#MaxxLife Summer Jumpsuit

Posted on May 15, 2017 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Here my friends is the beloved skort hybrid coming back in the chic-est way possible! I scored this striped jumpsuit at TJMAXX (from the brand Papaya) and not only it is right on trend for the summer season, but couldn’t be any easier to throw on! As some of you may know I personally love the versatility of jumpsuits seeing as they can go from day to evening seamlessly and I don’t have to put much thought process into pairing multiple items. The light weight flowy chiffon like material glides along the floor, the sexy back cut-out along with the deep V-neck make for a sizzling summer look. This jumpsuit can be worn to the farmers market paired with casual mules as I did, or made edgier with caged booties for a night out. For the ladies who are afraid to wear low cut clothing due to a larger chest region, don’t be! Items like this are also for us and if the low neck may be too much for some it can always be paired with a nice camisole underneath for some modesty.

XOXO- ARI

Forever 21 Mules- HERE

Similar Jumpsuits- Here, Here, Here, Here

NYE Looks

Posted on December 31, 2016 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Hey there lovelies! I know it’s been a while but Ari & I are back in business! For this last post of 2016 I wanted to share 3 plus sized New Year’s Eve looks. I’ve chosen a metallic pleated midi skirt (which I styled two different ways) and a more festive burgundy off the shoulder swing dress. Let’s get started shall we?

First up is the silver/pewter skirt in the size xl from Charlotte Russe paired with a basic gray tee from Old Navy. Mixing casual and dressy pieces is always a good idea, especially if you don’t have major plans or just simply prefer a more casual look with a touch of sparkle. To add a pop of color I chose a small red bag. This outfit could also be jazzed up a bit with a low chunky heel, or kept more low key with tennis shoes or flat sandals as I the ones I wore.

Next up is the same skirt with a velvet hunter green bralette (1x) which is also from Charlotte Russe. I am obsessed with anything velvet, the material has such a luxurious look and feel to it. Once again pairing different textured fabrics creates such a lovely juxtaposition. For this look I added my trusty pointy ankle wrapped Sam Edelman shoes from Target.

Last but certainly not least is a Burgundy velvet off the shoulder dress from Forever 21 (plus). The heart shaped top is perfect for busty girls as it frames in all the right places. I also love the swing style from the waist down as it helps create the illusion of hips. I once again wore my black shoes, along with some fun new year accessories.

Want to know the best part of all? All of the clothing items are under $25! Huge steal right? Hope you all enjoyed this post.

Wishing everyone a wonderful start to a brand new year! 2017 here we come!

Metallic Skirt

Velvet Bralette

* Similar Velvet Dress

xx, Gwen

Slip dresses + Birthdays

Posted on August 26, 2016 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I turned 27!!!!! As each year passes I’m reminded that life is super short and you have to make of it what you want while you’ve still got the time, energy and resources. With this being said I always love to book a fun adventure for my birthdays to end the summer off right and ring in my birth year with some fun travel vibes. This time I decided to visit a good friend in sunny Los Angeles! I have only been to Sacramento and San Francisco before so this was definitely a must for me. The food, ambiance, weather and people were everything you’d imagine it to be, good times all around! Since the weather was unusual for me to get used to (warm but also cold at the same time) I made sure to bring different layering pieces to play with. On this day we visited Venice beach and boardwalk. Not only did I get to witness some interesting booths but I also got to dip my toes in the Pacific Ocean (which was ice cold by the way). To stay on par with layering while also being trendy I paired this Zara metallic shiny slip dress with a Forever 21 Janet Jackson t-shirt underneath. Although I love a good rock band t-shirt, this one felt more authentic seeing as I am actually a fan and grew up watching and listening to her music. The western belt is from boo-hoo and really added flair and some much needed waist cinching to the ensemble. I’ve linked items below if you’re interested in recreating the look!

XOXO- ARI

BOO HOO- Double Belt

Forever 21- Janet Jackson T-Shirt

Zara- Slip Dress

Forever Swim

Posted on June 8, 2016 by itsapplesandorangesblog

As some of you know from our Instagram posts Ari our mom and I went on a much needed vacation to the Dominican Republic during Memorial weekend. We had the best time celebrating our moms 50th birthday, so much eating, drinking, exploring and relaxing by the beach/pool and last but not least sneaking in a few photos for the blog.

