Fashion Blogger Interview from My Arm Charms

Many of you might remember that I have had the pleasure of collaborating with My Arm Charms, a lovely and affordable online boutique specializing in arm candy of every style imaginable and for every woman. Well Leslie, the owner of this lovely shop recently pulled together her lovely fashion bloggers who agreed to the interview (Venus, Grace and I) for a fashion blogger interview. In case you aren’t following me here on Google + and missed it you can now. Here are some photos and links to the interview questions and answers. You can find these interview questions and collage images orginally from the Google + of My Arm Charms here. Thank you Leslie for interviewing and collaborating with me (us).

 

1).What is the most appealing aspect of fashion blogging to you? Read here for the answers.

 

2).What is one of  your most frequent challenges as a fashion blogger? Read the answers here.

 

3). With all there is to do and the challenges presented HOW do you get it all done? What is the method to your madness? Read here to find out the methods to our fashion blogging madness.

 

4). Did you create your style or did it find you? Read the answers here.

5).How would you describe your style? Read how we would here.

 

Speaking of My Arm Charms, the winner of the My Arm Charms”Rock Star” blue cuff leather bracelet was Sean C. congratulations! I hope you enjoy the cuff!

Thanks for dropping by and supporting my blog. Please leave a comment at the end with maybe an interview question you might have for me and I will do my best to answer it in the near future? I will give your blog a shout out in the near future if you do so. 

Linking up with Cassidy Lou, Carrie.

How to wear: Hats & Fascinators

Today I am happy to be collaborating with Patricia (or Tea) of whatmamawear.blogspot.ca to bring you a “How 2 Wear” hats and fascinators. I love how Tea styled her fascinator hat with her laced pink top bringing out the lovely features of her face and beaming smile through the bright vibrant colors. I love how her look can be worn to church, Easter parties, bridal or baby showers or to tea parties. Go to Tea’s page here to see how she styled her fascinator hat.

With spring weather upon us I have become quite the hat wearing lady as I somehow gravitate toward hats in the springtime. With Easter weekend coming up I know I will definitely be wearing my hats to egg hunts, church and to other events; however today I wanted to  show you how to style a hat to create a Boho vibe using an aztec patterm printed maxi skirt, black top, pendant necklace and cognac ankle boots.

 

 

 

To give the feel for a traveling bohemian I went with a patterned maxi skirt and cognac ankle booties.  I am sure this look would have been equally as fun with flared harem pants, flared pants or even skinny jeans but I went with what I wore that day to church instead and just added the ankle boots and hat for a more relaxed look.

 

 

 

Some of you may be wondering not only how to create a similar look but also where to even wear a hat or outfit like this to stand out and make a statement. Here are some fun options: music festivals, countryside walks, carnival, etc. The options for styling this hat for a boho feel are limitless and so are the places you can wear it too.

If you wear hats, how do you like to style your hats?

Want to see how else I have styled a hat for spring time:

I tell ya I can’t get enough of them. Thanks for reading today, outfit details below and who I am linking up with.

Outfit details: Hat: borrowed from sister//Shirt: Charlotte Russe (old)//Skirt: Rue 21 (old)//Boots: Dansko (gift)//Leggings: Kohls//Necklace: Redeemed Jewelry boutique.

Linking up with: Shanna, What I wore, Trendy Wednesday, Melissa, Lisa, Molly, J, Carrie. Cassidy Lou.

Plain Jane

 

Happy Monday! How was your weekend? Mine was pretty full, with one thing to the next happening, sick twins and hubby but with just a bit of shopping and loads of coffee in between.

 

Before my hubby caught the “cold” from our twins he caught these photos near a walking trail and stream by our house and in the process of setting up he made mention that I looked so “plain jane” as he added that I needed to have had a red necklace or headband to accent the shoes. He proceeded to ask where my beaded thrifted red necklace was that I wore earlier that day to which I responded “it broke” and I didn’t have much time to look at jewelry while shopping for pants and shirt and that stores didn’t carry the right “red” headbands. With much protest he gave up and just shot the pictures.  I told him I would name this post in honor of this thoughts and words to which he smirked and said “really.” So here I am looking “plain Jane” with no accessories save a bracelet; however showing off my new shoes.

