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The perfect red for the holiday season 💄

I love a red lipstick, especially in winter. It adds brightness to gray days and skin not exposed to the sun. Look in my dressing table and you’ll find at least a dozen different red lipsticks. But this winter my go-to red is “Relax” by @flyte.70 

Glossy but not sticky, long wearing but not drying, the Flyte.70 L+L.LipLacquer feels like a lip balm. One layer is a hint of color and shine; add more layers for more pigment, gloss, and impact. This isn’t the only Flyte.70 lip color I have and love; I regularly wear “Fast Car” which is a modern version of the brown lipsticks we loved in the 90s that looks so good with the neutrals popular right now.

And with products named after songs from the 80s and 90s I couldn’t not use this Frankie Goes to Hollywood song for this lip color!

This isn’t paid, it’s a PSA because I know it’s hard to find good red lip colors. And @flyte.70 is a U.S.-based woman-owned ethical beauty brand created specifically for U.S. grown women and I find the quality stellar.

Use code WOXYGEN15 for 15% off your order at Flyte.70

The quickest and cheapest way to update your wardrobe for the holidays is with a glossy red lip! 💄

#over40style #genxstyle #genxbeauty #flyte70
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The tree is trimmed! 🎄

When I was a single gal, I had the prettiest tree with a color story and theme. 20 years later, my tree is a hodgepodge of inherited ornaments, gifts from loved ones, and handmade pieces from both my childhood and by my child. And I think each year it veers further from the original concept the more beautiful it becomes!

My daughter and I donned our Santa hats, turned on the holiday playlist, a Yule log on the TV, and spent the afternoon getting our home into the Christmas spirit.

When she was little, my husband would pick her up so she could place the star on top of the tree. Now that she’s taller than I am, when he got home he just put his arm around her as she used the library stool to reach the top. Some traditions need to be modified with time but they’re still special! ⭐️

Top is a feather trimmed Breton from @talbotsofficial; the scarf as a belt is also Talbots but a few years old. The jeans are @landsend and the blanket on the chair in the second photo is by artist  @zanderschlacter
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My therapist recommended I walk outside more as I grieve the recent loss of my mom.

When it was time to pay for my mom’s funeral, the credit card I had in my wallet was my @bananarepublic Mastercard. I’ve had this card for decades because over the years, most of our family have worn some Gap brand. From onesies to tuxedos, we’ve updated our wardrobes with points.

And I got a serious chunk of points for charging my mom’s funeral expenses on my Banana card.

I decided to use them to buy clothes for winter outdoor walking. Nothing motivates me more than a chance to put together a cute outfit. This cute look is from @athleta, one of the few activewear brands that fits both my size and my style.

My Athleta purchase arrived on my doorstep and that day, a neighbor reached out, inviting me to join a group of women in our community who were supporting, not competing, to move 100k. I immediately said yes and signed up. 

This past week I hit 100k. And this past week week it has been two months she has been gone. I’m still going 💪 

Wearing XL. For reference I’m 5’3” and usually wear a size 14.

I share details on all my looks on the @shop.LTK app. You can use the app or desktop, search for @wardrobe_oxygen or use the link https://liketk.it/4pFaS
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Normalizing the normal everyday outfit…

It was a day of running errands, running to the office, and then running into friends. It rained off and on so I wanted shoes for potential puddles and a coat that wouldn’t soak through but also keep me warm.

The sweater is @universalstandard; I bought it thinking it was a bold purple but the color was off on the site and I got plum. But I think I like this better. I’m wearing a S. This is my second of this cardigan, it is super soft, dense, and holds up to washing. My other one I got a year ago and still wear all the time.

The jeans are @oldnavy and while they’re not perfect and stretch out throughout the day they were around $18 and I like the wash and weight of the denim. I’m wearing a 14 Short.

The boots are old Docs, the coat I got at @talbotsofficial last winter, and the bag is @maxwellscottuk and I’ve had for almost a decade. Earrings are @_jennybird, necklace is @gorjana. 

