Tourist in London

Posted on January 12, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Hiya Everyone! (I’ve learned this is how Londoners say Hello). I’ve had such an amazing weekend getting to know a bit of this wonderful city and wanted to share some of it with you all. Here goes…

Classic phone booth shot

Ready for the Big Bus Tour!

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Tower of London

London Eye

Big Ben

Proper Fish and Chips is a must!

Could not walk past Primark and Boots
without picking up a few things!

Sneak Peek at my new items

What a great weekend right? I am absolutely delighted with this city and all that I’ve seen so far. Keep those suggestions coming if you reside here or have ever been. Thanks loves!

Until next time,
-Gwen

All American OOTD

Posted on January 9, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I’m semi satisfied with the amount of pictures me and my sister took for each other before we parted ways during the holidays. Usually we just end up having too much fun and messing around to the point where no actual work gets done! This was a quick outfit of the day right before one of our shopping trips while she was here visiting us in Florida. The main focal point is this amazing military “Michael Jackson esque” sweater from Ralph Lauren. The etched gold buttons and high neck make for a classic silhouette while maintaining warm in the cooler temps. I love the fact that it can be sporty and casual or dressed up as I did with dark wash jeans, Aldo booties and a structured purse (last two items soon to be solo featured on the blog as well). I bought the sweater at Marshalls as my #fabfound item of the month but also found similar sweaters below that can work to recreate this look.

Similar sweaters Here, Here, Here, Here, Here & Here!

Love, Ari

Just touched down in London Town!

Posted on January 6, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Yes you’ve read correctly half of itsapplesandoranges has moved to London, England temporarily. I (Gwen) couldn’t be more excited to be in this new amazing city! Please bare with me while this jet lag wears off, but soon after I will be posting all about my adventures here. I am hoping to score some new beauty finds, fashion inspiration and of course take in all of the rich history this city has to offer.

Until then my friends!

P.S if any of our followers happen to live in the SW London area (or you have traveled to London) I would love to hear your suggestions on things to do, places to see, where to eat etc. Leaving a comment down below will be greatly appreciated!

-Gwen

Casual Beach Day Essentials- Featuring Dove Dry Spray

Posted on January 5, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

New year’s resolution-take advantage of nice weather days more often! Of course the temps took a turn after my sister Gwen left (even though we did enjoy some slight warm days as well). Sunday turned into a sun filled day … Continue reading →

NYE Outfits

Posted on January 1, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

2015 is here! So many great things have happened this past year and we are so grateful to have been able to spend time together per usual for this holiday season. For our New Years celebration we decided to keep it low key this year (since Gwen is moving to London in a couple of days) and spend time at home with our loved ones. Needless to say, we still found the need to dress up of course. Get all the details down below!

Ari’s Outfit
Dress- Alberto Makali Nordstrom Rack
Shoes – Old season Forever 21
Clip in Hair Extensions –Bellami
Press on Nails- Static Nails

Gwens’ Oufit
Dress- Forever 21
Shoes- Sam & Libby Heels from Target
Press on Nails- Static Nails

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!