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The perfect red for the holiday season 💄

I love a red lipstick, especially in winter. It adds brightness to gray days and skin not exposed to the sun. Look in my dressing table and you’ll find at least a dozen different red lipsticks. But this winter my go-to red is “Relax” by @flyte.70 

Glossy but not sticky, long wearing but not drying, the Flyte.70 L+L.LipLacquer feels like a lip balm. One layer is a hint of color and shine; add more layers for more pigment, gloss, and impact. This isn’t the only Flyte.70 lip color I have and love; I regularly wear “Fast Car” which is a modern version of the brown lipsticks we loved in the 90s that looks so good with the neutrals popular right now.

And with products named after songs from the 80s and 90s I couldn’t not use this Frankie Goes to Hollywood song for this lip color!

This isn’t paid, it’s a PSA because I know it’s hard to find good red lip colors. And @flyte.70 is a U.S.-based woman-owned ethical beauty brand created specifically for U.S. grown women and I find the quality stellar.

Use code WOXYGEN15 for 15% off your order at Flyte.70

The quickest and cheapest way to update your wardrobe for the holidays is with a glossy red lip! 💄

#over40style #genxstyle #genxbeauty #flyte70
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The tree is trimmed! 🎄

When I was a single gal, I had the prettiest tree with a color story and theme. 20 years later, my tree is a hodgepodge of inherited ornaments, gifts from loved ones, and handmade pieces from both my childhood and by my child. And I think each year it veers further from the original concept the more beautiful it becomes!

My daughter and I donned our Santa hats, turned on the holiday playlist, a Yule log on the TV, and spent the afternoon getting our home into the Christmas spirit.

When she was little, my husband would pick her up so she could place the star on top of the tree. Now that she’s taller than I am, when he got home he just put his arm around her as she used the library stool to reach the top. Some traditions need to be modified with time but they’re still special! ⭐️

Top is a feather trimmed Breton from @talbotsofficial; the scarf as a belt is also Talbots but a few years old. The jeans are @landsend and the blanket on the chair in the second photo is by artist  @zanderschlacter
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My therapist recommended I walk outside more as I grieve the recent loss of my mom.

When it was time to pay for my mom’s funeral, the credit card I had in my wallet was my @bananarepublic Mastercard. I’ve had this card for decades because over the years, most of our family have worn some Gap brand. From onesies to tuxedos, we’ve updated our wardrobes with points.

And I got a serious chunk of points for charging my mom’s funeral expenses on my Banana card.

I decided to use them to buy clothes for winter outdoor walking. Nothing motivates me more than a chance to put together a cute outfit. This cute look is from @athleta, one of the few activewear brands that fits both my size and my style.

My Athleta purchase arrived on my doorstep and that day, a neighbor reached out, inviting me to join a group of women in our community who were supporting, not competing, to move 100k. I immediately said yes and signed up. 

This past week I hit 100k. And this past week week it has been two months she has been gone. I’m still going 💪 

Wearing XL. For reference I’m 5’3” and usually wear a size 14.

I share details on all my looks on the @shop.LTK app. You can use the app or desktop, search for @wardrobe_oxygen or use the link https://liketk.it/4pFaS
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Normalizing the normal everyday outfit…

It was a day of running errands, running to the office, and then running into friends. It rained off and on so I wanted shoes for potential puddles and a coat that wouldn’t soak through but also keep me warm.

The sweater is @universalstandard; I bought it thinking it was a bold purple but the color was off on the site and I got plum. But I think I like this better. I’m wearing a S. This is my second of this cardigan, it is super soft, dense, and holds up to washing. My other one I got a year ago and still wear all the time.

The jeans are @oldnavy and while they’re not perfect and stretch out throughout the day they were around $18 and I like the wash and weight of the denim. I’m wearing a 14 Short.

The boots are old Docs, the coat I got at @talbotsofficial last winter, and the bag is @maxwellscottuk and I’ve had for almost a decade. Earrings are @_jennybird, necklace is @gorjana. 

Disclosure: the coat was gifted last year but remains a favorite. The necklace was also gifted about a year ago but I keep wearing because I like it and it has held up quality-wise. The rest I bought. 

