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
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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 😂
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#ad Go through my archives on Wardrobe Oxygen and one thing is clear: my family and I are a fan of @bombas socks! From their no-slip no-show socks to their iconic crew socks, Bombas makes great socks for the whole family while having a great heart.

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

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

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4ipHy #bombas
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 · October 1, 2021

The Friday Shop

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. 

The Friday Shop by Wardrobe Oxygen

I usually add my What I Bought and What I Thought through the week and then Thursday buckle down and research all the upcoming sales. But yesterday was my husband's birthday so I took the day off so there is only one sale alert. However, plenty of reviews of recent purchases below!

Sale Alert

Ross-Simons, a brand I've shared loving for decades, is offering 25% off your order today, plus receive a FREE $100 Gift Coupon towards your next purchase of $300 or more. The promo code is SAVEBIG and this sale ends October 3rd. Ross-Simons is a favorite place for me to shop for higher-end jewelry, jewelry gifts, and sterling silver. While most places end rings at size 7 or 8, Ross-Simons offers up to size 10. The quality and service are stellar. Some of my picks below:

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What I Bought and What I Thought

frankie shop vagabond kenova loafer
The Frankie Shop's styling of the Vagabond ‘Kenova' loafer.

Since writing my post about lug sole shoes under $100 I have wanted a pair. But it's hard when shopping online to know what's going to be chic and what's going to be hokey. One of my secret weapons for deciding what may be chic is checking out The Frankie Shop.

I had never heard of The Frankie Shop before my trip to NYC with my friend Sylvia during NYFW. Sylvia has phenomenal style, is expert at mixing high with low, and she is obsessed with this store. I went in, loved the chic minimalist with architecture vibe, but assumed I was too big for most of their clothes. I left with a white padded shoulder t-shirt (that sadly went into the dryer by mistake and was destroyed). But I learned to check their website to get a feel for the season's trends that aren't always apparent in stores that carry my size. Their curation is expert; they carry their brand and other brands as well.

vagabond kenova loafer review
A few photos of the Vagabond ‘Kenova' loafer before I sadly send them back

And The Frankie Shop had these Vagabond Shoes loafers with a lug sole. They weren't too stompy, but not too tame. I liked that they were free of any embellishment – black stitching, plain smooth black leather, no hardware. They could go with nice trousers or with leggings equally well. I found them at Nordstrom where I knew returns would be easy, because I feared my feet would be too wide and/or too high volume for them.

katie holmes vagabond kenova loafer
Katie Holmes in the Vagabond ‘Kenova' loafer

And I was right, while I could at least get my feet in past the ball of my foot, that's as far as they would go. But this is a chic lug sole loafer that isn't so extreme it will look try-hard this year or dated next year. They are not buttery leather, but lug soles aren't usually. They're well crafted, soft interior and soft edge so it won't cut into your ankles, but there will be a break-in period. Trying to find links for this review, I found Katie Holmes also loves these loafers. (InStyle)

Of COURSE the Kenova loafer is now sold out at Nordstrom; if you're not comfortable shopping The Frankie Shop, this loafer from Vagabond looks almost exactly the same. And if you dig the shape the Kenova comes in a variety of lace-up and Chelsea style shoes and boots.

GreenMaxiDress StyledLook static. SX1125 . SX1125

Usually, I don't dig the apparel offered with the influencer capsules through Amazon's The Drop. But when I saw this green gown/caftan/maxi dress thing from @itsmekellieb I hit buy. I love green, and I love the idea of a drapey green dress like this (with pockets). I see cinching it with a belt and wearing heeled black boots, but also rocking it with some stompy combat-inspired boots and big gold hoops, with a long pendant necklace (thinking this one) with… gosh I'd add clogs or Birkenstocks depending on the weather. I like how Kellie styled it with a shoe that offers a pop of color to dress it up (love the deep pink, also would love to see orange or coral or yellow or purple). And I think this dress could be totally fun with my white Adidas superstars and a ball cap and again some big hoops.

It won't arrive until November, so at that time I'll either be giving a brutally honest review in The Friday Shop, or I will be styling it for an outfit post. The fabric concerns me a bit, it could be fine or icky. Stay tuned!

target designer collab

If you follow me on Instagram Stories you know that I made a purchase of several pieces from Target's latest designer collection. A lot of items sold out super fast, but several are back in stock. The designers are Victor Glemaud, Nili Lotan, Rachel Comey, and Sandy Liang. I don't own anything from any of these designers and shopped this based on what looked cool and not who the designer was. Past Target designer collection purchases have done me well, such as this Christopher John Rogers for Target dress which was a summer staple (I even took it on my East Coast road trip).

The entire Target designer collection is available in size 0-28/30 and everything is under $100 with most under $80. With free shipping and returns, I figured it was worth taking a chance and I ordered a few things the day that the collection dropped. Most of the items that were sold out that day are back in stock.

