Open
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!
Open
Night and day…

Met three dear friends for an early dinner that went on until after the sun set. Great food and conversation with some great women!

The dress is @adamlippes and I borrowed it from @renttherunway. The bag is @jcrew and a splurge but I regretted not buying it the last time they offered this bag and this color is SO me. I mean, look how great it is with these many years old suede heeled sandals? Meant to be!

This color combination makes me so happy, and this dress was comfy even after a decadent meal. We all deserve to experience comfort and joy with our wardrobes! 💛🩷

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jnDf #ltkplussize #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #over40style
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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!
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I had to see… I asked my husband how often he thinks about the Roman Empire, and then asked our 14-year-old 😂
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#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 · December 20, 2008

Online Addictions

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. 

One thing with being pregnant and then being on bed rest… your laptop becomes your dearest friend.

Yes, it is great to IM with friends, visit Facebook and see what is up with old classmates, chat on message boards and check email… but the shopping it totally heavenly.

I started Christmas shopping in July because I knew as I got closer to the holidays I wouldn't have the mind or the time to shop. At least 80% of my shopping was done online- better prices, better variety and usually I could get free shipping, or at least a kick-back from Ebates to balance the shipping fee.

Well it expanded – the only maternity clothes I purchased in an actual brick and mortar store were a pair of pants from Target. Everything else was online. For the baby – we decided to cloth diaper and each paycheck I would scour the ‘net for some fabulous sale or gently used stock to add to my collection.

And then Drugstore.com… oh how I love you so. First, you are partnered with Ebates so I get money back for each purchase. Second, your prices are usually cheaper than Target or CVS. Third, you always give me money towards a purchase or free shipping to lure me back. Fourth, you are partnered with Beauty.com so I can get witch hazel, designer cologne for my husband, red raspberry leaf teabags, prenatal vitamins, foundation primer and bubble bath all in one shipment to my house. Oh, and FAST shipping too!

Then there are sites like Etsy that are worse than meth – so terribly addictive. Not just for adorable baby things, but holiday gifts, eco-friendly home products, and one of a kind jewelry and fashions.

Now that I am bed-ridden and we do not have a TV in our bedroom (and due to the remodel we currently do not have channels/cable available on our only TV which resides in the living room), I am a huge fan of sites like Hulu.com, instant watch films on Netflix, and other sites that let me catch up with what is going on with my favorite series (today my husband and I snuggled in bed and caught the season finale of Dexter).

Yesterday after my weekly maternity appointment, my Mom and I went to the mall down the street to grab dinner at California Pizza Kitchen. She dropped me off at the curb because even at 8:30 on a Thursday, the parking lot was insane. The wait was 15 minutes for a table (far less than Cheesecake Factory or Macaroni Grill), and the mall was PACKED with people carrying bags and bags and bags. Everyone looked exhausted, stressed, and over the holiday spirit. I thought about my presents that arrived via USPS and UPS that I wrapped earlier in the day. The only stress was worrying that the delivery guy would still drop off the package at my torn up construction site of a yard.

It is a sad world we live in where so many people are recluses, hiding in their homes and living out their social lives via places like SecondLife. However I don't think that modern technology is all bad. I worked retail for a very long time and spent almost a decade of my life experiencing the holiday season from the insides of a mall. I thought it would feel amazing to be on the other side of that cash wrap once I left the field. Not so much… in fact once I left retail I almost completely left the mall. I think I visit a classic mall less than five times a year. This year I went three times – once before I was pregnant, once with my friend to help her find new trousers and update her wardrobe, and once on Black Friday where I stayed for less than two hours and didn't purchase a single thing. Social interaction is not at its best in the shopping arena and I feel that the time and stress I save from shopping online gives me more opportunity to have proper quality time with quality people.

I type this as my husband takes his shower; I have a Netflix movie queued up in another tab and have just lotioned up my face, hands and feet for bed with creams from Body Shop online and Drugstore.com. The sheets and comforter on my bed, the curtains on my windows, the yoga pants I wear and even the laptop I am using all came from online shopping. It's a pretty grand existence – one that is far less stressful, frazzled or full thanks to my scary online addictions. 🙂

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Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    December 23, 2008 at 10:33 pm

    I couldn’t stand the mall while I was pregnant. That’s when I fell in love with online shopping. After my son was born, we ironically became regulars at the mall. He was happiest when being pushed around the mall “window shopping” and people watching!

    Reply
  2. Soho500 says

    December 23, 2008 at 4:07 pm

    Hey there,
    Online shopping is fun and time saving too
    PS: I have initiated an idea to create a fashion and style blogroll where bloggers from the jewelry, fashion, style and beauty could participate.
    All you need to do is to add my blog link to your blog and i’ll do the same.
    That way, we could have a mutual partnership and we could refer visitors to each other’s blog.
    Please let me know if you would be interested.

