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Night and day…

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

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

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

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jnDf #ltkplussize #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #over40style
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If @thechicks are in town you can bet @debbiefaye78 and I will be there! So when we heard they were coming to @merriweatherpp we were so excited. And their concert did not disappoint. As always, a phenomenal show! If The Chicks come to your neck of the woods I highly recommend you go!

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

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

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

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

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jcBL #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #usinthewild #concertstyle
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
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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
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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! 🐾❤️
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
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Lifestyle, Health and Wellness · November 28, 2018

Don’t Read the Comments: Policing Plus Sized Women’s Bodies

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. 

Robin Givhan's piece for the Washington Post about plus size fashion, featuring marketing photos for ELOQUII and Universal Standard

I read the comments. I should know better.

I loved Robin Givhan’s latest article about plus size fashion and was so excited I clicked the comments button to see if others were as awed as I.  I figured I’d see some familiar names in there of fellow bloggers or friends. Instead I scrolled and scrolled, and scrolled and scrolled past comments attacking model La’Shaunae Steward and plenty of “advice” geared towards overweight women.

Just eat less, eat better, and exercise and you don’t have to be fat. It’s that simple.

This past year, I did exactly that.   A year ago, I changed my life quite drastically and it’s become my new normal.  I quit my stressful day job to focus on my blog. With that I ended up home to cook all three meals (no more lunches at District Taco, snacks from the CVS on the ground floor of my building, or post-work cocktails and fried bites at the bar down the block). I took meditation classes and joined Talkspace. My husband stopped drinking and I only have maybe two glasses a wine a month at networking events. The biggest change is I joined a gym and work out with a personal trainer five days a week. My trainer provided a meal plan that is plenty of fresh produce and lean protein with specific portion sizes. That combined with my husband’s love of cooking and desire for an inflammation-reducing diet I eat mostly fresh produce with some lean organic proteins and the occasional indulgence to not feel restricted. For the first time in my adult life, I don’t use business trips as an excuse to eat crap and drink one glass too many. Instead, I became comfortable in hotel fitness centers and found my new signature cocktail (club soda, two limes, and one lemon).

I am 5’3” and 190 lbs. A year ago, before I made this major life change, I was 200 lbs.  I did all this changing and I only lost 10 lbs.

But the thing is… I’ve been smaller before.  I remember it well.  I am stronger and healthier and happier now than I was when I was smaller.  At 43 years old and 190 lbs I have far more endurance than when I was 30 and 150 lbs. At age 32 and 160 lbs my doctor wanted to put me on statin drugs; at 190 lbs I have a perfectly healthy normal cholesterol level without medication.  And for the first time in my adult life, I can run.  I couldn’t do that even when I was a size-4 college student.

I’ve been thin before and know how to get back there.  Restricting calories was successful.  When I went down to 650 calories a day I lost weight.  Sure, I was an asshole, I had consistent acid reflux, called out of work to sleep because I was so drained, and had fantasies about being in a hospital so someone else could manage my life but I looked good in a swimsuit.

I could also go to the gym more.  Back when I was popping Diet Fuel like candy and walking in circles around tracks for hours at a time with ankle weights I lost weight.  Granted, my heart was constantly racing, I passed out once at the bathroom at work, had insomnia, and popped handfuls of Advil each day to deal with my knee, ankle, and back pain but I fit into a single-digit clothing size so it was worth it, right?

So many see a fat woman and equate it with being unhealthy.  But there are many women who aren’t fat and are unhealthy.  And many women who look fat who are in amazing shape.

But honestly, none of this matters because it’s not about health, it’s about policing women’s bodies.  Chris Christie gets jokes, Tess Holliday gets death threats.

Givhan’s piece was about plus size fashion, yet the 1,000+ comments primarily focused on overweight women and the assumed health of La’Shaunae Steward.  Givhan’s previous piece about Edward Enninful was phenomenal, picked up by many news sources, shared all over social media by those in the fashion know. That article has only four comments, and not a single one is about his body.   Another article by Givhan about Proenza Schouler that begins with a photo of an extremely thin model has 79 comments but only three about the bodies of the models.  These two articles, the comments are by those who are interested in fashion.  In Givhan’s article about plus size fashion, the comment section is full of individuals who clearly know nothing about fashion but were drawn to comment purely based on the feature photo.

As a blogger, I regularly receive anonymous or not-so-anonymous comments about my body and how disgusting it is.  After writing a piece for the Washington Post, I had individuals take the time to find my email address to tell me that I needed to lose weight and should consider working out.  Strangers made an effort to find my email address to tell me I should join a gym, but didn’t make the effort to find out I am a member of a gym!

