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
Open
#throwbackthursday to what I wore 10 years ago in September…

A decade ago I was working full time in an office and was promoted to manage a good portion of my department. My blog was doing quite well, I was featured in local and national publications and websites. I was embracing what I felt to be a polished professional with an edgy vibe. Less color, more interesting accessories, and my first semi-designer bag (I still have that leopard print mini M.A.C. In the back of my closet). 

I have come to embrace color and have way less black in my closet now, but a lot of these looks are timeless and I would wear now… just likely with lower heels! 😂

Do you recall what you were wearing a decade ago? How similar is it to how you dress now?

For more of my throwbacks visit #wo2tbt
  • Fashion
    • Capsule Wardrobes
    • Outfit Posts
  • Beauty
    • Skincare
    • Curly Hair
  • Lifestyle
    • Perimenopause
    • Health and Wellness
    • Travel
  • Subscribe
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Work with Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Exclusive Promo Codes for Wardrobe Oxygen
  • Fashion
    • Capsule Wardrobes
    • Outfits
    • Plus Size Fashion
    • Denim
    • Footwear
    • Activewear
    • Swimwear
    • Underpinnings and Sleepwear
  • Beauty
    • Curly Hair
    • Skincare
  • Lifestyle
    • Perimenopause
    • Travel
    • The Business of Blogging

Wardrobe Oxygen

Real-life style for grown-ass women

  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Work with Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Exclusive Promo Codes for Wardrobe Oxygen
  • Fashion
    • Capsule Wardrobes
    • Outfits
    • Plus Size Fashion
    • Denim
    • Footwear
    • Activewear
    • Swimwear
    • Underpinnings and Sleepwear
  • Beauty
    • Curly Hair
    • Skincare
  • Lifestyle
    • Perimenopause
    • Travel
    • The Business of Blogging

Activewear, Health and Wellness · December 12, 2007

Comfort and Style CAN Live Together in Harmony!

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. 

It really is possible to be chic AND comfortable. Just with everything else in life that is good, you need to work hard and do your homework. Sure, ratty sweats and a fake pair of Uggs will be cozy on a winter day, but is that really the “book cover” you wish to present to the world? Making conscious decisions and shopping carefully, you can achieve great personal style and comfort within one wardrobe.

The Long Walk
So you’re a city girl and trek several blocks from your apartment to your office. Or maybe you live in a town where you can reach the grocery, bank and post office all on foot. Possibly you are a college student where you log a few miles a day trekking around campus. Whatever your reason, your life doesn’t have room for 4” stiletto heels and bondage-like pencil skirts.

This doesn’t mean you have to wear white tennis shoes or dowdy orthopedic loafers around town. These days almost every brand of shoe has a style made for comfort.

born walking bootTall boots are still the rage, but lucky for us they are now being shown on the runways and in the magazines with low to no heel at all. This leather boot from Born merges current trends with utter comfort and even classic style for a pair of boots you can put miles and years in easily.

gentle soulsThese booties from Gentle Souls are sleek enough to pair with your work attire, but with a low yet grippy heel and sole and a flaxseed pouch under the insole for support and comfort, you’ll be able to walk all over town in utter comfort.

ecco mary janeECCO is a great brand known for making study and comfortable footwear. Take that reputation with a drool-worth red patent Mary Jane ir?t=whaevewomneei 20&l=ur2&o=1 style, and you have form AND function that would work with dresses and pants in almost every season. Red is the unexpected neutral that will work with almost your entire wardrobe – from brown to black to gray to denim, red is a great jolt of color that will boost your entire look.

For clothing, look for pieces that have lycra for stretch. A pair of boots over skinny jeans is a classic casual look for weekends or the campus, but can be terribly uncomfortable if the jeans are rigid and the boots are binding. Lycra will also give you a more custom fit.

tshirtMoisture-wicking pieces will help with the cold outside to warm outside transition and the energy used to hike up those hills in town. Tops like this Teelicious V-neck from Athleta will work under all your sweaters and help wick moisture from the body, keeping you warm and dry.

Baby It’s Cold Outside
To get from your door to your car you have to pass two-foot piles of rock-hard thawed and refrozen snow drifts, black ice and puddles of salty muck. Each day is an adventure just to get out the driveway, let alone slip and slide on the sidewalks to your destination. You laugh at suede booties and peeptoes, and seriously consider investing in snowshoes or ice-climbing boots to survive the season.

No need to sacrifice style or succumb to neon-hued marshmallows on your tootsies, there are great options that are weatherproof, insulated AND have good traction on the ice.

merrell plaza peakThis weatherproof leather boot from Merrell offers style and a sticky leather sole for traction. Merrell is a company known for their high-quality action sports and outdoor gear as well as their comfort. This boot has a breathable mesh lining and an elastic gusset to these babies will fit over your jeans or your coziest knee socks with ease.

sudini juneauThis waterproof short boot from Sudini is sleek enough to be worn once you reach the office, not just for the frigid trek to the building. The flexible sole helps with traction and getting around comfortably, and the removable insole means you can upgrade to an insole with more support or cushioning to make the time on your feet even more pleasant. Available in black or brown and a variety of foot widths, this bootie could work in almost any woman’s wardrobe.

northfaceMake warmth the these of your look with these tall boots from North Face. Paired with a chunky fisherman’s sweater and skinny jeans or a wool sweater dress and thick tights or leggings, these waterproof, Primaloft-lined boots can be stylish AND comfortable on the coldest and snowiest winter day. Best of all the TNF Winter Grip ™ outsoles are known to have amazing traction on ice, snow and slush.

