Open
Scenes from a Friday night…

We started at @littleblackbirddc a new wine bar in Cleveland Park where we had great food, drink, and conversation into the evening. We then headed down the street to @atomicbilliards for a whole different experience and to keep the conversation going. I treasure my friendships with @sylviacolella (who had a birthday recently), @districtofchic, and @blonde_inthedistrict they’re the real deal 🥰

My dress is @adamlippes borrowed via @renttherunway and Cheetos with Sauvignon Blanc is a really fun pairing!
Open
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
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
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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! 🐾❤️
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Fashion Advice · October 15, 2007

Sustainability is Stylish

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. 

It’s amazing how little decisions – ones that won’t cost more time or money can make a big difference in regard to the environment. On behalf of Blog Action Day, a few ideas that will make tiny changes in your life but big changes for our future…

image 0021. Bring Your Mug to Work Day. Many workplaces have coffee, tea and filtered water available for their employees, and stacks of Styrofoam cups ready for these drinks. Look chic and be green by bringing your own cup or mug. If your office doesn’t provide soap and a sponge to wash your cup, donate some and encourage others to follow your lead. A graceful porcelain teacup or a hearty mug that represents your personal style is far more fashionable on your desk than a generic disposable one. This small change by you may not seem like much, but if everyone switched to a reusable cup, image the difference in the landfills!

2. Shop Your Closet, or Your Friend’s.
Before heading to the mall, take a second gander at your own wardrobe. That skirt that is part of your dust-covered interview suit may work as a very chic pencil skirt this season. That too-short dress may work as a hip tunic over jeans or trousers, and those slightly-short and slightly-tight jeans may look fabulous tucked into some great tall boots and paired with a slouchy sweater.

Before you toss those Just Wrong pieces from your closet, call up your girlfriends. Your trash may be your best friend’s treasure and vice versa. Serve up some cocktails and make a swap party out of the event!

10 11 method plastic bag reh3. BYOB. Bring your own… bag! All those plastic bags take up space in your house and in landfills as well. Keep a tote in your bag or next to your door so it’s ready for your next trip to the market. But totes are not just for the grocery store – bring your bag to the mall, Target, even Home Depot. Show your style and encourage shoppers around you with your sassy reusable bag.

And if you are only buying one item and don’t have your tote, say “thanks, but no thanks” and carry your purchase in your hand. Who needs another plastic bag floating around?

Want the bag featured? Visit this site!

4. Think Before You Shop.
Wow, those tee shirts at Wal-Mart are only $5 but do you REALLY need another tee shirt? Stop and think about the future of this purchase – a few washings and you will either tire of it or it will fall apart. You’ll toss it in a bag for Goodwill a year from now even though it’s torn, threadbare and stained. What do you think happens to that rag with sleeves? I’ll tell you, it’s not going to be on the back of the homeless and it won’t end up on a hanger at the local thrift store. You donate trash, that’s what it becomes. Think before you drop a few bucks on crap because a year from now it will just be adding to your local landfill. Save your money for quality garments, and you’ll not only help your sense of style but the environment as well.

5. Vote With Your Pocketbook.
Do your homework before you swipe that credit card. What type of ethics does that company have? What do they do to help the environment? Good chance, you can find a very similar item for a similar price from a more ethical company. The beauty of the Internet is that with a few moments with Google (or Goodsearch) you can find out everything you would ever want to know about a company and their more green competitors.

7824256. Break the Habit. The water bottle habit that is. Tap water is not a bad thing, and a Brita or Pur filter on the faucet is far cheaper than buying all those silly (and tacky) bottles. And you know waters like Aquafina are nothing more than purified tap water. How much did you spend for that bottle?

Yes you recycle your bottles (sometimes) but water bottles are not recycled to make more… the more bottles you consume the more bottles are made at factories that emit all kinds of nice stuff into the air. Then those water bottles are wrapped up in bleached and laminated cardboard and more plastic, shipped on big trucks that use big amounts of gas to your store. All that fuel, all that waste when there is healthier stuff practically for free from your kitchen sink. Gosh, a reusable bottle is sooo much more chic.

This cutie is available here.


