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Counteract the gray days with cozy colorful clothes! 🌈 This cashmere sweater set is the prettiest teal and I loved how it looked with this candy pink Chesterfield coat. All are from @anntaylor one of my favorite places to shop because Ann has petites over a size 12. Also all of these items are on sale!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#mytalbots modernclassicstyle #wondersoftheseason #ltkover40 #ltkplussize #ltkmidsize #blackfridaysale
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@somaintimates makes it easy to shop for a range of personas this holiday season! #AD With gift guides for a range of personality types, you can easily find great gifts for your loved ones. I was drawn to the creative one, loving the rich colorful florals, luxe satin, lace trim, and of course Soma’s iconic Cool Nights sleepwear! Visit Soma’s gift guide for tips on finding the perfect present this holiday season. #SomaGiftGuide #SomaStartsWithMe
Open
Working on the weekend is far more enjoyable when it’s in my office 💚

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

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

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

I wish more communities would offer rental offices like @thegranitebuilding. With reasonably affordable monthly rates, it doesn’t have to just be business owners who get office spaces. It can be a place to work on a hobby or craft, a place to WFH that’s not home, or a place to just read and write and nap undisturbed. A literal room of one’s own. Because sometimes a person needs time to be a me and not a we. 💚
Open
You’re never too old for a Rory Gilmore sweater… this cotton fisherman sweater is from @llbean and inspired by @marielle.elizabeth I shopped the men’s department for a better size range. The influencer influenced the influencer!

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

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

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4o4bQ #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #genxstyle #ltkover40 #over40style
Open
It’s Cozy Season, and @tjmaxx is here to update our wardrobes with stylish accessories and apparel from the best brands for less. #AD

I recently visited tjmaxx.com and was so impressed with the array of elevated designer labels, on-trend looks, and the best prices. This pearl-encrusted beanie is from a woman designer I have admired for years; tjmaxx.com has the matching gloves and other pieces from this label to make a great set for yourself or to gift another. These earrings I’ve seen from the same designer at department stores; in fact I own other earrings from this label and paid much more for them. I should have checked T.J.Maxx first! And this cozy poncho is the perfect layer for late fall in the DC area.

I love how the winter white pieces elevate my existing closet. And pearls can be worn for day or glam up for evening. I can see many ways I’ll be styling these designer accessories from #tjmaxx all season long!

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4o2dA
Open
My husband has a special backpack he fills with weight to wear while hiking; it’s called rucking. I wear a @dagnedover Dakota and fill it with my laptop, my iPad, a full water bottle, and my purse and walk to work; it’s called commuting. 💁🏻‍♀️

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

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

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

#ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #genxstyle #dagnedoverdakota
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Lifestyle, The Business of Blogging · March 21, 2019

Playing Catch-Up

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. 

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Seeing the Coachella Valley for the first time with Sheree, Tonya, Jamie, and Dawn Lucy.

Friday, 7:45 am, a black car arrived at my house to take me to the airport. By 5:30 pm I was at the most adorable boutique hotel in Palm Springs with the clothing brand Chico’s and some of the loveliest people in the influencer game. Through Monday at noon, we took plenty of pictures and shared Instagram Stories, but I didn’t have a single moment to check email, write content, or do all the administrative things for my blog. And damn, was it amazing.

Blogger trips can look so glamorous, but they're a business trip, just with photoshoots instead of board meetings. You fly in and get right to it, fly out after a long day chock full of events. You get up early, you go to bed late, and have your day scheduled to the last minute. Each activity is a photo shoot with a certain dress code. You’re laughing more than you normally would, sucking in your stomach, sitting straighter because there’s a photographer capturing all the “candid” moments. You get pumped up with too much coffee and get relaxed in front of the cameras with too much champagne. Don’t get me wrong, these trips are freaking amazing and I am excited each time I am invited, but they aren’t relaxing.

This past weekend was relaxing. Chico’s did have a full itinerary, but they also had pockets of time for naps or just being alone. There was a photographer only at one of the events. There were only five influencers, and we all had either met each other before or were virtual friends for a good amount of time. It never felt like work, it felt like a retreat. We bloggers didn’t feel competitive, we shared ideas and tips to help one another succeed. We ate food, we didn’t just Instagram it. There was more tea consumed than coffee and alcohol combined. We laughed until we snorted, we looked out for one another, and we had a blast with the Chico’s staff who have become friends after all this time working together.

