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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!
Open
I had to see… I asked my husband how often he thinks about the Roman Empire, and then asked our 14-year-old 😂
Open
#ad Go through my archives on Wardrobe Oxygen and one thing is clear: my family and I are a fan of @bombas socks! From their no-slip no-show socks to their iconic crew socks, Bombas makes great socks for the whole family while having a great heart.

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

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

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4ipHy #bombas
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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! 🐾❤️
Open
I can see clearly now…

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

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

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

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

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4idXm
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#throwbackthursday to what I wore 10 years ago in September…

A decade ago I was working full time in an office and was promoted to manage a good portion of my department. My blog was doing quite well, I was featured in local and national publications and websites. I was embracing what I felt to be a polished professional with an edgy vibe. Less color, more interesting accessories, and my first semi-designer bag (I still have that leopard print mini M.A.C. In the back of my closet). 

I have come to embrace color and have way less black in my closet now, but a lot of these looks are timeless and I would wear now… just likely with lower heels! 😂

Do you recall what you were wearing a decade ago? How similar is it to how you dress now?

For more of my throwbacks visit #wo2tbt
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Fashion Advice · May 3, 2011

How to Shop: Inspiration

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 do I find inspiration? How do I know what to buy each season and how I know it will flatter not only my figure but my personality?

Fashion is a form of art, just like painting and sculpture and music. When you look at it as a form of art, it’s easier to see what you like and don’t like. Instead of looking at what is hot for the season, just look. So Pantone has decided that honeysuckle (a bright pink) is THE color for 2011, that doesn’t mean you need to wear it to be stylish. Feel silly in maxi skirts and dresses? Don’t wear them!

We live in a great time for fashion – a time where one can find her personal style. There isn’t one single denim wash or leg opening that everyone wears, there isn’t just one silhouette of dress that is fashionable this season. Though certain silhouettes, fabrics, and colors are deemed by fashion authorities to be “hot” or “not” each season, it doesn’t mean the rest are unwearable. It really is possible to find that which flatters you and your personality.

Where I Get Inspiration

Fashion Blogs
As a blogger, I love following fellow fashion bloggers. I find them just as inspirational as the issues of Vogue and Bazaar that arrive in my mailbox every month. With fashion bloggers, you are able to see how clothing works on non-model bodies, how creative women can make couture street fashion, creative ways to mix high-end with Target or thrifted pieces, and unique ways to style pieces to flatter curves, a petite frame, a conservative work environment. Some of my favorite blogs for fashion inspiration:

Atlantic-Pacific – When you want to see how to do a trend right, visit this blog. She is able to pair polka-dots with leopard print and make it look chic, not desperate. I love her mix of clean lines and strong colors with her armful of random bracelets and watch, her bold use of lipstick, her ability to make Hunter willies look downright chic.

Stylish White Female – Rarely do I find a fashion blog whose personal style I could actually see myself wearing. Terra from Stylish White Female is one of those bloggers. Like Atlantic-Pacific, she has a very clear voice – bright clear colors, lots of solids, great use of accessories. Ensembles that are unique yet very wearable for real life. For expecting women, Terra is currently pregnant and total proof that you can be a fabulous and fashionable woman, no matter the trimester.

Extra Petite, Petite Early Morning Style, and 9 to 5 Chic – Three wonderful blogs if you are working in Corporate America but don’t want to look like a cubicle drone. I hate to lump these stylish women together, because they are very unique women. However, they are favorites to visit because they are able to make classic pieces look elegant, unique, and always appropriate. I know that I can always find an excellent Ann Taylor review from Extra Petite, and one for LOFT from Petite Early Morning Style; and I know from all three they will give inspiration on how to make the mass-produced look unique and personal.

Artfully Awear – Have you ever created an outfit inspired by a Matisse or Rothko? Artfully Aware states on her blog, “Plainness in clothing is the enemy of art.” Each post shows her fabulous eclectic style, and then the painting that inspired her ensemble. I doubt I would ever wear what she wears (or be able to pull it off), but I love her sense of color, her joy for life and her passion for art.

