The Look For Less

Posted on October 24, 2013 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Hey guys! What a chilly day today in the big apple. It is officially time to bring out the boots! With that being said I’ve been looking for some black and gold studded rocker-ish boots, and guess what? I found them!!!!! I was deliriously excited until I saw the price tag ($1,350). These Chloé boots are to die! I just can’t bring myself to pay more for boots than I do for rent!

Sooooo as you know my bargain loving self went hunting for a close second and where better to look than Forever21. These black faux leather studded booties do not disappoint! Now they do not have the exact design but come pretty close with the studded detailing and gold buckles. They are super comfy which is a plus and the best part is they were only $42.80!

Don’t you just love it when you find something you love at such a good price? That is called happiness in my book!

So remember ladies and gents there is ALWAYS a dupe out there for an item you have got to get your hands on. Yes I know sometimes you would rather have the original but not when you have to sacrifice your life (I would become the woman who lived in her shoe).

Here are my new bad boys. I’m going to wear these for Drake’s concert on Sunday. I hope he likes them!

Steal booties

Splurge booties

Stay warm my friends!
– Gwen

L’oreal LaLaque

Posted on October 18, 2013 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Hey guys! Here’s a quick post on one of my new favorite lip products.
I know that the Fall is upon us and dark lip colors are typically worn during this time of year but I can’t seem to stop loving my reds. I’m sure some of you are “rule” breakers as am I and wear whatever color you feel suits you best. L’oreal has recently released some new lip colors called “laLaque” and “leMatte” and I was able to snag 2 of the Lalaque’s (which have a glossier finish) at my local Rite Aid. The tubes have a marker look to them but the product inside appears more crayon like. These lipsticks also have a retractable twist on the upper part of the tube. The colors are extremely vibrant and match the packaging perfectly. The formula glides on smoothly creating a shiny but not too wet of a look. Take a look for yourself…

Left: Number 413
Lacque-onic
Right: Number 414
I Lacque you a lot

(With Flash)
Left: #414 I lacque you alot
Right: #413
Lacque-onic

Same as up top but with no flash

And there you have it my friends, you could never go wrong with a bright or darker shade of red at any time of the year!
Until next time,
-Gwen

Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing Ta F’ Wit

Posted on October 17, 2013 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I finally got my hands on this Wu Tang crop top!!! After waiting it out the first go around on forever 21 online and missing it, they restocked the site with this tighter more cropped version than the previous one. I love the printed graphic (obviously super iconic) and it can be paired with so many items both casual and funky. Such a statement piece for many seasons! I paired it with old high waisted jeans, knee high brown boots (forever 21 old season), a denim vest (lighter wash than my jeans) and a burgundy fringe clutch (old season target). Curly hair felt appropriate for the look and I rocked my natural fro out as well. Its the “Wu Revolution”! Check out the links below.

Ari

Phillip Lim

Posted on October 15, 2013 by itsapplesandorangesblog

One of the most anticipated collaborations with Target caused quite the stir this year, yes you guessed I am referring to the 3.1 Phillip Lim collection. I myself was one of those who arrived at the store at 8 am when they opened and it was indeed madness! All of the handbags were gone by the time I entered the store (I was towards the back of the line, people had been standing there since 6 am, I know crazy new yorkers). I almost lost my cool, until I called up my sis and asked her to purchase the yellow crossbody top handle bag (Good thing she lives in a small town and was literally the only one there at 8 am) crisis averted! I managed to pick up some clothing items in store and was able to order the large purple tote online.

Both of these bags are super versatile and can be paired with an every day casual look or in a more dressed up way.
Here are some easy looks I created…

Easy Breezy! This could easily be worn on the weekend on your down time or during the week while running errands. Using the bag as a crossbody comes in handy while running around NYC.

Casual: Phillip Lim Boom sweatshirt & top handle crossbody bag
h&m tapered sweats

This look can easily be paired with pumps for a dressed up look for the office or some booties for a night out to dinner. Wearing the bag off of one shoulder gives it a sleeker look.

