Garish Gal How To: Ikea Shelving Hack

Hi Garish Gals-

It has been a LONG time since I last blogged. Truth be told, I was lacking Inspiration. However, the GARISH GAL BLOG IS BACK.  Not only are we giving you fashion, but also outfit inspo, home decor, DIY projects, and fun recipes!

For the first post back, I am sharing a DIY Ikea hack that I recently completed! Hopefully you find it as easy & fun as I did!

Inspo:

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This is from the offices at LikeToKNOW.it that they had featured on their instaStories. SERIOUSLY OBSESSED! Their offices are PERFECT.

Before:

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I started with the Hyllis Ikea Shelf unit (seriously, it’s only $14.99!!). Gang, this thing is BRUTAL looking when you pull it out, but don’t worry we are about to make it CUTE.

Step 1–

I took out all the pieces and laid them on cardboard on my garage floor. I started spraying them with this Metallic Gold Spray paint that I purchased at Menards. I also used this incredible thing to avoid ruining my Mani with spray paint!

I sprayed every square inch the give you! I knew I would be covering the shelve tops with contact paper, but I sprayed them anyway. I used 1.5 cans of the gold spray paint and each received 2 coats!

I had read a tutorial where the gal had assembled first and then sprayed everything. However, I wanted to make sure I coated everything the best I could. I took some cardboard and my drill to drill the screws into a piece of cardboard. Thats how I sprayed them! Super Easy!

Once I was done, I used the drill to back out the screws! Easy peasy!

After I was done I brought the shelves inside my house before the next step. Again, I didn’t really care about the tops so you can see there are some paint blemishes.

sprayed shelves gold

 

Step 2–

CONTACT PAPER!! I have actually used this stuff in the fashion truck, so I had some left over and then ordered another roll of it. I would say 2 rolls would be sufficient. I had some left over in the end. I also used a box cutter (and exact-o knife would have been amazing, but I couldn’t find mine).

I laid the paper down and then put the shelf on top and cut like I would if I was wrapping a present! Once I had cut the outline, I flipped the shelf over, left about 1 in for the end, and then started slowly sticking the paper to the shelf. You MUST go slow (I know it’s hard, I’m not patient either) in order to push out all the air bubbles. I just used my pinky, but you can also purchase a tool if you feel so inclined. My pinky worked great!

shelf one done marble

I cut out the overage on the corners so there wouldn’t be funky overhang. Sometimes the contact paper doesn’t want to stick, if that happens to you, then I suggest using either hot glue, or E6000 glue to seal it down!

marble contact paper added to shelves

Step 3–

Start assembling!! Follow the directions from the Ikea box–they aren’t as bad as everyone says!! Also, I poked little holes in the contact paper so you can easily see where the screws need to go in!

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Once you have assembled, it’s time to start STYLING!!

another final view

Here’s a full view of my office! I am living for Mid Century Modern styling, so this fit PERFECTLY with my decor.

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What You Need-

Shelving Unit – Purchased at Ikea

Spray Paint- Purchased mine from Menard’s, but you can really find it anywhere!

Spray Paint Gun – This this was a life saver! Bought mine at Hobby Lobby (with their 40% off one Item coupon), but it can also be found on Amazon.

Contact Paper– Purchased from Amazon

Send us pics if you make this for yourself! We would LOVE to see!

Enjoy, Garish Gals!

XOXO

 

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

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

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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

 

Derby Looks To Love

Being in the Midwest, the Kentucky Derby is a HUGE event! I went last year for the first time and had an absolute blast! Needless to say, I will be going back again this year! The hardest part is coming up with a cute, fun, and unique outfit to wear with a matching hat!

Here are some great looks to love  +  fun hats that can complete your ensemble!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is my look from last year <3…the Mint Julep & Oaks Lily signature Derby drinks are a must have! (If you are of age!!)

My dress was Clover Canyon that my mom had surprised me with a year earlier. I loveeeeed this dress! So comfortable, beautiful colors, and perfect for Spring at the Derby!

One of my best friends (and her husband) helped me make my fascinator! I had a specific example I wanted to emulate, but couldn’t find it to purchase. My friend convinced me that we could easily make it and I must say we did a good job! It was HUGE and kept falling off my small head, but it fit in at the Derby.

