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The perfect red for the holiday season 💄

I love a red lipstick, especially in winter. It adds brightness to gray days and skin not exposed to the sun. Look in my dressing table and you’ll find at least a dozen different red lipsticks. But this winter my go-to red is “Relax” by @flyte.70 

Glossy but not sticky, long wearing but not drying, the Flyte.70 L+L.LipLacquer feels like a lip balm. One layer is a hint of color and shine; add more layers for more pigment, gloss, and impact. This isn’t the only Flyte.70 lip color I have and love; I regularly wear “Fast Car” which is a modern version of the brown lipsticks we loved in the 90s that looks so good with the neutrals popular right now.

And with products named after songs from the 80s and 90s I couldn’t not use this Frankie Goes to Hollywood song for this lip color!

This isn’t paid, it’s a PSA because I know it’s hard to find good red lip colors. And @flyte.70 is a U.S.-based woman-owned ethical beauty brand created specifically for U.S. grown women and I find the quality stellar.

Use code WOXYGEN15 for 15% off your order at Flyte.70

The quickest and cheapest way to update your wardrobe for the holidays is with a glossy red lip! 💄

#over40style #genxstyle #genxbeauty #flyte70
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The tree is trimmed! 🎄

When I was a single gal, I had the prettiest tree with a color story and theme. 20 years later, my tree is a hodgepodge of inherited ornaments, gifts from loved ones, and handmade pieces from both my childhood and by my child. And I think each year it veers further from the original concept the more beautiful it becomes!

My daughter and I donned our Santa hats, turned on the holiday playlist, a Yule log on the TV, and spent the afternoon getting our home into the Christmas spirit.

When she was little, my husband would pick her up so she could place the star on top of the tree. Now that she’s taller than I am, when he got home he just put his arm around her as she used the library stool to reach the top. Some traditions need to be modified with time but they’re still special! ⭐️

Top is a feather trimmed Breton from @talbotsofficial; the scarf as a belt is also Talbots but a few years old. The jeans are @landsend and the blanket on the chair in the second photo is by artist  @zanderschlacter
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My therapist recommended I walk outside more as I grieve the recent loss of my mom.

When it was time to pay for my mom’s funeral, the credit card I had in my wallet was my @bananarepublic Mastercard. I’ve had this card for decades because over the years, most of our family have worn some Gap brand. From onesies to tuxedos, we’ve updated our wardrobes with points.

And I got a serious chunk of points for charging my mom’s funeral expenses on my Banana card.

I decided to use them to buy clothes for winter outdoor walking. Nothing motivates me more than a chance to put together a cute outfit. This cute look is from @athleta, one of the few activewear brands that fits both my size and my style.

My Athleta purchase arrived on my doorstep and that day, a neighbor reached out, inviting me to join a group of women in our community who were supporting, not competing, to move 100k. I immediately said yes and signed up. 

This past week I hit 100k. And this past week week it has been two months she has been gone. I’m still going 💪 

Wearing XL. For reference I’m 5’3” and usually wear a size 14.

I share details on all my looks on the @shop.LTK app. You can use the app or desktop, search for @wardrobe_oxygen or use the link https://liketk.it/4pFaS
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Normalizing the normal everyday outfit…

It was a day of running errands, running to the office, and then running into friends. It rained off and on so I wanted shoes for potential puddles and a coat that wouldn’t soak through but also keep me warm.

The sweater is @universalstandard; I bought it thinking it was a bold purple but the color was off on the site and I got plum. But I think I like this better. I’m wearing a S. This is my second of this cardigan, it is super soft, dense, and holds up to washing. My other one I got a year ago and still wear all the time.

The jeans are @oldnavy and while they’re not perfect and stretch out throughout the day they were around $18 and I like the wash and weight of the denim. I’m wearing a 14 Short.

The boots are old Docs, the coat I got at @talbotsofficial last winter, and the bag is @maxwellscottuk and I’ve had for almost a decade. Earrings are @_jennybird, necklace is @gorjana. 

Disclosure: the coat was gifted last year but remains a favorite. The necklace was also gifted about a year ago but I keep wearing because I like it and it has held up quality-wise. The rest I bought. 

