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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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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!
Open
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 · November 23, 2022

Consider this My Black Friday Post for 2022…

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. 

While in college, I got a job as a salesperson at a store that carried fraternity and sorority merchandise. I worked my way up to management and had discussed with the owner possibly buying him out after college. He passed, the store got new management and I was not too fond of their management style so I got a new job as an assistant manager at a clothing store at a nearby mall.

I struggled to find a job after college and kept working at that clothing store, moving up the ranks from assistant to store manager, to manager of a bigger store, and then a bigger store, and then a trainer and merchandiser for the district. I made more money than my friends who got desk jobs, and I also had perks like sales bonuses, an employee discount that spanned across all the stores owned by the parent company, and free clothing. But I worked soooo much.

I left that company for a different niche (skincare/beauty) knowing it would be fewer hours, smaller teams to manage, a simpler dress code, yet more money. I was a trainer, a promotion, with prestige. I had paid business travel and was paid to learn about skincare, ingredients, makeup, and body care to teach others. But I still worked ridiculous hours when someone quit, was sick, or needed coverage at another store… and from November 1st until January 1st I hardly had a day off.

When I got engaged (around midnight the night before Thanksgiving, stinking of sweat and cardboard and beauty products from filling the shelves before the Black Friday rush), I started thinking about quality of life. I wanted to have weekends off with my fiance, holidays free where I could possibly have the time to host, and maybe even travel. I began looking for jobs outside of retail and found one a few months before our wedding.

As I moved up the ladder in Corporate America, changing companies and positions, my goal was always better quality of life. Sometimes that was with a bigger paycheck, sometimes that was a shorter commute, sometimes that was being able to work from home a few days a week.

When I quit my day job to be a full-time blogger way back in 2017, it was to have my life back. I had excelled so much at the blog and the job that I had two successful careers, both making good money, and both slowly eating away any time away from them. The blog was more fun, more creative, and I felt more potential for creative passive income, or at least having more free time.

I am writing this Wednesday morning. I went away this past weekend with my sister for a much-needed getaway and a celebration as my sister finished the busy season for her job. It was a lovely time, but I don't know if I was fully present, thinking about what was on my plate when I came home.

We were hosting up to 17 folks that Thanksgiving in our New Deal-era row home. We had cleaning and food prep and home repairs and borrowing tables and chairs and grocery shopping and hitting up Home Depot multiple times.

We had applications for high school and Girl Scout Silver Award projects and report cards and two-hour early releases and distributing nut and candy sales from the Fall Girl Scout fundraiser.

We were leaving Friday after Thanksgiving for a weekend on the Eastern Shore with relatives. We plan a trip together every Thanksgiving weekend, but this year it feels a bit more… cramped with everything else.

When we get home Sunday, it's putting the house back together from Thanksgiving because relatives are coming to visit Monday and Tuesday. While they're staying in a hotel nearby, they haven't been to our home before or been to DC as a family so we are hosting meals and playing tour guide for the fabulous place where we live.

And there are pre-Black Friday sales and Small Business Saturday sales and Cyber Monday sales. If I played my cards right and continue to do so for the next few days, I can make some serious bank from promoting these sales. Some influencers make more this weekend than they do the entire rest of the year. I can look at past years' analytics and see when I dedicated and took the time (go ahead and sing that like Kelly Clarkson, I did), I'd make great money. It would be worth it, right?

When I quit my day job to be a full-time blogger, folks thought I was stupid. To give up that income, those benefits? Slow down with the blog, keep doing both, reap the rewards. But if you've read this blog for any period of time you know I don't do things half-ass and I take great pride in the quality of content I create for Wardrobe Oxygen. I wasn't rich by any means, but I had enough money for my family to get by. What I really needed was time.

And here I am five years later freaking out that I have no time. That I am having all these wonderful experiences this holiday season with friends and family and they are going to be a blur because I am so worried about how I am going to fit in all my sale content and promotion. I am still not rich, but we have enough. We don't need the money I can make from Black Friday. Sure, it would be great, we could take a fantastic trip or we could do that home renovation we've wanted to do for a long while. Our kid's college fund isn't as large as I'd like it to be, nor are our retirement funds. But none of that is worth the way I am dreading the coming days.

I don't want to dread the coming days, I want to enjoy them. So I am not covering the sales this weekend. And that is TERRIFYING to write. But I chose this job for quality of life, not to be rich, or famous, and surely not to be the person you look to for the best deals.