Fashion for Nerds and Style Odyssey – Stephanie at Style Odyssey and Audi at Fashion for Nerds are so clearly aware of their personal style, it’s impressive. They don’t dress for society, they don’t dress for others, they dress to express themselves and please themselves. By doing this, they have a very clear message and always look so utterly chic. Both women have personal styles drastically different from mine, but through their blogs I find inspiration on how to simplify, and try unusual combinations while staying true to myself.

FutureLint and Work With What You’ve Got – I suck at thrifting. I head to a local shop and get overwhelmed by the racks of randomness. Christine at FutureLint is my hero – she is able to take an almost completely thrifted wardrobe and make it work for her job, for parties, for dates. Erin at Work With What You’ve Got and I seem to have been separated at 9th grade – she makes me wish I didn’t do a major purge of my clothes when I went off to college for she is able to make Doc Martens and Smiths tee shirts look absolutely cool, modern, and fresh. I really like both of these women for their unique senses of style and great voices – it’s awesome to read a blog for years and still want to meet them IRL.

I love so many fashion blogs, but when thinking offhand of my faves without looking at my Google Reader or Blogroll, these were the few that came to mind. My faves often change with the seasons, and with my life. Blogs I adored before Emerson may seem inappropriate now, blogs I followed when I worked in a different field may not be as inspiring now that I have my new job. It’s important to notice when your tastes change and think as to WHY that is happening. It’s impossible to stay stagnant in fashion – you as a human being change and adapt to your environment, your wardrobe should also adapt.

Fashion Magazines

Fashion Magazines
I know in a previous post I said one should get rid of the fashion magazines to save money. However, if you have a grip on your finances, fashion magazines still are an amazing way to be inspired by current fashion. We may have Style.com and Fashionista, but paper magazines will always be one of my favorite sources for fashion inspiration. I can tuck one in my purse and read it on the Metro ride to work, I have them in my bathroom so I can read them while straightening my hair, I have them on my bedside table so I can flip through before bed or on a lazy Sunday morning.

I flip through magazines not really looking at details, but looking at colors and silhouettes. Bazaar had a page of blue and white printed pieces – Ikat and batik and tie dye and even toile. I loved how the trend looked, envisioned a dress or lightweight cotton top in such a print with my current wardrobe – with my gold flat sandals from Lands End, with white jeans or denim cutoffs. I thought about how I could make it work for the office setting.

With fashion magazines, I treat them like a coffee table book for an artist. I don’t take it literally, I look at the clothing as art. Instead of examining who the designer is, I examine the drape the silhouette, the choices of color and fabric. I can’t afford designer, and I don’t want to try to get the same look for less. However I do know that if a designer shows a certain type of fabric or color on the runway, within a year that choice will be available at chain stores for a price I can afford.

Television
I find a lot of inspiration on television. Of course, you can get fashion advice from shows like What Not to Wear and How Do I Look, but inspiration can be found on non-fashion shows. My mom often gets fashion and hair ideas from watching Days of Our Lives, I decided to finally get bangs after watching an episode of Fringe, and I always get makeup and fashion ideas from Gossip Girl and reruns of Sex in the City. Shows like How I Met Your Mother and Modern Family show you very simple wearable weekend style for regular folks – yes the character may be wearing a simple cardigan and jeans, but it can often be inspiring to see the choice of footwear, how a belt is placed, the unusual color pairing.

What’s great is that often when you see a piece of clothing worn by your favorite host or actress, it’s pretty easy to find out online where to buy a version for yourself. As with fashion magazines, it’s less about knowing WHO created the piece, but HOW the piece is worn, how it hangs, the choice of fabric and color and accessory.