Disclosure: the coat was gifted last year but remains a favorite. The necklace was also gifted about a year ago but I keep wearing because I like it and it has held up quality-wise. The rest I bought. 

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

#liketkit #LTKfindsunder50 #LTKover40 #LTKmidsize #midsizestyle #genxstyle #over40style #size14 #usinthewild 
https://liketk.it/4pDXG
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Counteract the gray days with cozy colorful clothes! 🌈 This cashmere sweater set is the prettiest teal and I loved how it looked with this candy pink Chesterfield coat. All are from @anntaylor one of my favorite places to shop because Ann has petites over a size 12. Also all of these items are on sale!

While I did receive these clothes as a gift from Ann Taylor I am under no obligation to share with you. This is what I wore to work and when I saw these colors against the green of my building door I had to prop up my phone and capture the color combo!

This sweater is a classic and with the skirt is created a dress effect you can style with tall boots, ankle boots and tights, or dress down with sneakers. I linked to other pieces in this color that would also look dreamy with this skirt, as well as other gorgeous colorful coats.

For reference I am wearing the coat in XL petite and the sweater set in L. I am 5’3” and usually wear a 14/16

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content! https://liketk.it/4plYr 

#LTKmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #size14 #midsizepetite #ThisIsAnn
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Just got back from a 4-night getaway with my sister @debbiefaye78 at @curacaomarriottbeachresort. It was a last-minute planned trip that ended up being perfect. We weren’t ready to celebrate Thanksgiving without our mom and this escape what just what our hearts needed. 

I’ll be sharing more once I finally unpack my suitcase and organize my photos and thoughts; but I couldn’t not share this picture from yesterday morning. Debbie and I got up early to enjoy some of the day at the resort before flying home to DC. We had the infinity pool to ourselves, finished our books, and relaxed before a long day of travel. 🌴
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It’s hard when you’re petite and most models aren’t; you have no idea how clothes, especially jeans will fit. To promote @universalstandard’s Denim Drive sale, the company sent me two pairs of jeans of my choice. And I chose to make this video to show how they fit on my 5’3” body. I am usually a 14/32 in jeans but at Universal Standard I wear a 12 because they’re super stretchy and generously sized. 

With jeans as low as $35 in sizes 00-40, this is a sale not to be missed. And use code INFS-BFALISON10 for an additional 10% off sitewide!

The Farrah Flare is a favorite because at my height, most flare jeans will lose what makes them special once hemmed. At a 30” inseam these are great with low heels or lug soles.

The Etta is a straight jean with a vintage fit. If in doubt size down. They’re also super stretchy and the 28” inseam (they also come in 31”) works with my boots and sneakers.

While I was provided the apparel in this Reel for free, I was not paid or contracted to create this content. Consider it a PSA for my fellow shorties shopping this fab denim sale!

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4oWOQ #ltkmidsize #ltkplussize #ltkover40 #ltksalealert #uspartner #midsizestyle
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Thanks to @talbotsofficial I’m ready for the holidays! #AD

I love Talbots for holiday fashion and this season’s new arrivals do not disappoint. And for Black Friday the entire site is 40% off with free shipping on orders $150+. Until noon, you also receive 50% off 1 regular price item!

I ordered pieces from the Talbots Holiday Collection and found great quality, great style, and great versatility. How cute is the Breton stripe bateau neck with the removable feather cuffs? The metallic plaid patio skirt is so fun, and these two dresses can glam up or dress down with a change of footwear and bag. For reference, I am wearing everything in either XL or 16 petite.

