Open
Scenes from a Friday night…

We started at @littleblackbirddc a new wine bar in Cleveland Park where we had great food, drink, and conversation into the evening. We then headed down the street to @atomicbilliards for a whole different experience and to keep the conversation going. I treasure my friendships with @sylviacolella (who had a birthday recently), @districtofchic, and @blonde_inthedistrict they’re the real deal 🥰

My dress is @adamlippes borrowed via @renttherunway and Cheetos with Sauvignon Blanc is a really fun pairing!
Open
Night and day…

Met three dear friends for an early dinner that went on until after the sun set. Great food and conversation with some great women!

The dress is @adamlippes and I borrowed it from @renttherunway. The bag is @jcrew and a splurge but I regretted not buying it the last time they offered this bag and this color is SO me. I mean, look how great it is with these many years old suede heeled sandals? Meant to be!

This color combination makes me so happy, and this dress was comfy even after a decadent meal. We all deserve to experience comfort and joy with our wardrobes! 💛🩷

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jnDf #ltkplussize #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #over40style
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If @thechicks are in town you can bet @debbiefaye78 and I will be there! So when we heard they were coming to @merriweatherpp we were so excited. And their concert did not disappoint. As always, a phenomenal show! If The Chicks come to your neck of the woods I highly recommend you go!

Okay I know you want to know about what we’re wearing! 

My sister’s caftan is from @anthropologie (bought this summer so maybe you can find on resale sites).

I’m wearing a @bananarepublic dress also from this summer with the @universalstandard denim chore jacket and a hat I got from a @madewell collab a year or so ago. I glammed it up with some gold chains and gold drop earrings, but kept it comfy for a night of standing and dancing with @birkenstock sandals.

This was my first big outing since my eye surgery, and with a pocketful of eye drops I felt good (and grateful we splurged for good seats!).

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jcBL #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #usinthewild #concertstyle
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For years I’ve trusted @somaintimates for the right bras and the right fit but it had been a while since I visited a Soma boutique to try on all the styles they currently have for a large bust. I must say I was impressed! Knowledgeable staff, extensive collection in larger sizes, and some of the most comfortable and innovative bras in up to H cups! Each body is different but what I loved:

- The Stunning Push-Up: targeted for the DD+ customer gives amazing lift and great shape under fitted knits.

- The Unbelievable Lift Scoop Balconette: sexy, supportive, and so lightweight!

- The Embraceable Wireless: I’ve recommended this wireless bra for large busts for years and was in need for a new one! 

- The Stunning Support Smooth Balconette: this is the perfect t-shirt bra for large busts with padded straps and disappears under knits

- The Stunning Starlet Multi-Way Strapless: recently improved for more support and more comfort, this wireless bra stays put and gives fab shape

I also picked up some of Soma’s iconic Vanishing Edge panties which keep you line-free. The whole Vanishing collection is genius. I loved being able to donate my gently used bras at my local Soma boutique to give to those in need. We all deserve a lift and Soma strives to achieve that. It’s why I’ve been a fan and customer for years and am honored to partner with them. Soma is the perfect fitting bra solution. Visit the link in my bio to shop and to find your local Soma boutique! #SomaPartner #SomaBraFit #SomaStartsWithMe
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If I close my eyes you can’t tell one is still bloodshot 😜

Still recovering from my eye surgery but feeling more myself. Getting dolled up helps me feel me. Bright colors and bold jewelry have been signature Alison since I was a kid! 

Sweater: @favorite.daughter 
Earrings: Amazon
Necklace: @_jennybird (old)
Ring: @realmfinejewelry 
Bra: @lovebravissimo 
Lipstick: @glossier 
Pins as “cufflinks”: vintage

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4j0LM #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #over40style #ltkover40 #genxstyle
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It was so funny and so quick I couldn’t not share! I bought this @hulkenbag a year ago and use it all the time. Carting shoot supplies, groceries, packing for road trips, and carting donations. This weekend @thenewdealcafe in @cityofgreenbelt hosted a community clothing swap so I made sure my family and I went through our summer wardrobes to gather that which we no longer needed or fit.

