Open
Night and day…

Met three dear friends for an early dinner that went on until after the sun set. Great food and conversation with some great women!

The dress is @adamlippes and I borrowed it from @renttherunway. The bag is @jcrew and a splurge but I regretted not buying it the last time they offered this bag and this color is SO me. I mean, look how great it is with these many years old suede heeled sandals? Meant to be!

This color combination makes me so happy, and this dress was comfy even after a decadent meal. We all deserve to experience comfort and joy with our wardrobes! 💛🩷

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jnDf #ltkplussize #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #over40style
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If @thechicks are in town you can bet @debbiefaye78 and I will be there! So when we heard they were coming to @merriweatherpp we were so excited. And their concert did not disappoint. As always, a phenomenal show! If The Chicks come to your neck of the woods I highly recommend you go!

Okay I know you want to know about what we’re wearing! 

My sister’s caftan is from @anthropologie (bought this summer so maybe you can find on resale sites).

I’m wearing a @bananarepublic dress also from this summer with the @universalstandard denim chore jacket and a hat I got from a @madewell collab a year or so ago. I glammed it up with some gold chains and gold drop earrings, but kept it comfy for a night of standing and dancing with @birkenstock sandals.

This was my first big outing since my eye surgery, and with a pocketful of eye drops I felt good (and grateful we splurged for good seats!).

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jcBL #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #usinthewild #concertstyle
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For years I’ve trusted @somaintimates for the right bras and the right fit but it had been a while since I visited a Soma boutique to try on all the styles they currently have for a large bust. I must say I was impressed! Knowledgeable staff, extensive collection in larger sizes, and some of the most comfortable and innovative bras in up to H cups! Each body is different but what I loved:

- The Stunning Push-Up: targeted for the DD+ customer gives amazing lift and great shape under fitted knits.

- The Unbelievable Lift Scoop Balconette: sexy, supportive, and so lightweight!

- The Embraceable Wireless: I’ve recommended this wireless bra for large busts for years and was in need for a new one! 

- The Stunning Support Smooth Balconette: this is the perfect t-shirt bra for large busts with padded straps and disappears under knits

- The Stunning Starlet Multi-Way Strapless: recently improved for more support and more comfort, this wireless bra stays put and gives fab shape

I also picked up some of Soma’s iconic Vanishing Edge panties which keep you line-free. The whole Vanishing collection is genius. I loved being able to donate my gently used bras at my local Soma boutique to give to those in need. We all deserve a lift and Soma strives to achieve that. It’s why I’ve been a fan and customer for years and am honored to partner with them. Soma is the perfect fitting bra solution. Visit the link in my bio to shop and to find your local Soma boutique! #SomaPartner #SomaBraFit #SomaStartsWithMe
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If I close my eyes you can’t tell one is still bloodshot 😜

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

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

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

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

It’s so great to know our old clothes are getting a good life and this bag makes carting them to the cafe so easy! I got my Hulken on Amazon, it comes in other colors and sizes too: https://amzn.to/48iTY4Y yep the bag is as great as all those ads you see on social media, I’m a big fan!
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I had to see… I asked my husband how often he thinks about the Roman Empire, and then asked our 14-year-old 😂
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
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Outfit Posts, Summer · July 6, 2020

A Sunday in July, The Summer of 2020

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. 

j crew tiered maxi dress cotton raffi print

Yesterday, my daughter and I walked the few blocks to my mom's house to visit.  It was in the 90s and steamy, one of those summer days when you didn't have to look at the news or an app to know that the blue skies would change later afternoon into a shower. I put on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt to wear over but then thought… why?  I mean, nothing wrong with such an outfit, I wear such an outfit quite often.  But today, I wanted more.  I wanted color and fun.  A bit of drama and plenty of comfort.  And this dress has it all.  This dress has been such a good purchase.

