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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4ipHy #bombas
Open
Happy gotcha day, Oscar! Four years ago he came into our life and we are so happy to have in our family!

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

We’ve never had a small breed dog before and it’s a whole different experience. But we adore Oscar and couldn’t imagine our life without him! Thank you for coming into our life Oskie McGoskie! 🐾❤️
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Fashion Advice · November 18, 2010

Five Fast Ways to Look Richer and More Stylish

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. 

shine shoe
Image via Return to Manliness who has a great post about how to shine shoes – works for mens or women's shoes!


1. Polish your shoes. Be they from Payless or Prada, if they are scuffed, they will destroy your entire look. I inherited my dad’s shoe polishing kit – a couple tins of different colors of polish, a chamois, a brush. You can find all these tools in your local grocery store.   Before having a child I used to polish all my black shoes on Sundays so they were ready for the week. Now I do one shoe at a time when I have the opportunity. Once every couple of months is still better than never.

And while you're at it, before each season or as needed, take your shoes to be reheeled, resoled, repaired.  I have had my shoes reheeled for about $10, and for that price they also do a nice polishing and stretching of leather on the heels to cover up any scuffs or snags.
  

COACH
Image via A Pregnant Pause


2. Trim those threads. I previously mentioned cutting the threads in slits and kick pleats in jackets and skirts. I have also mentioned taking a pair of nail scissors to fraying threads on your purses and other accessories. A little trim here and there will make your clothes look newer and more stylish.

3. Take thee pants to a dry cleaner! Not every woman is the same height, no one expects that a pair of pants from the mall will be the perfect length for your kitten heels. Most dry cleaners do simple alterations, and can do a great job on hemming trousers without spending a bunch.

While there, also take your blazers, trenches, and other jackets and have the arms made the proper length. In less than a week you will have your same wardrobe back, but looking better and more polished than ever!

If you are lucky to have access to a wonderful tailor or seamstress – all the better!  A wonderful tailor can make off the rack items appear custom with a few nips and tucks.  However a dry cleaner is usually accessible to most and can do the most basic of alterations.

roots

4. Cover your roots… or give it up. Today I was walking to work and saw a woman in front of me. Fabulous belted tweed jacket over a pleated black skirt or dress and the most covetable tall black riding boots.

Everything fit her like a glove, and though I never saw the front of her, I knew she was stylish and the clothes were quality. Too bad she had bleached blonde hair with dark roots, fried ends, and what looked to be 10 pieces of rotini hanging from her head – she must have put large sections of her hair in a curling iron but didn’t take the time to finger-comb out the curls.  With such hair, the outfit was destroyed.

It’s hard to maintain a hair color that is more than one or two shades different from your natural hue. If you don’t have the time or money for the proper and regular maintenance, then don’t. Get a single-process close to your natural color and let it grow out. When was the last time you even saw your natural shade? My sister had various shades of blonde and auburn hair for years and about a year ago went back to her natural color. She was surprised to realize that her natural color was no longer light brown, but a deep rich chocolate hue. She has been able to grow out the blonde without losing her length with salon visits for single-process dye with a few caramel highlights to add depth.

They say blondes have more fun, and gentlemen prefer blondes, but the woman who gets the most positive attention is one who looks as though she cares about herself and knows she is beautiful.

fake handbags
Image via Full Issue


5. Toss the cheapies. I’m talking about the swag bag umbrella with the logo from your husband’s company, the vinyl trench from Forever 21, the jeans from Kohl’s with the weird whiskering on the thighs and bedazzled pockets, the turquoise pleather faux Balenciaga from a street vendor, the white tee shirt that even shows your nude tee shirt bra, the plastic-y black stretch tall boots that suffocate your calves and have a weird chunky heel.

You’ll be more stylish with less items in your wardrobe. These items don’t add variety or class or fun or fashion to your wardrobe. Pairing that cheapy item with the rest of your wardrobe destroys the quality and style of your entire ensemble.

That’s not to say you should go out and purchase all expensive items. Quality pieces can be found at big box retailers and discount marts. The thing is, if you can’t afford the real thing, then get something else. No matter the brand, I rarely will purchase something that is obviously from a brand or has a brand’s logo visible. Class doesn’t come from advertising how much you spent or where you bought an item, and it never comes from attempting to accomplish designer looks on a budget. Buy what you like in terms of color, texture, shape. Ignore brand names. Look for quality fabrics, quality manufacturing, shapes that fit and flatter your shape, styles that fit your personality. Maybe the shoes come from Chinese Laundry, maybe they come from Cole Haan – it’s not about the name but about the style.

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In: Fashion Advice

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Comments

  1. Gina says

    November 21, 2010 at 11:52 pm

    I do agree that hair can really break your look. That said, I’m suffering through with bad hair cut and a hideous highlighting adventure!

