Influenster + YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipsticks

Posted on October 12, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Lipstick is one beauty item I most definitely cannot live without (then followed up with mascara as a close second). It can be used on your cheeks for a pop of color when you are in a pinch and can brighten up any dull face to look alive and healthy. I don’t discriminate when it comes to lip products and can appreciate both high end and drugstore brands for what they offer. Influenster was gracious enough to send me two new YSL lip rouge products to test out for our readers! Disclaimer* although these items were sent for review, my opinions and thoughts are mine. Obviously being YSL, the packaging is pristine and I was so giddy opening up the package. The two colors shown are both Rouge Pur Couture in numbers 9 (rose stiletto) and 19 (fuchsia). Retailing at $36 these babies have a high shine satin finish, intense pigmentation and hydration for the lips. I have swatched them below for my ladies out there with my specific skin tone.
Pros
• Intensely Pigmented
• Packaging
• Hydration
• Finish
Cons
• A little pricey (to be expected with a higher end brand)
• The smell is a little bit strong and distracting (in my opinion)

Thanks to influenster for this amazing treat, I can now add these luxurious “grown up” lipsticks to my collection!

ysl, makeup, lipstick, review, influentster

Rose Stiletto (09)- On my skin tone it is a perfect rose nude for everyday purposes.

Fuchsia (19) The perfect hue of pink for a fun pop of color.

XOXO- Ari
Link to purchase the lipsticks – HERE

Trend Alert- Button Up A-line Skirt

Posted on October 5, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Trends can be tricky especially if you buy something that will only work for you for one season, or one type of event. I typically love following trends but really put thought when it comes to actually buying them. If the piece is flattering, I then think about the many ways I could wear it (will it be suitable for work, or an evening out, casual lunch etc.). If the item can be worn many ways and throughout different seasons then I can justify investing in it. It’s a big plus if it’s a great material that will be long lasting. These button up skirts are all the rage now and can be seen on every blogger and fashionista alike. Seen mostly in denim or suede this A-line cut is super flattering for everyone and it incorporates the emerging 70’s style. I found this one at TJMAXX and immediately fell in love! The light weight material and length make it easier to wear year round here in Florida but can also be paired with tights for when it does get chilly. For this particular day I wore a denim button up, forever 21 mules and fedora hat to complete the look. How do you incorporate trends into your wardrobe? Comment down below! Links to similar items listed below.

Forever 21 Mules
Forever 21 Fedora
TJMAXX Suede Button Up Skirt & also in Plus Size

XOXO- Ari

Kate Spade Agenda “Quick & Curious”

Posted on September 23, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

As you may or may not have guessed already, Kate Spade is my number one favorite contemporary women’s designer. Featured countless times here before, I love the way the brand merges modern feminine style with quirky and youthful pieces. The range of items is always classic yet with a fun twist. I knew for the start of Grad school I needed something to help keep me on track of my life and assignments and knew I could count on my favorite brand to deliver. I didn’t want just any old planner, but a distinctive one that would bring me some happiness on my many upcoming joyless nights I would be spent studying. I purchased the 2015-2016 planner with the quote “she is quick and curious and playful and strong”. I absolutely loved the color (although now I am worried about the wear on tear on this beautiful baby blue) and the quote really resonated with me and made me feel special. I printed out some pinterest art work based off of things I love and inspired by YouTube guru Summer Kellsey (New York, pin up girls, Paris, food etc) and proceeded to create a “theme” for each month. You can print your items on shipping labels to make for easier sticking or on regular paper as I did and just use glue to cut and paste the homemade stickers. I also incorporated some fun scrap booking elements that I always have stored from my scrap booking days (things like magazine cut-outs, glitter, and stickers). Have fun with this! You don’t have to decorate, it’s just as beautiful plain but I love the excitement it brings me to look at my “to do” list now that it’s all pretty. Links to the items can be found down below including our pinterest page where you can find some of the same graphics. Enjoy!

You will need:

Avery Shipping Labels- (only if you don’t wish to glue with regular glue)
Printer Paper
Scissors/ Glue
Odds and Ends that you find appealing to add (scrap book materials, photos etc.)

My birthday month needed to be extra special! LEOS RULE!

