Its that time again…Giveaway time that is!

Posted on December 31, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

So we’ve done it again!! 250 followers on our blog and we couldn’t be happier and greatful to still be growing steadily. From nearly 100 to now 250 in such a short time! We would like to show our gratitude for keeping up with us all this time by hosting another giveaway. We’ve done many in the past and expect this one to go off without a hitch. The rules are simple, the winner will be chosen through a generator and you can enter multiple times (the more entries the better your chances) by using the raffle link provided below. The winner will receive makeup goodies sure to impress! Once again thanks to our old friends/followers, we look forward to making many more!

!!!Rafflecopter Giveaway Link!!!

Previous Giveaways Here, Here & Here

Looking forward to 2015!

Love-

Ari & Gwen

Hats off to Shopping

Posted on December 29, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

The holiday season is almost over! I hope everyone has enjoyed every moment and spent it with loved ones. Now that Gwen is here and we are together, we have been busy catching up, spending time with family and of course shopping! For a full day of bargain hunting you have to be comfortable and weather appropriate. You can never go wrong with a band t-shirt with soft touches of feminine details, and this outfit is no exception. The look centered on my awesome new Mossimo Supply Co. hat I bought at Target. The fedora is the perfect neutral to tie together any look. I paired it with my Pink Floyd top, black maxi skirt (came in handy while constantly getting undressed to try things on in stores), old nine west backpack and my awesome studded gold and black Sam & Libby sandals. I was comfortable, stylish and it was perfect for the current nicer temps we are experiencing. Links to items below!

Pink Floyd Band T-Shirt

Black Maxi Skirt

Similar Sandals

Mossimo Fedora

Love, Ari

How to Rock- Polka Dots & Stripes

Posted on December 1, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

As some of you may know, mixing prints and patterns has got to be at the top of my all-time favorite things to do. There is nothing better than an outfit that takes all of the guess-work out for you. This mixed print dress is amazing! I found it on clearance on Asos.Com (seriously I stalk this website like no other) and it’s actually no longer available. The brand is River Island and the polka dots and stripes contrast make for a fun and flirty look appropriate for day or night (just switch up your shoes). Featuring a hidden zipper enclosure and slight a-line hem this dress is flattering on any shape. I paired it with my gold cap pumps (old season shoedazzle) and my clear acrylic chain link clutch for a youthful spin. You can opt for a cute pair of flats or even go for a pop of color like red or yellow to offset the monochromatic black and white. Links to similar items below!

Similar Dresses- Nordstrom, Modcloth, River Island, Paper Dolls, Yesstyle, Forever 21

Love

Ari

“A Bloggers Thanksgiving”- Top 10 Things We Are Thankful For

Posted on November 27, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Things We are Thankful for by ari-pena featuring a deborah lippmann nail polish

As bloggers we are both inclined to always try new products or styles in order to consistently stay abreast of all the latest and greatest. Although we love shopping and reviewing new things, there are those constant tried and true items that will always be staples in our lives. Here are our top 10 items we are grateful exist in this world to make our lives just a bit more fulfilling.

Top ten things Ari & Gwen are grateful for this year-

Coconut Oil– I mean, no explanation needed! Not only can this be used on your hair but also skin, nails/cuticles, food the list goes on and on!
Dr. Scholls anything- From the inserts to the “fast flats” these products always save our tootsies from any emergency.
Pant/Skirt Hangers– Something so simple, yet it keeps skirts and pants wrinkle and indentation free (velvet ones also help reduce lines but these are preferable).
Lipstick– Any color, any finish, lipstick will always liven up your face and can be used in a pinch as blush as well.
Fast Dry Top Coats– Because who has time to wait for nails to dry?
Concealer– It helps us not look like zombies, covers and brightens like a dream!.
Bronzer– You can contour and carve yourself out an entire new face or simply add some glow, bronzer is where its at any season.
Scarves– Scarves galore! From thin to thick, infinity, patterned or even crotchet, scarves add an instant pop to any outfit. They also are functional keeping even the most coldest winds off your face and neck. Slip on a cool and cozy scarf and you’re ready to head out the door!
Tote Bags– Besides carrying an everyday purse, tote bags can serve as food storage, gym bags, diaper bags, extra night out clothes bag, you name it! .
Dry Shampoo– Last but certainly not least, when the world just dosent offer us the time to prep, Dry shampoo saves the day by taking away the shine on those non wash days.

All in all we are thankful for one another and our families and can’t wait to reunite for Christmas. Our blog is going in a great direction and we cannot wait to see what the future will bring.

