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! 🐾❤️
Open
I can see clearly now…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more of my throwbacks visit #wo2tbt
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Beauty · April 30, 2008

Product Reviews – Face and Foundation

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. 

Here's a few beauty products for the face that I have tried recently. A few scores, very few misses!

Benefit's You Rebel LiteBenefit Cosmetics You Rebel Lite SPF 15ir?t=whaevewomneei 20&l=ur2&o=1 – I never tried the traditional You Rebel, but received a sample of You Rebel Lite just as I was considering switching out my beloved Philosophy The Supernatural Canvas powder foundation ir?t=whaevewomneei 20&l=ur2&o=1 for something more sheer and summery.

You Rebel Lite is the perfect color for me – it is a hair darker than my skin, and a hair more yellow, so that combined with being a tinted moisturizer, it made my skin have a natural looking glow, hid redness while letting my freckles and skin shine through.

I haven’t had much luck with tinted moisturizers – I have bought many of the “must have” brands and found that they were so sheer they completely disappeared, and so moisturizing they left my face looking like an oil slick. You Rebel Lite is thicker than many tinted moisturizers – the finish was more like mixing 2/3 foundation with 1.3 moisturizer, than the opposite combination I often have experienced. As for the grease factor – I really hate when cosmetics give me a shiny look, and You Rebel Lite is NOT a matte or even slightly dewy finish when on (I did look as though I had just finished an hour on the stepper, I looked so greasy and sweaty). However letting the product settle in, the shine transformed into a fresh dewy look, and a very light dusting of translucent powder made my skin look wonderful – fresh, as though I had on no makeup and was just blessed to not have acne, dark circles or broken capillaries. For those with dry or normal-to-dry skin, this could be a very nice choice. I just find it very odd to have a company sell a tinted moisturizer in only one color – gosh knows we women are not all the same shade!

Cover Girl Smoothers Tinted MoisturizerCover Girl Smoothers SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer, Light To Medium ir?t=whaevewomneei 20&l=ur2&o=1 – I liked the Benefit tinted moisturizer so much, I decided to go out and purchase one. Since You Rebel Lite wasn’t quite Nirvana for me, I went the drugstore route. I had heard great things about both Cover Girl and Neutrogena’s tinted moisturizers, and CG was half the price…

I am pale, but I wanted a hint of color so I went with the Light to Medium shade. The formula is oil-free and has SPF 15. Sounded perfect!

Eh, it’s… fine. It’s thin –I can hardly tell it’s even on my skin. I guess if you REALLY want the no-makeup look, this is a good choice. However, I really can’t see much of a difference. I even put it on one side of my face and checked out my reflection in daylight and under a bulb and couldn’t see much of a change. I think I will keep searching – I do want the sheer look but I want it to at least look as though the product accomplishes something.

Philosophy The Supernatural Airbrushed Color CorrectorsPhilosophy The Supernatural Airbrushed Color Correctors (Light)ir?t=whaevewomneei 20&l=ur2&o=1 – In layman’s terms, this is a compact of three creamy concealers. It comes with a little brush, but I find application is far better with a finger. The concealer trio comes in Light, Medium, and Dark. I chose Light and almost wonder if I should have gone with Medium: the lightest of the three shades is positively ghostly on me, the middle hue has to be blended with a touch of the darker for under-eye circles and the darkest is the perfect shade to cover redness or acne.

However the formula is so great and these two colors are so blendably perfect, I didn’t want to let go of the compact for even a minute while having to exchange at Sephora. The consistency is great – slightly more creamy than a stick, but the thickness and tackiness that makes a perfect concealer that lasts through the day. I use it over tinted moisturizer or liquid foundation and everything blends beautifully. It even pats on nicely – no need to yank at your skin to have a seamless look. I haven’t had any issues with breakouts, irritation, creasing, or fading from a sweaty hot day. I even tuck this compact in my bag for long days and it does a better job of touchups than any powder or cream-to-powder compact I have ever purchased. I am very very impressed with the philosophy cosmetic line so far – this, their The Supernatural Airbrushed Canvas powder foundation ir?t=whaevewomneei 20&l=ur2&o=1 AND The Present clear makeupir?t=whaevewomneei 20&l=ur2&o=1 are all products good enough that I will probably replace when I run out.

Make Up For Ever High Definition Microfinish PowderMake Up For Ever High Definition Microfinish Powderir?t=whaevewomneei 20&l=ur2&o=1 – I usually despise translucent powders. They aren’t really translucent and they end up making me look like a geisha or overly matte and powdery. I like low muss, low fuss. So when I received this powder, I ended up not even opening it for a couple of weeks. It came in a tiny sample package reminiscent of testers of mineral foundation (how many of you have ended up getting that mineral foundation on your clothes, your sink, your floor, and everywhere but the darn brush?). Well the Benefit You Rebel Lite was making me look a bit like a greased pig one hot day so I decided to try this powder.

Woah, this stuff is GOOD! I tapped a small amount in the cap (the mini sized packaging has a cap about the size of a quarter) and dipped my Bare Escentuals Angled Face Brushir?t=whaevewomneei 20&l=ur2&o=1 into it and lightly tapped it on my skin. No HINT of powder anywhere, yet suddenly my skin was… well not quite matte, more like natural. Looked soft, touchable, not greasy, but not overly matte. I took the powder with me to work and did a touch-up at the end of the day. Reapplication didn’t make it cakey or powdery – again I got that perfectly fresh look to my skin. The powder kept my oil at bay far longer than my MAC Blot Powderir?t=whaevewomneei 20&l=ur2&o=1 or The Supernatural Airbrushed Canvasir?t=whaevewomneei 20&l=ur2&o=1. The product claims to offer an airbrushed finish and diminish the look of fine lines – I didn’t really see that, but then I only used it on my T-zone to mattify and smooth. However this product gives me a FAR more natural look than Bare Escentual’s Mineral Veilir?t=whaevewomneei 20&l=ur2&o=1, and I think it would be more forgiving to darker skin tones.

I think I will have to splurge on the full-sized package to get through the humid Washington DC summer. This stuff is pretty darn fabulous!

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Comments

  1. MandyPandy says

    May 4, 2008 at 10:53 pm

    MUFE’s Super Matte Loose Powder is perfect; I’m not sure why/how they improved on perfection. I prefer Super Matte because it’s got a great color selection.

    Reply

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In Honor of Spring

Since 2005, Wardrobe Oxygen has offered real-life style advice for grown-ass women. With years of experience as an apparel visual merchandiser and personal shopper, Alison Gary provides advice on how to achieve personal style no matter your age, size, or budget.

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Sep 21

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

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

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

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 19

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

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

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

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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

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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

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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

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Aug 27

Open
The family that wears @printfresh together stays together 🥰

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

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

#printfresh #printfreshpajamas #printfreshpartner

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Aug 12

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Shuts laptop until Monday… #RehobothBeach

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