    I have to disagree with you regarding hair and attention. If we’re talking about male attention, I find that the frizziest, fired mane of hay will turn plenty of heads of it’s long and blonde. I think we give a little too much credit to the heterosexual male when it comes to appreciating well-groomed hair on women.

    Reply
  2. Anonymous says

    November 19, 2010 at 11:45 pm

    JennyRose

    I agree, especially about logo wear and the cheap knock-offs. I don’t want to hurt my friends feelings but her 3 foot “prada” fake is obviously fake.

    As far as “Mother’s used to teach their children these things, but somewhere along the way a lot of good advice has been lost.”

    My mon did try and I did my best not to learn much to my regret. I have had an unhealthy attraction to cheap clothes my whole life.

    Love your blog.

    Reply
  3. THE DIVINITUS says

    November 19, 2010 at 3:55 am

    good tips. good hair and skin is so critical.

    btw, blondes have more fun, but brunettes – more sex.
    lol i cant believe i actually typed that.

    😉

    Reply
  4. Karina Russell says

    November 18, 2010 at 11:00 pm

    OH what great advice. Mother’s used to teach their children these things, but somewhere along the way a lot of good advice has been lost. I happened upon your site recently and have fallen in love with your advice and attitude toward life. Great job!

    Reply
  5. Cynthia says

    November 18, 2010 at 10:45 pm

    Love the list! I’d add – get and maintain a great haircut in addition to the tip about color; and polish your bags as you polish your shoes.

    Reply
  6. hush says

    November 18, 2010 at 9:29 pm

    “No matter the brand, I rarely will purchase something that is obviously from a brand or has a brand’s logo visible.” YES!!! Oh how I wish every American woman would heed that excellent advice! No, that fugly coach bag doesn’t make you look like money, it makes you look like Snooki.

    Reply
  7. Anonymous says

    November 18, 2010 at 7:36 pm

    Love your regular posting! Great articles!

    Reply

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Can Your Shoes Do This?

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

Open
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!

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 23

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

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 21

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

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

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

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 19

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

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 11

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 8

Open
I can see clearly now…

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

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

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

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

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4idXm

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Sep 5

Open
I’ll be a bit quiet on here and other channels because I had eye (retinal) surgery this past weekend. I was having what I thought were ocular migraines but come to find out I was experiencing lattice degeneration, which is thinning/holes in the retina. I had surgery Saturday for my right eye and later on they’ll work on the left eye, which isn’t as bad and can be remedied by laser, in office.

I share not because I’m Mrs. Frizzle meets Iris Apfel as I recuperate at home, but because this whole thing has been a lesson on trusting my gut. And I want to remind you to do the same.

As we get older our bodies can feel like strangers. Things are constantly changing and it’s easy to just assume your annual physical will catch anything wrong. But if you slow down and listen to your body you’ll know when things are just a sign of aging and life and what seems unusual. That nagging issue may be something more serious.

And if you’re seeing flashing lights, floaters, spiderwebs or other odd eye things get checked out ASAP. It may be nothing but take it from me, it may actually be something. ❤️

Okay, going back to my big sunglasses caftan recuperation life!

wardrobe_oxygen

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Aug 30

Open
Ladies who lunch…

While in Savannah, I made sure to get lunch reservations for me and E at @theoldepinkhouse she loves the color pink, historic homes, and ghost stories so it was a perfect choice! 

Built in 1789 on Reynolds Square, there are stories of guests seeing ghosts, cutlery and wine bottles moving along with an elegant and truly delicious dining. 

While we didn’t see any apparitions, we did have a lovely lunch with impeccable service and after toured all floors of the home. I highly recommend a visit if you’re visiting Savannah!

My dress is from @cosstores (no longer available); hat is @furtalk and bag is @talbotsofficial (no longer available).

wardrobe_oxygen

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Aug 29

Open
Scenes from a week in Savannah… 

The three of us (and our dog Oscar!) had a warm and humid but wonderful time exploring Savannah, Georgia earlier this month. Our daughter visited this gorgeous city last summer with her @girlscouts troop but wanted to return to experience more. We let her choose our adventures and play your guide and it was awesome. We cannot wait to visit again, though next time it won’t be August 🥵

For more of our trip check the “Savannah” highlight on my profile page!

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Aug 28

Open
Stripes are always right…

Y’all know I love stripes and when @universalstandard came out with their Breton-stripe dresses and tops I HAD to try them! As expected, the quality is stellar, the fit boosts my confidence, and I appreciate the range of colors (5 different stripes to choose from) and sizes (00-50). For reference, I’m wearing XS but preferred S for the top and I usually wear a 14 or XL in other brands.

The tote is @able and it’s a soft yet durable leather that just looks better with time. This color (cognac) is one that transitions nicely from summer to fall. 

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4hkEF 

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

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