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

F21XME

Posted on August 17, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Today’s outfit of the day is incredibly simple. As stated before I am starting to lean towards cleaner silhouettes and colors now that I am getting older. I found this sexy body-con at marshalls and knew it would be perfect for this last stretch of summer before school starts. It features a high neck, key hole cutout in the back and is knee length. It is a bit sheer so I did wear a nude bra and a nude spanx set to keep everything in place and also hide the goodies. I paired it with these awesome mules and suede hat with brown trim detail both from Forever 21. I love how this dress could be transitioned into fall with a chunky sweater thrown over or a flannel tied around the waist. This entire outfit was under $100. Check out the links below!

Forever 21 Mules
Forever 21 Fedora

Toodles, 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

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

Mac “Stone” Lipstick

Posted on July 21, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Having been a cult favorite for some time now, Mac cosmetics has finally come out with some of their signature lip pencils in lipstick form. The color “Stone” is a sexy matte greyish taupe brown that is so on trend right now! This color is muted on its own for everyday use or can be vamped up with some gloss on top for a sexy night transition. I personally would not wear it unless I had a full face just because it makes my skin tone look a little sickly on its own. With a nice highlight and blush, cat eye and bold lashes this lippie is sure to call everyone’s attention. Check it out on Mac’s website or try it on in store! Link down below.

Mac “Stone” Lipstick

Toodles, Ari

Out with the old, in with the new Summer Fashion!

Posted on July 15, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

The unbearable summer heat has reared its ugly head and it has come at a particularly opportune time in my life. I am turning 26 this August and have been giving away or selling old gently used clothing that don’t fit my new aesthetic that I am trying to go for. No I am not giving up my crop tops for good (never gonna happen), but I am going for a more neutral palette in my wardrobe with sophisticated pieces that can transition in my different life roles easier. Some key pieces that one can invest in are a good pair of sunnies (to ward off the harmful rays), a long line loosely fitted tunic that can be paired a million ways, comfortable sandals and shorts that don’t scream twerkathon. This one is particular is hard for me seeing as my body shape does look better with tighter options. As we age I think the key is going for more tailored classic shapes that can complement our body types and shift the focus. I picked some summer items that inspired me below. What are some pieces you are looking to incorporate in your closet this summer? Comment down below!