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

Florida Winter

Posted on February 18, 2016 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Even though I was born and raised in New York, if the temperature drops below 65 degrees here in Florida I’m not happy about it. Sure, the cute boots, jackets and sweaters come out to play but so does the ashy skin, terrible colds and not so fun morning routines. I digress. This outfit was from a couple of weeks ago when it was a freezing 39 degrees! My sister in New York would kill me for even uttering those words since she has to deal with below zero temps. I decided my newly purchased missguided booties could come out to play along with one of the only pair of jeans I own. The boots are currently sold out but many different brands have almost the exact same style (they are very trendy this season) and Ill link them below as usual. The quilted down jacket is via spiga, button up shirt dress is forever 21 and the jeans are from free people purchased at you guessed it, marshalls. Heres to hoping for some relief from the “winter” woes soon. Enjoy!

XOXO -Ari

Missguided Boots (in case they come back in stock + other color options)

Same exact boots, Public Desire

Shirt Dress

Via Spiga Coat

Worth the picture still…

Posted on February 1, 2016 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Although this post may be a bit delayed I still wanted to share a small moment with me and my sister and co blogger Gwen. She came to visit Florida for the holidays and per usual we didn’t get as much blogging or pictures as we would have hoped due to actually spending time together like normal people. It’s sad to say most times these perfectly curated and set up photos are what people post to show how much of a “good time” they are having. In reality they aren’t present in the moment and just experiencing everything from behind a lens. On this day we went to a Lakeridge winery (beautiful location close to home) and sampled some amazing wines. My outfit was inspired by this cool denim buttoned overall dress purchased from Forever 21. I wanted to keep everything else lady like and in proportion so I went with an old navy basic striped round collar shirt, nine west black patent leather booties, asos frilly socks, urban outfitters sunnies and my neutral Kate Spade chain link purse with my signature puff ball accessory. Links to items can be found below. Don’t forget to spend time with your loved ones and appreciate the non-picture perfect moments in between.

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Forever 21 Denim Overall Dress

Asos Jonathan Aston Socks

Urban Outfitters Sunglasses

XOXO- Ari

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

Concert OOTN

Posted on September 14, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

The infamous and all-encompassing Dominican artist Juan Luis Guerra came into town and you better believe I was there! Concerts are some of the best events to express your creativity. While it’s always fun to throw on the latest trending styles it’s also important to keep comfort in mind (at least for me) when planning to be on your feet for so long. I chose to go for a simple look that I knew would complement the environment I would be in. Juan Luis Guerra sings merengue, bachata, and beautiful love ballads sure to attract an older more mature crowd. This wasn’t the place to bring out my full on sexy vibes. Thinking about the crowd is important in assessing your outfit. I went with a simple body con striped dress with camel colored detailing on the elbow. This tucked me in (along with some much needed shapewear) showing off a little bit without being over the top. This nautical inspired dress was purchased at TJMAXX and is from the brand Monteau. The oxford shoes pictured, I’ve had for ages and are from Forever 21. I am sure for this upcoming fall season they will have an awesome selection of boots I can’t wait to get my hands on! For any future concerts you may attend keep these simple things in mind

Consider the environment when choosing your outfit
Wear comfortable shoes
Don’t forget any “fan” items that may help get you noticed! – I forgot my Dominican flag and regretted it!
Have fun and be in the moment! –Try your best to put the phones down, set a limit on pictures and videos allowed.

Hope this outfit of the day gives some inspiration for any future events, Juan Luis rocked the house and it was amazing! Check out the pics below.

Toodles, Ari

70’s Camel Suede

Posted on September 12, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Seventies’s fashion is so on trend for this fall season and although I don’t necessarily want to abandon my beloved 90’s, I figured I would incorporate some modernized pieces into my wardrobe. The 70’s was all about glam disco meets flared jeans, fringe, suede and Farah Fawcett hair. I bought this amazing faux suede dress at none other then Marshalls! Ive been obsessed with going in there and scouring the racks for such amazing #fabfinds as this one. It is the perfect complimentary camel for my skin tone and fits the body so well. The darting in the waist really help create a shape (where I don’t normally have one) and the mini length allows my legs to be the main focus. I paired it with my lace up Aldo booties and the outfit is complete! You can throw on a wide brim hat or a chunky necklace for some added flare but I loved the simplicity of this look. The brand of the dress is “paper crane” and it was a steal as always at marshalls. This is the perfect dress for the transition to “Fall weather” even though that dosen’t really exist here in Florida until about January or so. Links down below to similar items!

Similar Dresses- Here & Here

XOXO, Ari

Black and White

Posted on August 31, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

It was my 26th birthday on August 21 and I wanted to go for a low key weekend getaway before the madness of graduate school ensued (cue the gray hairs). Tampa is not too far of a drive and it was perfect to just get out of my normal mundane world for a moment. I stayed at Le Meridian which used to be an old court house and is now transformed into a modern and chic hotel. It has beautiful scenery and Tampa’s downtown backdrop was perfect for photos. The ootd below was what I wore to the Tampa Museum of Art. With a new Andy Warhol exhibit it was definitely a must see. I opted for easy and lightweight seeing as it was scorching hot outside. This white long line button up top was a steal at Marshalls and I loved the “boyfriend fit”. I paired it with my big sun blocking hat from H&M and black lace up booties from Aldo which I later switched to sandals after walking around the museum for a while. The biker shorts are from forever 21 and provided just enough coverage seeing as I originally thought this top was a dress. I kept it clean with the black and white, no color and loved it! If you are ever in the Tampa area I would highly suggest Le Meridien Hotel and the Tampa Art Museum. Until next outfit…..similar links down below!

Similar Dresses- Here, Here
Similar Lace up Booties

Toodles, Ari

Palm Trees

Posted on August 24, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Another day, another dress. Dresses are easily becoming some of my favorite pieces to invest in seeing as they take out any of the guesswork when picking out an outfit. You don’t have to pair anything and it’s as simple as throwing it over your head and heading out. A great silhouette for me is an A-line that cinches me in at my smallest point and then flares out for the illusion of womanly curves and hips. Not only is this H&M number extremely flattering, it is in a great mustard color with peekaboo pops of blue palm tree print detailing perfect for the heat and also transitioning to cooler temperatures. I paired it with an old season pair of brown suede cutout booties and my round eye sunnies. Links to similar items below!

Similar Dresses-Gap, Boo Hoo, Shop Tobi, Charlotte Russe

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!

Forever 21 Mules
Forever 21 Fedora

Toodles, Ari

Red, White and Cool

Posted on July 4, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Happy Fourth of July!!! In spite of a lot of negative statements and sentiments being felt by some during these dubious political times, I am still happy to say I am proud to be an American and celebrate this day. The struggle to identify with one “culture” when you are first generation is hard but I think both me and my sister could say we got the best of both worlds and are better people for it. This great nation still has a long way to go with relation to race, immigration issues (just to name a few) but nonetheless its the place we call home. Its also great timing that Gwen has come back now from her 6 month stay in London to celebrate with all her close friends. Below is my OOTD for your standard BBQ or casual outing for this holiday. Plaid is so versatile and it doesn’t hurt that It incorporates the flags colors. I paired this #fabfound Marshalls dress with my Aldo lace up booties and some gold accessories. This piece could also be used to layer and could have been worn with shorts and a crop top as well. Heres to another great year and awesome fireworks! Links to similar items below and previous Fourth of July outfits for inspiration.