“New York Minimalist”

Each dividing month has an inspirational quote I love.

Use anything you’d like and get to decorating!

Kate Spade “Quick & Curious” Agenda
Avery Labels
Our Pinterest Page
Summer Kellsey Pinterest page

Toodles, Ari

Concert OOTN

Posted on September 14, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

The infamous and all-encompassing Dominican artist Juan Luis Guerra came into town and you better believe I was there! Concerts are some of the best events to express your creativity. While it’s always fun to throw on the latest trending styles it’s also important to keep comfort in mind (at least for me) when planning to be on your feet for so long. I chose to go for a simple look that I knew would complement the environment I would be in. Juan Luis Guerra sings merengue, bachata, and beautiful love ballads sure to attract an older more mature crowd. This wasn’t the place to bring out my full on sexy vibes. Thinking about the crowd is important in assessing your outfit. I went with a simple body con striped dress with camel colored detailing on the elbow. This tucked me in (along with some much needed shapewear) showing off a little bit without being over the top. This nautical inspired dress was purchased at TJMAXX and is from the brand Monteau. The oxford shoes pictured, I’ve had for ages and are from Forever 21. I am sure for this upcoming fall season they will have an awesome selection of boots I can’t wait to get my hands on! For any future concerts you may attend keep these simple things in mind

Consider the environment when choosing your outfit
Wear comfortable shoes
Don’t forget any “fan” items that may help get you noticed! – I forgot my Dominican flag and regretted it!
Have fun and be in the moment! –Try your best to put the phones down, set a limit on pictures and videos allowed.

Hope this outfit of the day gives some inspiration for any future events, Juan Luis rocked the house and it was amazing! Check out the pics below.

Toodles, Ari

70’s Camel Suede

Posted on September 12, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Seventies’s fashion is so on trend for this fall season and although I don’t necessarily want to abandon my beloved 90’s, I figured I would incorporate some modernized pieces into my wardrobe. The 70’s was all about glam disco meets flared jeans, fringe, suede and Farah Fawcett hair. I bought this amazing faux suede dress at none other then Marshalls! Ive been obsessed with going in there and scouring the racks for such amazing #fabfinds as this one. It is the perfect complimentary camel for my skin tone and fits the body so well. The darting in the waist really help create a shape (where I don’t normally have one) and the mini length allows my legs to be the main focus. I paired it with my lace up Aldo booties and the outfit is complete! You can throw on a wide brim hat or a chunky necklace for some added flare but I loved the simplicity of this look. The brand of the dress is “paper crane” and it was a steal as always at marshalls. This is the perfect dress for the transition to “Fall weather” even though that dosen’t really exist here in Florida until about January or so. Links down below to similar items!

Similar Dresses- Here & Here

XOXO, Ari

Black and White

Posted on August 31, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

It was my 26th birthday on August 21 and I wanted to go for a low key weekend getaway before the madness of graduate school ensued (cue the gray hairs). Tampa is not too far of a drive and it was perfect to just get out of my normal mundane world for a moment. I stayed at Le Meridian which used to be an old court house and is now transformed into a modern and chic hotel. It has beautiful scenery and Tampa’s downtown backdrop was perfect for photos. The ootd below was what I wore to the Tampa Museum of Art. With a new Andy Warhol exhibit it was definitely a must see. I opted for easy and lightweight seeing as it was scorching hot outside. This white long line button up top was a steal at Marshalls and I loved the “boyfriend fit”. I paired it with my big sun blocking hat from H&M and black lace up booties from Aldo which I later switched to sandals after walking around the museum for a while. The biker shorts are from forever 21 and provided just enough coverage seeing as I originally thought this top was a dress. I kept it clean with the black and white, no color and loved it! If you are ever in the Tampa area I would highly suggest Le Meridien Hotel and the Tampa Art Museum. Until next outfit…..similar links down below!