The people I know who are the most knowledgeable about health, fitness, and diet are fat women. They’ve done the research, they’ve read the studies, and likely they’ve tried the methods.  To tell fat women to just eat less or hit the gym is like telling a James Beard-winning chef they should consider cast iron.  Do you know how many doctors have told me to cut out soda to lose weight without even asking if I drink it (I don’t)? The demise of society won’t be from obesity but from armchair quarterbacks who pass judgment from a feature photo and clickbait title without taking the time to read the article.

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Comments

  1. Debra says

    December 5, 2018 at 3:07 pm

    I read the Washington Post article and liked it. I read your blog about the comments related to the article and liked it. I agree with you 100%. What I’m disturbed about is my own personal reaction to the Universal Standard photo. I physically flinched and frowned. I am not one to share my negative ideas and thoughts, nor do I troll other people’s page. Having been a “big gal” all my life, I applaud designers who are making clothes that are fashionable and can fit all bodies. I just realize that I have my own issues to get over with regard to size and what is considered beautiful. I also realize that some may even see me and think I need to lose some weight. Bottom line, people can think what they want to think, but perhaps we need to keep some comments to ourselves. Without knowing anything about that person, the less that is said the better.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      December 8, 2018 at 12:11 pm

      Recognizing your reaction and that you can do better is great and something I wish more would do. It’s so cliche but Bambi’s mom said it best, if you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all. But unfortunately we live in a time where everyone has a soapbox and potential audience.

      Reply
  2. Sandra says

    November 29, 2018 at 9:56 pm

    Thank you Allie. I agree.
    I think it comes down to women’s bodies are for public consumption. Period. Our bodies belong to others to consume and evaluate.
    Total and absolute horseshit. I’m glad Universal Standard markets the way it does (even though I find their new Goop partnership problematic), because all women deserve to have well-fitting clothes they can feel confident in. Period.

    Reply
    • Tee Eff says

      November 29, 2018 at 10:15 pm

      I didn’t think much of the article itself. Givhan downplayed the importance of having size inclusive bricks and mortar stores. Only the most provocative photo was used; none of US’s diverse group photos were referenced. And, she didn’t seem to reach out to Steward for a comment, or even quote from several interviews she has done. It felt like blood in the water to me, and–expected or designed–in came the feeding frenzy.

      Reply
  3. Jane says

    November 29, 2018 at 7:31 pm

    Great piece of writing. For the sake of argument, let’s say extremely overweight people have joint problems. Medical science cannot help them. There is no proven way of permanently making a fat person thin. With nothing helpful, the only thing left is to blame the fat person.

    Yeah _ I agree. Don’t read the comments. You will get hate, concern trolling and a whole lot of “experts” telling fat people what is wrong with them and what they need to do to get better.

    Reply
  4. Trystan says

    November 29, 2018 at 4:52 pm

    Agreed 100%. The only person who gets a say on a woman’s body is — that woman herself. And maybe someone she asks for an opinion. Everyone else? STFU. Commenting on fashion is one thing, & for *fashion* models is totally fair & part of their work. Judge the style & how an outfit looks on her, keep it to the clothes. But folks should keep their mouths shut on her size, shape, or health (which nobody really knows about except her doctor).

    Reply
  5. Lisa says

    November 29, 2018 at 4:22 pm

    I was extremely thin (5’7 and 105 lbs) the vast majority of my life. Healthy as a horse, as the saying goes, but that never once stopped the ignorant, hateful comments. Often from my own relatives. Always the women. I’ve never understood why women are so hurtful to each other. Never once has a man commented on my weight. Frankly, I don’t care what size you are as long as you’re comfortable in your skin. Just be kind. Life’s too short for anything else.

    Reply
  6. Lisa says

    November 29, 2018 at 2:13 pm

    I also agree that skinny or thin doesn’t equal healthy. However, that model, does not appear healthy… at least, if she continues on at that size, it will catch up with her. This is a medical fact. Sooner rather than later. Excess weight and skin, to that extent, is not good for joints, your heart, or your back. She is beautiful and I applaud her for strutting her stuff, but let’s get real.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      November 29, 2018 at 2:22 pm

      Your comment is exactly what I am writing about. Her health is none of our business and you have absolutely NO idea if her health is better or worse than a size 4 woman but it doesn’t matter because women own their bodies, not the public and commenting on her and showing faux concern for her health is policing her body.

