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Counteract the gray days with cozy colorful clothes! 🌈 This cashmere sweater set is the prettiest teal and I loved how it looked with this candy pink Chesterfield coat. All are from @anntaylor one of my favorite places to shop because Ann has petites over a size 12. Also all of these items are on sale!

While I did receive these clothes as a gift from Ann Taylor I am under no obligation to share with you. This is what I wore to work and when I saw these colors against the green of my building door I had to prop up my phone and capture the color combo!

This sweater is a classic and with the skirt is created a dress effect you can style with tall boots, ankle boots and tights, or dress down with sneakers. I linked to other pieces in this color that would also look dreamy with this skirt, as well as other gorgeous colorful coats.

For reference I am wearing the coat in XL petite and the sweater set in L. I am 5’3” and usually wear a 14/16

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

#LTKmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #size14 #midsizepetite #ThisIsAnn
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Just got back from a 4-night getaway with my sister @debbiefaye78 at @curacaomarriottbeachresort. It was a last-minute planned trip that ended up being perfect. We weren’t ready to celebrate Thanksgiving without our mom and this escape what just what our hearts needed. 

I’ll be sharing more once I finally unpack my suitcase and organize my photos and thoughts; but I couldn’t not share this picture from yesterday morning. Debbie and I got up early to enjoy some of the day at the resort before flying home to DC. We had the infinity pool to ourselves, finished our books, and relaxed before a long day of travel. 🌴
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It’s hard when you’re petite and most models aren’t; you have no idea how clothes, especially jeans will fit. To promote @universalstandard’s Denim Drive sale, the company sent me two pairs of jeans of my choice. And I chose to make this video to show how they fit on my 5’3” body. I am usually a 14/32 in jeans but at Universal Standard I wear a 12 because they’re super stretchy and generously sized. 

With jeans as low as $35 in sizes 00-40, this is a sale not to be missed. And use code INFS-BFALISON10 for an additional 10% off sitewide!

The Farrah Flare is a favorite because at my height, most flare jeans will lose what makes them special once hemmed. At a 30” inseam these are great with low heels or lug soles.

The Etta is a straight jean with a vintage fit. If in doubt size down. They’re also super stretchy and the 28” inseam (they also come in 31”) works with my boots and sneakers.

While I was provided the apparel in this Reel for free, I was not paid or contracted to create this content. Consider it a PSA for my fellow shorties shopping this fab denim sale!

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4oWOQ #ltkmidsize #ltkplussize #ltkover40 #ltksalealert #uspartner #midsizestyle
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Thanks to @talbotsofficial I’m ready for the holidays! #AD

I love Talbots for holiday fashion and this season’s new arrivals do not disappoint. And for Black Friday the entire site is 40% off with free shipping on orders $150+. Until noon, you also receive 50% off 1 regular price item!

I ordered pieces from the Talbots Holiday Collection and found great quality, great style, and great versatility. How cute is the Breton stripe bateau neck with the removable feather cuffs? The metallic plaid patio skirt is so fun, and these two dresses can glam up or dress down with a change of footwear and bag. For reference, I am wearing everything in either XL or 16 petite.

The ivory cords are also Talbots; the black trousers are from last year’s Talbots Holiday Collection showing how Talbots has lasting style. I’ve linked to exact or very similar in my LTK shop. Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.ltk app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content! https://liketk.it/4oDJF

#mytalbots modernclassicstyle #wondersoftheseason #ltkover40 #ltkplussize #ltkmidsize #blackfridaysale
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@somaintimates makes it easy to shop for a range of personas this holiday season! #AD With gift guides for a range of personality types, you can easily find great gifts for your loved ones. I was drawn to the creative one, loving the rich colorful florals, luxe satin, lace trim, and of course Soma’s iconic Cool Nights sleepwear! Visit Soma’s gift guide for tips on finding the perfect present this holiday season. #SomaGiftGuide #SomaStartsWithMe
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Working on the weekend is far more enjoyable when it’s in my office 💚

Perimenopause and the pandemic and homeschooling made our row home feel even smaller. So when neighbors revitalized an office building in our town center and offered individual offices for rent, I felt it would be good for business and personally. And I kept it when the world opened up and our kid went back to public school because it helps me have a clear start and end to the work day, but also because I created a space I really enjoy.

