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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I also picked up some of Soma’s iconic Vanishing Edge panties which keep you line-free. The whole Vanishing collection is genius. I loved being able to donate my gently used bras at my local Soma boutique to give to those in need. We all deserve a lift and Soma strives to achieve that. It’s why I’ve been a fan and customer for years and am honored to partner with them. Soma is the perfect fitting bra solution. Visit the link in my bio to shop and to find your local Soma boutique! #SomaPartner #SomaBraFit #SomaStartsWithMe
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If I close my eyes you can’t tell one is still bloodshot 😜

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

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

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4j0LM #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #over40style #ltkover40 #genxstyle
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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 😂
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#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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Fashion Advice, Summer · January 27, 2011

Breaking Fashion Rules: Patent Leather and Suede

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. 

Dear Allie,
I see you wearing your black patent leather Mary Janes all winter long – I was told that patent leather is a material that should only be worn in warmer months. I am from New England, maybe the rule is different in the South?
Hi Allie,
I am seeing lots of suede sandals, and I have several pairs of suede pumps, including peep toe. Is suede in summer OK? (I live in Florida, btw.) It always seems like a “winter” material to me, but maybe I'm wrong.

Ah, yet another situation where I believe rules are often meant to be broken!

When rules like these (and the ones about navy or brown pairing with black) were created, fashion was far more black and white. Trends were far more specific, there were fewer options available for purchase, and fewer True Fashionistas who pushed boundaries and changed the rules for the rest of us.

Patent Leather

Unlike what many fashion Websites and bloggers state, it was NEVER considered a material specific to fall and winter. The original fashion rule was that unless you were under six years of age, patent leather was only to be worn from Easter to Labor Day.

patent leather winter

Women who wear patent leather in winter: Keira Knightley, Michelle Obama, and Mary-Kate Olsen

Via {here} and {here} and {here}

These days, patent leather shoes come in a variety of styles, many far more appropriate for the winter months. With patent leather, the style more than the fabric dictates whether the shoes is seasonally appropriate. I have a pair of black patent peeptoes that will not see the light of day until Spring, yet I wear my black patent Mary Janes with a dark red chunky heel almost weekly during the colder months. The difference is that the Mary Janes have a wintry feel with the heavy heel in a dark color and the closed toe.

Mary Janes are the perfect cold-weather patent shoe. In black they are a fun option for dresses and tights, and a dark color like plum or Bordeaux will add a much-needed pop of color on a dreary December day. Patent leather booties can add dimension to a monochromatic pants ensemble, and croco-embossed patent heeled loafers are a great contrast to tweed and heavier fabrics.

Pairing patent leather shoes with opaque hose continues the wintry feel and makes the shoe even more seasonally appropriate. This does not mean you can “winterize” any patent shoe with a pair of heavy tights – consider the silhouette first, then accessorize. A rule of thumb – if there is the opportunity for a lot of exposed foot (slingbacks, peeptoes, strappy, etc.), the shoe would probably look more appropriate come spring.

Suede

Suede was another fabric that collected dust in the back of the closet until the Tuesday after Labor Day. However the past decade has turned this rule on its head. Suede these days has become a big player in Spring runway collections and now the appearance of suede in stores usually means that spring is right around the corner.

Patent Leather and Suede featured by popular DC petite fashion blogger, Wardrobe Oxygen
Women rocking suede in summer: Kate Moss, Kate Hudson, Blake Lively
via {here} and {here} and {here}

The way to make suede look appropriate for summer months is to look to the designers who have made is warm-weather appropriate. They haven’t used suede willy-nilly, but have been very specific with the use.

For suede to look appropriate in summer, it needs to feel light. Colors like tan, beige, and light gray; strappy open styles that expose a lot of skin; lightweight suedes that drape on the body and are truly comfortable and wearable in warmer months.

I have a pair of nude suede platform peeptoes that I can’t wait to wear come spring – they are the perfect shoe for brightly colored sundresses, and look great with denim. I used to have a tan suede “denim” jacket that was my favorite spring coat – it was soft, lightweight, and looked great over dresses or paired with casual jeans.

This doesn’t mean all suede looks great for warmer months – again it’s about making it look seasonally appropriate. A pair of black suede boots or brown suede platform pumps would look terribly out of place when paired with bare legs and breezy cotton dresses – keep the silhouette appropriate to the season and the fabric will usually work as well.

