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
Open
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
Open
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
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
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The Business of Blogging · November 12, 2017

Life After Quitting: Week 1

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. 

full time bloggingI had such big dreams for my first week as a full-time blogger. Oh I’ll still wake up at 5:30 every morning so I can have some Me Time. I’ll do sun salutations, meditate, Morning Pages. I’ll sip coffee and stare out the window at the woods and plot out my perfectly organized day. I figured I’d be all glammed up by time Karl came back from taking Emerson to school and we’d bust out one shoot every day. Edit and schedule the post, tackle a couple more hours of emails and administrative stuff, and power off the laptop no later than 4:30. I’d have the bulk of my weekly newsletter completed by Wednesday, have content scheduled on Facebook for the whole week on Monday, a blog post every single day.

Bwahahahahahahaha. Hold on, let me catch my breath. Okay, good. Bwahahahahaha. Let me wipe away these tears and clutch my stomach from laughing so hard. This is NOT how the first week went at ALL.

You know how when you buy a new home the refrigerator conks out a week after moving in? Guess it also happens when you decide to quit your job and cut your hosehold income dramatically. My laptop is dying a slow death and it took me all day just to edit one blog post. Granted, this laptop is no spring chicken (I received it for free as part of this sponsored blog post) but the timing couldn’t be worse.

We do have a Mac desktop upstairs in the home office. We bought it at the beginning of the year with grand ideas of better photo editing and working in a quiet environment. It even made a cameo in this blog post for eBay. But the home office became the catch-all room, especially with me working so many hours. That “quiet environment” became a room that Emerson was scared of and we always had to keep the door closed. And because of that, I had never finished setting it up, it just sat there mocking me for all that money spent and getting dusty. Well this week I got the Mac up and running and Karl and I cleaned up the room enough that it no longer causes anxiety or fear. In fact I’m typing this with Emerson at a smaller table next to me, doing her reading homework.

This gets me by for now, but a lot of blogging is mobile. I blog while traveling, I get sick of being in the house and head to a coffee shop. I have meetings with brands and other bloggers and influencers. So I ordered myself a Mac laptop and have wanted to throw up about the cost ever since. It should arrive next week. I’m going head first into Mac life after forever with PCs. I do have an iPhone and have had one since the iPhone 4 so that helps, but this is a learning curve. Do you know how much content I’ve lost by accidentally clicking fn C instead of command C?

Friday night my best friend stopped by after work to pick up some clothes (I have a fun sponsored project coming up where they invited a friend to be a part and sent both of us outfits). She’s a business owner and a Mac user so she helped me understand some aspects of this computer. Saturday morning I finally got Office 365 installed and am typing this in Word (my happy place). I also took a video conference call from the Mac on Saturday to discuss a cool project coming up next month; it’s a way to merge my political beliefs, my desire to help women, and use my fashion know-how and I am sooo psyched. This is something I never could have considered if I was working the day job.

The laptop isn’t the only thing to die. The bottom heating element on our stove conked out Tuesday night. Thank goodness Karl is handy and was an electrician in the Navy (and for a few years afterwards). We ordered the broken heating element and he’s going to try to fix it. Nothing like losing a job and gaining a bunch of costs.

If you follow me on Instagram, especially InstaStories you know our dog hasn’t been doing well. She was very old (20 years) and the past year her age caught up to her and she also had some health issues happen in the past couple of months. Tuesday we had her put down. It was such a hard decision but we know it was the right one. It made thinking about anything else this week pretty tough. It was especially hard on Karl, this was his dad’s dog and it brought up a lot of feelings about his passing. But when you own a business you have to keep going. The vet came in the morning, we HAD to leave the house after it was so upsetting.  We grabbed some lunch, went to vote, but then came back home and I got changed for a photo shoot (you’ll see the post tomorrow). The show must go on.

I quietly restarted my Style File newsletter a couple months ago. It’s something I missed doing but didn’t have the time to do it. I hired a virtual assistant (VA) who specializes in helping bloggers. She switched me from Mailchimp to ConvertKit and I can email her a Word doc and a few graphics and she puts it together for me and sends it out. Each week she sends a gentle reminder on Thursday that the newsletter is to go out in 24 hours and I haven’t sent her any content. More often than not, Mindy’s receiving my content around 11am on Friday and still ends up getting it out on time. One of the top goals this week was to get my newsletter content to Mindy early, with just the “On the Blog” part arriving a bit later to make sure it incorporates all the blog content for the week.