Similar Dresses- Here, Here
Similar Lace up Booties

Toodles, Ari

Palm Trees

Posted on August 24, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Another day, another dress. Dresses are easily becoming some of my favorite pieces to invest in seeing as they take out any of the guesswork when picking out an outfit. You don’t have to pair anything and it’s as simple as throwing it over your head and heading out. A great silhouette for me is an A-line that cinches me in at my smallest point and then flares out for the illusion of womanly curves and hips. Not only is this H&M number extremely flattering, it is in a great mustard color with peekaboo pops of blue palm tree print detailing perfect for the heat and also transitioning to cooler temperatures. I paired it with an old season pair of brown suede cutout booties and my round eye sunnies. Links to similar items below!

Similar Dresses-Gap, Boo Hoo, Shop Tobi, Charlotte Russe

XOXO- Ari

Teen Vogue BTSS Event Turnout

Posted on August 9, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Below are the pictures I was able to get before and after the Sierra Marie youtube star mayhem ensued at the Teen Vogue back to school event at the Florida mall. As I previously blogged I was chosen for the VIP portion and was able to get a sneak peak into all the fun prior to the panel fashion show. I am so glad I was able to attend and receive goodies and a gift card to be able to implement some of the inspiration displayed at the event. Whether it be the 70’s vibe or mixing and matching prints (my favorite) this school year is sure to be one for the books! You to can be VIP at a teen vogue BTSS event at a mall near you! It was amazing to meet Elaine Welteroth (teen vogue beauty and health director) and revisit blogger/stylist Melanie Pace. Check out the link below for the rest of the mall tour and how to apply.

macys btss teen vogue back to school blogger fashion

Jacket- Primark I Shorts-Thrifted I Top- Forever 21

Props to fellow blogger Kiara Michelle she rocked it! Check her out at kiaramichelle.com

List of Events

Toodles,

Ari

YSL Vox Box Review

Posted on July 27, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Luxury cosmetic brands are typically out of my reach seeing as I can’t justify spending the same amount on one thing versus being able to obtain more items (more is more people). In comes influenster! They have graciously sent over the YSL vox box including two brand new YSL cosmetic products to test out for our readers. Disclaimer* Although these items were sent for review, my opinions and thoughts are mine. To start off, the touche eclat blur primer serves many purposes. It can be used as a luxurious base for any foundation or alone to even out the skin tone on a makeup-less day.

Touche Eclat Blur Primer

               Pro’s                                                                                                              Cons
-Super velvety and smooth                                                         -Shimmer/Glitter is very visible worn alone
-Non-comedogenic                                                                    -Slight residue feeling
-Blurs imperfections and minimizes large pores

The second product sent over was the Touche Eclat Blur Perfector. This compact is meant to transform from a balm to a powder to soften the skinds imperfections, mattify and set makeup.

Touche Eclat Blur Pefector

Pro’s Cons
-Beautiful Packaging -Not great to initially set makeup with (I prefer a setting spray
-Universal for all skin-tones
-Minimizes pores
-Can be used for touch ups throughout the day
(not to initially set makeup)

If I were to repurchase one item it would definitely be the perfector seeing as it doubles as a compact and works great for so many purposes.

Toodles, Ari

L’Oreal Stylist Brow Plumper

Posted on July 23, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again “I need full and thick eyebrows”! It’s so hard to grow them out especially in the summer where covering them up with bangs isn’t really an option due to the sweltering NYC heat. A few months ago I tried the Maybelline Brow Drama, but as I stated on my post I wasn’t a huge fan of the brush and felt that it didnt distribute any color on my brows. As you know this makeup addict will continue the search for the perfect product… In comes L’Oreal!

L’Oreal stylist brow plumper is a fiber infused gel which adheres to the brow hairs creating a fuller but natural look. The mascara like wand fills in the sparse areas for an even coating throughout your brow hairs. First you start off with clean brows. Then work the wand in upward strokes following the shape of your natural hair. Comb through to blend and voilà your brows will begin to appear plumper.

I still love to fill in my eyebrows using pencils but for days when I’m in a rush and can’t take the time to sculpt and carve them out the L’Oreal stylist brow plumper is the way to go! I purchased my first one while in London and was hoping that it would be available in the U.S as well. Just my luck I found it at my local Rite Aid a few days ago. Medium/Dark was the shade I thought would suit me best.

Hope you all enjoyed this mini review. What are some of your favorite brow enhancing products?

Until next time!

xx, Gwen