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Where Are You Going in That? Angela Howenstein on Style, Confidence, and Reinvention After 40
308 Plays10 days ago
Angela Howenstein is a fashion stylist and content creator known for helping women over 40 rediscover their personal style with everyday, affordable chic. She believes getting dressed should feel fun, expressive, and confidence-boosting—not confusing or overwhelming. Her signature approach mixes high-low fashion—pairing timeless luxury pieces with budget-friendly finds to create looks that are polished yet totally approachable.
Angela’s career has taken her from the style capitals of New York and Los Angeles to collaborations with brands like Lilly Pulitzer and Oscar de la Renta. But it’s her heart for real women that sets her apart. She’s built a loyal community of women who want to look good, feel great, and answer that all-too-familiar question with style: “Where are you going in that?”
Now based in Harbor Springs, Michigan, Angela shares stories of motherhood, marriage, and midlife with humor and heart—and proves that great style has no age limit.
Website: https://angelahowenstein.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelahowenstein/
LTK: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/angelahowenstein
Shop: https://shop.angelahowenstein.com/shop/My-Shop
Thank You to Our Sponsors: Jet Creative and UrbanStems!
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Transcript
Introduction and Purpose of Rebloom Podcast
00:00:01
Speaker
Hey everyone, welcome to Rebloom, the podcast where we explore the power of change, rediscovery, and living with intention. That's right. We're your hosts, Lori and Jamie, two friends who really love a good story about transformation.
00:00:16
Speaker
In each podcast, we're going to chat with inspiring guests who've made bold pivots in their lives or careers. They've let go of what no longer serve them to embrace something more authentic, joyful, and true to who they really are.
00:00:31
Speaker
And the best part, many of them reconnect with passions or dreams they discovered as kids. It's about finding the seeds planted long ago and letting them bloom again.
00:00:43
Speaker
So if you're ready for real conversations about reinvention, purpose, and following your creative heart, you're in the right place. Let's dive in and see what it takes to re-bloom.
Angela Hauenstein's Journey into Fashion
00:00:56
Speaker
This was the best conversation about style, which I sometimes struggle with. And so a lot of what Angela had to say really spoke to me. And I also was really intrigued with how...
00:01:13
Speaker
And you know, I always get intrigued by this. Yeah. How the things that she loved since she was young, always loved fashion, always hung out in her closet, and then kind of went through all of these iterations that were tangent to fashion and now is doing something that's just comes easily and naturally to her. Right.
00:01:36
Speaker
And sometimes people think, well, I can't do that because it's too easy for me. That's not a real job, but that's when you know you really have something. That is when you know you have something. And yeah, she not only has found something that she can do easily because it is her authentic self. And then she's helping us to be our authentic selves and finding what works for us. And I know when we've talked to a lot of um our other guests about Reblooming, it's when you find that authenticity that you really begin to share your joy with the world. And that's what she's doing. And it's incredible. And I hope that everybody,
00:02:15
Speaker
um We'll enjoy this episode because it was a delight to speak with Angela. You definitely want to follow her and just enjoy.
00:02:26
Speaker
Hey, Lori, how are you today? Hey, Jamie, we're having a fun podcasting day today. oh we are. So for our listeners, we often batch create, which means that we do a couple of podcasts, two, maybe three in a row.
00:02:42
Speaker
And today we've done brother-sister duo, which has been really kind of fun. Absolutely. And I love hearing about their family. And we already interviewed their other brother,
00:02:52
Speaker
We did. we We're just going through your family because you're also are interesting. It is. So today we're going to welcome Angela Hauenstein. Hello, Angela. How are you? Hi, very well, thanks. Thanks for having me.
00:03:06
Speaker
Oh, thank you for coming. Well, for our listeners, um she has several, she has many siblings. she is one of seven, um but she has ah two brothers, which we've interviewed. One is Billy O'Donnell or Bill. Well, I know he goes by Bill, but I call him Billy. And the other is John O'Donnell, who um runs, who is the founder of Johnny O. And today we get to have their incredible sister, Angela. And so thank you so much for joining us today.
00:03:32
Speaker
You are welcome. And thank you for having me again. Sure, sure. exciting to watch your feed on Instagram. So I can't wait to get into how you got there. Take us on that journey. Yeah. So Angela, for those of you who do not follow her and absolutely should, but I'm going to tell you right now, it's um a costly follow because I have, I've bought several, several
Becoming a Fashion Influencer
00:03:56
Speaker
things. um But she shares sort of everyday affordable chic for women, primarily over 40. But
00:04:04
Speaker
ah You know, you're an influencer now, but obviously you didn't start as an influencer because none of us did. None of us could have done that back in the day. So tell us sort of like where did your professional career begin?
00:04:15
Speaker
your brother did share that you were always into fashion. Oh, yeah. Always. I was just one of those kids who... um Instead of studying, I was always in my closet.
00:04:31
Speaker
And I was always, I ended up going to a public high school where I didn't have uniforms. And so I thought that was the coolest thing ever. My brothers and sisters did not. And so I used to always get into picking my outfits out. And I mean, I would spend hours and I, and my parents didn't even know we had a big cedar closet. I'd be going through all the hand-me-downs and putting things together. And so I've always loved that.
00:04:53
Speaker
And it kind of turned into the person where people would say, where did you get that? And I would say, oh, well, I got it at wherever, you know, when I love a bargain too. So I had no problem going to TJ Maxx and Marshalls and things like that.
00:05:05
Speaker
And, um, after I had our four children, um, I, so I thought, you know, i should get into, I'm always doing my friends closets and I do it for free and cause it's fun. And I thought, you know, I should, I should do this as a profession because it's, I enjoy it.
00:05:23
Speaker
It helps people greatly. And, um, So I kind of just started that. And then along with that always comes, you have to have a website, right? And then all of a sudden you've got to have an Instagram. And this is probably four or five years ago that I started that.
00:05:39
Speaker
And It just kind of happened that people, I guess, like what they saw. And so I was doing less personal shopping. I am doing less, especially where I live now, less personal shopping and less um closet edits than I do Instagram and sort of helping people online and virtually.
