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

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

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

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4j0LM #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #over40style #ltkover40 #genxstyle
Open
It was so funny and so quick I couldn’t not share! I bought this @hulkenbag a year ago and use it all the time. Carting shoot supplies, groceries, packing for road trips, and carting donations. This weekend @thenewdealcafe in @cityofgreenbelt hosted a community clothing swap so I made sure my family and I went through our summer wardrobes to gather that which we no longer needed or fit.

This wasn’t the first clothing swap and folks in town know my style (and my job) so there were some waiting for my arrival. Look how fast I cleared out this big bag! Speaking of the bag one other swap attendee said she got herself a Hulken after seeing mine in action!

It’s so great to know our old clothes are getting a good life and this bag makes carting them to the cafe so easy! I got my Hulken on Amazon, it comes in other colors and sizes too: https://amzn.to/48iTY4Y yep the bag is as great as all those ads you see on social media, I’m a big fan!
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
Open
Happy gotcha day, Oscar! Four years ago he came into our life and we are so happy to have in our family!

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

We’ve never had a small breed dog before and it’s a whole different experience. But we adore Oscar and couldn’t imagine our life without him! Thank you for coming into our life Oskie McGoskie! 🐾❤️
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
Open
#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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Outfit Posts, Summer · July 15, 2019

How to Wear White and Not Be a Complete Mess

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. 

woman in white linen shirt tucked into white high rise wide leg denim trousers with a navy and magenta chiffon scarf tied around her waist as a belt. She is standing on a balcony overlooking Dupont Circle in DC and smiling.

Okay, that title is totally misleading because I have no way to wear white and not be a complete mess.  Yet somehow I did it.  My friend Sylvia and I scheduled a lunch together to catch up and talk blogging; she was invited to an influencer event afterward and invited me to be her date.  Lunch, an influencer event with my fashionable friend, it's 100 degrees out with humidity up the wazoo, and there's a good chance I'll be walking several blocks.  What the HECK do I wear? 

woman in white linen shirt and white wide leg jeans with a magenta and navy scarf as a belt. Her hands are on her hips and she's looking off into the distance.

shirt | jeans | scarf | earrings | shoes

Woman in white linen shirt and white wide leg jeans standing in front of a forest looking down at her shoes.

Shirt: Chico's No-Iron Linen Shirt c/o Chico's (size 2) | Jeans: Denim High Waist Trousers c/o Talbots (12R) | Scarf: Diane von Furstenberg (bought on Poshmark a couple of years ago; similar, more DvF chiffon scarves on eBay) | Shoes: Vince Camuto (old; similar) | Earrings: Cober Hoops c/o Jenny Bird

Woman in white linen shirt and white jeans with a colorful scarf tied as a belt smiling with hand on hip

I decided to keep it cool with all white.  Talbots had sent me these denim trousers the day prior and I really was itching to wear them.  I wasn't sure how dressy the event would be and decided to wear the equivalent of what a man would wear to such an event – a white shirt and some sort of cheery or summery accessory.  The shirt is linen, always a good choice when hot and humid, especially when it's wrinkle-resistant.  Shoes with a heel (the trousers are a bit long) that would be comfortable for long spans of time; these pink suede babies I've worn so many times before were a good choice.  And this long chiffon oblong scarf from DvF has almost exactly the same shade of pink in it; it made for a fun detail to break up the all-white.

two brunette women with their arms around one another's shoulders. They are both dressed in summery white clothing and smiling.

My friend Sylvia arrived, also in white.  The event was at the Perry Belmont House.  It was French themed and our outfits fit the decor quite nicely.  I couldn't resist getting my photo with this pink poodle made with balloons! I drank champagne, ate salad with dressing, sipped coffee, and didn't think too much about my outfit during the festivities.

woman smiling and holding onto a chain made of balloons that is attached to a 12 foot tall pink poodle also made of balloons

On my Uber ride home I looked down and was SHOCKED to find not a single drip, dribble, or smear was on my outfit!  I mean, that was a good reason I wore the scarf, to be able to use it to hide any mess.  But no mess was to be found!  An FYI about these jeans, I washed them on hot and put them in the dryer and they didn't shrink a bit.  I went with regular thinking I'd want them with heels but it's a bit too long in the leg and in the rise.  I wish I went with petite.  Also, I find if between sizes I can go down in Talbots and get a better fit.  I may be a 14 in their pants but in their jeans, I am a 12. These aren't the only Talbots jeans I love; visit this post for an unsponsored white jeans review with Talbots as the top pick!

woman in all white leaning against a balcony railing in washington DC, holding a glass of champagne and smiling.

