Im in love with the COCO

Posted on April 29, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

It is approaching the unbearably hot and humid temperatures that we all have a love hate relationship with here in Florida. Fair Disclaimer- I will be wearing less and less clothing in my fashion posts! On this day it was a particularly sticky one and I needed to be comfortable to walk around outdoors and explore. I found these awesome American Apparel high waist shorts with floral detailing at a local thrift shop. They are old season but I found some links below of the exact identical item if you are looking for a similar outfit. You can’t go wrong with denim shorts, a crop top (featured here before from Nasty Gal), any neutral cross-body like my favorite vintage Salvatore Ferragamo one and my pink Converse chuck’s that I’ve had since the 9th grade. Easy no brainer outfit perfect for what is sure to be a scorching summer. P.S this coconut was the best thing ever!! Links to items down below.

Similar Nasty Gal- Crop Top
Denim Floral Shorts- Here & Here

XOXO ARI

Ted Baker & Brandalley

Posted on April 27, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Ahh Shopping, one of my favorite ways to spend my time. I am often torn as to whether I prefer online shopping versus physically going to a store but, when I come across flash sale websites such as the one I will be sharing with you in a minute I begin to think online shopping might be a better option (unless I need to try clothes on). Brandalley is a “flash sale” site (such as Hautelook, which we have back in the U.S). These sites are known to give huge discounts on high end women, men’s and children’s products, in addition to home goods as well.

Here’s how it works: you sign up with your email, create a password and you’ll have access to the sales which normally last between four to five days. Brandalley sent me an email notifying me of their Ted Baker sale about a month ago, I quickly browsed through the accessories section finding a black zip around detachable wallet. I went on Ted Bakers website to see what the difference in prices were and boy was I surprised! I saved £40 by purchasing the wallet on Brandalley! Talk about a bargain! Here’s a closer look…

I am absolutely in love! This patent leather black and bone colored wallet is to die! It is made beautifully and the versatility factor is also something I quite like. Although I would probably never remove the zip around middle part because I truly love the look of the entire wallet but there might be some that would like to utilize it separetely giving you two wallets in one!

*This wallet is no longer available again as it is a flash sale website but make sure to sign up and receive their emails in order to find out what new items will be on sale each day!

I also want to mention that Brandalley does take a very long time to deliver (my wallet arrived in almost a month) which isn’t ideal for most people but in my opinion is worth it considering the money you’ll be saving.

xx – Gwen

All roads lead to Rome

Posted on April 22, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Whilst in the UK I figured I would take advantage and travel around Europe as much as my pockets will allow me to. Italy has always been on my top places to visit list, but having to choose what city to fly to was the hard part. So we chose Rome, the capital of Italy, one of the oldest continuously occupied cities in Europe and home to an amazing array of historical sites. I thought I would share some photos of my time there as well as a quick look at two comfy outfits I wore while site seeing.

This city is absolutely breathtaking! To be amongst some of the most intricate and greatest works of architecture is such a humbling experience! Oh and I can’t forget to mention how delicious the food was! Splendido!

Before leaving I needed to pick up some lighter pieces of clothing and where better to find quick basic pieces than Primark! (I apologize for not having close ups of these outfits, but I’m sure you can still get the idea of what I’m wearing). I opted for comfort as we were going to be doing loads of walking. A cardigan is a must as there are times of the day when it feels a bit chilly or a gust of wind brushes by (especially while on the tour bus). I also picked up loose fitting tank tops and casual pants, once again perfect for walking.

I hope you all enjoyed my quick look into an amazing holiday! Have any suggestions as to where else I should visit? Leave them down below!

xx Gwen

Just Fab Heels

Posted on April 20, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

My thoughts when casually strolling through Just Fabs website after seeing these shoes were “I NEED THESE NOW” and “ADD TO CART IMMEDIATELY”. I had never had a just fab membership prior to this purchase and because of being a first time subscriber I got a major discount on this unique pair of heels. They are a cross between a pump, sandal and gladiator style and add major interest to any outfit. I will admit I had a hard time at first pairing these with anything in my wardrobe because they are such a standout focal point and they were competing with my other elaborate choices. I finally settled on the basics, denim boyfriend shorts from the Gap, grey turtle neck and round eye sunnies to ward off the rays. They are a bit high and the arch is killer so I wouldn’t recommend these for a night out or to be walking or standing for too long, but the strap going all the way up the calf provides a great supporting feeling. Also I had trouble adjusting the straps to be as tight as possible (hence why some of them are slipping) I wish it would have come with more pre-punched holes. I absolutely love these and they will remain in my closet as my “art for my feet” knockout stars that I can pull out when I want to stand out. Links to items below!

