First Look: New Maybelline Products

Posted on October 17, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Many makeup brands launch new items at the start of a new season and boy am I glad they do! I was of course doing my weekly browsing at my local CVS and came across a few new items from Maybelline, they are the Color Sensational Creamy Matte lipsticks, the Instant Age Rewind skin transformer and lastly the Brow Drama brow sculpting mascara.

Lets take a minute and talk about the fact that there is finally an affordable matte lipstick! (very few brands carry a matte line in the drugstore). That news alone is super exciting, but here are some other reasons why these lipsticks are great: texture is creamy and smooth, they set to a demi-matte (not drying like some of MAC’s lipsticks), they are pigmented and can last on the lips for about 4-5 hours (there will be some transfer if you’re eating, but you can easily apply another layer on top without it looking cakey). Here’s a closer look at the four shades I picked up.

Left-Right:
#660 Touch of Spice, #680 Mesmerizing Magenta, #690 Siren in Scarlet, #695 Divine Wine

Lip Swatches:

Touch of Spice: Brown nude

Mesmerizing Magenta: True magenta shade with a hint of a violet undertone

Siren in Scarlet: Cooler tone red

Divine wine: Dark Burgundy

On to the Primer and Brow mascara:

I’ve used this primer a few times and I can say that it has reduced the look of my pores. (Maybelline also claims that it will reduce the look of wrinkles, lines and imperfections but I did not notice much of that). The primer has a velvety consistency as well as a subtle pink tint in order to give skin a little radiance.

The Brow Mascara is meant for sculpting and adding a tint to your brows. In all honestly I only saw a slight difference in color on my brows and I am not a fan of the rounded tip for sculpting (My eyebrows are a bit thin and the “ball tip” wasn’t as precise as I would have liked.

Overall I am pretty happy with my new finds.
I am not sure if all of these items can be found in most drugstores but I do know Ulta carries each of them.

Maybelline at Ulta

Hasta Luego,
-Gwen

“Fall” into the 90’s- Clueless Edition

Posted on October 9, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

What could be better then the weather cooling down? I say continuing to rock those summer 90’s trends straight into the colder months, saving time and money in your pocket! I decided to start a mini 3 part post series called “Fall into the 90’s” so I could get the most bang for my buck and wear some of my favorite pieces from the ongoing 90’s trend straight into the fall season. Here is my attempt at recreating an iconic look from the movie “Clueless” starring Alicia Silverstone as the fashionable Cher Horowitz. This classic cult film inspired me to get creative and reuse some old items I had in the back of my closet. The v-neck long-sleeved top is a basic from target, while the jumpsuit is from the brand “Max Rave” purchased ages ago. For this look the accessories say it all, the knee-high socks with frill detail, sun flower choker, combat boots, and clear clutch all give the look the 90’s aesthetic without being to gimmicky or overpowering. Links to similar items below!

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Awesome video by “Worn Fashion Journal”

Similar Overall Dresses- Here, Here & Here

Sunflower Choker

Similar Socks- Here & Here

Boots- Here & Here

As if!

-Ari

eShakti custom tailored dress

Posted on October 7, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Hello there lovelies! Yes, as you can already tell this is another eShakti post, except I (Gwen) will now be showing you the dress I was sent and my overall thoughts on the ordering process. First order of business, check out this paisley print swing dress which I paired with a belt to cinch my waist, some knee high flat boots and a woven cardigan.

As Ari mentioned in her post we were contacted by this online clothing shop and were thrilled because this was our first custom tailored outfit being sent to us. Jane Carter was who I directly emailed with and she was such a pleasure to work with! I was having issues placing my order for the dress and she gladly processed it for me. What’s wonderful about this site is not only do they have sizes ranging from 0-36 they also customize your clothing item, all you need to do is send them your measurements! This is so great for those of us that have trouble fitting into certain clothing items, I mean lets face it most pieces are created for one body type when in the real world women come in various shapes and sizes. When will designers finally get this through their heads? (Moving on because this could turn into an ugly rant).
All in all I am giving eShakti my stamp of approval! Customer service was on point, shipment was received in a timely manner and best part of all the dress fits me perfectly!

