I’m Officially A Plant Lady…

Just call me a crazy plant lady because that’s what I am right now 🤣. Can you blame me though? Plants make the perfect decor…at least they do in our home. We have a ton of natural light, so it was a no-brainer to line our windows with various types of plants.

I have bought most of our plants at our local Walmart, as they always have a great selection to choose from and they are very affordable. Every plant I add to our home is pretty low maintenance so they don’t need a ton of attention.

As for pots to plant them in, I have found most of mine at Walmart, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods and on Amazon.

I’ve also been propagating new plants from my existing plants. Pothos plants seem to be the easiest to propagate but check out the little pup breaking thru the soil from a snake plant propagation I did months ago. You have to be very patient but you do see results 😉. You can use bottles, vases, mason jars or even wine glasses for the cuttings you want to propagate. I like these vials with a wooden stand I got from Amazon.

Check out the DIY plant stand/hanger I recently made from an extra clothing rack we weren’t using. I love how it turned out!

Since I’m no longer working 40 hour workweeks, being a plant mom has taken up a lot of my time and I must say, I don’t hate it!  It’s nice to have a hobby that’s not fashion related.  I still love fashion, don’t get me wrong, but in the last few months, it has definitely taken a backseat.  FYI, if you were someone who follows me on Instagram, you won’t see anything from my account anytime soon (I de-activated my account).  I needed to distance myself for a little Insta-break.  I have rediscovered Pinterest and I’m pretty active over there.  Here’s my page if you want to check it out.

Thanks for reading!

xoxo, ang

Jewelry Favorites

Hi friends!  It’s been a minute since I’ve written on here.  I wonder if anybody really reads blog posts anymore?  I read a few but not as many as I used to.  I think since Instagram has really blown up over the past few years, blogging has fallen by the wayside.  I’m going to continue putting up posts every now and then, just because I do enjoy doing it.  To all of you that read them, thank you ❤️

Since the stay at home order started, I haven’t been getting dressed up, putting on makeup or doing my hair.  I have, however, been wearing jewelry.  It really doesn’t make sense really, but I put some on every day.

Here are a few of my favorite jewelry pieces from my favorite brands that I reach for daily.

 

I have been obsessed with BudhaGirl bracelets for a good while now.  They are all-weather and don’t make any noise while wearing them.  They come in a few different colors, but silver and gold are my favorites. (the black bangles are discontinued and sold out).

Coin necklaces are fun and I love when they are on long chains which makes them perfect for layering with other pieces. The three-coin style by Gorjana (currently 25% off) and the single coin style from Bracha are my summer jewelry staples.

Are you guys into the padlock jewelry trend?  I am for sure!  The smaller padlock is new to my jewelry collection.  It was one of the pieces I received in my Rocksbox subscription. (more on that later).  The larger padlock I made…kind of.  I simply took the lock off of my LV Speedy, put it on a long chain and voila! A new necklace.

Wearing a couple of dainty necklaces together is what I have been doing a lot lately.  The double star style and the diamond bezel style are the two that I wear together most of the time.

One of my favorite jewelry brands is Uncommon James.  If you don’t know about this brand you need to check it out.  Kristin Cavallari is the creator and owner of UJ.  There are two retail stores:  one located in Nashville and the other in Chicago.  It is on my list to check out the Chicago location later this year…if this virus goes away.  You can also purchase on-line at uncommonjames.com or at Nordstrom.  Anyway, I have accumulated several pieces from this brand and they did not disappoint.  The Girl Boss Square Hoops are always in my ears. I purchased these last summer and they are still as shiny as the day I got them.  Other pieces in my collection are the Chemistry triangle hoops, the La Paz Compass Necklace, the Helix Necklace, the Queens Pendant Necklace and the Atocha Coin Necklace.

As much as I love gold jewelry, I am finding myself reaching for silver lately.  Maybe it’s because summer is coming and I love wearing silver in the summer or maybe it’s because we just went to Mexico in February and I picked up a few gorgeous pieces that I want to show off.  I always buy at least one piece of jewelry when we go on vacation.  I have jewelry from Peru, Mexico and Costa Rica.  They are great remembrances from those vacations.  Another great place to find turquoise or any other unique jewelry is at antique/vintage shops.  That’s where I found the turquoise ring with the silver feather.