Dressy: Phillip Lim Leopard silk sleeved sweater, top handle crossbody bag and Old Navy corduroy blue skirt

Another weekend winner! Large totes are great because you can literally throw everything in them! Deadline coming up? grab your tote, throw in your laptop and headphones then head to your nearest coffee shop to get some work done.

Casual: Old Navy striped sweater with blue elbow patches, Target burgundy leggings & Phillip Lim tote

This outfit could also be worn to work or out for a business meeting, (the dress is knee length). This tote is perfect for carrying paperwork to and from the office.

Dressy: Forever21 Peplum dress & Phillip Lim tote

Here are the links to the same or similar outfit pieces:
(NOTE: Phillip Lim pieces are sold out online, but your local Target might have some left)

H&M Sweats
Blue Curduroy Skirt
Old Navy striped sweater
Burgundy Bottoms
Forever 21 peplum dress

And there you have it guys, a few ways to dress up (or down) your 3.1 Phillip Lim bags.

Hasta Luego!
-Gwen

Quick OOTN Inspiration

Posted on October 14, 2013 by itsapplesandorangesblog

This is a quickie post seeing as I didn’t get too many photos, but I wanted to share this awesome little number I got at forever 21! Perfect for a night out this sexy dress features a geometric print with a waist cutout and exposed zipper. For only $15.80 I thought it was a steal and a complete easy look to throw on in a hurry. I paired it with red mary jane pumps from target, but it can also be played up with Neon’s as pictured on the forever 21 site. Links Below!

Geometric Print Dress

Red Mary Jane Pumps

-Ari

Drop Crotch Faux Leather Pants

Posted on October 12, 2013 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Casual relaxed days are the best as the seasons are slowly but surely shifting. I love giving myself an edgier look on days when its a little overcast and I am able to wear different fabrics that would normally make me melt in the Florida sun otherwise. These drop crotch faux leather sweat pants were purchased on my birthday trip to New York at necessary clothing boutique in Soho. I haven’t had the chance to wear them seeing as they would literally stick to my skin in 95 degree weather. The slight difference between harem and drop crotch is that harem pants have overall volume on the sides as well as a lowered rise. Drop crotch pants are typically fitted throughout the hips and only feature an extended crotch (no overall bagginess on the sides). I paired them with a comic strip print crop top from rainbow, target studded Sam & Libby sandals and my clear chain link clutch from eBay. Links below!

eBay Clear Chain Link Clutch

Comic Crop Top

Faux Leather Pants

“Bad-Man” OOTD- Casual Bat Top +Timbs

Posted on October 3, 2013 by itsapplesandorangesblog

As described on the site the brand Ichiban is exclusive to ASOS. The British label meaning “number one” or “the best” in Japanese offers edgy & fun casual street-wear clothing. I fell in love with almost every piece but decided on this simple crop top because it reminded me of an inside joke I share with someone. I also loved the graphic and how I could play it up using different summer or even fall elements (can be paired with knee high boots and jeans). I chose to go with my favorite American apparel khaki zip side shorts (featured before) and my timberlands that I received as a birthday present (kids sizing). Bat graphics are very trendy right now for the Halloween holiday and this look goes right along with it. Links below for the items!

Ichiban “Badman” Crop Top

American Apparel Khaki Shorts

Classic Timberlands

OOTD-The Makeup Show

Posted on October 1, 2013 by itsapplesandorangesblog

This outfit was put together very last minute as what I had originally planned to wear to this event didn’t quite work out. I wanted to keep it a little more dressy and girly than your average casual outfit considering I was going to The Make Up show not only to shop but hopefully to network and meet one of my favorite youtube gurus @nicoleguerriero. Heels were a must and I opted for this low pair from target Ive previously featured so I could stand and walk for an extended period. My top is Michael Kors via Tjmaxx and the high waist black and gold shorts are from forever 21. Threw on my new Phillip Lim satchel (my baby) and I was off to the show!

