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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
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! 🐾❤️
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
Open
#throwbackthursday to what I wore 10 years ago in September…

A decade ago I was working full time in an office and was promoted to manage a good portion of my department. My blog was doing quite well, I was featured in local and national publications and websites. I was embracing what I felt to be a polished professional with an edgy vibe. Less color, more interesting accessories, and my first semi-designer bag (I still have that leopard print mini M.A.C. In the back of my closet). 

I have come to embrace color and have way less black in my closet now, but a lot of these looks are timeless and I would wear now… just likely with lower heels! 😂

Do you recall what you were wearing a decade ago? How similar is it to how you dress now?

For more of my throwbacks visit #wo2tbt
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Fashion Advice · February 8, 2023

The Highs and Lows of Being a Nordy Girl

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. 

The highs and lows of being a Nordy Girl - discussing my love of Nordstrom over the years by Wardrobe Oxygen

During and after college, I worked retail and managed or merchandised a store or trained a future store manager in almost every mall in the DMV (District, Maryland, Virginia). I could easily be at a mall from open (which depending on the retailer, was 7am or 5 minutes before pulling up the gate for customers) to close (anything from 5 minutes after pulling the gate closed to watching the sun rise on your drive home).

I ate all three meals and drank more caffeinated drinks than I should have at these malls. Not having long enough of a break to break free from the mall, I would spend my time away from my store, wandering other stores. The change in smells and products and energy (along with a very large caffeinated drink) could revitalize me enough to get through a double shift. And no store could improve my mood more than Nordstrom.

I would get myself an Ice Storm at the Nordstrom Cafe before walking through the ground floor entrance (shoes, beauty, and accessories… my kryptonite). As soon as you entered Nordstrom, the air felt different. Lighter. Unlike other department stores, you weren't assaulted with a fragrance upon entry, but Nordstrom still had a memorable scent. The employees were friendly and helpful. The energy was so zen in comparison to the sensory overload of the rest of the mall.

Being a Nordy Girl in the Late '90s through the 2000's

I felt like Nordstrom's buyer and I were kindred spirits. No matter the mall, every visit I could easily find dozens of things I would want in my closet, my bathroom, and my kitchen. The color, the clean lines that still were full of personality, the accessible mixed with the just out of reach. From Bp. to Individualist, T.B.D. to Savvy, Nordstrom felt like a department store made for me.

I left retail in 2004, but I didn't stop loving Nordstrom. I hated malls by this point, but I'd make an exception for my favorite department store. I'd park closest to Nordstrom, so I could begin and end my visit on a positive and peaceful note. And when I started Wardrobe Oxygen in 2005, I recommended items from Nordstrom more than any other retailer.

I have a Nordstrom snow globe I bring out every Christmas, and more than one Nordstrom-themed tree ornament. While they have turned to rags over the years, I've owned several Nordstrom-logoed dish towels, and somewhere in the attic is a t-shirt (bought at Nordstrom) that proudly states I am a “Nordy Girl.”

Just like their brick and mortar stores, Nordstrom's retail website was modern, clean, open, and inviting. It loaded pages faster than its peers, it had an easier to use search function, a more intuitive filter function, and usually had more and better photos than other online department stores.

Nordstrom had fancy designer labels, but also midrange department store brands like Vince Camuto, Maggy London, and Nine West. And Nordstrom's in-house brands like Halogen, Caslon, and Classiques Entier were well-made stylish options at a reasonable pricepoint.

nordy girl halogen work fashion
current offerings from Halogen that remind me of the old Nordstrom:
copper cardigan sweater | pink shell | black pants | coral shirtdress | copper ruched sheath dress | plaid pants | black wrap dress | black blazer | silver pendant | plaid coat
350

The Wardrobe Oxygen audience loved Nordstrom as much as me. Over the years, I have sold a ton from Nordstrom. It was always my best retailer for affiliate sales, usually twice or triple the amount of items sold than my second best retailer. Amazon couldn't hold a candle to what I sold at Nordstrom.

Nordstrom began changing when super influencers became a thing. An Instagrammer could share a sweater from Nordstrom and have it sell out in an hour. Other influencers with large followings started their own fashion labels and Nordstrom would feature them. Nordstrom saw the connection to social media and blasted money to influencers through paid campaigns, boosts in affiliate revenue, and features in ad campaigns.