Mindy got my newsletter content at 11:45. Only one job yet I was even LATER with my newsletter content.

Another goal was to clean up my inbox. I have emails from the SUMMER that still need replies. I have people who have asked to have coffee or chat or collaborate that I haven’t replied to.. I even have emails from brands saying, “Hey Alison, we like you and your audience and we want to give you money to tell them about us” and I haven’t replied. And I still haven’t replied.

Since I was a child, my mom would quote the Tao Te Ching. Let your mud settle. The actual phrase is:

Do you have the patience to wait
till your mud settles and the water is clear?
Can you remain unmoving
till the right action arises by itself?

This week wasn’t a failure, it was a week of helping my mud settle. And likely this coming week and even the week after will be more mud settling so my water can be clear. Cleaning out the home office and making it a functional space. Figuring out benefits since mine run out at the end of the month. Mastering the Mac. Making sure I have sleep and hydration and get outside every day. And find my new normal.

Today is Saturday. I washed my makeup brushes and cleaned out my dressing table. I cleaned out my purse and filled it with what makes sense with my new every day. I stopped writing this for a long while to focus on just Emerson and her homework. She helped me clean out my dressing table (likely to score the almost empty lip glosses I would otherwise discard) but I had the time to hear her talk long enough from telling me what she knows I want to hear about school to what is really going on and her relationships with teachers and friends and how she feels about different courses. Today is the first day in a very very long time that I feel as though I got enough sleep. It’s amazing how much more productive and organized and creative I am with enough sleep.

For the first time in almost a decade I think my mud is settling. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes!

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In: The Business of Blogging · Tagged: Life After Quitting

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Comments

  1. TinaBowling says

    November 30, 2017 at 2:26 pm

    Really enjoying this in-depth look into your new venture. Sorry to hear about your dog :(. Look forward to reading the blog and seeing how it goes!

    Reply
  2. tgchi13 says

    November 15, 2017 at 7:15 pm

    Oh babe! I’m sick to read of Stella’s passing. Our eldest (of 7) is eighteen and the only remaining dog that both my parents met before they died and currently our only standard poodle.

    My heart aches knowing the loss to your family. {{{Hugs}}}

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      November 18, 2017 at 5:59 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  3. Ginger says

    November 15, 2017 at 7:10 am

    Sorry about your appliances and pet.

    I’ve had my share of appliance replacements and aside from handing over chunks of cash I don’t mind it. They’re like shoes — they have lots of choices, don’t require a diet to fit into, once you buy them the gratification is close to instant.

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      November 18, 2017 at 5:59 pm

      Great way to look at it!

      Reply
  4. Lissy says

    November 14, 2017 at 10:50 pm

    Allie so sorry about your dog but congrats on taking the leap and quitting your job! I know it’s scary but I have no doubt you’ll be great at the full time blogging thing!

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      November 18, 2017 at 5:59 pm

      Thanks Lissy!

      Reply
  5. Lorena Lorena says

    November 14, 2017 at 3:41 pm

    Oh wow you have so many things going on ! Your mother sounds like a wise woman, indeed we must let things around settle. I am sorry to hear about your dog and I can only wish you well in your new venture 🙂

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      November 18, 2017 at 5:59 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  6. Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

    November 14, 2017 at 3:25 pm

    Aww thank you my friend!

    Reply
  7. Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

    November 14, 2017 at 3:24 pm

    I love that, thank you Tutti!

    Reply
  8. Kate says

    November 14, 2017 at 2:42 am

    Looking forward to your next adventures…have always enjoyed your open and honest blog. Not as many interesting fashion blogs in the uk!
    So sorry for your loss of your dog (((hugs))) animals interweave so easily into our lives, I’m sure in time you may fibd another that needs all your love too x

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      November 14, 2017 at 3:27 pm

      Thank you Kate <3

      Reply
  9. Christine says

    November 13, 2017 at 11:15 pm

    I’m so happy for you. Even if your appliances and machines are not cooperating at the moment, you will enjoy your new found freedom!

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      November 14, 2017 at 3:27 pm

      Thank you Christine!

