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
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! 🐾❤️
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Fashion Advice · April 23, 2021

The Friday Shop

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. 

The Friday Shop by Wardrobe Oxygen

Sale Alert

equilibria promo code

Equilibria, the organic woman-owned CBD company, has a pretty great sale taking place through May 9th where you can get 30% off your first month of any subscription. With my code, WARDROBEOXYGEN, you can receive an additional 15% off (new customers only).

This makes popular subscription boxes like the Balance Box only $67 for your first month and the Relief Box only $97! All first-time subscribers will receive your products packaged in a luxe black satin bag making it perfect for gifting.

equilibria promo code
These are a few of my favorite things…

I know you're thinking… CBD for a gift? But seriously, Equilibria is a gamechanger. From postpartum issues like exhaustion and mood changes, to post-menopausal hormonal imbalances and everything in between, CBD can make a positive impact.

  • I use the Daily Softgels to not fall asleep, but stay asleep. After using them consistently for several weeks, I have all but stopped waking up at 3am super alert and covered in sweat. No sweat, no insomnia.
  • The Daily Drops are great as a non-medical way to help fall asleep. It won't make you feel drugged or even glass of wine buzzed; it just calms you enough to help you fall asleep more easily.
  • The new Calming Melts are genius; they're just 5mg each and dissolve almost immediately on the tongue. I carry them in my purse and are great for transitioning back to the chaos of the real world – traffic jams, mean people at the store, you name it.
  • I love the Daily Treatment Oil; it has transformed my sensitive dry winter skin and has kept it hydrated and happy.
  • The Relief Cream is phenomenal; more like a salve we in the house use it for scrapes, headaches, menstrual cramps, sore muscles and joints, and it's amazing for overnight transformation of cuticles and feet missing regular pedicures.

If you have questions about Equilibria or CBD in general, my initial Equilibria CBD review (which came from a place of major skepticism after seeing it promoted everywhere) may be helpful. You can also ask in the comments and I'll be sure to help to the best of my ability!

Other sales… I am finding my previous intel on finding out most sales before they happen is no longer reliable. Hey brands, don't be afraid to let me know, I promise I'll embargo the details until launch date! But seriously, if you're doing some great shopping this weekend and found some do-not-miss sales, please share them in the comments!

What I Bought and What I Thought

I hope to get photos soon, but this week I both had my period and got the second Pfizer vaccine shot so it has been a major wash but I wanted to give you the deets and not wait on pretty pictures…

universal standard erdem
The clothes are way better than the styling, I promise!

Universal Standard sent me some of their collaboration with ERDEM. I previously reviewed the jumpsuit from the collection, but now I have some other pieces and dude… this is a good collection.

Okay, some pieces like the skirt and the jeans don't work for my short self, but they are really well made and look even nicer in person. The off-white is like the most luscious French vanilla ice cream.

universal standard x erdem review

The top is so not what I'd normally buy but I LOVE it. It's a lightweight stretch cotton, it has a great shape, the ruffles aren't extreme, the elasticized cuffs don't dig. It's nice tucked in and out. I love the covered buttons, the silhouette… I wore it tucked into my high-waisted Talbots flares but I can see myself wearing it untucked with my navy J. Crew shorts this summer.

erdem x universal standard review

The dress is another shocker. I find the sleeves a bit full on my short self and they aren't cute rolled up, but this dress fits so well I may take it to the tailor to change the sleeves. It has a self-belt that is woven into the dress, deep pockets, just the right amount of stretch, volume, and length to make this comfortable to wear.

In fact, I'm wearing the dress right now and you can see it in the Equilibria photo above! I know it says “black floral” but I am looking at my arm in natural light while wearing this and it sure looks like a dark navy to me. It could be all the blues of the floral messing with my eyes. That being said, I'd totally wear this with black tights in winter.

me before curology
One of the selfies I uploaded to Curology when I started using their system. Red arrows pointing out my weird little brown spots on my face.

Earlier this year, I went to the dermatologist regarding some weird brown patches on my forehead. She said it was nothing to be worried about and use Differin for six weeks and they'd go away. I used Differin, and all I saw was red, grumpy skin.

curology review

I was chatting with my sister (AKA my beauty guru) and she told me she was trying Curology. So because I am both an influencer and a follower, I too ordered Curology.