The ivory cords are also Talbots; the black trousers are from last year’s Talbots Holiday Collection showing how Talbots has lasting style. I’ve linked to exact or very similar in my LTK shop. Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.ltk app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content! https://liketk.it/4oDJF

#mytalbots modernclassicstyle #wondersoftheseason #ltkover40 #ltkplussize #ltkmidsize #blackfridaysale
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@somaintimates makes it easy to shop for a range of personas this holiday season! #AD With gift guides for a range of personality types, you can easily find great gifts for your loved ones. I was drawn to the creative one, loving the rich colorful florals, luxe satin, lace trim, and of course Soma’s iconic Cool Nights sleepwear! Visit Soma’s gift guide for tips on finding the perfect present this holiday season. #SomaGiftGuide #SomaStartsWithMe
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Fashion Advice · August 2, 2023

How to Soften Linen Clothes: 4 Easy Methods

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. 

Tips on how to soften linen clothes by Wardrobe Oxygen

I had a Wardrobe Oxygen reader reach out asking how to soften linen clothes she finds scratchy. She purchased a J. Crew linen sweater that I suggested in this summer getaway capsule wardrobe and loves the sweater, but finds it rough and uncomfortable to wear. Her email:

“Last summer, I purchased a J Crew linen sweater—open-weave knit—that you recommended in one of your capsule wardrobes.  I like the sweater, but the fibers are very rough-feeling and I can’t get the sweater to soften up.  I have not used fabric softener, washed only on cold delicate and no dryer, and I tried soaking it overnight in water with white vinegar to see if it had a detergent build-up.  But still rough-feeling.  Do you have any other suggestions for how to soften the fibers?”

I am a fan of linen, but I too have found some pieces, even from quality brands, to be rough and itchy. I've researched many methods on how to soften linen clothes; below I share all the methods and which ones I find most effective.

Why is Linen Rough and Scratchy?

Linen is a textile created from the flax plant. The fiber from flax is extremely durable and used for items like ropes and rugs because it can handle a lot of wear and tear. But if you have grabbed a flax rope or walked barefoot on a flax rug, you know it may be sturdy but it surely isn't soft. The same holds true for linen.

As with other textiles, the texture of linen depends on the quality of the yarns and the thread count of the weave. Like cotton, linen's softness is dependent on the yarn and manufacturing as to how soft and comfortable it will be. Unlike cotton, linen is softer with a lower thread count.

Blends also affect the roughness of linen. One would think blending linen with a softer textile like cotton or silk would make it more comfortable, but it still depends on the methods of creating the yarn and fabric.

Linen is often created and treated with additives which can make the fabric feel rougher. This is true with many textiles, but the flax can be more… sensitive to these additives and can create and even rougher finish to the fabric.

That said, because linen is so durable, it can be washed and worn, ironed, and washed again and not get threadbare. Each wear, each washing, and each time you handle the linen it will just get softer and more comfortable.

But what if you don't want to wait to have your linen soften with time? Below is my suggestion on how to soften linen clothes that are too rough and scratchy for comfortable wear. This should work for almost any linen garment and can even be used for linen sheets and bedding. My tips should not affect the appearance or durability of your linen, just provide some additional softness.

You may also like: how to prevent pinholes in your t-shirts

How to Soften Linen Clothes (or any linen fabric)

Air dry linen after your first wash to prevent shrinkage. For more style tips visit wardrobeoxygen.com
Air dry your linen after your first wash to prevent shrinkage.

Option 1: Wash your Linen (and wash it some more)

The best way to remove any additives and begin getting your linen soft is to launder it. The more often your linen is laundered, the softer it will become.

Linen is durable and unless it is an extremely delicate design or embellished, should be able to handle your washing machine. However, some linen garments can shrink. I recommend your first wash, use your gentle cycle, and air dry. Second wash, try a standard wash cycle, and air dry.

Do not use traditional fabric softener, it's an additive that can affect how linen wears and may prevent it from softening on its own. Instead, consider using a more natural softener (see the options below).

If the dryer does not shrink or misshapen your linen, continue to use the dryer as it will really help with softening linen garments and bedding. Consider adding dryer balls (I love these cruelty-free wool ones from Etsy) to help with softening the garments.