00:06:01
Speaker
Yeah. What does, ah you said you go into your friend's closets and do an edit. what What does that process look like? It really is Um, it's for people who are saying my lifestyle has changed. My body has changed. My budget has changed good for the good or the bad either way on any of these things.
00:06:20
Speaker
And I just can't get out of my leggings every day. And I just, I don't know what to wear so that I feel good in my clothes. And, um, Or they would be going to an event and we'd be going through scouring through their things, trying to find something. But what it came down to is a lot of people, it's not about like having a really cleanly, clean closet. I mean, oftentimes it is, but knowing where everything is and what's in there and the things that actually suit you, your lifestyle, your body, what colors suit you and not having a bunch of crap in there that you really just can't wear. Right.
00:06:54
Speaker
And it it's kind of just trying to bring people into their closet to see what they have, take out the things that do absolutely don't suit them at all, either selling them or donating them, and then putting everything back in the closet in in a way that people can figure out how to get dressed every day really easily.
00:07:12
Speaker
yeah My husband would love you to do that for me. Yes. He's always saying, don't you need to get rid of some stuff? Yeah, i think we all I think we all need it. And you have a phrase that you like to give to people too, when you're looking at clothes, which I love. Do you want to share that? I will. And I love to say it. We used to say it all the time when I'd go shopping with my friends and they'd say, what do you think of this? And I'd say, where are you going in that?
00:07:36
Speaker
Yeah. Like really? Yeah. if If you can't say the grocery store or I'm going to run errands or whatever it is, then it's probably a purchase that is a one hit wonder, or you might not have that many events to go to it. So where are you going in it? And it lists a couple of places. And if it's valid, I say, get it. And if it's not, then I say pass.
00:07:56
Speaker
Yeah. Yeah. And do you do you do that? Would you recommend that too for my class? Like, for instance, I'm thinking of formal dresses that you bought and, you know, you wore and you're like, well, it was a formal dress. I wore it to a wedding maybe five years ago.
00:08:10
Speaker
who I'm probably never going to wear it again. I mean, I did wear it. But do you say what he would do you ask yourself, where am I going to wear that? I do. yeah But at the same time, I say to, i so I say to people, one, does it still fit you?
00:08:26
Speaker
Because if it still fits, it's not worth giving away because if you do end up having to go to something, why go spend money on something new if this other one still works and still looks good on you? um i I, I hesitate also because sometimes, you know, if if you want to try and sell something, sometimes things aren't um relevant anymore.
00:08:48
Speaker
And, and so it, I'm to turn this off. And so it's kind of like you could donate it, but special occasion dresses can be really hard to find. And oftentimes people, you know, are are strapped at the last minute and thinking, what am i going to wear? So I always will say to kind of hold on to those unless they're horrible looking and you or do not fit.
00:09:09
Speaker
You look like an 80s bridesmaid. Time to get time to get go. those can go Most people just leave them in hotel rooms after weddings, which I find hilarious. birthday ninety s Oh, my God. That's really funny. Oh, my gosh. I've never heard. funny That's so funny. but Well, and so I think, to you know, and one of the things that I love about what you share in your style is that you share a combination. I mean, they're really classic, gorgeous things, but there's a combination of sort of higher end things.
00:09:40
Speaker
But you'll say, hey here's a really great tank that I got on Amazon. Like, get this for 24 bucks. It's got a great material. It's amazing. So you're really showing your followers the whole range, which I think is fabulous. Well, I think that's how most people want to live their lives, right? They want to have, um I mean, that's how I live my life. And I think that people, sorry, those are my dog's toenails. If you hear those, clipped.
00:10:07
Speaker
and I cannot understand. That's where he sits every day. Where is Oh, he's getting settled. He's adorable. Okay. So it's funny. You had your dog on your social media the other day and I have a needy dog just like you. I have a Cavapoo.
00:10:20
Speaker
Is yours a Cavapoo? No, he's a Daisy dog from Grand Rapids, which means he's a mix that they won't tell you what it is. So I did have his DNA done and he is part poodle, part bijon, part shih tzu, and then a mystery breed. Yeah.
00:10:35
Speaker
so wow what a mixture he's just a really cute dog whose world it's his world and we live in it and it's yes it is so maddening anyway and i did just have him groomed and i said can you make sure you you know trim his toenails and anyway it's not the first time we had noises on here we excuse me feel better things and beeps and whatever we just roll with it Usually my Carolina who decides to just make her presence known too. And she's exactly, that she's hilarious and she will do that occasionally, but they're fun. And, but she's, I was, I was watching you you're like, okay, the dog is coming with me to the gym because he's needy. And I'm like, yeah, I got one of those needy dogs too. I'm like, how did I get a needy dog? Like, honestly, and I don't feel like he was always needy, but then our neighbors in Boulder started saying, you know, he really does bark when you leave. Cause we would go to the neighbor's house or we would go out and they'd say, he's, he's been barking the entire time we left.
00:11:29
Speaker
then when we were up here it happened to again and it was just this whole thing so we' put him on prozac we've tried xanax and nobody did him oh yeah now i'm going to get him cbd he's untrainable so hope oh how fun to give me eyegra we dig well kind passion so yeah am a high low shopper I always have been. My mom has been that way. I am not brand conscious and I do not believe that anybody should be brand conscious because what that says is you have no inherent style.
00:11:59
Speaker
You're just buying because either you can because you've got a fantastic figure. So you're buying brand. you know, something just off the rack that you don't need, or it's because you have a huge budget
Involving Family in Influencing
00:12:10
Speaker
and you're walking into a boutique and someone's saying, this is a great white t-shirt. It's only $2.95. And you're like, wait, what? Why? It's a white t-shirt. Yeah.
00:12:17
Speaker
Yeah. Right. I mean, those are things that you can invest in, but you know, if you sweat or you spill on it, well, that's ruined. So I just, I do feel as though there are some things that you can invest in that are great.
00:12:31
Speaker
But there's a lot of stuff. No one cares or knows if your sweater came from Target. If anything, I just recently bought, which you'll see on Instagram soon, dress at Bloomingdale's. It was 118 bucks, both of them each.
