Teen Vogue Back-to-School Saturdays

Posted on August 6, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Although I am far beyond my teen years (Id like to think I can still pass for one) I am still excited to share this event and opportunity with our followers!. The Teen Vogue insiders program provides the inside scoop on trends and events for teen vogue readers and others with like minded interests. They are hosting a series of Back to School events in conjunction with your favorite bloggers and fall trends! Not only do you get to have a sneak peak of fall style, you can also apply for the VIP experience and meet with beauty vlogger Sierra Marie and blogger Melanie Pace. All you have to do is email tvitgirls@gmail.com with the subject line “VIP Experience” and the city in which youT wish to attend. Check out the link below of the shows happening all throughout the month of August and see if your local mall is a host! I will be sure to blog about the VIP experience and show you guys tons of photos after my event August 8 at The Florida Mall. Prizes, giveaways and more, hope to see some of you there!

What are some trends you guys are looking forward to for “back to school”?

-Ari

LIST OF EVENTS

Jo Malone

Posted on February 17, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

This past weekend I was very much in the Valentine’s Day spirit and decided to splurge a bit on myself. I rode the train over to Westfield shopping centre in Shepherds Bush, I was highly impressed to say the least!

On to my purchase: I originally went in looking for an outfit for an upcoming fashion show… Had no luck with that. So I thought I would swing by Jo Malone London to get a whiff of some scents I’ve been dying to try. Upon walking in you realize this store is just pure luxury! from being greeted with a glass of champagne (super fancy right? or posh as the Brits say) to getting a hand massage, I mean I wanted to hang out in there all day long. I began browsing and to no surprise fell head over heals in love with a few scents (I knew this would happen which is why I’ve avoided going to this store for over a year). I left a proud (but painfully broke) owner of a candle and cologne.

“The essence of autumn. The sensuous freshness of just-ripe pears is wrapped in a bouquet of white freesias, and mellowed by amber, patchouli and woods. Luscious and golden. To uplift, to wind down, or simply to add an air of luxury. Transform the atmosphere with luxury and opulence”- English Pear and Freesia candle

“The essence of charm. Peonies in voluptuous bloom, exquisitely fragile. Flirtatious with the juicy bite of red apple and the opulence of jasmine, rose and gillyflower. Mingling with the sensuality of soft, blush suede. Luxurious and seductive”- Peony and blush suede cologne

I love how both scents are described as “Luxurious” couldn’t of said it better myself! I am totally obsessed with my purchase! I mean don’t we all deserve a gorgeous gift that makes us feel special from time to time? (this is how I validate my sometimes over the top purchases to myself).

Purchasing in the U.S? Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth avenue & Jo Malone store

Jo Malone London

Until next time my lovelies, – Gwen

Western “Prep” Look for Fall

Posted on November 25, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

It’s all in the details people! Here I bring you another look solely appropriate for the ever changing Florida Winters. One minute it is 30 degrees and I am freezing and the next the afternoon temperatures rise to the 70’s and all is well again. I found this amazing top at Marshalls on clearance. Made by Ralph Lauren Denim and Supply this classic button up has so many intricate details and pictures do no justice at all. The sheerness is masked by a funky “western” pattern complete with chevrons and geometric shapes made of a soft velvet material. It can be worn with a camisole underneath or with a basic bra such as I did for a peek of skin. I paired it with these old-season forever 21 quilted shorts, my go to forever 21 knee high wedge boots, one huge cross earring and I’m out the door! The small details in each item (texture, color, feel) make for an interesting look versus your typical button up and shorts combo. Links to similar items below!

Similar Tops- Here, Here & Here ( I would check Marshalls for the exact one, they had tons left)
Similar Wedge Boots- Here, Here

Fall/Winter lipsticks

Posted on November 19, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Well everyone winter is definitely upon us up in the big apple. Why is it that we always seem to jump to the next season so quickly? Anyways I wanted to share with you all the lipsticks I’ve been wearing for the last two months. I can’t get enough of the mauves, berries and burgundy shades! They truly give such a nice pop of color to any makeup look! Here they are:

From left to right:
MAC: Craving (amplified)
Pink mauvy shade perfect for everyday

NYX soft matte lip cream: Prague
Muted violet with slight mauve undertones

Revlon creme lipstick: Raspberry Bite
True raspberry color

Milani lipstick: Sangria
Dark berry/plum

MAC: Fashion Revival (matte)
Dark muted raspberry

Lorac matte color crayon: Merlot
Wine shade (just like the name)