 

 

Aren’t they cute little red tennie loafers? I actually had my eyes on these for a month at Marshall’s and my hubby actually like them when he first saw them too. So alas these shoes were on my mind for weeks until we finally went back to Marshall’s and there they were, still on display in all their red up glory.  It was meant to be. I would say it was a good investment as I followed the shopping rule of “if it remains on your mind after 24 hours (I think) then get them” well these were more like weeks and were maybe a little under $25.

 

 

Oh and about my hubby, I must give a big shout out to him as he has been talking and promoting my blog like crazy to his family members and co-workers. He even has a best friend/co-worker beginning a blog because of how awesome blogging is.  My hubby and his brother hope to follow suit. How cool is that?

Outfit details-Shoes: Nautica (Marshalls)//Pants: DKNY jeans (old)//Shirt: JC Penny (old)//Bracelet: part of a set (Charlotte Russe).

Enough of my ramblings. What are your ramblings? Leave me a comment below and let me know.

Rachel xo

Linking up with: Motivational Monday, Rhea, Molly, Lisa, Melissa, Thursday Fashion Files, Cherie, Charnelle, Lauren, Laura, Leanne, Carylee, Shanna, What I Wore Wednesday, Celebrate Southern, Turning Heads Tuesday, Trend Spin, Spotlight Weekly.
Rachel xo
Garay Treasures

Favorite spring staples

Since Monday of this week was the first day of spring I thought I would share with you some of my favorite spring staples that I recently purchased and can’t wait to style or have been styling (see how I styled my hat here, and chambray here, and pink rayne necklace here).

 

I wore this outfit this past Saturday downtown with the hubs and kids as we ventured the local Science Museum and local fresh markets. It was a bit chilly outside so the chambray was actually used for that purpose to keep me comfortable. Once inside the museum I had to take the chambray off and wear it around my waist. This simple piece of denim has just been my favorite added addition to my wardrobe and I just love how versatile it is for me as I can’t stop wearing it.

 

I am in love with these sandals with gold glittered straps that I scored at Target a few weeks back (and on clearance as the box was missing, silly). I had been wanting some good sturdy sandals but wasn’t finding any that I liked around at shoe stores so I was thrilled when I found these on the shoe aisle at Target. Surprisingly these are all the rage on Instagram and I didn’t even know it, #win.

 

My sun hat is just the cutest thing. I wore it in Wednesdays post, Thursdays post and well, today of course. I just can’t get enough of it. I promise I won’t wear it anymore though (at least not for awhile).  I am also in love with colorful statement jewelry this season so I had to add some extra pink hues to this outfit with this Kendra Scott inspired necklace. sdI am just so thrilled at how well this outfit came together as I wanted to style this sundress for the spring season once more. (See how I styled this dress on mothers day last year here).

Outfit details: Sun Hat: Wal-mart ($7.97)//Chambray: via TJ Maxx//Sundress: Old Navy (old)//Sandals: Mossimo via Target//Cami shirt: a.n.a (old)//Purse: Michael Kors//Necklace: Applee jewelry.

Thank you for reading today,

What are some of your spring favorites in your home or wardrobe? Or what are your favorite spring activities?

Today  I am thrilled to be a part of the Blogger Collective link up party with other bloggers whom are sharing their favorite spring things/wardrobe  I hope you will check them out in the links below:

Sarah of @backhomeblue.com

Angela of @headtotoechicblog.com

Charnele of @pinksole.com

Shannon of @upbeatsoles.com

Ashley of @lestylorouge.com

Nikki of @thefashionablewife.com

Katherine of @engineering-in-style.com

Lane of @missalaneyus.com

Ellie of @thenotquiteadult.com

Jordan of @petitemodernblog.com

Rachel of @ablondesmoment.com

Hillary of @styleinasmalltown.com

Mollie of @molliebellezza.com

Lindsay of @middleofsomewhereblog.com

Jill of @dousedinpink.blogspot.com

Just a few more days left to enter to win the “Rock Star” leather cuff bracelet, enter here. Open to US residents only.