00:12:45
Speaker
They look so fancy. And I said to my husband, I cannot wait to walk into this fancy club and walk in in my $118 dress and have all these fancy ladies be like, where did you get that?
00:12:56
Speaker
Yeah. That is so fun. i mean My mom was that way. My mom would always, she always looked like a million bucks, but she would find, she was a bargain hunter and she would get asked those questions and she loved actually telling them, Oh my God. Yeah.
00:13:13
Speaker
Cause I have to you. She was proud of it. We had gone to a black tie years ago and we walked in and I had bought my dress for $35 on the sale rack at Dillard's.
00:13:25
Speaker
And there was this fancy lady in there. And of course, my husband's got a wicked sense of humor. And she was in the almost the exact same dress. Mine was crepe. Hers was um velvet, but it was it looked almost identical. And she was... So by not only did we look like it, it was a little embarrassing, but my husband walked up and goes...
00:13:45
Speaker
So did you spend $35 for the death glare that I got from that lady? And I was like, well, too bad for you. we are totally digressing.
00:13:56
Speaker
We are.
00:14:01
Speaker
So got to get back on me got your story. And I want to hear, yeah like we always concentrate on the pivots. And so we're talking about where you are now, but take us back to what led to this and yeah what pivots you've made along the way. Yes. All right. So when I was 14, I did have a job at a boutique in Winneka, Illinois, and i was under the age that they I couldn't be paid unless I guess he could have paid me under the table, but he used to give me, you know, merchandise as payment or whatever.
00:14:30
Speaker
So I really kind of started a little bit in retail, went to college, moved to New York, doing the ad sales for television. And I never really realized what my true passion was.
00:14:43
Speaker
I just, I just did what I knew, which is my, a lot of members of my family were doing television or radio ad sales. So anyway, um, As I was married and immediately had four children pretty quickly and then raising those four kids.
00:14:59
Speaker
And then the time came to say, like, I really need to be doing something. I mean, before you know it, they're going to be gone. And at that time was when I started helping out my friends in their closets, doing edits.
00:15:10
Speaker
And that is when i said, you know, should probably start a business doing this and showing people where to buy things. And now it's so, you know,
Challenges and Joys of Influencing
00:15:20
Speaker
the the market is flooded with people like me um and you can get go down a rabbit hole in a second.
00:15:26
Speaker
But what I just like to focus on is kind of what I believe. And then the people that are interested in what I believe, which is, you know, high and low fashion classics, um everyday chic, all that.
00:15:38
Speaker
um That's kind of how people, I guess, find me. And then they like it. They, they, a lot of people like it. You've got a huge following on social media. She is, Angela's an influencer.
00:15:50
Speaker
And, you know, you stepped into that, in you stepped into Instagram, obviously not thinking you were going to probably at that moment be like, oh, I'm going to be an influencer someday. Although it's fun to brag to the kids a little bit, I think, you know, like, hey, mommy's got more followers.
00:16:03
Speaker
But tell us about what that looks like for you as and you know you've grown into this big space and now you're producing a lot of content frequently. And tell us what being ah an influencer means now.
00:16:16
Speaker
Yeah, it's kind of weird um because you're always you always have, what's it called, syndrome? Imposter syndrome. Yeah. You know, that just comes with anything that you do, I guess. um And not everybody likes what I do or whatever. You know, you never know. But I remember it's been a couple of times, more more than once, um in when I was in Denver at the like the Cherry Creek Mall, or and people will say, Angela?
00:16:42
Speaker
And I think, wait, what? Yeah. are you talking to me? Yeah. even Oh, okay. Hi. And they're like, I follow you on Instagram. I really love it. And all your stuff. And I'm like, oh gosh, thanks.
00:16:54
Speaker
um And I've been really lucky also because I don't get a lot of hate. And I think that that's such a thing that a lot of people do get hate. And I very politely love to tell people, look, this is all about good vibes here. This is for fun. We are not curing cancer here.
00:17:10
Speaker
i wish I could, but I can't. Good vibes only. And if you don't like it, it would be a big favor to me if you would just um unfollow. And I never usually hear back. But It's just kind of a weird space because you're really putting yourself out there. And it's kind of the last thing I want to be doing in my life at 50, almost 56. I'm sort of like, I can't believe I'm twirling around in front of the camera, but people seem to like it. And they like to see clothes on a person that's relatable to them.
00:17:37
Speaker
yeah You're really good at it and you're very approachable and likable and you're beautiful. So you're beautiful. holes too yeah Well, and Lori and I have both been on social media and Instagram for a while and, and it's hard to put yourself out there, but when I, and even when I teach, actually I was just talking with my cousin's husband and he needs to be on social media. He's a physician and we were talking about it and I said, listen, you just have to find the space where you're going to feel comfortable and And not everybody can do everything. Like I, I'm a little less comfortable putting myself out there, but Lori, Lori's gotten better. I mean, you enjoy it. You've gotten a lot better at it. Yeah, I just kind of, I don't know. I just, the more, it's like anything else, the more you do it, I think the easier it becomes or it's all about practice and
00:18:29
Speaker
You kind i have to just lose your inhibitions and be like, you know, yeah people don't like it. i really can't worry about it. Yeah. Right. But, you know, I think the thing that's so cool about what you're doing, Angela, is, yes, you're bringing your fun personality to it, but you're being really authentic. Like I like i mean, you like the things that you're talking about and ah you can tell that. And so there's a quality aspect of it.
00:18:54
Speaker
And I think that's what people really tune in to listen to. Oh, well, this is a really good pair of shoes or this or that. And, you know, that that's what you want, because it's hard to find good products now. And so you're helping us to do our homework.
00:19:09
Speaker
And yeah, helping you to not have to worry about shopping all the time. Yes. i am curious, like, what is what is a week in the life of Angela? as being an influencer. and like funny Are you batch creating content or I'm not as good at it as um I should be, but I do finally have someone that's kind of helping me sort of um get that. My husband does a lot of the behind the scenes things, which is great.