This weekend I went to the office to shoot some content. And once I was finished I enjoyed just sitting here, watching the light change. I think I may switch the furniture around, switch up the energy. I love that I can do that without consulting another or having another person’s opinions matter.

When you have a family, things go from me to we. I don’t regret leaving Corporate America to do this full time, but I do miss being part of a team. And I missed having an office, a place away from home that’s just for me. 

I wish more communities would offer rental offices like @thegranitebuilding. With reasonably affordable monthly rates, it doesn’t have to just be business owners who get office spaces. It can be a place to work on a hobby or craft, a place to WFH that’s not home, or a place to just read and write and nap undisturbed. A literal room of one’s own. Because sometimes a person needs time to be a me and not a we. 💚
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You’re never too old for a Rory Gilmore sweater… this cotton fisherman sweater is from @llbean and inspired by @marielle.elizabeth I shopped the men’s department for a better size range. The influencer influenced the influencer!

The jeans are @landsend I got last year and I’m glad they brought them back this year in several washes, inseam lengths, and plus sizes. If in doubt, size down. They will shrink in length slightly but not anywhere else, they’re super comfy and stretchy but don’t stretch out. 

Kept the collegiate vibe going with a trucker cap, HOKAs, and my trusty commuter bag for years: the large @dagnedover Dakota backpack!

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4o4bQ #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #genxstyle #ltkover40 #over40style
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It’s Cozy Season, and @tjmaxx is here to update our wardrobes with stylish accessories and apparel from the best brands for less. #AD

I recently visited tjmaxx.com and was so impressed with the array of elevated designer labels, on-trend looks, and the best prices. This pearl-encrusted beanie is from a woman designer I have admired for years; tjmaxx.com has the matching gloves and other pieces from this label to make a great set for yourself or to gift another. These earrings I’ve seen from the same designer at department stores; in fact I own other earrings from this label and paid much more for them. I should have checked T.J.Maxx first! And this cozy poncho is the perfect layer for late fall in the DC area.

I love how the winter white pieces elevate my existing closet. And pearls can be worn for day or glam up for evening. I can see many ways I’ll be styling these designer accessories from #tjmaxx all season long!

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4o2dA
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My husband has a special backpack he fills with weight to wear while hiking; it’s called rucking. I wear a @dagnedover Dakota and fill it with my laptop, my iPad, a full water bottle, and my purse and walk to work; it’s called commuting. 💁🏻‍♀️

But seriously, I’ve had this backpack for five years. It has been shoved under plane seats, in overstuffed car trunks, under feet in the passenger seat. I’ve worn it as I’ve walked miles in major cities and from my house to my town center. My daughter also has a Dagne Dakota; it survived middle school and continues to work through camping, sleepovers, and road trips. It’s genially designed, comfortable, and can take a beating and still look great.

As for the rest of the look, the vest (XL) is a new purchase from @athleta; the Rainier tights (L) are also Athleta but two years old. The purple top is @nike and about a decade old. Hat is @llbean and it’s on sale for less than $15. And my trusty @hoka sneakers that have had their own set of adventures.

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

#ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #genxstyle #dagnedoverdakota
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Fashion Advice, Health and Wellness, Wellbeing · April 29, 2020

Wednesday Woo: My Experience with Earthing

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. 

my experience with earthing or grounding

I’m a bit into woo. Not the “woo” of drunk girls at a bar on a Saturday night, the woo of those who are into more crunchy or alternative techniques for health, wellness, and relaxation. Don’t get me wrong, I am all about modern medicine and a huge supporter of vaccines. However, I love to also try out different ways to improve sleep, health, and focus on top of using tried and true scientific methods. I am not a doctor or an expert, and especially now it’s important to adhere to what medical professionals suggest for our safety and health. However, we all have a bit more time and a bit more stress and maybe some of my favorite “woo” methods may be an enjoyable addition to your routine. I’ll have a post on Wednesdays called Wednesday Woo.