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

#liketkit #LTKfindsunder50 #LTKover40 #LTKmidsize #midsizestyle #genxstyle #over40style #size14 #usinthewild 
https://liketk.it/4pDXG
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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
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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
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Fashion Advice, Beauty, Make Up · May 10, 2017

Recent Purchases I Positively Love

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. 

This is a mixed bag of items I’ve recently bought, but the theme that ties them all together is that I love them. We’ll save misses for another day!

birkenstock essentials arizona whiteBirkenstock Essentials Arizona

The older I get, the more I despise flip flops. The sound when you walk. The way it feels between my toes. The fact that there’s no support. The only time I wear them is at the beach or pool, and I’d love to not even wear them at those times. So when I saw the Birkenstock Essentials Arizona I was PSYCHED! My beloved Birks (I’m on my second pair of shiny silver and have had other colors in the past) are now available in an EVA upper and sole that can survive sand, water, and sun. I got them in white… and I wear them all over town.

They’re super clean white, and since you can hose them down or wash them with some Dr. Bronner’s, they stay nice and white. They look fantastic with a fresh pedicure and a pair of cropped denim, as well as peeking out from a maxi dress or skirt. They come in a bunch of fun candy colors but I felt the all-white option would look the most dressy (meaning, I can wear them to dinner while at the beach). Best part? They’re under $35!

dior airflash spray foundationDiorskin Airflash Spray Foundation

Seems a bit ridiculous to follow cheap shoes with a foundation that costs almost twice the price. However, the older I get the more I care about my skin. Great beauty products can be found at all sorts of pricepoints. Problem is, I wasn’t finding any that I loved at the drugstore. They were… fine. They’d settle into my lines, make me look dry, make me look greasy, be too yellow or too pink, fade by lunchtime, cause me to break out, require 50 other products and a fancy brush to make it look decent. Screw that. I want to be able to walk out of the house in less than 5 minutes and not have anyone ask me if I’m under the weather. Well this foundation makes it happen.

I was at dinner with my beauty guru sister. I asked her about my current foundation and she got real with me. It was too dark, too yellow, and it wasn’t wearing nicely on my skin. After dinner we stopped by Sephora and she and a sales rep convinced me to try Diorskin Airflash. It’s a spray, but most recommend spraying it onto an applicator not directly to your face. The Sephora artist used a brush I don’t own; considering the price I decided to make it work with a brush I already own. I’ve tried a few brushes in my arsenal and a BeautyBlender, and I have the most success using this Sephora foundation brush. It fills in pores a bit, doesn’t settle into lines, is sheer enough to show my freckles but does a fab job of hiding redness, gives my skin a bit of a glow without being shiny, but is matte enough to not need a setting powder.

On the weekend I’ll use Airflash, fill in my brows, curl my lashes and add a coat of Maybelline Great Lash and maybe put on a lipstick as I walk out the door. During the week, I will add Glossier concealer, Perricone’s No Eyeshadow Eyeshadow, and maybe a bit of Elizabeth Arden’s liquid liner (see below). But my skin looks the same at 2pm as it did at 6am, and when it’s hot and humid it doesn’t make me itch, doesn’t ball up or melt, just fades a bit. I have 202 Cameo, which is a good match now but I can’t get any tan and still wear it. Just motivation to slap on the sunscreen!

The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2% The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2%

Now I’ll balance the pricey foundation with an incredibly reasonably priced skincare product! A few friends have been raving about DECIEM, the Abnormal Beauty Company. Incredible products, amazing prices. I decided to try them out and got this, two oils, and a neck cream (and no the neck cream doesn’t smell like fish). All the products are nice, but this is the one that stands out.

