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Scenes from a Friday night…

We started at @littleblackbirddc a new wine bar in Cleveland Park where we had great food, drink, and conversation into the evening. We then headed down the street to @atomicbilliards for a whole different experience and to keep the conversation going. I treasure my friendships with @sylviacolella (who had a birthday recently), @districtofchic, and @blonde_inthedistrict they’re the real deal 🥰

My dress is @adamlippes borrowed via @renttherunway and Cheetos with Sauvignon Blanc is a really fun pairing!
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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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If @thechicks are in town you can bet @debbiefaye78 and I will be there! So when we heard they were coming to @merriweatherpp we were so excited. And their concert did not disappoint. As always, a phenomenal show! If The Chicks come to your neck of the woods I highly recommend you go!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s so great to know our old clothes are getting a good life and this bag makes carting them to the cafe so easy! I got my Hulken on Amazon, it comes in other colors and sizes too: https://amzn.to/48iTY4Y yep the bag is as great as all those ads you see on social media, I’m a big fan!
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
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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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Beauty, Make Up, Skincare · June 24, 2022

My Summer Skincare Routine

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. 

pixi glow tonic over 40 skin
Looking lovingly at Pixi Glow Tonic

I am often asked about my skincare routine, and take it as a compliment. I tried Botox once back in 2018 but since then I haven't done a single procedure or even a professional facial. I enjoy the sun more than I should but am consistent with SPF year-round. I really think what I eat has a big impact on my skin, but I also have found some products over the years that really work well with my skin. Below I share my summer skincare routine.

wardrobe oxygen summer skincare routine
Me after washing my face last week so you can see my bare unfiltered skin.

About My Skin

For reference, I am 47 years old and a sun lover. I was a lifeguard for many years in my teens and early 20's and once I had established a “base tan” I skipped SPF for baby oil. I spent more time in college in tanning beds than lecture halls, and my husband will tell the tales of the terrible sunburns I got on vacations to Jamaica, Costa Rica, and St. Augustine when we were younger. However, since becoming a “grown-ass adult” I have learned SPF is a necessity. I may still love lying in the sun, but I try to be smarter about it.

Most of my life, I had the classic T-zone combination skin. I felt I was constantly battling oil and would experience hormonal breakouts around my nose and mouth and on my chin. In winter, I had extremely dry and sensitive skin that would crack and flake, especially around my nose and on my chin.

After I had my daughter, I got into skincare, especially nighttime skincare. I lacked much control over my life, my body, or my sleep routine but was able to carve out about a half hour each night while she was asleep to care for my face. I found the ritual of caring for my skin helped me relax and literally wash away the day. It gave me an opportunity to try out new products, but it also taught me that consistency is more important than what product you use. I haven't gone to bed without washing my face once in the past decade; it's like brushing my teeth, I can't sleep well without doing it.

This ritual gave me time to try products, tweak methods, and give my skin a chance to rest between different routines and ingredients. And through it I found I didn't in fact have combination skin. It was the products I was using that caused my skin to get so oily at times, dry at others, and have the breakouts. My summer skincare routine contains some products I've used for years, and newer products I've tried long enough to feel confident recommending to you.

My Summer Skincare Routine

Summer is a time when you want to spend as much time out of the house and enjoying the weather. Therefore, my summer skincare routine is a bit simpler than my winter skincare routine.

My Evening Skincare Routine

Step 1: Cleanse with an Oil-Based Product

I am OBSESSED with Colleen Rothschild Radiant Cleansing Balm. I first tried this solid oil cleanser in 2016 and was an instant fan. I've tried several other cleansers since it, but none compare. Nope, not even that other yellow solid oil cleanser in a tub that keeps getting recommended by influencers. That one makes my eyes burn and doesn't remove makeup quite as well. And that liquid oil one with a pump is good, but still not as gentle and effective as Colleen Rothschild's Cleansing Balm.

colleen rothschild cleansing balm

This cleanser is what made me start to realize I didn't have combination skin. With a solid oil cleanser, you apply a small amount to your dry face. Gently massaging it into the skin with dry fingers, you will see how it lifts and dissolves your makeup. From waterproof mascara to longwear foundation, I find this cleansing balm will break it all up with little effort. I then wipe it away with a wet washcloth.

I rarely find the need to double cleanse. I only do it when I have worn a lot of makeup for a special shoot or event. Then, after using the Cleansing Balm, I will wash my face with CeraVe. I also keep CeraVe in the shower if I shower at a time when I have on makeup, sunscreen, and/or bug spray. On the regular I find it drying, but for such situations, it works (and also my husband and daughter like it).