The items I ordered from the Target Designer Collection:

350

I ordered these cream denim coveralls in size 14, this belted zip-front denim jumpsuit in 14, this long floral quilted coat in Large, these red and pink drop earrings, these blue, gold, and tortoise earrings, and this glen plaid double breasted coat in size large. I kept the plaid coat and the two pair of earrings. I considered keeping the quilted coat but the sleeves were bothering me. If I truly loved it I would take it to the tailor to shorten and taper the sleeves but when I thought about the cost it made me realize I didn't love it enough to tailor it and no matter how cheap it was, I then don't really need it in my closet.

I will have photos soon, but the quality is really great. The plaid coat is more blazer weight than coat weight, but it fits really nicely in the shoulders and would fit well over a sweater to make it a nice fall topper. I feel a bit like Bender from The Breakfast Club in it and I'm not hating that fact. While the sleeves are a hint long and it doesn't hit in the perfect place on my body when buttoned, it's a cute jacket that I know I will be wearing unbuttoned with the sleeves pushed up because that's what. Ialways do with fall and spring coats. And the earrings look and feel as though they cost five times as much (these totally would sell at Shopbop for $75-$95).

Other Items from the Target Designer Collection That Caught My Eye:

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In: Fashion Advice · Tagged: The Friday Shop

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Comments

  1. Leslie says

    October 6, 2021 at 6:52 pm

    When your post went live, I was actually able to order a pair of those Kenova loafers from Nordstrom! (They are out of stock again, unfortunately.) They just arrived – I absolutely love them! They have the chunky sole but don’t feel or look big and clunky. Thanks for sharing them!

    Reply
  2. Fi Baker says

    October 4, 2021 at 5:17 am

    Those loafers look just like the shoes we all wore with our (UK) school uniforms in the mid-90s! Everything comes back around! They also look like they would be really comfortable (assuming they fit you correctly, of course!).

    Reply
  3. Lee says

    October 1, 2021 at 2:41 pm

    Your lug sole loafer post was one I enjoyed too, and I’ve been on the hunt for a pair for several weeks. So far, it’s not happening. There was a pair from DSW that I ordered in my usual size and they were huge; downsized by 1/2 and I was still walking out of the heels. So frustrating b/c they felt so nice inside, plenty of cushion, a light taupe color in suede that would go with a lot of things in my closet, and price was so nice ($69!!). Next, I went with a pair from Nordstom’s (Franco Sarto brand; $99)–nice light taupe color, leather, super cushiony on the inside, looked great all over (not too much lug for my taste)–huge in the heel area! But, with all that said, I finally decided to bite the bullet and order a pair of Sam Edleman black leather loafers that I’ve wanted for a long time. They are lovely; the Gucchi dupes, I think; not a lug sole and not a light taupe color either–ha, ha! So maybe I’ll keep looking for that elusive light taupe loafer…loafers are one of my long-time favorite types of shoes so I think I’d get a lot of wear out of them, if I could just find some that will stay on my foot.

    Reply
  4. Kim says

    October 1, 2021 at 2:07 pm

    I ordered a few things from the Target Fall Collections and was also impressed with the design and quality! However, one thing to note is that the sizes are actually true to size or even run large! I should be a 1X but ordered 2X as I typically have to with Target’s fast fashion. And almost everything was a size too large to look right on me. Specifically, the teal and black sweater you highlighted – it could work oversized except the sleeves looked ridiculous and wouldn’t stay pushed up. And the pink polka dot sweatshirt dress – the pattern is probably too loud for me to actually wear IRL, but the quality was awesome and it looked better than I thought it would! It was just too big.

    Influencer/plus size blogger Curvily posted an In the Fitting Room for the Target collections on Instagram yesterday and she also found that the sizes ran large. That made me feel better – it wasn’t just my body or the specific pieces I received.

    Reply
  5. Leu2500 says

    October 1, 2021 at 10:26 am

    After all your encouragement, I’ve decided to dip my toe into the lug sole trend. I’m keeping my eye on Clark Orinoco 2 loafer. Sadly, even though the website indicates it’s a new model, it looks like availability of wide sizes is impacted by Covid supply chain issues.

    Reply

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Since 2005, Wardrobe Oxygen has offered real-life style advice for grown-ass women. With years of experience as an apparel visual merchandiser and personal shopper, Alison Gary provides advice on how to achieve personal style no matter your age, size, or budget.

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Sep 26

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Scenes from a Friday night…

We started at @littleblackbirddc a new wine bar in Cleveland Park where we had great food, drink, and conversation into the evening. We then headed down the street to @atomicbilliards for a whole different experience and to keep the conversation going. I treasure my friendships with @sylviacolella (who had a birthday recently), @districtofchic, and @blonde_inthedistrict they’re the real deal 🥰

My dress is @adamlippes borrowed via @renttherunway and Cheetos with Sauvignon Blanc is a really fun pairing!

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Sep 23

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Night and day…

Met three dear friends for an early dinner that went on until after the sun set. Great food and conversation with some great women!

The dress is @adamlippes and I borrowed it from @renttherunway. The bag is @jcrew and a splurge but I regretted not buying it the last time they offered this bag and this color is SO me. I mean, look how great it is with these many years old suede heeled sandals? Meant to be!

This color combination makes me so happy, and this dress was comfy even after a decadent meal. We all deserve to experience comfort and joy with our wardrobes! 💛🩷

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

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Sep 21

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

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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

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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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