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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4j0LM #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #over40style #ltkover40 #genxstyle
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It was so funny and so quick I couldn’t not share! I bought this @hulkenbag a year ago and use it all the time. Carting shoot supplies, groceries, packing for road trips, and carting donations. This weekend @thenewdealcafe in @cityofgreenbelt hosted a community clothing swap so I made sure my family and I went through our summer wardrobes to gather that which we no longer needed or fit.

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

It’s so great to know our old clothes are getting a good life and this bag makes carting them to the cafe so easy! I got my Hulken on Amazon, it comes in other colors and sizes too: https://amzn.to/48iTY4Y yep the bag is as great as all those ads you see on social media, I’m a big fan!
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I had to see… I asked my husband how often he thinks about the Roman Empire, and then asked our 14-year-old 😂
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
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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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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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#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
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Capsule Wardrobes, Fashion Advice · August 31, 2021

Fire Island Capsule Wardrobe: What I Packed for a Week in August

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. 

fire island capsule wardrobe
My daughter and husband at Davis Park, Fire Island.

As I mentioned in previous Weekend Reads posts and shared on Instagram, I just got back this weekend from a week-long trip to Fire Island, Davis Park to be specific. We went with relatives and it was a great getaway before our kids head back to school. I have an Instagram Highlight sharing the trip, but today I wanted to recap my Fire Island capsule wardrobe. My Instagram Stories featuring what I wore to Fire Island got the most questions and desires for links, tips on fit, and more so I wanted to consolidate the info in one spot.

Our trip was in August, which is a hot and occasionally humid month on the East Coast. It's also hurricane season, and we drove up the coast along with Henri on Friday, which was luckily downgraded to a tropical storm when it hit Fire Island Saturday night. Not knowing how bad it would be (locals were worried it would be another Hurricane Sandy situation), we booked a hotel on the mainland for Saturday and Sunday.

We traveled with our dog and could not find a pet-friendly hotel. My husband stayed at the beach house with our dog during the storm. He prepped the house, constantly in contact with the owner. Luckily it was only a tropical storm and due to my husband's preparations, the house had no damage or water issues. We returned Monday afternoon to beautiful weather (sunny and 75-90 degrees Fahrenheit and most days had a nice breeze) until late Friday night/Saturday morning when we had a thunderstorm. It cleared enough for us to take the ferry home Saturday morning.

What I Packed for a Week at Fire Island

Fire Island is a long, narrow island with different communities. We stayed in Davis Park, which is a very quiet community of families, most of who have owned their homes for decades. There are few rental homes, and to be honest, little to do in Davis Park beyond resting and relaxing.

To get to Davis Park, you need to take a 20-minute ferry ride. Everything you need you bring with you; while there is one store at Davis Park, it is essentially a convenience store with some touristy merch mixed in. There are no cars, no street lights, and you take boardwalks to get around.

the best beach wagon
Heading to the beach with our cart, chairs, bag, and dog

We already owned this collapsable cart, which was a necessity to get our stuff from our car to the ferry and from the ferry to the house. Our rental house had a large cart locked up at the marina, but there is nowhere to store it at the house so we couldn't rely on it. We were so glad to have our cart because it also made it easy to bring chairs, umbrellas, and even our dog to and from the beach. This cart is extra nice because the plastic (not inflatable) tires made it roll well on sand.

best beach umbrella

We purchased this umbrella for the trip. We knew the house had chairs, but weren't sure about an umbrella. We felt this one could be used in so many ways. It could be a table umbrella, it could be stored in the car and used for sun shade or rain protection for games, festivals, and other outdoor events. I am 5'3″ and wore this as a crossbody as one would wear a quiver of arrows and it didn't drag on the ground. I also found it easy to screw it into the sand alone and open it up and close it alone.