Mustard Bag -Phillip Lim for Target
Dotted Top- Michael Kors via TJmaxx
Printed Black & Gold Shorts- Forver 21 (old season)
Studded Red Heels- Target

Target Red Studded Heels

Black & Gold Shorts- Forever 21

Phillip Lim for Target Satchel

I had so much fun at The Makeup Show!

-Ari

The Makeup Show Goodies- Z Palette

Posted on September 29, 2013 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I had the pleasure of attending “The Makeup Show” here in Orlando Fl on Sept 28. For it being my first time at a makeup expo, I was not disappointed at all! I loved the setup and all the booths were filled with amazing products all at discounted prices. I also got to meet one of my favorite beauty youtube gurus @nicoleguerriero (go check her out she is amazing!) I had an awesome experience and definitely look forward to attending more events like this in the future.

My first purchase was the Z- Palette in size large and leopard print. For those who don’t know the z-palette is a customized makeup palette that allows you to use your own products and have them all in one convenient location. Great for traveling, this little palette is available in different prints/solid colors, I was sold once I heard the discounted price. The process goes as follows

1. Pick out the makeup in your collection that you would like to combine (perhaps your “everyday look”). Make sure they are in pots (sometimes hard to tell if they are glued well, look for the metal rim).

2. Depot by prying or using the oven or flat-iron method (I used solely prying them out with a thin kitchen knife)

3. Clean off the glue from the back of the pot, stick on palette if it is metal or if not use the provided stickers to adhere the items to the palette. You can also use a sharpie to label your product on the back.

4. Enjoy your customized palette!

Leopard Print Z- Palette with magnetic stickers inside.

Find the edge of the pot and work your item of choice (be careful with knives) into it.

Pull off the pot and clean off the excess glue with acetone or “goo gone”.

This one didn’t actually need a sticker, but for the purposes of this I used one. Adhere it to the back of the pot.

Place them wherever you’d like on the palette

Here Is my work in progress!

I used an old maybelline neutral quad, and my favorite blush from a Sonia Kashuk palette. I can totally see this being a favorite of mine when I spend long weekends locally or travel anywhere else. Such a cool concept that I’m glad I was sold on. I can use all the help I can get to organize my cluttered life.

Instructions on how to depot (oven or flat-iron method)

Z Palette Website

Stay tuned for my outfit post for this event!

Love, Ari

My girl Autumn… pt. 3

Posted on September 27, 2013 by itsapplesandorangesblog

What better way to end this Autumn series post than with two cool and casual jackets. I know that many people up north do not like the winter, and I am one of them, but during Autumn you can play around with layering. A suggestion would be to maybe a wear a chunky sweater for extra warmth and a moto jacket or if you’d prefer a longer jacket for those chilly nights, a mid-length one would serve its purpose at keeping a larger portion of your body warm. So without further adieu I will present my two current favorite jackets, I also created an actual outfit, pairing them up with some of my other Autumn go to pieces.

Faux Leather Moto Jacket H&M Plus Size

Woven Jacket with quilted faux leather sleeves from H&M Plus Size

Now what I love about these is that they aren’t too bulky or heavy but are warm enough once these NYC temperatures start to drop.

Faux Jacket: H&M
Tank: Old Navy
Leggings & Booties: Target

You can find the exact or similar pieces here:

Moto Jacket
Booties
Snake Skin Leggings
Tank top

Quilted jacket, hat and leopard top: H&M
Studded booties: Zara
Leggings: Target

You can find the exact or similar pieces here:

Quilted Jacket
Wool hat
Leggings
Leopard top
Ankle booties

And there you have it my friends, you now know how to transition your summer clothes into fall outfits, what the hit nail polish colors are for this season and lastly what jackets to choose and not freeze your butt off.

Till next time,
-Gwen