Pack w/ Ari for Puerto Rico!

Posted on June 11, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

So as some of you may already know my sister/co blogger and I live in two different states and don’t get to physically see each other that often (except for holidays and such). We have decided to take a “sisters” trip this weekend for some fun and relaxation in Puerto Rico! I am so excited to get away for a little bit and thought it would be awesome to share some packing tips for our 4 day, 3 night extravaganza. I will be going over some ways to best utilize your clothing and Gwen will go in further on another post on your makeup and hygiene products.

First things first, assess how many days you will be gone and what type of climate you will be in. Google is your best friend on this matter.
If you don’t already have a set itinerary, have a general idea of what type of events/ outings you will be attending ie. mostly casual, conservative historical sites, festive night outs, or mostly beach bum days etc
Write down your basic clothing essentials so that you wont forget them and can easily check mark them once they are packed away (undies, bras, socks etc – Here is a List I like using for myself.
Start with each day and run down the list of pre planned (or made up) activities that you will go through. For instance mine looks something like this.

I am repeating many items for sake of saving room in my carry on (my sandals, purses, makeup, pjs just to name a few). I then take photos of everything laid out on my phone for reference. This process helps me not over pack and bring exactly what I need for each day keeping in account all different types of scenarios that may occur. I am so excited for my trip and I hope this helped anyone who struggles packing a bag (I still do sometimes). Stay tuned for detailed outfits of the day from this trip!

Love

Ari
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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

Fl Fashion Weekend 14′ – Show time!

Posted on May 11, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Although I’ve worn this “Blaque Market” skirt a couple of times already I was hesitant to feature it on the blog since it is not available anymore on KARMALOOP.COM where I purchased it a while ago. However every time I have worn it, it draws attention from all sources and I knew that it was what I had to rock for the Downtown Orlando Fashion Show. For the press party I went more casual but I wanted to pull out all the stops for the actual show. This hoop/cage skirt is reminiscent of a laundry basket (or so the uneducated eye guesses) but it’s actually a take on a pretty common item of clothing that was worn by women in the 18 century. Granted they wore these under their skirts for the effect, but today I am rocking mine on the outside and loving it! Below I included some links as to the history of the skirt & some similar items that may be of interest to add to your wardrobe as a costume (or like me for everyday use). I paired mine with a basic bodycon from forever 21 and my heel-less heels. Scroll down to check it out!

Me, Fashion Stylist “Sweet Tilly” and Editor Mellisa Thomas

@FaboPiano and @BuddyBlues -Super awesome musicians!

My buddy for the night…make sure to check out his blog he’s super awesome and clearly one of the most fashion forward dudes you will ever encounter!! pedro from pedrodrigo.com

Blaque Market Site

History

Etsy Similar Skirt

Nasty Gal Similar Dress < I so want this!!!!!

Similar Heels

Bodycon Dress

Love Ari

Downtown Orlando Fashion Week 14′- Day 1 OOTN

Posted on May 10, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Florida Fashion Weekend kicked off May 9 with a two day event filled with fashion and fun. I was happy to be able to get on the media list for the pre- show mixer hosted at Jai Gallery to get a look at the models before hand. I have never attended an event like this before and had no idea what to expect. I went with these bold yet sophisticated statement making basketball shorts that I recently ordered from ASOS. This “river island” piece kills the tough task of making shorts chic by adding a touch of sheer element. Everyone and everyone was giving me compliments the entire night and I even got mistaken for one of the models (correction because of my shorts clearly not my height, a girl can only dream). I paired them with a white quilted crop sweater from H&M and my amazing shoe cult by nasty gal heels. Sleek straight hair and my go to Phillip lim bag completed my overall aesthethic and I was ready to take on the night! Stay tuned for pics from the actual show. Links to items below!

Awesome Performance by a live band!

One of Misly Beltinor’s Lovely Models

asos, river island, phillip lim, target, h&m, pullover, sweater, sheer, basketball shorts, heels, nasty gal, shoe cult, fashion, orlando, downtown,

Feeling myself and I cant be bothered!

Free samples of “Onli” Beverages and Sparkling Water. My fav was the hibiscus pomegranate aronia flavor!