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

#liketkit #LTKfindsunder50 #LTKover40 #LTKmidsize #midsizestyle #genxstyle #over40style #size14 #usinthewild 
https://liketk.it/4pDXG
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Counteract the gray days with cozy colorful clothes! 🌈 This cashmere sweater set is the prettiest teal and I loved how it looked with this candy pink Chesterfield coat. All are from @anntaylor one of my favorite places to shop because Ann has petites over a size 12. Also all of these items are on sale!

While I did receive these clothes as a gift from Ann Taylor I am under no obligation to share with you. This is what I wore to work and when I saw these colors against the green of my building door I had to prop up my phone and capture the color combo!

This sweater is a classic and with the skirt is created a dress effect you can style with tall boots, ankle boots and tights, or dress down with sneakers. I linked to other pieces in this color that would also look dreamy with this skirt, as well as other gorgeous colorful coats.

For reference I am wearing the coat in XL petite and the sweater set in L. I am 5’3” and usually wear a 14/16

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content! https://liketk.it/4plYr 

#LTKmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #size14 #midsizepetite #ThisIsAnn
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Just got back from a 4-night getaway with my sister @debbiefaye78 at @curacaomarriottbeachresort. It was a last-minute planned trip that ended up being perfect. We weren’t ready to celebrate Thanksgiving without our mom and this escape what just what our hearts needed. 

I’ll be sharing more once I finally unpack my suitcase and organize my photos and thoughts; but I couldn’t not share this picture from yesterday morning. Debbie and I got up early to enjoy some of the day at the resort before flying home to DC. We had the infinity pool to ourselves, finished our books, and relaxed before a long day of travel. 🌴
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It’s hard when you’re petite and most models aren’t; you have no idea how clothes, especially jeans will fit. To promote @universalstandard’s Denim Drive sale, the company sent me two pairs of jeans of my choice. And I chose to make this video to show how they fit on my 5’3” body. I am usually a 14/32 in jeans but at Universal Standard I wear a 12 because they’re super stretchy and generously sized. 

With jeans as low as $35 in sizes 00-40, this is a sale not to be missed. And use code INFS-BFALISON10 for an additional 10% off sitewide!

The Farrah Flare is a favorite because at my height, most flare jeans will lose what makes them special once hemmed. At a 30” inseam these are great with low heels or lug soles.

The Etta is a straight jean with a vintage fit. If in doubt size down. They’re also super stretchy and the 28” inseam (they also come in 31”) works with my boots and sneakers.

While I was provided the apparel in this Reel for free, I was not paid or contracted to create this content. Consider it a PSA for my fellow shorties shopping this fab denim sale!

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4oWOQ #ltkmidsize #ltkplussize #ltkover40 #ltksalealert #uspartner #midsizestyle
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Thanks to @talbotsofficial I’m ready for the holidays! #AD

I love Talbots for holiday fashion and this season’s new arrivals do not disappoint. And for Black Friday the entire site is 40% off with free shipping on orders $150+. Until noon, you also receive 50% off 1 regular price item!

I ordered pieces from the Talbots Holiday Collection and found great quality, great style, and great versatility. How cute is the Breton stripe bateau neck with the removable feather cuffs? The metallic plaid patio skirt is so fun, and these two dresses can glam up or dress down with a change of footwear and bag. For reference, I am wearing everything in either XL or 16 petite.

The ivory cords are also Talbots; the black trousers are from last year’s Talbots Holiday Collection showing how Talbots has lasting style. I’ve linked to exact or very similar in my LTK shop. Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.ltk app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content! https://liketk.it/4oDJF

#mytalbots modernclassicstyle #wondersoftheseason #ltkover40 #ltkplussize #ltkmidsize #blackfridaysale
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@somaintimates makes it easy to shop for a range of personas this holiday season! #AD With gift guides for a range of personality types, you can easily find great gifts for your loved ones. I was drawn to the creative one, loving the rich colorful florals, luxe satin, lace trim, and of course Soma’s iconic Cool Nights sleepwear! Visit Soma’s gift guide for tips on finding the perfect present this holiday season. #SomaGiftGuide #SomaStartsWithMe
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Beauty, Make Up, Skincare · August 24, 2018