David Yurman is another brand that I love and over the last several years, I have accumulated a few pieces.  I love their cable bracelets the most.  Here are the styles I have:  Cable Classic Bracelet, Cable Classic Buckle Bracelet and Cable Classic Bracelet (smaller cable).  These are definitely on the higher end price wise but they are classic pieces that will not go out of style and I will have forever.  My suggestion is this:  if you are wanting to purchase a David Yurman jewelry piece, visit one of their retail locations instead of ordering online.  When you shop at a high-end or designer store, the customer service experience is as good as getting the item you are purchasing.  I have had wonderful experiences shopping at stores like this.

I also have purchased a lot of Kendra Scott pieces over the last couple of years.  I purchased this turquoise heart necklace right before the New Year knowing I would be wearing it this spring and summer.  If you don’t love turquoise, it comes in several other stone options.

As you can probably tell by everything I’ve talked about, Gorjana and Uncommon James are my two favorite jewelry brands right now.  They both make simple, classic jewelry pieces that work with any outfit I’m wearing.

I also get my jewelry fix thru my Rocksbox subscription.  This is a monthly jewelry subscription where you can try out jewelry before you buy it.  Gorjana is one of the brands offered thru Rocksbox and I always choose to receive something from this brand each time I get a new box.  If you want to try Rocksbox free for one month, use my code:  ANGBRUENINGXOXO

If you have a favorite jewelry brand, let me know!  I’m always looking for new styles and brands to try.

xoxo, ang💋

Fashion Forecasting: 2020 Trends

 

 

Happy New Year friends!  I love nothing better than seeking out new fashion trends and what I’m seeing for 2020, I am loving!

Oversized Blazers  I am so happy this is still a trend this year.  I bought my favorite style last year at the Nsale and it was worth every penny!  Oversized blazers can be styled with graphic tees, basic tees, bodysuits, turtlenecks, etc.  The options are limitless.

 

Flare Jeans  Flare jeans have been trending for the last few years and they aren’t going away anytime soon.  I like them best styled with boho-style tops.  You will also see bootcut jeans making a comeback in 2020.

Image from Google

Monochromatic  You know I love wearing black monochromatic outfits.  I plan on trying this look in white/ivory for Spring.

Image from BaubleBar

Ring Stacks  I love stacking all different types of rings together.  Rather than just stacking dainty rings, try stacking a couple of chunky rings together.  It a fresh look for 2020.

Image from BaubleBar

Image from BaubleBar

Chunky Chain Jewelry  Again, instead of just layering dainty necklaces and bracelets together, add a chunky chain necklace or bracelet to the mix.  It gives an edgy vibe to any look.

Straight Leg Jeans  You will be seeing less skinny and more straight leg jeans in 2020.  If you are wanting to try this trend, Levi’s makes great straight leg styles.

Double Denim  This is such a fun way to wear denim!  There’s so many ways to wear denim on denim but it’s important to not try to match the denim styles you’re wearing too closely.  Opt for a lighter wash on top and darker bottom (or vice versa).  I also like the look of a medium wash denim top with black denim jeans.  Since Spring is coming (at some point), I will be incorporating white denim into the mix.

Image from Google

Chunky Trainers  Also called “Dad Sneakers”  I actually really like this style of tennis shoe.  I think they look great styled with straight leg jeans, skirts and leggings.  My advice, if you are planning on purchasing would be to stick to an all-white style.  This bulky shoe combined with a lot of color would be, in my opinion, a fashion disaster.

A few other trends happening in 2020 are sunset tones (think softened neon colors), mini dresses and polka dots.

What trend are you most excited about for 2020?

xoxo, ang💋

Holiday Gift Guide|2019

I debated doing a gift guide this year because there are about 1,098,785 other ones out there, but alas, I’m doing one anyway.  I’ve included 10 things I love and most of which I own so I already know that these items would make great gifts!