J. Crew Tiered maxi dress

This dress is no longer available at J. Crew.  J. Crew does have the same style of dress in this stripe, in two solid colors but in taffeta instead of cotton, and this taffeta print.  But I searched eBay, Mercari, and Poshmark.  While at the time of writing this I couldn't find any at Poshmark and limited choices at Mercari, I found a bunch of this same style of dress both in this print and in other prints at eBay and gathered them below:

350

My body keeps changing.  The adjustable straps that were a hair long but wearable a month ago are now non-functional.  My husband unbuttoned them and twisted them around one another to turn the x-back into what looks more like an I to make the dress work until I can get to a tailor or decide to just sew them in place.  The adjustment was enough to keep my strapless bra under wraps.  My strapless bra is from Soma, but they don't make that style any longer.  When it went on clearance (I think it was called the Stunning Support) I bought one beige and one black as backup.  I am now wearing those backups.  It's hard to find a strapless bra that actually lifts and isn't painful.  This one ticks off both, I'm thinking because I've had Soma success before I'll try this one next once my current strapless bras kick the bucket as it gets fantastic reviews for support and comfort.

j crew floral maxi dress

I showered before bed the night before but my hair hadn't been washed since Friday morning and was showing it.  I twisted my hair into a messy off to the side low bun and put on the hat to cover the stringy bangs and my roots.  The hat is from Stetson, it's called the Dreghorn.  It has wire in the brim, and has become quite dented over time.  Once I tried really hard to straighten it and get it back to new but it soon was dented again so I embrace the imperfection.  The hat has achieved more imperfection charm by sitting out in the sun to bake off the day's events the past several weeks.  

j crew tiered cotton floral maxi dress

Adding silver hoops and my silver cuff made the combo feel purposeful. These days, I appreciate those kinds of details that state no, these are not pajamas/gym clothes/gardening clothes, this is a legit outfit. The earrings are from Jenny Bird, they are called the Cober Hoops but are no longer available.  I haven't seen any show up on Poshmark, believe me I've looked.  I want a backup pair, I love them so much.  The last time I wore these hoops, I shared these $75 Sterling hoops as a nice alternative and these hoops that are costume jewelry are a better match for style. The cuff I bought at Hecht's Department Store back in 1997.  It had no tag on it, I asked a bored salesperson, I think he thought it was from Monet (the case it was mistakenly placed in) and not Sterling and told me $35.  I bought it for $35 and have worn it at least weekly ever since. I really haven't seen anything similar though this Sterling cuff on Etsy is pretty fabulous.  The sunglasses are Ray-Ban and a good decade old.

Under this dress are my silver Birkenstocks.  I bought them last year to replace a pair I bought two years before that. I think in the past four months I have worn these shoes more than the past three Birkenstock summers combined.  And speaking of under the dress… I'm also wearing a pair of Thigh Society shorts!

woman wearing a blue and hot pink printed cloth face mask from Kaela Kay

This mask is from Kaela Kay; I mentioned in my cloth face masks review that I had ordered a mask from this designer.  It arrived and it's quite nice.  It's a good fit for a face that is more wide than long.  Instead of elastic, there are two sets of ties.  One went above my bun, one tied at the neck. It's shaped well enough that I didn't have to untie to slide down to my neck and have it fit well when I slid it back up.  It is well-crafted with a pocket inside to slip in a filter. I didn't even realize until compressing photos for this blog post that not a single photo of me was taken without a mask.  Well, it IS the must-have accessory for the Summer of 2020. 

Shop the Look:
350

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In: Outfit Posts, Summer · Tagged: Birkenstock, J. Crew, Jenny Bird, Ray-Ban, Thigh Society

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What I Wore In JulyWhat I Wore In July
The Best Slipshorts for Thigh Chafing: Thigh Society ReviewThe Best Slipshorts for Thigh Chafing: Thigh Society Review

Comments

  1. L H Carter says

    July 7, 2020 at 1:53 pm

    I second Guiditta ‘s motion that you and Karl show us and tell us about your garden. Please, pretty please (she said in a wheedling tone).

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      July 8, 2020 at 8:40 am

      I have on Instagram Stories, but I’ll have to see if he is comfortable sharing it here on the blog. He already gets flak on IG for his nontraditional gardening methods, it’s not very… tidy but it is successful and IMO beautiful!