My Beauty Routine: Tracey

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.
tracey1

Name: Tracey

Age: 53

Location: Pasadena, California

Profession: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist/Psychotherapist and Author. (Find out more about Tracey at her Instagram and Facebook and check out her latest book on Amazon)

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

I was so excited, delighted and honored when Alison asked me to talk about my skincare and makeup routine, as I love her blog and I have gotten so many tips and tricks from her over the years that I am delighted to share my well-curated protocol. Truth be told it was Wardrobe Oxygen was one of the bloggers that inspired me to start my defunct blog, La Belette Rouge–so I am thrilled to be here.

Anyone who knows me would tell you I am passionate about the following things: my husband, my dog, my work as a therapist, self-care, and skin-care. I am a skincare fanatic. I am the kind of skincare fanatic that has inspired the staff at Sephora to take advice from me, and I have been offered more than a few jobs from cosmetic brands when I have talked product with their reps. As a psychotherapist we are trained to not give advice (rather helping people come to their own right answer) and in my work I am able to do that with ease, but when it comes to skincare I will emphatically and, perhaps, not therapeutically share my opinion if you tell me you are using an apricot scrub mask or a cleansing cloth (please don't do either!). The truth is that I am prone to giving unsolicited guidance on skincare. I have talked my hairdresser into wearing sunblock (after lifting my chin up off the floor when I heard that this lovely woman hasn’t ever had SPF on her face). I have converted my husband from thinking skincare wasn’t for guys to being devoted to his Perricone protocol. I recently heard him say, “We have to stop at Sephora; I am out of the Acyl-Glutathione Eye Cream and the Face Firming Moisturizer”. I have explained the non-negotiable importance of Vitamin C as a preventative to fellow passengers on planes. With great regularity, friends have asked me to send them the step by step of my skincare and screenshots of my skincare protocol. Also, I am proud to admit, I can come up with a customized skincare protocol for people who want a cheap and cheerful version of my skincare protocol. And, to further make the case of my skincare obsession, I will admit, I have secret Walter Mitty fantasies of working in the beauty industry and in some way helping to further switch the emphasis on cosmetics as a way of becoming a good object, to having the focus change of cosmetics be about pleasure,self-care, and self-expression. My other skincare fantasy is becoming pals with my skincare crush, skincare guru, Caroline Hirons. Okay, enough of my skincare fantasies and back to your questions.

I absolutely enjoy clothes and makeup, but not as much as I enjoy skincare. To my psychological mind, skincare is an act of introverted self-care where clothes and makeup feel, to my mind, more extroverted and for others (even though I know they are for me too). I enjoy the final results of makeup and wardrobe; I don’t enjoy the act of applying makeup the way I do skincare. As an author and expert on self-care, it is not a small thing to say that I see my morning and nighttime skin care routine as a major act of self-care that I wouldn’t dream of cutting out of my life.

over 50 skincare routine shelfie

My Morning Routine:

  • Lancer The Method Polish: Normal-Combination Skin
  • Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser
  • Sisley Floral Toning Lotion
  • Santa Maria Novella Rose Water Spray
  • Biologique Recherche Lotion P50
  • Drunk Elephant C Firma Day Serum
  • Sunday Riley Good Genes
  • Vintner’s Daughter Oil Active Botanical Serum
  • Belif True Cream (I am incredibly cheap about moisturizer as I don’t want to waste my money on something that isn’t packed with active ingredients)
  • Drunk Elephant Shaba Complex Eye Serum
  • It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Eye Cream
  • Either Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47 Sunblock or Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense Sunscreen, SPF 50

Evening Routine:

Every other night I rotate between these two routines:

Routine One:

  • Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm
  • Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser
  • Retin-A 0.1%
  • An hour after the Retin-A:
  • Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil
  • Belif True Cream
  • La Mer Lip Balm (holy grail)

Routine Two:

  • Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm
  • Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser
  • La Prairie Skin Caviar Sleep Mask
  • Fresh Sugar Lip Polish
  • Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

tracey skincare routine shelfie

Makeup:

  • Sisley Double Tenseur Instant and Long-term Primer
  • Tatcha The Pearl Tinted Eye Illuminating Treatment in Moonlight
  • Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional
  • La Prarie Skin Caviar Concealer + Foundation in Peche (I only this for evening or a special occasion and I rarely use the concealer)
  • Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Filter in Tan (I use the tan color in summer. In Fall I will go lighter)
  • Charlotte Tilbury Unisex Healthy Glow
  • Tarte Shape Tape Concealer in Light-Medium
  • Charlotte Tilbury Blush
  • Tom Ford Bronzing Powder in 03 Bronze Age
  • Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand Easy Highlighter in Spotlight
  • Marc Jacobs Eye Pencil in Black
  • Tarte Fake Awake Pencil
  • Anastasia DIPBROW in Soft Brown
  • Benefit Gimme Brow & Volumizing Eyebrow Gel in #3
  • Perricone No Eye Shadow Eye Shadow
  • Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon in Champagne Diamonds for Blue Eyes
  • Tom Ford eyeshadow quad in Cocoa Mirage (I have bought this quad four times. I only have this quad and the Tartelette in Bloom Palette as I rarely wear eyeshadow)
  • Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy
  • Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish #2 Medium
  • Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Supersize Me
  • Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick in Kidmans Kiss
  • Charlotte Tilbury Refresh Rose Gloss
  • MAC Fix-Plus or Cover FX Illuminating Setting Spray
  • Urban Decay Up All Night Setting Spray

Has your skincare and/or beauty routine changed due to age, lifestyle, career, etc.?

For me staying current and responsive to my skin, my lifestyle, and my budget has been part of how I bring self-care to my beauty routine. One of my principals in my book, An Invitation to Self-Care, is that self-care needs to be responsive to be effective, the same is true, I believe, in our skincare and makeup and wardrobe.

In my 20’s my skin care was a three-step Ernest Lazlo that my mom bought for me (I still remember the black bar of soap and all the water splashing that Lazlo required) and my makeup was the kind of 80’s “Girl’s Just Wanna Have Fun” eyeliner and bright colored mess that makes the 53-year old me cringe. In my 30’s I looked to Allure magazine to tell me what products were hot and not and then mostly (due to bouts of depression and low self-esteem ) I neglected my skin and far too often went to bed with makeup on. I do remember in that decade that Cetaphil was my cleaner of choice (not good!). In my 40’s I reinvented myself and my life, moving into my Next Happy (the name of my first book), and that absolutely showed up in how I took care of myself, how I looked and what kind of makeup I was drawn to. I wanted my skincare and makeup to say that “I am worth it” because it was in my 40’s that I felt that way for the very first time. Simultaneously I had a bit of a mid-life “what can I do not to age?” moment and I got very focused on anti-aging and skincare that would deliver results. In my 50’s my skincare and makeup has evolved, as I have—skincare and makeup are not just about how I look (not that I don’t care about that). I like who I am and know who I am and I don’t care too much if someone thinks if I would look better in a nude lip or if they think I am throwing my money away on luxury skincare—I love the comfort of being in my own skin and the confidence of being able to trust my knowledge of what works for me. My self-confidence and sense of self has, ahem, matured—I am much less likely to follow trends and much more likely to do what works for me and that is definitely not a blue eyeshadow.

My skin care routine changes several times a year when it seems like I am looking a bit dry, dull or otherwise meh. My makeup at this point in my life is more static—I like a neutral eye. I am drawn to a pinky-nude or pink lip. I think of it this way: in skincare, I am polyamorous and always looking for the best new mask, etc. In makeup I am a die-hard monogamous, once I love a makeup item I am loyal, diehard and I will likely be wearing Tom Ford’s Spanish Pink and his Cocoa Mirage lipstick when I am 103. However, if I learn of a new skincare ingredient that sounds particularly intriguing then I am up for a change.