1. Sephora Favorites Perfume Sampler. Such a great gift!  It contains 13 samples of perfume.  Once you choose your favorite, take the included certificate into a Sephora store and redeem for a full size bottle!
2. T3 Curling Iron.  This is the only brand of curling iron I use!  Save 25% off right now with the code Friday19.
3. Quay Australia Sunglasses. I own several pairs of these.  They have the most stylish and affordable sunnies!  Right now they are buy one, get one free!!!!!
4. Monogram Necklace. This is such an easy gift that pretty much everyone will love! If you are an Anthro Perks member, you can save 30% off of everything on their site!  If you are not a member, it’s free to sign up:)
5. Stiff Brim Hat:  I LOVE this hat!  It’s perfect in every way!  GigiPip offers several great styles and guess what?!?  These hats come sized!!!  I wear an XS and wear the Monroe style. GigiPip is offering up to 25% off of your order, depending on how much you spend.
6. Plush Throw.  This is the perfect gift to give when you are not sure what to get.  Everyone loves a throw blanket!  It’s currently 30% off.
7. Fuzzy Slippers.   Who doesn’t love fuzzy, cozy things?  These slippers fit the bill for sure!
8. BudhaGirl Bracelets. I wear these every.single.day.  I also have them in silver.  They are all-weather…meaning you never have to take them off!  They also don’t make any noise while you’re wearing them because they aren’t metal.
9. Square Wine Glasses .  I love the look of these wine glasses!  They are larger in size and are perfect for red or white wine.  Did I mention they are under $30?
10. Plaid Scarf.  Who doesn’t need a scarf?  This is the perfect gift for your hair stylist, co-worker or yourself;). If you spend $60 at Glik’s, you get $20 off (some exclusions apply) with code Friday20

Happy shopping friends 💋

xoxo, ang

Dresses, Dresses, Dresses!

I don’t have to tell you guys that I’m straight up obsessed with dresses right now. As I’m writing this, I am in a dress. I have never been a dress person until I bought this one. It’s a great length. It’s just the right amount of flowy and it comes in several colors. I now own three of this particular style. I might add that this dress can totally be styled for fall. Throw on a pair of booties, a chunky cardigan and wide brim hat and your ready for a day at the pumpkin patch 😉

While I was shopping for the vacation I’m currently on, I came across another great boho-ish style that I have completely fallen in love with. Again, this style will take me right thru the fall season.

FYI, Free People makes some of the best boho dresses I’ve seen but keep in mind they are pricey. If you want something stylish and affordable be sure to check out the styles I talk about in this post:)

Have a great Tuesday babes💋

Ang

Ps, don’t forget to follow me on LIKEtoKNOW.it Just search ANGBRUENING in the Influencer search.

What I’m Wearing | Blazers

If you have followed me for a while, you will know that I am a kimono queen.  Like,  I would pretty much wear one every day.  While I still like them, I really haven’t worn one in a while.  This is because I have a new obsession:  Blazers!  Blazers have been on my radar for a while now and they are going to be one of fall’s hottest trends.  I bought my first one in February at Walmart of all places!  It was on clearance for $3.  Can you believe it?!?  It fits me so good and I love how it looks styled with a graphic tee.

Target also had some really cute styles this past spring and that’s where I grabbed this striped one.  I plan on wearing it in the fall too with either a basic tee or a band tee.

I picked up this linen blazer at TJ Maxx in late spring and I love that its oversized.  The only downfall is that it wrinkles very easily:/  I plan on wearing this all thru fall as well even though linen is more of a spring/summer material.

This FreePeople blazer is the the newest to my collection.  It was one of the things I wanted the most from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  You definitely get what you pay for with this blazer.  The fit is amazing!

Don’t think you have to pay and arm and a leg for a great blazer!  Remember, I got a really great one from Walmart!  I was shopping at a Goodwill store the other day and they had some as well.  I had to talk myself out of buying another black one while I was there;).

Here are some other great styles that are all super affordable!

 

Ruched Sleeve Blazer

Lightweight Blazer

1.  Black Ruched Sleeve Blazer.  This one looks like my Walmart find and it’s under $35!
2. Lightweight Striped Blazer.  This one is an oversized boyfriend style and it’s on clearance for under $25.
3. Linen Blazer.  I love the sleeve detail on this one and it’s only $24!!
4. Striped Boyfriend Blazer.  I love this one and may have to add it to my blazer collection!
5. Plaid One-Button Blazer.  Another great style that would look great styled with a graphic or band tee.

Thanks for reading and let me know if you love this trend as much as I do!

xoxo, ang 💋

Things You May Not Know About Me…

Hello!  I don’t know about you, but I love learning random facts about other people.  I’ve decided to tell you guys 15 things about me that you may not know.

