Sunglassspot Sunnies

Posted on June 12, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

As many of you may have caught on already the hype about Sunglassspot.com is too real! This awesome website features designer inspired sunglasses as well as fun decorative sunnies for the climbing temps! At only $5.00 a pair you cannot beat the quality or design. You can change up your look every day and protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun while always staying on trend! The following picks were a combination of mine and my sisters. The plan was to each get three and now that we’ve received them, we want more! Check out how my picks look on my face below and make sure to check out the site for more stylish options.

Sharp Rimless Bottom Clear Lensed Cat Eye

Round Metal Trim High Pointed Tip Cat Eye Mod

Retro Round 50mm Pearl

Sunglassspot

XOXO, Ari

Everyday Casual Look

Posted on June 8, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Sometimes low key basics can translate better than any other cool and curated outfit. On this regular day I didn’t really feel like fussing with coordinating a stylish over the top look, I just wanted to be comfortable, cute and most of all weather appropriate. My H&M boyfriend jeans are always my favorite go to for anytime I want to be comfortable yet still on trend. I paired them with an old blue and white pin stripe cotton button up that was light and breezy enough for the hot weather. These everyday low Target sandals completed the look. This casual ootd could also be replicated for the Fourth of July (considering the color scheme) or any other event not requiring so much effort. Accessories include my trustee Kate Spade purse (which I should have opted for my nude version instead but was in a rush) and my hair which was reaching for the heavens on this sticky humid day. Links to similar items below!

H&M Boyfriend Jeans
Similar Red Sandals
Similar Striped Shirt

Toodles- Ari

Diced Pineapples

Posted on June 5, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Pineapples are currently all the rage! They can be found on clothing, home decor items, shoes, accessories and of course your local supermarket. I love how every so often a new trendy “iconic piece” pops up into the scene, for a while it was foxes, cats, owls and now we are moving on to fruits! For whatever reason I am totally loving anything pineapple these days. Here are a few products I have recently picked up.

Whilst browsing at Topshop (it all begins with just a casual browse, next thing you know you find an item you just can’t bare to continue living without). I came across this pineapple phone case by Skinny Dip (£12). I saw it, grabbed it immediately, bought it, love it and that is all! Funny enough I sent a photo of it to my sister and she was totally jealous because she too has been wanting this case.

“Joy the store” is a shop I have literally walked by a million times and never seemed to notice them until I went over to Greenwich one weekend. This glistening rose gold pineapple from the window display was calling my name. I just went in to see if they were selling it and to no surprise I am now a proud owner of a gorgeous rose gold pineapple money bank. Is this a total necessity? No but, what is life if you can’t indulge in all of its pleasures am I right? (This was discounted because it has a minor chip on the stem, I paid £15)

And lastly I don’t even have to tell you guys that I was once again in Primark (I just can’t stop) and spotted this pineapple tote. I am a huge sucker for totes they are just the easiest way to carry extra stuff around. At only £1.50 you can never have too many! (This will be gifted to Ari, yay now you’ll own something pineapple-y as well!).

Here are some other cool pineapple themed items/clothing.

pineapple by gwendolyn-pena featuring yellow candles

Are you guys into this trend as well? Let me know down below if this is a hit or miss for you.

(The title of this post was inspired by Rick Ross’s “Diced Pineapples” in case you were wondering)

Same or similar items can be found Here Here Here

xx Gwen

Makeup Forever-Blue Sepia Palette Review

Posted on June 3, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Today I bring to you this limited edition makeup forever eye shadow palette “Blue Sepia”. I found this lovely at my local Marshalls for the low price of $16.99 compared to its original price of $45! It is an older season item but can still be found online and or in stores like TJMAXX and Marshalls. Inspired by the 1950’s it features a petrol sparkling blue color that really makes your eye pop! I mainly was attracted to it because of the varying soft brown shades that I figured were perfect to use as a base or transitional colors for any shadow look. Two shades are completely matte and even perfect for use on your eyebrows! It also came with a mini double ended shader brush, crease and an angled eyebrow brush not pictured here as I could not find them after use. It is compact and perfect to throw in a travel bag for everyday neutral looks while having the black and blue color options to intensify it to your liking for night.

The pigmentation varies with each color (the darker matte colors show up a lot easier on my tan skin). Feel free to use a medium like fix plus or eye drops to intensify the iridescent or satin colors. Pictures below are with and without flash.

