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
Open
If @thechicks are in town you can bet @debbiefaye78 and I will be there! So when we heard they were coming to @merriweatherpp we were so excited. And their concert did not disappoint. As always, a phenomenal show! If The Chicks come to your neck of the woods I highly recommend you go!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We’ve never had a small breed dog before and it’s a whole different experience. But we adore Oscar and couldn’t imagine our life without him! Thank you for coming into our life Oskie McGoskie! 🐾❤️
  • Fashion
    • Capsule Wardrobes
    • Outfit Posts
  • Beauty
    • Skincare
    • Curly Hair
  • Lifestyle
    • Perimenopause
    • Health and Wellness
    • Travel
  • Subscribe
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Work with Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Exclusive Promo Codes for Wardrobe Oxygen
  • Fashion
    • Capsule Wardrobes
    • Outfits
    • Plus Size Fashion
    • Denim
    • Footwear
    • Activewear
    • Swimwear
    • Underpinnings and Sleepwear
  • Beauty
    • Curly Hair
    • Skincare
  • Lifestyle
    • Perimenopause
    • Travel
    • The Business of Blogging

Wardrobe Oxygen

Real-life style for grown women

  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Work with Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Exclusive Promo Codes for Wardrobe Oxygen
  • Fashion
    • Capsule Wardrobes
    • Outfits
    • Plus Size Fashion
    • Denim
    • Footwear
    • Activewear
    • Swimwear
    • Underpinnings and Sleepwear
  • Beauty
    • Curly Hair
    • Skincare
  • Lifestyle
    • Perimenopause
    • Travel
    • The Business of Blogging

Outfit Posts, Summer · June 23, 2021

Pink Cotton Shirtdress from Chico’s Black Label

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. 

Alison in a pink snakeskin cotton poplin shirtdress from Chico's Black Label collection. She is walking down a sidewalk looking away from the camera.

As I mentioned in this blog post, I think a cotton shirtdress is one of the best things for summer. They dry fast, they don't cling, and they can make you look and feel polished even with sweat running down your legs. When perusing the New Arrivals from Chico's I found this pink cotton shirtdress from Chico's Black Label collection and HAD to try it!

As a reminder, I am a Chico's Ambassador. This means I get to pick out New Arrivals to style on Instagram. If I share Chico's looks here on the blog, it is of my own choosing because I like them enough to style/feature, or I think they're worth reviewing (positive or negative). If a post is sponsored/paid by Chico's or any other retailer, I will state that at the beginning of the text.

Pink poplin shirtdress from Chico's as seen on Alison of Wardrobe Oxygen. She has it belted and styled the dress with a vintage white crocheted frame purse and gold Margaux Uptown Sandals

A Pink Cotton Shirtdress from Chico's Black Label Collection

Anyway, back to this pink cotton shirtdress. I showed it quickly in what I wore for a DC staycation, but it deserved some higher-quality photos where I wasn't a disheveled mess after a long day. The dress is made from cotton poplin with a hint of stretch. The buttons down the front are behind a hidden placket; the self-belt is removable (only attached with those little threads) and the dress has pockets. The sleeves are bracelet length with elasticized cuffs; this makes the sleeve look cute down or easy to push up and stay up.

For those who don't like pink, the dress is also available in solid black. However, I love the pink snake print because it's unexpected… and also because it hides sweat! With such a pattern, you can't tell what's shadow and what's from a really hot and humid summer day! At least at the time of writing this (yesterday), both dresses were on sale!

Wardrobe Oxygen wearing a pink poplin calf length belted shirtdress with a vintage white handbag and gold heeled sandals

I plan on taking this dress to the tailor to have shortened, I know it will then look better with flat shoes. I am 5'3″; those who are taller will likely find the length lovely. I styled the dress with my Margaux Uptown Sandals (click here to read my Margaux shoes review) to give a bit of height to balance the length of the dress. These heels really go with everything and continue to be the only heels in my closet that I find comfortable.

I am wearing this dress in size Large. While Chico's has their unique numbering size system for its base collection, its Black Label collection has a more traditional sizing convention. I tested before reviewing it; I washed this in the machine AND I put it in the dryer! This is how it looks after without any steaming or ironing. The Chico's Black Label Collection may be pricey but the quality is so good and the attention to detail is designer-level. I have washed and dried other poplin shirtdresses and they have shrunk, faded, gotten pilly, or look like a crumpled paper bag. Highly impressed!

vintage white crocheted frame handbag from the 1970's

This bag belonged to my mom. She gave it to me when she was cleaning out her closet; we are not sure the history but it is older than I am and the label says Dickins & Jones Regent Street, made in Italy. She is guessing she bought it in the early '70s when she lived in London. A blue ink pen leaked inside but it's near impossible to see on the outside; the straps were a bit dingy over the years of wear but I was able to clean them up with some diluted Dr. Bronner's.