Linking up with: Fashion Fun Friday, Thursday Fashion Files, Trendy Wednesday, What I wore Wednesday, Mix It Up Fridays, <a href=" Rachel xo Garay Treasures” target=”_blank”>Tara, Turning Heads Tuesday.

You better shape up

 

“You better shape up…’cause I need a man and my heart is set on you” Olivia Newton John (Grease)

 

I have had the above song lyrics from the film Grease stuck in my head all week so of course this is my inspiration to todays outfit worn last weekend on a movie date with my hubby. I was inspired by Sandi at the very end when she turned “bad girl” and sang this song to actor John Travolta.

My hubby and I enjoyed the movie Insurgent all the theater Cocoa-cola soda we could drink and finally these outfit shots. Now I feel partial to this look as I love it but feel vulnerable about the naked shoulders, but my hubby liked it that way. To be honest he loves as much cleavage or naked back/shoulders as can be exposed so sorry in advance if this post isn’t modest for you- the photographer won!

Check out these lovely heels I also won from The Mint Julep boutique thanks to a giftcard given away from Monica.

I managed to get my sister Annalise to french braid my hair in a hurry before my “date” with my hubby.

 

 

Outfit details:Shirt: gift//Bracelet: c/o My Arm Charms (exact here)//Pants: via TJ Maxx//Heels: Mint Julep Boutique (same here)//Tassel Necklace: Walmart// Hat: Walmart//Earrings: part of a set, Walmart.

Thank you for reading and coming by. Have you entered to win a leather cuff bracelet from My Arm Charms? If you live in the US you can enter here.

Linking up with: Trend Spin, Thursday Fashion Files, Lisa, Melissa, Molly, Trendy Wednesday, What I wore Wednesday, Dawn, Monica, Spotlight Weekly, Wednesday Pants.

Why I am making the switch

Happy Hump Day! I can’t believe the week is halfway over with already, where has time gone? I normally don’t post on Wednesdays or even Fridays for that matter, but there are just so many things to post about as my time with this little blog dwindles that I want to post as much as I can. If you missed it in yesterdays post (here) I will be making the switch from here to my own blog domain. There are many reasons why and so today I plan on highlighting a list of why I am making the switch.

I have read recently that many bloggers are switching from blogger to wordpress etc, or some bloggers choose to use this time of the year to redesign their spaces, I guess this is all a sort of “spring cleaning” for bloggers, a new change for a new year. For me, this is my year. After blogging for a year and some months I have really been contemplating having my own domain apart from the garaytreasures.wordpress.com until now. You see my follow readers, this blog that you are reading on now (the .wordpress.com) is a free wordpress hosted blog site not self hosted which means I am limited to what I can or have been doing and ENOUGH is ENOUGH. In real world terms I am suffering on this little space and NEED my own.

Some things I cannot do on this free WORDPRESS hosted blog:
-I am out of storage space allotted to me for images, so I have to go back to older posts I don’t care about and delete images or icons just to add some pictures to newer posts, like this one.

-You know when you enter giveaways on other blogs and you can normally see the widget or image for the entries. Not here! Giveaway rafflecopters with wordpress hosted can only be viewed by clicking on the link Rafflecopter link provided.  In the past when I collaborated with a company to giveaway a giftcard this was a concern for them and I nicely told them I had no control over it, but I appreciate their frustration as it frustrated me too.

– When I host my Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me link up on Tuesdays, readers have to click on the cute little frog in-linkz button to be directed to the link up page, the link ups don’t appear directly onto my page and this has been a issue with some bloggers I believe.

-People who may be searching for my blog on search terms may forget to add the .wordpress.com and just give up. I would like for them to have it easy with just remembering garaytreasures.com, granted they can remember to spell garaytreasures.

Let’s be honest some bloggers want to make a little money off their blog with affliate links and such and I can’t or not as easily and here is why:

-Affliate sites turn me down because they don’t want to pay out compensation to a blogger on FREE wordpress blogs.

