Labor Day Stripes & Neon

Posted on September 1, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

This casual summer day calls for a simple outfit that keeps you cool, yet is stylish all the same. I recently bought this top from Marshalls from the French Connection brand and although it is a simple cotton t-shirt I love the fact that the stripes go in different directions on the sleeves and back. It is the small details that make for an interesting aesthetic. I paired this blue striped top with my neon green JLO brand high waist shorts, leopard print Sam & Libby loafers and vintage Ferragamo cross body bag. One may think all of these patterns and colors wouldn’t look good together, but mixing prints is all the rage! Pick one solid (neon shorts), choose your focal point (top) and my last rule of thumb is leopard is always a neutral (yes always in my book). Links to similar items below.

Similar Top- Here

Similar Shorts- Here

Similar Flats- Here & Here

Happy Labor Day!

Ari

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

“Im with the band”- Forever 21 Muscle Shirt

Posted on August 23, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Since wearing a band t-shirt is the closet thing I can get to being in a band, I love rocking them! They are so easy to pair with jeans (skinny or bf), heels, boots, jackets,blazers or with cut off sleeves … Continue reading →

I Spy with my “Orlando” Eye -Willow & Clay Collab

Posted on August 15, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Willow & Clay is such a dope brand and their marketing team is on point! Their “I Spy” series follows fashion through different walks of life and locals. They featured me as the Florida Eye edition and I had so … Continue reading →

The “Ugly Sandal” Part 2

Posted on August 4, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

As mentioned in my previous UGLY sandal post I am currently obsessed with the comfort of and albeit stylishness of the new wave trend of sandals. The previous feature on my “faux birks” led me to continue to search for other ones in different shapes and colors. I came across these babies at TJMAXX and instantly fell in love. They are from the brand Italian Shoemakers. The gold stood out as functional for everyday neutral use, and the cushy cork provides the comfort I fell in love with from my original pair. They are exactly what I wished for and Im so glad Im trading in some of my extremely flat -no support sandals and giving my feet some tlc. Links below!

Inga Leather Heel Strap Sandal

Italian Shoemakers

Birkenstocks

Nueva York

Posted on July 22, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

This crop top is everything! Once I saw the “Nueva York” graphic I knew it had to be mine. Anything that can remind me of home is always a win, plus the rainbow/holographic colors are fun for the summer. This top is final sale on Nasty Gal so go before its gone forever! I paired it with my grey trouser shorts and leopard boots (both old season forever 21). Links to items below!

Nueva York Crop Top

Grey Shorts

Similar Heels- Here & Here

Toodles

Ari

The “Ugly” Sandal Pt.1

Posted on July 18, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

This post is long overdue seeing as summer is almost over but I finally got the chance to photograph and style the look! Birkenstock sandals have been seen on everyone from fashion bloggers and celebrities alike. Why would anyone want to wear these “ugly” sandals you ask? Well for one they are incredibly comfortable! Unlike a lot of summer sandals I buy and toss after one summer of use here in sunny Florida, these babies will last you and are incredibly versatile. I personally don’t think they are ugly at all but was just intimidated by some of the pricing. Unless you score a great sale, they can run you upwards to $150. In comes this faux pair! I found these in Target and they are from the Sam & Libby collection (Sam Edelman and his daughter’s line). The Ashland Sandal features less cork than the original birks and stud details but still have the same aesthetic of the cross thick adjustable straps. While I save up for Birks perhaps in the near future these are an amazing alternative. For the price they cant be beat! I styled it with a silk blue button up, white Ann Taylor shorts and my Kate Spade chain link bag. Links below!

Sam & Libby Ashland Studded Sandal

Similar Royal Blue Button Up’s- Here, Here & Curvy

Similar White Shorts- Here & Here

Actual Ann Taylor “City Shorts”

Toodles

Ari

60’s Beachside Blouse

Posted on July 7, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

As some of you may know I was featured on Willow & Clay’s clothing site on their quirky “I spy” series. I wrote about the city of Orlando and styled some pieces from their site. They were kind and gracious enough to send me a beachside blouse and I am in love with the boho feel of it! The bell shaped sleeves and empire waist gave off a 60’s vibe perfect for the summer. I wanted to pair this feminine piece with edgier items to mix up the look. I went with my favorite faux leather shorts, and my cutout booties (both old season Forever 21). This shirt can be cinched in at the waist for a more polished look or worn as is for a boho vibe. This shirt is breezy and fun for everyday casual wear or can be spruced up for a festival look paired with the right accessories (i.e floral head crowns and boots). Thanks to Willow and Clay for their awesome opportunity to collaborate and Im in love with my new shirt! Links below for the top and similar items.

Willow & Clay Beachside Blouse

Faux Leather Shorts- Here & Here

Cut out Booties- Here & Here

Peace & Love

Ari

July 4th Outfit Inspo

Posted on July 4, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Happy Independance day to all of my fellow Americans! I am so excited to be able to share some outfit inspiration for this awesome day, but mainly happy for the day off from work. Who wouldnt be looking forward to gorging oneself on barbeque food, watching fire works and wearing fun patriotic themed items? This year I decided to tone down my previous enthusiam (ie tattoo american flag lips) and went for a more subtle approach in showing my support. My camo skinnies serve as a “neutral” base while also representing for our troops, American flag canvas flats are old season target and my crisp white button up finish off the look. Links to similar items below.

Untitled #2 by ari-pena featuring canvas shoes

Happy fourth everyone!

Ari

Chiquita Banana

Posted on June 28, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

What a long over due post from me! After coming back from Puerto Rico my sister Gwen has been putting in so much work and has posted so many amazing things. Keeping with that momentum here is an outfit of … Continue reading →