Colleen Rothschild Skincare Promo Code

FYI, I found out after starting this blog post that Colleen Rothschild is offering 20% off sitewide with promo code 4THSALE. This promotion is through July 4th, 2022. I used it to stock up on my favorites including this cleansing balm!

Step 2: Lash Serum

We all have different things that we like to highlight or find appealing on ourselves. For me, it's lashes. When I was younger, I loved the look of liquid liner and a lot of volumizing mascara for a very dramatic look. As I have gotten older, I like to just have defined lashes and fresh skin but of course this is when my lashes are getting shorter and sparser.

Over the years, I have tried several different lash serums. My first one was from Rodan + Fields that was super effective, but also super expensive (and from an MLM). But it made me realize it is possible to grow my lashes without a prescription or a lot of effort. I tried some that made my eyes burn, some that made my lids dry and irritated, and even one that loosened my lash roots causing all my lashes to fall out in my lash curler one terrible day.

alison gary wardrobe oxygen
Look at those lashes! Thanks GrandeLash!

For the past year, I have been using GrandeLash with excellent results and no negative side effects. I find the price extremely reasonable for how long a tube lasts, and once I get the length I desire, I can taper off to every 2-3 days and maintain with less product. I apply after cleansing skin and before brushing teeth so it has time to soak in before I apply any other products to my face.

Step 3: Treat with an Acid or Retinol

I think Step 3 is where I change things up the most in my skincare routine. I have a few different products, ones that are consistently effective, ones I ordered after a really convincing review, and ones brands send to me to try. I sometimes stick for weeks with just one product, but I find my skin likes a bit of variety in this category.

I am comfortable at this point in life in having wrinkles and fine lines, but I am all about having my skin look as clear, even, and happy as possible as we continue this life journey together. These treatments are often advertised as anti-aging because they can increase collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines but they also can help with cell turnover, even skintone, the appearance of smaller pores, and a natural glow.

pixi glow tonic

One of my absolute favorite acids is Pixi Glow Tonic; I have used it for several years. A wallet-friendly price and easy to find at stores like Target and Ulta, this is a glycolic acid that doesn't require a special process to apply or wait before using other products. Pixi sends me a big pump bottle once a year and I buy refills from Target. I use two pumps on a reusable cotton round is enough for my face, neck, upper chest, and a bit on the tops of my hands. In the winter, I often use this before my daytime moisturizer. Since acids can make you sun sensitive, I only use it at night in the summer.

Colleen Rothschild retinol review

For retinol, I have tried many different brands but one I always keep in my medicine cabinet is Colleeen Rothschild Retinol Oil because it's gentle, effective, and moisturizing. I regularly recommend this for those new to retinol because it too is very easy to use. If you have oily skin, this may be the only thing you need to apply after cleansing.

comfort zone skincare review

The company Comfort Zone sent me some products and I've been trying their Sublime Skin Micropeel lotion which is a mix of lactic acid and gluconolactone. I really like it. When I wake my skin looks amazing – glowy and firm and fresh. I've had a lot of luck with lactic acid over the years, whether it's budget-friendly The Ordinary or Sunday Riley's Good Genes.

over 40 curology review

I've also used tretinoin through Curology, which offers dermatologist-prescribed skincare and found it effective, but made me very sun sensitive. I decided I'd rather be wrinkled than not able to go out in the sun and stopped it. However, if you are looking for something super effective for fine wrinkles, dark spots, and uneven skin, tretinoin is the most effective and I found Curology the easiest and most budget-friendly way to access it.

Step 4: Moisturize

In the winter, this step is actually a multi-step process with oils and whatever. But in the summer, I find my skin is perfectly happy slathered in Colleen Rothschild's Extreme Recovery Cream. This is another product I have used for YEARS and haven't found anything that compares.

colleen rothschild extreme recovery cream review

This moisturizer is hydrating, but not heavy, not greasy, and has never caused breakouts. No obvious scent, I think the only negative is there isn't a version with SPF to wear in winter and spring during the daytime. In winter I wear with another product over it (AKA slugging), but in summer it's the perfect level of hydration over a treatment to keep my skin happy and healthy.

My Morning Skincare Routine

My morning skincare routine is far simpler. In the summer, I just don't have the drive to spend a lot of time on my face in the morning. A lot of days I go without makeup, or maybe just a bit of brows, lashes, and lips because a lot of products feels very product-y in the heat. And I feel the same about skincare.

Step 1: Refresh

I don't wash my face in the morning, no matter the season. However, especially in the summer, my skin may be sweaty or feel a bit lotion-y and I want to refresh the skin before proceeding.

reusable cotton wipe
Seriously it's time to let go of the disposable cotton wipes. This flannel wipe from GreenLittleNest on Etsy is six years old and softer and more absorbent than ever. Save money and the planet!