I packed all my luggage in my Tom Bihn Aeronaut and my Dagne Dover large Dakota backpack. Clothes, shoes, toiletries, and electronics including my laptop all fit and were protected. I brought an XL Lands' End zip-top tote for beach things (towels, a sand sheet, paddleball, an Aerobie, sunscreen, etc.) and we brought another with non-perishable food. Since we are plant-based, we brought our electric cooler with some perishable foods.

best toilitries bag

To keep toiletries light and taking up the least amount of space, I purchased a 12-pack of these reusable pouches and they were fantastic. They were sturdy, didn't leak, and I used a Sharpie to write what was inside each. I took 11 of these pouches for me and my family's products and they combined took up less space than two 8.5 oz. bottles.

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My Fire Island Capsule Wardrobe

This was not a vacation where I would be dining in nice restaurants, visiting tourist attractions, or needing nicer looks for public outings. The only places I went were the Davis Park store and one afternoon two of us went to the outdoor beach bar where we felt comfortable in our swimsuits with shorts or casual dresses over them. The house didn't have a/c so I wanted items that would be comfortable when it was hot. I knew things would be casual and since I had to carry everything I was bringing on me, I had to pack light.

Below I share what I actually wore. I brought a pair of lightweight shorts and a matching UPF jacket/windbreaker I didn't wear (though my husband ended up wearing the shorts – a perk to us having the same waist size!). I brought a rain poncho but my husband used it; I ended up wearing his rain jacket and share a similar one below. I kept in the long-sleeved tee and the sneakers; I didn't wear either of them but under different circumstances, I likely would have.

wardrobe oxygen
At the beach bar with my trusty bandana and sun hat!

For reference, I am 46 years old, 5'3″ tall and usually a size 14 or L/XL. I have a large bust and choose swimwear that will support it. I didn't want to buy anything specifically for this trip, using what is already in my closet and choosing garments that I knew could handle some salt and sand and being all thrown together into a rental beach house washer mid-week.

you may also like: how to prevent chub rub and how to heal it if it happens

Fire Island capsule wardrobe by Wardrobe Oxygen
denim shorts | black quick-dry shorts | cream-colored cotton pants | black knit joggers
blue linen button-front tunic | white and gold embroidered linen tunic | rainbow striped tee | black graphic tee
navy caftan | white athletic sandals | sneakers | black bra top | black trucker cap | black belt bag | gold aviator sunglasses
olive green tank | black tank | straw hat | rain jacket | sherpa fleece jacket (no longer available)
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fire island capsule wardrobe 1
green organic cotton robe | green organic cotton short pajamas | orange bikini top | orange swim bottom | blue tankini top | blue swim bottom | gray printed bikini top | gray printed swim bottom | black tank swimsuit | turquoise bandana | navy bandana
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These are the clothes that I packed and wore multiple times during my week in Fire Island. A few lessons learned:

  • It rained, so I was glad I packed rain gear. The poncho was helpful for my husband who was there during a tropical storm and prepped the house and had to go outside while it was windy and rainy. The packable rain jacket otherwise would have sufficed and been a good windbreaker for breezy evenings on the beach.
  • I hardly wore shoes the entire week. I brought sneakers thinking I'd want them for walks or workouts, but my Teva Hurricane sandals were more than enough for everything, and they didn't feel grody putting on when sandy or wet.
  • Sharing a house with another family and having no A/C made me appreciate my robe even more. This was worn a LOT when getting ready, walking to and from the bathroom, etc. I recommend bringing a robe on travel for any kind of trip, but it was practically essential on this vacation.
  • A caftan is nice at the beach. Sun or wind burned skin, after a shower, when you want to feel fancy, as a swim coverup, even as sleepwear. I appreciated having one that was opaque, heavy enough to not cling and show everything, had pockets, dried quickly, and a fabric I could (and did) sleep in.
  • I didn't need pants. I brought my J. Crew Foundry pants since they're lightweight and casual, but only wore them one day on the mainland when we escaped the tropical storm for two nights. Same with the joggers, I only wore them on the mainland to be cozy in the hotel.
  • I really only needed two swimsuits; one to wear while the other was drying. However, it was fun to have variety.
  • My belt bag was my purse. I only needed a purse once while at Fire Island, but it was helpful to have when we had to go to the hotel, and for the drive there and back.
  • I actually brought three bandanas (two turquoise and one a navy floral) and wore/used all three. I usually kept one around my neck to protect my decollete, but I'd use it to mop my brow, hold back my hair on the beach and protect my forehead/scalp, and I'd wet it with cold water and put around my neck to cool my core temperature on the hottest days.
  • My graphic tee was worn at the hotel and as a hair turban for my curly hair. Outside of that, the idea of black jersey on me in the heat sounded oppressive.