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In: Fashion Advice, Summer

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Comments

  1. Jenn says

    July 11, 2019 at 12:50 pm

    Question – for a classic pump style like Jimmy Choo Lancer 85 – would you go with patent or suede? I keep debating between the two and I can’t make up my mind.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      July 11, 2019 at 4:05 pm

      What color are you thinking, a color close to your skintone, a metallic, or a color/black? If your skintone or a metallic, I’d go with patent; if a color I’d do suede. Though honestly either would work. Patent can look dressy more easily, but because of that can look too dressy for some looks when in black or a color. Suede can look too casual and summery when in nude-to-you colors.

      Reply
  2. Julia says

    April 21, 2019 at 5:58 pm

    I am debating between buying patent lace up (kind of platform) boots or the traditional leather lace up boots. Mostly I will be wearing these to school. I was thinking that most people in my school already have the traditional leather, so it is less unique and maybe aging as well? I’d like some opinions… thanks.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      April 21, 2019 at 6:20 pm

      The patent sound fun, but a bit more trendy. If you’re looking for something that will be stylish for more years the leather may be a better choice. However, if the patent really speaks to you and works with your wardrobe they may be a better bet. One of the most worn pairs of shoes in my closet are silver snakeskin boots. They’re almost five years old and still look amazing with almost anything I put them with. I wouldn’t worry about your boots aging you; if they complement your wardrobe, whatever your aesthetic, they are a good choice. If you’re choosing shoes to look youthful often times they will have the opposite effect. Choose what makes you say YESSSSS when you put them on, and they’ll be the best choice!

      Reply
  3. V watkins says

    May 21, 2018 at 2:25 pm

    Question. Is it appropriate for red suede moccasins to be worn now?

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      May 21, 2018 at 3:58 pm

      I’d think so, as long as they are styled with more summery fabrics and colors.

      Reply
  4. ERPaulsen says

    June 6, 2016 at 5:17 pm

    Hi I have a formal night event.
    I am wearing an Adrianna Papell Lace And And Chiffon Long sleeve Blouson dress.
    I wanted to wear some contrasting color shoes as red but after looking around a lot, I found black is the most elegant bet. so I am choosing among these (see pictures)… I think since the dress has so much fabric I need light (not to strappy or covered) shoes.
    But I also want to get shoes I know I´ll be wearing a lot more and was wondering if black nubuck is just for the night or if the look ok let’s say for an evening tea party or similar. What do you think?
    I was planning to wear it with really sheer black stockings but i guess it´s too much black but I have t figure that out that day.
    PS. I am currently a size 12 so I don’t wanna look like I have too much stuff on.
    I plan to wear yellow and white topaz dangle earrings (similar to the ones in the picture) and ring… no necklace or, if I do, it would be a thin one.

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      June 7, 2016 at 6:11 am

      I think nubuck is a pretty versatile fabric and not just for evening. I agree a lighter/more delicate shoe is a good bet!

      Reply
      • ERPaulsen says

        June 8, 2016 at 1:25 am

        Thanks!

        Reply
  5. Beth says

    November 27, 2014 at 11:39 pm

    Thanks for this confirmation! Being from the South, and a (ahem!) “woman of certain age”, I’ve always abided by the patent/suede season “rules”…until the past several years. A friend has chided me about carrying a black purse during the summer- I say, whatever looks good/makes you happy!

    Reply
  6. Curious Sandy 2 says

    August 10, 2013 at 10:26 pm

    Curious Sandy • an hour ago −
    What is etiquette on patent leather purse, i.e, red or aqua
    Michael Kohrs after labor day? What is etiquette on red leather purse
    during fall and winter?

    Reply
  7. Curious Sandy says

    August 10, 2013 at 9:25 pm

    What is etiquette on patent leather purse, i.e, red or aqua
    Michael Kohrs after labor day? What is etiquette on red leather purse
    during fall and winter?

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      August 11, 2013 at 10:22 am

      Red and aqua are great colors year-round and patent leather is no longer reserved to summer. If you like the bag, wear it! The only things that make a bag very summer is canvas, linen, wicker, straw… that sort of thing 🙂

      Reply
  8. KDawg says

    May 16, 2013 at 8:36 am

    Thank you! I have a pair of black patent peep toes that I wear around the office and I’ve been feeling weird about them.

    Reply
  9. WendyB says

    January 28, 2011 at 4:52 am

    Man, I haven’t cared about those rules for about 30 years!

    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 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!

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sep 19

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

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

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

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

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Sep 11

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

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

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

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Sep 8

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I can see clearly now…

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

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

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

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

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

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