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

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

We’ve never had a small breed dog before and it’s a whole different experience. But we adore Oscar and couldn’t imagine our life without him! Thank you for coming into our life Oskie McGoskie! 🐾❤️
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Fashion Advice · January 29, 2023

How to Care for Cashmere When You Have no Time or Patience

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. 

how to care for cashmere when you have no time or patience: tips by Wardrobe Oxygen

For many years I refused to buy cashmere sweaters because they seemed too difficult to care for. I had no desire to hand wash and gently swish and I had no room in my small home for fancy drying racks. When I had a job that required a lot of suits and dry clean only clothes, I took my cashmere sweaters to the dry cleaners but they often came back flattened and smelling a bit like chemicals. Then I learned how to care for cashmere when you have no time or patience.

How to Care for Cashmere When you Have no Time or Patience

Cashmere seems complicated. So many folks saying you need to wash in a bowl and reshape and scrunch just so as to not stretch and use fancy detergents… I agree these methods are the best for preserving cashmere. However, we are grown-ass women with busy lives and few of us have the time or patience for hand-washing our delicates.

That doesn't mean you can't own cashmere and have it look great for dozens and dozens of wears. Below I share how to care for cashmere when you have no time or patience: how I launder it at home, how I refresh it between washes, and how I successfully spot clean cashmere.

how to launder cashmere at home

How to Launder a Cashmere Sweater at Home in Your Washing Machine

Did you know you can wash cashmere in your washing machine? Now I'm not saying throw it in there with your jeans and towels, but cashmere can be washed in the machine in a manner I use for many of the items I used to take to the dry cleaners:

  1. Place your cashmere sweater alone in a mesh washing bag. the bag keeps a sleeve from getting caught on the agitator or other clothing and having anything stretch.
  2. If your sweater has a closure, close it. Zippers, snaps, buttons… have them all secured. I usually wash my cardigans inside-out so the buttons are less likely to rub or snag anything else.
  3. Wash in the machine on the gentle cycle. I recommend if your machine permits, to choose full load but only have it half full of clothes so everything can swish around with lots of space.
  4. When it comes to detergent, I don't buy a fancy one but I do choose a liquid. Since you're using the gentle cycle and cold water there is less agitation and I find liquid to be more effective. Right now I am liking Dirty Labs which is eco-friendly, allergy-friendly, and effective yet gentle to clothes.
  5. Take your cashmere out the machine and place on a bath towel. Make sure this bath towel is either a light color/white or has been laundered so often the color won't transfer.
  6. Flatten your sweater so there aren't any wrinkles. Cross the sleeves over the front like you're going to carefully pack it in a suitcase.
  7. Now roll up the towel with the sweater inside. This will squeeze out excess water without stretching or misshaping your sweater. You don't need to be precious with this, and some skip this step altogether. It just helps the sweater dry faster and reduce the chance of it stretching while wet.
  8. Lay flat to dry. Using a clothing hanger can cause a cashmere sweater to stretch, so choose a drying rack (this one is cheap and great for small spaces). If you don't have a drying rack, you can just lay your sweater on a dry and clean towel and maybe flip it after a few hours so both sides get airflow.

I know I should have some PSA that you should spot test your cashmere before going all in with the washing machine. I have never done this, and have never had a standard (not embellished or super thin/delicate or handmade) sweater not handle the machine. But just because I haven't doesn't mean you shouldn't.

My Cashmere is Just a Bit Stinky But Not Dirty, How Should I Care For It?

The less you launder your clothes, the longer they will be a beloved item in your closet. If your cashmere isn't dirty but maybe smells a bit like your body/your dinner last night/your relative's smoky car, no need to actually wash it to make it smell great.

Between wears, I steam my cashmere sweaters. Just using a travel steamer (this one is great and has worked for me on travel and at home for a while), you can steam the funky parts (or the whole sweater) and then let it cool/dry in a well-ventilated area.

To let it air out, don't hang it on a hanger like a usual top; cashmere can stretch especially when it's damp. I recommend using a drying rack or use this tip on how to safely fold sweaters on a hanger.

A fabric refreshing spray can also do wonders for a sweater that smells like something you don't want it to smell like. I do NOT recommend Febreeze for your sweaters. I like Bac-Out, which is free of artificial fragrances and weird chemicals. If that kind of scent isn't your jam, it's easy to make your own fabric refresher at home.

