OOTN- Urban Flannel Flair

Posted on December 24, 2013 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I visited the mecca (Forever 21) just over two weeks ago and scored this cute little sweatshirt on clearance! I repeat I found a size small on clearance people, this is big news! Usually for the most part I steer clear of the clearance section from forever seeing as it is normally cluttered and hard to sift through. This bad boy was staring up at me and begging to be taken home. I paired it with my go to Zara dark wash jeans, as well as old season Target plaid booties. The contrast between the two different plaid prints made for an interesting and comfortable urban fall look. Links to similar items below!

Real Techniques “Sam’s Picks” Review

Posted on December 22, 2013 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Real Technique brushes are designed by youtube sensation and makeup artist Samantha Chapman. These affordable brushes are top of the line! The quality is impeccable and you get so much bang for your buck. I was introduced to them by my sister (and co blogger) and I am in love. I chose to go with “Sam’s Picks” because the brushes suited my needs and also served as a basic starting point (although they do have other “starter kits”. For me personally this one was the best.

Priced at $30.00 these are essential to any makeup lovers collection. The bristles are super soft but don’t shed and the aluminum self standing handle make it easier to grip and hold. I have no cons for these thus far! Links Below.

Multi Task Brush- Perfect for Powders (blush, bronzers etc)

Setting Brush-Dusting of Powder or Highlighter (I use mine to set my concealer under my eyes amongst other things)

Buffing Brush- Perfect for application of foundations both powder and mineral

Pointed Foundation Brush- Perfect for liquid foundation

Essential Crease Brush- These tapered bristles are perfect for contouring the face or blending on the eyes.

Fine Liner Brush- Great for any gel liner.

Sam’s Picks Brushes

Real Techniques at Ulta

Love Ari

Sam Edelman- Spiked “Dahila” Heels OOTD

Posted on December 17, 2013 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Sam Edelman heels are classic and beautiful,high-end enough to be saved for special occasions, but not so out of range that its impossible to obtain a pair. In comes Target! Yet again they’ve hit the nail on the head with this collaboration. I’ve mentioned the summer sandals in a previous post Sam & Libby Sandals and now I’ve gone ahead and purchased this basic statement heel with a twist. Featuring a spiked heel and snake print embossed on the front, this heel provides enough embellishments for a night out but is also subdued enough for a work day as I wore it. I went for a business casual look (appropriate for my dress code at work) and went with all black with hints of print. My black fitted turtle neck is a staple for these fall months as well as these high waist trousers from American apparel. Top it off with a houndstooth cardigan and a crème scarf and your all set for a high stakes day, or a chill evening out. The height make them super comfy and easy to move around in. I got my true size (6) it is also available in the color pewter (silver/grey). Links at the bottom!

Sam & Libby Dahlia Spiked Heel Pumps

High Waist Pants

Turtle Neck Top

Love

Ari

The Perfect “Holiday Heel” +OOTD

Posted on December 12, 2013 by itsapplesandorangesblog

While gift shopping at my local mall I came across these bad boys and knew they had to be mine immediately! Not only are they incredibly sexy but they are functional and within a limited budget! Forget everyone’s gifts, I was in heaven prancing around Forever 21 deciding which size suited me best. I opted for my standard size 6, although the 5.5 did fit me I felt slightly less tension on the back with my normal size. The “Modernist Buckled Heel” offers a cool funky geometric cut with two buckled ankle straps. They are as stylish and classic as heels but are comfortable enough to be compared to wedges as well. They are faux suede and come in at a cool $32.80, whats not to love? I styled them with old season zebra harem pants (also from forever 21) and a crisp white button up suitable for work attire or a casual day out. Simple minimalist jewelry and my hair up in braids. I love how they can transition easily from day to-night and I will be making use of these babies for some time to come. Links Below!

Buckled Heels

Zebra Knit Leggings

Classic Woven Button Up

❤ Ari

Drugstore Fall Lips

Posted on December 10, 2013 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I’ve found my favorite (so far) Lip combo for this fall season! I know some of you may already be experiencing harsh winter like weather but here in sunny Fl its pretty much still starting to cool off.Ive been searching high and low on the hunt for the perfect lip color that would still be wearable for everyday use. In comes Milani easy liner for lips in “sugar plum”. I love the red/purple undertones it gives off and the application is as smooth as can be. After lining my entire lips with it I topped it off with Revlon’s Super Lustrous lipstick in “Black Cherry 477”. This is slightly sheer but blends beautifully on top of the liner to create a satin finish without all the cakeyness of a matte nor too shiny on the eyes.

Pros
-The liner is retractable and goes on super smooth!
-The lip liner is incredibly pigmented
-Price point of both items (drugstore brand)

Cons
-The lipstick is a bit too sheer on my lips to wear on its own (or may work if you arent looking for a dramatic look)

Enjoy!

-Ari

Fall Trend Alert- Animal Ears

Posted on November 25, 2013 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Hats and scarves are always staples to keep warm during these fall months and what better way to spice them up then with fun shapes and styles like animal ears! Youve seen it everywhere from instagram to every fashion and beauty bloggers post as of lately and it doesnt look like the trend is going anywhere for now. Paired with any fall attire this look is slowly creeping up and kicking the “beanie” craze to the curb with its more feminine and “cutesy” touch. Here are some of my favorite’s that I’ve seen on the market.