Some days, I just use a reusable cotton wipe and cold water to remove the sleep from my eyes and sweat from my skin. Other days, I use Thayer's Rose Witch Hazel or Colleen Rothschild Micro-Mineral Soothing Toner. It really depends on how I feel and how much makeup I will be wearing that day. I find if I use a toner, my makeup holds up better throughout the day.

Step 2: Moisturize with SPF

In the summer, I don't do treatments or serums or eye creams. Just a hydrating moisturizer with SPF. So far this summer my favorite is Black Girl Sunscreen's SPF 30. It's moisturizing enough without being greasy, doesn't leave a white cast, isn't super fragrant, and plays nice with makeup. If you have oilier skin than I, you may like the brand's Make It Matte which is SPF 45 and has a drier finish.

Step 3: Prep for Makeup (If Applicable)

If I am going to wear makeup, over my SPF I apply Mario Badescu's Moisture Magnet. A lot of folks use this in place of a moisturizer, especially if they have oily skin but I don't feel it's hydrating enough for me and also I only use a little bit. This sort of works like a primer and also keeps oil and even sweat reduced so makeup stays longer. As I mentioned earlier this week, my skin often breaks out with setting sprays and longwear cosmetics but I have had no issues with this product.

makeu
An example of my summer makeup – subtle, just enhancing. The lipstick had worn off after a few hours and lunch. My black pendant necklace is from Woodnote Jewelry on Etsy, my birthdate necklace is from Caitlin Minimalist on Etsy. My sweater is M.M.LaFleur.

Step 4: Makeup (If Applicable)

I don't wear makeup as often in the summer as I do the other seasons, but when I do it's usually these products:

  • Brows: NYX Lift and Snatch in Ash Brown, which draws “hairs” without me having any makeup skills and just fills in any patches.
  • Lashes: I curl with a Kevyn Aucoin lash curler and then use a tubing mascara. Currently I'm really liking this mascara from Caliray. If I am going somewhere, I may tightline my top lash line with Flyte.70's liner in Blue Monday; it makes my lashes look more lush and I find this eyeliner doesn't migrate like others do.
  • Face: I am lowkey obsessed with this tinted moisturizer from Saie. It feels amazing, has SPF, and offers that bit of evenness and polish while still letting my freckles show through. If I need powder, I use this from Saie and apply with a BeautyBlender. If I want a flush, I use “Heartbreaker” cream blush from Flyte.70. If I am going out at night, I use Flyte.70's GlowBack.Lucent Light in “Just Like Heaven” on my cheekbones, brow bones, down the nose and at my cupid's bow and blend with fingers.
  • Lips: Most days it's just this lipbalm from Patchology, but if I'm heading out I'll do a bright lip. My favorites are Glossier “Coupe” (a reddish-orange), Flyte.70's “Relax” (a cherry red), and Laura Mercier's Clique (a Fuschia). Sometimes instead of blush, I tap the lip product on my cheeks and blend with my fingers.

Step 5: Maintain Sun Protection Throughout the Day

Sunscreen needs to be reapplied through the day, whether or not you sweat or went into the water. I keep a bottle of COOLA's Water Mist in my purse, which works well over makeup, though it only is SPF 18. But I have found it the best for not ruining my makeup and keeping me at least a bit protected.

If I am outside and need to reapply, I usually carry a sunscreen stick with me. My absolute favorite is Shisheido, it is invisible and doesn't ruin makeup but it is expensive and almost always out of stock. Cetaphil's works pretty well (though isn't invisible) and I am able to always find it in stock at Target and Amazon.

Other Skincare Products I Use in the Summer

I always keep a tube of Colleen Rothschild Micro-Mineral Resurfacing Scrub in the shower for those days when there was a lot of makeup or sunscreen or sweat or bug spray or dirt or a combination of all five. I probably use this once a week. It's a physical exfoliant, but it's a very gentle scrub and works best when you use a small amount with a light hand.

After a day in the sun, I will shower and on my face I will apply an oil to sort of soothe and hydrate it. Right now I am using Biossance Squalene and Vitamin C Rose Oil, which helps brighten and also hydrates without being greasy or feeling gross on warm skin on a warm day.

I am a bit of a lip balm collector, and have several I apply during the day and before bed. At night I like this one from Lawless Beauty. For daytime with SPF, I like LipScreen from Supergoop.


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Now I'd love to hear from you! What is your summer skincare routine? Do you have any essentials you love so much you wish to shout from the rooftops (or share in the comments)? Your favorite may be just what another reader is looking for (I know many of my favorites are thanks to your suggestions!).

