May Birchbox

Posted on May 19, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Hey Everyone! As you know my sister Ari is subscribed to the Ipsy glam monthly bags, she’s been very happy with her goodies so I thought I would jump on the bandwagon as well. I decided I would subscribe to Birchbox, which is pretty much the same concept as the Ipsy bags (except you do not receive a makeup bag with your samples). Upon signing up you are asked a series of questions to create your personalized profile, such as what is your skin type, hair type, whether you would like to receive beauty, skincare and or hair care product samples (I of course opted for all three).

I absolutely love receiving things in the mail, and was so excited when I saw this cute little box sitting at my doorstep. This Month’s box arrived with a little bit of everything. Check below to find out what the items were.

Number 4 high performance hair care Volumizing shampoo and conditioner. This Formula is said to Gently cleanse and purifies while enhancing hair volume. Color Protecting, Anti-Aging, Sulfate & Sodium Chloride free. The Conditioner is a lightweight formula which gives amplified volume, shine and endless body. Adds weightless moisture and body without weighing hair down.

Marcelle BB Golden Glow. It's said to: Provide a healthy glow effect with just the right hint of illumination, Even out skin tone, Offer immediate and long-term hydrating benefits, Protect from premature aging and environmental stresses, Promote skin regeneration, Soothe and calm skin, Reduce the appearance of imperfections and Control shine

Marcelle BB Golden Glow. It’s said to: Provide a healthy glow effect with just the right hint of illumination, even out skin tone, offers immediate and long-term hydrating benefits, protects from premature aging and environmental stresses, promotes skin regeneration, soothes and calms, reduces the appearance of imperfections and controls shine.

Cynthia Rowley silver eyeliner.

Gilchrist & Soames spa therapy body lotion.

There you have it my friends, I am really excited to try the volumizing shampoo and conditioner. I tried the bb cream and it gave me a very luminous finish, very light coverage though.
If any of you are interested in purchasing any of these products you can look on birchbox.com or click on the links I’ve provided below.

Enjoy beauties!
-Gwen

Number 4 hair care
Marcelle BB Cream
Cynthia Rowley Makeup from Birchbox

Go-To Curly Hair Products-Shea Moisture Line

Posted on May 17, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

So as mentioned in one of my previous hair post, I have taken on the task to try and nurture my hair back to health after a long time of chemically damaging it with relaxers and heat. I still from time to time use rollers, or straighten it but for the most part wear it in its natural curly state. Its been quite a journey figuring out what works best for my hair type and I am still learning as I go along. My main concerns were affordability and using natural products (to bring my hair back to life). In comes Shea Moisture products! This nutrient rich line is certified organic, cruelty free, dosent incoporate parabens or sulfates and the list goes on and on! With ingredients like coconut oil, silk protein and even yucca its hard to believe that both of these products are under $15.00 each. The curl enhancing smoothie was my first purchase followed by the thickening growth milk that I use in conjunction together. This combination works wonders for me and depending on how much hair you have and how much you use, these products go a long way. They are available at drug stores and also linked below!

They are all taped up from the travel and usage they have gotten!

Pros- Conditions Hair, Restores Moisture & Shine, Minimizes Frizz & provides control. Be sure to “rake” this thoroughly through your hair as to not have any clumping in any one specific area. It wont flake but it will be a bit greasy if not spread evenly or if too much is used. It does not leave my hair hard at all! Super soft with control, whats not to love?

I added this thickening growth milk to the mix after realizing the smoothie was for thick hair. I personally have very thin hair and this adds volume and also helps soften it. I mix this and a the smoothie in my palm and apply it generously in a “raking” motion. This can be used on damp on dry hair as a styling cream.

Stay tuned for a step by step curly wash and go routine!

-love

Ari

Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie

Yucca & Aloe Thickening Growth Milk

Fl Fashion Weekend 14′ – Show time!