Zara Rib Knit Hat $15.90

ASOS Ears Headband $14.24

Missguided Lionela Animal Hat $17.59

Nasty Gal- Eugenia Kim Caterina Hat $258.00

Nasty Gal- Little Bear Wool Hat (Berry) $45.00

Claires- Studded Knit Beanie with ears $16.50

Click on the photos for links to the products and full details.

-Ari

Nip + Fab Cellulite Fix Review

Posted on November 22, 2013 by itsapplesandorangesblog

As mentioned in my previous post Nivea Serum Review my new-found 24-year-old body has come along with cellulite in the most heinous way! I loved nivea’s serum but after it finished I figured Id try other products in order to not remain stagnant and constantly switch it up. No products will get rid of cellulite completely but along with good diet and exercise products do exist that can improve the condition dramatically. I picked up Nip + Fabs Cellulite Fix a body sculpting gel that is supposed to help with those unsightly bulges and unevenness. This caffeine packed formula is supposed to help “sculpt” and reduce the appearance of the cellulite using ingredients like indian forskolin (which is thought to aid in cell rejuvenation).

Pros
-Gel Formula feels cool and hydrating against my skin
-It is fast absorbing and doesn’t need to be constantly rubbed in
-Non sticky
-Pleasant smell (sort of like roses)
-Easy to apply (application is smooth)
-Availible at drugstores like Target and online
-Obvious results and reduction (remember no product will get rid of cellulite completely)

Cons
-Price point is not comparable to the nivea brand but it is a more “high-end product” from the UK
-It is 150ml and I wish it came with more product!

All in all I will continue to try out different brands and consistencies. So far I prefer this over nivea’s serum because of the gel like consistency and my overall results and usage of the product. Cellulite be gone!

Nip & Fab at Target

Cellulite Fix

Tarte Maracuja Concealer

Posted on November 19, 2013 by itsapplesandorangesblog

True life: I am addicted to concealer! Haha no but seriously guys I am obsessed with concealer, I am constantly experimenting with different brands, looking for the best one that will brighten and conceal the darkness under my eyes without looking too cakey. I currently have about 7 different brands that I use on rotation, well make that 8 because I just bought the Tarte cosmetics maracuja concealer. Drum roll please….. It was love at first sight!

Last week while attending a skincare class at Sephora (which was great by the way) I found my way over to the Tarte section. My initial thoughts were to just try on the concealer but I fell in love with it and had to bring it home with me. Upon applying it in the store my first reaction was wow this has a very thick consistency,(It’s full coverage) it also sets pretty quickly which means it should be blended into the area before it dries too much (I suggest using a beauty blender or any type of sponge to blend it evenly).

The weekend rolled around and I was so excited to put on an entire face of makeup to get the full effect of the concealer. I wore it for about 6 hours on Saturday while I ran some errands and this product DID NOT crease what so ever! My under eye circles were covered up and it really brightened my under eye area. It totally lives up to its name and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to simply brighten their face, has dark circles, or imperfections that they want to conceal.

I chose Medium Tan for my skin tone.

It appears a bit too light on my hands but it is perfect on my face.

This picture was taken on hour 4 of wearing the concealer.

Isn’t Sephora’s new tote super cute? I received a bunch of samples from the skincare class and I also bought some face cleansing sponges.

During the Skincare class we were asked what was our must have beauty product, I of course answered concealer (well for the time being, it changes every so often)
So I would love to know what are some of your favorite beauty products. Feel free to share in the comment section below!

Well that is all folks!
And always remember
“What you do, the way you think, is what makes you beautiful”- Scott Westerfeld

Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer

Much Love,
-Gwen

Flower Headband a la’ Lana Del Rey

Posted on November 14, 2013 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Fall has only now begun to rear its ugly head here in Sunny Fl but not even a week ago I was still able to enjoy a warm look for my new favorite item ie. this red rose head band. I purchased this on ASOS (still available on the site) and I thought it could go well with my year round summer attire and also be tweaked to go with fall looks since the red would also look great with jewel tones and fun stockings or tights. This rose garland has XL flowers attached to a woven wire band and sits perfectly (even tried it with my curly hair). The only con I could think is that it eventually became a little uncomfortable with long day wear (such as any other headband I suppose) as the woven wire puts slight pressure after a while. This could have been due to my clip in extensions as well (stay tuned for a post on those babies). Overall I received so many compliments/comments and concerns over this look. I felt very Lana Del Rey and effervescent. If I had the funds I would have definitely made my way over to Orlando’s Electric Daisy Carnival (hosted last week) and fit right in with the throngs of hipster chicks in cutoffs and fringe and been a happy unicorn. This maxi skirt and tank top look is great for an event like EDC (or any other musical festival of any kind), causal day outing, or even paired with warmer attire for a completely different take on the roses. Links below. Enjoy!

ASOS XL Rose HeadBand

Other Floral Option w/Stretch Band

Deeper Red (Similar Style)

Cheaper Forever 21 Pink Version

Single Black Rose Headband

Lust Vs. Must- Fall Sweaters

Posted on October 30, 2013 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I am loving a statement sweater for this upcoming fall season! Embellishments, tailoring, style and type of material all make for eclectic looks that can be incorporated and worn throughout the season. Some of my favorites would be classic v-neck cuts, embellishments (to avoid having to overload with accessories), long lengths and chunky knits. One doesnt need to spend lots of money to achieve this classic fall look, check out my previous D.I.Y sweater post and see how I made a $2.00 pullover into something wearable and fun! D.I.Y Studded Sweater Below are picture links to some sweaters that im lusting after this season and ones that could fit into any modest budget and are a “must”.