Alison of Wardrobe Oxygen holding a white fintage crocheted frame handbag

It has two open pockets with a center pocket that has a gold clasp closure and a size that works great in 2021: plenty of room for my phone, my keys, my mask, hand sanitizer, sunglasses, lip balm, and a small wallet (I've been using this in place of my big pre-‘demic wallet finding I really don't need to cart all that stuff around). I of course can't link to this bag but I found some other great vintage crocheted bags on Etsy:

Shop Vintage Crocheted Bags:

350

On my wrist is a real mishmosh of bracelets. The whole “arm party” trend was hot over a decade ago but I am embracing it again. Usually I wear a WHOOP tracking wristband which makes it hard to wear my beloved silver cuff. I started adding a couple of small bracelets around the WHOOP wristband so it didn't look so… athletic. I took off the bracelet for the shoot but left all the randomness:

Alison Gary of Wardrobe Oxygen with a wristful of different bracelets

I have one of these cuffs, and one of these cuffs, the pink quartz bracelet was from Colleen Rothschild Beauty in a PR kit, the “diamond” tennis bracelet was a gifted item from a lab-manufactured diamond company that no longer exists that I partnered with back in my blogspot days, there is this LAGOS chain bracelet that was a gift from the brand at a lunch I attended a couple of years ago, and this bracelet which has a little saying our family says engraved on it (a gift from the brand from almost a year ago).

Alison of Wardrobe Oxygen in a pink poplin belted shirtdress from Chico's

On my lips is Laura Mercier's Velour Matte pencil in “Clique” with Fenty Beauty's gloss in “Cheeky” over it. I love the “Cheeky” gloss, it transforms all of my lip products. I wear if over NARS “Pigalle,” over my reds (this is my favorite red), and on its own and it makes everything pop. I don't think a bold lip is needed for such a bold dress but I felt bold today. The last time I wore this I wore an orangey lipcolor which was a fun contrast! No need to be matchy-matchy, contrast can be chic!

Shop the Post:

350

alison signature

In: Outfit Posts, Summer · Tagged: Chico's, Margaux shoes

Did you like what you just read?

Consider tapping here to buy me a coffee in thanks. The best gift you can give a content creator is the gift of sharing. Consider sharing this article on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. Thank you so much for your support!

join the community

You’ll Also Love

Georgetown Wine & Dine Weekend Reception: What I Wore
Why I Wore This Rebecca Taylor Cotton Dress for an Evening Event
What I Wore Recently

Comments

  1. Nicole says

    June 25, 2021 at 7:30 pm

    Love this on you!

    Reply
  2. eileen says

    June 25, 2021 at 2:43 pm

    Agree with everyone, this dress looks great on you! I immediately followed the link to Talbots. It doesn’t look very flattering on the Talbot models. Too long on both of them and the black is flat matte color. Your vintage bag….love!

    Reply
  3. pat says

    June 23, 2021 at 10:24 am

    You look marvelous darling. One of your best outfits and flattering fit.

    Reply
    • Marla says

      June 23, 2021 at 11:05 am

      I completely agree with Pat! I think the length is flattering, but it’s your dress. I’m curious to see the shorter version and with flats. Your hair also looks fantastic is these photos!

      Reply
  4. Rebecca says

    June 23, 2021 at 10:09 am

    Just ordered. Keeping my fingers crossed it works better for me than the Boden shirtwaist did, but I usually have good luck with Chico’s.

    Reply
  5. LJ says

    June 23, 2021 at 9:55 am

    This dress is so pretty! How do you think it would look unbelted? I like flowy sack dresses that don’t have any waist defining features…wondering if this would look okay styled that way or not. Would also love to see it styled as a duster.

    Reply
  6. Jane says

    June 23, 2021 at 9:08 am

    This look is wonderful on you! The color, the cut, the gold sandals, the jewelry…

    Reply
  7. Susan says

    June 23, 2021 at 9:06 am

    You look awesome!

    Reply
  8. Krista says

    June 23, 2021 at 8:31 am

    What a fun dress! But my favorite thing about the whole look is your mom’s vintage bag! How fun for summer.

    Reply
  9. Leu2500 says

    June 23, 2021 at 7:56 am

    I’ve got to say “oh fer cute.” You’re really channeling Brenda Kinsel with the purse & stack of bracelets. You’ve put a great outfit together for when one wants to look/feel pretty – like brunch with the girls after ~15 months of isolation. It’s great to be able to dress up for someplace other than the grocery store.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

Weekend Reads #157

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.

Archives

Search Wardrobe Oxygen:

Categories

  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Health & Wellness
  • Outfits

instagram

Follow @wardrobe_oxygen

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 26

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!

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 23

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

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 21

Open
If @thechicks are in town you can bet @debbiefaye78 and I will be there! So when we heard they were coming to @merriweatherpp we were so excited. And their concert did not disappoint. As always, a phenomenal show! If The Chicks come to your neck of the woods I highly recommend you go!

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

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

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

View

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

View

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

View

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

View

Aug 30

Open
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

View

Aug 29

Open
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

View

Aug 28

Open
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

Info

  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Exclusive Promo Codes

join the community

On the Blog

  • Capsule Wardrobes
  • Curly Hair
  • Plus Size Fashion
  • Perimenopause
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Disclosure

Copyright © 2023 Wardrobe Oxygen · Theme by 17th Avenue