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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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
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
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Fashion Advice · June 3, 2016

Friday Favorite: Dry Brushing

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. 

dry brushing benefit - wardrobe oxygenWhy do we start good habits and let them slide? There’s no truth in the 21 days/31 days/3 months to make a habit bunk. I think we can all recall a diet, morning workout routine, plan to make our bed, or drink lots of water that went by the wayside. For me, it was dry brushing. And if you read this post about dry brushing from 2014, it went by the wayside for me TWICE!

Well I’m back, baby, and I wonder why I ever fell off the dry brushing bandwagon. I’ve been dry brushing almost every morning since February and the change is DRAMATIC. Yes, I am using dramatic words like DRAMATIC in all caps, it’s that uber of a change.

Such a DRAMATIC change that I just pet my arm while typing this and it’s all silky smooth and this morning I was running mega late and didn’t put on moisturizer after my shower AND I used some crappy drugstore shower gel full of drying chemicals because I’m out of my good stuff and trying to clear out the linen closet.

So DRAMATIC that I have been able to cut down my caffeine intake in the morning thanks to it and Hanah One. I now have half a cup of coffee, and some mornings go without any at all!

So DRAMATIC that all the icky little tiny bumps on my triceps that look like zits or bug bites are GONE.

See? Isn’t that some DRAMATIC shizz that deserves a DRAMATIC WORD IN ALL CAPS?

The best part? It doesn’t cost a zillion dollars, it isn’t found only in New York City, and it’s gluten free, vegan, soy free, and calorie free!

You can read my post here for the deets. I haven’t re-read the book that I mentioned in that post, I remember most of it. I am still using the same brush, though it’s getting soft from use and washing and I think it’s time for a replacement. But I have a habit of how I brush:

  • I start with my right arm (it still gets babied more than my left even though it’s completely healed and happy), and brush the top of my hand and then strokes all over my forearm up to my elbow
  • Scrub the heck out of the elbow, then strokes all over my upper arm even into my armpit and up my shoulder to neck
    Then the left arm
  • Then I stroke from nape and ears and chin down my neck to collarbone
  • Then I do swirls from the center of my chest across the top of my breasts towards each armpit
  • Then I lift up the breasts (because gravity y’all) and swipe the bottom of them down to mid-torso
  • Then I lift up the tummy (because babies and gravity y’all) and swipe up
  • Then I brush my abdomen counter-clockwise
  • Then I do my left leg, same concept as my arms. Top of feet and up to knees, scrub the knees
  • Then the thigh, and a good scrubbing of the butt cheeks
  • Then I use the long handle to swipe up from hips to armpits, and try to get as much of my back and shoulders as possible.

Some people brush the bottoms of their feet and hands, some do the face (which I have done before but now just do with my Clarisonic, there’s a lot of different methods but the main goal is to brush towards your heart. It helps with circulation, it exfoliates, makes the skin glow, gives you a bit of a pick-me-up (hence the reduced coffee) and only takes a couple minutes. Some say it helps reduce cellulite… I haven't really noticed this myself but I'm also not really looking (even supermodels have cellulite).  It may tickle or hurt at first if you use a brush like mine, it’s okay when you start to be extremely gentle, you’ll get comfortable with it and may end up like me where you look forward to scrubbing the heck out of your elbows. Karl’s doing it too, and has seen a benefit in how his skin looks and feels. We’re reminding one another, and hopefully we’ll keep this habit up. Third time’s a charm?

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In: Fashion Advice · Tagged: dry brushing

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Comments

  1. Little Red says

    June 4, 2016 at 1:18 am

    Agreed about how easy it is to lose a good habit. Last summer, I was going to Pilates class twice a week religiously. Then, I developed a pinched nerve and had to stop for a while I rested and went to physical therapy. Now, that I feel better, getting myself to go on a regular basis is proving to be impossible.

    Reply
  2. Morgan Rudder says

    June 3, 2016 at 1:23 pm

    I ordered a brush…you’re going to make me healthier yet! 🙂 I have been working through the premenopause book you recommended this week as well.

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      June 3, 2016 at 1:24 pm

      I FINALLY finished the book on my flight to LA. Found the first half of the book was more pertinent to me, the second half was more for specific issues and disorders. But still using my progesterone cream and it’s AWESOME!

      Reply
  3. Michelle Van Ellis says

    June 3, 2016 at 12:14 pm

    So it sounds like you have keratosis pilaris too, the bumps on the back of your arm. I was just a dermatologist’s office for a mole and they asked if it bothered me. Yes! Always has. The prescribed something that my insurance was not going to pay for, over $200! The dr said it’s just the way I am, can’t do anything permanent about it. The brushing sounds like it will help. How hard do you use it on your tricep area?

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      June 3, 2016 at 1:57 pm

      I started very lightly, but I’ve increased intensity as my comfort has increased. I get it more in the winter, and I would sometimes swirl the brush to get that area better, if you try it, trust your body to let you know when you can increase intensity, it shouldn’t hurt. 🙂

      Reply
    • Nancydrew says

      June 3, 2016 at 6:04 pm

      I have this also. Dry brushing helps for sure- I too have stopped and started it a few times! The only other thing that has worked for me is am lactin lotion. If I apply every other day, the bumps disappear!!

      Reply
      • Michelle Van Ellis says

        June 3, 2016 at 8:25 pm

        Thanks for the tip!

        Reply
    • Little Red says

      June 4, 2016 at 1:16 am

      Yeah, no real cure for KP, just exfoliation and moisturization keeps it in check.

      Reply
  4. Pam S. says

    June 3, 2016 at 11:40 am

    I popped over to your other post and saw the ebook. Thanks for the recommendation! It was free as part of my kindle unlimited subscription. 🙂

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      June 3, 2016 at 1:57 pm

      Awesome!

      Reply
  5. Pam S. says

    June 3, 2016 at 11:33 am

    I was just eyeballing my dry brush this morning. It’s been hanging in the shower so I feel like I should probably clean it. It’s amazing how quickly my skin got used to the bristles when I first started using it. I went from ouchy to scrubby in a matter of days. I really need to get back into it again. It’s so weird how perfectly easy, enjoyable, healthy activities get dropped. If I spent 5 minutes a day with my Melt roller and 3 minutes with my dry brush my body would be so happy! Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      June 3, 2016 at 1:57 pm

      My pleasure!

      Reply
  6. Kristin Hodnett says

    June 3, 2016 at 11:33 am

    I love your comments about lifting things up. Glad to know I’m not the only one!

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      June 3, 2016 at 1:57 pm

      🙂

      Reply
  7. Ginger says

    June 3, 2016 at 10:59 am

    I have fallen off this habit as well – thanks for inspiring me to get back to it!

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      June 3, 2016 at 1:57 pm

      Yay!

      Reply
  8. EvaNadine says

    June 3, 2016 at 7:46 am

    i was actually just wondering the other day if this is something you were still keeping up with — thanks for the update!

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      June 3, 2016 at 1:57 pm

      My pleasure! 🙂

      Reply

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What I Wore: Familiar

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 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

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

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

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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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Aug 27

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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

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