I decided to wear sandals because I knew I would be walking around and socializing more than sitting! We started our day at 7am and it didn’t end until around 10pm! I must say wearing sandals was honestly the best choice I made! Some girls that rocked heels were dying by midday!

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I went with some of my girls I played college golf with! It was a blast reuniting away from the golf course and getting dressed up together!

If you don’t get to go, here are some fun Kentucky Derby Party ideas!

Shop Garish Gal for super fun Kentucky Derby looks!

All of the dresses above are on sale! 😉

 

xo-

M

5 Spring Trends to Try

Thankfully, Spring is right around the corner! It’s time to test the trends and see what works best for your lifestyle! Check out the fun new trends for Spring/Summer 2016!

Pastel Plaids– I love that the plaid trend has carried over from fall! I love plaid and am obsessing over the pastel version of plaids that I am seeing. The super cute, flirty version Garish Gal has is great for Spring & Summer! This dress that is coming in May is another super fun pastel plaid!

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Chambray– One of the most comfortable fabrics around, Chambray has quickly become a highly transitional trend! We saw a little of this last fall, but you will see EVEN MORE Chambray for Spring/Summer. This jacket is a perfect way to carry the trend from Spring, to chilly Summer nights, and even into Fall! I also really love the Chambray dress coming in May–it is for sure another great transitional piece!

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Off the Shoulder- Whether it is done in a super cute top or a flirty dress, off the shoulder is going to be everywhere this Spring & Summer! Garish Gal has two versions in a top that has really sold amazingly! The floral version is a great way to bring pattern and color into your wardrobe, whereas, the striped version is tried and true black and white! I really love both! Garish Gal will also have an all white dress hitting the website and the truck in May! It is STUNNING & I can’t wait of you all to see it! Off the shoulder always comes off as subtly sexy to me–which is always fun 😉

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Fine Lines– If you are like me, you struggle to wear stripes! So the thought of stripes being a big trend for the Spring/Summer is less than thrilling. However, I have found that smaller “fine” stripes and/or stripes that are elongating rather than around are much more flattering! Currently, GG has an amazing striped black and white blouse that is great for work or a night out! There is also a super cute Summer style coming in May that is a great way to rock this trend. This sweater with fine lines in french terry fabric is a great layering piece that I have been living in lately as well!

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Pajama Dressing– Not going to lie–If I could I would wear PJs alllllll day everyday! So the idea of Pajama dressing is slinky, comfortable, yet fashionable looks! A good example of this is this super comfortable and feminine lingerie like dress that is coming in May. A current top selling dress that also embodies the sexy PJ all day look is this emerald green Embeth dress with a small cut out in the bust (The picture is the red version as I just received this piece in and haven’t posted on the site yet! It is the same color as the Nanna Dress)! If you are like me and tend to wear giant t-shirts to bed, Jolene is the perfect way to embody this trend!

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Check out the “Find The Boutique” calendar to come try out these looks and update your wardrobe!

Happy Shopping!

xo-

Maggie

 

 

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

5 Things To Do For Galentine’s Day

As Valentine’s Day approaches, I am accepting the fact that I am single yet once again. The only valentines I need are some cute clothes, fun friends, and credit cards to go buy more cute clothes with my fun friends. As every girls number one motto should be, I live by the words “Clothes Over Bros”, which is why I’ve made a list of the top 5 things you should do with your girlfriends this weekend while rocking some amazing Garish Gal looks. Its better than cliche roses, its “Gal”entine’s Day!!!!

1.) Galentine’s Weekend

Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, take a weekend getaway with your girls to escape from all of our hectic lives!! Ideas can range anywhere from a fun weekend in a big city, going skiing (I would break myself), or gambling your fortunes away at a casino! Anything to take a break from reality and enjoy yourself with friends.

2.) No Date, No Problem

If you can’t afford to skip out on a whole weekend in reality (bummer), make a date night with your girlfriends. Throw on a stunning dress like one of the ones below, go out with your girls, and make the guys out and about, wish they were on a date with you;)

3.) “Build-A…Cuddle Buddy?”

Yes, I know it sounds crazy, but I am SO OBSESSED with Build-A-Bear!!! Some of the best advice heard all the time is “Never Grow Up” so, why not take a fun day with a BFF or two and build your very own valentine!! Laughs with your girls, and a buddy to cuddle up with when the night ends!

