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

Charlotte Tilbury

Posted on June 26, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Well, Well, Well guess who finally caved and bought some Charlotte Tilbury products. Yes you guessed it, little old me (Gwen). I have been wanting to try some of her products for about a year now but as you may or may not know they are pretty pricey. I am the kind of girl who will save her pennies for a few months and prance my way into a shop excited to bring some new goodies home.

On to the Brand, or shall I say the woman behind the brand. Charlotte Tilbury has been a makeup artist working in the fashion and beauty industry for over 20 years. She attended the Glauca Rossi school of makeup in London, took all of the tips and tricks she has learned and created her own line of skincare and cosmetics. Her products are loved by many celebrities as she often creates the looks for red carpet events and photo shoots. Well then on to what I purchased right?

I picked up the setting powder, blusher, concealer and lipstick. Below you’ll find further description of each product and my final thoughts. Also isn’t the packaging to die for? Such a sucker for anything rose gold! The Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder is described as a breathable micro-fine powder with soft focus made to blur away lines and imperfections. It also has rose wax and almond oil which keep the skin hydrated. I have been testing this powder out for about two weeks now and I love the velvety texture of it. I also love how it is very lightweight and does not give that sort of caked on powdered look.

The Cheek to Chic swish and pop blusher is meant to provide a youthful flush of color on your cheeks. It has a creamy and buildable formula along with a light flex technology made to provide a luminous finish. I chose the shade Ecstacy and I feel it is a great peachy pink color, especially on sun kissed skin. It it suggested that your swirl your brush around the outer part of the blush blending it towards the temples of your cheek bones, you then pop the middle shade onto the apples of your cheeks (hence the name swish and pop).

The Retoucher Concealer is described to have ultra covering, and color correcting texture with a hydrating complex of black tea which provides moisture to the under eye area. It is also made with a lipo-siliconic compound made to create a natural veil of color blending seamlessly into the skin diminishing the look of lines and pores. I personally think it does a great job at illuminating the under eye area (if you like that Kim Kardashian sort of look as I do) but I have not noticed any of the other claims.

Matte Revolution lipstick is the last item I purchased in the shade “Red Carpet Red“. What’s really unique about this lipstick is the square shaped tip making it a bit easier for application as it mimics a lip brush. It is also infused with lipstick tree and orchard extract which keep your lips hydrated. It was also created with 3D glowing pigments which create the illusion of fuller and wider lips. As a self proclaimed lipstick lover I truly love the formulation of this lipstick. It wears well (for a good 5 hours with mild eating) it does not feel drying and the shade I chose is the perfect red!

Hope you all enjoyed this haul/review of my new found loves. If I had to choose two products out of the four as total must haves they would be the Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder and the Matte Revolution Lipstick. The Blusher and Concealer are products you could find from other inexpensive brands.

These along with her other products are available on her website Charlotte Tilbury . Although I purchased my items at Selfridges in London because you are able to book an appointment and have a makeup artist apply the products before making your final purchase.

Till my next post,

xx, Gwen

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

What is Love?

Posted on February 14, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! (but really I’m all for celebrating love at any given day of the year). In this post I wanted to focus on a type of love that is slowly but surely being spoken of more often and that is: self LOVE.

Recently I purchased an Alex and Ani (Click here to read their story) bangle but, of course was having a hard time deciding which symbol to choose from (they are all so lovely) that is until I came across the path of life one. Alex and Ani describe it as “Emblematic of life’s zenith and nadir moments, the Path of Life is representative of an infinite number of possibilities and expressions of Love. Illustrating life’s twists, turns, and unexpected winds, wear the path of life’s charm to proudly celebrate your own willingness to travel towards life’s fruitful moments”. This really resonated with me as I purchased it right before making the big move to England. What also rang true in my heart was how it represents infinite possibilities and expressions of Love. Leading to my point of self love and how there are so many way to express it to oneself. For example: Having “me time”, treating yourself to something you’ve really been wanting, pushing yourself but also being considerate and realizing you are doing the best you can and so many more, the list is infinite!

(I also have the “Best Friends half one which I gifted to one of my amazing girlfriends)

Having someone to love and care for whether it be a partner, parents, siblings, friends is one of the most amazing gifts of life but it all begins with you.

I have the original Path of life charm but for Valentine’s Day Alex and Ani have created the heart version if it.

Alex and Ani heart Path of Life

Alex and Ani Path of Life

Love,
-Gwen

Beauty & Skincare (London Edition)

Posted on February 5, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Boots and Superdrug; two shops that have been screaming my name each time I walk past one. They are basically like the Duane Reade and CVS of New York. I’ve managed to pick up a few things here and there and would like to share them with you all (especially with my peeps over in the U.S, don’t be jealous guys). Here’s a closer look at my purchases (disclaimer one item is from Amazon.com)

Zoella Beauty Soak Opera (Superdrug)

This smells absolutely heavenly! If you guys don’t know who Zoella is on youtube then you need to search her right now! She is a UK based blogger/vlogger and is the most adorable thing ever! She created her own line of a few products; bath fizz, body lotion, makeup bags, body mist and this bath soak/shower cream. It’s floral scent takes you to another place and time, combined with the aloe and shea butter your skin will love you for using this.

