#MomPicks by Garish Momma

My Mom wears Garish Gal almost every single day. Sometimes she will open Garish Gal shipments for me and take what she wants! The worst part is she forgets to tell me! Don’t worry, I eventually catch her and make her pay just like everyone else!

My Mom is my best friend and inspiration. She has shattered the glass ceiling time and time again. She has been my business sounding board. She even opens and hangs up Garish Gal shipments when she knows I am overwhelmed. She is a strong bad ass boss lady and I am fortunate she has raised me with the confidence to be the same. But she is more than just a boss lady, she also been there for every break up, every failure, every fight, and every single time I have needed her. Even 2am sobbing phone calls, or angered rants where I just word vomit endlessly. I honestly don’t know what I would do without her.

So it only seemed fitting that I let her tell you what she wants for Mother’s Day, because after all it is her day and who knows what a mom wants better than my mom! Without further ado, Gals Meet my Momma Carol Talbert!

As Mother’s Day approaches, Maggie asked me to share my favorite pieces available at Garish Gal.  I have several favorite spring pieces that I love and I have my eye on…  Many times the clothes arrive when Maggie is traveling so I get to open the new arrivals and put them on hangers for her.  Some of my favs never make it to the Boutique.   I snatch up my size right away and tell her that her shipment was short one size large in that item.  She then kindly bills me for the missing item!  Others of my favorites I watch closely to see if they are purchased or not.  I like to give them 2 – 3 weeks and if no one has purchased my size, then it is fair game for me to purchase! 

My most recent favorite is one I have been waiting on since she posted it when she was at market to place her orders.  I love this jacket!  It fits perfect.  It works great for rainy and/or spring chilly days like we have had this week.  This jacket came in earlier this past week when Maggie was traveling.  I grabbed my size and wore it the next day!  It will transition perfectly to early summer cool mornings and nights with the shoulder and side venting.  There are several new items that are my favs from the shipments last week that are only available currently in the Garish Gal Mobile Boutique.  (Look for the Galaxy Girl Long Sleeve Flowered top- you will love it!)**This top will launch on the website NEXT Tuesday!**

Screen Shot 2017-05-08 at 2.59.59 PM.png

Of course, I always love the Kimonos that Garish Gal carries.  I have my eye on a new black Kimono in stock… (I already have a green one that I wear year round.)   I also have my eye on the BB Dakota Butler Cozi Cardi and the BB Dakota Lamour Fringe Cardigan.   These are always great pieces to help transition any outfit from day to night.  

D80_3362.jpg

D80_3444.jpg

D80_3402.jpg

I don’t wear dresses very often but Garish Gal has talked me into the Summer nights BB Dakota Beah printed Maxi Dress.   It is both flowing and flattering.  I have plenty of wedding and summer events this year, so I need more pieces like this in my closet. 

D80_3554.jpg

I am hooked on the Black Spanx Leggins!   They are AMAZING. ** These will be back in stock for the Fall!**

For day to day wear, I have so many favorite blouses from Garish Gal.  My two current favs are the BB Dakota Brando Printed Blouse and the Lace Long Sleeve white Tunic.  The tanks available at Garish Gal are endless!  I love the Chambray Ruffle Tank and the Ash Tunic Tank!  Garish Gal has a Navy Cute Cropped Blouse that transcends Spring into Summer!  I love it with hot pink earrings! 

D80_3388.jpg

I can’t forget jewelry too!  I have the black Arrowhead necklace and the Arrowhead bangle.  I wear the Grey Stud Earrings almost every day.    My favorite LipSense Glossy Gloss is Heartbreaker! 

D80_3468.jpg

Garish Gal’s grandmother proudly wears several pieces from the Boutique.  Her favs are always jackets-  BB Dakota Carnation Black Pleather; BB Dakota Yohan Light Grey Jacket; and the Lush Olive Green Zipper Jacket.    She even wears the BB Dakota Leggings!

D80_3423.jpg

How do I say this politically correct…, you don’t have to be under 35 years old to enjoy shopping and wearing items from Garish Gal!   Garish Gal has items that Maggie wears but are also still appropriate for me or her grandma to wear.  It is all in what you pair it with and how you carry it off.    Remember, the inspiration for Garish Gal, Great, Great Aunt Rosemary, lived well into her 80’s.  She never got too old to always have a flair of Garish in her closet to set her outfit apart! 