Today's Woo is about Earthing, also known as Grounding

Yeah, I went pretty mild with the last three Wednesday Woos, and this one is a bit more… woo.  I can imagine a few of you may already be rolling your eyes if you have heard of earthing.  I'll admit I rolled my eyes when my husband introduced me to it.  However, since he has employed several methods of earthing, AKA grounding, he has experienced faster recovery time from muscle soreness from exercise and deeper sleep.  I have tried earthing and… I am not sure if it has benefitted me.  I know it hasn't hurt me and I have experienced a reaction to it making me think there may be something to this.  But then again, I do love me some woo…

What is Earthing and What are the Benefits?

Grounding, or earthing, refers to connecting electrically with the Earth. When your skin (usually your feet) comes in contact with the Earth (or you use a conductive system that transfers the energy from the ground into your body), free electrons are absorbed.  These electrons supposedly neutralize free radicals involved in the body's immune and inflammatory responses.  And supposedly the Earth's electrons can reduce pain, improve sleep, cause a shift from sympathetic to parasympathetic tone in the autonomic nervous system (ANS), and even have a blood-thinning effect (source).  

The reason earthing has become a “thing” is because our current lifestyles have disconnected us from the Earth.  In the past few decades, we have switched from leather-soled shoes to ones from rubber and plastic.  We spend far more time indoors in insulated buildings and walk mostly on asphalt, wood and composite decks, and areas raised up from the ground.  We also have a far more electricity- and technology-based world, surrounded by power lines, cell phone towers, and appliances next to our beds and carried on our bodies. Earthing can supposedly offset a lot of the damage from our modern lives and reduce inflammation which can cause all kinds of issues from joint pain to cardiovascular disease, PMS to acne. 

My husband was an electrician in the Navy, both enlisted and many years as a Seabee in the Reserves.  After leaving active duty, he was an electrician apprentice for a while before changing careers.  While he admits he's crunchy woo, he also understands the technical aspect of grounding and it made it easier for me to accept this specific woo.  However, as I will always repeat in my Wednesday Woo series, do your own research before embracing any woo.

How We Practice Earthing

We began earthing the easiest way possible: being barefoot outside.  When the weather permits, we will go outside and spend a half-hour barefoot in the grass.  Sometimes it's sitting or lying in the grass, sometimes it's sitting in an Adirondack chair with my bare feet flat on the ground, sometimes it's walking around in circles barefoot while answering Instagram DMs.  This can also be done on sand, on plain concrete, on rocks, and on dirt. My husband is more consistent with this, and way more comfortable doing it when it's cold or wet or gross out.  

Last year, one of my husband's yoga students offered him a grounding mat for our bed.  It was essentially a metal screen that goes in windows, edged with duct tape to keep it from cutting us while we slept.  It was two to three feet wide and long enough to drape down the sides of our king-sized bed.  It had a wire that clipped to it and plugged into the wall.  This blog post I found seems to be the instructions for the kind of mat we had.  We placed the mat at the end of the mattress over the mattress pad and under the fitted sheet. My tall husband had this mat under his feet and ankles while he slept.  Me being 5'3″, my feet barely reached the mat and I just found it annoying.  After a couple of months, it broke and I wasn't sad about it at all.

While I didn't like it, I saw a marked difference in my husband.  He used to struggle to fall asleep and would wake multiple times a night; with the mat he slept more soundly and woke less often.  He said he saw a quicker recovery from hard workouts, and felt less pain in his back.  So when he suggested us upgrading to an earthing sheet for our bed, I was game.  I think how much I have spent on pillows and meditation apps and essential oils and diffusers that I understood his desire to buy such a thing for better sleep and a more comfortable body.  In December we bought this fitted sheet from Amazon.  I said I wouldn't support Amazon anymore, but I cannot find the brand off Amazon nor the products and I don't want to link to something I haven't actually used with my body.  If you know of another retailer off Amazon that has a grounding sheet you have used, do share 9n the comments.  The sheet is called, “Earthing Grounding Sheet Grounded Fitted Mattress Sheet Conductive 400TC Pure Silver Thread Healthy Earth Energy Therapy Bedding Blanket 95% Natural Organic Cotton USA.”  It has nine ratings, eight of them five-star, one a two-star without any text to explain the score.  I know the one we have is sold out; this is the same one from the same brand in a white and black grid pattern, this is what we have in twin size, and this is a half sheet that works like the old DIY mat we had but far less annoying.