In the last five years, I have become a masking fanatic, I mask daily. I correlate my mask love with two things: 1) Masks are more available and hyped; 2) My work life is such that I need more self-care. I am not always sure if masks live up to the hype of what the package promises, but to my mind, it isn't about efficacy–masking is the skincare equivalent of a glass of wine. Masks say to me and to others, this is my time. I am not available for the next twenty minutes. They are the “Do Not Disturb!” of skincare.

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

When I was in 8th grade I met a very glamorous woman who was a friend of my mother, she wasn’t the most classically beautiful woman I ever met, her nose might have inspired some to consider plastic surgery, but she was absolutely magnetic, chic, radiant, stylish and had the best skin I had ever seen. To quote When Harry Met Sally, I wanted what she's having. She never gave me any verbal advice, I soaked in her non-verbal lessons. She was very different than all the woman I knew. She spent time on herself, her skin, her hair, she read poetry and meditated. When I walked into her bathroom it was, to my 8th-grade mind, the closest I had ever been to the temple of Aphrodite/ a Lancome counter in the form of a West Hollywood apartment ensuite. Her self-acceptance, self-care, and way of being had a profound impact on my development. Just knowing her gave me permission to believe that beauty wasn't just what was on the cover of magazines.

What is your must-have holy grail beauty or skincare product?

Eek, I get to pick just one? Holy grail:

  1. Charlotte Tilbury Face Powder
  2. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
  3. I love love love the Gold Bond neck cream. I have used new creams From Revive and Sisley and La Prarie. Nothing has given me the results that Gold Bond has given me. Definitely holy grail!!

tracey2

What is your biggest beauty or skincare regret or embarrassment?

1. Trying to tan while Irish

I grew up in Southern California and absolutely everyone around me was tan. I tried absolutely everything I could to look like all my beached bronzed friends. I would slather on baby oil, Hawaiian Tropic, cocoa butter, and lay myself on the frying pan of silver tanning mats, tanning beds and sit with green goggles in front of a sunlamp. All of the Herculean efforts to get a tiny tan was not only futile it was painful, and burn and blister-inducing and ultimately skin damaging I so wish I had known earlier on that someday I would love my uber-pale Celtic skin and wish that it wasn’t speckled with reminders of my attempt to bronze.

2. Microblading

While I do like that my brows are “done” all the time, I have some regrets about brow micro-blading. I had it done two years ago. My microbladed brows are a little bigger and darker than I would like them to be and in the two years they haven’t faded at all and I have definitely tried to get them to fade. If I let myself think too much about the money I spent on them (lots, it is expensive), the pain of having it done (lots, it hurt)and the fact that it is seemingly a permanent change to my face I would be a lot more upset than I am—so, I don’t think about that too much. I instead focus on that my brows are always done and that I don’t have sparse brows to complain about anymore. I learned a lesson from this experience and I wouldn’t again so hastily do something to my face that I couldn’t easily change.

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

Stay away from the sun. Don’t get that perm in 7th grade. Avoid major hair changes when you are stressed. Embrace what is unique about you and go with that. I also wish I had learned that business about water improving your skin isn’t hooey.

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In: Beauty, Make Up, Skincare · Tagged: My Beauty Routine

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Comments

  1. Alice says

    August 24, 2018 at 6:51 pm

    Beauty tips from an “older” woman are all too rare, so I was happy to read about Tracey’s routine. I’m 72, and yes, just as interested in looking my best as I ever was. How about featuring an even older “older” woman sometime? Past the point of trying to conceal the aging process (never works anyway), I long for photos of women my age who are having as much fun with beauty routines and clothes as they (we) ever did. Not garish, not over-compensating with too-bright or too-much, just tasteful, intelligent, age-appropriate beauty. There is such a thing and it would benefit all of us to counteract and eliminate agism in all the subtle ways it sneaks into our culture. Thank you, Alison,.

    Reply
    • Tracey Dwyer says

      August 26, 2018 at 1:45 pm

      Hi Alice! I couldn’t agree more. I love seeing woman of all ages enjoying the pleasure of skincare, makeup and wardrobe.

      Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      August 26, 2018 at 3:59 pm

      I’m working on it. I asked a variety of women of all ages but I found most of the women over 50 I asked refused to share. I’m not giving up, I hope to have some in the near future!