This wasn’t the first clothing swap and folks in town know my style (and my job) so there were some waiting for my arrival. Look how fast I cleared out this big bag! Speaking of the bag one other swap attendee said she got herself a Hulken after seeing mine in action!

It’s so great to know our old clothes are getting a good life and this bag makes carting them to the cafe so easy! I got my Hulken on Amazon, it comes in other colors and sizes too: https://amzn.to/48iTY4Y yep the bag is as great as all those ads you see on social media, I’m a big fan!
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I had to see… I asked my husband how often he thinks about the Roman Empire, and then asked our 14-year-old 😂
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#ad Go through my archives on Wardrobe Oxygen and one thing is clear: my family and I are a fan of @bombas socks! From their no-slip no-show socks to their iconic crew socks, Bombas makes great socks for the whole family while having a great heart.

Socks are the #1 requested article of clothing from homeless shelters. For every item purchase from Bombas, one is donated to someone experiencing homelessness. 

Save 20% on your first purchase at Bombas with my exclusive promo code: WARDROBE20

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4ipHy #bombas
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Happy gotcha day, Oscar! Four years ago he came into our life and we are so happy to have in our family!

Oscar was a rescue and came with some… quirks. Over the years we have come to understand him and he has come to trust us. He’s a diva, a snuggler, he could play catch for hours, and he’s my husband’s shadow. 

We’ve never had a small breed dog before and it’s a whole different experience. But we adore Oscar and couldn’t imagine our life without him! Thank you for coming into our life Oskie McGoskie! 🐾❤️
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Fashion Advice, Denim · August 31, 2007

Are Bootcut Jeans “Momtastic?”

This article may contain affiliate links; if you click on a shopping link and make a purchase I may receive a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

COHReader Laurie emailed me recently after reading “Talking Fashion” on Washington Post’s website about fall’s trends. Suzanne D’Amato and Janet Bennett lead this chat and are very intelligent and stylish women, but mentioned in this certain chat that bootcut jeans are “Momtastic” and to be stylish one should choose a skinny leg, high-waisted style, or maybe a straight leg in a very dark hue. Laurie wanted to know if this was in fact true, and if her beloved denim was now passé.

I doubt you will see Kate Moss or Sienna Miller tromping around town in a pair of bootcut jeans this fall, but that does not mean they are a fashion don’t. The thing is, trends come and go, and some styles seem to stay longer because unlike most of the garments going down the runway, they work with real women’s bodies.

I love the look of the skinny jean. Paired with boots, booties, flats or heels it is a sharp look. A sharp look I personally will not be wearing. I am short. I have thick legs. I have a booty, a tummy, and thick ankles. If you put a pair of stovepipes on my gams, I would look like a walking Tootsie-Pop. I don’t care how utterly stylish and popular they are, I will never be a slave to fashion and adorn my bod with things that make me look bad. Same with the high-waisted style. I can see this working if you are slim, leggy and long. Have some curves in the middle, and the high waist will make you look short, squat and heavy.

A straight-leg style is a classic look that works on many figures. I agree, this is a nice style, especially in dark denim. It can be worn with flats, heels, boots with ease and don’t look costumey or obviously trendy. However, the bootcut is always going to the be popular favorite because the slightly larger leg opening balances out the curves that most women carry in the middle of their body. A bootcut (NOT flare. Unless you are a leftover hippie, do donate those flare jeans or put into the attic until the next 70s theme party) balances out hips, thighs, tummy and bum. It prevents the dreaded lollypop look of the 80s. Remember all those women with oversized tops and leggings? They looked ridiculous and there is a good chance that this season’s slimmer denim will give a similar effect.