As you shop this weekend, shop with intention. Have a list, not just of who you are buying gifts for, but for yourself. If you didn't need it at full price, you don't need it at 40% off. Don't buy just to buy. You don't need it.

You also don't need a new look for every situation on your holiday social calendar. Rock a black turtleneck and black ponte pants and switch up the top layer with an ugly Christmas cardigan, a beaded kimono, a sweater coat, a denim jacket, a satin bomber. Take that crepe shift and pair it with tights and boots and a turtleneck, a sheer turtleneck and ankle booties, a white blouse and ballet flats, a sweater coat, and Mary Janes. Add a festive brooch or earrings and a bright red lip and done.

Shop the retailers you already know and love. Here are my promo codes, try them along with the sales to save more (I have some good ones for Printfresh pajamas, Universal Standard, Dagne Dover, and Necessaire, and if you're looking for a sleep upgrade check out the Eight Sleep mattress cover, I have a promo code and will do a review soon).

A new dress, lipstick, or pair of shoes will not change your life. Think signature style, not a new look for each moment. Consider deleting social media apps this weekend so your screen time is more focused and you have more time to be in the moment. My therapist taught me when I felt stressed to write down five different things each day I am grateful for and I can't think of a better time for such an activity than this weekend.

You never know, I may get insomnia this weekend and craft up a Cyber Monday blog post, but the plan is to shut this computer and not open it again until Monday. It's what my 2017 self would find to be a true sign of success.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. One thing I am truly thankful for and grateful for is you and this wonderful community. Much love to you all!!!

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In: Fashion Advice

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Comments

  1. Emily says

    December 1, 2022 at 7:29 pm

    I miss working retail so much….well I miss the parts of it that I loved. But I had to leave and join corporate America, as you would, for better pay and a consistant schedule. And I don’t miss customers, at all. But I miss merchandising and all the behind the scenes work so much!

    Reply
  2. beth byrd says

    November 28, 2022 at 3:11 pm

    The only thing I dislike more than all the hype/nonsense/etc. with Black Friday is the summertime version, “Black Friday” in July which happening more and more.

    Reply
  3. Bridget says

    November 28, 2022 at 2:09 pm

    Hope you had a lovely time away!

    Reply
    • Amanda says

      November 30, 2022 at 1:51 pm

      Beautifully sad! I did something similar this year, and decided not to buy a bunch of outfits I didn’t need for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend away. I rocked a couple of US dresses with tights and cute boots or sneakers, added a pin or a bracelet here and there, a red lip, and enjoyed myself thoroughly. I was comfortable more grounded and felt like myself, and was able to focus more on the things that really matter: long walks, great food, curling up with my son by the fire to watch movies…

      Wishing you and everyone in the WO community a wonderful holiday season. ❤️

      Reply
      • Amanda says

        November 30, 2022 at 1:52 pm

        Beautifully *said! (Oops)

        Reply
  4. Callie Schlippert says

    November 28, 2022 at 12:17 pm

    Your commitment to your sanity and integrity are some of the reasons I read your blog. Keep it up!

    Reply
  5. RoseAG says

    November 26, 2022 at 8:45 am

    As a Working Mom I was chronically short of PTO and usually volunteered to work on the Friday after T-day b/c husband got the day off and could watch the children.
    So the whole Black Friday shop thing isn’t embedded in my life.
    In my ideal world my Christmas shopping would be done by Thanksgiving so I could devote myself to decorating an baking.
    To that end I think you’ve done your bit with the amazing list of gift ideas you’ve published in recent weeks.

    Reply
  6. Laurel says

    November 25, 2022 at 8:43 am

    Amen to everything you wrote! Enjoy the holiday with your family. Cheers!

    Reply
  7. justdawn says

    November 25, 2022 at 12:57 am

    Hey, this post shows some real integrity, knowledge of what is important in life and a willingness to actually live your values. Bravo!

    Reply
  8. Michele says

    November 24, 2022 at 9:42 pm

    I’ve been a devoted WO reader for many years, and each of your posts is better than the previous one. I really admire you. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

    Reply
  9. Jenny says

    November 24, 2022 at 5:14 pm

    I love watching your evolution as a blogger! As I am not in the USA a lot of your promotional content is not relevant to me anyway, but I follow with appreciation for your throughtful commentary on being a modern woman, your smarts and your honesty. Here in Australia our retailers have adopted the Black Friday concept wholeheartedly, and it’s rather horrifying to see how our leisure time is being eroded by this huge pressure to buy new stuff all the time. As a society we need a different approach, this endless commercialism is slowly killing humankind. Thank you for *not* participating in this, hoping you can find other ways to share your smarts and still make a living! Happy thanksgiving to you and yours.