– It is against free wordpress hosted blogs to have up advertisements or shops on my page, yet they make money off of my blog with surprise advertisements they choose to have up.  I am not allowed to earn money from blogging according to wordpress basically.

I am sure there are many more but these were all I could think of and pet peeves of mine so I hope you learned a little about my frustrations with being free.

Outfit details: Sun hat: Walmart//Tassel Necklace: Walmart//Dress: gift//Flip Flops:  Marshalls//Sunglasses: Target.

What do you like or not like about your blog? Do you have any tips for me as I venture on to my own domain? Please leave me a comment below and let me know. 

Have you entered to win a leather cuff bracelet from My Arm Charms yet? You can do so by clicking on the button below to enter
a Rafflecopter giveaway (Open to USA residents only).

Linking up with: Tuesday Talk, Liz, What I Wore Wednesday, Leanne, Thursday Fashion Files, Melissa, Lisa, Molly, Trend Spin, Because Shanna said So, Get Your Pretty On, Style Me Weekly.
Spotlight Weekly, Fashion Fun Friday.
 

 

 

Chocolate stains and a HUGE spider

These white pants are my new favorite but let me tell you they are CURSED or at least they were the day I wore them and after washing them.

I have had on my wish list of items to shop for a pair of white pants or white leggings and chambray for quite some time and finally I scored them both in the same day at Marshalls and TJ Maxx. Well as a mom of four I was a little apprehensive to get white pants in the first place because anything can happen to white in a wardrobe.

I dreaded spaghetti sauce, coffee or dirt getting on these babies but NO I had to go and sit on a melted chocolate bar in the seat of our van either before or after going into Target one night alone. I pray it was after my target trip as there was a smear of chocolate about 5 inches long near my butt (how embarrassing).

It took several washings to wash the chocolate out of these pants too because at first I was out of bleach so I had to use Oxyclean stain remover, then that didn’t help, then regular cleaning bleach, nada so then I finally went to the store and got laundry Clorox bleach and used this on the pants and then….

In our basement we have had a HUGE wolf spider decide to live near the washer and dryer, it has even scared me to go near the washer and dryer as I hate spiders. Well before I went to take the pants out of the wash to look over them I looked all over the place to make sure the spider wasn’t around. Whew not there. But once I opened the door to the dryer…

He was sitting right on top of my white pants, ALIVE, alive I tell you. I gasped and looked around thinking on what to do but nothing came to mind so I gently picked up the damp pants and prayed he wouldn’t attack and seeing that the monster wasn’t moving towards me or my fingers I took something and swatted at it and I haven’t seen it since, and the chocolate stain was gone.

How is that for pants that went through ALOT after being worn the first time…or wait is it me that went through ALOT? Either way I am in love with them and can’t wait to style them throughout the spring and summer.

For this outfit I choose to go “rock star” with my jewelry. Check out the nail pointed necklace and earrings, along with the “Rock Star” cuff bracelet from My Arm Charms. I just loved incorporating this punk/rock star look with elegant clothing.

If you haven’t read here (where I also styled this same cuff) I am giving away this “Rock Star” bracelet to anyone living in the US. You can enter up to 24 entries to win this bracelet here.

How would you style this bracelet?
Outfit details: Bracelet: c/0 My Arm Charms “Rock Star”//Earrings & Necklace set: gift//Pants: via Marshalls//Chambray top: TJMaxx//Shoes: via Plato’s Closet//Purse: Michael Kors (wedding gift).

Linking up with: Mix It Mondays, Tuesday Talk, Thursday Fashion Files, What I wore Wednesday, Liz, Leanne, Whitney, Lisa, Melissa, Megan, Molly, Carylee, Cherie. Motivational Monday, Charnelle,Rhea Celebrate Southern, Trend Spin, Confident Tuesday Because Shanna Said So. Get Your Pretty On, Style Me Weekly.
Style Me Weekly.

Rachel xo
Garay Treasures

Lucked out

Happy Hump Day! I normally don’t post on Wednesdays but I couldn’t help but show off yesterdays green outfit, because since blogging I actually care to wear green on St. Patricks day. Before blogging I almost cared less if I wore even just a hint of green. I even have a lot of Irish in me, what is wrong with me!?!  Here is what I wore last St. Patricks Day.