Posted on May 11, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Although I’ve worn this “Blaque Market” skirt a couple of times already I was hesitant to feature it on the blog since it is not available anymore on KARMALOOP.COM where I purchased it a while ago. However every time I have worn it, it draws attention from all sources and I knew that it was what I had to rock for the Downtown Orlando Fashion Show. For the press party I went more casual but I wanted to pull out all the stops for the actual show. This hoop/cage skirt is reminiscent of a laundry basket (or so the uneducated eye guesses) but it’s actually a take on a pretty common item of clothing that was worn by women in the 18 century. Granted they wore these under their skirts for the effect, but today I am rocking mine on the outside and loving it! Below I included some links as to the history of the skirt & some similar items that may be of interest to add to your wardrobe as a costume (or like me for everyday use). I paired mine with a basic bodycon from forever 21 and my heel-less heels. Scroll down to check it out!

Me, Fashion Stylist “Sweet Tilly” and Editor Mellisa Thomas

@FaboPiano and @BuddyBlues -Super awesome musicians!

My buddy for the night…make sure to check out his blog he’s super awesome and clearly one of the most fashion forward dudes you will ever encounter!! pedro from pedrodrigo.com

Blaque Market Site

History

Etsy Similar Skirt

Nasty Gal Similar Dress < I so want this!!!!!

Similar Heels

Bodycon Dress

Love Ari

Downtown Orlando Fashion Week 14′- Day 1 OOTN

Posted on May 10, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Florida Fashion Weekend kicked off May 9 with a two day event filled with fashion and fun. I was happy to be able to get on the media list for the pre- show mixer hosted at Jai Gallery to get a look at the models before hand. I have never attended an event like this before and had no idea what to expect. I went with these bold yet sophisticated statement making basketball shorts that I recently ordered from ASOS. This “river island” piece kills the tough task of making shorts chic by adding a touch of sheer element. Everyone and everyone was giving me compliments the entire night and I even got mistaken for one of the models (correction because of my shorts clearly not my height, a girl can only dream). I paired them with a white quilted crop sweater from H&M and my amazing shoe cult by nasty gal heels. Sleek straight hair and my go to Phillip lim bag completed my overall aesthethic and I was ready to take on the night! Stay tuned for pics from the actual show. Links to items below!

Awesome Performance by a live band!

One of Misly Beltinor’s Lovely Models

asos, river island, phillip lim, target, h&m, pullover, sweater, sheer, basketball shorts, heels, nasty gal, shoe cult, fashion, orlando, downtown,

Feeling myself and I cant be bothered!

Free samples of “Onli” Beverages and Sparkling Water. My fav was the hibiscus pomegranate aronia flavor!

River Island Basketball Shorts

H&M Quilted Sweatshirt

Similar Booties- Here, Here, Here and Here

L’Oréal Privée

Posted on May 8, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

L’Oréal has launched an exclusive nude collection from their Colour Riche line, yay! don’t we all love a good nude lip? What’s so unique about the Privée line is that the colors were created by Eva Longoria, Freda Pinto, Jennifer Lopez, Julianne Moore, Doutzen Kroes, and Liya Kebede, which are some of L’Oréal’s ambassadors. The shades come in a wide range of colors, inspired by the variety of skin tones of each of these women. I love that these were made with varying skin tones in mind in order to give you the perfect nude, whether you have light, medium or darker skin there is a color for you! I myself have medium to tan skin (depending on the time of the year) so I figured that Eva (610) and Jennifer’s (370) lip shades would match me the best and I was right! Take a look down below for a quick look at the colors.

Eva & Jennifer

Left: Jennifer’s nude Right: Eva’s nude

Jennifer’ nude on top, Eva’s on the bottom

First thing’s first the packaging on these are gorgeous! I am a sucker for anything black and gold so these guys definitely won my heart with that alone! The lipsticks are as creamy as can be and the color payoff is great. My lips are already naturally pretty pigmented making both of these shades compliment me very well. Jennifer’s nude is a soft nude and has more of a pink undertone while Eva’s has a bit more intensity and leans more towards a brown. Eva’s nude is basically the exact shade as my lips only better!

If you are wanting to try these you need to get to our local drugstore asap! I went to about five different ones and all of the displays had about 3 lipsticks left. I purchased one from CVS and the other from Rite Aid.

Till next time friends,

Oh can’t forget L’Oreal’s signature exiting line… because you’re worth it!

