Open
Scenes from a Friday night…

We started at @littleblackbirddc a new wine bar in Cleveland Park where we had great food, drink, and conversation into the evening. We then headed down the street to @atomicbilliards for a whole different experience and to keep the conversation going. I treasure my friendships with @sylviacolella (who had a birthday recently), @districtofchic, and @blonde_inthedistrict they’re the real deal 🥰

My dress is @adamlippes borrowed via @renttherunway and Cheetos with Sauvignon Blanc is a really fun pairing!
Open
Night and day…

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

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

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

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jnDf #ltkplussize #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #over40style
Open
If @thechicks are in town you can bet @debbiefaye78 and I will be there! So when we heard they were coming to @merriweatherpp we were so excited. And their concert did not disappoint. As always, a phenomenal show! If The Chicks come to your neck of the woods I highly recommend you go!

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

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

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

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

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jcBL #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #usinthewild #concertstyle
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For years I’ve trusted @somaintimates for the right bras and the right fit but it had been a while since I visited a Soma boutique to try on all the styles they currently have for a large bust. I must say I was impressed! Knowledgeable staff, extensive collection in larger sizes, and some of the most comfortable and innovative bras in up to H cups! Each body is different but what I loved:

- The Stunning Push-Up: targeted for the DD+ customer gives amazing lift and great shape under fitted knits.

- The Unbelievable Lift Scoop Balconette: sexy, supportive, and so lightweight!

- The Embraceable Wireless: I’ve recommended this wireless bra for large busts for years and was in need for a new one! 

- The Stunning Support Smooth Balconette: this is the perfect t-shirt bra for large busts with padded straps and disappears under knits

- The Stunning Starlet Multi-Way Strapless: recently improved for more support and more comfort, this wireless bra stays put and gives fab shape

I also picked up some of Soma’s iconic Vanishing Edge panties which keep you line-free. The whole Vanishing collection is genius. I loved being able to donate my gently used bras at my local Soma boutique to give to those in need. We all deserve a lift and Soma strives to achieve that. It’s why I’ve been a fan and customer for years and am honored to partner with them. Soma is the perfect fitting bra solution. Visit the link in my bio to shop and to find your local Soma boutique! #SomaPartner #SomaBraFit #SomaStartsWithMe
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!
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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
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Happy gotcha day, Oscar! Four years ago he came into our life and we are so happy to have in our family!

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

We’ve never had a small breed dog before and it’s a whole different experience. But we adore Oscar and couldn’t imagine our life without him! Thank you for coming into our life Oskie McGoskie! 🐾❤️
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Outfit Posts, Winter · February 28, 2020

Black Watch Plaid Pantsuit on a Rainy Day

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. 

Styling a black watch plaid pantsuit for women with a black turtleneck and dark green faux fur jacket

Wednesday I shared my three day trip to NYC and mentioned we did a photoshoot – well here are the photos!  We met with Kathleen from Laurel Creative at Pastis, a French restaurant in the Meatpacking District, for a breakfast shoot.  I bought no new clothing for this trip and struggled with what to wear that was deserving of a paid photoshoot, that I hadn't shot before.  I decided to just wear what made me feel fierce – my black watch plaid pantsuit I got from Talbots this past holiday season.  You've seen it before; I wore it with a black camisole for our family holiday cards and wore it with a crisp white shirt to a Mommy & Me tea at the Four Seasons.  I wanted to toughen it up and make it feel less “holiday” for a rainy day in February in NYC.

woman in a black watch plaid pantsuit carrying a dark green faux fur coat over her shoulder on the streets of New York City

Pantsuit: Talbots (gift from brand, no longer available, both pieces are 14 petite) | Turtleneck: Universal Standard (XS, gift from the brand over a year ago) | Booties: ASOS (old; similar) | Faux fur: Unreal Fur via Rent the Runway Unlimited (XL) | Ring: REALM (gift from brand)

woman in a black watch plaid pantsuit carrying a dark green faux fur coat over her shoulder on the streets of New York City

I've had this turtleneck from Universal Standard's Foundation line for over a year and it is so darn versatile.  I recently wore it to winterize a summer jumpsuit and last spring I wore the turtleneck with a red pantsuit. It's opaque (that is unless a flash is being used on you), stretchy, fitted without being clingy, and washes up amazingly well.  Not hot, but still gives warmth. I have the same turtleneck in white and they are the perfect layering pieces all winter long. I added a pair of old, well-loved black patent booties to keep warm on such a cold day but add edge to the look.  Who says Talbots has to be just preppy and conservative classic looks?

Styling a dark green faux fur coat from Unreal Fur with a green plaid pantsuit and black turtleneck

When I decided to take this black watch plaid suit to NYC, I rented this dark green faux fur jacket from Rent the Runway Unlimited to take along with me.  Such a jacket can fill an entire suitcase, but I put it in a packing cube and it shrunk up to a fraction of its size. If you'd like to try Rent the Runway Unlimited, use this link and promo code RTRDC22F051 at checkout to get $100 off your first month!

over 40 fashion blogger size 14 breakfast at pastis nyc
I felt like too much jewelry would ruin the look, so the only piece I wore was my gold ring from REALM.  I felt tough with my big gold ring, fur coat, and suit with a turtleneck and I have to say I liked the effect. I'm also glad I wore less makeup, it felt right for this outfit.

woman in a green plaid pantsuit standing in front of a bar at a French restaurant Tips on how to style a plaid pantsuit in multiple ways

I keep saying how much I love suits, but they work for so many occasions.  I felt fierce in this outfit while remaining comfortable and completely covered.  When I was somewhere that was warm, I could take off the blazer and still have a put-together look. While I wore this suit with heeled ankle booties, it would look just as chic with a pair of brogues or loafers (I've been looking at these, and I just got these in white croco and find them extremely comfortable and chic looking).