    Reply
  10. BigBossLady says

    November 24, 2022 at 5:03 pm

    Happy Thanksgiving! I appreciate how thoughtful you are about consumption, and this is an example. I tend to go to your website before I buy anything, so you’ll get the credit for the sale, but I was especially conscientious about doing so for Black Friday shopping this time around. I hope you don’t have too much of a financial hit for taking care of yourself and your family.

    Reply
  11. Kat says

    November 24, 2022 at 1:46 pm

    Thank you for this. Loved it. Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  12. Robyn says

    November 24, 2022 at 1:29 pm

    Yes. Thank you. Enjoy.

    Reply
  13. Jax says

    November 24, 2022 at 12:45 pm

    I totally feel you. Been completely burned out for 2.5 years now. Trying to get it together to host for the holidays. Fortunately, it’s a small group — my family — and we always all contribute on the food, potluck style. This Thanksgiving, happy to let my sibling host. We’ve ordered a cooked turkey with gravy and cranberry sauce. Also apple pie. My spouse is recovering from a minor surgery and isn’t interested in cooking as he usually would, esp a heavy turkey. We’re chilling out and enjoying each other’s company.
    Happy Thanksgiving to you!

    Reply
  14. Karen O says

    November 24, 2022 at 12:32 pm

    Enjoy your time off with your family. Honestly, the holidays are getting to be a bit much. While I’m grateful that a few of my favorite brands offer great discounts this time of year that I do take advantage of (got some things from your Colleen Rothschild link and some Banana Republic Factory things) most sales are not that great. It seems like Black Friday started Nov. 1st. Stores were full of Christmas/holiday decorations before Halloween. Some houses in my neighborhood have been decorated for Christmas for about 2 weeks now. I’m starting to get over the whole thing at this point. But I’ll still be reading your blog. The content is great and I’d continue to read even if you never posted about another sale ever again. Happy Holidays Allie!

    Reply
  15. Beth says

    November 24, 2022 at 11:28 am

    Good for you, Alison. I hope you and your family have a lovely Thanksgiving weekend.

    Reply
  16. Mary says

    November 24, 2022 at 11:16 am

    Wonderful post and reminder to slow down. Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy time with your loved ones.

    Reply
  17. E E Deere says

    November 24, 2022 at 11:12 am

    Hurrah for Alison, you are definitely doing the right thing. It’s the right thing for you, personally, and it is also the right thing as a leader, or influencer.

    We all could benefit from some time thinking about the difference between “what I need” and “what I want’, as my very wise friend who is a Bhuddist monk would say.

    I hope we all have a chance to feel happy celebrating, connecting, just enjoying the day. Thank you for the thoughtful post.

    Reply
  18. Makayla Sampson says

    November 24, 2022 at 10:54 am

    I am honestly tired of all the emails, social media ads, and blog posts promoting Black Friday sales. It started two weeks ago, before Black Friday. I feel like the holidays have become inundated with shopping and materialism which takes a lot of time and money. I wish that it wasn’t this way. It seems to take away from a higher meaning for the holidays. I appreciate that you are backing away from promoting Black Friday sales. It’s actually refreshing! I love your blog. Thank you for the work you do!

    Reply
  19. Gail Medeiros says

    November 24, 2022 at 10:40 am

    Good for you! Life is short, enjoy Thanksgiving, your family and friends. Thank you for all you do for us and we’ll be waiting when you have the time to post again!

    Reply
  20. Jane Nicholls says

    November 24, 2022 at 10:35 am

    We Canadians only get a fraction of the hustle your Thanksgiving brings. But we also experience the stress of children, economics, holiday. Hang on Alison. It’s all over too soon. You’ll look back and wonder why you were so stressed about it.
    Enjoy yourself. Make sure the getaway IS a getaway. Don’t pressure yourself to see and do anything.
    Many women have learned a lot from your blog. Looking forward to seeing you next week.

    Reply
  21. Leu2500 says

    November 24, 2022 at 10:10 am

    Alison, wishing you & your family a lovely & joyous holiday.

    And as if we need any more shopping days this weekend, Sunday is Museum Store Sunday. My local museum pairs it with Community Free Day: see the exhibits, get a little shopping in, enjoy coffee & a pastry or lunch out.

