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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
Open
It was so funny and so quick I couldn’t not share! I bought this @hulkenbag a year ago and use it all the time. Carting shoot supplies, groceries, packing for road trips, and carting donations. This weekend @thenewdealcafe in @cityofgreenbelt hosted a community clothing swap so I made sure my family and I went through our summer wardrobes to gather that which we no longer needed or fit.

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

It’s so great to know our old clothes are getting a good life and this bag makes carting them to the cafe so easy! I got my Hulken on Amazon, it comes in other colors and sizes too: https://amzn.to/48iTY4Y yep the bag is as great as all those ads you see on social media, I’m a big fan!
Open
I had to see… I asked my husband how often he thinks about the Roman Empire, and then asked our 14-year-old 😂
Open
#ad Go through my archives on Wardrobe Oxygen and one thing is clear: my family and I are a fan of @bombas socks! From their no-slip no-show socks to their iconic crew socks, Bombas makes great socks for the whole family while having a great heart.

Socks are the #1 requested article of clothing from homeless shelters. For every item purchase from Bombas, one is donated to someone experiencing homelessness. 

Save 20% on your first purchase at Bombas with my exclusive promo code: WARDROBE20

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4ipHy #bombas
Open
Happy gotcha day, Oscar! Four years ago he came into our life and we are so happy to have in our family!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4idXm
Open
#throwbackthursday to what I wore 10 years ago in September…

A decade ago I was working full time in an office and was promoted to manage a good portion of my department. My blog was doing quite well, I was featured in local and national publications and websites. I was embracing what I felt to be a polished professional with an edgy vibe. Less color, more interesting accessories, and my first semi-designer bag (I still have that leopard print mini M.A.C. In the back of my closet). 

I have come to embrace color and have way less black in my closet now, but a lot of these looks are timeless and I would wear now… just likely with lower heels! 😂

Do you recall what you were wearing a decade ago? How similar is it to how you dress now?

For more of my throwbacks visit #wo2tbt
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Outfit Posts, Winter · March 9, 2020

Petite Suiting for Curves

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. 

Woman walking out of an office building in a tan colored pantsuit

Y'all know I love a suit.  Since leaving Corporate America I find I actually wear more suits.  My old office atmosphere was more the black pants/merino sweater in the winter/silky tee in the summer kind and the need for a work suit was maybe once a year.  But now, I love suits for all sorts of occasions.  Wedding?  Blogger event?  Date night?  Speaking at a conference?  Want to feel fierce when I feel like poo poo even if I'm running errands?  A suit works (though when it's worn to Target the shoes are sneakers, not pumps). Wear the pants alone, the blazer alone, I find I get so much wear and am less likely to be tired of it come the end of a season.  Even better when I can find suiting that fits my petite curves.

Wardrobe Oxygen in a Talbots double breasted petite pantsuit with white shirt and nude pumps

Blazer: Luxe Italian Double Weave Double Breasted Blazer c/o Talbots (14 Petite) | Pants: Luxe Italian Double Weave Barely Boot Pants c/o Talbots (14 Petite) | Shirt: Sleeveless Perfect Shirt c/o Talbots (14 Petite) | Shoes: Nine West | Earrings: Old (found almost the same ones on Etsy)

Wardrobe Oxygen in a Talbots double breasted petite pantsuit with white shirt and nude pumps

This isn't my first luxe Italian Double Weave suit from Talbots; I also have this one in a dark red from 2018 which is still in my wardrobe.  The fabric is pretty perfect.  It's soft, it stretches, but it looks professional and polished and can also dress up beautifully for day weddings and similar events. When I saw this putty-colored suit I had to try it.  Talbots suiting fits me so great right off the rack (or out of the box) and I liked the idea of a tailored double-breasted jacket with a feminine cut.  I also love that this suit comes in Misses, Petite, Plus, and Plus Petite to size 24.  This is the suit right out of the box, no tailoring.  For reference, I'm wearing a 14 petite in both pieces and I am 5'3″.  I usually wear a 14 petite in Ann Taylor; for J. Crew and Banana Republic I do better sizing up to 16 or 16 petite and tailoring down so I can accommodate my bust, shoulders, and legs. I wear a 12 in cabi and Universal Standard.

talbots suiting review 3

I didn't expect from the photos on the website that the jacket would be so short and the pants so long.  I originally envisioned wearing the suit with my white loafers but it didn't look right.  The proportions are more feminine and if I were to wear flats I think I'd go with a pointy-toe flat or maybe a kitten heel.  I tried my leopard kitten heel pumps but the color was too strong unless I wanted to switch out the shirt for a darker color. I was really digging the light neutral effect with the white shirt so I pulled out my trusty beige Nine West pumps.  I've had these same pumps for years and also have them in black; when I worked in an office I'd replace them every year or so because they'd get all sweaty, stretched out, and the heels nicked too much for the cobbler to remedy. Now with my new life, they only are worn for special occasions but I still find them to be relatively comfortable for the height and the color and silhouette classic enough that they've looked stylish all these years.  Also, the price is quite reasonable!

plus size petite suiting 3

The white shirt is sleeveless, which I like because I get hot, but also because I have pretty solid arms and shoulders.  I appreciate fewer layers under my blazers!  I was torn between a 16 and a 14, worrying the 14 wouldn't accommodate my bust but knowing in the past a 16 is too loose in the neck and wide in the shoulders. I have two safety pins holding the shirt closed but it fits beautifully everywhere else.  I am an F cup; if you're smaller I think this would fit quite beautifully (it's also wrinkle-free!).

talbots luxe italian doublecloth suit 3

As for the earrings… I bought these several years ago on sale from Shopbop along with a few other items.  I believe it was when I was trying to figure out what to wear to the rewardStyle conference. I totally thought I put them back in the box to return and somehow missed them and didn't realize until I got the email confirmation for the return missing them.  I found them in the box under my bed of course after the return window.  It's funny, back then I found these earrings boring – too small, I didn't like the brushed metal, and they seemed to be everywhere.  And now in 2020, I'm digging them again.