As for your bootcuts, there is a chance some of your pairs are starting to look a bit dated. If they are faded or a traditional “stonewash” color, they are a bit long in the tooth. The color now is dark and crisp, which is a good thing. A dark structured pair of jeans is far more flattering to a women’s shape than the old faded pairs of a few years ago. Dark sturdy denim will elongate your body, be appropriate for casual as well as festive occasions, and look more polished (and expensive).

leviThe cut of your bootcut may be a bit dated as well. Yes, you will still find bootcut jeans in all your favorite haunts, they just will be a bit slimmer than before. The leg opening will be a true bootcut – a slightly larger size than a straight leg – just that inch or two needed to get over a boot. At first glance, you may not even notice they are bootcut, but when on the body you will see the difference. The leg itself will also be slimmer – gone are the relaxed styles that you could probably pull up without unbuttoning.

If you purchase some jeans, these jeans should have the tailored, polished look of almost being denim trousers. A dark color is what is hot and flattering, a more streamlined cut, quality refined denim. Stretch is still out there, just don’t have the jeans look like leggings on your legs. Stretch should add comfort, not the ability to think you can go down a size. It still is a nice look to have a slight crease down the front – this adds elegance and elongates.

To keep your denim looking great, wash it inside-out, consider hanging them to dry on occasion, and add a capful of vinegar to your cold-water wash for colorfastness.

So are bootcut jeans “Momtastic?” Well, it depends. I don’t believe any one style right now is “THE” look, nor any one style is completely out of style (excluding anything with pleats, tapered legs or lace inserts). It’s all about making slight changes to move with the times. No need to burn all your current denim, just reassess them. Try them on with your current fall tops, get a good look in a full length mirror, then use a hand mirror to get a look from behind. How do they make you look? Do they give off the image you wish to portray? Are they super comfy but sag at your backside and are just a hair too short? Are they a color that for some reason only seems to compliment black or white (this is a good test to see if your denim is an out of style color – stonewash doesn’t look good with much else)? Be real with your wardrobe and your body and if you are in need for new jeans, don’t fear. Bootcut is still out there and great to wear!

Featured: Levi's “Star” Slim Bootcut, and Citizens of Humanity “Electric Guitar” Stretch Bootcut, both available at Nordstrom.

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In: Fashion Advice, Denim

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Comments

  1. Allie says

    September 5, 2007 at 7:25 pm

    Very annoyed that Gap changes their styles so quickly. First they changed the cut of the Long and Lean, then they discontinued my beloved lowrise bootcut, now the Curvy Bootcut? What is the world coming to?

    As for jeans for me, I have had a very hard time. it was Express for a while, then they changed. Then Gap, but obviously I am not happy now. I splurged on some Joe’s jeans but I am not in love and the quality hasn’t lasted. Just received a pair from C.enne V Coutore (made for plus sizes but the smallest size fits me) and I am loving them (once I take them to the tailor to hem). Good quality, great fit, nice shape. http://www.cennev.com/

    I will have a review up hopefully before the end of the week that goes more into detail (and will have a contest just for Wardrobe Oxygen readers!)

    Reply
  2. Julie says

    September 5, 2007 at 7:18 pm

    Allie!

    What are your favorite jeans??
    Meaning where do you shop for jeans?

    Also- GAP doesn’t make BOOT Cut Curvy anymore (I’m on the inside). And it makes me angry.

    Reply
  3. Anonymous says

    September 1, 2007 at 10:52 pm

    thanks allie…

    Reply
  4. Anonymous says

    September 1, 2007 at 11:14 am

    oooh cool tip about the dying. thx!

    Reply
  5. Allie says

    August 31, 2007 at 8:06 pm

    It’s really hard to say. My friend who is taller than I, has more curves and is a larger size looks great in skinny jeans while I do not. If your legs are longer, i am betting you are right in thinking they good look on you. 🙂

    Reply
  6. Anonymous says

    August 31, 2007 at 8:04 pm

    I am short (5’3″)yet very slender but I have curves(top and bottom), and longer legs and shorter torso? Can I wear skinny jeans? I think they look nice on me, but what do you think?

    Reply
  7. Kasmira says

    August 31, 2007 at 7:27 pm

    For those with outdated, stone wash jeans, you might want to consider overdying them. You can use one package of black and one packge of indigo Dylon dye (from Dritz, sold at Hancock Fabrics, Joann Fabrics, and WalMart) to overdye jeans. I used the two packages to make one batch of dye and dyed two pair of jeans in it, but they were darkish jeans to start with. I think I’d recommend the 2 pkgs dye for 1 pair of jeans if they were a lighter wash.