4.) “Boxed Wine and The Bachelor”

Not everyone wants to go out on Valentine’s Day, so invite the gals over, go buy a box of wine, and fall in love with this years Indiana Bachelor: Ben Higgins!!! Love Him, who else do you want to dream over on valentines day with some wine!!

5.) “Celebrate with the #1 Girl in your life: Yourself!!”

Though you now have some ideas on how to celebrate Galentine’s Day, a nice bubble bath can be just as satisfying as all of the above options! Do whatever brings YOU happiness, because the day is meant for love…So Love Yourself<3

And to all the other girls who do have dates with their significant others, kill the night in a Garish Gal look or anything that makes you feel like you are Beyoncè!!! Garish Gal Black Dress YA!

Happy Galentine’s Day and Happy Shopping!

much love, Allie<3

Garish Gal Does Halloween

IMG_6049_2 IMG_6041_2IMG_6045_2IMG_6051_2 IMG_6055_2 IMG_6037As a Garish Gal, I love the idea of being creative and coming up with a fun Halloween costume.

The older I get, the less I feel like dressing in something funny or overly sexy.

So here are a few fun ways to dress up for Halloween the Garish Gal way.

FYI- All of the props (i.e hats, swords, gold coins) are from the dollar section at Target!

Pirate: I love this look (mainly because this is what I will be wearing!!). The leather skirt really goes well with what a pirate would wear! By adding the pirate accessories, we finish off the look!

Devil: This is a different take to the typical devil. Red is a hard color for me to wear, so by adding the black leather hot shorts and ivory fur vest to the cross back blouse, it creates a different but still sexy devil look. The devil headband is a look finisher!

Army Girl: This is SO cute! The camo blouse, pleather ivory perfect tank, and the black skater skirt is a fun way to be a contemporary army gal! Add an army hat and a killer pair of boots to complete this look!

Ring Leader: This look so reminds me of the Britney Spears song, so of course I am in love! The gold lurex jacquard shorts, perfect tank, ring leader hat, and a pair of heels make for a perfect look!

Frankenstein: Who says Frankenstein can’t be hot? These jogger leather track pants and black fur vest are great way to beat the cold weather for Halloween. Finish the look with the Frankenstein mask & our pretty cream blouse!

Cop: Leather & Handcuffs are the perfect cop combination. This black pleather jacket, black and white blouse, and pleather shorts are an updated cop outfit! Instead of grabbing bracelets, grab handcuffs & a police hat to complete the look!

The great part about all these looks is that you can wear them in your every day wardrobe!

Go to shopgarishgal.com to grab your Garish Gal Halloween look!

Use promo code HapHallo for 15% off all of these items!

xo-

M

Fall Must Haves: French Terry

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French terry has become a popular fabric with the resurgence of the atheleisure wear trend.

French terry is comfortable, forgiving, and stretchy fabric.

We have a couple of different pieces of French Terry on ShopGarishGal.com.

However, my favorite piece is this above blazer!

I love how this blazer is structured, but still has a draping look in the front. While it looks great with jeans, it also looks great over a black dress (like either this one or this) or over a blouse and pencil skirt as an update for your work wear.

I love how easy it is to move in this blazer due to the French Terry Fabric. I also love the tweed like look with the contrasting pleather detail. It is a great piece to add to your wardrobe.

Shopgarishgal.com & Save 15% off of all French Terry Pieces with code Fall15!

xo-

M

Fall Must Haves: Fur Vests

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Fur vests are a great way to add some sass to an outfit. I LOVE to wear fur vests, mainly because I am always cold and they are a cool way to keep warm. All of the fur pieces on ShopGarishgal.com are good quality faux fur.

Pictured are two fun ways to wear faux fur.

The first look is a great way to mix textures and prints. The pastel plaid printed blouse brings color to the ivory vest and solid moto pants. I love this look because it is an easy way to be transitional. You can take this look from day to night by adding a pair of heels or booties.

The second look is a fun 70s mod look. The wine pleather shorts are a great way to add a trendy fall color to your look. The cream blouse works as a neutral between the shorts and the fur vest. Black fur vests are great wardrobe staples because they can be worn in various ways. You can pair them with shorts, leggings, denim, or over a dress as a completer piece.

Add these to your wardrobe by going to Shopgarishgal.com & Save 15% using code Fall15.

xo-

M