I’ve been using retinol for… gosh a decade or more. Sometimes gifted, sometimes purchased, the only version I felt provided visible results was Neutrogena, but I didn’t find it to be Holy Grail or anything. So I figured I’d try this one out. First of all, it’s less than $10 which is insanely cheap. It comes in a dark glass bottle with a dropper; I add several drops to my hands and apply to my face, neck, and any leftover goes on the tops of my hands. I put serum (right now The Ordinary’s rose hip seed oil), then night cream (right now this one from L’Occitane that I received at the rewardStyle conference) over it. There is zero irritation, no breakouts, and after a week I thought my forehead looked softer, smoother, and more hydrated. It looks all retro apothecary hipster in my medicine cabinet, super effective, but it’s cheaper than what I can find at the local CVS. Gotta love it!

body shop exfoliating skin towelThe Body Shop Exfoliating Skin Towel

I worked for The Body Shop many moons ago. Once I became a blogger and started receiving gifted beauty product, I forgot about how great this company is. At the airport heading to Dallas, I stopped in The Body Shop and left with a whole bag full of goodies. And one item I got was this towel. I used to use these towels all the time and then forgot about their awesomeness. They’re freaking awesome. No need for a separate scrub, you can easily scrub your back, they ball up to be like a shower pouf, and they dry super-fast. They also last forever which is pretty awesome for just $5.

body shop satsuma shower gelThe Body Shop Satsuma Shower Gel

I don’t like a lot of popular scents. I’ve never been a gal who wants to smell like cookies, peaches, or warm cotton. When I worked for The Body Shop I had to shower as soon as I got home to get the pungent scent off me. Any time I smell the company’s Exotic home fragrance oil (or really any of their fragrance oils) it makes me gag. But I never tired of Satsuma shower gel. It’s so juicy and fruity and it scents up the whole house with one shower. But over the years I’ve used what I was gifted, what was trendy, what was on sale. I bought a bottle at the airport and realize how much I love and missed this stuff. While it lathers up a lot, I don’t find it drying. And while it does scent the whole house with juicy oranges, it’s not so strong on my skin that it competes with fragrance.

Jag Jeans Penelope Slim Ankle ReviewJAG Jeans ‘Penelope’

In the comments of my recent fashion hits and misses post, Tee Eff recommended the JAG Jeans ‘Penelope’. I’ve had such success with JAG Jeans in the past, I immediately ordered a pair. I wanted white, couldn’t find it anywhere, so I went with a very light denim color (faded denim is back in style!). It seems the Penelope is discontinued by JAG, so if you find it somewhere consider getting it. Tee Eff was right, these jeans are awesome! I got the regular length and they’re short enough to look cute with sneakers or ankle boots; I cuff once to wear with sandals. They’re super soft, stretchy but thick, and don’t stretch out during the day. Jeans can look painted on with my “sturdy” legs so I went up to a 16. While it’s a bit roomy in the waist, they don’t slide down or look bunchy. They washed and dried great too. They’re hard to find online since they seem to be discontinued; Amazon has them in faded regular length (linked above) and petite as well as khaki or pale blue. Zappos has them in what they call Mineral Pearl, classic dark indigo, and Desert. 6pm has them in indigo in plus sizes. I also saw select sizes on the JAG website, 6pm, Lord & Taylor, and Nordstrom Rack. The plus to them being hard to find… you can find styles for as little as $35!

TC Fine Intimates Firm Control Open Bust Torsette BodysuitTC Fine Intimates Firm Control Open Bust Torsette Bodysuit

I bought what I thought was this bodysuit over a year ago and LOVED it. It was super stretchy, so it smoothed without making me look like a stuffed sausage. It was like a wrestling singlet, all one piece, no crotch snaps or adjustable straps yet it worked perfectly. I wore the heck out of it. When I was heading to the rewardStyle conference I decided to get another one in black. The one I received, though the same link from the last time I ordered it on Amazon, was a completely different product…. And way better!

This one does have hooks at the crotch, which I don’t like (ain’t nobody got time for that, just slide it to the side!). However, the material is smoother, the rear is more invisible (previous one was like a leotard, this one has invisible edges and some silicone strips to hold in place), and it does suck me in more, but not to stuffed sausage or gas pain points. I can wear it all day comfortably. It doesn’t make me a size smaller, but it just firms and smooths my midsection, goes all the way up over the bra so there isn’t any lump of flesh between underpinnings, doesn’t dig in anywhere, and makes me feel more confident/less jiggly under knits and more fitted dresses. The only negative is the “comfort straps” are wider than the original, which can sometimes show if a sleeveless dress has too open of armholes. While it’s cheaper on Amazon, selection is limited. Also it will be shipped from Bare Necessities, so consider buying straight from Bare Necessities where there’s always some coupon code available for a discount (always google store name and promo code; my fave site is Retail Me Not.  Tip: do this search in a separate browser so you don't end up with pop ups and unders and having ads for the product follow you everywhere you go).

Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Bold Defining 24HR Liquid Eye LinerElizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Liquid Asset Liner

A couple months ago Elizabeth Arden was kind enough to send me a care package. In it was some lip and eye products. The lip ones are lovely, but not really my color. The eye products were two liquid liners – Gilded Brown and Electric Blue. Gilded Brown looked like a weird shimmery rust color and while I love the idea of electric blue liner I don’t really have the lifestyle for it so I left both in the boxes, figuring I’d donate them or add them to my giveaway swag bag. But then I had put my regular brown-black liner in my purse for post-work touchups and I was getting ready and the bag was downstairs and I didn’t want to go downstairs and stir the sleeping dog (dog parents, you feel me?) so I opened the Gilded Brown… and fell in love.

This stuff is the BOMB! I have been a loyal fan of Maybelline’s Lash Stiletto for many many years. I love the Blackish Brown which isn’t too harsh of a color, and find the felt tip really easy to use. But this… this made me a convert. The formula is the perfect consistency, the brush is the perfect size and firmness to get a real tight line on the lash line, thicken the line gradually, and finally I have a liner where klutzy moi can do a little flick on the end and it looks like a flick and not a mistake. And the color? It’s lighter than Maybelline, it’s a medium brown with a warm tone to it, and it’s metallic. Not glitter, but metallic, like it’s still wet. And it’s so subtle people don’t notice it always, and when having a long one-on-one conversation sometimes people say, “Are you wearing metallic liner?” And I think yes, I am 42 and can wear whatever the hell I want and I’m down with a relatively subtle face with a flick of bronzy goodness on my lashline. And I find this liner so good, I ordered it in black (AKA Dark Valentine) and likely will order a Gilded Brown backup for my purse (so I don’t end up having to decide between it and the dog at 5am ever again).

Have you made any fantastic purchases lately?  Share in the comments!

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In: Fashion Advice, Beauty, Make Up · Tagged: Jag Jeans, The Body Shop, The Ordinary

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Comments

  1. Thrift Store Mama says

    May 22, 2017 at 1:40 pm

    I have that open bust bodysuit and love it. I also have a version from Target – MUCH cheaper and not as high quality but good for smoothing out lumps.

    Reply
  2. Laura Franzman-botha says

    May 15, 2017 at 9:25 am

    Hi Allie,
    So glad you tried the Deciem products!! And – how do you find the neck product?

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      May 22, 2017 at 7:51 am

      I really haven’t seen a difference at all. I was getting a couple breakouts on my chin and stopped using it to see if it was the culprit and I think it was. No change in my neck from stopping it. 🙁

      Reply
  3. Alison French-Tubo says

    May 13, 2017 at 11:12 pm

    Fun post to read…i had similar water friendly Birks years ago and happily wore the heck out of them. I love the JAG pull on jeans, after stumbling into them on Sierra Trading Post. Bought some more from JAG’s own site, great shipping and return policies . Intrigued by the eyeliner…i am too am a klutz who would love a little sweep or flick at the end. Thanks Allie.

    Reply
  4. Jenny says

    May 12, 2017 at 6:05 pm

    I was chastising myself for impulse buying the Birks because of this post– until they arrived from Nordstrom. I’m in heaven. This ranks right up there with the smart wool invisible socks as a great, great Wardrobe Oxygen recommendation. Thanks!

    Reply
  5. Kimberlee says

    May 11, 2017 at 1:56 pm

    Thanks for sharing! As you get older, you definitely realize you need to invest in your beauty routine so some spluge worthy products are necessary!

    Reply
  6. Emily says

    May 11, 2017 at 11:19 am

    Dior foundation is awesome. Sometimes with makeup (not everything, but skin products particularly) I feel like you do get what you pay for! The vitamin E moisturisers from the Body Shop are nice as well. Sometimes I find their scents a bit synthetic (the strawberry shower gel is particularly saccharine) but I might give the satsuma one a try!