If you don't have dryer balls, tennis balls also work to soften linen as well as revitalize any fluffiness in puffer coats and comforters. Just know tennis balls in the dryer are far louder than wool dryer balls!

The more you launder your linen, regardless of your method, the softer it will become. Linen is something you hopefully will have in your wardrobe for many many years to come, and over time you will come to love wearing it more and more.

shop cruelty-free wool dryer balls

Option 2: Use White Vinegar

Using white vinegar to soften fabric is a laundry hack as old as time. Vinegar is an acid that has become quite popular for cleaning and laundry because it isn't toxic and quite effective for cleaning and softening. White vinegar is the only type one should use for laundry because it won't stain or alter the color of fabric.

There are a few different ways that white vinegar is used to soften linen:

  1. Add a half cup of white vinegar to your wash
  2. Mix one cup of white vinegar and one cup of water together and add to your wash in place of detergent
  3. Replace laundry softener in your softener drawer with white vinegar
  4. Overnight, leave linen items in a full washing machine with 1-2 cups of white vinegar
  5. For the best results, soak items in one gallon of water with one cup of white vinegar. Soak from ten minutes to overnight; the length of time should not affect fabric or dye.

I haven't had any success with vinegar actually softening linen. I tried soaking linen sheets overnight in a full washing machine with two cups of white vinegar added, and if it did soften the sheets, the effect was minimal.

That being said, if you have washed your linen pieces with fabric softener or dryer sheets and find your garment still rough, I encourage you to try Step 2 of replacing your detergent with white vinegar. This will help break down any chemicals from these softeners and strip excess detergent and help the flax fibers soften naturally.

shop white vinegar

Option 3: Try Baking Soda (my favorite method)

I personally have had success in using baking soda to soften linen fabric. Baking soda has a pH of 9 which makes it a fabulous fabric softener for any fabric including linen. Just like with white vinegar, there are many methods to use baking soda to soften linen:

  • Add half a cup of baking soda to your usual wash. Do not add fabric softener, this will take care of it. This can be done for any wash, not just when you are trying to soften linen.
  • Add a cup of baking soda to a large bucket of water. Swirl until fully dissolved, then add your linen pieces. Soak anywhere from half an hour to overnight. Like with vinegar, the length of time should not hurt the garment in any manner. Afterwards, let dry, and depending on the results you can wear as-is or launder.
shop baking soda
an iron and linen shirt on an ironing board
Ironing linen will not only get rid of wrinkles, it may soften the fabric to make it more comfortable to wear!

Option 4: Iron Your Linen

Ironing linen will help smooth the flax fibers, providing a softer feel. I find the best way to iron linen to soften it is to dampen the linen, and then using a pressing cloth, iron the linen and steam out the moisture. The combination of steam, heat, and pressure will smooth and soften the flax for a softer linen experience.

Ironing can be done to linen pieces that have gone through one or more of the previous methods. A perk is that your linen will look crisp and wear-ready!

shop pressing cloth

What's great is that the softer your linen gets, whether it's from repeated washing and wear or one or more of the options above, the less it will crease and wrinkle. Linen may be popular because it's comfortable in heat and humidity, but it's also popular because it is so durable. Once you find the linen you love and get it soft, you will get years (or decades) worth of stylish wear.

This post was originally published in 2022 but republished in 2023 after receiving so many questions about how to soften linen, and with linen being one of the most popular fabrics for the season. I hope one of these methods helps you!

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Comments

  1. cheek says

    July 17, 2023 at 3:54 pm

    The best way to soften linen is to use it.

    IF you use baking soda, you must soak it again with either vinegar or citric acid to stop the alkalinity eating the fibers as linen is constantly damp and the remains of baking soda will gradually eat away at it, just like drain cleaner. And the same goes for your hair. Baking soda is awesome in place of shampoo but only until the damage is done and it begins breaking. At which point, it’s too late to salvage. This is particularly important with regard to linen when using a homemade laundry soap which is almost always made way too alkaline.

