Trend Alert- Button Up A-line Skirt

Posted on October 5, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Trends can be tricky especially if you buy something that will only work for you for one season, or one type of event. I typically love following trends but really put thought when it comes to actually buying them. If the piece is flattering, I then think about the many ways I could wear it (will it be suitable for work, or an evening out, casual lunch etc.). If the item can be worn many ways and throughout different seasons then I can justify investing in it. It’s a big plus if it’s a great material that will be long lasting. These button up skirts are all the rage now and can be seen on every blogger and fashionista alike. Seen mostly in denim or suede this A-line cut is super flattering for everyone and it incorporates the emerging 70’s style. I found this one at TJMAXX and immediately fell in love! The light weight material and length make it easier to wear year round here in Florida but can also be paired with tights for when it does get chilly. For this particular day I wore a denim button up, forever 21 mules and fedora hat to complete the look. How do you incorporate trends into your wardrobe? Comment down below! Links to similar items listed below.

Forever 21 Mules
Forever 21 Fedora
TJMAXX Suede Button Up Skirt & also in Plus Size

XOXO- Ari

Frizz Happens

Posted on June 28, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Hello Lovelies!

On this Sunday I wanted to share with you another casual look sure to make any curly haired trendy girl happy. I bought this limited edition “Frizz Happens” t-shirt from the amazing Alyssa or “Forever Flawlyss” on Ig and Youtube. She is a beauty and fashion blogger gaining more recognition and rightfully so! Her curly hair tutorials as well as fashion posts on instagram are incredibly unique and fun to recreate. She came out with this “frizz happens” t shirt line for only a limited time and I jumped on the chance! Living in such a small place I sometimes want to scream this to people when they rudely stare at me and my big hair. Frizz does happen, GET OVER IT! I paired my awesome shirt with camo print jeans, a blush blazer, Kate Spade eiffel tower purse and my new favorite nude sandals purchased at TJMAXX. This shirt is no longer available but you can get pretty much any saying printed on a white t-shirt in your local malls or even etsy.com

Until Next Outfit of the Day…..XOXO- ARI

“Primarni” shoe palooza!

Posted on May 30, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I’m sure you all know by now that I am obsessed with Primark, or should I say “Primarni” (Londoners combine Armani and Primark giving the indication of just how un-designery the store is). I’m not one who fusses over labels, especially when it comes to buying seasonal trendy pieces, which is why Primark is my go to!

During one of my recent trips I noticed that they have a “wide fit” shoe section which made me jump for joy! I often have issues finding shoes that fit the width of my feet (I basically have flinestone feet, no judgement please). Now I’m not sure these shoes will last all an eternity but for the low price tag they are perfect for a season or two. Here’s a closer look at the three pairs I picked up…

These black ones will be perfect for a night out (I’m not a huge fan of 5 inch heels) or pair them with a cute midi skirt, at only £12.99 you can’t go wrong!

I think these tan ones are my favorite! These “tenners” (£10) feel incredibly comfortable and are just so easy to throw on with pretty much anything!

These baby pink flat sandals are absolutely adorable! They too are a pair you can wear with jeans, skirts and shorts! These babies were only £7.99!

As I mentioned before these might not be an investment for your collection but hey for some fun pairs of shoes to strut around in during the summer time I think they’re worth it!

(I would link these for you but Primark does not have a shopping option online, head out to your nearest one!)

Till my next shopping adventures!

xx, Gwen

Paris is always a good idea

Posted on May 2, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Another bank holiday has rolled around in England causing the urge to book a quick city break. I chose Paris! the city of lights, one of those most magical and romantic cities of all time (so I’ve heard). I am insanely excited! I wanted to quickly share with you all what I packed for my long weekend getaway. Focusing on makeup and some key pieces I felt were necessary. I also got some fun tips from “Parisian Chic” a style guide by Ines de la Fressange. Let’s begin!

Choosing what makeup to bring is always so hard for me, especially lipsticks I mean how can a girl anticipate what color she’ll want to wear for the next three days? (Champagne problems). I tried to focus on my holy grail products and a variety of what I consider to be classic lip shades.

For clothes I pretty much chose basics ie; jeans, a denim button down, striped t-shirt and a little black dress for a night out. Two pieces I want to give special attention to are my faux leather jacket and side slit blouse. I purchased them both at Newlook.

A motorcycle inspired jacket can easily transform an outfit into chic and edgy. I love the contrast of pairing it with something a bit more feminine to balance out the asthetic of the look.

This side slit blouse is all the rave in London (I’m assuming it is back home as well). I love the slight sexiness it posses as you’re mostly covered up in the chest area but can show off a bit of skin without being too much.

If you haven’t already noticed I am pretty much obsessed with wearing black. Normally I am all about color but lately black pieces have taken over my wardrobe. Wearing black makes me feel like I’m in a classic piece (even if it’s only a plain black t-shirt). This was also confirmed while reading the “Parisian Chic” book.