My day started out great and with the busyness of taking care of toddlers I misplaced my phone so I looked all over the place and even asked my two in a half year old son Xander where it might be. He started looking in a few of his boots and said the phone was in them, but no luck.  Since it was nearing nap time I disregarded the phone and actually took a nice pleasant uninterrupted by the phone nap while the kiddos did. Then when I woke up I searched some more and remembered the “Find iPhone” app on my icloud account so I did this from my laptop and found the phone- in a boot near the basement door. How lucky am I to have such a handy finding device? How awesome is my son for trying to tell me it was in a boot? and he was right for the most part, just not in the boots we were searching in.

I had a hard time thinking and even finding a green item in my wardrobe when I remembered this lovely top that was gifted to me from my mom (even though the color seems more blue to me depending on the lighting).It is a Michael Michael Kors, I might add. This top still had the original MMK price tag (originally $89.50) but the top also had a Stein Mart tag and it had been reduced to $19.99 due to beading on the front coming loose or off. Because I didn’t know how to wear the top with missing beads in the front I thought last minute that adding a light grey metalic scarf would work perfectly to hide the imperfections and viola that and adding leopard print flats and my new black skinny jeans, the look worked like a charm.

Speaking of charm I added my “Gems” bracelet from My Arm Charms to add another element and hint of green and gold tone to the look.

I got lucky enough that my hubby let me run out and get some Starbucks and while I was away I managed to steal away to a neighborhood park and take these pictures. It was just a lovely breezy weather kind of day and while rain seemed to be on our horizon no rain came. I call that luck right there.

What did you do for your St. Patricks Day?

Want to have a chance of getting lucky with a bracelet I am giving away? Then go here and enter to win a My Arm Charms “Rock Star” cuff bracelet (US entrants only please). Goodluck!

Outfit details: Shirt: Michael Michael Kors (gift, old)//Pants:Merona (via Target)//Bracelet: c/o My Arm Charms “Gems”//Scarf: Christmas gift//Shoes:via Plato’s Closet.

Linking up with: Shanna, What I wore Wednesday, Get Your Pretty On, Style Elixir, Tuesday Talk, Thursday Fashion Files, Leanne, Fun Fashion Friday, Lisa, Melissa, Molly, Mix It Monday, Tara.

Style Collaboration: Fedora Hat and Leather Cuff bracelet + GIVEAWAY

Happy Monday! I am excited to be collaborating again with blogger and new blogging friend Grace of Colorandgrace.com on how we styled our white fedora hats and leather cuff bracelets.

I love how Grace incorporated her white fedora and leather cuff with spring colors and florals. Her look is polished enough for wearing to work but fun enough to wear out and about perhaps on a fun lunch date or shopping date. I just love how Grace incorporated other bracelets from charmed bracelets to other cuffed bracelets (from My Arm Charms) with her leather cuff.  Grace has styled her fedora and leather cuff in other ways as well but you will just have to check those out on her blog here.

I choose to style my white fedora with a striped black and white dress I got on super clearance back on Black Friday along with black flats and cardigan. My “Rock Star” blue leather cuff bracelet from My Arm Charms was added to the outfit along with a long chained necklace with bead hints in the same blue color. I wanted a casual look that day but something fun enough to wear to a baby shower which I attended that day in this outfit.

A baby shower was not the only shower happening that day. Rain showers and rain dances occurred towards the end of this photo shoot.

