2015 Favorites

Posted on January 2, 2016 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Happy new year everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful time celebrating, now let’s get ready to tackle 2016! I wanted to quickly mention some of my favorite products of 2015 before we become bombarded with all of the 2016 releases. Here goes…

From top left to bottom right

Makeup Forever Ultra HD – Foundation (shade 128) *Disclaimer I’ve only been using this foundation for a month but I already love it! It has an amazing satin/natural finish to it.

Chloe eau de parfum – This is my third bottle, need I say more? It’s a bit floral with a clean undertone. You must smell it!

Schwarzkopf Biotin Volume and Texture Powder – This bad boy works miracles on my limp hair, just sprinkle some on my roots and boom instant fullness!

Charlotte Tilbury Swish and Pop Blusher (shade ecstasy) – I will forever love this blush because one I bought it in London and two because it is such a gorgeous peachy/pink shade which is super easy to blend.

L.A Girl Pro Concealer (orange correcting shade) *disclaimer I also just purchased this about 2 months ago but it has changed my face routine dramatically! I use this to correct my under eye darkness and any other dark pigmentation around my face before applying foundation. It’s a definite must have in my opinion!

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution (shade red carpet red)- This lipstick is such a gorgeous shade of red (think Marilyn Monroe). The non drying matte formula is the selling point for this lipstick, oh and we can’t forget about the rose gold packaging!

Mario Badescu Aloe and Rosewater Facial Spray – This spray is amazing, it instantly refreshes your face during the summer time and helps hydrate your face during the winter time. Also a staple when flying!

Qtica Nail Growth Stimulator – I am a nail biter (mostly when I’m nervous or stressed) so I go through periods where my nails look that of a 8 year old boy but, this product has helped my nails growth tremendously.

Smashbox Photofinish Pore Minimizing Primer – I discovered this primer in the beginning of the year and it has replaced my Benefit Porefessional. I feel that it really smooths out my pores around my nose and cheeks and doesn’t leave a residue.

Maybelline FIT Me Concealer – I was actually surprised at how much I loved this concealer. It’s a bit more fluid than what I would normally go for so for that I like it on lighter makeup days. The coverage is great and the price is even better! ($8.99).

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion – I was in need of a new moisturizer and my roommate recommended this one to me. I really love the consistency (not too thick not too watery). It also has SPF 30, a great two in one!

Those were all of my favorites during 2015! What were some of yours?

We are looking forward to sharing more content, giveaways and interacting with you all this year. Here’s to a great 2016!

xx, Gwen

We are the champions…

Posted on December 21, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

As of lately I find myself leaning towards more androgynous or sporty looks. Though this may be a hindrance in the love life department, it is comfortable and very on trend. You can choose to go all out or just incorporate some sporty items in small doses in each outfit. Whether it be a great pair of sneakers or an oversized hoodie, this look is perfect for the colder temperatures and I love pairing it with ultra-sleek hair, a face beat for the gods and one feminine item (just to really distinguish myself from the boys). In this look I am rocking a champion brand t-shirt exclusive to ASOS. It is a size XS from the men’s section and fits great. I paired it with my h&m boyfriend jeans, timberlands and my go to trench jacket for a small cinch at the waist and hint at femininity. This look may not be for everyone and you could easily swap out the timberlands for booties or wear a skinnier jean depending on your comfort level. Links to items below!

FullSizeRender

XOXO -ARI

Champion T-Shirt- Exclusive to ASOS

Timberlands

Speaking of gifts…

Posted on December 17, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

We are super excited to host another giveaway! We’re about six followers shy of 350 subscribers and would love to reward one of you lovelies for being loyal to us. We of course will continue to have giveaways in the new year and are in the works of revamping our logo (stay tuned for that), but none the less our content and love for all things fashion & beauty will always be our main focus.

Shall I move along to the good part? Here’s what one lucky winner (chosen at random) will receive.

A pair of sunnies from sunglassesspot.com

A Sephora brand eyeshadow palette

A Ciaté London mini nail polish kit

Rules: Repost photo above on Instagram using the hashtag #itsapplesandorangesblog

Also make sure to follow our blog (through email or WordPress). You’ll be notified when there’s a new post as well as any upcoming giveaways!

*We will announce the winner on December 26th!

It’s that simple! Repost away!

Good Luck everyone!

Love, Gwen & Ari

Gift Guide-Fashion + Accessories

Posted on December 10, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

The holiday season is among us and what better way to show someone you care than to surprise them with something special. I’ve put together a very short list of some go to items this season that will be sure to put a smile on that special someone’s face. Some of the items can be unisex and can be mixed and matched.