    Reply
  2. Paula Spizziri says

    May 30, 2023 at 10:41 am

    Thank you for these tips and sharing your experience about what works and doesn’t work. Most of all, thank you for not recommending fabric softener or dryer sheets. Besides not being good environmentally, here are some other compelling reasons not to use them. Hope you don’t mind me sharing this video.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNy6pv3a3M8&pp=ygUibGF1bmRyeSBldmFuZ2VsaXN0IGZhYnJpYyBzb2Z0ZW5lcg%3D%3D

    Reply
  3. Sonja says

    May 23, 2023 at 10:32 am

    Hi,

    Thank you for these tips. I have a lovely coloured linen scarf, that needs to be softened. Can I use baking soda for a coloured scarf?

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      May 23, 2023 at 12:21 pm

      I would think so but you may wish to test a small place to be sure it’s colorfast.

      Reply
      • Sonja says

        May 23, 2023 at 1:22 pm

        Thanks! I’ll first soak it in vinegar and wash it, that’s always good for coloured items and maybe that will do the trick. If not I’ll test a bit in soda…

        Reply
  4. Alyssa | wayward says

    May 27, 2022 at 6:09 pm

    I haven’t tried the vinegar or baking soda hacks, but those are great cheap suggestions! The thing that has worked best for my linen items so far is tossing them in the dryer with wool dryer balls, like you suggested. I just make sure to use the setting without heat to avoid shrinkage.

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      May 30, 2022 at 4:47 pm

      I am the reader who sent this question to Alison, and I used tennis balls—what I use on my down coats when I put them away for the summer and fall! I agree they helped a lot and the sweater feels much better now.

      Reply
  5. Bette says

    May 27, 2022 at 9:55 am

    These are all great suggestions, but I’m with Ann Marie. If an item feels scratchy and rough, it’s not high quality linen. The shorter, more fibrous pieces of the plant were used, rather than the longer (more expensive) silky fibers. For linen, I like Eileen Fisher the best — and I buy most of my EF linen clothing on ebay for a song. Of course, if the previous owner used fabric softener or scented laundry detergent, I then go through all the steps Alison outlines in this article. Also, pay attention to whether you’re buying 100% linen or today’s common mixtures with rayon, which softens the fabric but shortens its lifespan.

    Reply
    • Martha says

      September 15, 2022 at 9:02 am

      Try this site: https://fabrics-store.com

      Reply
  6. Ann Marie says

    May 27, 2022 at 7:02 am

    My suggestion is to not buy rough linen in the first place. Whenever I touch a linen shirt and it feels rough, I immediately put it back on the rack because that just tells me it was cheaply made. I have more linen shirts (and a linen sweater) than I can count and none of them are rough. My favorite places to buy linen are Muji and Uniqlo.

    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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Dec 5

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The tree is trimmed! 🎄

When I was a single gal, I had the prettiest tree with a color story and theme. 20 years later, my tree is a hodgepodge of inherited ornaments, gifts from loved ones, and handmade pieces from both my childhood and by my child. And I think each year it veers further from the original concept the more beautiful it becomes!

My daughter and I donned our Santa hats, turned on the holiday playlist, a Yule log on the TV, and spent the afternoon getting our home into the Christmas spirit.

When she was little, my husband would pick her up so she could place the star on top of the tree. Now that she’s taller than I am, when he got home he just put his arm around her as she used the library stool to reach the top. Some traditions need to be modified with time but they’re still special! ⭐️

Top is a feather trimmed Breton from @talbotsofficial; the scarf as a belt is also Talbots but a few years old. The jeans are @landsend and the blanket on the chair in the second photo is by artist  @zanderschlacter

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Nov 28

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Just got back from a 4-night getaway with my sister @debbiefaye78 at @curacaomarriottbeachresort. It was a last-minute planned trip that ended up being perfect. We weren’t ready to celebrate Thanksgiving without our mom and this escape what just what our hearts needed. 

