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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
Open
It was so funny and so quick I couldn’t not share! I bought this @hulkenbag a year ago and use it all the time. Carting shoot supplies, groceries, packing for road trips, and carting donations. This weekend @thenewdealcafe in @cityofgreenbelt hosted a community clothing swap so I made sure my family and I went through our summer wardrobes to gather that which we no longer needed or fit.

This wasn’t the first clothing swap and folks in town know my style (and my job) so there were some waiting for my arrival. Look how fast I cleared out this big bag! Speaking of the bag one other swap attendee said she got herself a Hulken after seeing mine in action!

It’s so great to know our old clothes are getting a good life and this bag makes carting them to the cafe so easy! I got my Hulken on Amazon, it comes in other colors and sizes too: https://amzn.to/48iTY4Y yep the bag is as great as all those ads you see on social media, I’m a big fan!
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I had to see… I asked my husband how often he thinks about the Roman Empire, and then asked our 14-year-old 😂
Open
#ad Go through my archives on Wardrobe Oxygen and one thing is clear: my family and I are a fan of @bombas socks! From their no-slip no-show socks to their iconic crew socks, Bombas makes great socks for the whole family while having a great heart.

Socks are the #1 requested article of clothing from homeless shelters. For every item purchase from Bombas, one is donated to someone experiencing homelessness. 

Save 20% on your first purchase at Bombas with my exclusive promo code: WARDROBE20

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4ipHy #bombas
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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Lifestyle, Entertainment, Health and Wellness, Music · July 22, 2019

Festing Like a Boss

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. 

Forecastle 2012 Galt House
The image I added to my 2012 Forecastle blog post recap. I wanted to frame this photo but the only version I can find in my archives is this one I wrote over for the recap.

They say your brain remembers memories better when you’re not taking a photo, but I think standing behind the camera helped to fuse this image into my brain. Karl, blue bandana tied at his neck, sitting in a chair with his foot up, a glass of bourbon in his hand, enjoying the view from our hotel room of the Ohio River before heading back to the Forecastle Music Festival. I took his photo, he turned to me and said, “This is festing like a boss.” This became a phrase we use when we do anything well, when we level up.

two tents connected by an EZ up shade shelter
Our first Bonnaroo in 2007; even with Inforoo and blogs we were still woefully unprepared.  However, we had such a great time we kept returning.

We started our festing journey at Bonnaroo with a dome tent and a single EZ Up. Each year after we leveled up (big thanks to the amazing people of Inforoo) to where we were VIP camping with Amy Grant as our neighbor cooking up breakfast burritos. At the Forecastle Music Festival, where the term was coined, we were staying at a hotel walking distance from the festival and somehow scored VIP tickets when we entered the first night. We did the GA camping with no running water and no shade; we worked hard and prepared and now we were festing like bosses with air conditioning, hot showers, a king-sized bed, and ice from our mini-fridge for our bourbon.

268372 10150214213693372 4156549 n
Festing like bosses at Bonnaroo 2011 in VIP

But as we leveled up, we also aged up. Even with festing like bosses, we’d come home broken. Often getting what was known as Bonnaflu, we’d be sick for days after, coughing up dust and feeling as though we were hit by a truck. My husband decided we were just too old for festivals and said at 40 years of age he’d prefer watching a show from the comfort of his couch with his big TV and surround sound than deal with crowds, heat, chaos, and the Bonnaflu. I persevered, believing it was the kind of festival, not my age.

Alison Gary in a Ramones off the shoulder t-shirt taking a mirror selfie
The last night of the Hopscotch Festival – I looked good but I felt terrible and left right after this photo.

So in 2016 when my friend Nicole asked if I’d like to attend the Hopscotch Music Festival with her I said yes. Instead of a field holding several stages and tents, shows were in venues across downtown Raleigh. We arrived by train so we wouldn’t be worn out from the drive, we stayed in a hotel, we planned our schedule so well we saw most shows on the rail or leaning against the stage. Between sets, we dined at James Beard Award-winning restaurants. We fested like bosses yet I still came home broken. Just walking to get our passes I destroyed my feet with a poor choice in footwear. Before even getting to my hotel, I had a bag with $1,500 worth of stuff stolen. I came home tired, damaged, poor and it destroyed the rest of the month and trickled into the rest of the year. I had a great time, but I regretted going and it was a bit “I told you so” from my husband.

two women in bandanas smiling at the camera with Vampire Weekend on stage behind them
Firefly 2019 with my friend Nicole: a little selfie during Vampire Weekend from the VIP section

