Open
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
Open
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. 🌴
Open
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
Open
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
Open
@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
Open
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. 💚
Open
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
Open
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, Corporate Fashion · July 15, 2023

The Best Suiting for Curvy Women

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 best suiting for curvy bodies

A reader emailed me asking for work suiting advice.  She is looking for a power suit but has a curvy shape.  She wanted to know if I had any suggestions on where to find a great suit for curvy women:

For years I struggled to find suiting to accommodate my soft curves. I am 5'3″ with an F-cup bust and in the past decade have varied between a size 12 and 16. Every suit I found was either too boxy or looked like it was leftover from the cast of Melrose Place (remember the super tight and short suits Amanda Woodward would wear?).

Luckily in the past couple of years, brands have caught on to the need for great suiting for curvy frames while trends have made suits stylish for everyone, not just stockbrokers. Below I share my favorite places to shop for suiting for curves along with some photos of me in suiting from the retailers I have shopped from.  The other retailers I recommend come from feedback from multiple Wardrobe Oxygen readers.

The Best Retailers Offering Suiting for Curvy Women

suiting for curvy bodies where to shop
Wearing a Talbots Italian Doubleweave suit.

Talbots

At Talbots, I can find suiting for my 5’3” size 14 curvy body and they fit right off the rack. Offering most of their suiting in misses, petite, plus, as well as plus petite, you can create a more custom fit for your unique shape. Talbots suiting is clean, classic, shaped for a woman’s figure. You can find a great pantsuit in a solid color or subtle pattern that will be classically stylish now and seasons from now. The quality is excellent, and the customer reviews help you know which size to purchase and if the silhouette will work for your form.

universal standard workwear review
Wearing a black pantsuit from Universal Standard.

Universal Standard

I’m glad you mentioned Universal Standard because I think they do offer great suiting pieces – good quality, classic styles, and a size range from 00-40 with some pieces available in petites. They have suiting in ponte, a classic stretch wool suiting fabric, and a classic luxe twill suiting fabrics. Each fabric has one blazer and a variety of skirts and pants to coordinate. I love how they will show the same piece on a variety of bodies at different sizes so you can better assess how it will fit on your frame.

Universal Standard has a unique sizing system where 4XS is 00/0 and 4XL is 38/40. Every item, regardless of style or color, is available in every size. The Universal Standard size chart is very detailed and I recommend measuring yourself and if unsure, contact their customer service to ensure you order the right size.

best suiting for curvy women banana republic review
Wearing a hot pink tropical weight wool pantsuit from Banana Republic.

Banana Republic

I’ve had surprisingly good luck finding suiting that fits my curves at Banana Republic. Offering sizes 0-20 and most pieces with tall and petite options, you can achieve a better fit before visiting a tailor. Often employing stretch and tech fabrics that resist wrinkles and are travel-friendly while offering a variety of jacket and pant cuts for different frames, the suiting is very curve-friendly and a lot of it is also machine-washable.

If unsure, I recommend sizing up with the blazer and then visiting your neighborhood tailor or seamstress to shorten the sleeves and do a minor nip or tuck along the torso for a custom fit.

tan satin pantsuit
Wearing a camel matte satin pantsuit from Ann Taylor.

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor carries suiting up to size 18 with petite and tall options, and a specific category of suiting pants and skirts in curvy fit. I have had a lot of luck with Ann Taylor suiting in the past year or two, finding the curvy fit works really well with my frame and the jackets having great fit over fuller shoulders, arms, and bust.

talbots suiting for petite curvy women
Wearing a dark red suit from Talbots.

Of Mercer

Of Mercer was created for businesswomen who want to look powerful but also embrace their feminine side. Offering 00-14 as well as 14W-20W, Of Mercer offers matching suiting separates in three different classic fabrics, all with stretch to work with a woman’s curves. Fit is important to Of Mercer and they have a detailed size chart and online instructions on how to measure yourself to find the right fit.

best plus size petite suiting
Wearing a petite plus sized pantsuit from Talbots.