Our earthing sheet is gray, a nice color not dingy.  It actually matches the gray sheets I got from The Company Store a year ago. There is a subtle grid pattern on it from the silver threads for grounding.  The sheet is deep pocket, it fits just fine on our Saatva mattress.  On one end of the sheet is a black patch with two silver snaps, that's where you connect the cord that plugs into the electrical outlet on the wall.  The cord is long enough that we were able to snake it down the bed and under the rug to the outlet so it's not a trip hazard.  The sheet can be machine washed but must be line dried.  It's important to keep oils and such off the sheet because it can cause the grounding wires to stop working; if you're the type that likes to slather on the body oils and creams before bed you may wish to lay down a towel. The sheet is cotton, and while it makes it sound like it's some high thread count, it's not anything special or at all silky.  It's a basic cheap cotton sheet, maybe a bit thicker than most.  Plugged in or not, the sheet doesn't feel different, look different, there is no sound or vibration or anything.  We have washed the sheet over a dozen times and it has gotten softer, but still seems to work just as well. 

The first couple of nights with the sheet was sort of weird.  I was getting vibes or maybe I was giving them off.  Shocks is the wrong term for it, because it didn't hurt, it didn't feel scary or electric.  It felt… effervescent.  The feeling wasn't so strong that it affected my sleep, I went to bed and slept as normal.  A few nights, I have woken hot, and the sheet is warmer than my pillow.  This could be because I sleep hot, because I am going through perimenopause, or because the sheet is warm since I'm sleeping on a grid of silver wires that is plugged into the wall.  No idea, my husband didn't experience the same but then he likes being warm when sleeping.  I am sleeping better, but I don't know if it's coincidental or because of the earthing sheet.  I have reduced alcohol consumption, meat consumption, and bought a weighted blanket since getting the earthing sheet so I can't offer proof that the sheet is the reason for the change. My husband finds the earthing sheet to be far more beneficial than the DIY mat for reducing inflammation and improving sleep, and he and I find it far more comfortable. 

There are other products for earthing and grounding; do a Google search and you'll find pillowcases, floor mats to go under your desk, special shoes, and even mouse pads.  I have no experience with them and don't know if they work or not.

We continue to “ground” outside at least once a week, which may be bunk but feels good and as though it's something we humans are meant to do.  It's especially enjoyable now since we spend so much time indoors that even when it's gray or chilly I do it because it's a good break from the house.  It's hard to be outside and barefoot without being aware of nature.  You may start by making sure you don't step in anything gross or have any insect crawl on you, but next thing you know ten minutes have gone by and all you have done is admire how the grass sways in the wind or a bee that is having a love affair with a dandelion. It may be the grounding, or it may be the scheduled time with nature, but the whole process calms me and the days I do it I sleep better. 

the benefits of earthing or grounding

Resources to Research Earthing or Grounding

I don't want to act like some expert on earthing, I am not.  Most of what I have learned is from my husband, his friend who also practices earthing, and the links I have below.  Do your own research, make your own decisions.  I just share because it's a super easy and cheap way to possibly feel less achy and more grounded (pun intended).

  • Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth's Surface Electrons (NCBI)
  • The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases (NCBI)
  • The power of earthing (Eco-Age)
  • The art of walking barefoot: a Q&A with Clint Ober (GOOP)
  • And because this is woo and not proven science, an article from a skeptic: All About Grounding (Skeptoid)
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In: Fashion Advice, Health and Wellness, Wellbeing · Tagged: Wednesday Woo

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Comments

  1. Jeri Kelly says

    June 8, 2021 at 9:55 pm

    The earthing sheet is great! I’ve just started, but sleeping better is a huge plus. It’s nothing like a heated blanket- the sheet isn’t connected to electricity at all. It only connects to the grounding ‘hole’ of the outlet. Don’t knock it just because you don’t understand it, it’s truly been beneficial to lots and lots of people.