      Reply
      • Alice says

        September 1, 2018 at 2:44 am

        Thanks, Alison. I just received the fall Anthropologie catalog which features Lauren Hutton, looking beautiful at 74. How about one of our all-too-rare congresswomen? How great it would be to get an insider look at, say, Nancy Pelosi’s beauty routine??

        Reply
        • Alison Gary says

          September 3, 2018 at 8:04 pm

          LOL I’ll call Nancy up, we’re BFFs 🙂 I’d love to feature her, but I don’t think that will be happening any time soon. But stay tuned, I have asked dozens of women and the responses are coming in slowly. I am finding however, that the women over 50 I ask, very few of them agree to be a part. They say it’s too intrusive, they don’t share their secrets, say they’re no one to admire, they don’t understand the blog, etc etc etc. But I’ll keep trying because I think it’s important to have a brand range of ages, ethnicities, skin types, and product preferences. No one routine is right or the best and the older we get I find the more we understand the importance and value of taking care of our skin!

          Reply
          • Alice says

            September 7, 2018 at 4:56 pm

            You are wonderful to keep trying. Brenda Kinsel. maybe? She’s almost my vintage, though don’t tell her I said so!

          • Alison Gary says

            September 7, 2018 at 4:58 pm

            Brenda is one of my favorites, but she is a blogger and receives paid campaigns and is “in the industry” of being an influencer. Hang tight, I have a few more coming! 🙂

  2. Sara says

    August 24, 2018 at 1:05 pm

    This is fantastic! Allison, please have Tracey back to share the cheaper version of her skincare routine, OR to share customized routines for different skin types!!

    Reply
    • Tracey Dwyer says

      August 26, 2018 at 1:41 pm

      Hi Sara! I’d love to come back and share a budget friendly skincare routine or my mask collection or whatever Alison would like me to talk about. I’d do anything Alison would like, I am a big fan of her work and have benefited so much from her b!

      Reply
  3. Grace says

    August 24, 2018 at 12:37 pm

    Wow, I am overwhelmed! Your skin looks amazing, and you clearly love skin care (like, a LOT!) The idea of 12 products in the AM and 24 makeup products as well…. it makes my head spin!

    Reply
    • Tracey Dwyer says

      August 26, 2018 at 1:38 pm

      Hi Grace! Thank you! And, LOL, I realize it is an epic routine. If I thought about how many products I used I would likely be overwhelmed. I just use one product at a time and enjoy the journey. 🙂

      Reply
  4. GINA says

    August 24, 2018 at 10:27 am

    1. I ❤️ this so very much much, and 2. I think my dreams are dashed of ever being featured; I have a very similar approach and quite honestly fanatical enthusiasm about skincare, just maybe a little greener in nature. You rock it girl; look beautiful and healthy and nowhere near your age!

    Reply
    • Tracey Dwyer says

      August 26, 2018 at 1:34 pm

      Hi Gina! I’d love to hear your about your green routine!! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Insana says

    August 24, 2018 at 9:38 am

    I, too, have microbladed brows and I love mine! I actually think yours look fabulous!

    Reply
    • Tracey Dwyer says

      August 26, 2018 at 1:32 pm

      Thanks! I think I am still adjusting to having a strong brow. We get used to seeing our faces in a certain way and the brows still don’t feel like mine(but they are mine now;).

      Reply

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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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The tree is trimmed! 🎄

When I was a single gal, I had the prettiest tree with a color story and theme. 20 years later, my tree is a hodgepodge of inherited ornaments, gifts from loved ones, and handmade pieces from both my childhood and by my child. And I think each year it veers further from the original concept the more beautiful it becomes!

My daughter and I donned our Santa hats, turned on the holiday playlist, a Yule log on the TV, and spent the afternoon getting our home into the Christmas spirit.