Today in celebration of this style collaboration with Grace, I have partnered up with My Arm Charms and Grace to giveaway this same blue leather “Rock Star” cuff you see gracing my arm today. I just love this cuff for it’s color and added charm. At first I thought the cuff wouldn’t fit my style but I was charmed other wise, it is just too cute. It snaps by snaps around the wrist and feels so comfortable. If you can’t wait to see if you won this bracelet (which is $14.99) then I encourage you to sign up for My Arm Charms e-mails so that you can receive offers, discounts and sometimes monthly giveaway news. When you subscribe to the e-mailing list you also receive $10 off a order subtotal of $30 minimum with a code. Now you can’t beat that and ALL the bracelets and watches are affordable. This giveaway is open until midnight March 30 and is open to participants with a US mailing address only. The more entries you complete the more points you will be able to receive. Please enter in the rafflecopter box below. Thank you and Goodluck!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
My outfit details: Leather cuff bracelet:c/o- My Arm Charms Rock Star cuff bracelet //Necklace: old//Fedora: via Plato’s Closet//Maxi dress:Charlotte Russe//Cardigan: Old Navy//Flats: Merona (via Target, old).

*My Arm Charms provided the Rock Star bracelet in exchange for a review. However all opinions are 100% mine and not that of My Arm Charms.
Linking up with: Carylee, Molly Mix It Monday, Motivational Monday Thursday Fashion Files,Melissa, Whitney, Charnelle Fashion Fun Friday, Tara

Rachel xo
Garay Treasures

Get charmed

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a good weekend! Ours was extremely busy, like one thing to the next and no stopping. My hubby and I were able to plan a date afternoon through evening of going and looking for furniture. Since my hubby and I met we haven’t bought much furniture (well accept our bedroom set 4 years ago, bookshelf and a few $1 lamps) but we have had people donate furniture to us when they have moved and wanted newer sets or people have just wanted to bless us with second hand or thrifted furniture. We ended up buying everything on a super discount or outlet and this includes  a new sectional couch, 8 bin organizer shelf and 6 chair dining room set. On top of that we had placed an order for carpeting through our house and await the estimate for that job and carpet to go down next month. Then with moving the newer sets in and older sets out and cleaning behind the older sets it has been a process, but we are in LOVE with our new sets and can’t wait to get our carpet in. With all the busy-ness I did get some time in to shop at my favorite stores (Marshalls, Target and TJ Maxx) and scored some much needed items for spring (more of those added items in the near future) as well as this lovely outfit shoot.



I was recently contacted by hands down one of the best women and entrepreneur I have had the pleasure to collaborate with and that is Leslie of My Arm Charms (a bracelet boutique for the fashionista with a hunger for loads of arm candy). I am so excited to work with this boutique and to present to you some lovely arm charms that is not only affordable but chic and what’s better the site (here) has something listed for everyone and every style desired.

These two bracelets I am wearing here have been worn numerous times since receiving them but my favorite items to wear them with are brown and with this mustard cardigan. These are so versatile that they would go with just about any item you own. The “Gems” bracelet (seen here) is a stretchy gold beaded bracelet that goes on like a glove and sets perfectly without moving up or down the wrist. At first the beads or gold links seemed a bit itchy but I think this was because I am not use to a bracelet with a whole bunch of links and beads to it but there were no link imprints or any further uncomfortableness when worn for hours several days in a row.
The silver bracelet with gold roman numerals is probably a new personal favorite and opens on the side and clamps down shut when placed on. (view here).

I paired these bracelets with a similar gold toned thin bangle bracelet and a layered necklace in the same metal tones for a fun metal mixing statement.
Outfit details:  Beaded link bracelet:c/0 My Arm Charms “Gems” (here)// Roman numeral bracelet: c/0 My Arm Charms “When In Rome” (here)//Thin bangle bracelet: Charlotte Russe (part of a set)//Necklace: Lia Sophia (gift)//Cardigan: Merona via Target//Tee: A.D.A via JCPenny//Pants: Merona via Target (gift)//Shoes: via Plato’s Closet.

What are your favorite arm candy pieces? What did you do this past weekend?

Linking up with: Charnelle, Keri. Molly, Carylee, Lauren, Carrie, Lisa, Mahagoney Closet, Whitney, J, Laura of Confident Tuesday, <a href=”http://www.becauseshannasaidso.com/2015/03/plaid-polka-dot-utility-jacket-spring-2015.html” target=”_blank”>Shanna, Liz, What I wore Wednesday, Cherie with Style Nudge, Leanne. Jacqueline, Passion 4 Fashion.

Rachel xo
Garay Treasures