    Reply
  2. sam says

    March 24, 2021 at 2:19 pm

    Lol.. this is not “woo” at all.. this is science the earth has a negative charge.. we are made of energy.. everything is made of energy vibrating this is scientific fact.. we are literally supposed to connect with the earth, it is only our technological advances that have stopped this from happening. Every other mammal on the planet connects to the earth all day every day. Stop feeling like you need to explain yourself to people “im not against vaccines”etc… who said you were? If people are too closed minded to try something that’s not talked about on TV or in magazines that could help them, that’s up to them.. you do you babe ‍♀️

    Reply
  3. Heidi says

    February 17, 2021 at 1:56 am

    I have a mat. One side is shiny, the other is dull. Which side should be up?

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      February 17, 2021 at 7:16 am

      I don’t know my mat doesn’t have a shiny and dull side. The side where you clip your conducting wire, or the side with a wires I’d say have faced up.

      Reply
  4. Edward Dean says

    January 1, 2021 at 1:43 pm

    Several months ago I purchased a grounding sheet for my bed and immediately I felt worse upon waking up. I felt very run down. I tried it for 6 weeks to see if I would get used to it, but didn’t . The only positive I noticed was that my resting heart rate gradually dropped from 75 BPM to 66 BPM during the used of the grounding mat for the 6 weeks. After I stopped using the mat, my heart rate gradually when up, but only up to 72 BPM. About 6 weeks ago, I started doing exercises for the Vagus nerve and my heart rate began to drop. In 4 weeks it’s dropped from 72 BPM to 68 BPM resting. Thanks

    Reply
  5. Lea says

    July 10, 2020 at 3:09 am

    I was actually googling negative side effects of a grounding sheet when I cam across your post. After reading about the benefits of grounding ( particularly a better nights sleep) I purchased an organic earthing sheet from Rowland Earthing. I have been using it for 2 weeks and have actually felt worse, deep sleeps but not feeling refreshed in the morning, headaches and a general feeling of malaise. I didn’t feel any tingling but I did feel hot. .The unexpected positive effect was that I stopped grinding my teeth which I do when I am under pressure at work, and sometimes wake up with my jaw completely clenched. After reading various articles last night where it was a ) suggested this is a “detox” period and b) I may be over sensitive to grounding and therefore may need to adjust my usage of the sheet I decided to take it off my bed . I had the best night sleep in ages, woke up feeling refreshed but..with a clenched jaw…I lay full length on the sheet all night and am now going to try just resting my feet on it for an hour whilst reading and then remove it to see if this make a difference. I have checked my socket connections and no issues there…Happy to feed back in to update on progress

    Reply
    • Balint says

      September 11, 2020 at 12:25 pm

      Thanks for sharing. Any updates?

      Reply
  6. Amy says

    May 24, 2020 at 1:42 am

    It’s interesting to read your experience. I’ve been grounding since January after looking further into it out of desperation. After four years of migraines that last 2 to 3 days, where I was bedridden and vomiting, I was ready to try anything. Not only have I not had a migraine in the five months since I started (1 to 4 per month prior to grounding), the 6 to 8 awful hot flashes a day I experienced have also stopped. (I still get an occasional headache, but I can still function. And an occasional night sweat, but not nearly as severe as before.) After reading the book Earthing by Clint Ober (the guy who discovered this around 1999), I spent an hour or two a day with my bare feet on our unsealed garage floor (I homeschool our kids, so our reading time was spent next to the furnace!). I then bought a conductive half-sheet for the bottom of my bed and a pillowcase.

    I have my life back. I am so thankful for this.

    Reply
    • Sheila Clark says

      September 12, 2020 at 1:09 pm

      Same it’s been a God send!!

      Reply
  7. Dawn says

    May 11, 2020 at 7:56 pm

    I have put my bare feet on the earth to better deal with time zone changes for a long time. We have energy; the earth has energy. It stands to reason that connecting those two energies as closely as possible will help them align. I’m not super woo – unless you count the fact that I love me some Jesus – but when I heard about this from… somewhere, not GOOP, way before GOOP was a thing… it clicked for me. And I swear it works.