Online Stores
I love Nordstrom.com. I love to just look at ‘What’s New Now” and see the models wearing the fashion. Somehow, Nordstrom’s images of items seem more relatable than the same dress on a different model at Saks or Macy’s. I see what sort of shoe they decided to pair with a dress, how they styled a bag for a display or on a model.

Some retailers may have gorgeous clothes, but I hate shopping their sites because I find them boring and uninspiring. I may love Ann Taylor’s clothes but I hate their site – it’s gloomy and the photos are uninspiring, far too simplistic for my tastes. I was a visual merchandiser in a past life, and I like to see very subtle styling that not only enhances a garment, but encourages the customer to purchase additional pieces to recreate the same look.

I look for base inspiration – models that look to have eaten a sandwich in the past week and got at least six hours of sleep last night. White, light, or natural backdrops that either highlight or add interest to the subject. Good lighting. Good styling – the piece fits the model properly, doesn’t hang off her bony shoulders, looks as though it could be worn with traditional underpinnings.

Then I look for ideas – colors, draping, fabric choices. If I like a dress from a designer, say Milly (who I am loving the past couple of seasons), I will Google Milly and check out other pieces from the line, and how it is styled on the Milly site versus Nordstrom versus Neiman Marcus. I use online stores the way I do fashion bloggers – lets see how different bloggers style the Tucker for Target dress; let’s see how different retailers style Milly’s ‘Caroline Maxi’ dress.

The Street
I don’t live or work in the most fashion-forward part of the globe, but that’s actually a good thing. I can find inspiration on the street not just with what I may want to wear, but what I should not wear. I see fellow petite curvy women in cropped pants and ballet flats and see it as a constant reminder of what I should never wear. I see a pale blonde look washed out in blood orange but think I bet I have the coloring to be able to wear it and should try it. I see a woman wear a silky cocktail dress with colored tights and find it an odd pairing, but do get inspired with trying to merge more “After 5” pieces into my work wardrobe.

Life
I am always drawn to bright green, whether it’s the logo for a Healthy Choiceir?t=whaevewomneei 20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001E96JZG frozen entrée, the color of the chain-link fence around my neighbor’s yard, or the straw in my morning Starbucks. Whether or not green is popular, it is a color I seek out for my wardrobe.

The other day I was looking at a painting that my cousin Amy painted for me and my husband as a wedding gift – she was inspired by Gaugin and there is this beautiful blood orange color in the picture. I started thinking how a deep red-orange color is so beautiful, and how it can look great with other colors. In my head I imagined it with white, with denim, with hot pink, with purple, and with my beloved Starbucks Green. I started thinking about my current wardrobe and what piece in blood orange would work with my current collection. A scoop tee or tank and/or a pencil skirt seemed the most logical – a way to add the pop of color without changing the concept of my closet.

Love the look of the pale yellow honeysuckle against its green leaves? Try that color combination on your body. Drawn to street graffiti that combines orange, purple, and cobalt? Why not incorporate that trio into your next ensemble. Love the liquid-look of your grandmother’s favorite vase? Consider a Grecian-inspired dress for your wardrobe. Fashion is not black and white, and inspiration can come from anywhere.

What I Do With My Inspiration

I am not rich, I cannot purchase each item that tickles my fancy. I have to figure out what to do with my inspiration – what do I need, what do I want, and what to think of my ideas.

I always use my current wardrobe as a launchpad – what do I have now that works? What do I need to make it work even better? I like this current trend, but can it play nice with what I already own? How much work does it take to make it work with my wardrobe/how many additional items do I need to make it a cohesive part of my collection?