MAC: Dark Side (amplified)
Oxblood with dark brown hue

These can be purchased at your local Drugstore, Ulta or MAC store/counter

What are some of your Fall/Winter favorites? (Comment down below)

Stay warm my friends,
Gwen

Dark Floral

Posted on November 10, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I am currently loving how Spring/Summer trends are sneaking their way into Fall/Winter pieces. Which brings me to talk about my recent H&M purchase, a floral blazer with a black background color. Adding a floral pattern to a dark base color makes a clothing item a bit more wearable for the colder months. The style of this blazer is a wider cut with pockets on the side giving it a more relaxed feel. I paired it with an all black outfit, making it the focal point of this look. Check it out…

I also wanted to show you all a close up of my lovely Sam and Libby pumps from Target. The minute I saw these I fell in love! I love a classic pointy shoe but these have a bit more flare to them because of the tie around ankle cuff. The heel height was also a huge selling point for me since I no longer enjoy wearing super high heels (I am old now). Here’s a closer look…

Stay tuned for some of my upcoming “wintery” looks.

Blazer

Pumps

-Gwen

Walter Mercado is My Spiritual Advisor

Posted on October 29, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

For those of you who may not know who Walter Mercado is, shame on you! All jokes aside this tv personality has been a cultural fixation of the Hispanic community for so many years. He is an astrologer/persona who predicted and read horoscopes from the 70’s up until 2010. His mysterious aura was heightened with his choice of flamboyant wardrobe which included jewel encrusted capes and gowns. Call him the “Liberace of astrology” if you will, he has had the attention of latino households who appreciate him for his comedic relief he offers or take his word as up most truth.

I managed to snag this awesome Raglan sweater perfect for the start of fall from none other then the young artist Tony Peralta of the Peralta Project. Founded in 2005, Native New Yorker Tony Peralta has mixed his artwork and designs to include street wear for the masses. His gear is a mix of latino culture with hip hop and New York City’s vibes all in one.

“Those who connect with The Peralta Project are bold, opinionated, intelligent, fearless, humorous, defiant trend setters who run the world at their own pace, trusting their vision every step of the way.” –The Peralta Project

I paired the top with my linen leopard Cynthia Rowley shorts purchased at Tjmaxx for contrast in texture and color. My old season Forever 21 moccasins in olive tone and my neutral Kate Spade quilted purse completed the outfit. Links to items below!

“Walter Mercado” Raglan

ASOS Culotte Shorts in Leopard Print – Mutli • Asos • $18.95
Gianni Bini Tammy Leopard-Print Shorts • Gianni Bini • $41.40
Kat Leopard Print Flippy Shorts • Boohoo • $14.00
Generation Love June Leopard Shorts • Generation Love • $69.00

Les deseo mucha paz pero sobre todo mucho…mucho..AMOR!

-Ari

Wine oh wine

Posted on October 27, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

There’s something about chilly weather that gives us the desire to wear darker shades of color such as plums, wines and berries. Whether it be on your lips or a clothing piece these richer hues really compliment all skin tones. Below you will find an outfit I put together using a plum colored flared skirt, a floral patterned top (both from H&M), black booties and a wine colored lip (Maybelline’s Divine Wine).

This past weekend was once again a nice one so I was able to wear this outfit without any tights underneath, but this look could easily be transitioned into a winter outfit with some thick tights and a chunky sweater to keep warm.

Stay tuned for more outfit of the day looks.

Same/Similar items:
Skirt
Blouse
Shirt
Booties
Chain Clutch

-Gwen

Makeup Looks

Posted on October 26, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Happy Sunday Everyone! It’s been a while since I have done a makeup post so I decided to photograph the looks I did on mis mejor amigas before a casual night out. I am also working on my application skills and what a better way to do it right? Lets take a look at these beauties…

L-R Cinthia, Lucy & Emily

First one up is Cinthia: She has really great skin and normally doesn’t wear any foundation. She asked for the “jlo glow”. Here’s a closer look at what I came up with:

Face: Hourglass veil primer, Covergirl Outlast 3 in 1 foundation shade #857 (golden tan) mixed with Gerard Cosmetics BB plus illumination. MAC prep and prime in bright forecast (undereye brightening), Anastasia Contour kit Shade Fawn and Havanna. BH cosmetics blush palette (peach shade) Mary-Lou- Manizer for highlight.
Brows: Anastasia brow wiz in Dark Brown
Eyes: MAC paint pot in layin low, shadows: Amber lights (Entire lid), Texture (crease) and naked lunch (brow highlight). Revlon matte shadow in Rich Sable (outer corner).NYX jumbo eye pencil in white (base), E.L.F false lashes and Sephora Rio nights gel liner
Lips: Limecrime lipstick in Cosmopop and Gerard Cosmetics gloss in the shade nude.