    Reply
  8. Ann Marie says

    April 30, 2020 at 8:21 am

    I have always been interested in grounding. I don’t know if and how it works, but to me it feels intuitive, as if it is natural and something that we should be doing. There are interesting documentaries about this on Youtube. As someone who lives in NYC, I can’t walk around barefoot outside. But I can ground by touching a tree, for example. I am also grounding when I shower in my cast iron tub or if I touch my sink faucet while the water is running. There are so many ways to ground where you don’t need a special sheet or mat. However, I think the most natural way is to just be outside in nature, barefoot, like we were meant to be.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      May 1, 2020 at 2:40 pm

      Those are great examples of alternatives when barefoot isn’t possible!

      Reply
  9. Rabia Belt says

    April 29, 2020 at 11:08 pm

    You have got to be kidding. And having links to GOOP, where she is peddling legally false information, and things that are dangerous, is irresponsible.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      May 1, 2020 at 2:43 pm

      I only linked to GOOP which I have criticized in the past because the information in that post couldn’t be found elsewhere and immediately followed with a skeptical link. I know it’s a tough time right now, tensions are high and it’s hard to do a thorough reading with so much going on. <3

      Reply
      • RB says

        May 1, 2020 at 3:42 pm

        So, if you just stick to stuff that is basically harmless and the worst that happens is that you spend money on placebo effects, that’s one thing. But to link to sources that also peddle bogus remedies that are harmful is a problem. The entire post, and 3 of the 4 links are endorsements to this “woo,” so it bolsters the side that this is useful, notwithstanding all the caveating and the skeptical link at the bottom. You have a lot of credibility as a trusted source that thoughtfully sifts through the flotsam and jetsam of the internet, I really hope you don’t squander some of that on these type of posts.

        Reply
        • Elise says

          February 2, 2021 at 3:32 pm

          There’s a place for everything and we all have the power of discernment and choice of what feels right for each of us. If this is something that doesn’t feel right for you, simply move on rather than projecting onto the author. This practice of earthing has changed a lot of peoples lives for the better, it’s something i believe in and i value articles like this sharing such information. We’re not victims to the stuff people post online, take what works, leave what doesn’t.
          x

          Reply
  10. Michelle says

    April 29, 2020 at 5:25 pm

    I’m not sure about the sheet. I don’t like the idea of an electric blanket so not sure how I would deal with a sheet that plugs in either. I love the idea of walking around barefoot in my yard. I loved lying in the grass when I was a kid or running around barefoot. It feels innate to me that it would be beneficial. Now my yard is really the dog’s bathroom and the idea kind of turns me off. I may have to fence myself a little square that I can sit/stand in. 🙂

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      May 1, 2020 at 2:44 pm

      Yeah, the sheet wigged me out at first too. If Karl didn’t have experience as an electrician and explained the grounding plug I’d be like heccccckkkk nawwwww! And yeah, I stand in the front part of our yard where Oscar doesn’t go, the side and back yard are shoes only!

      Reply
  11. ErinG says

    April 29, 2020 at 5:24 pm

    Super interesting- I am not at all woo… after typing I thought about how effective acupuncture has been forme! Perhaps I am a but woo? I can totally see how grounding would be calming and mind clearing. The joint bonuses would be great- I’ll give it a shot- CBD oil on my knee right now

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      May 1, 2020 at 2:44 pm

      Yeah, it’s totally woo but standing barefoot in the yard I figure can’t hurt, can only help! Let me know if it works for you!

      Reply
  12. Linda B says

    April 29, 2020 at 1:59 pm

    This is so fascinating! I am somewhat tempted by that sheet, but as one of my biggest sleep issues is overheating, and here in Arizona we are already experiencing our first heat wave of the summer–which is a five month season!–I am probably not going to try that. But the good news is that I spend as much of the summer barefoot as possible, and will now make an effort to get a bit of time directly in the dirt. We don’t have grass, and most of our yard is covered in fine rock “gravel”. The desert is not an easy place to be barefoot, but I can do it. I wonder if it would be most beneficial before bedtime.

    Thanks for sharing about this!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      May 1, 2020 at 2:45 pm

      You know, I don’t know if timing has a benefit, that’s super interesting!

      Reply

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Nov 28

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Just got back from a 4-night getaway with my sister @debbiefaye78 at @curacaomarriottbeachresort. It was a last-minute planned trip that ended up being perfect. We weren’t ready to celebrate Thanksgiving without our mom and this escape what just what our hearts needed. 