Stay tuned for my Paris adventures!

xx Gwen

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

London Fashion Weekend

Posted on March 1, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Based on the title of this post I am sure you can all guess I was over at London Fashion Weekend and boy did I have loads of fun! Upon arriving I located the tote pick up area (which was filled with amazing goodies as you will see below). I then proceeded to walk around the shops for a bit but not before grabbing some bubbly of course. Here’s a closer look…

I made my way to The Cambridge Satchel Company to check out a bag I’ve been lusting over for quite some time now. I am utterly delighted to say I am now a proud owner of one. I chose the 11 inch classic satchel in oxblood. So gorgeous! They were also offering complimentary engraving, which is such a nice way to add a personal touch to your new love.

I was also able to sit in on a catwalk show presented by Theoutnet.com in which they show cased this springs most popular trends. Hyper Florals, Shimmer and Shine, Make it Monochrome and That Seventies Show were the four categories demonstrated. Here are some of my favorite looks.

I have been in love with London fashion upon arriving here but being a part of this amazing weekend has taken my love to a higher level!

I leave you with a quick look at my outfit (although it isn’t too visible as I am still wearing my pea coat) Boohoo dress (Similar, the one I am wearing is velvet material), Target Booties.

xx – Gwen

Dark Floral

Posted on November 10, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I am currently loving how Spring/Summer trends are sneaking their way into Fall/Winter pieces. Which brings me to talk about my recent H&M purchase, a floral blazer with a black background color. Adding a floral pattern to a dark base color makes a clothing item a bit more wearable for the colder months. The style of this blazer is a wider cut with pockets on the side giving it a more relaxed feel. I paired it with an all black outfit, making it the focal point of this look. Check it out…

I also wanted to show you all a close up of my lovely Sam and Libby pumps from Target. The minute I saw these I fell in love! I love a classic pointy shoe but these have a bit more flare to them because of the tie around ankle cuff. The heel height was also a huge selling point for me since I no longer enjoy wearing super high heels (I am old now). Here’s a closer look…

Stay tuned for some of my upcoming “wintery” looks.

Blazer

Pumps

-Gwen

Last call before “Fall”

Posted on October 21, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

The weather in NYC is all over the place, one day its warm next day you have to bring out your turtlenecks, but I have a feeling that this past Saturday was one of the last “warm” days we will be having. Taking that into consideration I brought out my faux leather shorts. When the temperature drops these would look great with a pair of tights underneath, but showing off a little leg one last time won’t hurt anyone right? The lion print top is such an eye catcher! Being a Leo and all I had to get it! The sweatshirt like material gives this outfit nice texture variation. I also threw on my beloved Zara studded booties, a chunky necklace and my panama hat. Get a closer look down below…

Shorts, sweatshirt and necklace are from H&M, Hat from Urban Outfitters, Booties from Zara (old)
Quick links to the same or similar items:

Leopard Top
Faux Leather Shorts
Panama Hat
Studded Booties
Bold Necklace

Hasta Luego,
-Gwen

OOTD: Black Blazer

Posted on September 30, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Once it starts to become a bit cooler out my absolute go to piece of clothing is a blazer. A simple look like a white t-shirt and jeans can be easily transformed by adding a classic staple piece such as a black blazer. I am obsessed with hats so of course I had to throw one on to complete this look, check it out below…

Now depending on where you are going this outfit can be worn casually or somewhat dressed up. For a day time look this could be paired with flats or your choice of low heeled boots, for an evening look adding a pair of pumps or some sort of heel as I did gives the look a more polished feel.

Style set created below through Polyvore (Click on items for links on where to purchase same or similar items)

black blazer by gwendolyn-pena featuring a shoulder strap purse

What are some of your fall go to pieces? Leave your comments down below!

-Gwen

How to: College Football Makeup

Posted on September 26, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Graduating in 2012 from the University of Central Florida was one of the proudest moments of my life. In looking back at my college experience, I wish I had participated in more “college” activities when I had the chance. In comes football games and tail-gating! I attended my first game ever this past weekend and like most people could not wait to don my colors and rep my school (even though Im an alum now). I decided to go all out and finally break out this beautiful gold pigment from NYX I had been waiting to use for some time. It is so sparkly and intense and can easily liven up any look.The “bondage weightless makeup adhesive” from Urban Decay was the perfect choice & worked so well at holding the pigment. No heavy feeling on my lid as I yelled and cheered throughout the evening!

I first prepped my eye for all that color with NYX skin tone primer all over the eyelid, crease, & brow bone
I then used a yellow shimmer shadow from the NYX Mysterious Brown Eyes Color palette all over the eyelid (as another base to make the yellow glitter pop even more)
I then used Urban Decay Eyeshadows “Tyranny” as a transitional color in the crease & “Vengeance” in the crease up to the brow bone for more depth. Remember to blend!
I applied Urban Decay Bondage Adhesive to my eyelid (straight from the tube) and covered the entirety of the yellow.
With a clean flat shader brush, I patted the NYX glitter pigment on the entire lid. I kept adding more and building the intensity until I reached my desired effect.
Optional-Finally, I used black gel liner to create a cat eye and finished off with loads of mascara!

Make sure to clean up afterwards thoroughly seeing as I had a lot of fall out (not after once it was already dried on my eye) I am just messy during my process! These steps can be replicated with any of the variety of pigments depending on your team colors (blue or purple would look spectacular). Links below!