7. Stay Slim. Keep your elegant wallet looking slim and crisp and Just Say No to receipts and the gas station or ATM.Often we request the receipt and then promptly crumple it and toss it on the floor of our car or into a trash can. Carry a check register to log your transactions, or even write it down on a different receipt in your wallet for later confirmation. As for checking your balance, most banks offer phone and web options to do that in a jiffy, completely paper-free. Think about it, there are more than 8 billion ATM machines in the USA alone. Imagine how many receipts are being printed and then added to landfills?

8. Reading and Recycling. Catalogs are fun to find in your mailbox; magazines are even more fabulous. But what do you do with these glossies after oohing, aahing and getting your fill? Grab yourself a paper bag – one of those sturdy ones from the grocery store with the handles that sits open on its own. Open it up and stick it near your front door. Now every time you go through the mail, dump in there all the catalogs you wouldn’t be caught dead shopping from, pamphlets from car dealerships, Pennysavers and paper products that you don't want. While you're at it, bend down those cardboard holders and boxes for cans and bottles of soda and beer and tuck them in there as well. After ogling over Vogue and Pottery Barn, toss them in there as well.

Then when this bag is full, take it to be recycled. In my town we have recycling bins near the Public Works building. If you do not know where paper products can be recycled in your area, call 1-800-CLEANUP or visit this site.

Why bother with recycling this measly amount of paper?
-Making new paper from old paper uses 30% to 55% less energy than making paper from trees and reduces related air pollution by 95%.
-Recycling one ton of paper typically saves about 6.7 cubic yards of landfill space. A cubic yard of stacked office paper for example weighs about 380 pounds. Cost savings may be estimated by multiplying the tons recycled by 6.7 times the cost per cubic yard for waste disposal (if by volume) of by cost per ton (if by weight).
-Commercial and residential paper waste accounts for more than 40% of waste going to the landfill. Eliminating this paper from our waste would nearly double the lives of current landfills.
-Newspaper is recycled into newspaper, game boards, egg cartons, gift boxes, animal bedding, insulation, and packaging material.
-Office paper is recycled into office paper, tissue paper, paper towels, and toilet paper.
-Corrugated cardboard is recycled into new cardboard and cereal boxes.

If this seems like a lot, try adapting just one of these tips a week. It only takes a month to make a habit – in a few months all of this will seem like old hat and you will be a very important drop in the ocean of people making a difference to protect our planet.

Little steps can make a big impact!

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In: Fashion Advice

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Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    October 18, 2007 at 1:49 am

    I just add those receipts to the recycling! I shred them first, but shredded paper can be recycled, too. I live near a major city in the midwest, and I recycle everything that my city dropoff will accept. Paper towel tubes and toilet paper tubes are recycleable, too!

    Reply
  2. Katie Alender says

    October 17, 2007 at 9:48 pm

    Like ThickChick, I’m an obsessive recycler. It makes me cringe to think of throwing so much stuff away.

    Great list!

    Reply
  3. ThickChick says

    October 16, 2007 at 10:24 pm

    Living in a West Coast city I’m a major recycler..and when I visit other parts of the country I’m AMAZED at the recyclable items thrown away, and lack of public recycling. Anyhoo – pats on the back to you for listing all of these simple things EVERYONE can do to help our Mother. Nice work!

    Reply
  4. Anonymous says

    October 16, 2007 at 8:13 pm

    Great article, Allie! This was just the motivation I needed to kick the tacky-water-bottle habit. So chic!

    Reply
  5. Anonymous says

    October 16, 2007 at 2:50 pm

    Also, you may want to look into washing your hair less often, and using less shampoo/conditioner. I tried this and my hair has more volume and shine! It uses less product in the long run and may even help you use less styling product, and ofcourse less pollutants going down the drain.

    Reply
  6. Gervy says

    October 16, 2007 at 12:07 pm

    Keep up the good work Allie! You inspired me to join Blog Action Day – but my post was really not as thought-provoking as yours. Annoying, since my day job is environmental policy!

    Reply

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

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Sep 26

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Scenes from a Friday night…

We started at @littleblackbirddc a new wine bar in Cleveland Park where we had great food, drink, and conversation into the evening. We then headed down the street to @atomicbilliards for a whole different experience and to keep the conversation going. I treasure my friendships with @sylviacolella (who had a birthday recently), @districtofchic, and @blonde_inthedistrict they’re the real deal 🥰

My dress is @adamlippes borrowed via @renttherunway and Cheetos with Sauvignon Blanc is a really fun pairing!

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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

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

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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!
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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!
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#usinthewild #bretonstripes #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #size14 #over40style

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