Tangle Teaser (Boots)

I’ve had my eye on this little guy for quite some time now, but I thought the price was a bit too steep for a hair brush, that is until I used it. I have very fine hair making it super easy to become tangled, this bad boy combed out all of those knots without pulling or breaking my hair. Ultimate score! (I also had to get it because cough, cough I saw Zoella mention it in one of her recent videos, can someone say obsession?) Oh and lastly I love anything black and gold.

Bioderma (Amazon Purchase)

Now this item is something I was super excited to try as it is only sold in the UK or middle east. (I believe it will soon be sold in the U.S) This is a cleansing and makeup removing water that will gently purify your skin. I have often heard people speak of the Sensibio which is the formula for sensitive skin but I opted for the Sebium which is for oily/combination and blemished skin. So far it has done a great job at giving my skin that deep down clean feeling. What more could a girl ask for?

Max Factor Masterpiece Transform Mascara (Boots)

I spotted this mascara in the “whats new section” and it’s description immediately caught my eye. It claims to capture and volumize each lash for show stopping eyes. The shape of the brush is also something I had never seen before, I was sold! Here’s a closer look at the wand

Tanya Burr Lashes & Gloss (Superdrug)

Here I go again talking about another one of my other favorite UK blogger/vlogger, I just can’t help myself. Again if you don’t know who Tanya Burr is you need to look her up now! She is one of the UK’s top youtubers and is adorable as well. (I am obsessed with the English accent). She too created her own line which includes makeup, lashes and a book! I picked up the “everyday flutter” lashes which give just a touch of flirtiness to the corners of your eyes. I also picked up her lipgloss in the shade “Chocolate Fondue” which is one of those your lip color but better shades.

Rimmel 60 second nail polish (or varnish as the British say) (Boots)

This bright red-orange shade is called “central love heart”. This is my favorite shade of red to paint my nails with, it is just so fun and vibrant! Perfect for Valentines day!

That is all my friends! Hope you enjoyed it!

For anyone back home (United States) looking to purchase any of these items you can go to:

Boots.com , superdrug.com , or you can always find international items on Amazon.com

-Gwen

How to: College Football Makeup

Posted on September 26, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Graduating in 2012 from the University of Central Florida was one of the proudest moments of my life. In looking back at my college experience, I wish I had participated in more “college” activities when I had the chance. In comes football games and tail-gating! I attended my first game ever this past weekend and like most people could not wait to don my colors and rep my school (even though Im an alum now). I decided to go all out and finally break out this beautiful gold pigment from NYX I had been waiting to use for some time. It is so sparkly and intense and can easily liven up any look.The “bondage weightless makeup adhesive” from Urban Decay was the perfect choice & worked so well at holding the pigment. No heavy feeling on my lid as I yelled and cheered throughout the evening!

I first prepped my eye for all that color with NYX skin tone primer all over the eyelid, crease, & brow bone
I then used a yellow shimmer shadow from the NYX Mysterious Brown Eyes Color palette all over the eyelid (as another base to make the yellow glitter pop even more)
I then used Urban Decay Eyeshadows “Tyranny” as a transitional color in the crease & “Vengeance” in the crease up to the brow bone for more depth. Remember to blend!
I applied Urban Decay Bondage Adhesive to my eyelid (straight from the tube) and covered the entirety of the yellow.
With a clean flat shader brush, I patted the NYX glitter pigment on the entire lid. I kept adding more and building the intensity until I reached my desired effect.
Optional-Finally, I used black gel liner to create a cat eye and finished off with loads of mascara!

Make sure to clean up afterwards thoroughly seeing as I had a lot of fall out (not after once it was already dried on my eye) I am just messy during my process! These steps can be replicated with any of the variety of pigments depending on your team colors (blue or purple would look spectacular). Links below!

urban decay, nyx, glitter, pigment, cat eye, glitter glue, ucf, college, football, makeup

***On my lips I am wearing Gerard Cosmetics in the color “1995”, also both my Anastasia contour kit and Loreal telescopic mascara were used.

Nyx Pigment

Urban Decay Pulp Fiction

Nyx Primer

Go UCF Knights!

-Ari

Stay Hydrated in Style- Nasty Gal Unchained Water Bottle Holder

Posted on September 9, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

WARNING: This post might alienate some readers that aren’t into “frivolous” things a.k.a AWESOME things! I was doing my usual perusing online and came across this tailor-made for me item on NastyGal.com. Not only does this water bottle holder serve its … Continue reading →

JLo Glow

Posted on August 18, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I am so sad that Mother nature did not give the big apple a scorching hot summer this year. We are now in the middle of August already experiencing September like temperatures, don’t get me wrong Autumn is my other favorite season but I still needed some more sun in my life! Ok, enough with the rant, if you’re like me and did not get the chance to visit the beach here is how I created a faux tan or that JLo glow as some would call it before summer officially ends.

