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
Open
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
Open
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
Open
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
Open
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!
Open
I had to see… I asked my husband how often he thinks about the Roman Empire, and then asked our 14-year-old 😂
Open
#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
Open
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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Capsule Wardrobes, Fashion Advice · October 7, 2013

Ask Allie: Edgy Refined Style while Minimizing Hips

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. 

I turned 39 this year and feel like I'm having a fashion crisis. Not only do I long for a more edgy refined look, I've also gained around 15 lbs that are pretty much all in my bum and hips and I don't know how to dress for that. I feel like everything I like is made for women who are lean and thin hipped, and I don't know how to translate that to my black girl booty and hips. I just feel lost about shopping for anything that's not shoes.

You mentioned a specific blog in your email, and I know that blog and love the blogger’s style. But she has a very unrealistic frame for many women, especially those of us who are over 30 and have had children. She is naturally petite and slender and those of us with booties and hips and breasts will never be shaped like her. And you know what? That’s not a bad thing. Yes, she is gorgeous and her personal style is amazing, but it is because she is choosing ensembles that flatter her specific body.

In your email you share your current size, and while it’s a covetable size by many, it’s a couple sizes larger than you have been familiar with. I think any woman, be she a 4 or 24 can relate to that; it’s not as much about size as it is about that unfamiliar feeling. After I had Emerson I felt like a stranger in my body – not only was it heavier, but it was shaped completely differently. It took a couple years for me to get used to my new figure, to learn how to dress it and to fall in love with it. Here’s a few suggestions for anyone coming to terms with a new shape:

  • Take your measurements. When you know your exact bust, waist and hips measurements it can be scary, but it helps put things in perspective. It may help you realize you’re not a lump but a true hourglass, or that your hips aren’t as drastically large as you thought. Not only that, it will help with shopping. These days, many more online retailers are offering measurements along with standard clothing sizes. In this world of vanity sizing, you could be a 6 at one company, a 4 at another, and 10 at yet another. Instead of being bummed you’re a bigger size, you’ll be able to realize it’s the retailer, and not your body that is the issue. Cut out the tag if need be, dress for your shape, not for the size in the store.
  • Find a role model. When surrounded by magazine models, TV stars, and size 0 bloggers it can make any woman feel big or deformed. The beauty of personal style blogging is that we women come in all shapes, sizes, and ages. While the blogger you mentioned is lovely eye candy and I too get inspiration by some of her outfits, I get even more inspiration by bloggers who are more similar to me in shape, age, or lifestyle. If not a blogger, maybe a woman at your job, a celebrity, a neighbor. A good mix of eye candy and real life role models can help you come to terms with your new figure and find fresh new ways to dress it.
  • Consider a personal shopper. Be it an independent stylist you hire by the hour, someone from a group like Style for Hire, or a free service at a boutique or department store, such a person can give you new perspective on your figure. Unlike a friend or relative, a personal shopper doesn’t know your old size, your old life, your hang-ups. This professional is up on current trends, knows where to shop for all body types, and can help you understand your figure, and the silhouettes best to flatter and achieve the personal style you crave.

And now, on to your specific figure and tastes. A pear-shaped woman looks amazing in more feminine silhouettes – wrap dresses, wide leg trousers, high heels, and tailored jackets. The “edgy refined” look is one that at first glance isn’t forgiving to women with curves as most of the pieces are very straight. However, I looked for some pieces that will give the “edgy refined look” but work with a curvier frame:

minimize hips capsule wardrobe
This is only an example, you can find all the items featured on my Polyvore page.

When creating this capsule, I was thinking about the blogger you mentioned, and what she would wear if she had your figure.  I chose jewel tones that are on trend, but have a classic lean.  Edgy details like an a-line leather skirt and and outrageous shoulders on a tailored white jacket.  However, she has a softer side that I incorporated with the chiffon skirt, red wrap dress, and magenta silk camisole.  The jeans are bootcut but in a modern wash and cool brand; the pants are wide leg without looking like palazzos.  A wide leather belt in a modern style is added to cinch sweaters and tops, color is the focus on top to draw the eye up.  High heels and opaque tights elongate the leg, balancing curves.  Wrap tops and dresses emphasize your feminine figure.  A statement necklace and sparkly boatneck sweater bring attention to the face and balance the figure.

A few tips:

  • A wide leg trouser or jean is going to be the most flattering. After seasons of skinny pants and jeans, it’s refreshing to see a return of a proper trouser, and a variety of denim leg widths. Steer clear of high rises, which will emphasize your hips and look for a long length – your hem should graze the floor.
  • Keep your bottom half simple. No pleats, no embellished pockets, no on-seam pockets in the front, no cargo pockets. A dark solid color will be the most flattering, but that doesn’t mean you need to stick to black. Dark denim, gray, chocolate brown, indigo, and dark jewel tones like deep plum and teal will let you embrace current trends while still flattering the figure.
  • Add interest on top. A statement necklace, printed blouse, ruffles, detailed jacket over a camisole, a scarf at your throat – such details draw the eye up as well as giving a balanced look.
  • Heels are your friend – the longer your leg line, the less obvious your curve. A pointed toe pump is a great way to add height and continue the leg line – a pump in a similar shade as your trouser will do the best job. I’m a big fan of the Nine West “Flax” pump which is a stylish and budget-friendly leather pump with a slim heel, pointed toe, and comes in a great variety of colors and prints.
  • Add volume on top to balance the bottom. Wrap tops, shoulder pads, puffed and kimono sleeves, pussy bow blouses, cap sleeves, boatneck shirts, jackets and cardigans layered over tanks and camis – all are on trend and all will minimize the look of your hips.
  • Watch the length of tops and jackets. You don’t want your tops to end at the widest point of your hips – usually a jacket or top right at the bottom of your pant zipper/just a bit above your crotch is a good length. You can also carry off the shorter jacket styles that are on trend, consider pairing with a longer top for a layered effect. A tunic is also a great length since it skims past the hips – this is the type of top you can wear with skinny pants or jeans.
  • Find a tailor. Do not be hard on yourself if the pants you find that fit your hips gape at the waist. There’s nothing wrong with you and this happens to many women. A tailor can quickly nip in the waistband for a flattering custom fit. It’s better to size up than size down – muffin tops are never stylish (or comfortable)!

As for the blogger you mentioned, she likes printed tops tucked into full skirts with belts and ladylike heels – this is a look you can definitely carry off. She has put a wide belt over a tunic-length top with a pleated skirt peeking out – another look that would be lovely on your figure. She loves wearing scarves with blazers, this is a look you can surely wear but switch out the flats and skinny pants for a wide, bootcut, or flared pant and pointed-toe pumps. I’ve seen her use a wide belt over a longer top and topping with a fitted blazer – this is a styling trick that would look great on your figure. Instead of tucking a blouse into a pencil skirt, consider tucking that blouse into an a-line or more fluid skirt and adding a belt to emphasize your waist, or wear the blouse untucked with a belt, or under a tailored jacket. While the examples you sent are more clean and sparse, you’ll see if you go through her blog (or go to www.pinterest.com/source/[enter URL of blog] to see all pinned outfits in one place) that her look is actually quite varied, and she wears many outfits that would look fabulous on your different, yet just as lovely figure!

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What I Wore… Sort Of…

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!

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 23

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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Sep 21

Open
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

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 19

Open
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

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 11

Open
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! 🐾❤️

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 8

Open
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! 🧡

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4idXm

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Sep 5

Open
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!
https://liketk.it/4hkEF 

#usinthewild #bretonstripes #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #size14 #over40style

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