      Reply
  10. Trish Fitzsimmons says

    November 13, 2017 at 9:07 pm

    I love the settling mud quote.

    I was a corporate attorney for a global pharma company, until I quit my job Feb. 28. I’ve been “funemployed” ever since while I figure out what I want to do next (that isn’t making money for the man). I had all sorts of high hopes for things I’d accomplish during my sabbatical, but few of them really happened. But I don’t consider my time off as wasted. I feel so lucky to have been able to take this time to regroup and let my mud settle.

    I’m so sorry about Cindy. xox

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      November 14, 2017 at 3:27 pm

      Thank you Trish, and what a big change for you! It’s such a crazy transition, to go from sooooo busy and overtasked to being in control of my schedule. And then to have it on public display. But you’re right, seeing this time as not wasted is very valuable and quite true.

      Reply
  11. anonylind says

    November 13, 2017 at 4:33 pm

    I’m so sorry about your dog. As if you didn’t already have enough on your plate. So many big changes – for all of you. Give yourselves grace – time to get used to everything new and to heal from the sadness. Hugs. -Linda

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      November 14, 2017 at 3:26 pm

      Thank you Linda!

      Reply
  12. Lindsay says

    November 13, 2017 at 3:04 pm

    I am so sorry to hear about Cindy. She was adorable and it is so hard to lose an member of the family. You gave her a good life and she gave you some wonderful memories. <3 Thank you for sharing your week with us! Here's to hoping the mud settles quickly for you.

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      November 14, 2017 at 3:26 pm

      Aww thank you so much Lindsay

      Reply
  13. hmbalison says

    November 13, 2017 at 9:55 am

    I appreciate your honesty. It’s refreshing. It’s why I’m a fan.

    I work from home doing freelance and a regular job. It’s an adjustment. You’ll get into a rhythm–it just takes time.

    And I’m really sorry about the loss of your dog. A dog’s love is special.

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      November 14, 2017 at 3:25 pm

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  14. bubu2 says

    November 13, 2017 at 9:13 am

    Breathe. This is a major life transition, give yourself time to be in that transition rather than rushing to find the new normal — it will emerge on its own when you’re ready. That’s part of the fun.

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      November 14, 2017 at 3:25 pm

      Thank you <3

      Reply
  15. Kristen Schmitt says

    November 13, 2017 at 6:37 am

    When I switched from a fulltime office marketing job to freelance writing for a living, it took me about six months to adjust…to realize that my office could now be anywhere I wanted it to be, my hours my own, and if I needed to take an afternoon off for my daughter or to just, you know, breathe, it was OK. Still, five years later, I can get roped into the “did I do enough today?” even though I’m writing for major places. It’s a major mental shift — just take it day by day. Good luck!

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      November 14, 2017 at 3:25 pm

      Thank you Kristen! It is hard to let go of the “did I do enough today” mentality!

      Reply
  16. Alison French-Tubo says

    November 12, 2017 at 11:06 pm

    Oh boy, lots of turmoil. Mud settling is perfect analogy. Even wonderful changes are messy.

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      November 14, 2017 at 3:25 pm

      Boy isn’t that true!

      Reply
  17. Little Black"domicile"! says

    November 12, 2017 at 3:33 pm

    You will handle everything with grace and passion like you always do. Sharing with others who care keeps everything moving for me. -Laurel

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      November 14, 2017 at 3:24 pm

      Thank you Laurel!

      Reply
  18. Sonia says

    November 12, 2017 at 1:36 pm

    Wow, this week was tough, but, hopefully, you and the family have become better for it. Emerson gets to spend more quality time with Mom, and Karl’s skill set comes into play. You’ll get by. We, your readers, are here to soak in every word. My prayers go out for the passing of your dog. As a pet lover myself, I know the pain that goes with the loss of their love and companionship. Not long from now, you’ll be able to look back and see how far you’ve come since those early days. In the meantime, stay strong and continue striving for your goal.

