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
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
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Beauty, Make Up, Skincare · December 24, 2018

My Beauty Routine: Amanda

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. 

While it’s fun to read about the beauty habits of celebrities, I find it most helpful to learn about the beauty habits of women who have lifestyles, ages, or budgets similar to mine. In this series, I’ve asked amazing women I know to share their beauty routines. These are women from across the country, different ages, lifestyles, professions, and beauty/skincare priorities. I'm bringing back this series to share my assistant Amanda!
Amanda Miska

Name: Amanda

Age: 36 (37 in February)

Location: Philadelphia ‘burbs

Profession: Freelance Writer/Social Media Assistant + Fashion Reseller on the Poshmark app

Tell me a bit about your skincare and/or routine.

I have struggled with acne for most of my adult life. Most people look at me and act surprised! It’s just that I got really good at doing my makeup, I think, and always, always wearing makeup. Finally, last year, I did a round of Accutane, which really helped but didn’t cure it completely. I tend to break out from hormones (once a month) and stress (all the time). Because I have been trying to balance my hormones naturally, I recently started replacing all of the toxic beauty products, soaps, etc. that contained hormone disrupters or other potentially hazardous substances. Because I always wear makeup, and it has sunscreen built in, I have been very good about sun protection, but I do have some redness and acne scarring even when my skin is relatively clear.

the clean beauty products Amanda Miska uses for her beauty routine as told to Wardrobe Oxygen

My routine in the morning: I splash cold water on my face to wake me up, and then follow that with face oil or my favorite tinted moisturizer. Once that settles in, I add my primer and Bare Minerals. I used to love the Original, because I want more of a bare-faced look, but the matte has more coverage and I add highlighter so I still have a glow and don’t look like a pancake.

At night, I do an oil cleanse to remove my makeup: I just started using castor oil, which smells a bit medicinal, but has a nice thickness, more like a gel cleanser, and I rub it all over my face and then remove with a warm, damp washcloth. If I have a breakout, I also sometimes use a bit of Dr. Bronner’s Baby Castile Soap (unscented) on those spots, so a double cleanse. Then I put on my Rosehip Seed Oil and a bit of Skin Food on any dry or irritated patches. And in the winter when dry, cracked lips are a problem, I love BITE Beauty’s Agave Lip Mask (it may seem a little pricey, but you only need a tiny bit, so it lasts a long time).

Has your skincare of beauty routine changed due to age, lifestyle, career, etc.?

I mentioned the Accutane, which no dermatologist ever recommended to me in 18 years because of the harshness, but my acne got worse after I had kids, so I don’t regret taking it. But I also had to use hormonal birth control the whole time, which isn’t great for my mental health. So once I was done, I got off all medications, and again, started adjusting to all natural beauty products (my deodorant and soaps and shampoos and cleaning products too!). I also started to adjust my diet more seriously, not to lose weight, but to see what affected my skin. My favorite foods are sweets, but they also exacerbate my acne, I learned. So I try to eat almost no processed sugar, and that helps. I used to be a yo-yo dieter, but now I’m trying to think of eating positively for my health and my skin. I also work from home, so I don’t always have to see people, which means I can have some semi makeup-free days, which is nice and also helps my skin clear up faster.

the clean beauty products Amanda Miska uses for her beauty routine as told to Wardrobe Oxygen

What is the best skincare or beauty advice you ever got and from whom?

This is just a fairly common Makeup YouTuber tip, but highlighter on the tip of the nose, corners of the eyes, and on the cupid’s bow. Game changer.

What is you must-have holy grail beauty of skincare product?

Can’t live without my Skin Food and my highlighter (Bare Minerals Radiance –gold and pure are my two favorites).

What is your biggest beauty regret or embarrassment?

I pick at my skin when I break out–still. I have fewer breakouts now, but it did cause scarring. And related to that, I regret not asking for Accutane earlier. It might have helped me cope with my college years in a healthier way.

Amanda Miska

What nugget of skincare of beauty wisdom do you wish you could give to your younger self?

Acne isn’t the end of the world, and you don’t have to look perfect to be loved.

Anything else you’d like to share?

As a body positive feminist, I always have to keep in mind the idea that I don’t owe the world beauty (I believe the quote is something like “You don’t owe prettiness to anyone…prettiness is not a rent you pay to occupy the space marked female”). But for me, good skincare is a form of self care that allows me to feel more confident showing up in the world–for myself and others.

Shop Amanda's Skincare and Beauty Favorites:
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In: Beauty, Make Up, Skincare · Tagged: Bare Minerals, My Beauty Routine

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Comments

  1. JennyOH says

    January 7, 2019 at 7:30 pm

    Amanda! So nice to see you here, Miskabelle used to be one of my favorite blogs to follow <3

    I'm curious about the Herbivore blue tansy product in the photos – I have many of the same skin issues as you and am always looking for new products to try, especially for redness and acne scarring.

    Reply
    • Amanda says

      January 7, 2019 at 8:03 pm

      I remember, hello old friend!! Are you still selling vintage somewhere??

      And the Blue Tansy, I see an immediate difference in redness and if a pore or blemish is inflamed or raised, it really help open it to release the yuck (gross, I know, but). I think you can find a smaller sample size maybe to try, since it is pricey! But honestly it does last a long time if you just use it on trouble spots! <3

      Reply
      • JennyOH says

        February 8, 2019 at 9:09 am

        Thanks for the info – yep, totally gross but that’s life/skincare, I guess! Now that I’m at the point where I’m starting to see aging in my own skin PLUS I have a preteen daughter who’s getting her first zits, it’s great to see how much more is out there in terms of products and brands than there was in my own spotty teen days, andI really appreciate advice and guidance from people with a little more know-how than me!

        And yes, I am still selling vintage on Etsy – I’ve slowed down with it a little in the last year or so as I started a Master of Library Science grad school program, though. How about you? And I’d love to follow you elsewhere if you’re on instagram or twitter or something (I’m @thestrangerbird on Twitter and @strangerbird on insta).

        Reply
  2. LC Bat says

    December 26, 2018 at 2:26 pm

    Okay, but I must know about this blush, though! It’s looking totally ace in your photos. Inquiring minds would love to know more!

    Reply
    • Amanda says

      December 26, 2018 at 2:32 pm

      Ahhhh, thank you so much! In this photo it’s the bareMinerals READY blush in shade The Aphrodisiac (and very much reminds me of NARS Orgasm, which I was also devoted to!)

      Reply
  3. Alison says

    December 26, 2018 at 12:35 pm

    Love this. I struggle with adult acne too. My deep, maybe cystic, pimples are driven by hormones so less of a problem now due to using Mirena. But my skins is still super good at holding on to sebum and keratin so Iy tend to have a lot of black heads and clogged pores that get a little comedone just on the top skin layer. BHA products like salicylic acid are the bomb for me, but a lot of brands put in things that also irritate or break out my skin. I ended up trying Paula’s Choice skincare and loving it for what is not in it just as much as what is in it. Not as “natural” as some I have used in past, but the no side effects and the less waste stream since I I use the stuff up instead of trying, it failing and then deciding what to do with the leftover 1/2 bottle are worth it to me.

    Reply
    • Amanda says

      December 26, 2018 at 2:29 pm

      I have heard really good things about Paula’s Choice too but have never tried it! I also have combo skin where it is still oily in some areas, but then dry because of winter, so anything with acne medicine in it seems to exacerbate the issues instead of help! Do you use multiple PC products or is there a holy grail one you’d recommend trying?

      Reply

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Weekend Reads #34

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

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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

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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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