And with that, some photos of what I wore while at Fire Island:

What I Wore at Fire Island

fire island what I wore

After a six-hour car ride, we arrived at the Davis Park Ferry in Patchogue, New York. As I mentioned, I wore my Trouve dress (previously seen here and here) with a pair of Thigh Society cooling slipshorts underneath for coverage and comfort. On my back is my Tom Bihn Aeronaut, my Girlfriend belt bag around my waist, the Teva Hurricanes on my feet. My sunglasses are ROKA, my mask is Athleta. Not seen is my Dagne Dover backpack which was slipped over the handle of my daughter's rolling suitcase. I wore this same outfit home. This dress is very easy and I don't feel as shlubby if we stop for gas or lunch.

Use WARDROBEOXYGEN15 at checkout to get 15% off your order at Thigh Society!

fire island what I wore wardrobe oxygen

I changed out of the dress upon arrival and switched into an olive green tank top and these J. Crew denim shorts. I am usually a 32 and got the shorts in 32 and they were extremely comfortable, slouchy, but didn't fall down. I bought them in anticipation of this trip and am so glad I did. They were great on the trip and a nice length that looks good with tucked in tops but still shows under untucked ones. The tank is reversible; the other side has a v-neck.

printfresh robe review

Wearing my green cotton robe from Printfresh before taking my first shower of the trip; clearly, I'm feeling Vacation Mode. I'm wearing size L/XL and it has been washed and dried multiple times. I love this robe, it stays closed, has enough coverage, and deep pockets. I don't have any photos of me in the matching pajamas, but I have those in an XL and also love them.

If you are interested in Printfresh, check out my Printfresh review and use promo code WARDROBE_OXYGEN at checkout to get 15% off your order!

hurricane henri long island

I didn't capture most looks while at the hotel during the storm. But this is what I wore when heading back to Fire Island from the mainland. I'm wearing the black tank, the black shorts, my husband's rain jacket (similar), and my Teva sandals. I added a turquoise bandana for color.

best swimsuits for large busts

This is the orange bikini top and matching bottom that I mentioned in this Friday Shop post. I sized down in the cup and the bottom is size Large. If orange isn't your jam, the brand offers other colors and prints and right now each piece is under $30.

chicos linen review

I fell in love with this embroidered tunic as soon as I saw it at Chico's. Not available in petite, I found it was a bit too long to wear as a shirt but it made for a great swim coverup that I enjoyed all summer. It's sold out in yellow, but is available with blue embroidery and it's on sale. I am wearing size 2.

With it I am wearing this hat from the brand Lack of Colour. I ordered this hat in the spring for myself but didn't love it on me. My husband tried it on and it looked GREAT on him and he kept it to be his gardening hat. When trying to decide what hat to bring on the trip, I borrowed this one from him since it has a large brim and a neck strap to keep it on me even if it's windy. This was the PERFECT hat. It kept its shape, kept me protected from the sun, and the neck strap was also great to wear it on my back when I didn't want it on my head and didn't want to carry it.

wardrobe oxygen fire island

This is the only time I wore the big cream Peloton fleece at Fire Island (sorry it's sold out). The only other time it was worn was at the hotel during the storm. I didn't need this and would have been better off with a lightweight sweatshirt. I'm wearing it with the Universal Standard swim shorts which I reviewed in this post. They were the most worn item I brought on the trip.

universal standard sunny shorts review

Here are those Universal Standard shorts again, this time with my Freya great print bikini (bottom is under the shorts). These shorts were awesome on the trip. Unlike running shorts, these have a crepe-like finish that doesn't cling, even when wet. Deep pockets, a wide waistband that doesn't roll down, they dry fast, and don't gather sand. I wore these almost every day.