Nordstrom always had such a clear aesthetic. Carrying many of the same labels as Macy's, Saks, and Dillard's, Nordstrom still felt like the calm, cool, and collected sister of the family. Lots of color, interesting details, an unexpected mix of labels, that mix of accessible and just out of reach. But with the rise of the super influencer, Nordstrom stopped setting trends and started following them.

spring color trend nordstrom
spring color trend from the Nordstrom in-house brand:
green blazer | green suiting trousers | ivory belt | blue print silk scarf | camel tall boots | white Panama hat | blue v-neck cashmere sweater | ivory tie-waist dress | navy blazer | camel booties | aqua cashmere sweater | gold heels
350

Changes to the Nordstrom Aesthetic and Offerings

The past few years have been weird at Nordstrom. Lower-quality brands with more Juniors of fit. A decrease in color selection; I'd find the same item at Macy's or Dillard's available in brighter hues. Less workwear, with more of a focus on clubwear, activewear, and party dresses. As someone who sees it daily on her friends and in her feeds, I could only describe it as “influencer style.”

As Nordstrom embraced this “influencer style,” and with it shifted their marketing strategy. Fewer paid campaigns and drastically reduced commissions. Some affiliate programs experienced periods when Nordstrom either wasn't paying out commissions or had issues properly reporting commissions.

In 2021, for the first time ever, Nordstrom wasn't my #1 retailer for affiliate sales. And last year, it dropped to #4. I linked less because I liked less, but you all also returned much more than you ever had with this retailer. The comments would show what I saw in my analytics: disappointment in quality and fit, inaccurate product descriptions, items arriving with stains and still-attached anti-theft sensors.

Nordstrom's Anniversary Sales used to be a THING. I would score amazing quality items for the upcoming season at amazing prices. Thick cashmere, buttery soft leather, on-trend accessories, and coveted brands for intimates and other underpinnings. But in the past few years, it has been more of the same: Barefoot Dreams cardigans and throws, Spanx faux leather leggings, Natori Feathers bras, and quality that made you realize these were subpar pieces made specifically for the sale.

Spring at Nordstrom Gives This Nordy Girl Hope

Being a Nordy Girl: examining the spring offerings from Caslon at Nordstrom. A collage of navy, pale blue, copper, and white garments for women.
spring pieces from Caslon that remind me of the brand from the 2000's:
striped sweater | navy linen pants | navy gauze dress | pale blue boucle sweater | striped scoop tee | copper Tencel utility dress
350

Today, I perused Nordstrom. It was the first time since before the holidays that I really dug into their current offerings for women and I have to say things are looking up. I don't know if it's because influencer style has changed or because Nordstrom has changed but I see more color, more pieces one could wear to work or a day wedding, more accessible with brands that not only are juuust out of reach but are something I, and I think you, would want to wear if we had the funds.

'90s and '00s nostalgia is at an all-time high. We're seeing it with the return of TV shows and remakes of movies, reunion tours for bands that were hot at that time, and the return of fashion trends from that time period. With so much nostalgia for that period of time I can't think of my retail and early blog days, and my love for Nordstrom. If the spring offerings aren't just a passing fancy, I may again become a die-hard Nordy Girl.

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In: Fashion Advice · Tagged: Nordstrom

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Comments

  1. Erica says

    February 18, 2023 at 11:16 pm

    As a busy mom of a young child, I love the Nordstrom shopping experience. But I am with you in not liking the merchandise nearly as much over the last few years. Things feel either cheap and trendy or blah and forgettable. I rarely find something that wows me, or even the basics that I need.

    Reply
  2. Dawn says

    February 13, 2023 at 9:42 pm

    I used to use Nordstrom as my mall entrance, too. Last year (or so) they left our local mall and took with them the last of the large and clean, well staffed, pleasant places to shop. Only smaller shops offer that in our mall now. But I did notice the changes, and noticed that at some point, Nordstrom Rack became not a place to offload things that didn’t sell at Nordstrom but a place to hock made-for-Nordstrom-Rack items that lacked the same quality. Is that just me or did that happen?

    Reply
  3. Leslie says

    February 9, 2023 at 11:42 am

    Such a great post recognizing the changes in Nordstrom over the years.