Next up is Lucy: She and I can talk makeup for hours upon hours! She too has great skin and loves defined brows. Here’s what I created on her:

Products used:

Face: Becca Ever matte primer, Tarte Amazonian clay in the shade tan-deep sand mixed with Bare Minerals Bareskin Foundation in the shade Bare Caramel. Mac pro long-wear concealer in the shade W35 & W30 Anastasia contour kit in the shade Havana, MAC prep and prime in the shade Bright Forecast. BH Cosmetics blush palette (berry shades to the top right) Mary- Lou- Manizer for highlight.
Eyes: MAC paint pot in layin low. NYX jumbo pencil in white. Buff (brow highlight) Rose (lid)from Lorac Pro Palette 2, Revlon Matte shadow in Rich sable (crease) and Makeup geek’s Bitten (outer corner). Loreal voluminous mascara, E.L.F Lashes and Sephora Rio nights gel eyeliner.
Brows: Anastasia brow wiz (dark Brown) and dipbrow pomade (medium brown)
Lips: Rimmel Lip Liner in Cherry kiss, Too Faced Melted lipsticks in the shade Berry.

Last but certainly not least Emily: Doesn’t she have great lashes? (no falsies used). Emily loves bold lips which is why I wanted to give her a softer eye look, Here’s what I came up with:

Products used:

Face: Hourglass veil primer, Neutrogena nourishing long wear foundation in the shade warm beige, MAC prep and prime in Bright forecast, Anastasia contour kit in the shade Fawn, MAC blush in peaches, The Balm Mary-Lou-Manizer for highlight.
Brows: Anastasia brow wiz in the shade chocolate
Eyes: MAC paint pot in “layin low” Naked 3 palette in the shades Dust (lid), Nooner (crease), Mugshot (outer corner) and Strange (brow highlight), Sephora Rio nights gel liner, Mascara Loreal Voluminous
Lips: Rimmel in Cherry kiss and MAC Fashion Revival lipstick

There you have it guys. Hopefully these looks can be of inspiration to you.
If anyone has any makeup looks you would want to me try please let me know down below.

Thanks to these silly girls for letting me experiment with them

Hasta Pronto!
-Gwen

“Fall” into the 90’s – Tommy Hilfiger

Posted on October 23, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

This last installment of my “Fall” into the 90’s mini-series (check out the previous two here and here) is inspired by the Tommy Hilfiger takeover of the late 90’s urban community. Although hip-hop and the iconic brand have had their ups and downs, the selling power of that magical time cannot be denied. Every “cool” celebrity rocked Tommy Hilfiger and his business expanded as more and more adopted the trend. I absolutely love and adore specifically how the late Aaliyah would wear her Hilfiger gear and it is where I drew my inspiration from for this outfit. She looked tomboy-ish and comfortable but still effortless sexy and urban. I found both the Tommy Hilfiger boyfriend jeans and undies (boy’s size) at my local tjmaxx both on clearance! I spent less than $20 and I couldn’t be happier. In order to give it the “fall” element I wore my sturdy wheat timberlands as well as threw on a sweater crop top that happened to coordinate with my color scheme. Most of the pieces for my mini fall series came from my own closet and were items I could mix and match to get the 90’s aesthetic. Check out similar items below!

Crop Top
Tommy Hilfiger Jeans
Timberland’s
Tommy Hilfiger Underwear- Here & Here

-Love

Ari

Last call before “Fall”

Posted on October 21, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

The weather in NYC is all over the place, one day its warm next day you have to bring out your turtlenecks, but I have a feeling that this past Saturday was one of the last “warm” days we will be having. Taking that into consideration I brought out my faux leather shorts. When the temperature drops these would look great with a pair of tights underneath, but showing off a little leg one last time won’t hurt anyone right? The lion print top is such an eye catcher! Being a Leo and all I had to get it! The sweatshirt like material gives this outfit nice texture variation. I also threw on my beloved Zara studded booties, a chunky necklace and my panama hat. Get a closer look down below…