Last month I attended the Firefly Music Festival in Dover, Delaware to prove I could. When Nicole asked me to attend, I didn’t hesitate with saying yes. Returning to music festivals after three years was like completing my first marathon. I TRAINED for this. A year after Hopscotch, I quit my job because life, in general, left me broken. I changed my life to focus on my mental and physical health. I was 15 pounds more and three years older but I KNEW I was ready.

woman in shortalls giving the peace sign while standing on a stage that says FIREFLY 2019

We fested like bosses, over-40 style. We spent the money on VIP tickets so we wouldn’t have to fight crowds for a good view of the big stages, have all the water and shade we need, and toilet trailers instead of porta-potties. We drank a ton of water all day and were completely sober before 11pm each evening. We stayed at a very ordinary hotel but it was only a mile from the festival grounds. After experiencing the walk from parking to the festival gates, we splurged the next days with a pedicab ride. And I came home energized, proud of myself, and not at all broken. No blisters, no sunburn, no knee or back pain, and no Bonnaflu. And stay tuned, I'm finishing up a complete review of the weekend!

It’s easy to say that certain things are no longer for us because we’ve aged out. But this taught me that it’s not age as much as it is condition.

woman in pigtails sitting on the ground looking up at the camera
Bonnaroo 2007 seeing The White Stripes: I was filthy, unshowered, sticky, had a rash on my ankle, blisters on every toe, quite intoxicated yet at age 32 I had a blast.

When I was in my early 30’s I could drive 12 hours to the middle of a field, sleep on a rock-hard ground, have no running water or electricity and makeshift a sunshade from a mylar blanket and some bandanas while completely hungover and have a great time. Now that I am 44, none of that sounds like fun. But I realize now that I am back in festing condition, it’s not about pain and endurance, it’s that with age comes wisdom and yes, finances. I now can choose to sleep in a bed instead of a sack. I know now that if I show up at 11am I will be sunburned and sleeping by 8pm. That festing like a boss goes beyond a great view and a glass of bourbon. And that health truly is wealth.

three women standing in front of a music stage at bonnaroo
Bonnaroo 2008: The only year I didn't get Bonnaflu, likely because I was pregnant and spent a majority of the festival napping and drinking water.

I’ve written many times about my health journey in the past year and a half. I go to a gym near my house every weekday morning and work with a personal trainer. We focus on weights; he realizes my personal goal is strength not size. My diet keeps changing as I get better listening to my body, fueling it for workouts and activities like music festivals. I strive to find time for stillness and sleep to keep my mind in optimal condition. And I drink a lot of water. I’m typing this looking at my empty 32oz. bottle wanting to race through this paragraph so I can go refill it for the fourth time today. It's become a thing.

woman in black bike shorts and a fanny pack standing at the gates to the Firefly music festival
Feeling strong and fierce in 2019 at Firefly Music Festival. This is 44, festing like a boss and not ending up broken!

When you make a major life change, it feels good, but gosh it feels great to PROVE it. Get that degree, pay off that last credit card, complete that marathon. I feel great for the changes I’ve made and the new direction I am going in. But Firefly was my marathon and it felt amazing to prove that I could do it, and do it well. THIS is festing like a boss.

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In: Lifestyle, Entertainment, Health and Wellness, Music · Tagged: Bonnaroo, Firefly Music Festival, Forecastle Music Festival, Hopscotch Music Festival

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Comments

  1. LynninRI says

    July 24, 2019 at 11:33 am

    Getting ready for the Newport Folk Festival..keeping your suggestions in mind! No VIP for NFF…but that’s ok..still a blast at 59..

    Reply
  2. TaniaS says

    July 23, 2019 at 4:15 am

    Yes, I love this message! And you look kick-arse!

    Reply
  3. Chris says

    July 22, 2019 at 9:00 pm

    Good for you Allie! Hooray! Well Done!

    I wholeheartedly agree that it is not age. It is condition, state of mind, and preference. I had a friend who was a WASP (Women’s Airforce Service Pilots) in WWII. She never smoked, drank very little, and ate well. Besides being a pilot, she was a dancer, university PE teacher, hiker, speaker, author. She never let anything slow her down. Age? Pffft! She went river rafting, and sleeping on the ground in her late 80s.

    I know she was quite an exception, but it does show that what one’s birth certificate says does not determine what one is capable of.

    Although I love music, I’ve never liked music festivals. I forced myself to go to a few when I was 19, early 20s because I thought I was supposed to like them and my friends enjoyed them. i didn’t like the heat, the rude people, standing in line forever for food and the toilet, and I couldn’t even hear the music all that well. The only way I could tolerate getting thru a festival was to get sinking drunk.

    The truth is that I have always been an introvert. I enjoy doing things with a few close friends or alone.

    However, the point here is that you found a way to reclaim an activity that means a lot to you. I am happy for that!

    Reply

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Weekend Reads #62

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

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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

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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