The bikini is a few years old but I found the top on Amazon, and here is a link to the matching bottom. However, Bare Necessities has a bunch of Freya swimwear and I have found the fit and quality consistent from year to year with this brand.

what i wore to fire island

The Universal Standard shorts again! Seriously, they were the best item I packed. I know some of you didn't like how voluminous they are in the front, but I appreciated that because it gave me complete freedom of movement. I know one leg is hiked up in these photos but I rarely need to pull down the legs when walking because they are loose, longer in the center, and not clingy fabric.

With it I'm wearing my Evelyn & Bobbie Defy Bra as a cropped tank. I actually wore this bra as a top a couple of times on this trip. I pretty much only wore this and swimsuits for bust support while on the trip. The linen shirt is tied around my waist because I got hot; around my neck is the navy floral bandana. The sunglasses are ROKA.

you may also like: Evelyn & Bobbie wireless bra review

chicos linen wardrobe oxygen

Here's the same linen shirt worn as a swim coverup over the Freya gray print bikini. I talked about Chico's no-iron linen in this post from April and this is the same blue shirt seen there. I also wore this same shirt in this post. Unfortunately, this shirt is only available in white now and only small sizes are left. However, if you like the idea of not having to iron a button-front shirt, Chico's has several others available. I have this one and it looks crisp while feeling soft.

freya bikini wardrobe oxygen

Here's the swimsuit uncovered so you can get a better vibe for how it fits. It is not a suit that sucks you in or lifts you up, but it's super cute, well made, and stays in place even in the surf. And more of the straw hat from Lack of Colour.

wardrobe oxygen fire island 1

Wearing the Lands' End Tugless Tank (read my Lands' End Tugless Tank review) with the same J. Crew shorts seen above. I have my Girlfriend Collective belt bag as a crossbody and am wearing my Tevas because this day was HOT and my feet couldn't handle the boardwalks baked in the sun. This is also the day I went to the Davis Park Casino Bar so shoes were a must.

wardrobe oxygen fire island 2

It looks a lot like the previous outfit, but this time the J. Crew denim shorts are with the black microfiber tank I brought along. This tank with the joggers I brought has been a go-to look for summer evenings when I want to keep my legs from mosquitoes. I wore it with the joggers at the hotel, but just like this while on the island.

Clearly, I didn't capture every OOTD (outfit of the day) but this shows a peek into my Fire Island capsule wardrobe and what I wore last week!

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In: Capsule Wardrobes, Fashion Advice

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Comments

  1. Jax says

    September 1, 2021 at 11:37 pm

    Great vacation (and va-cay outfits) run-down. I tend to overpack, but the older and older I get, I realize I just need 1 or at most, 2 of most things (1 as backup). Even just 1 of everything tends to work, esp. when staying at a vacation rental with a washer and dryer.
    Love your orange bikini — great price too! You look fierce in it.
    Also, love your coloring with the green tropical pattern robe.
    And you should frame the last pic with your daughter. It’s a piano picture as the Go Fug ladies would call it.

    Reply
    • Jax says

      September 1, 2021 at 11:39 pm

      I never think of using a button-down shirt as a cover-up! But I have found that they can be a great layer (esp when in comfy cotton/linen) for cooler temps or a nicer top for a dinner out.

      Reply
  2. Carly says

    September 1, 2021 at 6:57 pm

    Oooooh! I can’t wait for your full review of the Ever by X tunic! I had that ad pop up (probably because I follow you!) and have been intrigued. I even considered sending it to you as it seemed like something you’d be interested in! Off to look at the FB comments about it!

    Reply
  3. JMS says

    September 1, 2021 at 11:07 am

    You and your family look so relaxed and happy in these photos! Lovely to see. Those J. Crew shorts really suit you—I’m very tempted to get some for myself.

    Reply
  4. Lee says

    August 31, 2021 at 8:30 pm

    I always love your travel posts! It’s fun to see what you wore & also to see pics of where you went. I’m envious of y’all along the Eastern seaboard—you have so many fabulous beaches & cities within driving distance ! Loved seeing the beach pics & so glad you & your family made it safely during Henri & had a good trip.

