Midi Skirts

Posted on March 5, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Spring is right around the corner and I am already looking for my must have pieces, one of them being the midi skirt which I have become utterly obsessed with! I love the versatility of it, one minute you can be casual by pairing it with flats or sandals and the next you can have a night out on the town with a pair of booties, strappy heels or wedges. They come in a variety of colors, patterns and lengths making them wearable for all shapes and sizes. I personally prefer the more flared out style (A line) as opposed to the tapered kind. Here are a few of my favorites:

I was able to get my hands on a black and white striped midi from Asos and I am just dying for the warmer weather to return to the big apple.

Below are some links as to where you can find a cute midi to suit your style (both plus and regular sizes).
Asos skirts (curve) Here Here Regular: Here Here
Simplybe: Here Here
Modcloth: Here Here

Etsy also has some really cute ones just type in “midi skirt” in the search box.

Not so patiently waiting for spring…
-Gwen

Pewter Power OOTD

Posted on February 24, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

These target pumps finally got to see the light of day as I’ve had them in my closet for some time. I got them on clearance for the low low price of $8.98! I mean can we say bargain people? In trying to incorporate more pieces in my wardrobe that can work for both my day job as well as everyday life, these snake-skin pewter pumps can be paired with an array of looks for both since they are closed toe and have a relatively low heel. For a casual weekend I went with a black button up (old season forever 21), white ann taylor shorts,my Kate Spade nude quilted bag and my hair straight for a sleek vibe. These lovelies are from the Sam & Libby Collection and are still available online and perhaps for cheaper at a target near you! They also come in black and nude for a more classic take on the look. Links below

Ann Taylor “City Shorts”
Sam & Libby “Dominique” Pointed Toe Pumps in Pewter
Similar Silky Button Ups- Here, Here & Here

February Ipsy Glam Bag Review

Posted on February 21, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

The time has come again for my monthly Ipsy Glam Bag, this is my second one ever and I must say I am much more pleased with this one than my January edition. This time around it included more full sized items and actual products that I love and will use often. First things first is the constant incorporation of a new makeup bag, plain pink with white trim and I love it! This one will probably be re-gifted as well or used for traveling purposes. I received lashes from jcatbeauty, a body butter from pacifica, zoya nail polish, pop beauty lip gloss and a shadow tint from ‘tini beauty. Check out my pics and reviews below and also the Links at the bottom for products. Enjoy!

J.Cat Beauty “EL 20”
Lashes + Glue
These are very thick but still very soft to the touch, I may cut them in half to use as accent lashes instead of a full glam look. I usually prefer a slimmer band but nonetheless these are still great lashes.

Pop Beauty -“Fuchsia Freesia”
This mini gloss is perfect to throw in your bag and your’e out the door! The sheer tint is great over another color to mix or alone by itself for a natural flushed pink pout. Although I did not see the advertised “plumping” effects I did feel the moisture from the avocado and jojoba oils used in said product. I love it!

Pacifica Body Butter- “Hawaiian Ruby Guava”
This body butter is super moisturizing and smells like heaven on earth! Like all pacifica products it is 100% vegan and cruelty free. This isn’t for someone afraid of a strong scent you will be smelling like a tropical dream for the entire day!

‘Tini Beauty-Eyeshadow Tint “Spiced Rum”
I have never heard of this line until now and they offer an array of nail products, eyes and lips as well. This eyeshadow tint is creamy, blends well and can be used as a base or by itself for a subtle look (on my skin tone). The packaging on the site is very cute with all of the products sporting an alcohol related theme i.e., “dry gin top coat”. Very cool concept!

Zoya- “Odette”
This pretty purple is perfect for an everyday mani. It was a nice consistency and one coat is good enough for a nice finish. Ive always liked Zoya polishes and Im glad to add this to my collection!

-Love,
Ari

Pacifica “Hawaiian Ruby Guava” Body Butter
Zoya “Odette” Nail Polish
‘Tiny Beauty “Spiced Rum” Eyeshadow Tint
J. Cat Beauy Eyelashes
Pop Beauty “Fuchsia Freesia” Lip Gloss

Matching Sets Galore

Posted on February 18, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I am obsessed with matching sets and acquiring as many as I can for the upcoming warmer season. Not only are they incredibly stylish and provide an instant cohesive look, they are so easy to throw on and run out the door! Just find your pair and you’re ready to go. I usually go with minimal jewelry if the set has a busy pattern but play it up a little more if we are working with solids and textures. Check out my previous monochromatic take on this look and below are some links to ones I’m currently lusting after. Shorts, skirts, pants, blazers, crops tops, monochromatic or patterned the possibilities are endless! Click on the photos for links.

Asos Reclaimed Vintage 90’s Rib Top & Tube Skirt
Top-$74.08
Skirt- $70.37

Asos -Sweater & Mini Skirt In Quilted Stitch
Top- $64.82
Skirt- $55.56

Won Hundred Top & Pencil Skirt
Top- $166.67
Skirt- $231.49

Forever 21 Textured Blazer & Flutter Shorts
Blazer- $29.80
Shorts- $17.80

Textured Gingham Top & Trousers
Top- $68.00
Trousers- $84.00

Jacquard Boyfriend Coat & Skirt
Coat-$150.00
Skirt-$76.00

-Ari

V-Day Collab Part 2- Casual & Fun

Posted on February 11, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

If you are opting for a more casual feel or have a day outing with that special someone this look is perfect for you! The different rose/blush hues compliment each other and the pops of print (leopard skinny belt and … Continue reading →

V-day Collab Outfit & Makeup Inspiration-Sexy & Fun!