“Fawne” Heels

Gap Boyfriend Shorts

XOXO , ARI

Boo Hoo Deep Plunge Skort Playsuit- Miami Ootn

Posted on April 15, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

It’s always so difficult to take pictures while on vacation, especially the type of whirlwind fast paced ones that my family and I love to take. This past weekend I decided to drive down to Miami from Orlando and enjoy some time with friends and loved ones. The sunny beaches and sexy nightlife made it nearly impossible to capture every single outfit. Here is a quick sneak peak of what I wore for a night out on the town. This Boo Hoo royal blue velvet skort play suit is honestly one of my favorite finds as of late. It is extremely comfortable and ready for wear even after being packed up in a suitcase. I just slipped it on and out the door I was! I paired it with these sexy Zara heels (quite the opposite of comfortable). They feature a leopard calf hair design and closure on the arch versus the standard outside of the heel which makes for some interesting toe cleavage and not to mention overall appeal. These sky high babies and gold metallic clutch complimented my plunging neckline appropriate for miami life. Links to items below!

boo hoo uk, romper, playsuit, velvet, ootn, sexy, blogger, midnight blue, curly hair

Grace Deep Plunge Velvet Skort Playsuit

Similar Playsuit

Similar Zara Sandals

XOXO – ARI

Maybe she’s born with it

Posted on April 13, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Spring time is finally upon us! I am so excited to bring out some bolder and brighter lip colors now that the sun has decided to come out and play. Maybelline has launched some fun new products lately including these velvet lipstick pencils. I first purchased two colors from the Maybelline Color Drama range back when I attended London Fashion Weekend. I opted for a deep plum color and a blue toned red. I have recently added some brighter shades to my collection and thought I would share them with you all…

From top to bottom
Fab Orange: A fiery orange toned red perfect for those caliente summer nights!
Fushia Desire: An amazing blue toned hot pink shade, great with a flowy sundress!
Nude Perfection: No better name to describe this peachy beige nude shade, a good option when you’re on the go but need a hint of color on your lips

These velvet lipsticks glide on your lips just as the name suggests, super velvety! The texture is incredibly creamy and pigmentation is amazing! I do have to say they aren’t as long wearing as you would want them to be but I myself don’t mind having to re-apply every few hours or so. Also, I read a blog post stating that these could possibly be a dupe for the NARS velvet lipstick pencils (I cannot give my personal opinion on this as I do not own the NARS one) but hey for the inexpensive price tag of only £4.99 I would definitely give the Maybelline ones a go!

(To all my U.S peeps I am not sure if these are being sold back home yet, I know don’t kill me for posting things that aren’t available, I’m sure they will be soon)

What are some of your favorite bright lip shades for spring? Share down below!

xx Gwen

Put a little Spring in your step

Posted on April 1, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Flowers are blooming, birds chirping and you can finally remove a few layers of clothing off! Yes my friends there are finally signs of spring in the air! Upon the arrival of every new season I begin to think of the wardrobe changes I want to make in order to adjust to the temperature. I’ve put together a collage of my spring cravings (not to be confused with the things I actually need) these are just some fun and slightly over the top items that I would enjoy having as the weather warms up, because who doesn’t need a YSL bag and Celine shades right? Hope you enjoy! Oh and Happy Spring Everyone!

What are some of your Spring cravings? Would love to see them! Comment down below!

xx Gwen

Nautical Spring Look

Posted on March 30, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

We are well into spring although the weather has taken an odd turn towards cold these last few days in Florida. With that being said the day time is still very enjoyable for a nice casual outing. I went to the farmers market with friends and spent a lovely Sunday relaxing and sampling amazing food and crafts. My oufit of choice was based around these awesome horizontal navy blue striped pants purchased from Primark on my recent trip to London. Not only are they versatile and appropriate for work and regular life (a must these days) they are also trendy and have a nautical flair perfect for spring and summer. I paired them with this Ralph Lauren peplum button up, nine west tassel flats and my Kate Spade bag that is attached to my body at all times. All american and preppy, perfect for the weather and any occasion. Links to similar items below!

Striped Pants
Ralph Lauren Shirt
Nine West Flats

XOXO -Ari

Primark Treasures

Posted on March 27, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

While in London I wanted to take advantage of the fact that we were in the city and were able to find time to shop around in Primark! For those that don’t know, Primark is sort of like a fast fashion trendy store similar I would say to Forever 21 but with elements inspired by higher end brands. The prices are comparable as well and I had a blast picking out some staple items for the summer. This black basic dress is a dream! It has ribbed detailing and its body con style sucks me in and makes me feel sexy without showing much (except legs of course). The olive anorak jacket is another must have. Its light weight and unlike my beloved utility vest I’ve featured before, this one has clean lines and can be worn in a more dressed up manner. With a draw string waist it adds absolutely no bulk, I just threw it on and I was out the door. I wore this outfit for an Orlando Blogger meet up event (shout out to Dash Orlando) and paired it with my Aldo lace up booties and gold cat eye sunnies (also purchased in London) for a more relaxed vibe. Links to items below!

****The wind was not cooperating with ya girl!

Aldo Lace Up Booties

Nasty Gal Double Breasted Anorak

Nasty Gal “Incognito” Olive Anorak

Missguided Black Bodycon Dress

TOP SHOP Bodycon Ribbed Dress

Love, Ari

The Backpack

Posted on March 25, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Is everyone totally on board with the backpack look? It seems to be one of those trendy pieces that takes a while to grow on some people. Although I am unsure of when it became cool again to rock backpacks I am certainly digging it! A hands free way of lugging around all of your possessions without sacrificing the aesthetic of a handbag is just pure genius! I figured with all of the walking around I’ve been doing in London I needed a stylish yet easy bag to wear while perusing through markets over the weekends (My favorite thing to do). So I went over to Asos.com and saw this faux fur backpack which I fell in love with! It has easily become my new best friend! I love how roomy and easy to carry it is. The faux fur also adds a nice touch to a mostly plain drawstring backpack (or rug sack? living in London has made me question every word that comes out of my mouth). Check out this bad-boy I picked up below as well as some other low & high end options for the spring time.