If you are not sure how to wear an item or what to pair it with, ask Garish Gal!  She will be very helpful and honest with you on how to dress for your style!    

I am extremely proud of my Garish Gal, Maggie, and her drive for success.   Her brand is selling “Fashion with a Future” through donating a percent of the proceeds from her sales to benefit 501 organizations supporting the education for young women.   I know my purchases not only support Garish Gal but I am also aiding organizations that help provide education to a young girl that may not otherwise have that opportunity. 

So this year, ask for Garish Gal for Mother’s Day!  You will not only be rocking a great look but you will also be giving back to help a young girl learn to read and write!   Happy Mother’s Day to you and to the women in your life!  Celebrate them with love!

All my love to you my sweet Baby Girl and Beautiful young woman!  I will always love you to the moon and back!     Keep following your dream and passion!    Garish Mom

 

Mom’s Use Promo Code: HotMomma15 for 15% off your purchase through Sunday, May 14th!

 

Garish Gal LipSense Tutorial

Hey Garish Gals! This is NO JOKE–I FINALLY took the time to make a LipSense Tutorial Video! Hope this helps!! It is a bit long–but I hope you enjoy! We will be making more tutorial videos so stay tuned for some fun stuff coming soon!

Garish Gal LipSense Tutorial

Shoot on over to our Facebook page to watch the Tutorial!! 

 

April Showers Promo for ALL IN STOCK LIPSENSE PRODUCTS! Get yours ASAP–before your fave colors sell out!IMG_9098.PNG

Summer Wedding Wear

If you are like me, you are starting to get to the age where your calendar is quickly filling up with summer weddings! It’s weird that I am finally at this age!

I always feel pressure (specially owning a fashion boutique) to find the perfect dress to wear. I also feel like I cannot wear the same dress in the same wedding season (too much overlap!!). So if you’re like me–check out these super cute dress options for Summer weddings.

Maxi’s

Screen Shot 2016-04-21 at 2.58.13 PM.png

I love this maxi for a more casual wedding! Add a statement necklace & you are set!

Screen Shot 2016-04-21 at 4.21.32 PM.png

This sweet maxi is PERFECT for a casual wedding! I love how light, feminine, and pretty this maxi is!

Sexy Dresses

Hey Single guys go to weddings too! Don’t be afraid to rock the sexy dresses below & maybe catch the eye of a cute groomsmen!

Screen Shot 2016-04-21 at 2.57.13 PM.pngScreen Shot 2016-04-21 at 2.57.36 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-04-21 at 4.24.08 PM.png

Fit & Flare– Fit and Flare dresses are extremely flattering! If you aren’t feeling a tight bodycon dress, this is a great and super flattering option!

Screen Shot 2016-04-21 at 4.23.37 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-05-02 at 10.26.50 PM.png

 

All of these looks will be available on the website NEXT WEEK 🙂 WOOOO!!

Check out the sale section for some really great dresses for amazing prices!

Have fun at all the summer weddings & don’t forget to tag @garishgal in all your posts ❤

xo-

M

 

Mother’s Day Must Haves

Mother’s Day is RIGHT around the corner & it’s time to find the perfect present for our “No I don’t need anything” mothers!

Let me tell you about my momma!

12924612_10205848762156072_7953476997041383156_n.jpg

She’s my best friend, my twin, my biggest supporter, and my sounding board. She is a strong leader and extremely driven. Whenever I need advice about Garish Gal, she is the first person I call. Her faith is silent and strong, which I love. Her job takes her out of the country quiet a bit and it has made me realize JUST how much I lean on her! She somehow always finds a way to skip sleep and calm my fears even when she’s half way across the globe! She is humble and an introvert–so she’s going to HATE that I posted about her! Needless to say, she is everything I hope to be someday.

I’ve been blessed to have multiple STRONG women in my life. The older I get, the more I realize how lucky I am to be surrounded by such amazing, talented, & loving women.