00:19:39
Speaker
um But in terms of, you know, laying out how it's going to go, um how many things could I shoot in a day? And um there's no method to the madness quite yet, but I am yeah getting there. And it depends on...
00:19:54
Speaker
If I have a deal with a brand and they're going to send me a box of clothes, I have to sort of figure out when, but you know, what's the weather, what's the lighting, what's the, um you know, how am I going to present this to people?
00:20:07
Speaker
um Or if I'm just, you know, wearing something that I love, that can be just in two seconds, I can just get on the phone and just do it. It's interesting. um The day in the life, there's a lot of, I do a lot of virtual teaching too.
Content Creation and Authenticity
00:20:21
Speaker
So that takes up a lot of time. So I'm working on my calendars, ladies. It's not as spelled out as it needs to be. Aren't we all? I'm getting there.
00:20:32
Speaker
I'm getting there. Like, do you use a scheduler for your posting and all of that? um Yes and no. Sometimes, I mean, stories, I really like to be off screen.
00:20:42
Speaker
the cuff, because when, if I stand there and tell you guys that I'm making chicken fajitas tonight, nine times out of 10, I will get, I don't know how many people will say, where do I get the sweater?
00:20:54
Speaker
So if I don't link something, um, that that they tend to like, say, where do I get that when I link it? I can't see who's buying, but I can see that they're buying.
00:21:05
Speaker
um But it tends to be the real life stuff that people really react to. So the planned stuff where you can tell that I'm sort of explaining what I'm wearing, that's all planned out.
00:21:16
Speaker
And, you know, for the brands to let them know in advance. But yeah, other than that, it's the off the cuff stuff that people really relate to. Yeah. Yeah. That doesn't surprise me. Yeah. Cause I, they probably can put themselves in your world a little more easily. Yeah. yeah Like and when you're in your kitchen or whatever.
00:21:36
Speaker
Well, that's the real stuff. And that's when you're not necessarily selling, you're just being you. And that's what people want to, they want to feel connected to who you are and that lets you feel connected to, you know, I feel like, as I said, I'm like, Oh, you live in Michigan. Like you start to know someone's story. Yeah.
00:21:54
Speaker
As much as you know what's and then you feel like, well, her story is similar to my story. So that's a, great you know, we were compatible and I would listen to what she has to say. And yeah, I think another thing about it is that I try to say to people, this is not So that you buy, buy, buy, buy.
00:22:15
Speaker
This is supposed to be inspirational and aspirational, right? So people say, what's your workout routine? You know, what do you do you know for your skin or, and I'm happy to share what I can know to people are the same, but.
00:22:27
Speaker
And it's sort of to say, look, if you have a navy blue cardigan and a white T-shirt and some cool earrings, go put it on. You don't have to buy this, but right use this as a little inspo, screenshot it, do whatever you want to do so that you can say like, oh, I feel like have that outfit. I could wear that.
00:22:46
Speaker
Yeah. Yeah. d Do you get a lot of responses from people about how you're helping them? I do. As a matter of fact, I was just putting all these testimonials into a folder so that I can put it on social media just to say,
00:23:01
Speaker
You know, because it it's such a great feeling when people say, my gosh, I'm a 64 year old lady and I, you know, have put on some weight in my middle because of menopause. And um I really loved the way you said something. And it just makes me feel like, oh, I helped someone today because she's not feeling great about herself.
00:23:16
Speaker
And that makes me feel really good. I do get messages back and people do really feel like they know you. You know, I mean, Rover, the dog. they They refer to him. I always call him baby Rover, even though he's 13.
00:23:28
Speaker
And they sometimes people write me note and they'll say, oh, look at BR today. Like they know him and they they pay attention and it's kind of funny.
00:23:39
Speaker
Well, and how do your kids feel about the the what you're doing now? You know, I always, I'm always even still a little shy around the family when I have to film things, even in front of my husband, who's like, what are you what's your problem? But yeah um I thought at first that everybody would be almost embarrassed.
00:23:57
Speaker
And it depends on, I guess, what their ages have been. The youngest is 20 and the oldest is, and then there are two 24 year olds. And then, excuse me, one 20 year old boy, two 20 year old girl, two year old girls and one 24 year old boy.
00:24:09
Speaker
And they think it's awesome. And in fact, one of them is in Greece right now. And she just texted me. She said, um my friend that I'm with on this trip wants a link to that bathrobe you were wearing. Oh, how funny.
00:24:21
Speaker
So then the kids, all friends all know me because of it. So, you know, it's kind of fun now, again, because I don't take it too seriously. mean, come this is like, this is just fun. And so sometimes I'm laughing at myself. I'm laughing at them.
00:24:35
Speaker
you know, just keep it all realistic. and I watched one today. That was really cute. You were coming, you kept coming down the steps in a different outfit. Change your mind. Like, oh yeah.
00:24:48
Speaker
I love it. everybody so that I tell you what, my husband is actually really good on camera. And a lot of people are saying, we want Bing, bring back Bing. I'm like, okay, I'll bring him back.
00:24:59
Speaker
We have a friend who her husband is adorable and her audience knows Matt. And they're always like, where's Matt? Where's Matt? We want to see him. Oh, how funny. Maybe I should bring my husband on. I'll have to ask him. You should, because Jim's adorable. Jim is so funny. He has a sense of humor and that's great. Oh, he does. Oh, he does. He thinks he's a riot. Yeah.
00:25:23
Speaker
No, he is funny. He is very funny and he would be really fun. But, you know, that's that authenticity. And, i you know, it's interesting with my kids, too. I found, you know, they may not say much, but then sort of indirectly you will have heard.
00:25:38
Speaker
about them telling their friends or their friends, their friends all of a sudden will start following you. And you're like, whoa, they've been talking about me. And that kind makes me, it makes me feel so proud that, you know, there's a little bit of, but you know, it's like, okay, your mom's not such a dork after all. We're all kind of cool. We can, we can be cool, mom. That's right.
00:26:01
Speaker
Yeah. and it's And it's just, I mean, that's really kind of neat. and But we're also putting ourselves out there in our authentic way. And so I think that that is something to be, all three of us can be very proud of too. I think we're putting our authenticity out there. And I think when you do that, that not only makes us proud, but makes our family proud.