Cashmere Scarf– Can be Unisex (lets face it the average guy will never go out and buy themselves a scarf)and is utilitarian as well.
Midi rings– These babies are comparable to bobby pins and hair ties (they seem to go missing randomly) so always keeping a fresh pair around to jazz up any outfit is key.
Funky socks– Because, they’re fun! (Unisex)
Fur pom-pom anything– Whether you go the key chain route or incorporate the trend in your hair tie this look is everywhere this season and can spice up a purse or overall aesthetic.
Flannel– Another unisex option that everyone can get on board with. It can be worn as is, thrown around your waist and goes with almost any and every look known to man.
String Lights/ Marquee Lights– For the inner hipster inside all of us these interesting lights are affordable and can liven any space up.

Links down below!! XOXO- ARI

Untitled #10 by ari-pena featuring a battery lamp

Gift Guide (Beauty Edition)

Posted on December 8, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Here we are yet again, another holiday season is upon us. I really don’t know where all of the time goes these days. But alas the holidays are here and I am sure there are some of you who are still trying to decide what gifts to purchase, well have no fear because I am here to share some of my recent Sephora purchases in hopes to inspire some Christmas shopping for that sister, mother, co-worker or friend in your life. The items down below were mostly purchased during the VIB sale (which means a few might no longer be available) but don’t fret my lovelies I have found some alternatives as well as some other fun goodies. I’ll start off with what I purchased then proceed with some suggestions.

L’Occitane hand cream delights (Similar Here)

Murad Envoronmental Shield (Similar Here)

Sephora Outrageous Volume Mascara (Here)

Smashbox Poreless primer (Here)

Marc Jacobs Decadence roller ball perfume (Here)

Bobbi Brown under eye corrector (Here)

Urban Decay Eyeliner (Here)

Now lets move on to some goodies you can buy for that makeup lover in your life or someone who has just stared to dabble into the world of beauty. Here are five items, oh and they’re all under $20!

Smashbox Primer Pair

Boscia Black Charcoal Pore Perfection Set

First Aid Beauty Fab Cleanse and Exfoliate

Chloe Coffret Gift Set

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector

The five items I chose are trial or “travel” sized because one never knows what someone else might be sensitive towards and it gives the gift receiver a chance to try it out before making the commitment of a full sized product. I hope this was helpful to those still having trouble deciding what to purchase.

Any other products I may have missed? Leave your suggestions down below!

Happy Shopping Everyone!

xx, Gwen

Hello From The Other Side

Posted on November 30, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Although we still have a month left in 2015 I can’t help but to think how fast time is going! It seems as though it was yesterday I was 13 years old and day dreaming about what life would be like when I was this age. As we enter into this holiday season it’s important to keep in mind positivity and never to take anything, especially time for granted. I experienced a lot of ups and downs this year and I can only hope next year will bring about similar life changing experiences. Here is yet another outfit of the day, and cheers to many more for next year! Links to similar items below.

Shirt Dress- Forever 21
Denim Button Up- Primark
Bag- Kate Spade
Puff Ball- Amazon
Timberland Boots

XOXO- Ari

“A Bloggers Thanksgiving”- Top 6 Fashion Items We Are Thankful For

Posted on November 25, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

As bloggers we are both inclined to always try new trends or styles in order to consistently stay abreast of all the latest and greatest. Although we love shopping and reviewing new things, there are those constant tried and true items that will always be staples in our lives and really stand the test of time. Here are our top 6 fashion items we are grateful exist in this world that make us look and feel our very best.

Top 6 things Ari & Gwen are grateful for this year-

Untitled #9 by ari-pena featuring a short sleeve v neck t shirt

Peplums/A-lines cuts- Neither of us were born with any God given curves on the bottom half and so we fake it till we make it! Peplums do a great job at hiding the tummy while giving the illusion of curves on the sides. A-lines cinch you in at your smallest point and then give the illusion of hips with the free flowing nature of the cut.
V-Neck- Whether it be in the form of a dress or top V-necks work great to elongate the neck and show off our greatest assets. Having a bigger chest sometimes makes it hard to rock a standard rounded collar because it may mess with your proportions.
Booties- As we both get older booties are taking the spotlight for most settings. Whether they are suede, leather or have some cut-outs they can be so versatile and much more comfortable than the alternative while still offering a polished look.
Nude Sandals/Heels- For when it is absolutely required to rock a heel you cannot go wrong with a nude staple sandal. We love a matte leather finish that can transition from the work place to night with ease. Can we also say legs for days?
Shapewear- We could write an entire blog post about this (we probably will sometime in the future). Not only does it suck you in all the wrong places, it also helps lift and accentuate the parts you are happy with. Not to mention it helps conceal your body with any sheer clothing and avoid that dreaded belly button outline we all hate.
Denim/Leather/Anorak Jacket- You guys get the hint, basically any jacket will do! Not only do they keep you warmer in cooler temps but they also complete a look in a way that no other item can. Drape it over your shoulders, tie it around your waist or keep it on your body the old fashioned way, a jacket can dramatically change the entire look of an outfit from boring to fabulous.

