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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Fashion Advice · May 30, 2013

Ask Allie: When You’re not Shaped like a Mannequin

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 am apple shaped (teetering between sizes 16-18) and 5'8″ and no matter how many times I try on pants with a wide leg, which are commonly suggested for apple-shaped women), they look terrible on me. Like I'm wearing pajama pants. I have had a hard time finding straight leg pants in my size that are a) actually straight leg and b) fit my round mid-section.

I read your comment and nodded in agreement; I know my mom is likely nodding her head in agreement, as are many many other women. A lot of us women are “apples,” where we carry most of our weight in our torso (belly and rear), and have slimmer legs, thighs, and hips. I have found “straight” pants that look like jodhpurs with the hip area sticking out, wide-leg trousers that end up looking more like palazzo or pajama pants, “slim” pants that have no space for my bum.

The pants to the left are the Express “Editor”; the pants to the right are the Tahari “Hazel”

Look closely at my wardrobe and you’ll see I own one pair of trousers. ONE. These are the “Hazel” trousers from Tahari. They are a fabric that is seasonless, has a bit of stretch. No pockets in the front, a wide waistband that doesn’t dig into my tummy, no lining, and a style that is slim to the knee, and then has a slight flare. I had similar trousers from Express a decade ago, and liked their “Editor” trousers for the same reason – stretchy, unlined, straight to the lower thigh/knee. When I worked for Express I recommended these pants to all the “apples” I met, and I still think they are a wallet-friendly and apple-friendly trouser. Express doesn’t carry extended sizes and you can’t always find the Tahari “Hazel” in stores, so look for trousers that have a bit of a bootcut (keeps you from looking like a lollipop), a wide waistband preferably with a hook and eye closure for a smooth finish, no front or on-seam pockets (unless it’s a coin or something small and flat), have at least 3% stretch/Lycra and are unlined.

If you desire proper suiting and lined trousers, buy a size up and get them altered by a tailor. A tailor can nip the waistband at the back, shave some off at the hip and thigh area, and have pants truly look like flattering straight trousers on your body.

Where do you find blazers? I have broad shoulders, thick arms, and a large bust (38DD). You wear blazers and don’t look like a football player, how do you do it?

I don’t usually purchase petite, but I always do when it comes to blazers. A petite will fit in the shoulders and the small of the back but the larger size will make sure there’s room in the arms and bust. I also only shop from certain retailers that I know fit my curves (Vince Camuto, Talbots, Ann Taylor, Tahari).

Another tip is consider unlined blazers in a fabric with a bit of stretch. Ponte blazers are available at most every retailer and they nicely fit curves without adding bulk; Spring is a great time to find unlined blazers in stretch twill. Even nicer, an unlined blazer is far cheaper to have tailored for a custom fit!

I'm buying items all in my normal size so that they'll fit well, but there are several days each month that they will be too tight or otherwise not fit well. What do you recommend to cover those days, until bloating is over and I can get back into my clothes.

Dresses. I don’t want to get too TMI, but you can tell on my blog when it’s that time of the month because you’ll find me wearing my stretchy dresses. Matte jersey, ponte, heavyweight knits, merino, even stretch silk are forgiving after a big meal, or when your body’s retaining water. Not only that, dresses aren’t as restrictive, which is nice when you’re feeling achy or crampy. Almost every woman can use a matte jersey wrap dress with elbow-length sleeves. In a solid versatile color (black, navy, plum, teal, dark green, dark gray) it can be worn to work, to your house of worship, to a day wedding, a funeral, a date, a cocktail party, or even be paired with leggings and ballet flats for running errands. The wrap style whittles the waist, the v-neck distracts the eye and elongates your neck, the sleeve length covers the arms while still making the dress wearable almost every month of the year.

Sorry if this is too personal, but your breasts look fantastic. What bra do you wear? My breasts seem so floppy in T’s and I feel self-conscious.

I pretty much only wear molded cup bras. After having Emerson and nursing her for over two years, my breasts aren’t as firm as they used to be, and the headlights are far more prominent. A molded cup bra keeps my shape, hides my nipples, and is free of adornment that can show through fitted knits. My favorite is the Fantasie Moulded Smoothing T-Shirt Bra; you can read more about my life-changing bra fitting experience here.

Hello Allie, i am 5'11” tall. I am attending a fairly formal event this spring and need to wear a more dressy outfit (dress) than i usually do…can you please give me some ideas for some sandals/shoes. I also wear size 11 shoes. Thanks!

Gone are the days where a woman needs to hide her height. There’s no need to wear flats when you’re 5’11”. However if you feel more comfortable in lower heels and flat shoes, I completely understand.

All these shoes are by J. Renee – Low heels, variety of widths and sizes

I went to Nordstrom.com and checked out their evening selection in a size 11; I chose not to pare down to flat styles because there’s so many low heels en vogue right now. Quick glance, I found the J. Renee “Classic” Sandal which comes in a variety of shades; the Taupe is a dressy neutral that would flatter a dress of most any color and this shoe would work with skirts of all lengths and even dressy trousers. J. Renee also has the “Imogen” pump which is sparkly, feminine, and has a very low heel. Available in black and pewter, it’s a grown woman’s version of Dorothy’s shoes and would look chick with any formal attire. In fact, looking around online it seems that J. Renee offers many low-heeled formal shoe styles, they all come up to size 11 or larger, and also come in widths. Shops like Nordstrom and Zappos offer free shipping and returns so you can try these shoes at home with your dress without buyer’s remorse (be sure to use Ebates first to get cash back on your online purchases!). 

coral pants how to style

Right now I am a size 16. On a recent shopping trip I bought my first pair of “bright” colored pants…they are coral. I'm worried about wearing them. Do you recommend plus size wearing colored pants? If so how should I incorporate them into an outfit?

Heck to the YES! Rock those coral pants my dear! There’s no reason why such a trend can’t be worn by a certain size. To all women, colored pants are great if they fit well. Coral is a hot color this season, and quite versatile. For a casual look, pair with a chambray shirt and a statement necklace. Make a business casual look with a black knit blazer and striped tee. Go boho with a white gauzy peasant top and turquoise stone necklace. Feel tres chic with a Breton-stripe shirt in white with navy, gray, or black. Embrace spring trends by pairing it with a mint green top and a white jacket or cardigan. Wear with a white button-front shirt untucked but cinched with a wide belt in most any color or a scarf with a touch of coral knotted at the throat. My only suggestion is to not pair bright pants with a very busy print on top – it can be overkill for a woman of any size. Coral can look preppy, nautical, bohemian, trendy, and classic so have fun with your new colored pants!

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Ask Allie: Ensuring Proper Dress Code at a Wedding

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

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

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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

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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!
https://liketk.it/4hkEF 

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

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