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
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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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Lifestyle · May 5, 2020

#GivingTuesdayNow: a Day of Giving

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. 

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Generosity has the power to unite and heal communities in good times and bad. A global threat like COVID-19 touches every person on the planet, and it presents an opportunity to come together as a global community. #GivingTuesdayNow is a new global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5, 2020 – in addition to the regularly scheduled #GivingTuesday which falls the Tuesday after USA's Thanksgiving – as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.

I have supported #GivingTuesday for several years on Wardrobe Oxygen, I think it's an important day of giving that makes a major impact and falls at a time when we are spending time with loved ones while also spending a lot of money on Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.

#GivingTuesdayNow is so important; while some areas are lifting restrictions, so many have been devastated by this pandemic and will continue to need help. Your support, no matter how small, can make a major impact. If you do participate today, share with the hashtag #GivingTuesdayNow to inspire others to also join in and to see how far-reaching this initiative can be!

stop the spread Story Template

How to Participate in #GivingTuesdayNow

While the most obvious way to participate is to donate to an organization, there are many ways you can participate in #GivingTuesdayNow without spending a dime. Every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to give. We can also show social connection and come together on behalf of our communities even while practicing physical distancing.

  • Write thank-you notes, post on social media, complete reviews when applicable, and share your appreciation for the people and organizations that are helping your community. 
  • Consider doing an #UNselfie. The #UNselfie, or the selfless selfie, is a powerful way to show how and why you are giving. Here's how to do an #UNselfie:
    • Take a “selfie” photo (this can be just you, or you wearing a t-shirt or hat for the organization you are supporting).
    • Consider printing out one of the approved Unselfie templates at this Google Drive link or use the Instagram GIFs you can find with the document at this link.  Canva is also offering templates for square photos; here is a link to one of them.
    • Write a caption to explain how or why you and/or your family are giving and add the hashtags #UNselfie and #GivingTuesdayNow to your caption.
    • Post your #UNselfie to Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other platforms to motivate others to do the same!
    • If you don't wish to do a selfie, Giving Tuesday has a pack of graphics you can share instead.
  • Safely volunteer virtually from your home. Give your voice to help raise awareness, lend your talents to give pro bono hours to a nonprofit who needs your expertise, or take an hour to call a senior who may be alone. Virtual volunteers can complete short-term or long-term tasks, in whole or in part, typically off-site from the organization or person being assisted. If you have access to a computer and the Internet, thousands of different volunteer projects and roles are available to you.  Click here to see what virtual volunteer positions are posted at All For Good.
  • Support small businesses in your community by making a purchase or promoting it on social media.  Raise awareness for organizations in your area that are getting hit the hardest by this pandemic. 
  • Support your neighbors. Consider buying groceries for another, offer to walk a neighbor's pet, call a friend, hang a heart or sign in your window, use chalk to create art and thank you notes on your driveway and around the neighborhood, if you are a talented musician consider hosting a concert from your balcony.
  • Help with response efforts by bringing groceries to at-risk individuals, sewing masks for nurses and doctors, donating excess food items to shelters and food banks, or giving blood.  Click here to find your local food bank; click here to find out where you can donate blood.  Shelters are also in need of menstrual hygiene products and new or gently worn bras; click here to find out how and where you can donate such items. 
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Supporting #GivingTuesdayNow

Wardrobe Oxygen donates a portion of each month's profits to a different charity.  Since COVID-19 I have shared an organization each week in Weekend Reads and donated to that organization.  The past two weeks I have offered tips on how to help that weren't focused on a charity so these are the organizations I am donating to for Giving Tuesday.

  • The Maryland chapter of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness.  Before COVID-19 hit, NAMI Maryland was in the process of moving to much larger office space with more room for their staff, volunteers, and interns to answer helpline calls, provide trainings, and hold meetings. Now, their work has grown exponentially as we face one of the most serious challenges to the mental and physical health of this country.  
  • SOME (So Others Might Eat). SOME has been on the front lines of fighting homelessness, hunger, and poverty in Washington, DC, for 50 years. As our nation's capital battles the coronavirus, SOME remains dedicated to ensuring that DC's most vulnerable residents receive the care and services they need. 
  • Give Local Together. Give Local Together is a collection of nonprofits in the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia) who need support during this difficult and challenging time. They range across social issues, but all are headquartered in the DC area and are small to mid-sized organizations.  Click here to see the 164 nonprofits that are part of Give Local Together.

