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

Wine oh wine

Posted on October 27, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

There’s something about chilly weather that gives us the desire to wear darker shades of color such as plums, wines and berries. Whether it be on your lips or a clothing piece these richer hues really compliment all skin tones. Below you will find an outfit I put together using a plum colored flared skirt, a floral patterned top (both from H&M), black booties and a wine colored lip (Maybelline’s Divine Wine).

This past weekend was once again a nice one so I was able to wear this outfit without any tights underneath, but this look could easily be transitioned into a winter outfit with some thick tights and a chunky sweater to keep warm.

Stay tuned for more outfit of the day looks.

Same/Similar items:
Skirt
Blouse
Shirt
Booties
Chain Clutch

-Gwen

eShakti custom tailored dress

Posted on October 7, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Hello there lovelies! Yes, as you can already tell this is another eShakti post, except I (Gwen) will now be showing you the dress I was sent and my overall thoughts on the ordering process. First order of business, check out this paisley print swing dress which I paired with a belt to cinch my waist, some knee high flat boots and a woven cardigan.

As Ari mentioned in her post we were contacted by this online clothing shop and were thrilled because this was our first custom tailored outfit being sent to us. Jane Carter was who I directly emailed with and she was such a pleasure to work with! I was having issues placing my order for the dress and she gladly processed it for me. What’s wonderful about this site is not only do they have sizes ranging from 0-36 they also customize your clothing item, all you need to do is send them your measurements! This is so great for those of us that have trouble fitting into certain clothing items, I mean lets face it most pieces are created for one body type when in the real world women come in various shapes and sizes. When will designers finally get this through their heads? (Moving on because this could turn into an ugly rant).
All in all I am giving eShakti my stamp of approval! Customer service was on point, shipment was received in a timely manner and best part of all the dress fits me perfectly!

*The dress I received is no longer in stock but I will link similar ones down below

Till next time,
-Gwen

Tulip print dress
Floral a-line

*Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. Ari and I always share our own personal thoughts and opinions on items we review or share with you.

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

Fall into Fall

Posted on September 24, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Happy Fall everyone! Although I am a bit sad the summer is officially gone I am also very excited for my new Fall wardrobe! I’ve already done some shopping and cannot wait to post a few more outfit ideas for all you lovelies. Well then, shall we get started?

The weather can still be somewhat unpredictable in the beginning of Fall which is why layering or wearing pieces that have a bit of a thicker material will come in handy. In the outfit below I paired a gray and black hummingbird sweatshirt from H&M with a textured skater skirt from Forever 21. Here’s a closer look…

I also wanted to add a bit of fun to this outfit by adding a floppy brim round top hat and my black fringe handbag. Adding accessories with various textures can make all of the difference on a once seemingly simple outfit.

Here are quick links to where you can find these exact or similar pieces.

Sweatshirt
Skater Skirt
Fringe Bag
Floppy hat

Special thank you to my hopefully new-found photographer, my best friend Emily.

Stay tuned for more outfit of the day looks!

-Gwen

Modcloth: Day and Night

Posted on June 27, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Modcloth is one of my absolute favorite websites, not only do they have a great selection of clothing, accessories and shoes they also offer a wide range of sizes making it a super easy one stop shop for just about everything you need.
I believe I have mentioned before that I absolutely love striped clothing! Modcloth’s Coach Tour Dress in navy stripes is definitely right up my alley. Check out 2 looks I’ve created down below, the left side is more day time appropriate while the right side can lead you to a fun night out on the town.

Modcloth Day & Night by gwendolyn-pena featuring a leather charm

The Coach Tour Dress has a fold-over collar along with gold buttons on the side which gives the dress a polished look. It also has a cinched waist, perfect for those of us who need a little extra help in that department.
Day look: I think this dress is super casual and perfect for some vacation fun. I added a bright yellow flat sandal and a turquoise crossbody bag to give the outfit a little pop! (who doesn’t love a little color!) I decided to keep everything else a bit more neutral by adding some all black sunglasses, a tan leather strapped watch and some small yellow flower earrings.
Night look: Although this dress has a casual feeling to it changing up a few key accessories can make a beautiful transition into an evening look. I still kept some bright colors in mind but I switched the yellow flat sandals for a yellow peep toed wedge, more evening appropriate yet, still comfortable. For the bag I went with a smaller neutral colored clutch, I feel this gives the look a very soft and feminine touch. Accessories are also key in making an outfit, I opted for a rose gold watch and super cute anchor stud earrings, making the dress appear a bit more nautical. Last but not least, a nice red lip really adds a touch of sophistication to this look.