00:26:21
Speaker
I think so. And I think just being yourself is what it it just yeah truly, you know, I watched some girls who I think, where do you really wear that just during the day? Or do you right really, used to spend a lot of money on clothes because I was going out all the time in our thirties. We go out a lot and I cared more and I was younger and I was going out and doing all this stuff. And now I'm like,
00:26:48
Speaker
Yeah. be five I don't really go anywhere anymore, but I still get dressed all the time. Especially during the pandemic. Oh, yeah. Yeah. you know I would say my biggest pieces of advice to people and um is.
00:27:03
Speaker
There is something about getting up. whether it's you working out you're working out or whatever you're going to do in the morning, the shower actually going over your head is one feeling, right? You know that you just, that, that did something for you.
00:27:16
Speaker
And the same goes for actually putting clothes on that you like that make you feel good. Because when you're just sitting around in your leggings or your robe all day, you're less productive. You don't feel as great about yourself.
00:27:27
Speaker
You know, if the UPS man comes to the door, it's like, you know, getting up, getting dressed, wear your clothes for God's sake. You went out and spent all this money, put them on. Yeah. And we've all got comfortable clothes that are not leggings and that look cute. That's right. Those are things you need to be focusing on if you are a standalone person. Things that are attractive loungewear pieces that are flattering.
00:27:48
Speaker
Correct. funny because I know a lot of people save their nice things for when they really have an event or they're going to be around other people. But I think your advice of Doing that in your everyday, you know, running to the grocery store, feeling like you look good.
00:28:06
Speaker
Yes. Because the minute someone says, oh my God, you look amazing. all of a sudden you're like, wait, what? Oh. Yeah, do. It does something to all of the those endorphins or whatever. Dopamine hit, I guess.
00:28:22
Speaker
Yeah. So if we can go back just for a second, you were sharing with us before we hit record some things that happened in between your retail job.
00:28:33
Speaker
And what you're doing now, can you just kind of walk us through because I feel like in a lot of our podcasts, it's the accumulation of all the skills you pick up along the way that end up kind of really benefiting you where you land in something that you really truly love.
00:28:52
Speaker
So can you speak to that? Yeah. I mean, again, when I moved to New York City and worked in ad sales, that wasn't my passion. And I didn't know what was really happening. But when I did quit that job, I called up the owner of Lily Pulitzer. I didn't even know him.
00:29:06
Speaker
And I said, because he had just bought the brand back. ah Lily Pulitzer, the brand was going up for sale and anybody could have bought it, Walmart, anybody. But these two guys from Philadelphia got together and bought the brand and brought it back in about 90
00:29:23
Speaker
seven or 98.
Career Path and Brand Partnerships
00:29:25
Speaker
And I just called the guy up on the phone and I said, Hey, look, I live in Los Angeles. You know, i don't see anybody out here wearing it. I don't see anybody on the red carpet wearing it. Not that it's a red carpet brand, but you know, are there celebrities out there that wear it and whatever. And so I ended up helping them do some PR and trunk shows and things like that.
00:29:43
Speaker
And then I kind of moved into this trunk show world for a minute where I was working for a very fancy children's company called Papa Don Joe. which was created by a a gal from Minnesota who was living overseas.
00:29:55
Speaker
And um it was really expensive children's clothing. And so I thought, you know what, i cannot I'm not gonna buy that $100 button down for my boys. But if I work for them,
00:30:07
Speaker
then I will put them in it. I got to have four matching kids. And so I moved into that. Then when it was bought by Oscar de la Renta, we all got to work for Oscar and we would go to New York and go to the office. And I mean, i went out to dinner with him one time at the Red Rooster restaurant or whatever that was called in Harlem. And he got up and sang and we sat at the table and I'm sitting here like, wait, what, what is going on?
00:30:31
Speaker
How am I at this table right now? And it was really, really cool to be able to do that. Then um the children's division kind of disappeared. And we I moved on to a really cool company that was doing made to order dresses, ah shirts, where you would say, I want that style dress, that style, that colorway, this length, this sleeve, and this neckline. And it would come to you in three weeks. And it was a great concept.
00:30:59
Speaker
the gal who was doing it it, it just didn't, she no longer does it. Let's just put it that way. um And that's when I sort of started to say, you know what, this whole blogging thing, like all these people are doing these blogs. I don't understand what this is.
00:31:11
Speaker
yeah And that's when I sort of started this whole thing. And then it just kind of morphed. And here we are Let's take a quick minute and thank our amazing sponsors. Our podcast is proudly brought to you today by Jet Creative and Urban Stems.
00:31:27
Speaker
Jet Creative is a women-owned marketing firm committed to community and empowerment since 2013. Are you ready to re-bloom and build a website or start a podcast? Visit jetcreative.com backslash podcast to kickstart your journey.
00:31:43
Speaker
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00:32:02
Speaker
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00:32:15
Speaker
Thanks to our sponsors and thanks to you for joining us today.
00:32:22
Speaker
So initially, I'm guessing you were just posting about things that you bought yourself and then it built up to a point where your following was there and then brands were reaching out to you. Right.
00:32:34
Speaker
Yes. And I think the whole the landscape, though, has really changed where the early bloggers, those girls. I mean, I don't know if you follow some of the originals. like ah What's her name? Atlantic Pacific people like there there are a bunch of them and they were making.
00:32:50
Speaker
when some still do $100,000 just for one video. Wow. Wow. Wow. was a real groundbreaking thing because brands wanted that authentic,
00:33:00
Speaker
thing Even though these were very styled photos, sessions, and videos, very styled. They were cheaper than, you know, getting a camera crew and doing a commercial and all this kind of stuff.
00:33:11
Speaker
Now that's it's changed because there's so many so much so many more people doing it that, um you know, obviously people aren't making that kind of money anymore. and But there's a thing about being under the thumb of a brand, which is also hard because they get very specific. You can only say this. You can only say that. it's like right Honestly, if that's the way you want to do it, I don't want to work with you because I am not going to say it like that.