    It was easy and the results were AWESOME!

    Reply
  8. Andrea says

    August 31, 2007 at 5:53 pm

    Yet again Allie, and AWESOME article! Glad to hear because my hips were not made for skinny jeans!

    Reply
  9. Anonymous says

    August 31, 2007 at 3:13 pm

    People should wear what looks good on them and not just what’s in style. I am also curvy and large in the chest area. I WILL NOT (unless I am bound, gagged & sedated heavily & even then) WILL NOT wear ANYTHING high waisted! I wear Gap curvy jeans in boot cut, J. Crew boot cuts, Banana Republic boot cuts. They do NOT look like mom jeans on me. In my fashion view, high waisted jeans were always considered “MOM” – ish.

    Reply
  10. Anonymous says

    August 31, 2007 at 2:15 pm

    Great post. I just became a fan of the bootcut, so I was glad to read your common-sense approach to determining whether or not to wear them. By the way, I have been reading your blog for a few months now, and I love it. It’s reassuring to read your posts about making fashion decisions based on what works for you as opposed to what fashion trends dictate.

    Reply

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Since 2005, Wardrobe Oxygen has offered real-life style advice for grown-ass women. With years of experience as an apparel visual merchandiser and personal shopper, Alison Gary provides advice on how to achieve personal style no matter your age, size, or budget.

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Sep 26

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Scenes from a Friday night…

We started at @littleblackbirddc a new wine bar in Cleveland Park where we had great food, drink, and conversation into the evening. We then headed down the street to @atomicbilliards for a whole different experience and to keep the conversation going. I treasure my friendships with @sylviacolella (who had a birthday recently), @districtofchic, and @blonde_inthedistrict they’re the real deal 🥰

My dress is @adamlippes borrowed via @renttherunway and Cheetos with Sauvignon Blanc is a really fun pairing!

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Sep 23

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Night and day…

Met three dear friends for an early dinner that went on until after the sun set. Great food and conversation with some great women!

The dress is @adamlippes and I borrowed it from @renttherunway. The bag is @jcrew and a splurge but I regretted not buying it the last time they offered this bag and this color is SO me. I mean, look how great it is with these many years old suede heeled sandals? Meant to be!

This color combination makes me so happy, and this dress was comfy even after a decadent meal. We all deserve to experience comfort and joy with our wardrobes! 💛🩷

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jnDf #ltkplussize #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #over40style

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Sep 21

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If @thechicks are in town you can bet @debbiefaye78 and I will be there! So when we heard they were coming to @merriweatherpp we were so excited. And their concert did not disappoint. As always, a phenomenal show! If The Chicks come to your neck of the woods I highly recommend you go!

Okay I know you want to know about what we’re wearing! 

My sister’s caftan is from @anthropologie (bought this summer so maybe you can find on resale sites).

I’m wearing a @bananarepublic dress also from this summer with the @universalstandard denim chore jacket and a hat I got from a @madewell collab a year or so ago. I glammed it up with some gold chains and gold drop earrings, but kept it comfy for a night of standing and dancing with @birkenstock sandals.

This was my first big outing since my eye surgery, and with a pocketful of eye drops I felt good (and grateful we splurged for good seats!).

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jcBL #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #usinthewild #concertstyle

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Sep 19

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If I close my eyes you can’t tell one is still bloodshot 😜

Still recovering from my eye surgery but feeling more myself. Getting dolled up helps me feel me. Bright colors and bold jewelry have been signature Alison since I was a kid! 

Sweater: @favorite.daughter 
Earrings: Amazon
Necklace: @_jennybird (old)
Ring: @realmfinejewelry 
Bra: @lovebravissimo 
Lipstick: @glossier 
Pins as “cufflinks”: vintage

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4j0LM #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #over40style #ltkover40 #genxstyle

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Sep 11

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Happy gotcha day, Oscar! Four years ago he came into our life and we are so happy to have in our family!