DIY Fabric Refresher for Cashmere and Other Fabrics

Grab yourself a spray bottle and add to it:

  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 1/4 cup of vodka (some say you can replace this with rubbing alcohol but I haven't tried it myself)
  • Optional: a few drops of your favorite essential oil

Some recipes include baking soda, but I haven't tried that. I do the recipe above with about 10 drops of essential oil (I haven't found any oil to do better than others so use what makes you happy). Spray the item and then follow the instructions for steaming and let it dry in a well-ventilated area.

Once it is dry, there will be no smell of alcohol (and little to no smell of the essential oil) and your funk will also be gone! This spray also works on furniture and other upholstery.

My Cashmere is Fine Except for One Spot! How Do You Spot Treat Cashmere?

I am a klutz and even if I am being careful, I am likely to spill something on my clothes. I have become a spot-removing expert thanks to this. And for cashmere, I find the best product for spot removing is baby shampoo.

I keep a bottle of ordinary baby shampoo in my laundry area. If I get a stain on my cashmere, I apply the baby shampoo to the dry sweater, use a clean cloth to blot/press it into the fabric, and then will rinse the area. Then I will put a towel inside the sweater, use another towel or cloth to blot out moisture, and let sit until dry. This usually works and won't leave a ring.

how to remove fuzballs from sweaters

My Cashmere has Fuzz Balls All Over It! How Can I Safely De-pill Cashmere?

It is totally normal for cashmere and wool sweaters to get fuzz balls on it (also known as pilling). Pilling usually happens where the fabric rubs against itself or something else. You will often find pilling under your arms, along the sides of a sweater, and on the cuffs of sleeves. It's easy to remove these fuzzballs and have your sweater look like new again. Removing these fuzzballs will not create bald spots or thin your sweater if you use the right tools.

I have both this sweater stone and this fabric shaver and have used both successfully on cashmere. For ribbed and textured cashmere, I prefer a sweater stone since it's more gentle, and won't think a cableknit is a fuzz ball. However for smooth and thicker cashmere, a sweater shaver is faster and more accurate.

When Should Cashmere Be Dry Cleaned?

If I have a cashmere sweater with any embellishments (beading, sequins, buttons, metallic finish, leather trim, etc.) I don't mess with it and take it to an expert. I have tried, and have found such embellishments to not handle water well; it's not worth the risk.

If a label says do not wash, don't wash it. That usually means there is some fiber or treatment to the garment that won't respond well to being submerged in water. However, usually, if it says dry clean it's okay to launder at home. On the other hand, if it says do not dry clean do not. The chemicals from dry cleaning could damage the yarns or embellishments.

How to Store Cashmere at the End of the Season

Make sure your cashmere is free of stains, sweat, and body oils before storage at the end of the season. Dry cleaning is a good way to kill any eggs or larvae in your sweater that may eat the yarns while stored. Steaming is another way to rid your sweater of any pests, but sure it's completely dry before storing it for the summer.

Cashmere is best when folded into a breathable fabric storage bag or box. You can add cedar blocks or lavender sachets to assist in keeping moths and critters at bay. For more sweater tips, check out this article where I got knitwear advice from an expert!

Shop Cashmere Care Products:


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Comments

  1. Jamie says

    November 9, 2021 at 10:34 am

    That drying rack is genius – ordering! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  2. Karen says

    November 9, 2021 at 6:23 am

    100% if is says DO NOT dry clean, than I don’t, assume either its not color fast or that the thread or other non wool elements have not been treated or tested for a wet wash.
    I do make sure that i dry clean at the end of the season as its the only way i know to insure that any moths that might be lurking are killed. If anyone knows another way, please share.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      November 9, 2021 at 8:46 am

      Good point, if it says to not dry clean don’t! And you made me realize I didn’t paste over the last section of this article I wrote in Word about storage. I freeze my sweaters at the end of the season and then store in a cotton bag that goes into my cedar chest. I found pests were not deterred by the cedar, but the bag gave that extra layer of protection.

      Reply
    • Bets says

      November 9, 2021 at 10:25 am

      I’ve found heat treating to be the most effective, set the oven to 125-130 and let the sweaters get to 120 for 30 minutes, use caution is the item is not 100% animal fiber or has buttons etc. that may melt. Freezing only kills the larvae, not the eggs (and the average freezer doesn’t really get cold enough to kill them for sure) necessitating a freeze/thaw cycle of several weeks. I also store everything individually in a ziplock bag and then in a plastic bin with a tight fitting lid. But I have an active moth problem, if it’s just precautionary the heat treatment would probably be sufficient.

      Reply

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Weekend Reads #231

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

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

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

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

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Sep 8

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I can see clearly now…

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

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

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

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

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
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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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