Style is what brought a lot of us here. Life is what keeps us coming back.
Wardrobe Oxygen has always been about more than clothes. Since 2005, this space has been where I share what’s on my mind: the things I’m reading, thinking about, and navigating as a woman in midlife. That means perimenopause, aging parents, kids becoming adults, civic life, cultural moments worth paying attention to, and the occasional strong opinion about something that has nothing to do with fashion (though really, fashion is political…).
Every weekend you’ll find my Weekend Reads roundup: a curated mix of articles, essays, and links worth your time. And scattered throughout you’ll find longer personal essays when something is worth saying at length.
This is the less-polished corner of the site. It’s where I write like myself, think out loud, and trust that the women reading this are navigating a lot of the same terrain. Pull up a chair, I’m so glad you’re here!
Weekend Reads I’m so honored to have been interviewed by Rick Bernstein for his podcast, The Pod of DC. I delve into my 17 years as a blogger, how I took it from hobby to full-time job, and thoughts on being an influencer. (Anchor, which has links to listen on all the popular platforms) There…
Weekend Reads New Ralph Lauren collection explores collegiate style on historically Black campuses. (NPR) The single, middle-aged women are fine and we don’t understand your overwhelming concern. (An Injustice!) This week on Instagram Stories I shared how I am an office supply fan. There’s something so fun about office supplies and I repurchased my favorite…
Weekend Reads What if this is just the way things are now? (Culture Study) Mail is going missing at Boston University. One mother went searching for answers. (NBC News) The surprising thing about being an empty nester. (Cup of Jo) Quinta Brunson, the bright light. (Essence) My garden of absolutely no delight. (New York Times)…
Weekend Reads Why isn’t Brittney Griner the biggest sports story in the country? (Intellegencer) Cookbook author and activist hopes #cookforukraine will bring attention to the pain of war. (Washington Post) Tennessee requires domestic violence training for cosmetologists. This hairdresser made it happen. (Washington Post) Have we been thinking about burnout all wrong? (Bustle) Entenmann’s, of…
Weekend Reads I’m so honored to have been mentioned as an over-40 Instagrammer to follow! (The Girlfriend) The new Golden Girls: Baby boomers are moving in together to save money. (Washington Post) How Humans of New York became a one-man philanthropy machine. (Intelligencer) When they come for our joy. (Romper) Who knew the world needed…
Weekend Reads Scammy Instagram ‘war pages’ are capitalizing on Ukraine conflict. (Input) And while we’re on the topic… How to avoid sharing bad information about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. (MIT Technology Review) How UPN ushered in a golden decade of Black TV — and then was merged out of existence. (The Hollywood Reporter) The long-haul…
Weekend Reads Stevie Nicks is still living her dream. (New Yorker) The best way to learn online? Be a lurker. (Wired) Art Nouveau’s obsession with the peacock. (Messy Nessy Chic) Piecing together the green burial movement. (Bitter Southerner) The Beijing Olympics are the first to use 100 percent artificial snow. What does that actually mean?…
Weekend Reads It’s your friends who break your heart. (The Atlantic) Who buys all the clothes? (Back Row) Why comedians stopped being funny. (UnHerd) InStyle magazine to end print; going digital-only. (Fashionista) If you’re looking for a well-shaped but otherwise classic sweatshirt without holes, without distressing, without a phrase about wine may I recommend this…
Grown Folks Business candle from FORVR Mood (as I wrote this I got the email that my order arrived at home) | Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum from Hyper Skin (I own and think it’s great) | Blue zebra calfhair bag from Brandon Blackwood (see my Brandon Blackwood belt bag) | Gold plated dangle…