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

Western “Prep” Look for Fall

Posted on November 25, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

It’s all in the details people! Here I bring you another look solely appropriate for the ever changing Florida Winters. One minute it is 30 degrees and I am freezing and the next the afternoon temperatures rise to the 70’s and all is well again. I found this amazing top at Marshalls on clearance. Made by Ralph Lauren Denim and Supply this classic button up has so many intricate details and pictures do no justice at all. The sheerness is masked by a funky “western” pattern complete with chevrons and geometric shapes made of a soft velvet material. It can be worn with a camisole underneath or with a basic bra such as I did for a peek of skin. I paired it with these old-season forever 21 quilted shorts, my go to forever 21 knee high wedge boots, one huge cross earring and I’m out the door! The small details in each item (texture, color, feel) make for an interesting look versus your typical button up and shorts combo. Links to similar items below!

Similar Tops- Here, Here & Here ( I would check Marshalls for the exact one, they had tons left)
Similar Wedge Boots- Here, Here

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!

Similar Playsuits- Here, Here, Here & Here

Love,

Ari

Orlando Fashion Week- Dolce Vita Bing Cut Out Dress

Posted on November 12, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend the Orlando International Fashion Week show. Featured twice on the blog before, this show is a fun-filled event with activities happening for an entire week all culminating to the final show. Designers come together to showcase their collections and its all around good times. Check them out here. For this fun night event I decided to go with this sexy number I scored for the low at my favorite store ever, Marshalls! It’s from the brand Dolce Vita and its the perfect night out attire that can transition for the cooler fall season. It’s burgundy color is offset by the cute gold polka dots and of course can’t forget the cut out detail. It can be worn a variety of ways depending on how much skin you wish you show (a slither of tummy or none at all). I paired it with my leopard pumps from forever 21 (old season) and my trustee neutral Kate Spade quilted bag that I can’t seem to take off these days. Links to the items below!

Some of the looks from the show….

Dolce Vita Dress- Here, Here, Here & Here

Love,

Ari

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

Yo Amo Mi Pajón

Posted on November 5, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

The slang term “Pajón” in Spanish is used to describe any sort of “disorderly hair” or “afro like texture and size of hair. Albeit, it’s normally used in a negative way, these days I see a slight shift towards a … Continue reading →

Walter Mercado is My Spiritual Advisor

Posted on October 29, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

For those of you who may not know who Walter Mercado is, shame on you! All jokes aside this tv personality has been a cultural fixation of the Hispanic community for so many years. He is an astrologer/persona who predicted and read horoscopes from the 70’s up until 2010. His mysterious aura was heightened with his choice of flamboyant wardrobe which included jewel encrusted capes and gowns. Call him the “Liberace of astrology” if you will, he has had the attention of latino households who appreciate him for his comedic relief he offers or take his word as up most truth.

I managed to snag this awesome Raglan sweater perfect for the start of fall from none other then the young artist Tony Peralta of the Peralta Project. Founded in 2005, Native New Yorker Tony Peralta has mixed his artwork and designs to include street wear for the masses. His gear is a mix of latino culture with hip hop and New York City’s vibes all in one.

“Those who connect with The Peralta Project are bold, opinionated, intelligent, fearless, humorous, defiant trend setters who run the world at their own pace, trusting their vision every step of the way.” –The Peralta Project

I paired the top with my linen leopard Cynthia Rowley shorts purchased at Tjmaxx for contrast in texture and color. My old season Forever 21 moccasins in olive tone and my neutral Kate Spade quilted purse completed the outfit. Links to items below!