To achieve this glowy bronzy look I used all of these products below:

From the MAC palette I used Brown Script (lower left) on my crease and lower lash line. I used Amber Lights (top right) on the entire lid
From the Lorac palette I used Buff (top row left) for my brow highlight and Mocha (4th from the left on the bottom) to touch up the outer v and lower lash line

– One of the main products in making the skin appear more dewy is to add a liquid illuminizer to your foundation. I opted for the Gerard Cosmetics BB plus illumination crème, a pea sized pump is all you need to mix into your foundation and it will cover your entire face.
– Another key component in creating a bronzy effect is of course bronzer. I used my L’Oreal true match powder in the shade Cocoa to warm up my entire face. I also took a contour brush and very lightly carved under my cheek bones.
– Lastly what will give you the ultimate glowy effect is a highlighter. For this particular look I chose the Sonia Kashuk illuminating bronzer in the shade goddess. This color is really golden and gives you the perfect sunkissed glow.
* This is an extra step, but since I wanted to mimic Jennifer Lopez’s all over bronzed look I also placed a mixture of brown and bronzy shades on my eyes and finished the look with her signature peachy nude lip.

I leave you all with a photo of the woman who not only inspired this look but also inspires me to work hard.

Here’s a detailed list of the products I used:

Benefit Porefessional face primer

Bare Minerals Bare Skin Foundation in the shade Bare Caramel

Gerard Cosmetics BB Illuminating crème

Tarte Maracuja creaseless concealer in the shade Medium Tan

NYX blotting powder in the shade Medium/Dark

Anastasia Brow Whiz in the shade Brunette

Lorac Behind the Scenes eyelid primer & Pro Palette 2 colors: Buff and Mocha

MAC Eyeshadows Brown Script and Amber lights

Too Faced “Better than Sex” mascara

L’Oreal Privee lipsticks in the Jennifer Lopez and Eva Mendes Shades

NYX Butter Gloss in the shade Cherry Cheesecake

*Products can be found in your local drugstore , Sephora or Ulta.

Hope you all enjoy what’s left of summer!

-Gwen

To Tokyo

Posted on May 27, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Memorial weekend has come and gone and with it came an opportunity to get away, perhaps relax and enjoy family and friends company. I don’t typically do the usual BBQ setting but this is my first year being a godmother and attending such family oriented festivities. Memorial weekend brought me down to Miami to visit him and also get the chance to reconnect with old pals for some fun in the sun. I love the combination of black, white and leopard and felt inspired by my new crop top from H&M. This look is similar to an old club look of mine and can be recreated with different pieces to convey the same effect. The crop mesh top with Tokyo emblazoned on the front can be paired as a I did here with a high waist skirt or even jogging pants for a more sporty look. The striped skirt and leopard heels are both old season Forever 21. Links & options down below!

I purchased the top in store only two weeks ago but it is not on the site! Check your local H&M and you may score the exact one. Here are some similar options

Here, Here, Here, Here & Here

Similar Heels- Here, Here and Here

Similar Skirts- Here & Here

Whitening Lightning

Posted on May 23, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

All over the Youtube and Instagram world people have been raving about the Whitening Lightning Color Your Smile glosses, let me be one of the many to say that these glosses do not disappoint! One of my favorite beauty vloggers Carli (Youtube: Carlibybel) created a spring beauty essentials kit with Whitening Lightning which includes two glosses, a brow bar to go and another greatly raved about product called the BB plus illumination by Gerard Cosmetics I of course jumped on this amazing steal! The kit is priced at $85 but I also used a coupon code which brought it down to $65 for all four products.

Light Pink shade: Raspberry Sherbet
Rosie shade: Rose Hill

I love the consistency of these glosses! They glide on your lips smoothly and are also full of color! What’s really unique about these glosses is that they come with a built in light and mirror, no need to run to the restroom for touch ups ladies! I am not a huge fan of how light pink looks on my already pigmented lips so I will be using Raspberry Sherbet as a top coat for a pink lipstick instead. The Rose Hill color is to die for! I will be wearing it alone or over a lipstick as well. (It was actually created by yet another one of my favorite beauty vloggers Jaclyn Hill).

Raspberry Sherbet

Rose Hill

The Brow bar to go is a kit comes with two shades of brown (one is a bit lighter and has red undertones while the other is a bit darker with more taupe like undertones). The colors blend really well on the brows and it gives a soft and natural look to them (when using a light hand).

Brow Bar to go in the shade: Brunette to Ebony

The Gerard Cosmetics Illumination BB plus cream is like liquid gold! It can be used as an all over BB cream to give you that all around glow, you could also use a pump of it to mix into your foundation for a more dewy effect or just dab a pea sized amount onto your cheek bones for a gorgeous highlight!

Gerard Cosmetics BB plus Illumination

Wearing the BB Illumination as a cheek bone highlight (No Filter)

After using these products for about 2 weeks I can honestly say that Whitening Lightning is one of my new favorite beauty brands! I will be trying one of their teeth whitening kits next!

Have you tried any products from whitening lightning? If so leave comments down below.

Direct Link to Carli’s bundle:

Carli’s spring essentials
(I googled whitening lightening coupon codes and used whichever one came up)

Until next time,
-Gwen