Oscar was a rescue and came with some… quirks. Over the years we have come to understand him and he has come to trust us. He’s a diva, a snuggler, he could play catch for hours, and he’s my husband’s shadow. 

We’ve never had a small breed dog before and it’s a whole different experience. But we adore Oscar and couldn’t imagine our life without him! Thank you for coming into our life Oskie McGoskie! 🐾❤️

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Sep 8

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I can see clearly now…

Actually I can’t, but things after my retina surgery are much improved! My next appointment is in a month and I’m cleared to get back into the world (with some restrictions to protect my eye).

With a sclera buckle, it changes your eye shape and now I am nearsighted again (I had lasik a few years ago). Once the eye is stabilized I can get glasses or contacts but until then I’m 20/20 in one eye and right now 20/60 in the other. But the eye is healing beautifully and I feel positive!

And I could see clearly enough to fall for this poppy-colored cotton jumpsuit from @pistoladenim. It comes in a few colors but this one is my favorite. I went with XL (im@a 14, sometimes 16) and likely could have sized down but I enjoy the relaxed fit and the drawstring waistband to create shape. And hello zipper closure making it super easy to get on and off!

My husband took this photo right after my eye appointment, I think it reflects my positive attitude and feeling of hope! 🧡

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Sep 5

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I’ll be a bit quiet on here and other channels because I had eye (retinal) surgery this past weekend. I was having what I thought were ocular migraines but come to find out I was experiencing lattice degeneration, which is thinning/holes in the retina. I had surgery Saturday for my right eye and later on they’ll work on the left eye, which isn’t as bad and can be remedied by laser, in office.

I share not because I’m Mrs. Frizzle meets Iris Apfel as I recuperate at home, but because this whole thing has been a lesson on trusting my gut. And I want to remind you to do the same.

As we get older our bodies can feel like strangers. Things are constantly changing and it’s easy to just assume your annual physical will catch anything wrong. But if you slow down and listen to your body you’ll know when things are just a sign of aging and life and what seems unusual. That nagging issue may be something more serious.

And if you’re seeing flashing lights, floaters, spiderwebs or other odd eye things get checked out ASAP. It may be nothing but take it from me, it may actually be something. ❤️

Okay, going back to my big sunglasses caftan recuperation life!

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Aug 30

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Ladies who lunch…

While in Savannah, I made sure to get lunch reservations for me and E at @theoldepinkhouse she loves the color pink, historic homes, and ghost stories so it was a perfect choice! 

Built in 1789 on Reynolds Square, there are stories of guests seeing ghosts, cutlery and wine bottles moving along with an elegant and truly delicious dining. 

While we didn’t see any apparitions, we did have a lovely lunch with impeccable service and after toured all floors of the home. I highly recommend a visit if you’re visiting Savannah!

My dress is from @cosstores (no longer available); hat is @furtalk and bag is @talbotsofficial (no longer available).

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Aug 29

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Scenes from a week in Savannah… 

The three of us (and our dog Oscar!) had a warm and humid but wonderful time exploring Savannah, Georgia earlier this month. Our daughter visited this gorgeous city last summer with her @girlscouts troop but wanted to return to experience more. We let her choose our adventures and play your guide and it was awesome. We cannot wait to visit again, though next time it won’t be August 🥵

For more of our trip check the “Savannah” highlight on my profile page!

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Aug 28

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Stripes are always right…

Y’all know I love stripes and when @universalstandard came out with their Breton-stripe dresses and tops I HAD to try them! As expected, the quality is stellar, the fit boosts my confidence, and I appreciate the range of colors (5 different stripes to choose from) and sizes (00-50). For reference, I’m wearing XS but preferred S for the top and I usually wear a 14 or XL in other brands.

The tote is @able and it’s a soft yet durable leather that just looks better with time. This color (cognac) is one that transitions nicely from summer to fall. 

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
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#usinthewild #bretonstripes #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #size14 #over40style

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