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! 🐾❤️
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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Fashion Advice · April 6, 2021

Escape Reality with the Best Shower Ever

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. 

a recipe for the best shower ever by wardrobe oxygen

I have a great recipe for all of you who live in a house with a bunch of other people and you feel like you never have a moment alone. This recipe can make you feel like you're escaping the pandemic without leaving your home, like you're at a resort not your apartment, that you've visited a spa without stepping foot outside. This is a recipe for the best shower ever… or at least the best one you've had in a while.

The Best Shower Ever

This is not a shower you take when you wake, or in a rush between your workout and work, or the one you take to wash off the day before bed. No, this is the luxury shower. And the word luxury isn't used for cost but for the true definition of the word, “The state of great comfort and extravagant living.”

This is an extravagant shower you take in the middle of the day on a Saturday when everyone else in your house is occupied. 3:30 PM is often a good time where you can get a decent amount of uninterrupted time. I find at this time my family is deep into whatever activity they're doing and won't even think about me until it starts getting closer to dinner.

equilibria promo code

I like to start by taking some CBD. I have reviewed Equilibria CBD before and find it very high quality. I will take a dropper-full of their Extra Strength Daily Drops just before I undress and get started with the shower process.

The benefits of dry brushing and how to battle winter skin of dryness, scaliness, and flaking

For best results, dry brush your body first. I am a big fan of dry brushing, and it's especially nice before a shower. I like and own this dry brush, but there are a range of styles and levels of firmness. This article offers tips on how to dry brush and the benefits of dry brushing.

Okay, now grab your favorite cold beverage. This can be whatever floats your boat from an icy lager or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to a can of Diet Pepsi or a Yeti of iced tea. For me, it's a Pineapple or Lemon Spindrift. You just want it super cold.

If you live alone, or your bathroom is far enough away from the rest of the house, you can likely get away with a Bluetooth speaker next to or inside your shower. If you have paper-thin apartment walls, a small home, or nosy roommates, I highly recommend a pair of waterproof earbuds. Below is a gallery of waterproof speakers and earbuds at a range of price points

Next, turn on your favorite album. Not a playlist, but a great album all from the same artist, that takes you on a journey. If you don't have one, I find Maggie Rogers' Heard It in a Past Life to be a nice choice. Rolling Stone Magazine has a list of the 500 greatest albums of all time if you'd like a different genre or generation.

Now turn the water warmer than you usually do because you're trying to keep down the bills or because you're the third in the house to bathe that morning and you don't even remember what a hot shower feels like. This is a luxury shower, a rarity, a time when you can go a bit hotter, a bit longer, a bit more for you than others.

get the best shower of your life

Grab yourself a pair of exfoliating gloves or a skin towel (this is my favorite, I like the yellow which is almost neon in its brightness, very Pantone Color of the Year) and a fancy body wash that you save for special occasions (for me it's Necessarie Sandalwood) and scrub your body from behind the ears to between your toes.

Scrub in the same manner that you dry brushed your skin before the shower, in circular motions towards the heart. Start gently and see how strong of scrubbing your skin is comfortable with.

And if it is something you want to do, use this time to do a thorough scrubbing of your scalp, with shampoo or without, whatever method sounds best and is best for your scalp. Massage with the pads of your fingers, get your temples. If you have one of those scalp massagers, now is a good time to whip it out.

Once you have all your skin tingling with attention and exfoliation, put your head right under the stream of water, letting the water run down your face, your ears, as the music swells. Close your eyes, and imagine yourself somewhere.

the best shower ever

Maybe it's a waterfall you visited on your honeymoon, or the bomb-ass hotel shower from that weekend getaway, or maybe it's not a place with water, but the feeling of being surrounded by scent and steam and the noise-canceling plus music helps transport you.

Breathe deep, through your nose if comfortable. Breathe squares. Breathe in one two three, four and you've drawn the top of the square. Breathe out one, two, three, four, and you've drawn one side.

You can be there until the end of the song. It will be okay. They will be okay. Let go at least until the end of the song.

If you can stay longer (or the hot water lasts longer), go ahead. If you can't, it's okay, focus on what you experienced, not what you couldn't.

Pat skin dry, and then slather it in your favorite moisturizer. Maybe it's the fancy lotion that matches your special occasion body wash, maybe it's a thick unscented cream that makes your skin so happy. For me, it's Neutrogena Body Oil. While skin is still warm and looking like a glazed donut, put on your bathrobe, or wrap one bath towel around your body and a second one over your shoulders.

box breathing to reduce anxiety

Sit on the toilet seat, and with your eyes closed, do a few rounds of what is called “box breathing” and is famously associated with Navy SEALs.

  • Exhale, expelling all air from your lungs. Hold for four counts.
  • Inhale through your nose to the count of four.
  • Hold that air for a count of four.
  • Exhale through your nose to a count of four.

I visualize that my breath is drawing the sides of a square or a box; that helps me keep things even. This is a great way to calm down and relax, whether it's before sleep, before a doctor's appointment or interview, or just to soak in all the goodness of a luxurious shower that just for a small bit of time, made you forget the chaos, the sadness, the anger, and stress of the world.

Is this the Best Shower in the World or Only a Tribute?

We can't all afford or achieve a trip to a spa or a wellness retreat. Our family has been very cautious during this past year and we are not all completely vaccinated yet. It's nice to find ways to escape without having to leave home, and it's important to find times to feel alone and free, it's a form of self-care.

If you have other methods you've found in the past year that feel like an escape without spending a lot or going somewhere special, do share them in the comments!

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Comments

  1. Lainey says

    April 7, 2021 at 9:48 am

    This sounds really nice! I live in drought country and can’t in good conscience do the longer shower, but I can still adopt parts of this – the dry brushing, the nicely scented products, the music.

    Reply
  2. Clara says

    April 6, 2021 at 4:10 pm

    Love this, love you, this is absolutely a great way to escape and recharge. A bath with the same steps (only a different kind of immersion) is equally pleasurable.

    Reply
  3. Christine Flaherty says

    April 6, 2021 at 1:24 pm

    Early into the pandemic I ordered 2 of my favorite things. Shower Steamers Stress Relief, in lemongrass, eucalyptus and orange from Uncommon Goods, and a eucalyptus shower bundle
    that you hang in the shower from Etsy. OMG so delicious!!
    Try them, you will be hooked

    Reply
  4. Susan says

    April 6, 2021 at 10:47 am

    This sounds like something fabulous to do after yoga. Since I can’t go to the YMCA for my twice a week class, I now do 1/2 hour at home most days. Your spa shower will be a nice addition! I’m going to order a dry brush today!

    Reply
  5. Debbie says

    April 6, 2021 at 9:33 am

    What happen to your all time favorite BioDerm?

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      April 6, 2021 at 1:12 pm

      Oh I still love it, but it doesn’t have a smell that envelops you.

      Reply

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

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Sep 23

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Night and day…

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

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

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

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

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Sep 21

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

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

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

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 19

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

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 11

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

View

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

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 5

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

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

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

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

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

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Aug 30

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Ladies who lunch…

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

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

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

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

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Aug 29

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Scenes from a week in Savannah… 

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

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

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Aug 28

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Stripes are always right…

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

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

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

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

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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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