Shop the Look:
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In: Outfit Posts, Winter · Tagged: ASOS, REALM Jewelry, Rent the Runway, Rent the Runway Unlimited, Talbots, Unreal Fur

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Comments

  1. Ramses Osirus says

    February 8, 2023 at 2:24 pm

    I love black watch tartan/plaid and that looks great, perfect color pairing with the fur coat as well!

    Reply
  2. lorena says

    February 28, 2020 at 9:48 pm

    Oh this print is fabulous, it brought back memories of when I was in high school and had a pair of trousers with the exact same print!

    Reply
  3. L H Carter says

    February 28, 2020 at 6:37 pm

    I am agreeing with Krista—Fierce and Fabulous.
    Plaid is my least favorite fabric design. Yet I am compelled to say how well it looks on you.
    So should I say Plaid and Patent—Perfect!

    Reply
  4. Cynthia says

    February 28, 2020 at 2:37 pm

    Wow — you look amazing. I love the green faux fur with the suit!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      February 28, 2020 at 4:25 pm

      Thanks Cynthia!

      Reply
  5. Allison says

    February 28, 2020 at 9:08 am

    You do such a great job at giving conservative pieces an edge! That is your wheel house. Then again…you make everything look good!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      February 28, 2020 at 4:25 pm

      Oh thank you so much Allison!

      Reply
  6. Krista says

    February 28, 2020 at 8:26 am

    Fierce and Fabulous!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      February 28, 2020 at 4:27 pm

      Thanks Krista!

      Reply
  7. RoseAG says

    February 28, 2020 at 7:15 am

    Now we know why when you posed with your suitcase it wasn’t carry-on sized 🙂 Who cares when you’re on a bus!
    I think as long as you know you’re going to have a layer over the turtle neck that they’re OK with a substantial bust.
    Do you pick a particular bra with that so when you are’t wearing the jacket you minimize VBL?
    I like the dark color with the jacket. If I were going to wear white with that outfit I’d probably go for a blouse so I could have the white collar stand out against the lapel.
    The photo shoot looks good, you’re living the blogger dream life with this one.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      February 28, 2020 at 4:32 pm

      Exactly, if I was taking a plane I would have packed far differently! Half the suitcase was the coat! And this turtleneck has been good to me, I think because it’s fitted but so… spongey I guess you could say that it’s not clingy. I believe I wore the Soma Cooling Full Coverage. And thank you!

      Reply
  8. Anna says

    February 28, 2020 at 6:55 am

    Lovely clothes and photos, Alison! You chose a look that is pretty, relaxed, and polished enough for the Big Apple. Here’s a question. Like you, I love turtlenecks, especially here in the northern latitudes, but also like you, I am busty and feel that turtlenecks are not necessarily in a good proportion with the girls. Maybe it’s just me being hypersensitive, but I’d love to have your opinion.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      February 28, 2020 at 4:37 pm

      I never wore turtlenecks for the same reason, I felt like it made me look like I was all shoulders and boobs. Not all turtlenecks are created equal and I’ve learned that only in the past couple of years. I’ve become a sticker for the neck; if it’s too long there is too much volume up there and it makes everything else look linebacker. Thinner fabrics (love a sweater turleneck with a slightly tighter/thinner neck fabric), shorter necks so when it folds over it’s not swallowing my second chin, and well-fitting shoulders (no raglan) so there is that separation between head and bust. I only have two I really like, and both are from Universal Standard (this one and their merino turtleneck). They have good neck lengths.

      Reply
      • Anna says

        February 28, 2020 at 4:55 pm

        Thanks, Alison! These are good suggestions. How right you are that we busty ladies should avoid raglan shoulders.

        Reply

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Three Days in NYC During NYFW

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

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Sep 26

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Scenes from a Friday night…

We started at @littleblackbirddc a new wine bar in Cleveland Park where we had great food, drink, and conversation into the evening. We then headed down the street to @atomicbilliards for a whole different experience and to keep the conversation going. I treasure my friendships with @sylviacolella (who had a birthday recently), @districtofchic, and @blonde_inthedistrict they’re the real deal 🥰

My dress is @adamlippes borrowed via @renttherunway and Cheetos with Sauvignon Blanc is a really fun pairing!

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 23

Open
Night and day…

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

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

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

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

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Sep 21

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sep 19

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

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 11

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 8

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I can see clearly now…

Actually I can’t, but things after my retina surgery are much improved! My next appointment is in a month and I’m cleared to get back into the world (with some restrictions to protect my eye).

With a sclera buckle, it changes your eye shape and now I am nearsighted again (I had lasik a few years ago). Once the eye is stabilized I can get glasses or contacts but until then I’m 20/20 in one eye and right now 20/60 in the other. But the eye is healing beautifully and I feel positive!

And I could see clearly enough to fall for this poppy-colored cotton jumpsuit from @pistoladenim. It comes in a few colors but this one is my favorite. I went with XL (im@a 14, sometimes 16) and likely could have sized down but I enjoy the relaxed fit and the drawstring waistband to create shape. And hello zipper closure making it super easy to get on and off!

My husband took this photo right after my eye appointment, I think it reflects my positive attitude and feeling of hope! 🧡

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
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Sep 5

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

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

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

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

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

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Aug 30

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Ladies who lunch…

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

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

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

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

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Aug 29

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Scenes from a week in Savannah… 

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

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

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Aug 28

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Stripes are always right…

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

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

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

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

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