And this shirt… I first tried out Chico's no-iron linen last spring because members of the WO2 Community desired a review.  The brand was cool enough to send two shirts to review – striped and pink. A few weeks later, I was invited to be part of a paid Instagram campaign with Chico's featuring a style of pants they were featuring.  I was invited to pick what I wanted to style the look; this was the result including this white linen shirt.  The pants ended up being donated (great pants but not the kind I'd wear on a regular basis), the hat was always a hair too small for my giant noggin so it was passed down to Emerson, the necklace is in the jewelry armoire waiting for the right outfit, but the shirt has been worn a LOT. It's been thrown in the machine with bed linens and through the dryer many times and now just looks like cool, “oh this thing?” linen, which I love.  I sometimes knot it and wear it with jeans, wear it untucked with shorts, and know it will be packed for my summer road trip because it's so effortless and cool in the “oh this thing?” way but also in the “it's darn patootin' hot out!” way!

Shop the Look:
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In: Outfit Posts, Summer · Tagged: Chico's, Diane von Furstenberg, Jenny Bird, Talbots, Vince Camuto

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Comments

  1. Christine says

    July 17, 2019 at 11:35 pm

    Great outfit. You look chic. Love the scarf belt idea. I’m going to have to try that!

    Reply
  2. Tutti says

    July 17, 2019 at 10:06 am

    I love the way you write. And your outfit is beautiful!

    Reply
  3. annieb says

    July 16, 2019 at 5:47 pm

    Today is the last day for Amazon Prime Day and you can get this wonderful shirt for less! I am a size 4, according to Chico’s sizing (between a 3.5 and a 4, actually) and the shirt is $44.99 today. Thank you, Alison, my wardrobe is getting a much needed makeover thanks to you!

    Reply
  4. lorena says

    July 15, 2019 at 2:26 pm

    Beautiful ! and easily replicable. Thanks for the inspo Ally.

    Reply
  5. Jeffiner says

    July 15, 2019 at 12:03 pm

    My mother was always against not only white, but any light colored clothing because she was afraid of it getting stained. I read a statement by…someone…somewhere…that their goal was to always keep dribbles, smears, and stains off of their outfit, regardless of its color. Its made me far more comfortable wearing white. Ketchup may be more noticeable on white than black, but a black stained shirt still ruins an outfit.

    Reply
  6. Lee says

    July 15, 2019 at 10:35 am

    I’ve got a pair of Talbots girlfriend jeans in white that I really like! It’s very impressive that you pulled off an all white outfit with no spills; not sure I could manage that—ha. I want to add another pair of white jeans to my wardrobe to replace a pair from Gap; they are cute but tend to sag & get bigger in the waist as the day goes on. J Crew has a sale going on today with 40% off lots of items (code is PRIME) & lots of items already marked down. So I’m ordering a pair of their white jeans, plus some Tippi sweaters—they are $24.95 today—that’s SO good!

    Reply
  7. littleblackdomicile says

    July 15, 2019 at 9:36 am

    White is my go to color for jeans, and both Chicos and Talbots fit. Ive had a pair of the Talbots high waist for years and you are right…they never shrink. Chicos finally brought back white denim this year after a few seasons off. My old pair was getting unfashionable holes and was so glad to see them back. Love your scarf as belt…really makes the outfit!

    Reply

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I Said I Wouldn’t Do It…

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

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 19

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

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 11

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 8

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

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 5

Open
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!

wardrobe_oxygen

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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).

wardrobe_oxygen

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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!

wardrobe_oxygen

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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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