00:33:35
Speaker
Well, it's interesting. I like I always like to say when I'm working with brands, I like to be a brand ambassador. I really want to believe in that brand. I don't want to just get on there and say, hey, here's this thing that I'm selling for a hot second and then pop off. Like, I really want to have a connection with them. And It's interesting because you represent, um, Jay McLaughlin, which I had gone into the Jay McLaughlin store and I said, Oh, I follow this woman and she was posting this and I would love to see this. And she said, Oh, she's amazing. She like, they even the store knew about you, which is interesting because that really says to me that you're building that authenticity with the brand, um, full circle.
00:34:16
Speaker
um I wanted to ask though, when you are selecting brands, like how do you, how do you start the relate? How do you pick what you're doing and how do you select that brand? A lot of times they are finding me where Jay McLaughlin, I sort of knew someone that was over there and that's how I got started with them. And that's actually a store I've never, ever shopped in in my life.
00:34:37
Speaker
But the reason that I love to work with them is because I say to them, you're not going to tell me what to wear. I will go in there and find some stuff that I can make cool and youthful and fit.
00:34:48
Speaker
Cool. um But don't just tell me we want you to show this blue dress because I if I don't like the blue dress, I am not going to put it on. Just yeah I'm just not going to do it. But, um you know, it you have to spend a lot of time tagging brands and mentioning them and um to get there to catch their eyes so that they'll either give you free clothes or pay you for, you know, the content.
00:35:10
Speaker
um And that's fine. But I do feel it's a little more freeing not having to be under the thumb of a brand. So I really actually can do it both ways. Yeah.
00:35:21
Speaker
So still to this day, part of your content is just stuff that you find on your own and love. And then some of it is brand driven. Yes. yeah And the you can't really tell though, because I wouldn't work with a brand unless I really liked what they right brand itself. Right. And the clothing that they offer or shoes or whatever it is.
00:35:40
Speaker
Right. Yeah. Right. Yeah. I agree with that because a lot of art supply companies send me stuff and some of it I'm like, yeah, I don't really know if I like this paint. But then there are others that I'm like, I would, I would hands down shout to the rooftops how much I love this product. Right.
00:35:59
Speaker
Yeah. And so the way to do that is just to start shouting it out how much you love it. Yeah. And then eventually they find you because you've tagged them. Right. Yeah. Right. yep What do you find the most rewarding about being an influencer now?
00:36:13
Speaker
It really, it it kind of goes back to what I was saying about that, those couple of women that will, you know, say how much I've really helped them. And I, I'm like, wow. Okay. So that makes me feel great because all of a sudden they're listening. They want to know.
00:36:30
Speaker
I'm like teaching them something that they didn't know before. And yeah, I, because it's so easy and it comes so easily to me, i just didn't realize that a lot of people don't know or care or didn't know that they wanted to care.
00:36:44
Speaker
And so that part of it has been very rewarding. I also, you know, would never, I don't want to make anybody feel bad if someone's like, wow, you know, that sweater is $345. Like that's just too much for me. Can you find something else? I'm like, absolutely.
00:37:01
Speaker
You know, I don't personal shop for free, but sure. I'll throw something else up there that, You know, and then it makes me feel really good when I can find something similar that someone can afford. And I love that.
00:37:11
Speaker
you know And you do, you throw up, you know, really, i mean, you throw up some things that are absolutely gorgeous. Like, you know, you'll go to a ah boutique and you'll say, hey, this is, but then you have, as I said, things that came from Amazon or things that are cheaper, but...
00:37:25
Speaker
I always say, too, it's important on our social media to inform, educate and entertain. And in a very beautiful way, you're entertaining us as you're educating us. Like you did a whole.
00:37:37
Speaker
um Oh, I loved the one about the shoes that are clear. And you're like, listen, ladies, wear these. They'll make your legs look longer. yeah And I'm like. Oh, well, that's really, you know, because we don't know we i mean, and plus, we want to dress like it's 2025, not like it's 1990. And totally.
00:37:57
Speaker
Yeah. And so you're doing a great job helping us. was Is your mom? Is she very stylish? Oh, my gosh. My mom is something else.
00:38:09
Speaker
She is. She'll get mad if I say this, but she's 89 years old. She wears her skinny jeans and her little Johnny O's and her little, you know, Todd's shoes and her hair is just blonde and just like that. And she's totally self-sufficient, lives on her own, happy as can be.
00:38:27
Speaker
And she was old. She still to this day will say, you know, i go to parties and all the ladies have. you know, pants on and these big tops. And she said, we, you know, Angela, don't forget, always wear dresses, dresses, wear dresses, dress like a lady. And I'd be like, okay.
00:38:44
Speaker
yeah And she'd be the only one standing at a party in a dress. Even last year, all everyone's got their white jeans on. And she's like,
Personal Style and Influence
00:38:50
Speaker
they're all wearing their white jeans. And I just, I'm wearing my dress. And um she does have really nice style. And her mother also was a big shopper and loved hats and going to Paris and buying. So it it definitely trickled down through the blood for sure. And your DNA are your sisters also. was going ask that question. That's a good question. I have three sisters who are seven, eight, nine years older than me.
00:39:12
Speaker
The one that's seven years older than me, she would rather sit on her front porch in Greenwich and listen to the birds chirping. It drives me insane because I'm like, you can't wear those jeans anymore. She's like, why? Yeah, she cares and she's got great style. She does accessories and things really well.
00:39:29
Speaker
And then the older one who's nine years older than me, she's definitely she has a daughter who's in her 20s. So they're very into it. Also, they don't do anything with it, but they just always look put together.
00:39:40
Speaker
Yeah. Yeah. I love that. It is so funny. love dressing my daughter. She's like, I always say she's my life-size Barbie. No. Yeah. Go into the stores. It's like, oh my God, that would look so good on kids. Yeah.
00:39:53
Speaker
I love, my my daughter lives in Tribeca and same thing. fact, we were on the, we were talking about some certain brands this week because she she's doing all these weddings and all this stuff. But, but, you know, it's interesting because indirectly I'm taking the things that you've advised. And so when she's showing me things, I'm like, yeah, that's a good one. That's, you know, try this. And it's just and, you know, trying to help these kids with budget friendly type of things yeah that don't look cheap.