    Reply
  5. Marilyn says

    August 31, 2021 at 7:17 pm

    Just here to say that you’re a babe, Alison. Thanks for sharing your vacation fashion! Also, love the photo of you and your daughter at the end!

    Reply
  6. Bonnie Grove says

    August 31, 2021 at 1:03 pm

    So glad you had a quality vacay and the ease of the clothes is a bonus! I love the caftan but wonder about the long sleeves – is it hot or clingy? I just moved from NoVa to Arizona and we are HOT. Like the reader above I also miss the east coast beaches.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      August 31, 2021 at 1:53 pm

      I will be doing a review soon. It’s a drop sleeve hits to my elbow. I don’t find it hot or clingy at all. I shared a bit about this dress on Instagram when I wore it the first time https://www.instagram.com/p/CSbnFYsLrHo/ and in the Wardrobe oxygen Facebook group two members bought the dress and share their thoughts with photos of them wearing it. I find it an intriguing dress but it may not be right for everyone.

      Reply
  7. Pascale says

    August 31, 2021 at 10:32 am

    I would like to know more about the caftan/One Dress. Have you reviewed it before? Does it really do everything they show?

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      August 31, 2021 at 1:56 pm

      I have not yet, but I will soon. I wore it one time to an outdoor lunch with friends (https://www.instagram.com/p/CSbnFYsLrHo/) and then took it on this trip liking the idea of it being a breezy machine washable caftan but with the tie I could make it look nice if we ended up going to dinner with the relatives in Long Island. I haven’t done all the styling but I really think this dress would be best maybe 3-4 different ways that are unique and wearable, possibly switching out the tie for a leather belt, scarf, etc.

      Reply
  8. Longing from Texas says

    August 31, 2021 at 10:27 am

    I grew up in northern Virginia but now live in Texas – and I so miss the mid-Atlantic beaches that I grew up with! The Texas coast is not the same. Your Fire Island and Rehoboth posts just make me long for them even more. And this is a great time to visit (assuming you don’t have to worry about school schedules). Thanks for sharing your time there with us. Even with Henri, it definitely looked like a nice relaxing time.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      August 31, 2021 at 1:57 pm

      Our state doesn’t start until after Labor Day and our relatives’ kids’ schools started this week so it worked out for our schedules. I think it’s one reason we were able to find a house available!

      Reply
  9. Bette says

    August 31, 2021 at 9:40 am

    Looks like such a fun, relaxing week away (even with a hurricane!). Love the PrintFresh robe, I have the same one! I find their robes to be total workhorse items — coverup, robe, lounging, post-shower hairdrying, kimono over tank, etc.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      August 31, 2021 at 1:58 pm

      Right? And the colors are so saturated, I think they get better with each washing!

      Reply
    • Sierra Delta says

      August 31, 2021 at 5:47 pm

      I have questions about the PrintFresh robe! Does it wrinkle if it’s not ironed? If you wear it over jeans and a camisole, does it look too pajama-adjacent? Will it successfully impersonate Of Course I’m Outdoor Clothing if I wear it outside? I love dusters as a third layer when I want to look more put together but just can’t justify completely changing all my clothes to fake casual elegance. . .

      Reply
  10. Krista says

    August 31, 2021 at 9:07 am

    Freya makes some of my all time favorite swimwear. No wonder I liked that suit so much. Nice to see your vacation was an actual vacation and you got some much needed downtime.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      August 31, 2021 at 1:58 pm

      It was so nice to have a break!

      Reply
  11. Cate says

    August 31, 2021 at 8:34 am

    I love this post . What a beautiful place, and so many great photos of not only the outfits but the beach, the sunsets, everyone looking happy and relaxed. I’m so glad the tropical storm didn’t ruin it for you.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      August 31, 2021 at 1:58 pm

      Thank you, Cate! It was a nice getaway.

      Reply

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Weekend Reads #166

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 21

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sep 19

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

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

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

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

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Sep 11

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

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

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

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Sep 8

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I can see clearly now…

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

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

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

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

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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Aug 12

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Shuts laptop until Monday… #RehobothBeach

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