    I was at the Nordstrom at Montgomery Mall last week to shop for a new suit for my husband. I think that the men’s department – at least the suits and work-type clothes – are fine (and he had an excellent stylist assist him). But I was completely uninspired by looking at the departments for me. There are barely any shoes on display, and there weren’t even any clothes I wanted to try on.

    The quality has changed, the selection has changed, and certainly my spending at Nordstrom has changed over the years. I’m glad to see that you are optimistic that there may be some changes for the good recently . . . I look forward to digging into items linked in this post!

    Reply
  4. A says

    February 9, 2023 at 7:59 am

    You capture the magical feel that Nordstrom used to have when I walked in to the store years ago. I loved those earlier brands, and makeup counters! Now, I don’t buy much from Nordstrom. It’s mainly just jeans and bags. We’ve been disappointed with the clothing quality and selection. For the anniversary sale only 12 pairs of women’s wide shoes-really? The preteen/teen section is abysmal, and the staple clothing and clothing for work or normal events are few and far between. I miss the clothing choices and quality. I’ll be following your suggestions with the hope that Nordstrom can swing back.

    Reply
  5. Heather says

    February 8, 2023 at 10:32 pm

    Oof, yes. I actually worked at Nordstrom one Christmas in the early 90’s for extra cash, they were hyper-focused on customer service (and had those beautiful silver boxes!) and I remained a fan for years. Now, not so much. The only thing I routinely buy from them are Wit & Wisdom jeans.

    Reply
  6. Rose says

    February 8, 2023 at 9:52 pm

    I went to the grand opening of the Nordstrom on Market Street in San Francisco in 1987. As I recall, you needed an invitation and somehow one of my work besties at my first ever corporate job had one with a +1. We sipped champagne and bought Amalfi pumps.

    Over the next several years I bought a lot of my work wardrobe from the clearance racks of Women’s Tailored Clothing. It was shockingly expensive for me and I only bought one item once in a while (the opposite of fast fashion!) but the price included alterations – even on clearance – and that’s why they called it tailored, I suppose. I wore a size 16 then, the top size they carried. I think that would be about a 10-12 in today’s sizing.

    When I decided I needed to have a more grown up way of putting on makeup, I booked a free appointment with the cosmetics manager and she took me around and showed me different brands, which is how I found out about Trish McEvoy and her makeup planners. I was very loyal to that brand for 20+ years.

    I used to get very excited about the anniversary sale and save up my clothing money all year for it. I even booked a personal shopper a couple of times and bought things that I still have and would never have picked out for myself.

    I am less impressed by them now, and they have nothing like the 100% tropical weight wool suiting that they used to sell in Women’s Tailored Clothing, sadly, but they’re still the #1 place I shop, not least because of their easy return policy.

    They have brands now that I believe are on par with Kohl’s house brands, which I find disappointing, as they’re charging way above Kohl’s pricing. But if I stick with brands I know, I can still find pieces I really like.

    Reply
  7. Allison says

    February 8, 2023 at 8:16 pm

    I’m feeling all the nostalgia for Classiques Entier … it was my favorite

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      February 10, 2023 at 11:41 pm

      Me, too!

      Reply
  8. Michelle says

    February 8, 2023 at 6:48 pm

    Thanks for posting this—you may have helped me find a dress for an outdoor graduation in May, in the South! That long navy gauze dress seems like it might be perfect. Oh, and I am enjoying the colors showing back up there & in other places—but I tend to go fairly neutral with dresses because I just don’t buy many anymore.

    As for Nordstrom’s— would you believe I’d never heard of it until I found your blog years ago? Living in Arkansas means I’m in Dillard’s country (the family is here, headquarters is here), so we don’t have other department stores. Well, we do have a Belks. Anyway, I think Nordstrom’s website is still easy to use & search, and their free shipping & free returns makes them my usual first choice when searching for clothes & shoes. Dillard’s is here in person if I want to go there, but I don’t really enjoy the store as much as I used to. Of course, the few actual Nordstroms I’ve been in were not so great either. Not a lot of choices & often highlighting the super expensive items. I’ve fallen for the Nordy-sale hype a few times but try to be pickier now. Plus, a lot of the moderately priced items I’m interested in are sold out before I ever get a chance to shop. It’s kind of annoying that the “influencers” buy tons of the same stuff first, hype it up, & then it’s gone. Your attitude towards the sale these last few years has been spot-on.