Before I went, I felt exhausted physically and mentally. I normally do this time of year. There’s the rush of the holidays, which is a busy time personally and the busiest time for a blogger. January is usually a slow time for blogging and a time to reflect and plot out the new year but for my family, it’s four birthdays – me, my daughter, my sister, and my mom. And Girl Scout cookie season. Then taxes. And then it’s mid-March and I feel woefully behind and slightly sad and not until March 20th do I remember that my dad died on March 19th and that is also contributing to that not really liking this time of year and feeling lost. 

But this trip, instead of adding to my exhaustion was just what the doctor ordered.  

I was riding in the back of a Jeep through the desert with these women and I began to tear up.  If I didn't begin to blog to “look busy” at a new job back in 2005.  If in 2017 I didn't decide to end the year by ending my 10-year career at my day job and focusing on this full-time.  If I didn't have Wardrobe Oxygen and put so much heart and effort into it there's a very good chance I would have died without ever seeing this beautiful part of the country.  

It reminded me of when my blog provided the opportunity for me to visit Santa Barbara a couple of years back when I was still at my day job.  I was in this gorgeous part of the country and I hardly saw it because every minute I wasn't at the conference I was in my hotel room working.  That trip was a big reason why I chose to quit my day job.  I worked hard and I was being rewarded and I couldn't even enjoy the fruits of my labor.  Life is short, I may never again have such an opportunity. 

That job that asked me to “look busy” when I started eventually got busy, and I started traveling to client sites across the country every three to six weeks. I went to California – twice – but each visit was less than 48 hours.  In Monterey, we had about five hours free before hopping in a taxi to the airport.  Otherwise, all I saw was a fancy restaurant, my hotel, and the client's conference room. In San Francisco, I saw the campus of Gap which was cool, but otherwise no part of the city. I. took a career risk and left the team for an evening with a high school friend who lived there.  We rode a cable car and ate steamed artichokes. The next morning before the sun rose I was at the airport heading home.  I left that business travel job for my last job, the one where I stayed for a decade.  When I started this last job, I asked to travel less since I was starting a family.  I didn't miss living out of a suitcase, but I missed having the opportunity to travel and see this amazing and diverse country.

It's so wonderful to have worked to the point where I have opportunities like this weekend in Palm Springs and to know my business so well I could go sway for four days and the blog would still chug along.  

But this amazing vacation in a beautiful part of this country I had never before left me playing catch-up when I returned to the real world. Both inboxes were overflowing, dozens of comments were waiting to be replied to, calls were scheduled, invoices were due, brands wanted replies and metrics on past campaigns, and I had no content written. Tuesday started before dawn with a child crying that she had pink eye (she didn't), and then was eaten up by an unexpected five-hour visit to the cell phone store with my mom.  The day ended and I hardly accomplished a thing.

Wednesday I started off with lofty goals – I’d reply to all the comments, all the emails, write a recap of my trip in Palm Springs AND do a photo shoot for a blog post.

Well it’s 7:22 pm and there aren't any photos from an outfit shoot to edit for a blog post, and no recap of Palm Springs. However, I replied to most comments on social and the blog, answered around 200 emails, confirmed travel for an upcoming trip, requested product for upcoming blog posts, packed up some returns and hell… even took a shower after the gym. Some days, a shower is an accomplishment that should be recognized and celebrated.

A bigger accomplishment is my mindset this week versus last. I’ve had a conversation with a fellow influencer back in January that has been weighing on me ever since. She is a friend, she meant no malice, but it really made me question this profession. I was feeling down because brands were rejecting me due to my low Instagram numbers. She was offering advice, types of content to share, times to schedule it, strategic use of hashtags, to create less blog content and focus on Instagram, activities to take part in that I may not enjoy but would expand my reach, and to consider buying followers to look more valuable. I don’t blame anyone who goes in that direction, the influencer game is hella competitive and few will even give you the time of day if you don’t have a certain number in your Instagram profile. But I didn’t want to do that, and it felt like I would be sacrificing everything important to me. I would have to make brands more important than people, and that has never been the focus on Wardrobe Oxygen.

I didn't take her advice, but I kept thinking about it. I scrolled through the Instagram followers of friends and people I admired and saw hundreds of bot accounts in a row, a sign of buying followers. I saw how a photo that two hours earlier I liked and commented on was now deleted from their feed, likely because it didn’t have enough engagement. I saw how three minutes after a photo posted it would already have a thousand likes, all from men from foreign countries (a clear sign of purchased engagement from a bot farm). It made me mad, it made me sad, and it made me wonder if I was just being stupid to not take part. This isn’t a hobby, it’s not just a way to fund my shopping addiction, this is my career that puts food on our table and keeps a roof over my family. Should I play this game to make my financial situation more secure? Or should I just bow out of the whole game before I completely sell my soul?