When she was little, my husband would pick her up so she could place the star on top of the tree. Now that she’s taller than I am, when he got home he just put his arm around her as she used the library stool to reach the top. Some traditions need to be modified with time but they’re still special! ⭐️

Top is a feather trimmed Breton from @talbotsofficial; the scarf as a belt is also Talbots but a few years old. The jeans are @landsend and the blanket on the chair in the second photo is by artist  @zanderschlacter

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Nov 28

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Just got back from a 4-night getaway with my sister @debbiefaye78 at @curacaomarriottbeachresort. It was a last-minute planned trip that ended up being perfect. We weren’t ready to celebrate Thanksgiving without our mom and this escape what just what our hearts needed. 

I’ll be sharing more once I finally unpack my suitcase and organize my photos and thoughts; but I couldn’t not share this picture from yesterday morning. Debbie and I got up early to enjoy some of the day at the resort before flying home to DC. We had the infinity pool to ourselves, finished our books, and relaxed before a long day of travel. 🌴

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Nov 19

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Working on the weekend is far more enjoyable when it’s in my office 💚

Perimenopause and the pandemic and homeschooling made our row home feel even smaller. So when neighbors revitalized an office building in our town center and offered individual offices for rent, I felt it would be good for business and personally. And I kept it when the world opened up and our kid went back to public school because it helps me have a clear start and end to the work day, but also because I created a space I really enjoy.

This weekend I went to the office to shoot some content. And once I was finished I enjoyed just sitting here, watching the light change. I think I may switch the furniture around, switch up the energy. I love that I can do that without consulting another or having another person’s opinions matter.

When you have a family, things go from me to we. I don’t regret leaving Corporate America to do this full time, but I do miss being part of a team. And I missed having an office, a place away from home that’s just for me. 

I wish more communities would offer rental offices like @thegranitebuilding. With reasonably affordable monthly rates, it doesn’t have to just be business owners who get office spaces. It can be a place to work on a hobby or craft, a place to WFH that’s not home, or a place to just read and write and nap undisturbed. A literal room of one’s own. Because sometimes a person needs time to be a me and not a we. 💚

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Nov 17

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You’re never too old for a Rory Gilmore sweater… this cotton fisherman sweater is from @llbean and inspired by @marielle.elizabeth I shopped the men’s department for a better size range. The influencer influenced the influencer!

The jeans are @landsend I got last year and I’m glad they brought them back this year in several washes, inseam lengths, and plus sizes. If in doubt, size down. They will shrink in length slightly but not anywhere else, they’re super comfy and stretchy but don’t stretch out. 

Kept the collegiate vibe going with a trucker cap, HOKAs, and my trusty commuter bag for years: the large @dagnedover Dakota backpack!

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4o4bQ #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #genxstyle #ltkover40 #over40style

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Nov 15

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My husband has a special backpack he fills with weight to wear while hiking; it’s called rucking. I wear a @dagnedover Dakota and fill it with my laptop, my iPad, a full water bottle, and my purse and walk to work; it’s called commuting. 💁🏻‍♀️

But seriously, I’ve had this backpack for five years. It has been shoved under plane seats, in overstuffed car trunks, under feet in the passenger seat. I’ve worn it as I’ve walked miles in major cities and from my house to my town center. My daughter also has a Dagne Dakota; it survived middle school and continues to work through camping, sleepovers, and road trips. It’s genially designed, comfortable, and can take a beating and still look great.

As for the rest of the look, the vest (XL) is a new purchase from @athleta; the Rainier tights (L) are also Athleta but two years old. The purple top is @nike and about a decade old. Hat is @llbean and it’s on sale for less than $15. And my trusty @hoka sneakers that have had their own set of adventures.

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
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#ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #genxstyle #dagnedoverdakota

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Nov 6

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Another day of early voting for our city election, another outfit I wore as an election judge! 🗳️

I got this sweater set from @mmlafleur last spring and it continues to be a favorite. The color and popcorn stitch makes it wearable three seasons of the year. I’ve styled it with gold heels and dramatic gold earrings, with sneakers and a crossbody belt bag, and more than once with knee-high boots and a scarf at my throat. The color works with brown and black boots, the skirt silhouette and length with heels and flats. These brown riding boots are from @duoboots and almost a decade old. The scarf belonged to my dad; I have a feeling it was styled with a leisure suit back in the day!