I Want to Hear from You!

One of the ways I've found to keep sadness and stress at bay at this time is to focus on good news.  What did you do to participate in #GivingTuesdayNow? Are you part of an organization that benefits from this day and have a great story to share? Let us know how you are helping others today or any day during this pandemic to give us hope and ideas on how we too can benefit others. 

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In: Lifestyle · Tagged: #GivingTuesday

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You’ll Also Love

GivingTuesday: A Day to Give To Others After a Weekend of Getting
Celebrating #GivingTuesday with My Favorite Organizations
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Comments

  1. Melissa says

    May 5, 2020 at 12:34 pm

    So first, the picture at the top is a few minutes from my home in Baltimore — that used to be the restaurant Parts & Labor, with a theatre company (Single Carrot) in the rear. Sadly, the restaurant has closed though the space is still used for others cooking (notably Black Sauce Kitchen, a Black-owned catering company that makes the best biscuits you’ll ever put in your face).

    We give to Healthcare for the Homeless in Baltimore. I used to work for the state heath department and saw them from a few perspectives. I am consistently impressed with their thoughtfulness and quality. In addition — and critical to us — is that HCH pays ALL their employees a living wage or better. From the front desk on up, everyone makes enough to rent housing based on AMI. Having been a nonprofit employee too, I know how little they sometimes pay their employees, who are expected to live on their mission and dedication. The husband and I tithe (we’re not religious, but that’s the easiest way to describe) 10% of our post-tax income. We’ve been giving to HCH for over a decade and seen them expand services, including dental care. We also give to our local abortion fund, because Maryland is now playing host to women from other states with more restrictive laws. And finally, to honor our kid, we’ve given to GLSEN and/or Youth Empowered Society, which serves homeless youth.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      May 8, 2020 at 8:12 am

      Wow, that’s wild that you recognized the photo. I wonder how it got into the Giving Tuesday image content, I love that it was added. And thank you for telling me about all these amazing organizations here in our state!

      Reply
  2. Kaffesoester says

    May 5, 2020 at 12:33 pm

    My family and I did a free live stream of our Mayor’s commemoration speech in celebration of the end of WWII in Denmark. It was especially addressed to the elderly, both in care homes and private, but really for anyone interested. Denmark is still in lock down, so gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited. We ended up having viewers as far away as Greenland! It felt great to be able to give people a chance to see the event knowing it means a lot to many.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      May 8, 2020 at 8:12 am

      That is so cool! Thank you for doing that!

      Reply
  3. Aleta says

    May 5, 2020 at 10:07 am

    As someone fortunate enough to have a stable job and a partner with a stable job who works from home we have made a lot of efforts to give back. I have been donating weekly to various organizations from food banks to a restaurant who has pivoted to feeding those in needs. Last week I picked several democratic candidates and made donations to them. I have also been trying to select different small businesses that are minority and/or female owned to support with takeout and other purchases.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      May 8, 2020 at 8:13 am

      Thank you so much for all you have done!

      Reply
  4. Jenny says

    May 5, 2020 at 8:04 am

    I donated to Martha’s Table in DC, which is giving direct cash assistance to families in its programs.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      May 8, 2020 at 8:13 am

      I love Martha’s Table, thank you for supporting them!

      Reply
  5. Karen says

    May 5, 2020 at 6:29 am

    Yes, started the morning with a donation to the local food bank and public library. Library’s often are forgotten during charity drives, but please remember they serve the community now more than ever. And yes, they get tax dollars, but even in the best of times, not enough, and now with tax revenues down, they will need our help

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      May 8, 2020 at 8:13 am

      Thank you for this very important reminder Karen!

      Reply

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Stripes are Always Stylish

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

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

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

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

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

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Sep 11

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

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

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

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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!
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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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