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!
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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! 🐾❤️
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Fashion Advice, Gift Guides · November 29, 2015

Holiday Gift Guide: One and Done One-Items Gifts of Luxury

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. 

Holiday Gift Guide: Luxury and unique gifts for her that can stand on their own, no need to fill under the tree with these great items!When I was little, the bigger the pile of wrapped presents under the tree, the better. Now that I am an adult I know even when it comes to gifts, quality trumps quantity. I'm perfectly happy with a solitary gift if it was purchased with thought and love. While my last gift guide of items I'd love were more… reasonable, this is a gift guide of items I'd love to get but are more on the extravagant side. Those gifts that likely would be the only item under the tree yet awesome enough that they stand strong on their own. These are all things I've been drooling over recently, things I'd love to get myself for Christmas or any other time of the year!

Luxury Gift Guide: Covetable items for gifts where quality trumps quantity

  1.  I'm a leopard gal, and over the years I have owned many leopard coats that missed the mark.  This alpaca-blend reefer coat from Burberry is an elegant take on a leopard coat but still has a rock & roll vibe.  I'd rock the heck out of it with jeans, cocktail dresses, and everything in between.  I'd love to think I'd still be wearing this coat many decades from now. The price is pretty insane but when I think how many $75 – $250 coats I've bought over the years that I have worn, worn out, grown weary of, admitted were not a good choice and have sold or donated I could likely have purchased just one great coat like this.
  2. A cashmere bathrobe is so decadent!  This cashmere robe from Saks Fifth Avenue Collection is even more so; a foot-grazing length is luxe and keeps your ankles warm and the wrap style will keep you well wrapped and chic enough to open the door (likely with a cocktail in one hand, a full face of makeup, and a perfectly messy yet chic updo).  Gosh if I had this I may style it with a bunch of bold silver jewelry and wear it out of the house!
  3. I have silver bamboo name earrings… well I still have them but they're not wearable.  I'm really disappointed in the quality and service from the now-defunct Etsy seller from where I bought them.  I wanted them in time for my blog party and they arrived a week prior but two left earrings (meant my right earring would have my name facing my neck).  The company offered to replace if I paid for shipping.  I ended up wearing the earring backwards (put in from back of lobe to front with clasp in front) and continued to wear like that because I thought shipping and possibly not getting back would be risky.  And though the earrings were advertised as sterling, they began to get dull and couldn't be polished, and the post on the backwards earring broke off while I was wearing them.  Needless to say they're a waste and I'd love to replace with true sterling silver hoops.  These classic bamboo name hoops from Soul Jewelry appear to actually be sterling silver and aren't much more than the “silver” crap I bought back in May.
  4. I love Diane von Furstenberg, I love red with pink and orange, and I love silk scarves.  All of that together with the DvF “Midnight Kiss” 50″ square silk twill scarf that would be an awesome statement to my wardrobe.
  5. This black leather pouch decorated with an “evil eye” isn't really that pricey, but it's something I surely don't NEED and can't justify buying.  But I adore it and it has been sitting in my Etsy shopping cart for the better part of 2015.  I gotta say I love a good percentage of the fabulous things that cloverhunter, this Etsy seller has in her shop.
  6. My silver pumps are one of the best purchases I've made in a few years.  I'd love to upgrade with the ‘Abel' pump from Jimmy Choo in mirror-finish silver leather.  It's an elegant and classic shoe and even more shiny than the pumps I currently own and such a gift would utterly floor me on Christmas day.
  7. Karl and I love ourselves some Mr. Lagerfeld.  Maybe it's because he and my husband share a first name, because he's such a fascinating personality, because he's a talented designer and visionary, or likely the combination of all three.  I think both he and I would comfortably rock this heather gray sweatshirt with Karl Lagerfeld's image on the front, though he'd wear his as-is with well-loved jeans and black Chucks and I'd cut the neck out of mine and wear them with my leopard print pencil skirt and the silver mirror Choos!  And honestly, for this price I could get us each one so we could be that obnoxious couple that dresses alike…
  8. Call me basic, but I have loved the Clare V. foldover pouch in spotted haircalf for a long while.  I'm a clutch gal; I love wearing them with dresses but also jeans and casual clothing.  I have a leopard cloth clutch I wear a lot, but love the texture and interest that haircalf adds to an outfit (for those who are curious, what exactly is haircalf).
  9. Now that I better know my style, I know I am most at home in printed maxi dresses for evenings out.  As previously mentioned, I love DvF and I think her prints are fantastic.  This maxi dress has a floaty swirly feel thanks to the chiffon and the print has every single color I adore all rolled into one.  I own two DvF wrap dresses from the late '90s but they are too small for me to wear right now.  I'd love to have some of her line that actually fits my current self!
  10. I recently did an online feedback/focus group for a company I partner with and in thanks I was given a $100 Amazon gift card.  I spent it on these sunglasses.  I had these sunglasses, I loved these sunglasses, and I have no clue what happened to these sunglasses.  Sure I have my gold and green aviators and can borrow the gold and gold ones Karl took for himself, but I miss the black glasses which weren't as shiny, as obvious, and looked a bit tougher (and also went with all types of metal jewelry!).
  11. As I have gotten older, I have more sensitivity to metal.  While I'm okay with sterling silver rings and thin chains, I can't wear earrings every day.  Sure, I love to rock some bamboo hoops for a night out (and then have my ears rest for a day or two), but I've become a fan of ear cuffs which don't cause any irritation.  With my side part I like wearing one earring or cuff, and think this one from Etsy seller Knobbly Studio makes quite a statement.
  12. I do NOT need these chartreuse leather moto gloves from Banana Republic.  Seriously, I do not.  I have perfectly fine black leather gloves, and even a pair in purple.  But gosh if these gloves aren't the most awesome thing I have seen in a long time.  Imagine them peeking out from my black puffer coat, or even a leopard alpaca-blend reefer coat!
  13. For years I have wanted a green leather pencil skirt.  I always imagined more of a rich emerald color but this bottle green leather skirt from White House Black Market is a good alternative.
  14. I had a pashmina this same color of light aqua.  I chose the color because it was on clearance.  I figured I'd be more of an orange or emerald green sort of gal, but was surprised how happy this color made me.  I wore that thing to DEATH, even when it got a hole from being caught in my office chair, even when a pen blew up on it and I could never get out the stain.  I finally donated it when a friend called it my security blanket, it made me realize how ratty and un-chic it had become.  Since I have bought pashminas in other colors but miss the light aqua.  This one is a thick 3-ply 100% cashmere version that I would baby much more than my last one so it could be comforting like a security blanket but not end up looking like one. (by the way, this store has amazing prices on 100% cashmere and free shipping – NOT an affiliate link, just a PSA!)
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In: Fashion Advice, Gift Guides · Tagged: gift guide

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Comments

  1. Nihongo Dame Desu says

    November 29, 2015 at 8:36 pm

    FYI, White House Black Market has an additional 35% off everything right now (code 97729), bringing that skirt down to $77.99!! I’m on the fence because several reviews mention issues with the skit ripping, but that price is amazing!

    Reply
  2. Kathryn Braun Fenner says

    November 29, 2015 at 1:42 pm

    I love the pashminas—I am considering the scarf size for just a pop of color, but since it’s in the 70s here right now, I cannot bring myself to…

    Reply

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Small Business Saturday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sep 19

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

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 11

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

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

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