Before any trip I usually like to buy a couple of new things, especially swimsuits since they can begin looking worn out after only a few uses. I picked up two one piece swimming suits and a top piece from Forever 21 (plus size) and I couldn’t be happier with them. Here’s a closer look…

This black and cheetah print one piece ($32.90) has such a flattering heart shaped top, perfect for busty girls who desire some sort of structure in a suit.

This all black and mesh swim suit ($32.90) was also a good fit for me as it sucked everything in. The mid section is mesh material which adds a nice touch of edge/sexiness.

Unfortunately this is the only shot I’ve got of the Yellow and black top ($17.90) but I’m hoping you can still get a feel of how it fits. I don’t usually wear two pieces but I couldn’t pass this one up. It lifted and supported me so amazingly well. I’m thinking of getting it in another color!

I purchased all of these swimming suits in a 1x for those needing a size reference.

Cheetah one-piece

Black Caged one-piece (Similar)

Yellow Top

Hope this post helped any of my plus sized ladies looking to purchase a new swimsuit this summer.

Till next time,

xx, Gwen

Sensible Fashion

Posted on March 18, 2016 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Dressing fashionably doesn’t always have to take such a toll, it can be sensible just as much as it is on trend or chic. Granted I still have my moments where I want to wear heels and a dress to go grocery shopping (don’t think that will ever change. I am becoming more aware of the old a phrase “less is more” when it comes to dressing for day to day. Once you figure out the fit and cut that best suits your body type, the rest of the details can be tweaked here and there to add interest. This shirt dress was an amazing find from forever 21. With a solid neutral color, slit detailing and shape it is so versatile and comfortable. It can be belted and worn with booties as I did or given a more ethereal look with sandals. The dress, booties and belt are all Forever 21 while the Tommy Hilfiger cap and Ralph Lauren Cross body were scores from Marshalls. Wear what you like, be comfortable and overall remember that clothing can be simplistic and yet still make a statement. Links to items below!

High Slit Shirt Dress

Similar Booties

Tommy Hilfiger Cap

XOXO- ARI

Warm Layers

Posted on February 23, 2016 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Layering can walk the line between looking chic and sloppy depending on the execution. On colder days the type of layering I would do consist of everything and anything I can get my hands on to keep warm. No consideration for colors, patterns..just throw it on! Since Florida winters aren’t as brutal and its already starting to show signs of letting up, I can actually put together some pieces that are more cohesive. I wanted to keep my look very neutral and also incorporate my hat that I never get to wear. The loose V-neck t-shirt and hat are Forever 21, boyfriend jeans and both sweaters from H&M, Zara patent loafers and ASOS frilly socks. My lip color is the NYX liquid suede lipstick in “Stone Fox” which I felt went with the aesthetic of my muted look. This casual vibe can be worn on a day date or just out shopping or lunch with friends. What are some of your favorite ways to layer? Links to items down below!

Fedora Hat

Frilly Socks

V-Neck T-Shirt

NYX “Stone Fox”

XOXO- ARI

Hello From The Other Side

Posted on November 30, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Although we still have a month left in 2015 I can’t help but to think how fast time is going! It seems as though it was yesterday I was 13 years old and day dreaming about what life would be like when I was this age. As we enter into this holiday season it’s important to keep in mind positivity and never to take anything, especially time for granted. I experienced a lot of ups and downs this year and I can only hope next year will bring about similar life changing experiences. Here is yet another outfit of the day, and cheers to many more for next year! Links to similar items below.

Shirt Dress- Forever 21
Denim Button Up- Primark
Bag- Kate Spade
Puff Ball- Amazon
Timberland Boots

XOXO- Ari

Utility Jumpsuit

Posted on November 16, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Utilitarian is the perfect word to describe this amazing jumpsuit from Forever 21. Compared to a classic anorak jacket or trench, this color and fabric can be paired with almost anything and will look amazing! Featuring a long sleeve, button front, collar and slanted front pockets it is 100% cotton and impeccable quality. I paired mine alone with classic nude sandals and my everyday Kate Spade bag to really make the outfit the focal point. You can roll up the sleeves as I did and even the pant legs to go with some combat boots or flats. This is a great transitional piece (especially here for Florida) as the nights get a little cooler for the fall. I can see this paired with a long duster coat, or even a denim or plaid accent tied around the waist. I consider this an investment piece seeing as it can be worn all year round, it is great material and it’s in a neutral color. At only $40.00 it’s a steal from Forever 21! Links down below.

Contemporary Life in Progress Utility Jumpsuit
Similar Sandals

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!