All in all we are thankful for one another and our families and can’t wait to reunite for Christmas. Our blog is going in a great direction and we cannot wait to see what the future will bring.

Love Ari & Gwen

Utility Jumpsuit

Posted on November 16, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Utilitarian is the perfect word to describe this amazing jumpsuit from Forever 21. Compared to a classic anorak jacket or trench, this color and fabric can be paired with almost anything and will look amazing! Featuring a long sleeve, button front, collar and slanted front pockets it is 100% cotton and impeccable quality. I paired mine alone with classic nude sandals and my everyday Kate Spade bag to really make the outfit the focal point. You can roll up the sleeves as I did and even the pant legs to go with some combat boots or flats. This is a great transitional piece (especially here for Florida) as the nights get a little cooler for the fall. I can see this paired with a long duster coat, or even a denim or plaid accent tied around the waist. I consider this an investment piece seeing as it can be worn all year round, it is great material and it’s in a neutral color. At only $40.00 it’s a steal from Forever 21! Links down below.

Contemporary Life in Progress Utility Jumpsuit
Similar Sandals

XOXO, ARI

Fall Favorites

Posted on November 12, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

We are now about midway through Fall (although it hasn’t felt like it) and I have been loving some old favorites as well as discovering new ones. Here’s what the last month and a half has been like for me…

The crisp feeling in the air is such a nice feeling, especially after a hot summer. A nice way to warm up and feel cozy is by lighting candles. Yes everyone is obsessed with the Bath and Bodyworks candles and for good reason. My Fall favorites would be Sweater Weather and Mahogany Teakwood. They both have a very refreshing & clean aroma, I especially love Mahogany Teakwood because it has a sort of manly undertone to it.

Speaking of scents, my absolute favorite perfume would be Chloe, it too has clean and crisp notes with a hint of cedarwood giving it that musky undertone I adore!

Another thing I adore for the Fall is swapping my lipstick and nail polish shades to suit the weather. I normally choose browns, mauves, berries and burgundy tones. Lolita by Kat Von D has been my go to color! My second favorite would be Melted Berry by Too Faced. I don’t often paint my nails myself with dark colors because I make a huge mess but I still purchase whichever color I like and bring it to the nail salon with me. I believe I’ve already done my nails about 4 times with this gorgeous rich brown called Branch Out by Sally Hansen.

On to the last two items which have been essential for my combination skin. Mario Badescu’s rose water spray gives my skin life! Thanks to my roommates suggestion, I bought the CeraVe face lotion which has a little bit of a thicker consistency for those windy/dry days.

There you have it my friends! What are some of your Fall favorites? Let me know down below!

Keep cozy,

xx, Gwen

How to: Forever 21 OOTD

Posted on November 9, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

As a graduate student and full time employed 26 year old, I have come here to share with everyone that it’s possible to look put together in a hurry! I am free mostly the weekends and this is a time for me to catch up with loved ones, go out to some of my favorite restaurants and shop of course! I have read up on some great techniques and tips for throwing together a last minute outfit but these are some of the tried and true methods that work personally for me when I finally get a moment to enjoy myself.

Layer- layering always makes the outfit more intricate and seems like you’ve put more effort than you actually did. This olive trench style jacket is perfect to throw over literally anything for an instant cool girl vibe.
One trend- Find one thing that sticks out as “new” or “fresh” or even eye catching. Pieces like these can be conversation starters and ways for you to stand out from the crowd. I went with this denim button up style skirt that everyone is rocking these days.
Basics with a twist- I used an oversized white t-shirt and tied it up in the front for a more feminine feel.
Staple classic items- These black mule sandals are perfect for the Florida weather and are so comfortable and chic with the gold detailing. Funny enough, these are shoes I would see my mom wear and used to think they were “old lady style” funny how things change and now I love them! My Kate Spade purse is also a staple classic item that I wear with everything for a sophisticated touch.
Pop of color- Lastly a pop of color isn’t necessary but always fun; I played around with a bright red lip and loved the finished look!

You can play around with different textures, colors and patterns on the “off” days to make up for the drab work wear worn during the week. Links below to items!