I may have been more dressed up than other election judges but I think seeing democracy in action is a cause to celebrate! 🇺🇸

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Nov 4

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Early voting poll worker style 🗳️

I’ve been an election judge (AKA poll worker) for several years but this year I decided to take it a step further and join my city’s Board of Elections. I’m passionate about fair and accessible elections for all. The Board is acting as election judges for early voting so it’s great to use my previous experience on a city level!

I believe voting is a special occasion and I dressed the part. The puff sleeve sweater and pants are from @anntaylor; these pants are the same ones from the suit I wore earlier this week. I added a beloved @hermes scarf as a belt and silver hoops (they belonged to my mom) as a hint of shine.

If your area is having an election this coming week; I implore you to vote. Your voice deserves to be heard. And please ensure your neighbors know of the election and where to vote. 🇺🇸

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Nov 2

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Always fun to see my name in lights! 💡 I was a panelist at the annual @jaofcentralmd Leading Ladies event that connects local high schoolers with women in business. My panel was on using social media for promoting one’s business or personal brand. Along with other social media experts, we guided students and adults on how to create compelling and engaging social content and together created content for the conference’s feed. It was fun and I loved being able to share my almost two decades of personal and professional experience!

The dress code for the conference was business professional and since the event’s theme color was pink, they encouraged us to wear the color. 

This @anntaylor suit has been a favorite since late summer. I’ve dressed it down with a white tank and sneakers and glammed it up with a silk cami and gold heeled sandals. I love how Ann Taylor has petite suiting up to size 16; I know I’m not the only short curvy girl who desires suits and professional attire!

For this event I chose a berry-colored microfiber tank from @lovechicos. I own several of these tanks; they wear like iron and the tight weave and subtle shine make them great shells under suits. 

The look fit the theme but was also comfortable. I was glad to share my expertise and encourage others to see how they can donate their time and knowledge to a local @juniorachievementusa #JALeadingLadies #JALeadingLadies2023 #JACMD #JuniorAchievment

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Oct 18

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Sharing this from my #iPadOS17 thanks to @apple! A bit belated with all that has been going on lately but I’m really enjoying using an iPad to improve how I work, stay organized, and find new ways to be creative. Can I just say that editing video on an iPad instead of a phone is a game changer!

Recently, I attended an event at the gorgeous Apple Carnegie Library hosted by @flourishplanner_ to learn ways to make the most of #iOS17 and it was awesome. I brought my new iPad and learned about the new wallpaper, stickers, and organizing tools.

As for my look, the dress is from @bananarepublic’s summer collection. Kept it comfy with a pair of Samba sneakers and held down the volume of the dress with my black recycled leather @ganni crossbody. Added an old @_jennybird link necklace and a silver cuff I’ve had since the ‘90s.

#todayatapple #genxstyle #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #size14 #over40style

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Oct 17

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I love an excuse to dress up, especially if it’s for a good cause! This weekend was the @thenewdealcafe Masquer-AID fundraiser to support this independent cafe, art gallery, and live music venue in @cityofgreenbelt.

My family and I have loved going to The New Deal Cafe for all these years. Grabbing coffee with friends, having a meal, seeing an amazing band, participating in an open mic or one of their Reel and Meal events. So @debbiefaye78, our mom, and I got tickets and even chipped in for a plaque from us “Ashpes Girls.” 

Our mom passed before she could attend the event; we asked our like a sister best friend @shellymingram to join us in her place and we had a great time, dancing all night as our mom would have, connecting with neighbors, and supporting a local business we all love so much.

As for the outfit, the dress is @ronnykobo the bag is @ganni and I borrowed both from @renttherunway The shoes I’ve had for years and the gold metal mask I found on Amazon and liked how it could mold to my face and not put pressure on my still-healing eye.

And I know y’all will ask because I received so many DMs this weekend when I shared this event in my Stories… my sister’s dress is from @eshakti she bought it a few years ago and it’s even more gorgeous in person!

#newdealcafe #greenbeltisgreat #onlyingreenbelt #midsizestyle #genxstyle #over40style #greenbeltmd

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