    Reply
  7. August says

    May 11, 2017 at 6:25 am

    I wanted to try the spray foundation for so long ! Also, I have those birckenstocks and they are insanely light and comfy !

    ‘Share’ by August Harvest
    Instagram

    Reply
  8. Nihongo Dame Desu says

    May 11, 2017 at 4:05 am

    How do you find the sizing on the shapewear? I read reviews on Amazon and people talked about the fit being off, but I wasn’t sure if they were referring to the size chart or to their typical size.

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      May 11, 2017 at 6:09 am

      Not sure, I bought Large which is my usual size in shapewear and find it to fit just fine. I’d think a L would be 12-16

      Reply
  9. Michelle Van Ellis says

    May 10, 2017 at 1:59 pm

    Also, I’m very interested in The Ordinary. I like that they are cruelty free and not expensive at all. I’ve been using Alba Botanicals facewash and moisturizer with an Avalon serum. I don’t want to spend a lot on makeup and have been having good luck with E.L.F.’s mattifying cream foundation.

    Reply
  10. Michelle Van Ellis says

    May 10, 2017 at 1:47 pm

    So the birkenstocks will work well on a wide foot? I wear an 8 or 8.5 wide and am worried that the top strap won’t accommodate. Do you think these will “give” after a bit?

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      May 10, 2017 at 1:50 pm

      I have them on the last buckle hole and they’re plenty comfy on my wide and high volume foot. Luckily with Nordstrom if they don’t work you can return them even if you wear them once and they’re awful. They did give a little bit for me.

      Reply
      • Michelle Van Ellis says

        May 10, 2017 at 1:52 pm

        Thank you much!

        Reply
  11. alexa11221 says

    May 10, 2017 at 12:04 pm

    I love the look of the EVA Birks but am worried they will feel sticky and plastic-y on my feet!

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      May 10, 2017 at 12:07 pm

      They’re more like foam, like quality flip flops. They don’t feel sticky when it’s hot out, only weird when super wet feet and shoes, same as flip flops. 🙂

      Reply
    • bubu2 says

      May 10, 2017 at 12:29 pm

      FYI if you are looking for comfy, supportive flip flops I have had great success with LL Bean’s, and they’re quite affordable and come in some cute patterns too.

      Reply
  12. Kathryn Braun Fenner says

    May 10, 2017 at 11:17 am

    The size chart for them says the waist on a 16 is 33 inches. That seems very small. Any chance you could measure yours, please?

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      May 10, 2017 at 12:09 pm

      That makes sense because I am wearing them right now and they are far slimmer than other 16s I’ve tried from other brands. As an FYI I reached out to JAG and yes they are getting rid of Penelope but have some new styles that should have a similar fit!

      Reply
  13. Tee Eff says

    May 10, 2017 at 9:51 am

    Allie, I am so glad you liked the Jag Penelopes. You’ve steered me to many great choices, happy to return the favor. Now have a pair of EVA Birks and the Penelopes in Khaki in my Amazon cart. Cheers!

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      May 10, 2017 at 12:09 pm

      LOL awesome!

      Reply

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It Started with a Half-Burned Candle…

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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The tree is trimmed! 🎄

When I was a single gal, I had the prettiest tree with a color story and theme. 20 years later, my tree is a hodgepodge of inherited ornaments, gifts from loved ones, and handmade pieces from both my childhood and by my child. And I think each year it veers further from the original concept the more beautiful it becomes!

My daughter and I donned our Santa hats, turned on the holiday playlist, a Yule log on the TV, and spent the afternoon getting our home into the Christmas spirit.

When she was little, my husband would pick her up so she could place the star on top of the tree. Now that she’s taller than I am, when he got home he just put his arm around her as she used the library stool to reach the top. Some traditions need to be modified with time but they’re still special! ⭐️

Top is a feather trimmed Breton from @talbotsofficial; the scarf as a belt is also Talbots but a few years old. The jeans are @landsend and the blanket on the chair in the second photo is by artist  @zanderschlacter

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Nov 28

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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. 💚

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Nov 17

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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

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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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