I’ll be sharing more once I finally unpack my suitcase and organize my photos and thoughts; but I couldn’t not share this picture from yesterday morning. Debbie and I got up early to enjoy some of the day at the resort before flying home to DC. We had the infinity pool to ourselves, finished our books, and relaxed before a long day of travel. 🌴

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Nov 19

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Working on the weekend is far more enjoyable when it’s in my office 💚

Perimenopause and the pandemic and homeschooling made our row home feel even smaller. So when neighbors revitalized an office building in our town center and offered individual offices for rent, I felt it would be good for business and personally. And I kept it when the world opened up and our kid went back to public school because it helps me have a clear start and end to the work day, but also because I created a space I really enjoy.

This weekend I went to the office to shoot some content. And once I was finished I enjoyed just sitting here, watching the light change. I think I may switch the furniture around, switch up the energy. I love that I can do that without consulting another or having another person’s opinions matter.

When you have a family, things go from me to we. I don’t regret leaving Corporate America to do this full time, but I do miss being part of a team. And I missed having an office, a place away from home that’s just for me. 

I wish more communities would offer rental offices like @thegranitebuilding. With reasonably affordable monthly rates, it doesn’t have to just be business owners who get office spaces. It can be a place to work on a hobby or craft, a place to WFH that’s not home, or a place to just read and write and nap undisturbed. A literal room of one’s own. Because sometimes a person needs time to be a me and not a we. 💚

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Nov 17

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You’re never too old for a Rory Gilmore sweater… this cotton fisherman sweater is from @llbean and inspired by @marielle.elizabeth I shopped the men’s department for a better size range. The influencer influenced the influencer!

The jeans are @landsend I got last year and I’m glad they brought them back this year in several washes, inseam lengths, and plus sizes. If in doubt, size down. They will shrink in length slightly but not anywhere else, they’re super comfy and stretchy but don’t stretch out. 

Kept the collegiate vibe going with a trucker cap, HOKAs, and my trusty commuter bag for years: the large @dagnedover Dakota backpack!

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4o4bQ #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #genxstyle #ltkover40 #over40style

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Nov 15

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My husband has a special backpack he fills with weight to wear while hiking; it’s called rucking. I wear a @dagnedover Dakota and fill it with my laptop, my iPad, a full water bottle, and my purse and walk to work; it’s called commuting. 💁🏻‍♀️

But seriously, I’ve had this backpack for five years. It has been shoved under plane seats, in overstuffed car trunks, under feet in the passenger seat. I’ve worn it as I’ve walked miles in major cities and from my house to my town center. My daughter also has a Dagne Dakota; it survived middle school and continues to work through camping, sleepovers, and road trips. It’s genially designed, comfortable, and can take a beating and still look great.

As for the rest of the look, the vest (XL) is a new purchase from @athleta; the Rainier tights (L) are also Athleta but two years old. The purple top is @nike and about a decade old. Hat is @llbean and it’s on sale for less than $15. And my trusty @hoka sneakers that have had their own set of adventures.

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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#ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #genxstyle #dagnedoverdakota

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Nov 6

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Another day of early voting for our city election, another outfit I wore as an election judge! 🗳️

I got this sweater set from @mmlafleur last spring and it continues to be a favorite. The color and popcorn stitch makes it wearable three seasons of the year. I’ve styled it with gold heels and dramatic gold earrings, with sneakers and a crossbody belt bag, and more than once with knee-high boots and a scarf at my throat. The color works with brown and black boots, the skirt silhouette and length with heels and flats. These brown riding boots are from @duoboots and almost a decade old. The scarf belonged to my dad; I have a feeling it was styled with a leisure suit back in the day!