Until the next one, XOXO Ari

“Primarni” shoe palooza!

Posted on May 30, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I’m sure you all know by now that I am obsessed with Primark, or should I say “Primarni” (Londoners combine Armani and Primark giving the indication of just how un-designery the store is). I’m not one who fusses over labels, especially when it comes to buying seasonal trendy pieces, which is why Primark is my go to!

During one of my recent trips I noticed that they have a “wide fit” shoe section which made me jump for joy! I often have issues finding shoes that fit the width of my feet (I basically have flinestone feet, no judgement please). Now I’m not sure these shoes will last all an eternity but for the low price tag they are perfect for a season or two. Here’s a closer look at the three pairs I picked up…

These black ones will be perfect for a night out (I’m not a huge fan of 5 inch heels) or pair them with a cute midi skirt, at only £12.99 you can’t go wrong!

I think these tan ones are my favorite! These “tenners” (£10) feel incredibly comfortable and are just so easy to throw on with pretty much anything!

These baby pink flat sandals are absolutely adorable! They too are a pair you can wear with jeans, skirts and shorts! These babies were only £7.99!

As I mentioned before these might not be an investment for your collection but hey for some fun pairs of shoes to strut around in during the summer time I think they’re worth it!

(I would link these for you but Primark does not have a shopping option online, head out to your nearest one!)

Till my next shopping adventures!

xx, Gwen

Time for another Giveaway!!!

Posted on May 27, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Here we are with yet again another milestone! We now have 300 followers and counting! Super exciting! To those who are new to our blog we host mini giveaways every so often to show our appreciation to you all who support us.

On with the fun part (the actual prize). One lucky winner will receive some of Gwen’s current favorites at the moment. A deluxe sample of Liz Earlie’s cleanse and polish hot cloth face cleanser along with a mini sized Soap and Glory hand lotion and body scrub. I have been absolutely loving these three items and I am hoping you will too!

Now here’s how to enter:

Comment on the photo posted on our Instagram (@itsapplesandorangesblog) stating where you live, your must have skin/body care item and why you would like to win this prize. This will ensure entry in the giveaway, which will be open for 5 days. We will then choose the winner through a raffle generator which will be announced on Instagram Monday June 1st!

Our giveaways have normally been held in the U.S, but since I (Gwen) am in the U.K we figured we would open it up to anyone living in Europe this time. (Sorry to my American babes we need to give other countries a turn)

What are you waiting for? Get to commenting!

xx Gwen

Denim On Denim

Posted on May 25, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

An ode to Britney and Justin, denim on denim is making a resurgence in the best way! Paired best with complimenting shades (both items being light or both being dark denim) this works well in a casual setting or even dressed up a little with heels and edgy jewelry. I was inspired by the button up denim shirt I purchased in London on my Primark shopping run. It was particularly tricky to match exactly since I don’t have such light jeans, but I made it work with my thrifted shorts of a slightly different wash. I brushed my curls out and went for a “cool” hipster vibe with my bowler hat and nasty gal cut out booties. Details and links below!

Similar Top
Similar Shorts
Bowler Hat

Love, Ari

Nike Leisure Wear OOTD

Posted on May 21, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Random fact about me: I am not into theme parks! I know it sounds preposterous considering I live in close proximity to all things magical at Disney and Universal but nothing about it appeals to me. I get sick on most rides and am apparently a bit afraid of heights (never really knew this until my trip to Spain going up the mountain Montjuic a couple of months ago). I was invited this past weekend to Busch Gardens in Tampa and to appease my family I went. I opted for my new favorite work out Nike capris purchased at TJMAXX, a white t-shirt and my old air max sneakers that would keep me comfortable and cool. The sporty athletic leisure look is cohesive with the ever popular 90’s resurgence and also plays up androgynous sex appeal in a woman. I’ve actually been complimented more by men wearing sport clothes then my normal attire. Next time ( if there is a next time) I would probably go for a wife beater or racer back to avoid ugly tan lines and also in a slightly darker color considering I got soaked in a water ride and gave the kids a show. Free wet t-shirt contest anyone? I ended up having a lovely day and enjoyed viewing the animals and spending time with family. Links to similar items below!