My mom is the HARDEST person to shop for because if she wants something she purchases it herself! It drives me nuts. Fortunately for me, she wears A LOT of Garish Gal, so I have a few ideas in mind for this years!

Hopefully this guide will help you make your gift giving seamless & easy!

  1. Gift Card– This is the EASIEST gift. Gift your mom a Garish Gal eGift Card by going online and purchasing one! It’s literally that easy. This one is great for dads & sons–the mothers in your life will love it!
  2. Cocoon Cardigan– This is a great gift because it is very easy to wear! Wear to work, over a Summer dress, or with a tank & jeans for a casual look! This cardigan is super versatile and can be worn all year long!

Screen Shot 2016-04-21 at 3.32.34 PM.png

3. Chevron Fair Trade Necklace– This is the best selling item for Garish Gal. My own mom has it in both colors and wears them at least twice a week! I even steal her gold one from time to time! This necklace is made by female artisans at a fair trade co-op in India! What an awesome way to celebrate women!

Screen Shot 2016-04-21 at 3.37.29 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-04-21 at 3.37.58 PM.png

4. Classic Cool Cuff– This is a fun option. Your mom already has the above necklaces in both colors, so check out these really cool (fair trade) adjustable cuffs! These are great because they fit wrists of all sizes!

5. Small-Town Indiana Love– Most of my readers are from Indiana like me! I love this small town Indiana shirt specially after tragedy hit my small town a month ago & I was reminded of just how much I really do LOVE my small Indiana town.  This top is the perfect way to show your small town pride! **These are locally made in Kokomo,Indiana!

Screen Shot 2016-04-21 at 4.02.20 PM.png

 

P.S–If you want a direct link to buy these products, just click on the picture! Easy as that!

Happy Shopping & Happy Mother’s Day, Mommas!

xo-

M

 

Shopping and Splurging

Hey Garish Gal’s! It’s Allie!

With National Margarita Day last week and National Tortilla Day this Wednesday, I thought it would be nothing less than appropriate to celebrate the day in between: Taco Tuesday!!!!

That’s right: Tacos! Who doesn’t love tacos!?! I know what all of you are probably thinking,…”This is a fashion blog; Why are we talking about food?” or “Quit, you’re making me hungry!”but the truth is, every girl has those splurge days when all they want to do is snack on some of their favorite foods! I figured that I mine as well share what some of the Garish Gal girls love to eat the most, and the top two items on the list: Tacos and Donuts!  (not together, of course… also, donut blog to potentially come in the future)

Tacos and clothes are somewhat alike if you think about it in a really weird way. Some outfits are similar to another, yet none are the same. Tacos bring many flavors to the table, as do each item of clothing we put on. Some are colorful, bold, tasteful, spicy, or bland. Garish Gal isn’t about the “bland tacos”, Garish means to be lurid, so just like clothes, tacos should also be original, unique, and stand out. Which is why posted below are some of Garish Gal’s newest arrivals that will satisfy your hunger in the fashion world, along with three amazingly unique but easy taco recipes to match your spicy outfits.

 

Baked Queso Tacos – from: Shay Shull

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos – from: Shay Shull

 

EASY APPLE PIE TACOS RECIPE – from: A Spark of Creativity
 Happy Eating and Happy Shopping,
Much Love,
     Allie<3

Style Suggestions: Clothing Care

I get asked a lot about how to properly care for the goods purchased from Garish Gal. Personally, I am very specific about how I care for the clothing I buy. When I am paying a little more for better quality, I also understand that these items may require special care.

First, I always check to see what the washing instruction. If is a dry clean only item, then I know that is a piece I will never risk washing (be honest some of you do it anyways!). If it is a “hand wash” item, I always wash it on the delicate cycle without detergent and then lay flat or hang dry. Don’t hang dry items that will “grow” on the hanger! Items like this include sweaters, viscose t-shirts, or other softer materials.

Pay attention to the materials you are working with! Spot clean only with suedes and pleathers! Never wash pleather/leathers it will break down the material and completely ruin it.