Posted on February 10, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Whether you have a valentine or not the following outfit and makeup can serve dual purposes for inspiration for this upcoming special day or any sexy night out on the town. Heck maybe you can find a valentine wearing this … Continue reading →

Nasty Gal-Shoe Cult Strut Cutout Bootie

Posted on February 5, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Here is my formal introduction to my new additions in my heel collection (more like my children). These amazing heels are the “Strut Cutout Bootie” from the much-anticipated Shoe Cult collection from NastyGal. I originally wanted these as soon as … Continue reading →

Fanny Packin’

Posted on February 3, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Unlike me and my horrible gift giving decisions, my sister Gwen is awesome at picking out items she knows I would love. Yes I may have hinted at this all christmas season but she knew that not just any old fanny pack would do for this girl! She bought this awesome faux leather rhinestone encrusted Kimchi Blue one from Urban Outfitters. It also features matte muted sequins as the backdrop for the jewels. I love love love this bag! I can throw it on with anything and it instantly adds texture, interest and a focal point to any look. Fanny packs are also awesome for keeping your hands free and enabling those who have issues with carrying everything (like myself when I have a huge purse) to downsize and only bring the essentials. I paired it with some H&M high waist blush shorts, forever 21 linen blazer,lace detailed camisole and gold capped black basic heels (all old season items). Links below to get a similar look!

Awesome Fanny Packs! Vintage-Asos, Eastpak-Asos, Dark City-Nasty Gal, Lets Ride-Nasty Gal,Unhinged-Nasty Gal, Night Journey-Nasty Gal, Moschino, Marni-Neiman Marcus

Blush Shorts- Mila Scalloped Hem- Boo Hoo, Belle Culottes- Boo Hoo, Alice+ Olivia-Saks Fifth Ave, Lace Trim Chiffon-Go Jane

Forever 21 Blazer

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm

Posted on January 30, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I was so excited when I saw Revlon’s new matte balm line! ( I mean what new lip product doesn’t make me super excited?) The original colorburst’s were my absolute favorite when they were first launched, I love the simple twist up tube because lets face it not many people have a sharpener on hand.

There are many matte lipsticks & balms that are a bit too drying for me, causing lots of cracking which I HATE! These bad boys are velvety smooth! They are made with shea, coconut and mango butters, so yes you guessed it not only do they glide on your lips smoothly (with intense color payoff might I add) they are also very nourishing. Shameless (#215) and Unapologetic (#210) were the two colors I chose and I couldn’t be happier. Check out some swatches below…

Hope these swatches were helpful to you all

Hasta Luego,

-Gwen

January Ipsy Glam Bag Review

Posted on January 29, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I just received my first Ipsy Glam bag ever and I have to say I have very mixed reviews of the items and products that were included. For those who don’t know, Ipsy is just one of the ever popular monthly subscription bags out there meant to save makeup/beauty collectors money and allow you the customer to try products out before committing and buying them fully. Every month you get a selection of items based on a questionnaire that you fill out in the beginning, it does initially put you on a waiting list for a bag but my personal wait was not long at all. For $10 a month you can then read reviews and watch tutorials on the ipsy online community from other makeup lovers and learn and share tips and tricks based on that months bag.

First Impression-Love the fact that it comes in an extremely cute makeup case! I have so many of these but they get dirty often and sometimes even need replacing. These can make great items to re-gift later on and fill them with your own personalized items for friends and family. I love this first blue bag featuring a print of different cosmetic products and bottles.

Cons- The items I received were not full-sized except the tinted lip balm (pictured below)

Pros-
-It featured new products that I had never tried before and some that I had heard of already (proactiv and Mica).
-Good mixture of “high and low” products

Ipsy January Glam Bag

Proactiv + Mark Fading Pads

Mica Beauty Cosmetics- Tinted Lip Balm # 6 Fiesta
The color pay off of this product is great and shows up on my darker lips perfectly. The only con I could say is that it could be a little more moisturizing for being a “balm”. It feels more like a soft stain versus an actual regular lip balm.

Swatch of #6 Fiesta

Nourish Organic Lightweight Moisturizing Face Lotion-Argan +Rosewater
This feels super lightweight and has an amazing refreshing scent. The only con I would say is that my skin absorbs it super quick and I still feel a little dry. This is best for those with less dry skin (perhaps oily or combination) and also for areas with high heat as it is super light and refreshing on the face.

Elizabeth Mott- Smooth Shadow Creamy Eye Pencil
This pencil had a great consistency and cute little travel packaging, the only downside was that it was too light for either me or my sister’s skin tone. This was included in our giveaway a week ago.

Dont Despair, Repair! Deep conditioning mask This hair mask has an amazing scent and is meant for those with dry, damaged or chemically treated hair.

Briogeo-Dont Despair, Repair! Deep conditioning mask
This hair mask has an amazing scent and is meant for those with dry, damaged or chemically treated hair.

I will most likely continue and see what else Ipsy has to offer for the next couple of months and will be coming out with further reviews if I receive any items that I am in love with.

Until then….Enjoy!

-Ari