How to Shop: Inspiration

I love having my inspiration notebook. This is a tiny little hardcover reporter’s notebook that I bought at the grocery store several years ago. If a stranger opened this notebook, they wouldn’t understand the scribbled randomness inside. I write down song names, recipes from the back of a package, Website URLs, lists of clothing that I am seeking to complete my wardrobe, notes of beauty products and books to research and albums to download. This notebook reminds me of my inspiration, and keeps me on track. If I am out and see a woman with a great dress or bag, I will describe it, sometimes ask her who made it and jot down the info in my notebook. Later, I can go online and search for the item and see if I still like it when it’s not on her body. Then I will think about my current collection and lifestyle and see if that item would fit. If so, I then look for the item at a price I can afford – usually it’s a similar piece and not the original (hate to say it, but I have expensive tastes and not the wallet to support them). If I can’t find it, I remember it for future inspiration.

I often make lists on the same little netbook I am using to write this article. If I had unlimited funds and access to any clothes I wanted, what would I get? I rarely write down specific brands or designers, more so actual garments. A blood orange pencil skirt, fully lined, fabric slighty textured, back zip. A purple silk blouse – sleeveless or very short sleeves, ruffles or detail on the front and around the scoop neckline. A white blazer of stretch twill. Dark rigid straight-cut jeans free of adornments. A canvas wide belt with brown leather (preferably croco or snakeskin) buckle. Chambray shirt with feminine details – puffed sleeves, ruffles, or bow neckline. A long statement necklace of silver and turquoise. Black scoop or boatneck dress with flared midi-length skirt. Tan peeptoe heels.

Making this list, freeing myself of what is on trend, what is hot by what designer, and what I can afford gives me a good look into my true personal style. The list above shows bright solid colors, crisp lines with a touch of femininity, classics with a hint of current trends. When I see an item that doesn’t fit with the rest (cue, “One of these things is not like the other”) I stop to ask WHY is it there. Am I swayed by a fashion blogger or celebrity? Is it my alter ego trying to step out (I have a hidden rock star, hippie, and prep inside me)? Is it something that my alter ego would love but I can make work with my classic, clean collection? Am I in a rut? Before I shop, I analyze.

Finding Your Own Inspiration

Fashion is art – there is great art, there is awful art. With art, you can see the progression of the artist – the difference between his art school sketches and his oversized oils from his ‘40s, and the pastels from his ‘70s. How an artist changes his style based upon finances, lifestyle, environmental influences. Don’t be limited by what “they” tell you is en vogue, what “they” tell you is a must-have for every wardrobe. Not everyone likes the same home décor or art or even food; why should we women all like the same designers or trends? Embrace your opinions and tastes. Write them down, look at them, analyze them, embrace them.

A stylish woman is one who is confident in her skin, her wardrobe. If you choose pieces not true to your self, you will always feel awkward. One reason I hate makeover shows is that the subject doesn’t have the time or the power to cultivate a collection – she is swiftly stripped of everything familiar and left in a foreign closet. Personal style doesn’t happen overnight – it is something you learn like any other skill. Take time, listen to yourself, get to know yourself. Start small with an accessory or a simple dress that can be worn for many different situations. Begin with a blank, yet properly primed canvas with wardrobe staples and then grow from there.

My inspiration will not be yours, and that is a good thing. Use fashion to help express the amazing and unique person that you are!

Please check out the previous posts from my How To Shop Series:
How to Shop: An Introduction
How to Shop: Sticking to a Budget

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Comments

  1. Rose Martine says

    December 24, 2019 at 4:11 am

    Thanks for every other informative web site. Where else may just I am getting that kind of information written in such an ideal way? I’ve a undertaking that I’m simply now running on, and I’ve been at the look out for such info

    Reply
  2. Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

    December 21, 2011 at 5:23 pm

    So glad you liked it!

    Reply
  3. Eurasian says

    December 21, 2011 at 5:21 pm

    I simply adore this post, exactly what I was looking for!

    Reply
  4. Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

    August 9, 2011 at 11:29 pm

    It’s the hardest part to maintaining a cohesive wardrobe! I struggle with it often.

    Reply
  5. Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

    August 9, 2011 at 11:29 pm

    In my little purse notebook I don’t have magazine tear-outs but I do keep them. We’re in the midst of redoing the home office and I plan on having a bulletin board in there that I can use for an “inspiration collage.”

