase any of these items you can go to:

Boots.com , superdrug.com , or you can always find international items on Amazon.com

-Gwen

Ole Henriksen-3 Little Wonders Mini Collection Review

Posted on January 29, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

So we are only getting older every day and this unfortunate fact is not lost on me. It seems like as the days go by I am reminded that youth is fleeting and to take advantage of it while I can. This year I turn 26 and I figured it’s time I take a cue from my sister and start taking better care of my skin. I took advantage of insane sales that Sephora was having during the holiday season and bought this trio of products in hopes to review them and perhaps make them apart of my skin routine. Ole Henriksen is a bit pricey but gets amazing reviews so this mini “3 Little Wonders Collection” was the perfect way to try some of the top products without fully committing to the full priced options. It includes the truth serum collagen booster, “sheer transformation” day time moisturizer and invigorating night treatment. Below are my pros and cons and a link to the item!

Truth Serum Collagen Booster– Daytime Anti-Aging Serum with Vitamin C said to brighten, firm, reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles and prevent future damage.

It is incredibly light weight and glides easy over your face. It does not provide any moisture but does have a pleasant smell and my face feels a little tight right after putting it on (I’m assuming this is where the “firming” comes into play.

Follow up your serum with the Sheer Transformation meant to diminish dark spots, sun damage and protect from free radicals.

This lotion is super lightweight and takes away the tight feeling from the serum. It is oil free and has not made me have acne break outs with 1 month of use so far.

Lastly the Night treatment is just that, solely for use at night seeing as its meant to resurface your skin to smooth texture, fine lines, wrinkles and even the look of big pores.

In using this product I did notice slight peeling of my skin especially in sensitive areas like my nose and chin. This is not necessarily a bad thing seeing as it’s meant to essentially take off the dead layers on the surface. Trust me it is not comparable to getting a chemical peel or flaking like a snake, it was very slight and easily fixed with some extra moisturizer.

Overall I am extremely happy with my results so far and a little goes a long way so I have some time before needing to replace with full size. Don’t forget your neck or décolletage so that you can have smooth youthful radiant skin there as well. Sometimes I even spread the remaining on the back of my hands (they always can show true age).

Forever young, – Ari

3 Little Wonders Mini Collection

Camden Town

Posted on January 26, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

This past weekend my adventures took me a bit north to Camden Town, famously known for its markets, live music and home to the late Amy Winehouse. I walked in and out of the markets browsing, taking all of the energy in and of course stopping to eat some local food. Here’s a look at my day…

Tube Station

Found the food!

Quotes & Sayings

Love me some Elephants

Who goes to a market without doing a bit of shopping? I was really interested in picking up some original pieces such as artwork or jewelry. Here’s a closer look at what I found…

The Photographs in the middle were taken by photographer: Antonio Duran

These rings were designed and made by an Italian woman.

Paying my respects to Amy:

“You left for London when you were nineteen
Had to pawn all your nice clothes, just living on dreams
A man in the bright lights took all that you own
Now he’s taken your freedom for a taste unknown”- Hey little rich girl

I leave you all with a selfie, which I shamelessly took with my new favorite device, yes you guessed it, a selfie stick. No judgement please. Also I never want to take off this scarf!

See you soon dolls!

Thanks to Themayfairy for the great suggestion!

-Gwen

Weekend Warrior Outfit Inspiration

Posted on January 22, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

The weekend is almost here! Even though this was technically a shorter work week because of the holiday (Yay for Martin Luther King) I still feel like it has dragged on. Below is a casual outfit inspired by the weekend and wanting to be relaxed and chill yet still stylish. I paired my trustee willow & clay utility vest that I throw on with absolutely everything (need this thing in 20 colors) with a cozy long sleeved striped crew neck t shirt from old navy. My love affair with these boyfriend jeans from H&M also continues and compliments the “star” of this outfit which in my opinion is this pair of Aldo lace up booties. I scored these babies on clearance for $25 and although they only had a size 6.5 and I am typically a 6, I bought them anyway because of how pretty and genuinely comfortable they are. The thick chunky heel allows for me to strut my stuff all over town if I wanted or just simply run a few errands and look badass while doing so. Links to items can be found below!