Second, when it comes to hanging items pay attention to the fabric. I almost never hang sweaters. Sweaters in nature tend to “grow” on the hanger. By grow I mean that they expand and become longer. I always fold my sweaters in order to prevent growing. I am also cautious about hanging items that are made of viscose (most soft t-shirts are made of viscose) because these items tend to dog ear at the shoulders from the hanger. I recommend making sure the item is completely dry before hanging. If the material is really soft, then I do not hang the shirt.

Third, I almost never dry any of my clothes. I have worked on the wholesale side of the clothing industry. I used to have to work with the design team and create a care and content sheet for our major accounts. Care and content sheets tell you what the items are made of and how to care for the items to have the best possible longevity. Most of these materials really aren’t meant to withstand the heat of a dryer over and over again. If the item has elastic, the heat of the dryer breaks down the elasticity over time (this is especially true with your underwear-just a little heads up!). I have found that the best way to make my clothes really last is to air dry everything! I know this sounds annoying, but it really doesn’t take very long and you get more bang for your buck!

I hope that this helps you when you are buying new items and washing for the first time! Think about how long you want the item to last and look it’s best!

As always, Happy Shopping!

x0-M

 

Tuesday Trailer Transformation

With the trailer finally in my possession, My grandpa and I immediately started working hard on turning it into a fully functioning mobile boutique. Of course like any remolding or renovation process, it took much longer than expected, cost more money, and had minor stress inducing problems arise. However, I am happy to announce the trailer is officially completed on the inside! The outside vinyl wrap will take about 3 more weeks to have fully completed, but trust me it will totally be worth the wait!

Now that the trailer is finally finished on the inside, I have been able to breathe a sigh of relief. There were moments I doubted the design and colors, how it was coming together, and I reached a point where I hated everything. However, once I finally filled the trailer with the clothes my doubts were put to rest. I just sat on the floor taking it all in and crying. Lots of hard work, long hours, and stress finally started to prove to not be futile!  I am SO proud and excited about how it has turned out. I think you all will love it too!
Below is the transformation! Check it out and see how amazing it is!

 

 

You have to shop the boutique to check out what it looks like fully loaded!!

Black Friday the Fashion trailer will officially be out and about in the Weber Speakers Parking lot (405 E Southway Blvd Kokomo, IN 46902) from 1-5pm! Come Shop!

Small Business Saturday I will be teaming up with Patty Thatcher of Spray Tan Patty and Morgan Henn of Rebellious MakeUp at their location for amazing deals. November 28th from 2-5pm!

Everything will be 30% off in the boutique from Black Friday through Cyber Monday!

Happy Shopping! 

Xo-M

 

The Garish Gal Promise

As the holidays approach, we see more and more companies that are offering ways to help out different organizations. A lot of readers are just learning about Garish Gal for the first time and aren’t aware of the premise of why I started GG.

I started Garish Gal because I had always dreamed of starting a clothing boutique, but after a trip to Haiti I realized I wanted GG to be more than just a place to shop. I wanted to be able to help out the kids that I had met in Haiti with Garish Gal. These kids had SO little, but their lives were so full of happiness. I haven’t seen smiles so bright and so wide since my last trip. My friend Curtis had started a school in Haiti known as Project 117 which provides hope through education for the children in the local village and orphanage. They were elated to be able to go to school.

With Garish Gal I originally decided to donate $25 of every $150 customer purchase to Project 117. However, I wanted an easier and more common way to donate to P117. So effective January 1,2016 Garish Gal will donate 10% of profits to P117!

Garish Gal donates to a life changing organization regularly-not just at a certain time of year. I want you to know that your purchase ALWAYS helps make life changes without having you donate extra, just simply purchase a top that you love or necklace you’ve been lusting after! It is that simple.

Below is one of the little girls I fell in love with on my trip. Her name is Swenslie. Her story is SO tragic and unfair. Her little eyes showed the hurt, fear, and uncertainty she had experienced in her past. After arriving at the orphanage she was enrolled in school at Project 117. Now, she is thriving better than ever! Her eyes match the wide beautiful smile that is constantly spread across her face. When you shop with Garish Gal, you help fun P117 activities that make this little girl’s life better!

You create fashion with a future when you shop Garish Gal!

Happy Shopping!

IMG_1623.PNG