If stripes aren’t your cup of tea Modcloth has so many other styles and patterns to offer. Check some of these out:

Polka Dot Dress
Solid Print Dress
Floral Plus Size Dress
Maxi Plus Size Dress

Xo,
-Gwen

Grand Opening OOTD-Gap At Millenia Mall, Orlando FL

Posted on June 2, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

This weekend was a fun-filled event at the Mall of Millenia Grand re-opening of the GAP store. Held from 12-5pm the store featured select denim and dresses on sale for 50% off, snacks, musical talents from a DJ, photo booth and many raffles and prizes to be won. I went to check out the sales but also to be able to meet the lovely Fashion Guru Melanie Pace. She holds so many hats in the industry and is local born and raised here in Orlando! She was incredibly sweet in person and her website is now one of my newest obsessions to rave about. Check her out at http://blog.melaniepace.com/. I am wearing a matching striped suit from Target (old season), red pumps from forever 21, and my quilted Kate Spade bag to polish off the look. Top knot and camera in tow I captured these images to share with you guys. Links to items down below!

kate spade, matching set, mall of millenia, gap, melanie pace, forever 21, target, heels, stripes

Red Forever 21 Faux Suede Pumps- Here & Here

Kate Spade Crossbody/Shoulder Bag- Here, Here & Here

These suits are so Awesome!

: Premium Beaded Deco Shorts and Jacket- TOPSHOP

: Jacket & Mini Skirt in Jacquard- ASOS

: Blazer and Slouch Peg Pants in Stripe -ASOS

: Reclaimed Vintage Sweatshit & Shorts in Striped pattern-ASOS

-Love Ari

To Tokyo

Posted on May 27, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Memorial weekend has come and gone and with it came an opportunity to get away, perhaps relax and enjoy family and friends company. I don’t typically do the usual BBQ setting but this is my first year being a godmother and attending such family oriented festivities. Memorial weekend brought me down to Miami to visit him and also get the chance to reconnect with old pals for some fun in the sun. I love the combination of black, white and leopard and felt inspired by my new crop top from H&M. This look is similar to an old club look of mine and can be recreated with different pieces to convey the same effect. The crop mesh top with Tokyo emblazoned on the front can be paired as a I did here with a high waist skirt or even jogging pants for a more sporty look. The striped skirt and leopard heels are both old season Forever 21. Links & options down below!

I purchased the top in store only two weeks ago but it is not on the site! Check your local H&M and you may score the exact one. Here are some similar options

Here, Here, Here, Here & Here

Similar Heels- Here, Here and Here

Similar Skirts- Here & Here

Urban Safari

Posted on April 14, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Finally found an awesome utility vest! Although it is not in the original khaki finish that I wanted (still on the hunt for that) this olive tone is neutral and also pairs with everything easily. This Marshalls find is from the brand “Willow & Clay” & it features front zipper closure, two zip pockets on the chest, two cargo style pockets towards the bottom and drawstring capability on the inside to tighten from the waist for more of a flared look. I love love love the accessibility and roominess of this vest! Instead of tools, I was able to carry my phone and other personal effects securely and comfortably. You can rock this over a pair of shorts (denim or cotton blend), crop top and timberland’s as I did for a more urban appeal. One can also substitute the timb’s for combat boots or sandals and a regular tank top or three-quarter sleeve. The possibilities are endless with this number and coming in at a cool $30.00 whats not to love? The high waist beige shorts are old season forever 21, crop top is from ASOS, timberland’s are classic wheat nubuck style, the gold blue face watch is Marc Jacobs and the pom-pom socks are from ASOS. Links to items below!

Similar Vest- Here, Here & Here

Asos Crop Top

Forever 21 Shorts

Wheat Nubuck Timberlands

Similar Pom Pom Socks

Marc Jacobs Watches- Here & Here

-LOVE Ari

Duo Spring Looks

Posted on April 2, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Spring is upon us and although the temperatures may vary considerably depending on your location, the following are two looks based off staple classic spring pieces and trends. I bought this crop top from TJMAXX and I instantly fell in love with the scallop detailing and fresh mint color (also available in navy, blue and coral). It also features full button closure in the back. I paired my new find first with old season taupe forever 21 pants and floral chunky heels (also forever 21). The combination of neutrals and florals with a pop of color also inspired a more flirty look featuring these old season forever 21 floral shorts and charlotte russe nude pumps. Both looks are appropriate for warmer weather and the different patterns are kept to a minimal keeping the focus on the lovely top. Links to items below! Also stay tuned for my sisters post on a fresh spring face look!