And then Chico’s invited me to Palm Springs. Me, who doesn’t have a kazillion Instagram followers, who isn’t a specific niche with a clear brand, or a curated Instagram feed. I like to think I’m strong enough to not need ego boosts, but I needed this ego boost. I needed some sort of career confirmation that I’m doing just fine without taking part in the game.

I take pride in Wardrobe Oxygen.  It makes me so happy when a fellow blogger compliments my content, remarks on how much work it must take to produce it.  I love doing it, it feels great to have you all thank me for helping you, it's the whole point of this site.  And now that I've done a bit of catching up, a bit of crying in the Coachella Valley, a bit of connecting with fellow influencers who truly care about their audiences and their reputations, and a bit of an ego boost from a brand I really respect, I'm ready for creating more fabulous content for all of you.  Stay tuned, there's some really great stuff on the horizon!

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In: Lifestyle, The Business of Blogging

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Comments

  1. Dawn Lucy says

    March 22, 2019 at 8:20 am

    I just love how open and real you are, Alison! I was also so happily shocked at getting invited to this experience with my relatively low instagram numbers. It makes me love Chico’s even more … they respect and reward authenticity! Here’s to keeping it real … real followers, real style, real talk!

    OXOX
    Dawn Lucy

    Reply
    • Jacqueline says

      March 22, 2019 at 8:47 pm

      I am happy to discover your blog! Just signed up! Thank you Alison!

      Reply
  2. karen says

    March 22, 2019 at 6:29 am

    thank you for your open and honest post. as a women of a certain age, i’ll admit to still liking a good old fashion magazine, and i know that those photo’s etc are photoshopped to the nth degree and the clothing is usally way outside my price zone…but online, with blogs, i like real people, with real lives…which is what i like so much about your blog….the photos and the outfits in them are real, the content is from the heart and soul and speaks beyond the clothing…thank you for what you do and how you do it.

    Reply
  3. Chris says

    March 22, 2019 at 3:26 am

    Allie,

    I am so happy that you had the time to play turista on this business trip. I’m sending a shout out to Chico’s for giving my girl and the other ladies a well deserved break.

    Our desert areas are particularly impressive in the Spring. I am hoping that you got to see some desert wildflowers. I know I’m promoting California again but I’d like folks to know that we’re more than expensive prices, massive fires, and earthquakes. There are so many diverse ecosystems and so many cities and towns, each with their own unique character.

    OK, enough CA boosting from me. Your honesty, sincerity, and passion brings and keeps many of us here. I am shocked to learn that some influencers use bot (bought!) followers. What for? To increase numbers? To me, that has no value at all. Brands must realize that is going on. What, they don’t care as long as the numbers are above some arbitrary cutoff? Fooey, I say. Keep doing what you’re doing. Keep doing Allie.

    Reply
  4. Lainey says

    March 21, 2019 at 11:42 pm

    I rarely comment, but just wanted to echo some of the posts above. I keep following your blog because of the authenticity you display. I am perhaps a little different from your target demographic – mid-30’s, not petite or plus-sized, West Coaster, not even all that into fashion. I happened upon your blog a few years ago through a linked post by another blogger I followed at the time and have been enjoying your writing ever since.. Your Weekend Reads are always a highlight of my week. Keep up the amazing work!

    Reply
  5. Karin says

    March 21, 2019 at 11:28 pm

    I’m glad you got to enjoy this trip—you deserve it! Thanks for all you do writing and shooting such useful and thoughtful posts. I really appreciate your focus this year on not buying so many new things but re-using what you have. Wishing you continued success.

    Reply
  6. Downtown Librarian says

    March 21, 2019 at 9:59 pm

    You are an amazing woman! I’m glad you had an excellent experience at the Chico’s weekend – they are one of my favorite brands. I love your content which goes far beyond pictures of yourself in the latest style. Thank you for featuring meaningful content as well as beautiful clothes. And especially thank you for your integrity.

    Reply
  7. jamie says

    March 21, 2019 at 2:26 pm

    Alison, your heartfelt instagram stories during our trip made me love you EVEN MORE! I’m so thankful that I can call you my friend and admire your ability to speak the real truth. I CAN’T wait until I get to see you and spend more time with you again. Meanwhile I shall continue to follow along …

    YAY to Chico’s for bringing the 5 of us together — this was truly a memorable trip in SO many ways. XOXO

    Reply
  8. Brenda says

    March 21, 2019 at 12:45 pm

    Ditto to all the above – I admire the work you are doing and enjoy reading (and sometimes buying) based on your photos/reviews.