00:40:24
Speaker
That don't look cheap. That don't look cheap. I know. And that and and are ladylike. And I agree with your mother. I mean, my mother um has passed on, but she would always say, you need to wear a dress like I'd go to school to with the kids or something. And she'd be like, are you wearing a dress? And I'm like,
00:40:41
Speaker
Why, Mom? you know That's that whole 1960s. And when you traveled, she was a travel agent, too. Oh, we all you have to wear a dress. You have to dress up because I'm like, why, Mom? But yeah but we always look. not i And I still do. I mean, I know that important because what these, you know, amit the American woman out in the airport.
00:41:05
Speaker
Is. It's as unbelievable to me. mean, leggings are never pants, especially if they're in like a sage green or like, you know, mauve.
00:41:17
Speaker
Those are not pants. but They are not. It's usually the people wearing them that shouldn't be wearing them. And all I want to say is like, just put on something else. But yeah that's kind of where our society is going, unfortunately. And I wish we could go back to those Mad Men days and things like that where people cared and it was classy and...
00:41:36
Speaker
I don't think the pandemic helped that at all. I didn't either i don't think so. Now everything's athleisure wear. It's acceptable because if you can find really good looking stuff, again, like everyone's wearing sneakers.
00:41:49
Speaker
Yeah. It's just knowing how to put those things together is the part that people don't always know. Yeah. Right. Right. yeah Are there classic pieces that you would say, yes, invest in this, like invest in good coats, invest in good sweaters or shoes or the things that, you know, seem to be a little more timeless?
Fashion Advice and Personal Enjoyment
00:42:09
Speaker
Yeah. I have a thing, though, about like. you know, when someone says a capsule collection, I don't go for that because what's, there's no universal capse capsule collections. What's good for you and for you is not the same that I would consider a capsule collection. So what I would spend money on might not be what you would spend money on. So it's, I feel like people need to spend money on the things that they love when they see it. And they're like, Oh my God, whether that's a bracelet or it is a dress or it is a blazer.
00:42:39
Speaker
Um, because you, If I told you, I really think you should invest in a blazer, you might be like, but I don't wear blazers. I don't wear blazers. Yeah. yeah And this is something I'm working on for one of my upcoming um online course things that I have. And it's like, there are certain things that if you're going to wear an awful lot, you know, you want, let's say they're sneakers, you can buy inexpensive sneakers that are comfortable. Yeah.
00:43:07
Speaker
Right. And that's an important thing. But you can also buy really expensive sneakers and they can be really uncomfortable. So I wouldn't be some. So it's like it's kind of hard to predict what those things are.
00:43:18
Speaker
i would say everybody needs a really decent black dress. I know that sounds so cliche, like you need your LBD, but it's the truth. you know, because it's something you can throw on any time.
00:43:29
Speaker
And all you're trying to do in that situation or something you are spending money on is making sure that the neckline is complimentary to your figure. um If you're scared to show your arms, okay, okay well then don't buy a sleeve of stress. Or if, you know, finding the exact right length for your legs.
00:43:47
Speaker
Those are the things that when you find those pieces that that work in those ways, those are the things you spend the money on, but it's different for everybody. So i I have a hard time talking about capsule collections and things.
00:43:59
Speaker
Yeah, no, it's ah it's and that's an interesting point. you know One of the things that someone told me years ago, it was when the outlet malls were sort of first starting. And they said, you know, are you buying this, let's say it's $100 item that's been marked down to $50. And let's say you can afford the $100, you can afford the $50. Are you buying it because it's half price and it's $50? Yeah.
00:44:24
Speaker
if um yeah If you had the $100 in your pocket and they said it's $100, would you still buy it? right And I ask myself that a question a lot when I'm like, am I buying this just because it's on sale or do I love, love it? And I'm being a little more particular about making sure that i love something and invest in it appropriately. yeah.
00:44:46
Speaker
Yeah, I know. That's a good one. Isn't that a good one? i do love a sale. And then you end up having a bunch of crap up there in your closet. It's funny. I also believe that that um ability to be mindful like that happens to people at different ages. it depends on how they were raised, how their mother raised.
00:45:06
Speaker
you know, toward, you know, acted toward clothes or whatever and purchases, whether that be extra new lamps, it could be any part of your life. um Being able, it happens at different stages where I have a daughter who hates to shop, believe it or not. But when she sees something she loves She buys it. She is so excited and she will wear the heck out of it. The other one, her twin sister wants to buy anything, anything, anything. I want to have it. I want to have it. I want to have it. And then, you know, ends up maybe not wearing it, but you, you get to a certain point in your life, either it's in and and something you already possess the ability to be able to be selective or it's something you grow into as you get older.
00:45:51
Speaker
Yeah. Interesting. Interesting. When you realize i have too much stuff. Oh yeah. Too much stuff. And you know, I don't believe in that old saying, like if one of my friends literally texted me last week and she said, do I have to listen to that rule that if I haven't worn it in a year or two years, I have to get rid of it. And I said, do you like it?
00:46:10
Speaker
Do you love it? When you look at that? She's like, yeah, but I just don't really wear it. I'm like, then why would you give it away? Don't ever listen to those rules. The things you, the things you give away are the things you just don't wear. I don't care how long you've had them.
00:46:23
Speaker
There are things I've had for years in years that I still go back to all the time. yeah I have some things from my mom that I look She has ah a jacket, a ski jacket that she got in Europe back in the sixties. And it's this boiled wool. That's just amazing. And it's got these fabulous buttons and I'm so glad she kept it.
00:46:45
Speaker
And now I have it and I'll give it to my daughter. But you know, it's interesting. I think clothes sometimes imprint on your heart and soul. My friend says that they leave an imprint. And so if it's sitting in in your closet and it reminds you of ah an event or something that's not taking up too much space and you want to just keep it keep it I mean you're not going to you're not going to get that much for it if you give it away or sell it or whatever so you know it's not hurting anybody to you know but if there's too much yes but or in my case sometimes I cut them up and put them in quilts or something well then that you still have it so that's good then you do then you still have it oh my gosh oh my gosh
00:47:25
Speaker
Well, Angela, this has been just the greatest conversation. Thank you so much for spending time with us. Do you have any advice maybe you give to your clients, your kids, us that you love to leave people with about, i don't know, clothes, life, anything?