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      November 14, 2017 at 3:24 pm

      Thank you so much Sonia! <3

      Reply
  19. Danielle Keister says

    November 12, 2017 at 12:48 pm

    You sure had some ambitious goals for that first week. I think it’s perfectly okay to take that first week to just b-r-e-a-t-h-e and relish and sink into the change of pace and let your mind and creative juices stew a bit. I think there’s a lot to be said for cleaning and organizing things, too. It really helps me find my balance. I find it therapeutic and cathartic, even meditative in a way. I feel like I’m making space for new/better things. Out with the old, in with the new. I get great ideas in the process and newfound motivation and energy. What an exciting time for you! It will be an adventure!

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      November 14, 2017 at 3:24 pm

      Thank you Danielle!

      Reply
  20. Mary W says

    November 12, 2017 at 12:08 pm

    Your week sounds a lot like mine and many others. Oh, that timing thing! Take deep breaths. Do not panic. I have been a Mac user since 1987. I feel your pain since I feel that same way about tackling PCs and Windows. After all that time, I still feel frustrated and confused with all the Operating System updates and the initial steep learning curve. A quick search for Tips & Tricks (insert current device and operating system) will help you immensely. Stay with us. We need your writing, insight and humor in these times more than ever!

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      November 14, 2017 at 3:24 pm

      Thank you Mary!

      Reply
  21. katharina4853 says

    November 12, 2017 at 10:51 am

    Holy gumballs, you have had a week!
    Part of the reason I keep reading you is that you are so very human and relatable. Honestly, it’s fun to read blogs and view pristine beautiful photos of someone’s life, but we all know that is it what that person wants to project. Life just doesn’t happen perfect. It makes me lose interest and feel the unreal part of presentations.
    Life comes with great ideas, high aspirations, best intentions, messy rooms, dirty laundry, flat tires, leaky sinks, unfinished projects, breakdowns of technology and modern conveniences, sick family and pets and often goals set temporarily aside.
    But it is the acknowledgement that stuff happens, we keep our sense of humor and we never stop trying to do better and be better that makes us care.
    Don’t change.
    I like you just the way your are and I’m guessing I am not alone in feeling that way.

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      November 14, 2017 at 3:23 pm

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
    • savvy says

      November 16, 2017 at 2:56 pm

      I definitely agree! I’m probably not your target demographic and don’t particularly like to shop but love that you’re so relatable. You’re one of the few (and only fashion/lifestyle) blogs that I have bookmarked and read regularly.

      Reply
    • Dee says

      November 20, 2017 at 2:08 am

      I very much agree. Cannot think of better words to phrase it. I come here regularly and mainly it’s because how relatable you are, Allie, and how you empower me to keep going forward no matter what is happening in my life. Your posts help me make sense of my life, and realize that life is not perfect, but it could be beautiful nonetheless.

      Reply
  22. Krista Alexander says

    November 12, 2017 at 8:40 am

    When it rains… you’ve had quite a week. Condolences for the loss of your dog. Pets are a huge part of the family. I remember how hard changing our lifestyle was when I stopped working. Allow yourself to find your new normal. I often say getting sick was one of the best things to happen to me. It made me re-evaluate everything. And it was GOOD. I’m a better mom and wife for it. You’ve got this.

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      November 14, 2017 at 3:23 pm

      Thank you Krista!

      Reply
  23. Aisha says

    November 12, 2017 at 8:01 am

    What a week! But it still turned out okay. So sorry about your dog. I know that’s hard. I’m a big fan of the 3-day work week. http://www.cailenascher.com/3day-schedule-landing-page/

    It’s all about focus and batching.

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      November 14, 2017 at 3:23 pm

      I was JUST listening to a podcast today about a blogger who works a 3-day workweek. She considers Monday and Friday days to build up the lifestyle aspect, so only three days are spent sitting in front of a computer the whole time. Thank you for this!

      Reply
  24. Lee4 says

    November 12, 2017 at 7:44 am

    So sorry about your dog! That combined with the other topics you mentioned must have made for a very difficult first week. I certainly never realized from your posts this week that so much was going wrong–as far as the blog goes, I think you rocked this week. Good luck learning the Mac & with finding health care. The terrible leadership in DC certainly doesn’t make things any easier. Looking forward to your upcoming political/helping women post–yet another thing I love about your blog!

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      November 14, 2017 at 3:22 pm

      Thanks Lee!

      Reply

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Sep 23

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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Sep 21

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sep 19

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

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

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

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

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Sep 11

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

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

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

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Sep 8

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I can see clearly now…

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

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

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

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

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