      Reply
    • Katelin says

      November 29, 2018 at 6:23 pm

      I’m sorry but this strikes a chord. I’ve noticed that when an overweight person says they have healthy blood work and can exercise regularly next phase of faux concern is for their joints. I’ve seenthis many times. Couldn’t it be possible that bearing more weight on a daily basis be better for a person? You would never guess I weigh nearly 200 lbs because I am a size 12. I’ve always just been very muscle dense. But if I mention my weight and say I exercise a lot I getconcern about my joints. They are fine btw. My mental health after dealing for so many years with being bullied about weight from schoolkids to family? Less than stellar.

      Reply
      • Katelin says

        November 29, 2018 at 6:24 pm

        Btw this is in response to Lisa’s comment 🙂

        Reply
        • liz says

          December 4, 2018 at 8:32 pm

          Chiming in here–I’m 50 years old; I look reasonably fit: 5’8″ and 143 and have been this weight (except for pregnancy) for more than 20 years. My joints are a disaster. Partly genetics, and partly a few injuries. And by the way, a doctor told me to lose 10% of my body weight when I said I had joint pain. Whatever shape a woman’s body is, lots of people feel they have the authority to police your weight…

          Reply
  7. Sandi says

    November 29, 2018 at 2:11 pm

    Thank you for writing this article! I have struggled with weight issues all my life, but after the birth of my child at 40, my weight went up significantly. Turns out it was related to a gut imbalance (thanks, antibiotics!). During a cleanse, I needed another round of antibiotics, which cleared out my gut issues and allowed me to lose 80 pounds. Now, my gut issues are back (thanks again, antibiotics), and while I can lose weight getting rid of the bad stuff, I’m essentially creating inflammation with the toxic release, and thus more weight gain. This has NOTHING to do with what I eat (Paleo, low carb) or exercise (gym membership where I train and do group classes). However, I always get complimented on my weight loss, even though the way it happened was horrible and counter-productive. It was a good lesson for me that weight loss and gain has very little to do with food quantity and exercise.

    Reply
  8. Carly says

    November 29, 2018 at 12:08 pm

    I HEART you. And your blog. And appreciate your wisdom on so many topics.

    Reply
  9. sharon says

    November 29, 2018 at 10:53 am

    Great post!

    Reply
  10. Katelin says

    November 29, 2018 at 10:19 am

    “Health happens at any size.” As a 200 lb woman who has been overweight my entire life save for college and my 20s when I barely ate, who hikes and bikes and lives an active life outside the gym, with normal blood pressure, cholesterol, Heart rate, etc. I applaud you. Thank you for standing up for us. It took me a long time to realize this truth about being healthy in a larger body myself. This is just what I needed to hear and remember today. Thank you!

    Reply
  11. Karen M says

    November 29, 2018 at 8:53 am

    Well said.

    Reply
  12. Margy says

    November 29, 2018 at 8:21 am

    Thank you, thank you, thank you for speaking this truth. The judging of women’s bodies is so damaging to women as individuals and has detrimental broad political consequences as well. I always appreciate your perspective and bravery. Much-needed oxygen, indeed!

    Reply
  13. karen says

    November 29, 2018 at 7:04 am

    actually, i say read the comments so that you can know what people really think….even if you dont like what you read, and find the comments distasteful…..we live in a world were we are often suprised to discover that racism, sexism and general hatred of the other still exists, but if you read the comments you will know it is alive…and knowing it, IMO, makes it easier to figure out how to challenge it and diminish it…

    Reply
  14. Cindy says

    November 29, 2018 at 6:41 am

    “To tell fat women to just eat less or hit the gym is like telling a James Beard-winning chef they should consider cast iron.” *mic drop*

    Reply
  15. Erica says

    November 29, 2018 at 1:44 am

    I also read the comments. Which I never do, I know not to do it, but I waded through several hundred of them.

    And not one of them acknowledges that her body up there serves a purpose that has nothing to do with glorification (though: let us glorify – she has a body, and it serves her!). I look at that picture and I know that the people selling the clothes will make clothes that will fit a body my size and more importantly, my shape. How long have we been trained to believe that Ashley Graham and her sainted “curves” are the only way to be a good fat woman? I still have to find underwear to put on my protruding belly and my out-to-there butt, even if the male gaze isn’t having it.

    ANYWAY. All that’s to say: hard agree. And this is the stuff I keep coming back to your blog for, even if I’m a forever lurker. <3

    Reply
  16. Joan says

    November 28, 2018 at 11:31 pm

    Great essay!