I’ll be sharing more once I finally unpack my suitcase and organize my photos and thoughts; but I couldn’t not share this picture from yesterday morning. Debbie and I got up early to enjoy some of the day at the resort before flying home to DC. We had the infinity pool to ourselves, finished our books, and relaxed before a long day of travel. 🌴

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Nov 19

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Working on the weekend is far more enjoyable when it’s in my office 💚

Perimenopause and the pandemic and homeschooling made our row home feel even smaller. So when neighbors revitalized an office building in our town center and offered individual offices for rent, I felt it would be good for business and personally. And I kept it when the world opened up and our kid went back to public school because it helps me have a clear start and end to the work day, but also because I created a space I really enjoy.

This weekend I went to the office to shoot some content. And once I was finished I enjoyed just sitting here, watching the light change. I think I may switch the furniture around, switch up the energy. I love that I can do that without consulting another or having another person’s opinions matter.

When you have a family, things go from me to we. I don’t regret leaving Corporate America to do this full time, but I do miss being part of a team. And I missed having an office, a place away from home that’s just for me. 

I wish more communities would offer rental offices like @thegranitebuilding. With reasonably affordable monthly rates, it doesn’t have to just be business owners who get office spaces. It can be a place to work on a hobby or craft, a place to WFH that’s not home, or a place to just read and write and nap undisturbed. A literal room of one’s own. Because sometimes a person needs time to be a me and not a we. 💚

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Nov 17

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You’re never too old for a Rory Gilmore sweater… this cotton fisherman sweater is from @llbean and inspired by @marielle.elizabeth I shopped the men’s department for a better size range. The influencer influenced the influencer!

The jeans are @landsend I got last year and I’m glad they brought them back this year in several washes, inseam lengths, and plus sizes. If in doubt, size down. They will shrink in length slightly but not anywhere else, they’re super comfy and stretchy but don’t stretch out. 

Kept the collegiate vibe going with a trucker cap, HOKAs, and my trusty commuter bag for years: the large @dagnedover Dakota backpack!

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4o4bQ #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #genxstyle #ltkover40 #over40style

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Nov 15

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My husband has a special backpack he fills with weight to wear while hiking; it’s called rucking. I wear a @dagnedover Dakota and fill it with my laptop, my iPad, a full water bottle, and my purse and walk to work; it’s called commuting. 💁🏻‍♀️

But seriously, I’ve had this backpack for five years. It has been shoved under plane seats, in overstuffed car trunks, under feet in the passenger seat. I’ve worn it as I’ve walked miles in major cities and from my house to my town center. My daughter also has a Dagne Dakota; it survived middle school and continues to work through camping, sleepovers, and road trips. It’s genially designed, comfortable, and can take a beating and still look great.

As for the rest of the look, the vest (XL) is a new purchase from @athleta; the Rainier tights (L) are also Athleta but two years old. The purple top is @nike and about a decade old. Hat is @llbean and it’s on sale for less than $15. And my trusty @hoka sneakers that have had their own set of adventures.

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

#ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #genxstyle #dagnedoverdakota

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Nov 6

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Another day of early voting for our city election, another outfit I wore as an election judge! 🗳️

I got this sweater set from @mmlafleur last spring and it continues to be a favorite. The color and popcorn stitch makes it wearable three seasons of the year. I’ve styled it with gold heels and dramatic gold earrings, with sneakers and a crossbody belt bag, and more than once with knee-high boots and a scarf at my throat. The color works with brown and black boots, the skirt silhouette and length with heels and flats. These brown riding boots are from @duoboots and almost a decade old. The scarf belonged to my dad; I have a feeling it was styled with a leisure suit back in the day!

I may have been more dressed up than other election judges but I think seeing democracy in action is a cause to celebrate! 🇺🇸

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Nov 4

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Early voting poll worker style 🗳️

I’ve been an election judge (AKA poll worker) for several years but this year I decided to take it a step further and join my city’s Board of Elections. I’m passionate about fair and accessible elections for all. The Board is acting as election judges for early voting so it’s great to use my previous experience on a city level!