    Thanks!
    Barbara and Ellen
    The Gals at SoHo
    http://sohoaccessories.blogspot.com

    Reply
  3. Karen says

    December 23, 2008 at 4:11 am

    I was recovering from a c section after my third son was born this fall, and the hospital had wireless. I shopped and shopped and it was great!

    Best wishes to you, baby and family

    Reply
  4. Shallow Coffee says

    December 22, 2008 at 7:02 pm

    With my second child I was on bed rest for almost two months. Sadly, I did not have someone like you to encourage me to dress a bit nicer than I did. I think it would have done a world of good for my attitude.

    Stay healthy and happy!

    Reply
  5. Sal says

    December 22, 2008 at 6:58 pm

    Too right. I did all of my holiday shopping online, too … and braved the mall a week ago to pick up something for myself. It was really stressful and a bit sad to see how frantic everyone was – shoppers and shopkeepers alike.

    Reply
  6. Boutique Mix Fashion says

    December 22, 2008 at 4:39 am

    ONline shopping is the best. I live on amazon.com for books and music and boutiquemix.com for fashion. It’s like crack. seriously.

    Reply
  7. Nanette says

    December 22, 2008 at 3:32 am

    I was big on online shopping BEFORE Em arrived. And being home, especially when she’s sleeping so much throughout the day, has INCREASED my online shopping. The mailman and UPS woman ask how the baby is doing! THAT’S how well they know me!

    And at the risk of adding to your online habit, may I suggest mamabargains.com and babysteals.com – it’s like Woot.com but for baby stuff. So. Much. Great. Stuff. (although I do admit that it can be very impulsive)

    Reply
  8. Emily @ Live Renewed says

    December 20, 2008 at 7:41 pm

    Hi Allie, I love your blog and try to catch up as often as possible. Yay for cloth diapers!! I use cloth on my 14 month girl, and plan to on baby #2 arriving in June – it can definitely become an addiction and is by far my biggest online addiction at this point. I hope you enjoy using the cloth diapers – you’ll have to blog about them so all of your readers can learn about how they are really not scary or gross and are so much better for baby and the earth!
    Here’s my little one in cloth when she was around 4 months old:
    http://mcclementsfamily.blogspot.com/2008/02/i-love-cloth-diapers.html

    ~Emily

    Reply
  9. a brown-eyed grrl says

    December 20, 2008 at 4:56 pm

    @De: Try Zappos. You have an entire year to return shoes, so long as they are in new condition.

    I’m with you, Allie! I really don’t like shopping in stores much. It makes me tired and grouchy. The only exception for me is Nordstrom, which I’ll visit a few times each year since they get some stuff in the stores that isn’t online, and I like their salespeople.

    Reply
  10. Allie says

    December 20, 2008 at 2:24 pm

    Oooh I DID mean hulu! Fixed! 🙂

    Reply
  11. GatorGirlintheCity says

    December 20, 2008 at 1:00 pm

    I heart online shopping–I will definitely check out Drugstore.com! Sounds great.

    Quick thing though–when you said you liked Hula for watching TV–did you mean Hulu (www.hulu.com)?

    Reply
  12. Golla says

    December 20, 2008 at 10:43 am

    You are amazing! Even if you are bed-ridden, you manage to find something to do. Yes, online shopping seems like a much better option than fighting the crowds. I will keep that in mind for next year. Good luck with the baby from me as well, and the best wishes for Christmas and the new year!

    Reply
  13. De in D.C. says

    December 20, 2008 at 3:42 am

    Amen for online shopping. I went to the mall once a few weeks ago to pick up a gift certificate for a teacher and got a couple gifts while I was there. If I wasn’t going to be there already though, you bet those gifts would have been ordered online. The only time I actually go to a store intentionally for a purchase is for shoes. I have a hard to fit size (10N) so need to actually try things on. I’ve tried ordering shoes online, and inevitably I don’t get them shipped back during the return period and end up with shoes I’ve paid for and can’t wear.

    Reply
  14. Anonymous says

    December 20, 2008 at 2:32 am

    Great blog, I read it everyday(almost). I love online shopping too, especially drugstore.com. How is your blood pressure now. Hope everything is ok with you.Good luck with the baby. Take care I am so excited for you

    Reply

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Holding On To The Past

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!).

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

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Sep 19

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

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

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

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

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Sep 11

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

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

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

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Sep 8

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I can see clearly now…

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

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

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

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

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