00:47:42
Speaker
think really believe a couple of things it. If you love it, i mean, I learned this about decorating recently, you know, where you're, so you feel like you've got a decorator that comes in and you really have to get that because it's part of the formula. And I heard on another podcast, if you love it, put it in your house. And it's the same thing about your clothes. If you love it, then just wear it.
00:48:06
Speaker
And honestly, yeah i want people to walk in their closet. I love that feeling when I see a dress, I'm like, that That is so great. If you don't feel that way, then that's when you know you get rid of it.
00:48:21
Speaker
That would be one thing. I want people to love what they own, have fewer things that you love. Now, do I have a collection of things up there that is obnoxious? Yes, because it's part of the job also. And because it's part of my personality that I hold on to things more than I should, because it's easy to take your own advice on some things, but not always.
00:48:39
Speaker
And the other thing I would say is um Along the lines of if you see something you love, you know, buy it. And but people will say, well, I can't because I can't show my arms. And I literally, my favorite thing to say is, can I just tell you something?
00:48:54
Speaker
No one is looking at your arms. They are looking at their own arms. Nobody is saying, like someone will say, can I wear a beige shoe with a black dress? I'm like, do you think anybody at the party is going to say, did you see Angela's beige shoes with a black dress?
00:49:09
Speaker
yeah let make No one cares. And if they care, they're losers. They shouldn't be your friends anyway. They shouldn't be your friends anyway. Wear what you love. That's... That's really what it comes down to And, you know, spend time really thinking about things. Don't just put it in your cart and buy it, put it in your cart and think about it for a second.
00:49:27
Speaker
And if you go back to it and you're like, I really do love that. But taking a real assessment of did I wear it last year? Because if I really didn't and I think it's only OK, then make space for something new that you love.
00:49:40
Speaker
Yeah, I love that. On the the theme of wearing what you love, um Clinton Kelly and what's the woman that she did that did the show with him, the What Not to Wear show?
00:49:51
Speaker
Oh, I don't remember. have a new show out now and the whole spirit of it is it's totally different from the What Not to Wear theme. It's more about... Really embracing your own authentic style and wearing what you you love. And not not always following the rules that supposedly exist. Like, why? Because when you're wearing what you love, you feel so much more confident and more yourself. Yeah.
00:50:21
Speaker
I'm telling you, if you fall for trends and you are not a trendy dresser, you are going, i tell my clients this all the time, you are going to walk into a party and feel so self-conscious because you are going to feel like you're in a costume.
00:50:36
Speaker
But because it's in, because your body looked good in it or because your budget afforded going to walk into the party and be like, I feel so stupid. Everyone is... I know people know that that's not my style. I look uncomfortable. I feel uncomfortable. I just want to go home.
00:50:51
Speaker
Yeah. Yeah. Leaving the party because you feel stupid. You're you're not living your authentic life. you know, personality, style. and And I think we know, I think we know, like my husband will always say, stop fidgeting, stop fidgeting. If I'm fidgeting in my clothes, then I'm not feeling comfortable or confident in my clothes. And it's just, it's interesting. You'll even stand, but if you're wearing something that's appropriate for you, you do. It's just sort of a natural, you're not even thinking about it. You're not thinking about what other people, you're like, okay, this is good. This works for me. And off I go. yeah.
00:51:23
Speaker
Totally. yeah Yeah. And the other last piece of advice I would say is if you get dressed, when when you start to get into this new mindset that I'm going to get dressed every day, here he comes with his toenails.
00:51:34
Speaker
Oh, here comes our puppy. He's back. Oh, my God. of yeah um Yeah, here's BR. I'll show you BR. Come here. yeah The other thing is. um So Can you put something on? There he is.
00:51:48
Speaker
Hello, Bobby. my God, look at that face. We're going to we'll have to show us. You'll have to send me a picture so we can include that. oh my God. He looks like Carolina. He looks like a stuffed animal. He looks like whatever. But um yeah here's here's the last piece of advice I would say for people who are trying to wear their clothes and get dressed.
00:52:05
Speaker
When you get dressed in the morning, you put something on, you look in the mirror, and if you don't like it today, you're not going to like it next week, you're not going to like it in two months, and you're not going to like it next year. If you don't like it today and the way it looks and the way it makes you feel, then you do need to make a pile for sell or donation and get rid of it Love it. Because don't put it back.
00:52:26
Speaker
Because when you put it back, it's just creating that clutter. And it's going to make it that much more difficult when you do want to get dressed. Give it away. Give it away. Someone else can be thrilled. But I do. I'm a big shopper on the RealReal. I shop on Poshmark all the time.
00:52:41
Speaker
All the time. I love to buy um things that are... have previously been owned for sure. Yeah. love it Yeah. Love it. is pause Look at his Look at this.
00:52:52
Speaker
Oh my God. Clearly you go. We got to have a picture of him. for I know. he's do Angela, thank you so much for spending time with us today. I'll tell you this O'Donnell family is not to be messed with. They are something else. There's a secret sauce there. I don't know if there's something about that.
00:53:10
Speaker
Be hard workers and very humble and just nice people.
Encouragement and Conclusion
00:53:15
Speaker
But it is. Well, killing it yeah, everybody, please follow Angela Hauenstein. We will have her links. She's incredible. You want to follow her and certainly you will enjoy everything that she shares with you and and find the thing that is right for you.
00:53:31
Speaker
So peace, love and re-bloom. Life is too short not to follow your passions. So go out there and let your heart plant you where you are meant to be and grow your joy.
00:53:43
Speaker
We will be right here sharing more incredible stories of reinvention with you. Make sure to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode of Rebloom.
00:53:53
Speaker
Until next time, I'm Jamie Jamieson. And I'm Lori Siebert. Peace, love and Rebloom, dear friends.