    Reply
  17. Stacie says

    November 28, 2018 at 10:39 pm

    Now THESE comments–they’re the best.

    Reply
  18. Karin says

    November 28, 2018 at 10:00 pm

    Thank you for this piece and for sharing your own story.

    Reply
  19. Erin says

    November 28, 2018 at 9:48 pm

    I’ve read your blog for a long time and never commented but wanted to today just to add my voice of support and kudos to all the other folks who took the time to thank you for this post. I never read the comments but the comments on your post were worth reading.

    Reply
  20. Katy says

    November 28, 2018 at 8:41 pm

    Preach! Thank you for all you do!

    Reply
  21. Susan B. says

    November 28, 2018 at 8:30 pm

    Right ON! I get so sick of the concern trolling about plus-sized women (or even women who aren’t rail thin). Well said, Alison!!

    Reply
  22. Carmelina says

    November 28, 2018 at 7:41 pm

    This is so well said! Thank you.

    Reply
  23. Patricia says

    November 28, 2018 at 7:22 pm

    Well said! Alison, you are a breath of fresh air in the world. You really cut through the BS. I enjoy the pieces you recommend and read them all. You have given me the inspiration to try things I wouldn’t have even thought of. Well written.

    Reply
  24. Linda says

    November 28, 2018 at 7:14 pm

    I LOVED THIS ARTICLE! I have spent a lifetime trying to manage my weight, and have dealt with fat-shaming since kindergarten. The worst is health concern-trolling, which drips of insincerity. Over the last two years, I have successfully lost 80 pounds and for the first time in decades my BMI is under 30. But, for more than twenty years, I was essentially stuck and unable to lose a pound. So, I know both worlds intimately. No one should judge anyone based on body size. And conflating health with a BMI under 25 is just naive. Health does happen at every size.

    Reply
  25. Lee says

    November 28, 2018 at 7:12 pm

    Amen Alison!

    Reply
  26. Nicole K says

    November 28, 2018 at 6:55 pm

    THANK YOU!!!
    Can you do a rant about people who comment on plus size fashion by claiming it discriminates against skinny people?

    Just kidding.

    Your post is incredibly well written and important. Thanks for writing it!

    Reply
  27. sue says

    November 28, 2018 at 6:50 pm

    Rockin’ it!

    Reply
  28. Felicia says

    November 28, 2018 at 6:33 pm

    One of your BEST.POSTs.EVER.

    Reply
  29. Kathy says

    November 28, 2018 at 6:14 pm

    Well said!

    Reply
  30. Michele says

    November 28, 2018 at 6:11 pm

    PREACH!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for saying what needs to be said. Keep on trucking!

    Reply
  31. MMC says

    November 28, 2018 at 6:09 pm

    I don’t normally comment. I’m staying off social these days. But I came over here just to say “OH HELL YES, LADY.” Beautifully and fiercely written. Brava!

    Reply
  32. Pam says

    November 28, 2018 at 5:51 pm

    You rock. Totally.

    Reply
  33. mags says

    November 28, 2018 at 5:45 pm

    I agree so hard. When I first saw the ad from Universal Standard, I loved it. La’Shaunae Steward is a person and here is a picture of her. No further judgement is required. I thought the article was interesting. Those lame commenters on the article are way out of line.

    Reply
  34. Nebraskim says

    November 28, 2018 at 5:41 pm

    Excellent comments, Alison. I wonder if those so quick to judge, to fat shame and concern troll also do so to Trump or other overweight men? I bet not. Policing women’s bodies seems to be great sport (and it’s not just done by men, plenty of women seem to pile on, too) but the fat shaming, concern trolling and judging of men’s bodies seems far less common (I do remember a lot of fat jokes surrounding Chris Christie; I know men are not immune, but it seems like so much less of a big deal for men’s bodies.)

    Reply
  35. Raye says

    November 28, 2018 at 5:20 pm

    I never comment – but just want to tell you how much I appreciate your willingness to go beyond shopping and your unvarnished honesty.

    Reply
  36. k-t says

    November 28, 2018 at 4:45 pm

    <3

    Love everything about this, except the prejudice that made it necessary to say.

    Reply
  37. Liz Sanders says

    November 28, 2018 at 4:41 pm

    PREACH

    Reply
  38. Linda says

    November 28, 2018 at 4:34 pm

    Preach.

    Reply

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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!
https://liketk.it/4idXm

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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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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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