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In: Outfit Posts, Winter · Tagged: Nine West, Talbots

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Comments

  1. lorena says

    March 24, 2020 at 5:48 pm

    What a marvelous suit ! the color and the fit are outstanding.
    I love suits too however most did not fit so I had to go on a diet and I can happily report I can get into at least one of them.

    Reply
  2. Emily says

    March 12, 2020 at 4:58 pm

    That suit looks great! What do you do about sweating onto the suit if you wear a sleeveless top with it? Do you just dry clean the jacket regularly or do you put some kind of sweat shield in there?

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      March 16, 2020 at 3:45 pm

      I don’t deal with it a lot since my suiting is usually worn for just a few hours versus all day or through travel. However, before I did used to wear shields or else shirts long enough to cover the armpit

      Reply
  3. Telf AG says

    March 10, 2020 at 12:40 pm

    That is just gorgeous on you!

    Reply
  4. Cynthia says

    March 9, 2020 at 11:07 pm

    You look amazing — now I want a suit!

    Reply
  5. Mandy says

    March 9, 2020 at 10:49 pm

    Well, you totally rock beige!! Not many people can do that! I love this suit. It’s absolutely stunning!

    Reply
  6. Debra says

    March 9, 2020 at 5:28 pm

    That suit is FABULOUS, and you look awesome in it. Thanks to your blog, I updated my office wear with many pieces from Talbots. I also have “solid arms and shoulders” and hate all the extra fabric of wearing a long-sleeved top under a blazer. I’ve even cut the sleeves off a white button-down that fit great at the neck and chest but was too constricting on my arms under a blazer or sweater. Although I can’t take the blazer off when I wear it, I’m alright with that. It’s a small price to pay to look wonderful otherwise!

    Reply
    • Bette says

      March 9, 2020 at 5:55 pm

      Debra, I do this all the time! My husband used to ask, “What are those things in the trash?” Now he knows — they’re sleeves! 😉

      Reply
  7. MicMacinMN says

    March 9, 2020 at 2:24 pm

    Wow Ali, you look so fabulous in that suit. It fits you perfectly. You’ve changed my thinking about suits – I had been avoiding them thinking they were fuddy-duddy. Now I’m thinking about how easy they are to wear and to style up or down and how they could simplify some of my wardrobing decisions . Thanks!

    Reply
  8. Evelyn says

    March 9, 2020 at 12:35 pm

    Wow. This suit is really beautiful and you look awesome. I have always steered away from fully matched suits because I never saw any petite/short plus size women in the workplace who looked good in them. This one, however, has completely changed my mind.

    Reply
  9. Nancy says

    March 9, 2020 at 12:27 pm

    Mah-velous look for you!

    Reply
  10. Linda says

    March 9, 2020 at 9:56 am

    What Bette said. 5’10” and can never find suits to fit.

    Reply
  11. Bette says

    March 9, 2020 at 9:38 am

    I love the Talbots Luxe Italian fabric — it’s gorgeous, as is this suit on you! And thanks for highlighting the sleeveless blouse, which is perfect under suit jackets.

    With this said, I’m still annoyed that Talbots doesn’t offer these pants in a Tall length. WTH. Of all pants, the Luxe Italian suiting is the place we need Talls.

    I know you love Talbots, so if you have any influence on their products…please use it on your tall readers’ behalf!

    Reply

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Spring Forward in Pink, Fuchsia, Lilac, and Purple

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 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

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 19

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

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 11

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 8

Open
I can see clearly now…

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

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

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 5

Open
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!

wardrobe_oxygen

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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).

wardrobe_oxygen

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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!

wardrobe_oxygen

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Aug 28

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Stripes are always right…

Y’all know I love stripes and when @universalstandard came out with their Breton-stripe dresses and tops I HAD to try them! As expected, the quality is stellar, the fit boosts my confidence, and I appreciate the range of colors (5 different stripes to choose from) and sizes (00-50). For reference, I’m wearing XS but preferred S for the top and I usually wear a 14 or XL in other brands.

The tote is @able and it’s a soft yet durable leather that just looks better with time. This color (cognac) is one that transitions nicely from summer to fall. 

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

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

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Aug 27

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The family that wears @printfresh together stays together 🥰

Use code wardrobe_oxygen for 15% off your order of size-inclusive organic cotton sleepwear, dresses, bags & more https://glnk.io/qk04/wardrobe-oxygen

I’ve been raving about my Printfresh pajamas for years, my family also wanted to try them. Thank you Printfresh for gifting these for our annual three generation girls’ getaway to Rehoboth Beach, DE. We had a great time and being all matchy matchy in our pajamas was a fun addition! 🐅🍃🥰

#printfresh #printfreshpajamas #printfreshpartner

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Aug 12

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Shuts laptop until Monday… #RehobothBeach

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