    Reply
  6. Anne @ The Frump Factor says

    August 9, 2011 at 11:28 pm

    Yes, I enjoyed this post a lot! From the photo, it looks like you put pictures from magazines in your notebook as well. I’ve tried that, but find I never look at it! Wonder if I should start one of those inspiration bulletin boards, to collect pictures of what inspires me and keep an ongoing “inspiration collage.”

    Reply
  7. coffeeaddict says

    August 9, 2011 at 11:28 pm

    That is just the sweetes thing! Thanks Ally 🙂

    Reply
  8. Tiffany Hutton says

    August 9, 2011 at 11:28 pm

    Great post! I especially like your description of analysing why something doesn’t fit with other items – I think this is something I need to do more of before buying on impulse!

    Reply
  9. Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

    August 9, 2011 at 11:28 pm

    Thanks Patti!

    Reply
  10. Patti @ NotDeadYet Style says

    August 9, 2011 at 11:28 pm

    Great article, thank you! And thanks for the introduction to several great new (to me) blogs. You seem like a very wise shopper with a great feel for what you love.

    Reply
  11. Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

    August 9, 2011 at 11:28 pm

    Yay! Glad to share good fashion blogs!

    Reply
  12. Eternalvoyageur says

    August 9, 2011 at 11:28 pm

    I just discovered several great fashion blogs through this post. Thanks !

    Reply
  13. Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

    August 9, 2011 at 11:28 pm

    Aw, thanks so much! My hope is to help somebody find her personal style with these. Glad to see that they are useful! 🙂

    Reply
  14. Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

    August 9, 2011 at 11:28 pm

    I love that idea – the inspiration in the fabric. Michelangelo said he could see the sculpture in a block of marble, he just helped it show. You’re the Michelangelo of fabric!

    Reply
  15. Lisa1669 says

    August 9, 2011 at 11:28 pm

    Allie, I cannot thank you enough for these posts!!! Your advice & the thought process behind it, is extremely helpful. I feel like a whole new world of possibilities has opened up & I’m learning to listen to & trust myself. For the first time in my life I’m enjoying putting appropriate, stylish outfits together 🙂 Thanks for sharing – you’re a fashion life saver!

    Reply
  16. coffeeaddict says

    August 9, 2011 at 11:28 pm

    I suppose many women find inspiration in all or some of the things you mentioned. The most important thing is to have a firm grasp of what inspires you, not just some vague idea: oh cute top, nice colour. Really break it down to I love the collar on this top and I imagine wearing flared linen pants in this bright aqua shade etc.
    I find inspiration in fabric. Oh the endless possibilities that present themselves in a yard of printed cotton or flowy satin!

    Reply
  17. Elizabeth Fassbender says

    July 12, 2011 at 3:39 pm

    I’ve had this flagged and finally went through all the blogs you recommended – thanks for the round up!

    Reply
  18. meowie says

    May 27, 2011 at 1:12 pm

    Love your post
    Really good ideas on where to find ideas and get those creative juices flowing!

    Reply
  19. Kendall G. says

    May 22, 2011 at 10:21 pm

     Yay!!! This post inspired me 🙂

    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 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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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!
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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Aug 27

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The family that wears @printfresh together stays together 🥰

Use code wardrobe_oxygen for 15% off your order of size-inclusive organic cotton sleepwear, dresses, bags & more https://glnk.io/qk04/wardrobe-oxygen

I’ve been raving about my Printfresh pajamas for years, my family also wanted to try them. Thank you Printfresh for gifting these for our annual three generation girls’ getaway to Rehoboth Beach, DE. We had a great time and being all matchy matchy in our pajamas was a fun addition! 🐅🍃🥰

#printfresh #printfreshpajamas #printfreshpartner

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Aug 12

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Shuts laptop until Monday… #RehobothBeach

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