    Reply
  9. Grace says

    February 8, 2023 at 5:05 pm

    ‘Influencers’ (I don’t consider you an influencer in this sense – you are a professional and a writer among many other talents! ) & social media have truly ruined the world.

    Most of these ‘ influencers’ are a flash in the pan. What you do could not be any more different! I cannot stand the effect they have had on ‘society’

    I canceled my Nordstrom card. I don’t even go there anymore. I don’t like color much at all but there has been nothing inspirational about them recently.

    Reply
  10. Michele says

    February 8, 2023 at 2:59 pm

    I agree with everyone who has posted here… Nordstrom has gone so far down hill in the past few years. It’s very sad when t-shirts from Lands End are a better quality (and much less expensive!) than the ones from Nordstrom. However, a couple weeks ago I was looking for a colorful blazer to wear over black pants and top. I found a hot pink one in Macys but wasn’t thrilled with the fit. Then I fell in love with a Halogen turquoise blazer at Nordstrom that just flowed over the parts of me that I’d rather hide and fit where I wanted it to fit. I was thrilled. And it was only $10.00 more than the one from Macys. You’d better believe it came home with me. Maybe there is hope for Nordstrom. I do wish we had Dillard’s here in the PNW.

    Reply
  11. Bette says

    February 8, 2023 at 1:06 pm

    I started shopping at Nordstrom in Seattle in 1986, because they carried (and were known for) high quality shoes in large sizes. When I became pregnant later that year, I again went straight to the downtown Seattle Nordstrom and a personal shopper helped me pick a few pieces that fit perfectly, including several non-maternity styles she thought I’d like that were actually my favorites. Wow. Those days are so over.

    Nowadays, Nordstom online (I no longer live near a brick and mortar store) carries almost nothing I want or need. When I do order, I’m at the post office mailing back within the month. What really annoys me is the paltry selection of larger sized shoes, which was Nordstrom’s early niche.

    I know this might be hitting too close to home, but I believe influencers and social media are the primary reasons for Nordstrom’s decline. I’d love to see a post on the state of influencing (with the caveat that I consider your work, Alison, to be more than influencing. It’s education, and I appreciate it).

    Reply
  12. Emily says

    February 8, 2023 at 12:42 pm

    “quality that made you realize these were subpar pieces made specifically for the sale.” Yes! This resonates so much with me. I am also a person who also worked a LOT of retail after college (I miss it sometimes so much, but had to leave for a steady 9-5 with a much better paycheck). Outlet stores, Macy’s Backstage, TJ Maxx, etc now have much of their inventory made especially for them, instead of having true “outlet” merchandise. This is just adding to our problems of over production and landfill waste.

    Reply
  13. Sonia says

    February 8, 2023 at 10:47 am

    I was a loyal Macy’s shopper for so, so long and became a Nordy girl, thanks to your recommendations. I was rarely disappointed! I loved their selection in shoes and boots, dresses for all occasions, work wear, winter coats and my handbag collection was on point. My closet was filled with quality items! And, I too have a Nordy girl tee! However, in the last few years, I can’t seem to find anything I like! I spend more time running to the post office returning stuff then I do shopping. It’s so frustrating! I miss the Nordstrom of the past.

    Reply
  14. Traci Swanson says

    February 8, 2023 at 10:38 am

    Loved this post and the validation that I am not alone in my thoughts on the changes at nordstroms. I hardly ever shop at Nordstroms any more and I live in Seattle the home of Nordstroms. I remember shopping the anniversary sale when it was an event that you waited outside the doors for them to open early on the first day. There was an energy in the store. Now the items are sold on line prior to the actual in store sale and everything that is any good in gone. The clothing is made especially for the sale and the quality is cheap and boring. I think they should make a return to the department store of the past, take a hint from the still thriving department stores in Europe.

    Reply
  15. Margaret says

    February 8, 2023 at 10:18 am

    My daughter – a faculty librarian at a large university – went to N’s last year for work pants. She met with a personal shopper. When my daughter requested at the waist/wide leg pants (she is tall and slim), the shopper brought her faux leather leggings. The reason? “We don’t carry the pants you want”. ???. Thanks for clearing up this retail mystery!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      February 9, 2023 at 11:19 am

      How ridiculous! If my 14 year old wants pants like that and my mom wants pants like that, it makes no sense to have a department store not carry such a wardrobe staple!