-Gwen

Lauren Conrad “Style”

Posted on May 3, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

When I was younger, I used to be an avid reader and would actually take on the tasks to finish lengthy materials super fast even if it meant getting some reading done at the dinner table or spending my summers at the local library. I loved where my books could take my imagination and how they made me feel. Throughout the years, school (in particular college) left a slight disdain for reading since it became more of a chore and not a hobby. I have made the choice today to get back to one of my favorite past times and enjoy reading just for the sake of it. Although it is more of a helpful guide versus a narrative “Style” by Lauren Conrad is a fun introductory easy read to get me back into the flow of things. I picked it up at my local Marshalls at a discounted price just merely based on the aesthetic appeal (great coffee table look) but quickly discovered that it actually had some awesome advice, guidelines, tips and tricks for the everyday girl interested in all things relating to fashion and beauty. Her simple yet chic look is broken down for even the basic beginner to be able to obtain as well as life and beauty hacks. From closet organization to choosing the right denim for your body type, this book has a little something for everyone and is an easy flowing read! Links below.

Find it here on Amazon

Barnes & Noble

-Love

Ari

Dry Shampoo

Posted on May 1, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Left-Right Aveeno Pure Renewal Dry Shampoo, Batiste Dry Shampoo (for dark and deep brown hair) and Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo for brunettes

Hey there everyone! Now ladies I know that most of us lead such busy lives causing to sometimes skip that hair wash we desperately need (Yes I said it). Guilty is written all over this girl who will wear a bun all week long, alas in comes the wonderful invention of the dry shampoo! This product has been out for some time now but different brands are now coming up with various alternatives for those with lighter or darker hair, some even have a red hair option. Here are the three that I have tried and my thoughts on why I did/ did not like them.

First up is the Aveeno Pure Renewal it is said to rejuvenate your hair for a clean and fresh look by removing excess oil and helping boost volume. It is also sulfate free. The price ranges between $5.99 – $8.99 depending on where you buy it. I personally LOVE the way this smells but because my hair is dark it did leave a white layer over it, which was a bit difficult to blend out. The formula itself isn’t too heavy or sticky but I found it did very little for my oily hair.

Next up is the Batiste Dry Shampoo which claims that a quick burst will instantly revitalize hair leaving it fresh and clean. It also has a tint of color making it easy to blend with your natural (or dyed) hair color. The price ranges between $7.49-$8.99. I purchased the dark to deep brown color (but they have a blond, medium brown and red tone as well). I’ve only used this one about 3 times but in that short amount of time I have found that this one really worked for me. It has a light airy feeling to it but still manages to absorb the oil without making my hair look too matte. The color matched perfectly with my hair and it also smelled super clean!

Lastly is the Drybar Detox for brunettes, running you at $20 which is a bit on the pricier side. This product claims to also absorb oil leaving your hair feeling clean light and full. It matches my hair perfectly as well and it does absorb the oil but it has a very heavy feeling and leaves my hair looking more matte and stiff than I would like. Another con for me is that the sprayer lets out so much product that it gets everywhere! My normally white shower curtain has brown stains because of it.

And there you have it my friends. In case you haven’t already guessed it, my favorite Dry Shampoo is the Batiste! Good quality along with a good price!

Below are links to purchasing these products. I found both the Aveeno and Batiste products at Ulta but I believe they are also sold in drugstores or Walmart. The Drybar Detox is sold on Drybar’s website but I found mine at Sephora.

Aveeno Pure Renewal
Batiste Dry Shampoo
Drybar Detox

Hasta Luego,
-Gwen

Revlon by Marchesa Review

Posted on April 28, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I love me an at home manicure and what else is better than a cute set to keep my nails looking proper at all times! My lovely sister sent an awesome care package that included these products (will feature the rest in a different post). The packaging and design make all the difference with these everyday items. In collaboration with Revlon designer Marchesa added a touch of pink and florals that really make the average tools that much more awesome!

-The dual ended cuticle trimmer can be used to push back your cuticles as well as trim them up if needed.
-Nail clipper has a curved blade and small file
-The emery board has a floral design to file and also buff and shine on the opposite end
-The handy case protects and keep everything in place!