Old Navy Black & White Striped Top

H&M Boyfriend Jeans

Aldo “Trorecia” Lace Up Booties

Willow & Clay Olive Utility Vest

Old Season Forever 21 Leopard Clutch

-Ari

Sunday Funday (London Edition)

Posted on January 19, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Second weekend in London and it of course was an exciting one! On Saturday morning I decided to walk around my new neighborhood a bit checking out the local eats, where to get my nails and eyebrows done etc. I then rode the tube up north to
Islington to meet up with a friend for drinks and dinner, boy did we have fun! You English people sure know how to have a good time!

Sunday was sort of a low key day, I again did some walking to the next town over called Clapham and discovered this lovely restaurant called the Bolingbroke and had an amazing English roast! What’s not to love about Yorkshire pudding am I right?

After that huge meal I rested for a while then decided I could not let myself get into a food coma and walked over to the Southside shopping center. This shopping center has everything you could ever dream of! Primark, Boots, Superdrug, H&M, River Island, The Body Shop etc. I’ve come to the realization that Boots is the equivalent to Target back home, every time I walk in there I leave with at least £40 worth of stuff. Here’s what I picked up from Boots and the Body shop…

I am most excited about the XXL volume Batiste dry shampoo and the Real Techniques contour brush. (Will keep you updated on how they perform).

That is all my friends, as always until next time!

-Gwen

S.W. Basics of Brooklyn-Natural Product Review

Posted on January 14, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Review time!!! So as some of you may or may not know, I have tried to incorporate more natural based products into my beauty regiment starting with the process of growing out my chemical processing and getting my healthy curls back. In my search for new products to try I came across this company called S.W. Basics of Brooklyn. First and foremost the name caught my eye immediately, anything that reminds me of home is so fun for me to support. Started by Adina Grigore, this company uses no more than 5 ingredients in every single one of their products. All responsibly sourced and simple enough to be accessible to everyone yet potent.

-100% All natural (not just a sneaky advertising label)
Ingredients are either certified organic, fair trade, or sourced from small family farms. This contributes to sustainable agriculture, supports small businesses and healthier communities.
Amazing and adorable packaging that can be recycled and reused how you see fit.
Did I mention none of the products have more than 5 ingredients? YES PLEASE

I went with the eye makeup remover to start with. It goes on smooth using a cotton round or ball and dosent have a strong scent. Made from just three ingredients super-light organic sweet almond oil, a bit of organic extra-virgin olive oil, and a little jojoba oil a little bit of this product goes a long way. It removes my eye makeup including mascara and can double as a moisturizer. I don’t have to wash off the residue and can actually rub it around my eyes for that sensitive skin area to soak up all the goodness. I am definitely looking forward to trying more of their products in the future including body scrubs and cleansers. Check them out if you have sensitive skin or are just interested in using all natural products. Link Below!

Mascara, you ain’t the boss of me.

S.W Basics Makeup Remover

S.W. Basics of Brooklyn

Tourist in London

Posted on January 12, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Hiya Everyone! (I’ve learned this is how Londoners say Hello). I’ve had such an amazing weekend getting to know a bit of this wonderful city and wanted to share some of it with you all. Here goes…

Classic phone booth shot

Ready for the Big Bus Tour!

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Tower of London

London Eye

Big Ben

Proper Fish and Chips is a must!

Could not walk past Primark and Boots
without picking up a few things!

Sneak Peek at my new items

What a great weekend right? I am absolutely delighted with this city and all that I’ve seen so far. Keep those suggestions coming if you reside here or have ever been. Thanks loves!

Until next time,
-Gwen