    It’s a great way to support the arts in your, & other, communities. I find museum stores have interesting accessories, especially scarves, home decor items, & kids stuff. For ex, another blogger introduced me to lacquered ball candles from Italy at Moma that make a great hostess gift. & the Met has a glass tile print scarf as part of their baroque exhibit that’s in my shopping cart waiting for a sale (I tend to buy stuff the day before a sale.)

    Reply
  22. Debbie says

    November 24, 2022 at 10:01 am

    Love this….and it’s nice reminder that we all have enough! Enjoy the time and savor the moments. Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  23. AnnSometimesInKC says

    November 24, 2022 at 9:17 am

    I love this. Thank you for your ALWAYS good, fresh, important content. And best wishes for a wonderful holiday weekend! (Writing from Almunecar, Spain, where for the first time in 28 years we will not be stressing over Thanksgiving dinner. Moroccan restaurant on the beach for the win this year.)

    Reply
  24. Susan Braverman says

    November 24, 2022 at 9:11 am

    Bravo Alison on doing what is right for you and yours! It sounds like a wonderful and fulfilling week, so enjoy yourself and take catnaps when you can. Remember you’re a badass woman who knows you don’t need perfection at the Thanksgiving table, just good company and fun!

    Reply
  25. Joanna says

    November 24, 2022 at 8:43 am

    Thank you for offering an alternative to the relentless buy, buy, buy of this season!

    Reply
  26. Karen says

    November 24, 2022 at 8:42 am

    Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you find that elusive balance that your are looking for.

    Reply
  27. Amy Scott says

    November 24, 2022 at 8:29 am

    This is amazing! I am so turned off by all the Black Friday pushing. I am a Thanksgiving purist and I don’t even think about gifts until Cyber Monday! Well, we do draw names for Christmas. We have really scaled down what we buy and spend. Also, with prices so high on everything it just makes me feel bad for people that cannot afford the holiday anymore.
    Try to be present in the moment of each wonderful event. Outsource and delegate and remember that no one expects perfection. They just want YOU. You are such a wonderful blogger, writer, content creator, and just wonderful human. Thank you!

    Reply
  28. Bette says

    November 24, 2022 at 8:22 am

    I’m all for making money, and I definitely identify with your feeling torn in several directions. Providing for your family and working when your particular career field is at its seasonal money-making height are important. And, this idea of work-life balance seems like just another myth to make us feel bad, because who ever achieves the perfect balance?! Glad you can get away with family and hope you enjoy a little down time!

    Reply
  29. Paula Spizziri says

    November 24, 2022 at 8:16 am

    Brava, Alison! I admire your integrity. I hope by the time you read this, you’ve had a wonderful, unplugged holiday!

    Reply
  30. Shy says

    November 24, 2022 at 6:30 am

    Alison, this is the best post ever! Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  31. LeeB says

    November 23, 2022 at 11:29 pm

    Life is short. As you get older you will not regret the days spent with people you love, but you will regret the opportunities you missed. Enjoy your family time. Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  32. Emily says

    November 23, 2022 at 10:23 pm

    Thank you for this post, best Black Friday post I have seen. This says so much about what we’ve learned the last three years or so.

    Reply
  33. Ering says

    November 23, 2022 at 9:29 pm

    Enjoy your weekend! I am so glad you are able to put the blog aside and focus on your real priorities!

    Reply
  34. Elizabeth B says

    November 23, 2022 at 9:21 pm

    Way to go, Alison! Thanks for setting a good example of responsible life balance.
    Also for the reminder that signature look is a plus.

    Reply
  35. Melinda says

    November 23, 2022 at 8:58 pm

    Applauding you and your decision. I hope you really soak up and enjoy time with loved ones.

    Reply
  36. Michelle says

    November 23, 2022 at 8:43 pm

    You are doing the right thing, Alison! Time off where you actually get to enjoy yourself, rest, and relax is invaluable and not to be missed (when life’s circumstances permit it, of course). Personally, I make a point to head to your promo codes anytime I’m shopping online because you are my favorite blogger & I want you to be successful. Seeing a WO post in my inbox always makes me happy, but that only happens if the woman behind the blog is doing well mentally, emotionally, physically, etc. So, go enjoy your time off!

    Reply
  37. Cynthia says

    November 23, 2022 at 7:24 pm

    I am so glad to hear you are putting yourself and your family first. I’m feeling overwhelmed as a consumer by Black Friday sales — I can’t imagine how you as a blogger deal with all the noise. I wish you a wonderful and fulfilling and peaceful family time.

    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!).

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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

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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. 

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

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