Sumissura

Wish it was possible to get a custom-made suit without being a millionaire?  Wish such a feature was available without leaving your home?  Sumissura creates custom-made suits for women and when I say custom, that goes beyond your body's measurements.  Being able to choose fabric, label style, fit, even number of buttons on the cuffs, Sumissura gives you the luxury of designing the suit perfect for you without spending an arm and a leg (custom suits are under $300). 

I have never used Sumissura, but I love the idea of it and love how they don't have a size limit.  If the idea of creating a suit from scratch is overwhelming, Sumissura carries popular business suit designs already set up and you can just enter your measurements to get it made for you.  Sumissura also offers dresses, trenches, and more made to fit.

banana republic suiting review
Wearing a ponte knit pantsuit from Banana Republic.

Tips for Curvy Women Buying Suiting:

  • Size up, tailor down. To make sure there is room for your curves, purchase a size up.  Ensure the sleeves are roomy enough for your upper arms and shoulders, even when wearing a blouse, that your bust doesn't cause the jacket to pull, that you can sit comfortably in the trousers.  A tailor is your secret weapon in making any suit look twice its pricetag and give you twice the confidence and air of success.
  • Consider a single-breasted, one-button style.  A one-button style creates an hourglass shape, working with a curvy frame.  It also looks more current and looks good when left unbuttoned.
  • Consider a “column of color”.  If you wish to minimize your curves, creating a column of color with your blouse and pants the same color will elongate the frame.  If the color is dark, it will recess under the blazer making your figure less of the focus.  No need to have it black with a light-colored blazer; other dark colors will work and the blazer doesn't have to be high contrast to achieve the effect.
banana republic suiting review for curves
Wearing another Banana Republic pantsuit. While I chose it in hot pink, when it was still available it came in more conservative colors like black and navy. Click here to read the original blog post featuring this suit.

While this list is not exhaustive, these retailers are known to carry professional looking suiting season after season, offering fabrics and fits to work with a woman’s curves. If you are reading this article and know of another retailer that regularly offers professional suiting for curvy women, do share it in the comments to benefit other women looking for this workwear must!

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Comments

  1. Fussy says

    August 27, 2021 at 3:26 am

    apple here too. long, slim legs, no bum, weight carried around waist and back of waist, big bust, long thin arms and narrow shoulders with no muscle on them due to rheumatoid arthritis. Big waist, kinda smallest at top of legs. Thick midriff and look wide, not flat side on and top heavy. All blazers look too big in shoulders. When I was 5 kg lighter, could fit a Vince blazer. Now even that looks too mannish and solid. Recently bought a Max Mara jacket which has small shoulders and inset sleeves which bell slightly at wrists. Just above top of leg length so doesn’t shorten legs. Double breasted without decoration, subtle buttons, matt woo fabric, loose through the body so it falls from the small shoulders and camouflages the thick middle and large bust. What an exercise in research! Also have a kind of swing style Sofie D’Hoore which does the same. Will have a look at these others though.

    Reply
  2. CJ says

    March 28, 2021 at 2:45 am

    I need size 22W-24W. Beautiful suits, but I can’t fit into any of those.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      March 28, 2021 at 5:26 pm

      Universal Standard goes up to size 40 and has nice suiting; I have a few pieces! https://imp.i240138.net/2rrxbg

      Reply
  3. Isi says

    July 16, 2020 at 3:37 pm

    I have tried Sumissura myself because it sounded perfect. however, I wasn’t able to get well fitting trousers from them, even after sending them back twice with feedback. Every body is different, of course, so they may work very well for others. But I was really disappointed that they had tiny seam allowances, so I couldn’t even take them to a local tailor to have them fitted! My tailor assured me that in most made-to-measure, seam allowances are about an inch, not a quarter. Also, no stretch fabrics.
    I would be interested in hearing other experiences, though. If my experience is the exception, I might be willing to try again

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      July 21, 2020 at 2:56 pm

      Thank you so much for sharing this! That’s really weird/not cool about the seam allowances!