River Island Basketball Shorts

H&M Quilted Sweatshirt

Similar Booties- Here, Here, Here and Here

Festival Gear

Posted on March 13, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

The time has come for the ever popular music festivals and throngs of hippies, rockers and the occasional groupies to emerge. Although I havent actually ever attended an event (thats my bad) I love the effervescent style that come with … Continue reading →

Midi Skirts

Posted on March 5, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Spring is right around the corner and I am already looking for my must have pieces, one of them being the midi skirt which I have become utterly obsessed with! I love the versatility of it, one minute you can be casual by pairing it with flats or sandals and the next you can have a night out on the town with a pair of booties, strappy heels or wedges. They come in a variety of colors, patterns and lengths making them wearable for all shapes and sizes. I personally prefer the more flared out style (A line) as opposed to the tapered kind. Here are a few of my favorites:

I was able to get my hands on a black and white striped midi from Asos and I am just dying for the warmer weather to return to the big apple.

Below are some links as to where you can find a cute midi to suit your style (both plus and regular sizes).
Asos skirts (curve) Here Here Regular: Here Here
Simplybe: Here Here
Modcloth: Here Here

Etsy also has some really cute ones just type in “midi skirt” in the search box.

Not so patiently waiting for spring…
-Gwen

Matching Sets Galore

Posted on February 18, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I am obsessed with matching sets and acquiring as many as I can for the upcoming warmer season. Not only are they incredibly stylish and provide an instant cohesive look, they are so easy to throw on and run out the door! Just find your pair and you’re ready to go. I usually go with minimal jewelry if the set has a busy pattern but play it up a little more if we are working with solids and textures. Check out my previous monochromatic take on this look and below are some links to ones I’m currently lusting after. Shorts, skirts, pants, blazers, crops tops, monochromatic or patterned the possibilities are endless! Click on the photos for links.

Asos Reclaimed Vintage 90’s Rib Top & Tube Skirt
Top-$74.08
Skirt- $70.37

Asos -Sweater & Mini Skirt In Quilted Stitch
Top- $64.82
Skirt- $55.56

Won Hundred Top & Pencil Skirt
Top- $166.67
Skirt- $231.49

Forever 21 Textured Blazer & Flutter Shorts
Blazer- $29.80
Shorts- $17.80

Textured Gingham Top & Trousers
Top- $68.00
Trousers- $84.00

Jacquard Boyfriend Coat & Skirt
Coat-$150.00
Skirt-$76.00

-Ari

Nasty Gal-Shoe Cult Strut Cutout Bootie

Posted on February 5, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Here is my formal introduction to my new additions in my heel collection (more like my children). These amazing heels are the “Strut Cutout Bootie” from the much-anticipated Shoe Cult collection from NastyGal. I originally wanted these as soon as … Continue reading →

Green with Envy

Posted on January 9, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Hey Everyone! So, I was visiting my sister in Florida a few weeks ago (oh how I miss the sun, and my sister of course) we were able to sneak in some photo shoot time, which is great for me since I hardly ever post outfit of the day entries. I never bring much clothing with me when I travel to Florida because I know I am going to shop while I am there, and boy did I shop! While everyone was off at work I drove myself to The Florida Mall and had a grand ole’ time. Forever 21 was of course my first stop and I managed to score some great pieces that were on clearance. I put together an outfit that I absolutely love (under $100 might I add).

-The Black peep mesh peplum top is perfect for adding curves to a not so curvy figure (such as mine) and the mesh adds a little sex appeal to a classic top.
-The Green pencil skirt gives this outfit the pop of color it needs.
-The black and gold studded boots are a favorite of mine (from my look for less post) and they give the outfit a nice edge to it.

Black and gold clutch is from H&M
Gold and black earrings are also from Forever 21

To all of my plus size ladies there is ALWAYS a way to put an outfit together while keeping some money in your pockets!

Till next time!
-Gwen
Links to Items Below:

Forever 21 Skirt

Peplum Top’s Here and Here

Similar Booties

Similar Earrings

Similar Clutches- Here and Here

On Sale Today!- Forever 21 Cutout Booties

Posted on January 1, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Dont miss out on these amazing Forever 21 cut out booties! Perfect dressed up or down these babies are super comfortable and can be paired with so many different looks. They are now on sale for 50% on forever 21’s website and originally priced at $39.80. Check out how I styled mine below. Target denim button up, Forever 21 mustard pencil skirt and loose waved curls for a simple casual day. At the advice of online reviews I sized down and got a 5.5 and they fit perfect! I do have to agree with those that wrote they run big, half size down did the trick for me! Links below.