She also included a mini “to go” tweezer set that includes a slant and point tip for all of my tweezing needs! How freaking adorable are these babies?!

This and other designs can still be found at your local drugstores like CVS, Walgreens as well as Target.

Off to pamper myself!

-Ari

Designer Spotlight- Kate Spade New York

Posted on April 23, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Being a fan of “Kate Spade New York” is something that has come with age and experience. Her sophisticated lady like aesthetic, appeals to those who like your classic all american tailored looks with a touch of fun and sparkle in the mix. Her clothing allows for casual lunch dates to corporate office savvy looks all with great detail, color and of course quality. From graphic prints and the classic hallmarks (three-leaf clover and quirky quotes like “live colorfully”) Kate Spade New York expands in categories like clothing, jewelry, shoes, eyewear, bedding, gifts, stationary etc. Kate Brosnahan Spade set out to first design the perfect handbag and has now broadened into the power house company it is today in just 18 years! Both Gwen and I love this brand and can only wish to own more pieces! Along with my phone, iPad cases and wallet check out my previous way I styled my classic nude chain link Kate Spade purse. Their new collection “21 days in Monaco” features neutrals with pops of red and fun bright patterns. Featured on the site is also the official Kate Spade New York blog in which each column offers differing insight, tutorials and even tips from their brand stylist Brad Goreski (former Rachel Zoe associate). I love everything this classic brand represents and the beautiful products that allow me to transition from a quirky adolescent to a young flourishing lady who doesnt have to give up that special quality she loves in an outfit. Here are some items on my current wish list….oh to dream!

Shop this look!

Paris and the Single Girl Book Clutch $328.00

Victory Goal Taza $298.00

Grand Tour Wicker Camera Bag $298.00

-Ari

BH Cosmetics

Posted on April 21, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Hey Everyone! I am back with a haul/review of a few things I picked up from BH Cosmetics. Many youtube beauty vloggers rave about this cosmetic and makeup tools line so I had to give them a try for myself. First and foremost I will say that they are super duper affordable and often have sales and coupon codes, (no breaking the bank here). The only downside is you can only purchase these products online, making it a bit difficult to be able to swatch colors. Luckily for you, I did just that!

Acrylic makeup organizer. I wanted this to organize the lipsticks that I wear the most often as well as place my foundation and bb/cc creams on top.

Acrylic makeup organizer. I wanted this to organize the lipsticks that I wear the most often as well as place my foundation and bb/cc creams on the side.

Glamorous blush palette has 10 gorgeous shades of blushes ranging from a bit of sheen to matte.

Glamorous blush palette has 10 gorgeous shades of blushes ranging from light and shimmery to bold and matte.

I chose 4 colors to swatch. As you can see they are pretty much true to the shade in the palette. They apply a bit more sheer, so building on the color is recommended.

I chose 4 colors to swatch. As you can see they are pretty much true to the shade in the palette. They apply a bit more sheer, so building the color up is recommended.

Pop art brush set caught my eye because of the fun colored handles. They are synthetic and soft to the touch. Big plus is that they DO NOT shed!

Pop art brush set caught my eye because of the fun colored handles. They are synthetic and soft to the touch. The major plus is that they DO NOT shed!

I’ve been loving the angled blush brush and this sort of dense tapered one (yellow handle) to add highlight to my upper cheek bones.

Eyes on the 60’s is the name of this eyeshadow palette and I fell in love with the huge variety of colors it has.

I again chose 4 colors to swatch for you and as you can see they have a lot of pigment to them. Note: to further intensify color you can always add Mac fix plus or believe it or not eyedrops, just dip your eyeshadow brush in whichever solution you choose pick up some product add to your lids and boom! flawless color

And there you have it! I bought these 4 items and still managed to spend under $50 including shipping fees. Talk about a sweet deal! ( They had a 40% off deal going on a few weeks ago)

Below you will find the direct links to each of the products listen on this post. They also have others to choose from.

Happy shopping everyone!
-Gwen

Makeup Organizer
Glamorous Blush Palette
Pop art Brushes
Eyes on the 60’s eyeshadow