      Reply
  4. Karin says

    July 16, 2020 at 3:08 pm

    I love the Premier Bi-stretch work blazer and pants on Eloquii. Makes me feel sexy in a suit, which is hard to do! I’m hourglass and 5’7 if that helps.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      July 21, 2020 at 2:56 pm

      I agree, their Premier Bi-stretch is fantastic!

      Reply
  5. Erin says

    July 15, 2020 at 3:37 pm

    As more of an apple shape myself, I prefer Ann Taylor. I have two of their suits and wear their dresses with the blazers as well. I have built a nice work wardrobe with AT pieces.

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      July 17, 2020 at 12:57 pm

      Agreed. As an apple shape, I’ve had great luck with Ann Taylor

      Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      July 21, 2020 at 2:57 pm

      I used to love Ann Taylor but in the past couple of years I’ve found the quality and fit inconsistent which is why I didn’t include them. But that may be me focusing too much on the Ann of a decade ago instead of seeing them as who they are now!

      Reply
  6. Emily L says

    July 15, 2020 at 9:16 am

    This was a great roundup! I don’t have to wear a suit every day anymore, but when I did I also found J. Crew to have good options. J Crew and Banana Republic were my go-tos, and I also had some luck at Nordstrom with its Halogen brand (hit or miss with the fabrics), Vince Camuto, and Theory (the best wool suit I’ve ever had). I found some good pieces at Ann Taylor as well. With a curvy hourglass figure, muscular butt and thighs, and big shoulders, I size up and tailor down in every single one of these brands from the sizes I would buy in regular clothes.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      July 21, 2020 at 2:58 pm

      Thank you for these suggestions Emily!

      Reply
  7. Melissa Stamos says

    July 15, 2020 at 9:10 am

    @Bette – Love MM LaFleur! Also, I find good options at Ann Taylor and Elie Tahari.

    Reply
    • Melissa Stamos says

      July 15, 2020 at 9:20 am

      Also – Saks Fifth Avenue online has a great (but small) selection of heavily discounted suiting pieces and work dresses. Think $450 reduced to $100.

      Reply
  8. Linda A Fagan says

    July 15, 2020 at 9:05 am

    Great options! That tan suit is a 10 on you. Love them all!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      July 16, 2020 at 3:17 pm

      Thanks Linda!

      Reply
  9. Bette says

    July 15, 2020 at 9:03 am

    I notice the questioner is an apple shape, as am I. I often wear suits to work, and find that many “curvy styles,” esp those from Talbots, are more suited (no pun intended! 😉 to women with smaller waists and bigger hips and thighs — the pear shape. FWIW, since your reader is an architect and likely appreciates design, MM LaFleur might be a good option. I love how their pieces indicate whether they’re “middle friendly” or “hips friendly.” Plus, they offer creative options in knit fabrics and beautiful colors that can spice up the office.

    With all this said, I’d like to add that I remain super annoyed at Talbots for no longer offering their suit pants in Talls.

    Reply
    • NICOLE KOWALSKI says

      July 15, 2020 at 2:26 pm

      I am exactly the shape the questioner describes and agree that Curvy fits do not work for an apple shape. Waists are too small, hips too big. Curvy is not = a little extra weight in the middle with a large bust.

      I also find one button jackets rarely work unless the “stance” – place where the button is placed – is close to under the bust. It just gaps, emphasizing the fact that the girls aren’t small.

      I’ve never tried MM Fleur, but I have had no luck at Talbots or Banana Republic ever. Same with Theory-they don’t like boobs. J Crew cuts have sometimes worked. My best blazers are Eileen Fisher, J Crew and Ann Taylor.

      Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      July 16, 2020 at 3:16 pm

      I fully agree, I never buy the curvy fit, it’s geared towards more of a “pear” shape.

      Reply

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What I Wore in June

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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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. 💚

wardrobe_oxygen

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Nov 17

Open
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

Open
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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