Love Ari & Gwen

Sexy Neutrals- “Day” Date Inspiration

Posted on November 21, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Although it’s not exactly the most winter friendly ensemble, I wore this only a couple of weeks ago before the weather took a dip. The day was cool and brisk and I was feeling like showing a little skin for a day date. The crop top is from Nasty Gal and I must say it might become one of my all-time favorites. Featuring a v- neck as well as bottom it gives the ladies a nice rounded shape even without a bra! The thick sweater like material is not see through and I was able to rock it au natural (I found the bra gave the look way too much over powering cleavage and shortened the top to where you couldn’t see the V-shape on the bottom). I’ve featured this ribbed royal blue pencil skirt before (it comes in a set) and love the way it gives texture to any outfit. Lastly I threw on this beloved jacket of mine (old season American Apparel) with these new amazing sling back flats I found at Nordstrom Rack from the brand Halogen. I wear them to work, to play and everywhere I go people compliment and ask where they are from. This is the perfect combination of neutrals with small feminine details all the while looking sexy. Links to similar items below!

Nasty Gal Crop Tops- Here, Here, and Here

Halogen “Kera” sling back flat- Here

Love , Ari

The Makeup Show- Orlando 2014

Posted on November 14, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

It’s that time again! The Makeup Show is back with its team to bring education and inspiration to all the beauty fanatics and artist of city beautiful and beyond! I am so excited to be attending again this year (first time was 2013) and am happy to say I will now get the chance to volunteer and see some behind the scenes action go down at this awesome show. Home to many sponsors and exhibitors such as Nars Cosmetics, Crown brush, Inglot and much more this is going to be the place to be this weekend. You have the opportunity to not only purchase from well-known vendors, but also can attend seminars and workshop focus series that highlight the keynote makeup artist affiliated with the show. James Vincent and Orlando Santiago will be amongst them just to name a few. I cannot wait to see what goodies I score for myself and what “guru” sightings might occur. Last year I met the lovely Nicole Guerriero! Make sure to grab your ticket today and check out this awesome show!

Sneak peak of my outfit of the night for the pre-show mixer I am attending tonight. This red scalloped playsuit was purchased at Marshalls and its from the brand Monteau Los Angeles paired with my Sam & Libby Spiked Dahlia Heels and black sparkle clutch. Similar items below!

Similar Playsuits- Here, Here, Here & Here

Love,

Ari

Halloween Collaboration- Last Minute Costumes

Posted on October 31, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Here are some fun super easy & quick Halloween ideas for those last minute planners like ourselves!

I wanted to go with something that I didnt have to do much and could use items I already owned seeing as thats the true spirit of it being last minute. I thought of my beloved flower crown that I dont get to wear that often (check out my previous Lana Del Ray post on it). Then it came to me, FRIDA KAHLO! I can dress sexy or cute any other time of the year, this day is the one day you can be completely creative and think outside of the box. Frida Kahlo was a Mexican painter best known for her self portraits featuring her infamous unibrow. Picture of the items I used below! If you are looking for something less obscure scroll down to check out Gwens last minute look!

For all of you last minute gals I too have the perfect look for you and the best part is you wont have to spend much money! A creepy doll/clown is super easy to create and all you need is makeup that you already have at home. You can add to this costume by putting on colorful clothing to make it more clown-ish or a ruffly top to create a more doll-like effect. Check out what I created below… (Photos were taken with my phone, please excuse the quality)

Products used: (I added a lighter foundation for that clown/doll effect)

You can make this look a bit more dramatic by adding black eyeliner to your eyes as well as underneath your bottom lash line. I did not for the sake of time, but I hope you all can still get the feel of it.

Hope you enjoyed!
Have a safe and happy Halloween!

-Love
Ari & 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

“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

“Fall” into the 90’s- Sporty Look

Posted on October 15, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

For the second post of the “Fall” into the 90’s 3 part series I wanted to go for a more sportier look then the first. I found this sweatshirt dress on clearance at H&M and have been able to style it so many ways ever since! In thinking about by the 90’s I went the more urban route and paired it with my nike air max sneakers, holographic clutch and can’t forget my tribal tattoo spiral choker set complete with ring and bracelet. I used to rock these chokers in so many different colors and styles back in the day! This dress is super versatile and can also be worn belted with heels for a chilly fall night out on the town. The cute yellow socks with heart print detail are from forever 21 and are best worn on a less cold evening since they are very thin. Check out the bottom for similar items and links.