*The dress I received is no longer in stock but I will link similar ones down below

Till next time,
-Gwen

Tulip print dress
Floral a-line

*Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. Ari and I always share our own personal thoughts and opinions on items we review or share with you.

OOTD: Black Blazer

Posted on September 30, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Once it starts to become a bit cooler out my absolute go to piece of clothing is a blazer. A simple look like a white t-shirt and jeans can be easily transformed by adding a classic staple piece such as a black blazer. I am obsessed with hats so of course I had to throw one on to complete this look, check it out below…

Now depending on where you are going this outfit can be worn casually or somewhat dressed up. For a day time look this could be paired with flats or your choice of low heeled boots, for an evening look adding a pair of pumps or some sort of heel as I did gives the look a more polished feel.

Style set created below through Polyvore (Click on items for links on where to purchase same or similar items)

black blazer by gwendolyn-pena featuring a shoulder strap purse

What are some of your fall go to pieces? Leave your comments down below!

-Gwen

Fall into Fall

Posted on September 24, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Happy Fall everyone! Although I am a bit sad the summer is officially gone I am also very excited for my new Fall wardrobe! I’ve already done some shopping and cannot wait to post a few more outfit ideas for all you lovelies. Well then, shall we get started?

The weather can still be somewhat unpredictable in the beginning of Fall which is why layering or wearing pieces that have a bit of a thicker material will come in handy. In the outfit below I paired a gray and black hummingbird sweatshirt from H&M with a textured skater skirt from Forever 21. Here’s a closer look…

I also wanted to add a bit of fun to this outfit by adding a floppy brim round top hat and my black fringe handbag. Adding accessories with various textures can make all of the difference on a once seemingly simple outfit.

Here are quick links to where you can find these exact or similar pieces.

Sweatshirt
Skater Skirt
Fringe Bag
Floppy hat

Special thank you to my hopefully new-found photographer, my best friend Emily.

Stay tuned for more outfit of the day looks!

-Gwen

Ulta Haul

Posted on September 8, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Over the last month and a half or so I’ve made my way to Ulta a few times to pick up some goodies. Ulta is one of those places where I walk around for hours due to the amazing selection of products they have. Here’s a quick look at some of the ones I picked up.

I tried a mini sample of the Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara and I loved it! It gives your lashes such a full volumized look!

Lorac Pro Matte lip pencil in the shade Merlot

Butter London Cheeky Cream Blush in the shade Ruby Murray

On top is the Lorac Pro Matte lip pencil in the shade Merlot which is such a perfect wine color for the fall. The formula is Matte but it is not a drying one.
On the bottom Butter London cream blush in the shade Ruby Murray is a beautiful rich cranberry shade. It can be a sheer wash of color on your cheeks or you could intensify it by adding more product.

Lorac Pro 2 palette has such stunning shades. The pigmentation is great and the shadows are very easy to blend. The versatility of this palette is also something I really enjoy, you are able to create warm looks as well as cooler ones, and we can forget the pops of color it has!

Swatches of a few shades from the Lorac Pro 2 palette Top color is the shade Plum, followed by Navy, then Rosé and Jade. Shade on the left side is called Beige

Urban Decay All Nighter Spray is my best friend of all time! Keeps my makeup totally intact!
Blow Pro texture spray is a new product for me and so far I am loving it! Perfect for the wavy hair days when you want to give your hair some umph!
John Freida fine to full blow out spray has been working wonders for me! It creates body on the crown of my head, which is where I need the most volume.
Big Sexy Hair sulfate free Volumizing shampoo and conditioner have a lightweight formula which have been helping my hair feel and appear fuller.

And that is all! Leave comments or suggestions if you would like to see a more in depth review of anything or a makeup tutorial.
Again all of these products were purchased at Ulta. Links down below.