      Reply
  2. Gillian Whitcombe says

    July 7, 2020 at 10:46 am

    I had an AHA moment today reading your post! I’ve been eying some fabric for a month and wonder what it reminds me of… yup, it’s the fabric from your dress! https://www.iloveneedlework.com/collections/all-_-fabric/products/12mcottonshirting-odetoandywarhol And I have to say, at $17CAD for a half meter, your dress is a bargain. It would cost easily $120 to buy the fabric for that maxi style!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      July 8, 2020 at 8:41 am

      Oh gosh that is the print! Cool to know the value of the fabric, makes me feel better about the dress price. Thanks Gillian!

      Reply
  3. Rachel says

    July 7, 2020 at 6:57 am

    Glad you questioned the original outfit choice because this one is so gorgeous and full of cheer! No doubt the other was good too, but anytime anyone feels great in their clothes is a win.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      July 8, 2020 at 8:41 am

      Agree, and thanks Rachel!

      Reply
  4. Linda B says

    July 6, 2020 at 3:33 pm

    Every time I see you in this dress it makes my heart sing!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      July 8, 2020 at 8:44 am

      Aww thanks Linda!

      Reply
  5. Dana says

    July 6, 2020 at 12:46 pm

    I love this dress on you! I ordered it, and it hits me at a weird spot. I wish it were maxi on me. My husband and daughter love it on me and want me to keep it. I got it on sale for $133, so I’m debating. Still not cheap but the fabric is so gorgeous!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      July 8, 2020 at 8:45 am

      I say if you’re not in love with it, return it. The fabric is lovely, but another dress also from lovely fabric and a better silhouette will be there in the future!

      Reply
  6. laurel says

    July 6, 2020 at 10:55 am

    And a plus to looking more polished…so much cooler! Looking great!
    https://littleblackdomicile.com

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      July 8, 2020 at 8:45 am

      Thanks Laurel!

      Reply
  7. Amber B. says

    July 6, 2020 at 9:40 am

    I was inspired by you to purchase that dress from J. Crew. Sadly it was huge on me and I sent it back. I am glad it works for you. 🙂

    Reply
  8. Lisa says

    July 6, 2020 at 9:28 am

    I just LOVE the dress! You wear it well.

    Reply
  9. Bette says

    July 6, 2020 at 9:26 am

    You look beautiful! I would definitely feel a little cheered up if I saw you walking through my neighborhood.

    Reply
  10. Giuditta Reppi says

    July 6, 2020 at 8:43 am

    Alison, every time you mention gardening, it makes me want to see your garden! Would you consider sharing?

    Reply
  11. Krista says

    July 6, 2020 at 8:24 am

    Quintessential summer look. That dress is fabulous. How are the thigh society shorts?

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      July 6, 2020 at 8:27 am

      I really like them, and find them more durable than Jockey!

      Reply
  12. minau says

    July 6, 2020 at 7:13 am

    Love your floral look!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      July 6, 2020 at 8:28 am

      Thanks Minau!

      Reply

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Weekend Reads #112

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 23

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Night and day…

Met three dear friends for an early dinner that went on until after the sun set. Great food and conversation with some great women!

The dress is @adamlippes and I borrowed it from @renttherunway. The bag is @jcrew and a splurge but I regretted not buying it the last time they offered this bag and this color is SO me. I mean, look how great it is with these many years old suede heeled sandals? Meant to be!

This color combination makes me so happy, and this dress was comfy even after a decadent meal. We all deserve to experience comfort and joy with our wardrobes! 💛🩷

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

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Sep 21

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If @thechicks are in town you can bet @debbiefaye78 and I will be there! So when we heard they were coming to @merriweatherpp we were so excited. And their concert did not disappoint. As always, a phenomenal show! If The Chicks come to your neck of the woods I highly recommend you go!

Okay I know you want to know about what we’re wearing! 

My sister’s caftan is from @anthropologie (bought this summer so maybe you can find on resale sites).

I’m wearing a @bananarepublic dress also from this summer with the @universalstandard denim chore jacket and a hat I got from a @madewell collab a year or so ago. I glammed it up with some gold chains and gold drop earrings, but kept it comfy for a night of standing and dancing with @birkenstock sandals.

This was my first big outing since my eye surgery, and with a pocketful of eye drops I felt good (and grateful we splurged for good seats!).

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

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

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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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