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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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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!
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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
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Fashion Advice · June 25, 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

What I Bought and What I Thought

margaux shoes review

After writing over and over about how much I love my Margaux Uptown Sandals, I decided to buy the flat and low-heeled sandals also offered by Margaux. With my 2021 style, lower-heeled and flat dressy sandals make more sense with my wardrobe and life. I ordered The City Sandal in Python Embossed and The Flat Sandal in Platinum. No photos because I sent both back, but that doesn't mean I am not still a major fan.

The City Sandal is exactly the same as the Uptown Sandal, but with a shorter 2.5″ heel. I ordered the Python Embossed thinking it was an unexpected neutral that was low-contrast to my skin and would go with most everything. I found the Python Embossed fabric to be thicker and stiffer than the Platinum leather of my Uptown Sandals and I struggled to get my high-volume feet into the shoe. Once in, the Python Embossed fabric was scratchy and downright uncomfortable. There was no way I could “break in” these shoes without scratches and blisters all over the tops and sides of my feet.

I returned them, but am thinking of trying them again in the Lilac Suede which would be softer and is also a low-contrast unexpected neutral. If you don't have high volume feet or struggle with sandal straps cutting into the tops of your feet, the Python Embossed would likely work for you.

The Flat Sandal is flat. It is nicer than a flat sandal from Target or Steve Madden – the insole is soft suede, lightly cushioned, and while it doesn't have arch support it is molded/shaped for a foot. But that doesn't mean it was any more comfortable than a Target flat for walking distances or being on your feet all day. I also found it ran narrower than the City and Uptown sandals. The straps are thinner so they dug into my high volume feet, and they hit my short toes in the wrong spots, causing my pinkie toe to break free. These too were returned and I won't be trying another option (though the Schumacher Exotic Butterfly print is sooo pretty).

Ally NYC shoes review flats

Speaking of flats… Ally NYC has come out with some beautiful colors of their Forever Flat. As someone with wide, high volume feet who needs arch support and has short toes, flats are not my jam. They rarely fit; my pinky toes slip out of the vamp, if they're wide enough for the front of my foot they slip on my heel, and if there is arch support it's usually in the wrong place. But Ally NYC flats work with me really well (read my Ally NYC flats review). I just got a pair in their new lime color and they're GORGEOUS.

Ally flats need to be broken in, I wore them this week for a bit indoors and hope to have them in an outfit post soon! FYI, I went a half size up from my previous choice for leather; if in doubt size up. BTW use WO2Flats at checkout for 10% off a pair!

jcrew silk suit review

I was looking through J. Crew's offerings and saw this slouchy silk twill blazer and matching pants. I love wearing suits, I feel strong and sexy in them, and loved the idea of a relaxed lightweight one and placed an order. OMG this suit is such CRAP. If it weren't made from real silk, I'd think it was some fast fashion piece of crap joke you buy from a social media ad where the model is wearing this chic thing and you get a poorly sewn dishrag.

The fabric is way too lightweight (see-through) and floppy to achieve what it looks like on the model. The pants… my pajama pants have better fit and design and even nude undies show through them. To have this jacket be $228 and these pants $128 is comedy. Now, if someone has seen something similar at a retailer where the fabric isn't a fancy version of the lining in the jacket, let me know. I envisioned these with my gold Margaux heels and some gold hoops, or even with white Birkenstocks for an evening outdoor thing. But yeah, this went right back.

petique jogging stroller review

Our pup Oscar is a rescue and a small dog whose history we do not fully know. Sometimes he freaks out over loud noises, traffic, motorcycles and scooters, and crowds of children and one of his reactions is laying flat on the ground and refusing to move, sometimes screaming, leaping, or baring teeth when we try to pick him up. We have taken him on travel with success, but no trips with a lot of walking. Sometimes he has done well, other times, notsomuch.