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In: Beauty, Make Up, Skincare · Tagged: Black Girl Sunscreen, Colleen Rothschild, Grande Cosmetics, Pixi, Saie Beauty, Supergoop

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Comments

  1. Alison says

    June 24, 2022 at 3:51 pm

    I struggle! I never was a heavy make up person but once the pandemic started and I never went out I really got away from applying make up – especially since masks were so prevalent. Now that most places are mask-free, I have tried to wear make up again but my old routine which was minimal to begin with, doesn’t work!!

    I think my skin changed since I also went through menopause the last few years and it has changed my skin. It feels much drier and I can’t seem to figure out a good skincare routine that isn’t onerous, but helps and maybe also will help me when I do want to wear make up. Right now, anything I do looks cakey and/or streaky.

    I really want to just smooth out things, not look dried out, maybe be dewey but not ‘shiny’ or oily. At this point, I just don’t bother with make up, because lately anytime I try I just feel like I look worse (and not myself). I don’t even know how to figure out how to treat my skin better or where I can go to get good info.

    Reply
  2. Brenna says

    June 24, 2022 at 9:19 am

    Thank you so much for sharing, Alison. I always love when you recommend products. What I struggle with is what to take when I travel… it always seems like I’m bringing so many bottles. I know you take trips often… do you have any tips for paring down the products when traveling?

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      June 24, 2022 at 9:22 am

      I have the Discovery Set from Colleen Rothschild which is a lot of products I either usually use or like enough to be an alternative while away. The bottles are reusable and TSA-friendly sizes which has been great, I’ve even refilled with other products at times. The kit is currently sold out (https://bit.ly/3OD4Qjp). I also have these plastic containers that are like refillable CapriSun bags for my shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, hair gel, etc. and they are AWESOME and super durable: https://amzn.to/3QJPmfm but honestly I’ve learned it’s better to just take a lot and not be stressed than try to pare down and have weird hair or angry skin or mediocre makeup. I’d rather take fewer clothes than fewer beauty and skincare products!

      Reply
  3. Anne says

    June 24, 2022 at 9:01 am

    I started using Pixie Glow Tonic at night because you mentioned it and it’s one of the best things I’ve used for the past 2.5 years. It’s not too harsh and it definitely makes a difference in how I look. I’ve tried other acids and they all irritate my face eventually. I use a Dr. Dennis Gross 2-step Alpha Beta Extra Strength peel about once a month. I cleanse my face (night only) with Bobbi Brown’s cleansing oil (and use Olay Regenerating face wipes for nights when I’m exhausted and don’t have any makeup to remove). I have used IT’s Confidence in a Cream moisturizer at night for years now and whenever I switch to something else I always go back to it. I use Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen most days, but sometimes use SunBum’s tinted 30 spf face sunscreen (very matte, just happens to look natural on me). When I’m at the beach, I use Josie Maran’s Argan Oil daily moisturizer sunscreen, which has never failed me. People have complained online that they changed the formula but I really haven’t noticed any difference. I’m picky about scents and apparently I have relatively sensitive skin, and these products are my tried-and-trues. Enjoy your well-earned vacation! I was speaking with a therapist at work yesterday and told her it took me four days to relax on our 8 day vacation and she said ‘Yup, that’s about right!”

    Reply
  4. Krista says

    June 24, 2022 at 8:53 am

    I don’t change my too much during seasons (mostly the seasons don’t change much here). I have super sensitive skin. In the morning I use First Aid Beauty skin resurfacing wipes. Then a vitamin c serum and eye cream (Origins Ginzing is my current fav). Then an SPF-free all-purpose moisturizer, Tula 24-7 Hydrating Day/Night cream. After a few minutes a generous layer of sunscreen (Elta MD). Sometimes I do makeup most often no. I do have my practically non-existent brows professionally shaped and tinted. NARS tinted moisturizer and multiple stick for even skin and a little color.

    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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Sep 26

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Scenes from a Friday night…

We started at @littleblackbirddc a new wine bar in Cleveland Park where we had great food, drink, and conversation into the evening. We then headed down the street to @atomicbilliards for a whole different experience and to keep the conversation going. I treasure my friendships with @sylviacolella (who had a birthday recently), @districtofchic, and @blonde_inthedistrict they’re the real deal 🥰

My dress is @adamlippes borrowed via @renttherunway and Cheetos with Sauvignon Blanc is a really fun pairing!

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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!).

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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

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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! 🧡

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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. 

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#usinthewild #bretonstripes #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #size14 #over40style

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