Men’s White Crew Neck T-Shirt- Literally anywhere! Walmart, Target etc

Nike Capris

Nike Air max

XoXo- Ari

nike,sports, leisure, athletic wear, white t-shirt, airman, ootd, fashion, blogger

Fresca Vox Box Review

Posted on May 17, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

All I can say is WOW! I received this influentster fresca vox box complimentary in the mail and was amazed at the amount and quality of the products. Each item was sent for testing purposes and I couldn’t be more excited to share with you guys my honest opinion on the products. Lets get started!

First things first lets talk about the fact that I was actually in need of shaving cream, bonus! This shaving cream from the brand Pure Silk has a cool spray nozzle and luxurious feel and smell. It lathers well and leaves my skin feeling super smooth. The coolest feature is that the can itself is rust proof aluminum which leaves no room for that unsightly gross brown residue anywhere near your shower.
The neutrogena healthy skin boosters facial cleanser is compared to other neutrogena products. It smells great, minimal lather and not too over drying (although I always use a moisturizer after regardless).
I am obviously already tanned skin but my legs are always a shade lighter then some other parts of my body since they don’t see the light as much. This Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs product goes on smooth, its easy to blend in and a little goes a long way. It just provides a slight wash of color to even out your skin tone (it will not cover any bruises or imperfections as I was hoping). It works well If I was ever in a bind and needed to even out tan lines or my pale legs.
The NYC expert last lip lacquer is definitely top 2 items received in this box. The color pigmentation is outstanding and its not sticky at all. With a pleasant candy smell, high shine and only priced at 3.99 you really can’t lose. I would have never purchased this product and now am obsessed and want to buy all of the colors!
Lastly one of the most surprising and cool items were the Jafra Blends of various mix and match scents. These remind of of essential oils and last a lot longer than some traditional perfumes. The scents vary from Blackberry Juniper Magnolia, Sea Salt Rose Petals and Violet Pomegranate. All of the scents smell spectacular (my favorite being Sea Salt Rose Petals). They are fresh, clean and I love the fact that you can mix and match. Everyones phermones are different and the combinations are endless on different people! You can basically customize your scent and tailor it depending on your mood. Such a cool concept and product and I definitely would purchase the larger bottle in Sea Salt Rose Petals.
I did not try the Not Your Mothers Shampoo and Conditioner seeing as I prefer using curly hair friendlier products (all natural) but Im sure they would go great with my sister Gwen’s hair type and I will be saving them for her to test out.

Thank you once again to Influenster for sending this vox box over for review!

XOXO Ari

Américaine fille à Paris Part Deux

Posted on May 8, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

So knowing the beauty lover that I am you all know I had to stop and do some shopping whilst in Paris (not too much as my main focus was site seeing). I came across a pharmacy which displayed a bunch of sale items on the window, I figured I would surely find some goodies in there. Also Sephora was near by and I couldn’t resist (could you guys believe that I haven’t stepped foot in a sephora since December of 2014?!?!) Shocking I know! But trust me if there was one in London I would be in there every weekend. Well then let’s get on with this mini haul shall we?

Not having much time to browse in Sephora I grabbed a very much needed beauty blender and at the check out line I spotted the Sephora brand hydrating under eye mask. I am excited to pop that bad boy under these tired looking eyes of mine.

On to the pharmacy purchases, Nuxe is a parisian beauty brand started by Aliza Jabès in 1990. Her goal was to create feminine skincare which would be based on a pharmaceutical approach: nature, innovation, evaluation, accessibility and sensory experience. She has now expanded the line to skin, body, hands and foot care oh and we can’t forget the men’s range! Nuxe has won many awards for some of their staple products such as the Rêve de Miel Lip balm (which was one of the items I picked up). I am obsessed with this lip balm! My lips have never ever felt so soft. I was previously gifted the Rêve de Miel Hand and Nail Cream a few years ago and I fell in love with the scent! It is also really nourishing and hydrating as it is infused with honey and vitamin E. I loved it so much I had to pick up two! Right as I was about to check out I saw these cute little Bioderma bottles and a Klorane travel sized dry shampoo. The Bioderma micellar cleansing waters are a perfect size for travel! I grabbed the sensitive and combination/oily skin formula. I’ve heard great things about the Klorane oatmilk gentle dry shampoo but I had never come across the formula for medium to dark hair until that moment, this too is another product I cannot wait to try.

Lastly I was shopping for some cute souvenirs and came across this little Paris tray. I loved the print on it and thought it would make a perfect dish for placing the jewelry i wear on a daily basis.

I hope you all enjoyed my mini Paris haul. This trip shall too be one I will never ever forget!
take care lovelies,
xx Gwen