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

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

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!

“Walter Mercado” Raglan

ASOS Culotte Shorts in Leopard Print – Mutli • Asos • $18.95
Gianni Bini Tammy Leopard-Print Shorts • Gianni Bini • $41.40
Kat Leopard Print Flippy Shorts • Boohoo • $14.00
Generation Love June Leopard Shorts • Generation Love • $69.00

Les deseo mucha paz pero sobre todo mucho…mucho..AMOR!

-Ari

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

“Fall” into the 90’s – Tommy Hilfiger

Posted on October 23, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

This last installment of my “Fall” into the 90’s mini-series (check out the previous two here and here) is inspired by the Tommy Hilfiger takeover of the late 90’s urban community. Although hip-hop and the iconic brand have had their ups and downs, the selling power of that magical time cannot be denied. Every “cool” celebrity rocked Tommy Hilfiger and his business expanded as more and more adopted the trend. I absolutely love and adore specifically how the late Aaliyah would wear her Hilfiger gear and it is where I drew my inspiration from for this outfit. She looked tomboy-ish and comfortable but still effortless sexy and urban. I found both the Tommy Hilfiger boyfriend jeans and undies (boy’s size) at my local tjmaxx both on clearance! I spent less than $20 and I couldn’t be happier. In order to give it the “fall” element I wore my sturdy wheat timberlands as well as threw on a sweater crop top that happened to coordinate with my color scheme. Most of the pieces for my mini fall series came from my own closet and were items I could mix and match to get the 90’s aesthetic. Check out similar items below!