    Reply
  9. Tonya Parker says

    March 21, 2019 at 11:18 am

    This is so well written, honest and true! I absolutely love your blog and I love that you are the same in real life as you appear online. Completely authentic!

    Reply
  10. Maia says

    March 21, 2019 at 11:15 am

    Allie, I rarely comment but I have been reading your blog since 2008 (when I found it as a freshman in college looking for a list of ‘closet staples’). I continue to read your blog because I appreciate your refreshingly honest takes on topics ranging from fashion to politics. I always look forward to that point in my morning when I check out your latest content–thank you for keeping it of a high quality and please do keep it up!

    Reply
  11. Cee says

    March 21, 2019 at 10:52 am

    I wonder if your conversion(?) rate is better than influencers who buy likes on IG, and that’s because your followers trust your judgment and character. Kudoes to Chico’s for recognizing quality.

    Reply
  12. GreenDoor says

    March 21, 2019 at 10:38 am

    While I have no buisness opining on how you provide for your household, as a reader of fashion blogs, I can spot the phony “bought” ones a mile away. The bloggers have no theme, there’s no singlular message they promote, no clear target market. I specifically follow you because you have a clear message, you have a clear sense of style, and, quite frankly, your figure is similar to mine. You are genuine!! Curvier women already have a hard time getting the fashion industry to recognize that we’re a market. We need Influencers like you to keep our fashion goals out there! We need Influencers that say, “sorry, you don’t go past a size 16 – my readers wouldn’t be intersted” or “sorry, you only use thin models in your ads, my readers don’t see themselves in your message.” You have the ability as an Influencer to push back on behalf of your readers and I hope you keep doing that! I unerstand that every business decision comes with a certain amount of risk in terms of your personal household….but I really believe you can’t go wrong when you stay true to your mission. Keep up the great work!

    Reply
    • Jen says

      March 21, 2019 at 10:51 am

      Ditto!

      Reply
    • Patricia Smith says

      March 21, 2019 at 11:02 am

      Right on!

      Reply
    • Kaffesoester says

      March 21, 2019 at 12:37 pm

      couldn’t agree more!

      Reply
  13. LynninRI says

    March 21, 2019 at 10:00 am

    Good morning – sitting in the middle of tax season and yours is the blog I turn to for reality. I regularly shop the items you review and recommend. Thank you for being real, readable and such a great reviewer!! Now back to this stack of returns…

    Reply
  14. Allison says

    March 21, 2019 at 9:17 am

    Alison – there’s a reason why your followers stick with you – and have stuck with you for over a decade (like me)! Your authenticity and transparency shine through. And, I am 100% more likely to consider a product or brand you recommend because you have been very clear and honest with your work here. It’s no surprise that great brands like Chico’s recognize that and reward you accordingly! It’s well deserved! And, if I’m being honest, I went to a Chico’s because it was featured here! It’s not a brand I would have otherwise considered. Keep up the good work, girl!

    Reply
  15. Patricia Smith says

    March 21, 2019 at 9:14 am

    I love your blog and have been reading for several years. Your comments influence my purchasing decisions. What I love the most is the authentic voice you have. You are the real deal and not fly-by-night. I adore your Saturday reads and how thought-provoking they are. Your depth is what gives this blog value. Don’t forget that.

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

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

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Nov 19

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

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

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

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Nov 17

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

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

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

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

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Nov 15

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

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

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

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

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Nov 6

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

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

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

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Nov 4

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Early voting poll worker style 🗳️

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

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

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

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Nov 2

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

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

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

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

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

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Oct 18

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

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

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

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

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Oct 17

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Oct 11

Open
The biggest fashion trend this fall is a return to classics. For decades I have turned to @talbotsofficial for quality classics with style.  This season, Talbots has a fantastic range of pants to update the wardrobe. 

I love how these @talbotsofficial ivory stretch corduroy straight leg pants elevate closet classics! Available in Misses, Petite, Plus, Plus Petite, Curvy, and in 10 colors, these cords are a chic alternative to jeans and just as easy care! I can run errands and have a bit of quiet time with an ebook and a coffee with comfort and style. 

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4kFNi #talbots #mytalbots #talbotspartner #ltkover40 #modernclassicstyle #liketkit #ltkover40

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