A month later… the brown spots are 80% gone. And no redness or irritation. If you haven't heard of Curology, it's prescription-level skincare, selected by a dermatologist, for your specific skincare needs. You go through a survey, you upload makeup-free selfies, and you chat with a real provider.

over 40 curology review

I found the cleanser and moisturizer that they sent with my first order… fine but I went back to my favorites (this cleanser and this moisturizer). The trent mixture though is awesome and I let them know I only wanted that (which you can also choose size of bottle – I went with big because the price is awesome so I can also use it on my neck and chest).

Curology is regularly marketed to teens to deal with acne, but they can help with any skincare issues, including weird brown spots on the face, fine lines, pigmentation, and all the other lovely things that happen to our skin with time on this planet. It's also a great option for those who don't have insurance or their insurance doesn't cover dermatology or prescription skincare.

ohoro nails vanity table
The kits come with a tiny orange stick and nail file, but I recommend having your own on hand plus a pair of nail clippers and/or cuticle scissors.

I haven't had a manicure since early February 2020; my daughter and I are NOT good at giving ourselves manicures, so when I kept getting hit with ads for semi-cured gel nails from Ohora via Vanity Table, I placed an order. I figured it would be a fun at-home girl date for the two of us.

If you have used nail stickers, these are sort of similar… but not. You get a pack of nail-shaped pieces of flexible plastic-like pieces. Peel them off the paper and you find one your nail size or slightly smaller, stretch to fit, and use an orange stick to press it in place. Then you use the little nail light they offer free to cure these stickers so they become hard like lacquer.

These were pretty easy for both of us to use. I got an ombre color you see in the photo, my kid got white. The kits… some come with instructions in English, some do not. I found this YouTube video to be the most helpful; we watched it together and paused it while applying our nails.

The final result looks like gel nails and will make your nails feel stronger. My daughter had one nail pop off while sleeping but she just put on another the next day and the set then lasted over a week. I, who chews her cuticles, had them start popping off after four days. At day 6 I pulled the rest off (not hard to do and not painful or damaging to nails). My daughter ended up pulling hers off too around two weeks.

If you like gel nails and don't chew your hands and don't want to go to the salon, this is an easy and fun alternative. But if you think this will replace a trip to the salon or be as sturdy as powder dip acrylic nails, you will be disappointed. I am toying with getting some for my toes though…

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In: Fashion Advice · Tagged: The Friday Shop

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Comments

  1. Jaime says

    April 23, 2021 at 7:26 pm

    I took the plunge on Curology today. In about 3 hours, they had responded and sent me information about my custom formula and some other helpful tips. So far, I’m impressed.

    FYI, Universal Standard is doing their Reset, Recycle, Refresh promo now. Between Alison’s posts and that promo, it’s what got me hooked on them about a year ago. I used it to try the Tee Rex. With the promo, I got my first $50 tee for only $25! In the ended, I ended up using the promo 4 times to get 4 tees at $25 each. https://www.universalstandard.com/products/reset-recycle-refresh-bag

    Reply
  2. MW says

    April 23, 2021 at 7:23 pm

    Do you have any sense of Curology’s experience with non-white skin? I know you’re white, but also figured it never hurts to ask!

    Reply
  3. Carol says

    April 23, 2021 at 10:39 am

    Thanks for the info on Curology. I just wish these companies didn’t try to rope you in with a subscription!

    Reply
    • Pam says

      April 23, 2021 at 1:53 pm

      ITA … I mean, let your consumer try the product before making them grant permission to keep charging me each month. How do I know I want to keep using it if I have never tried it?

      Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      April 23, 2021 at 2:08 pm

      I agree, and I have been screwed over by subscriptions but I’ll share my experience with Curology. First of all, the first month I only paid for shipping and got a bottle of Trentotin blend that was larger than the Differin I bought plus a travel-sized tube of cleanser and moisturizer. Two weeks before my next shipment they reached out and asked how it was going, asked for more selfies to see progress, asked how much I had left. I said I didn’t need more cleanser and moisturizer, they said no problem and gave me a link to update my next order. On that page it was super easy to pause, delete everything, add more, change sizes, and yes, cancel and well before I’d be charged again.

      I get the subscription model, it’s a money maker, but I think more companies are realizing that the way to keep customers and maintain a positive reputation is make those subscriptions easy to leave and worth it to stay.

      Reply
      • Carol says

        April 23, 2021 at 2:10 pm

        Thanks, Alison. That’s good to know!

        Reply

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The Tiny Closet Review: Ethical Minimalist Fashion

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!

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 23

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

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Sep 21

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

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

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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

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

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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

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).

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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!

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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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