When we went to DC for a weekend getaway, he was… okay. We had to pick him up a couple of times, and one time when he saw a dog he decided was a threat, flew up in the air and almost hurt himself. When we went as a family for a longer getaway to a Delaware beach, we had more trouble, especially on high-traffic streets We have several more trips scheduled this summer and plan to take Oscar. One of those trips is to NYC, another is where we will be doing a lot of sightseeing. I decided to invest in Oscar's comfort and security so all of us have a good time on our trips.

For Father's Day, I got Karl this jogging pet stroller from Petique. I got it at Chewy, but a lot of other retailers carry it (though I chose Chewy because it was the cheapest there and had the fastest free shipping). It comes in a couple of colors, but I liked the blue. It arrived in just two days in one large box. The only assembly was attaching the wheels (which was super easy) and inflating the tires (which was near impossible with the included hand pump so we used our bike pump).

If you wish to shop elsewhere, Petco has it for the same price, as does Amazon and Wayfair. The Petique site has it for almost $100 more.

This stroller is not small, but it does collapse flat. But because it's more sturdy, it handles sidewalks and curbs like a champ and Oscar was calm and downright regal in his screened-in throne. Now we can walk city streets and even take our little pup for a jog! We like the window on top (has a sun shade) so we can peek in and see how Oscar is doing. You can open the stroller from the front or back; we find the back easier for us; Oscar can even hop in and out on his own. It has three straps to connect to the dog's collar or harness and a foot brake. You can buy an optional rainfly and even an attachment to turn it into a bike trailer!

Once we had the stroller and decided we liked it, we had to outfit it! I got this cup and cell phone holder and it screwed onto the handle without issue. We also got one of these collapsable bowls with a carabiner so we can clip it to the stroller and always have it on hand. And because our dog is spoiled (and small so he can get overheated easily) we got this USB-charged fan that we wrapped around one of the bars inside.

My husband will bike or jog to the grocery store, the recycling center, and his plot at the community garden. This jogging dog stroller is surely going to get a lot of use this summer beyond our travels! I know this isn't fashion related, but after so many questions on Instagram (many of you have non-walkers for a variety of reasons), I figured it was worth to share here!

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In: Fashion Advice · Tagged: The Friday Shop

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Comments

  1. Tiana says

    June 26, 2021 at 2:29 pm

    Oh wow. The idea of taking my adventure cat out on a short stroll instead of using my (admittedly fancy) rollator…
    Hmmm…
    This could be interesting for both of us.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      June 29, 2021 at 5:05 pm

      There are a lot of super cute photos in reviews of cats in this stroller!

      Reply
  2. Joy Anzalone says

    June 26, 2021 at 12:38 am

    That suit! Nothing like the model photo at all! I can see why the photo appealed to you. I don’t know what J. Crew is thinking with this one.

    Reply
  3. JMod says

    June 25, 2021 at 11:36 am

    That little stroller fan is darling! What a prince!

    Reply
  4. Rebecca says

    June 25, 2021 at 10:55 am

    I often prefer kitten keels to flats because so many flats just don’t offer good arch support. My best luck has been with Vionic. But I’ll give Ally a try.

    And oh, that suit—I thought, why is Alison showing us her just out of bed after a night of tossing and turning look?

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      June 25, 2021 at 3:53 pm

      right? Ridiculous condition and quality!

      Reply
  5. Pam says

    June 25, 2021 at 10:17 am

    What does Oscar weigh? I have a smallish dog who is getting too old for long walks, but I am thinking this might be a good solution (he could walk partway and ride partway). This looks like a great place for a dog to be safe from small kids who don’t know to ask before trying to hug a strange dog, too.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      June 25, 2021 at 10:27 am

      He’s around 18 pounds but this stroller holds up to 60 pounds and I read several online posts that folks with larger dogs that were older rose in it, and many who had multiple small dogs would have them all in there (there are three straps to connect a harness).

      Reply

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Pink Cotton Shirtdress from Chico’s Black Label

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 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

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

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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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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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