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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I also picked up some of Soma’s iconic Vanishing Edge panties which keep you line-free. The whole Vanishing collection is genius. I loved being able to donate my gently used bras at my local Soma boutique to give to those in need. We all deserve a lift and Soma strives to achieve that. It’s why I’ve been a fan and customer for years and am honored to partner with them. Soma is the perfect fitting bra solution. Visit the link in my bio to shop and to find your local Soma boutique! #SomaPartner #SomaBraFit #SomaStartsWithMe
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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Lifestyle, The Business of Blogging · March 29, 2020

Legit Tips for Working from Home

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. 

how to work from home and be productive

At work, you can walk to a coworker's office or cube to vent and take some time away from your desk. You can walk to the coffee shop or convenience store for a latte or just some fresh air. You could take lunch in the courtyard and use it as a time to discuss anything but work with colleagues or to discuss nothing at all during a moment of solitude. You can sit around a table and brainstorm together, taking facial and hand gesture cues to know when to speak, when to cut someone off, when to bounce off an idea. And now work is home and home is work. Your coworkers are miles away and you’re either tripping over family or feeling more alone than you would on any other day just a month ago.  How do you stay productive when working from home?

350

I left my job in Corporate America at the end of 2017 to be a full-time blogger, writer, influencer, and occasional government contractor but prior to that, I worked from home a substantial amount of time.  I've been the person who felt she couldn't separate home and work life, the workaholic, the person who was working a lot but achieving very little, the person who struggled with being inside, the person who felt a lot of guilt with a continuous headache.  A lot of people are sharing ways to successfully work from home; I know every person is different so I wanted to share mine in case there's a nugget of help you haven't seen elsewhere.  

  • Schedule everything. Schedule a FaceTime with your sister at 10:15, your 12:00-12:20 lunch when you get up from your laptop, a 15-minute recharge or a quick meditation session at 3 pm. Schedule them just like a meeting or a doctor’s appointment or a staff meeting. Schedule a start and end time to the workday; even at the office these aren't always adhered to but they at least give structure to your day and goals. Seeing all those blocks on your calendar gets you into a different mindset and you end up more productive between those blocks seeing a finish line, even if temporary. 
  • Put water bottles everywhere; I found for some reason I drank less water than when I was at an office. I think I challenged myself to hit a walk to the kitchen for a refill at a certain time of day and it just didn’t seem like a fun challenge anymore when the refill took place across the room.
  • Don’t look at email or Slack or even texts until after you have brushed your teeth. This way you can fully wake and won’t forget basic hygiene after seeing a reply all that makes your blood boil. If that seems too late, at least don’t look at any messages until you’re vertical and completely out of bed. Nothing, absolutely nothing is so pressing you can’t stand up first before you read it and you handle pressure better when not in a prone position.
  • Wear shoes. Your feet are not used to being barefoot (0r in thin flat slippers or slipper socks) all day and soon you will be dealing with all sorts of aches and pains. Stop them before they start with a pair of sneakers or Birkenstocks or another shoe with support that is dedicated to only being worn indoors.
  • Take naps. Even 15 minutes horizontal while flipping through a magazine or listening to Audible is rejuvenating. Remember, you used to be able to leave your desk to use the bathroom down the hall, grab lunch, or hang out with your smoker friend outside the front entrance. You deserve and need those same breaks even though you’re home. You can’t hit Starbucks so hit your bed or couch. It will make you more productive.
  • Consider a light therapy lamp. I got a light therapy lamp for my desk when I worked in a windowless office with brown walls. It helped my body regulate, keeping me awake during that 3 pm slump and feeling less glum each day. I now have it on my desk area at home. Follow the directions, you only want it on for a certain amount of time and time of day.
  • Don’t up the coffee. If you drank 6 cups before, fine. But if you were a one or two cup kind of person don’t add more to try to feel energized. It will only make you jittery and jack up your stomach. A 15-minute chill in bed (or honestly even on the floor of your closet with the door closed, a great place to hide from the family just like you may have done when you were a kid) will do you better.
  • This is a marathon, not a sprint. Imagine your office moved to this new location. Don’t treat it as a temporary switch but a new office and set up as such. Is your chair and desk the right height? Do you need to set up a normal desk into a standing desk? Is the light good for seeing the screen but not straining your eyes? Do you have access to the files, the phone, the scanner, the different colors of highlighters you use to note different clients on a spreadsheet? Do you usually have a large monitor or a separate mouse or noise-canceling headphones? Do you have a USB hub to handle all your needs? If you don’t have them see if you can get them. It’s scary to go out there but I know of offices that are scheduling employee visits so they are solo and they can get what they need to be comfortable and productive while home. Other companies are ordering basic needs to be shipped to employees. If your company isn’t offering this contact your boss or HR and see if anything can be done.  If not now, check back in after a week or so as they have heard from more employees and felt the pains of working at home for themselves.  I know at a past job I was able to lobby for everyone in my department to receive noise-canceling headphones, bought from the company office supply source at a lower rate.  Even a small step like that can provide morale to you and your teammates.
  • Give your company some time to adjust.  If your company is not used to telework, they may not have a good gauge of productivity when they can't see their employees.  I know I had bosses who tracked how often our icons on the interoffice chat was “green” more than how much we produced or how happy our clients were.  But with time, companies will get used to their new normal.  I found sending end of day recaps to my green-seeking supervisor helped them have a tangible way to know I was earning my salary and after a couple of weeks of this it helped them relax and feel more in control.
  • Be kind to yourself. Often the pressure we feel is self-inflicted. We feel guilty because we don’t seem as productive or focused, we work longer not harder, as though we need to pay penance for that 30 minutes on Twitter scrolling through the news. No business succeeds on harder not smarter work. Working from home is a completely different thing from working at the Seattle office for three days or working from The Wing. There’s no separation of business and personal, and that can wear a person down fast. Give yourself time and grace, routine and tiny pleasures, plenty of hydration and chances to move and you’ll get through this in better spirits and as a better employee.
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Comments