1.  My name is Angela, but I like to be called Ang.  My parents always called me Angel and that is what I went by for the first 18 years of my life.
2. I am deaf in my right ear and I was born that way.  Sometimes I have to read lips to actually understand what people are saying.  When I mention to people about my hearing loss, they talk really loud to me and I do not like it!
3. I got married when I was 20 and had my son when I was 21.  My son is now 23 and engaged, and the hubs and I will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary in October!!
4. Most of you already know that the Grateful Dead is one of my favorite bands (thanks to my hubs;) but I also love Sade and Erykah Badu.
5. Goat cheese makes me gag.
6. I haven’t had contact with any of my family (mom, dad, brothers) for almost 10 years.  Sometimes you just have to cut out the toxicity to live a happy life.
7. My first real job was as a cashier at a convenience store where I happened to meet my husband 🙂
8. I didn’t go to college.
9. My son graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Engineering and his job is:  Computer Scientist for the Federal Government.
10. I hate a dirty kitchen.  All of the dishes have to be done before I go to bed.
11. I have a terrible habit of picking the skin around my fingernails.
12. I do not go to bed without taking off my makeup and brushing/flossing my teeth.  No exceptions.
13. Lake Como, Italy is at the top of my bucket list for vacations.
14. I have 13 tattoos.
15. I went sky diving on my 41st birthday.  It was one of the most freeing feelings I have ever had in my life!

Now you know a little more about me:)

Thanks for reading!

xoxo, ang 💋

July Agnes & Dora Haul

I was lucky enough to get to partner with Agnes & Dora again this month and I wanted to share all the great things I received.  I also have a discount code so keep reading to see how I styled everything and find out how you can save $$!

I was skeptical about getting these black jeggings but I’m so glad I did!  they are high waisted and super comfy..plus I love the little mesh panel near the ankle.   They work now with a tunic tee and with a sweater when the temps drop.

you really can’t go wrong with a tee shirt dress.  this one checks all the boxes for me.  sleeve length ✓. over all length ✓.  comfort ✓✓.

this “Let’s Rebel” tee is my favorite!  I love how it looks styled with some distressed jeans and my favorite white hat.

I love how this fitted lace tee looks styled under my favorite black blazer.  I’m definitely wearing this outfit if I go back to NYC for work;) .  I layered this lace tee with a simple layering tank in the same color.  I would recommend going up a size in this top as it is super fitted and doesn’t really stretch.

if you haven’t checked out Agnes & Dora yet, you should!  hit the link below to shop and use 15XANGBRUENING to save 15% at checkout!

https://glnk.io/myy/angbruening

xoxo, ang 💋

What I’m Wearing | Agnes & Dora

I am obsessed with Agnes & Dora right now!  I am partnering with them again this month and I must say, I love everything I received.  Their clothes are so “me”.  I am pretty picky about what I wear but I have worn all of my Agnes & Dora pieces several times since getting them.

these wide leg crop pants are so comfy!  they feel just like you are wearing a jegging!

I don’t normally go for florals but I really love this top!  it can be dressed up or down and has the cutest frill sleeves!

this ruffle tunic might be my favorite piece!  it can be worn with jeans (my favorite!) or leggings and the floral print is amazing!

this long mesh dot dress is so unique!  I love how it looks with a knot tied at the bottom and you know me, I will always wear this dress with jeans;)  did I mention it comes in black?!?

Agnes & Dora has so many good things on their site right now!  To check it out hit the link  below:

https://glnk.io/myy/angbruening

use code ADSUMMER10 for 10% off of your order (2 item minimum)

thanks for stopping by!

xoxo, ang

 

My Style

my style can be described as pretty basic.  the colors I gravitate towards are your typical basic colors:  black, gray and white.  I do have some color and prints in my closet but I love wearing basic pieces and popping them with a bold accessories.  I also love being comfortable but still looking stylish.  I recently received a few pieces from Agnes & Dora and they are just that:  Stylish and comfortable!  if this checks off those boxes for you, then you should check them out.

“Agnes & Dora is a lifestyle clothing brand focused on effortless style and comfortable, high-quality clothes. Founded by Buffy Bandley, Agnes & Dora is dedicated to empowering women to take joy in their femininity and be true to their authentic selves”.

I loved everything that I received from Agnes & Dora and have worn them all several times already!  My favorite is definitely the black sheer dress.  I feel extra sassy when I wear it;)

 

 

 

 

thanks for stopping by!

xoxo, ang