As for clothing, layers are a great way to stay warm and still be comfortable. You can throw on a sweater or hoodie under your coat, and always remove it and tuck it in your bag if your destination has the heat blasting. Look for thin yet warm outerwear that will help you move comfortably, while protecting you against the elements.

coat2I recently purchased this reversible down coat from Lands End for my commute. The longer length keeps me toasty warm even if I am wearing a skirt, is water-resistant, and a sleek design made specifically to not add bulk to a woman’s frame. Remember a scarf, gloves and hat to protect the areas where heat escapes. I love a pashmina in place of a scarf – it adds a nice shot of collar at the neckline, can double as a wrap if your destination is drafty, and the soft cashmere feels great against wind-chapped faces.

Jane of All Trades
You want a shoe that will look sophisticated, professional, even possibly dressy without making your toes screech in pain. Asking too much? No, not these days with modern technology and wonderful materials that can offer great classic style and all-day comfort.

colehaan pumpCole Haan has partnered with Nike to create their Air line of shoes. These shoes have the beautiful style, class and quality Cole Haan is known for, but have Nike Air technology carefully hidden in the sole to provide extra cushioning. This suede and patent leather peeptoe pump is an elegant color and style that would work with skirts or trousers and be great three seasons of the year.

clarks bootsThese dress boots from Clark offer the style of a traditional heeled city boot, but hidden in the sleek design is a soft foam footbed, a rigid ABS heel for easy walking on a higher heel, an SSR outsole with EVA-filled forepart to reduce load lift and extends the life of the boot, and cement construction where the upper is adhered to the outsole using a bonding agent, which creates a lightweight, flexible shoe.

alison signature

In: Activewear, Health and Wellness · Tagged: activewear

Did you like what you just read?

Consider tapping here to buy me a coffee in thanks. The best gift you can give a content creator is the gift of sharing. Consider sharing this article on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. Thank you so much for your support!

join the community

You’ll Also Love

I Said I Wouldn’t Do It…
woman taking mirror selfie with one arm flexed to show her bicepsWhere I Buy Activewear
What to Wear to a Music Festival

Comments

  1. Candid Cool says

    January 9, 2008 at 7:07 am

    those gentle souls boots are on sale on kennethcole.com (gentle souls is brand of kenneth cole), i’m oddly attracted to them.

    Reply
  2. Allie says

    January 8, 2008 at 10:46 am

    I am still loving the coat. It is so thin, yet extremely warm and windproof. I got the black, though when I see women on the street in colored similar versions, I wish I had gotten maybe the olive. It is reversible, but I have only worn it with the quilted side out. I got a bit of a latte on it, and came right out with my Tide to Go pen. Extremely comfy, not bulky, a great weekday winter coat!

    Reply
  3. Anonymous says

    January 8, 2008 at 3:49 am

    I am loving your blog, Allie. How do you like your Land’s End coat now that you’ve had it a while? I eyed it up at an Inlet store when I was buying snowpants for my son and figured it would be more expensive than it is.

    I like it in brown, and aqua…… but I hate committing to a color for a coat. I have a black peacoat and an ivory ski jacket now, and I live where it is cold and I can justify having more coats. Did you get black?

    Reply
  4. La Belette Rouge says

    December 14, 2007 at 3:44 pm

    I have yet to find a Cole Haan pump that works for me. The all seem to be cut sort of strangely on me. I do have several of their boots and love them.

    For winter boots, I love the Le Canadians. I got a pair at Neiman Marcus last winter and they are still up to the job for this winter. They are chic, waterproof and warm. No style sacrifice required.

    For your finds, I love the red Mary Jane’s and the Merrell and Born tall boots.

    Reply
  5. Debbie says

    December 13, 2007 at 6:31 pm

    I LOVE using a pashmina as my scarf, especially when it’s cold and windy – there so much material that I can burrow my chin down into the cashmere.

    Reply
  6. Allie says

    December 13, 2007 at 4:48 pm

    Clogs are tough because they only work with certain pant styles. If two years from now we go back to a slimmer leg, clogs will look strange.

    Does it have to be an actual slide or can it be something easy to slip on and off? I think flats are great – the ballet flat can be too small for some, but a more substantial flat with maybe a simple embellishment (knot or buckle) in front can work well and can have a little bit of a heel. Mules are a great slide choice but I don’t like them with hosiery or in winter. However there are many leather and fabric versions each season with cute and wearable kitten heels that are simple enough to go from year to year.

    Reply
  7. Renee says

    December 13, 2007 at 4:40 pm

    Alli, as far as casual shoes other then boots what would you recommend as far as classic. I need to get some sort of slides that have a little heel to them, Are clogs classic, or a no no in your eyes?
    Thanks for all your great advice!
    Renee
    rbrown7997@yahoo.com
    20 something mom of 4

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

Wednesday

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.

Archives

Search Wardrobe Oxygen:

Categories

  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Health & Wellness
  • Outfits

instagram

Follow @wardrobe_oxygen

wardrobe_oxygen

View

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

View

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

View

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

View

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!

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Aug 30

Open
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).

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Aug 29

Open
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!

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Aug 28

Open
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

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Aug 27

Open
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

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Aug 12

Open
Shuts laptop until Monday… #RehobothBeach

Info

  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Exclusive Promo Codes

join the community

On the Blog

  • Capsule Wardrobes
  • Curly Hair
  • Plus Size Fashion
  • Perimenopause
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Disclosure

Copyright © 2023 Wardrobe Oxygen · Theme by 17th Avenue