  1. Kate says

    March 30, 2020 at 1:51 am

    All great tips! But dang – you gave away my tip about hiding in the closet when you need some alone/down time – just don’t tell my kids, ok?

    Reply
  2. Sonia says

    March 29, 2020 at 9:22 pm

    Love the tip for the light therapy lamp! I have a small desk lamp and hunker down on it to do reading, take notes and eat my lunch. I never even realized that it was a natural instinct to get some light during the day to keep my mood light, though it’s still not enough. Thanks, Allie, I’ve bought this lamp and can’t wait until it arrives.

    Reply
  3. Janet says

    March 29, 2020 at 7:36 pm

    Thank you for the tip about shoes!! All last week my husband was complaining that his feet and calves hurt and we could not figure it out…it’s not like we were doing a lot of walking! This makes perfect sense:)

    Reply
  4. Nihongo Dame Desu says

    March 29, 2020 at 6:47 pm

    I have a pair of the rubber Arizona Birks in my Nordstrom cart. Can you tell me about the soles? Are they cork like traditional Birks? And is the actual foot bed surface rubber and if so, does it lead to sweaty feet or stickiness or weird gripping if your feet sweat?

    Reply
    • Kate says

      March 30, 2020 at 2:10 am

      I have the rubber Gizehs in addition to the original/traditional leather and cork variety. I wear the rubber ones to the beach and pool – places I wouldn’t want to risk the cork. I find them comfortable for short periods of time (up to a few hours out and about) but I don’t find them as comfortable and supportive as OG Birks for all day wear. Not do they get sweaty/stinky. They are beautifully shaped and have arch support, but rubber will of course compress over time. If you want something you can wear out of the house for a short while and easily wash (disinfect/sanitise) then yes they are great. If you want something to wear all day that’s not cork/leather, I’d go for a Fit Flop or other comfort brand. If it’s a case of price (trad Birks $$$ vs rubber Birks $) you get what you pay for – the trad ones will last longer.

      Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      April 4, 2020 at 7:16 am

      I agree with Kate, they aren’t as supportive as the cork soles, but they’re better than most sandals and slippers for support. They also do squish down, by the end of a summer wearing them several days a week, they’re flattened some while my silver Birks are on year three and still rocking. They don’t get me sweaty or stinky, and I am prone to both. They are a lower-priced option but not as fabulous as the originals.

      Reply
  5. Anamarie says

    March 29, 2020 at 1:38 pm

    Great tips, Allie! One thing I’m doing when I face a slump or lack of motivation is I do a set of kettlebell swings, pushups, crunches, or squats. Anything that takes less than a couple of minutes at a time and gets my blood pumping has been a good break in between tasks. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do at work, but imagine the awkwardness of someone walking into your office as you’re in the floor doing push-ups. Ha! I am keeping track of those exercise breaks and they are adding up to almost an additional workout every day. I have a male coworker who is doing same, and we joke about how we’re going back to the office SHREDDED! Stay healthy!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      April 4, 2020 at 7:13 am

      Great tips, thank you Anamarie!

      Reply
    • Emily says

      April 8, 2020 at 4:11 pm

      I’m late to this but – I started doing handstands against the fridge when I feel really sluggish; I realise this isn’t for everyone but they are really invigorating!

      Reply

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Weekend Reads #98

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

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Sep 19

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

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 11

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 8

Open
I can see clearly now…

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

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

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

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

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

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Sep 5

Open
I’ll be a bit quiet on here and other channels because I had eye (retinal) surgery this past weekend. I was having what I thought were ocular migraines but come to find out I was experiencing lattice degeneration, which is thinning/holes in the retina. I had surgery Saturday for my right eye and later on they’ll work on the left eye, which isn’t as bad and can be remedied by laser, in office.

I share not because I’m Mrs. Frizzle meets Iris Apfel as I recuperate at home, but because this whole thing has been a lesson on trusting my gut. And I want to remind you to do the same.

As we get older our bodies can feel like strangers. Things are constantly changing and it’s easy to just assume your annual physical will catch anything wrong. But if you slow down and listen to your body you’ll know when things are just a sign of aging and life and what seems unusual. That nagging issue may be something more serious.

And if you’re seeing flashing lights, floaters, spiderwebs or other odd eye things get checked out ASAP. It may be nothing but take it from me, it may actually be something. ❤️

Okay, going back to my big sunglasses caftan recuperation life!

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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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Aug 12

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Shuts laptop until Monday… #RehobothBeach

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