I may have been more dressed up than other election judges but I think seeing democracy in action is a cause to celebrate! 🇺🇸

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Nov 4

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Early voting poll worker style 🗳️

I’ve been an election judge (AKA poll worker) for several years but this year I decided to take it a step further and join my city’s Board of Elections. I’m passionate about fair and accessible elections for all. The Board is acting as election judges for early voting so it’s great to use my previous experience on a city level!

I believe voting is a special occasion and I dressed the part. The puff sleeve sweater and pants are from @anntaylor; these pants are the same ones from the suit I wore earlier this week. I added a beloved @hermes scarf as a belt and silver hoops (they belonged to my mom) as a hint of shine.

If your area is having an election this coming week; I implore you to vote. Your voice deserves to be heard. And please ensure your neighbors know of the election and where to vote. 🇺🇸

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Nov 2

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Always fun to see my name in lights! 💡 I was a panelist at the annual @jaofcentralmd Leading Ladies event that connects local high schoolers with women in business. My panel was on using social media for promoting one’s business or personal brand. Along with other social media experts, we guided students and adults on how to create compelling and engaging social content and together created content for the conference’s feed. It was fun and I loved being able to share my almost two decades of personal and professional experience!

The dress code for the conference was business professional and since the event’s theme color was pink, they encouraged us to wear the color. 

This @anntaylor suit has been a favorite since late summer. I’ve dressed it down with a white tank and sneakers and glammed it up with a silk cami and gold heeled sandals. I love how Ann Taylor has petite suiting up to size 16; I know I’m not the only short curvy girl who desires suits and professional attire!

For this event I chose a berry-colored microfiber tank from @lovechicos. I own several of these tanks; they wear like iron and the tight weave and subtle shine make them great shells under suits. 

The look fit the theme but was also comfortable. I was glad to share my expertise and encourage others to see how they can donate their time and knowledge to a local @juniorachievementusa #JALeadingLadies #JALeadingLadies2023 #JACMD #JuniorAchievment

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Oct 18

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Sharing this from my #iPadOS17 thanks to @apple! A bit belated with all that has been going on lately but I’m really enjoying using an iPad to improve how I work, stay organized, and find new ways to be creative. Can I just say that editing video on an iPad instead of a phone is a game changer!

Recently, I attended an event at the gorgeous Apple Carnegie Library hosted by @flourishplanner_ to learn ways to make the most of #iOS17 and it was awesome. I brought my new iPad and learned about the new wallpaper, stickers, and organizing tools.

As for my look, the dress is from @bananarepublic’s summer collection. Kept it comfy with a pair of Samba sneakers and held down the volume of the dress with my black recycled leather @ganni crossbody. Added an old @_jennybird link necklace and a silver cuff I’ve had since the ‘90s.

#todayatapple #genxstyle #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #size14 #over40style

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Oct 17

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I love an excuse to dress up, especially if it’s for a good cause! This weekend was the @thenewdealcafe Masquer-AID fundraiser to support this independent cafe, art gallery, and live music venue in @cityofgreenbelt.

My family and I have loved going to The New Deal Cafe for all these years. Grabbing coffee with friends, having a meal, seeing an amazing band, participating in an open mic or one of their Reel and Meal events. So @debbiefaye78, our mom, and I got tickets and even chipped in for a plaque from us “Ashpes Girls.” 

Our mom passed before she could attend the event; we asked our like a sister best friend @shellymingram to join us in her place and we had a great time, dancing all night as our mom would have, connecting with neighbors, and supporting a local business we all love so much.

As for the outfit, the dress is @ronnykobo the bag is @ganni and I borrowed both from @renttherunway The shoes I’ve had for years and the gold metal mask I found on Amazon and liked how it could mold to my face and not put pressure on my still-healing eye.

And I know y’all will ask because I received so many DMs this weekend when I shared this event in my Stories… my sister’s dress is from @eshakti she bought it a few years ago and it’s even more gorgeous in person!

#newdealcafe #greenbeltisgreat #onlyingreenbelt #midsizestyle #genxstyle #over40style #greenbeltmd

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