      Reply
  16. elle says

    February 8, 2023 at 10:08 am

    This is such an interesting post! I went from being an Icon member to barely finding anything at Nordstrom that I want to wear. The annual anniversary sale has been a huge disappointment for years. I completely agree with you about the lack of quality and the sameness of the offerings. It’s been hard for me to tell if this was due to the general direction of fashion in the last few years or specific to Nordstrom, but the change has been significant. I hope you’re right about the pendulum starting to swing back.

    Reply
  17. Barb says

    February 8, 2023 at 9:48 am

    Nordstrom has decimated their petite offerings. It’s rare to find a classic-style blouse or sweater in petite sizing. Although believe me I’ve tried, regular-sized tops don’t work for my narrow shoulders and short arms. And Nic and Zoe, which Nordstrom does carry in petites, just isn’t my style. I occasionally order shoes or jeans, but that’s about it. Thank goodness for Talbots!

    Reply
  18. Stacie says

    February 8, 2023 at 9:47 am

    Here’s hoping Cohen does something to help the brand. They are definitely flailing and need reinforcement that following endless trends doesn’t work–please bring back the beautiful sales, the sleek merchandising. Get the damn rounders and displays out of the walkways again so there’s flow and grace in the stores.
    I loved Nordstrom SO much in the same period as you did, Ali–and the last two decades, it’s been like going to ANY department store. Nothing I can wear, cheap quality, tawdry merchandising. We were loyal for a reason. Bring it back.
    https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/billionaire-cohen-builds-stake-nordstrom-urges-board-shakeup-2023-02-03/

    Reply
  19. Jackie says

    February 8, 2023 at 9:30 am

    Except for shoes, I rarely shop Nordstroms anymore. It’s difficult to find clothes that fit my shape there, most styles I find are designed for women with no shape – stick straight. The prices are high and the annual sale is uninspiring. Sigh…..

    Reply
  20. Carolyn Graf says

    February 8, 2023 at 9:27 am

    I remember when the Nordstrom in Towson opened in Fall 1992, I got my make up done at the Clinique counter before my junior ring dance that fall- my first department store make up counter experience. The Clinique counter sent actual paper invitations to all 100+ girls in my class inviting us to have our makeup done for the occasion, it was exciting! I remember shopping there for my fall college wardrobe in the Brass Plum and BP shoes departments. Now I visit the same store with my HS age daughter and it is decidedly a little more down market. The BP shoe department has been eliminated and the actual Brass Plum juniors department is definitely more Forever 21 than Nordstrom. The service doesn’t seem to be the same either, but at least the store is busy?

    Reply
  21. Krista Alexander says

    February 8, 2023 at 8:49 am

    It’s not just me. I fully discovered Nordstrom about 8 years ago. I was able to find great quality and style. And while I still get things from Nordstrom, I find myself shopping at other retailers (Dillards, Macys) more often. For the very reasons you mentioned. I just returned yet another item because the quality was awful. I love these capsules you put together. Fingers crossed they’re on the upswing.

    Reply
  22. Marla says

    February 8, 2023 at 7:56 am

    This expresses exactly how I’ve been feeling! From 2000-2010 90% of my wardrobe came from Nordstrom and I hit the store once or twice a month on a Saturday and rarely left empty handed. I’m still wearing make + model sleepwear that is threadbare but I just can’t say goodbye. It was great to stop for lunch with my bags beside me feeling excited with my new purchases. Since then if I can find something worth trying I’m usually disappointed with quality or fit and no store has replaced Nordstrom and my wardrobe shows it. Recently they brought back a version of my favorite underwear and they are a win! I’m hoping for more wins in the future!

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What I Wore Recently

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 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! 🧡

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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Aug 27

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The family that wears @printfresh together stays together 🥰

Use code wardrobe_oxygen for 15% off your order of size-inclusive organic cotton sleepwear, dresses, bags & more https://glnk.io/qk04/wardrobe-oxygen

I’ve been raving about my Printfresh pajamas for years, my family also wanted to try them. Thank you Printfresh for gifting these for our annual three generation girls’ getaway to Rehoboth Beach, DE. We had a great time and being all matchy matchy in our pajamas was a fun addition! 🐅🍃🥰

#printfresh #printfreshpajamas #printfreshpartner

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Aug 12

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Shuts laptop until Monday… #RehobothBeach

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