I believe voting is a special occasion and I dressed the part. The puff sleeve sweater and pants are from @anntaylor; these pants are the same ones from the suit I wore earlier this week. I added a beloved @hermes scarf as a belt and silver hoops (they belonged to my mom) as a hint of shine.

If your area is having an election this coming week; I implore you to vote. Your voice deserves to be heard. And please ensure your neighbors know of the election and where to vote. 🇺🇸

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Nov 2

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Always fun to see my name in lights! 💡 I was a panelist at the annual @jaofcentralmd Leading Ladies event that connects local high schoolers with women in business. My panel was on using social media for promoting one’s business or personal brand. Along with other social media experts, we guided students and adults on how to create compelling and engaging social content and together created content for the conference’s feed. It was fun and I loved being able to share my almost two decades of personal and professional experience!

The dress code for the conference was business professional and since the event’s theme color was pink, they encouraged us to wear the color. 

This @anntaylor suit has been a favorite since late summer. I’ve dressed it down with a white tank and sneakers and glammed it up with a silk cami and gold heeled sandals. I love how Ann Taylor has petite suiting up to size 16; I know I’m not the only short curvy girl who desires suits and professional attire!

For this event I chose a berry-colored microfiber tank from @lovechicos. I own several of these tanks; they wear like iron and the tight weave and subtle shine make them great shells under suits. 

The look fit the theme but was also comfortable. I was glad to share my expertise and encourage others to see how they can donate their time and knowledge to a local @juniorachievementusa #JALeadingLadies #JALeadingLadies2023 #JACMD #JuniorAchievment

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Oct 18

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Sharing this from my #iPadOS17 thanks to @apple! A bit belated with all that has been going on lately but I’m really enjoying using an iPad to improve how I work, stay organized, and find new ways to be creative. Can I just say that editing video on an iPad instead of a phone is a game changer!

Recently, I attended an event at the gorgeous Apple Carnegie Library hosted by @flourishplanner_ to learn ways to make the most of #iOS17 and it was awesome. I brought my new iPad and learned about the new wallpaper, stickers, and organizing tools.

As for my look, the dress is from @bananarepublic’s summer collection. Kept it comfy with a pair of Samba sneakers and held down the volume of the dress with my black recycled leather @ganni crossbody. Added an old @_jennybird link necklace and a silver cuff I’ve had since the ‘90s.

#todayatapple #genxstyle #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #size14 #over40style

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Oct 17

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I love an excuse to dress up, especially if it’s for a good cause! This weekend was the @thenewdealcafe Masquer-AID fundraiser to support this independent cafe, art gallery, and live music venue in @cityofgreenbelt.

My family and I have loved going to The New Deal Cafe for all these years. Grabbing coffee with friends, having a meal, seeing an amazing band, participating in an open mic or one of their Reel and Meal events. So @debbiefaye78, our mom, and I got tickets and even chipped in for a plaque from us “Ashpes Girls.” 

Our mom passed before she could attend the event; we asked our like a sister best friend @shellymingram to join us in her place and we had a great time, dancing all night as our mom would have, connecting with neighbors, and supporting a local business we all love so much.

As for the outfit, the dress is @ronnykobo the bag is @ganni and I borrowed both from @renttherunway The shoes I’ve had for years and the gold metal mask I found on Amazon and liked how it could mold to my face and not put pressure on my still-healing eye.

And I know y’all will ask because I received so many DMs this weekend when I shared this event in my Stories… my sister’s dress is from @eshakti she bought it a few years ago and it’s even more gorgeous in person!

#newdealcafe #greenbeltisgreat #onlyingreenbelt #midsizestyle #genxstyle #over40style #greenbeltmd

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Oct 11

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The biggest fashion trend this fall is a return to classics. For decades I have turned to @talbotsofficial for quality classics with style.  This season, Talbots has a fantastic range of pants to update the wardrobe. 

I love how these @talbotsofficial ivory stretch corduroy straight leg pants elevate closet classics! Available in Misses, Petite, Plus, Plus Petite, Curvy, and in 10 colors, these cords are a chic alternative to jeans and just as easy care! I can run errands and have a bit of quiet time with an ebook and a coffee with comfort and style. 

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4kFNi #talbots #mytalbots #talbotspartner #ltkover40 #modernclassicstyle #liketkit #ltkover40

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