Till next time,
-Gwen

Urban Decay All Nighter Spray

Blow Pro Texture Spray

John Freida

Big Sexy Hair –Shampoo & Conditioner

Lorac Pro Palette 2

Lorac Pro Matte Lip Pencil- Merlot

Butter London Cream Blush- Ruby Murray

Better Than Sex Mascara

Marshalls “FabFound” -Matty M Score!

Posted on August 28, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I saw this gorgeous skirt at Marshalls (such a #fabfound) and knew it had to be mine! The color is so vibrant and easy for summer or fall and the geometric print also gives off a tribal vibe all at the same time. Not only is it versatile and can easily be mixed and matched, the material is incredibly soft, comfortable and super stretchy. The brand is “Matty M” and according to the company Facebook this brand features comfortable clothing meant to transition from runnings errands, meetings or even a night out. It fit the contours of my body, without being too tight and showing off any unsightly bumps or lumps. I paired it with my denim acid wash button up from target (old season),suede peep toe booties and my Salvatore Ferragamo vintage cross body . This was incredibly easy to throw on and would work with so many different color palettes as well as made casual or dressy. For the price point it can’t be beat! Check out similar items linked below or the Matty M’s Facebook for more details.

Similar Skirts Here, Here & Here

Denim Button Up

Similar Heels, Here & Here

Toodles,

Ari

Classic Fall Look

Posted on January 13, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Although the cold weather was very short lived, here I have a fall appropriate outfit for those lovelies that have to endure actual cold temperatures during this season. Even though Im back in my shorts and tops for the moment, it was great to make use of some of my autum pieces that Ive had in my closet. This knit a-line shift dress is old season from target (Kirna Zabete line) and I paired it with classic patterened tights and high black wedge boots. If its really cold and a turtle neck wont suffice, I threw on my old cozy peacoat. The pastel pink softens the look and contrast the subtle leather details in the dress and boots. Last but certainly not least my new beautiful bag was purchased at Marshalls! Such an amazing find. This Kate Spade chain link bag is neutral and the quilted pattern makes me feel like I have my own little Chanel. I love the simplicity and classic appeal that it will bring to any outfit from here on out. Links with similar items below, and check out my sisters previous autumn fashion inspiration looks Here, Here & Here

Similar Dresses ASOS, Missguided and Zara

Beautiful Pink Peacoat Options, ASOS, Missguided, Nasty Gal and Zara

Patterned Tights- Target, H&M

Kate Spade Bag

OOTN- Urban Flannel Flair

Posted on December 24, 2013 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I visited the mecca (Forever 21) just over two weeks ago and scored this cute little sweatshirt on clearance! I repeat I found a size small on clearance people, this is big news! Usually for the most part I steer clear of the clearance section from forever seeing as it is normally cluttered and hard to sift through. This bad boy was staring up at me and begging to be taken home. I paired it with my go to Zara dark wash jeans, as well as old season Target plaid booties. The contrast between the two different plaid prints made for an interesting and comfortable urban fall look. Links to similar items below!

Sam Edelman- Spiked “Dahila” Heels OOTD

Posted on December 17, 2013 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Sam Edelman heels are classic and beautiful,high-end enough to be saved for special occasions, but not so out of range that its impossible to obtain a pair. In comes Target! Yet again they’ve hit the nail on the head with this collaboration. I’ve mentioned the summer sandals in a previous post Sam & Libby Sandals and now I’ve gone ahead and purchased this basic statement heel with a twist. Featuring a spiked heel and snake print embossed on the front, this heel provides enough embellishments for a night out but is also subdued enough for a work day as I wore it. I went for a business casual look (appropriate for my dress code at work) and went with all black with hints of print. My black fitted turtle neck is a staple for these fall months as well as these high waist trousers from American apparel. Top it off with a houndstooth cardigan and a crème scarf and your all set for a high stakes day, or a chill evening out. The height make them super comfy and easy to move around in. I got my true size (6) it is also available in the color pewter (silver/grey). Links at the bottom!