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! 🐾❤️
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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Outfit Posts, Summer · August 23, 2018

What I Wore: Universal Standard Astelia Cupro Shirt Dress

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. 

universal standard green shirt dress

If you ask me what my favorite color is I say orange… but a bright green is a very close second. So when I saw Universal Standard came out with their Astelia Cupro Shirt Dress in Kelly Green I HAD to have it!

universal standard green dress jenny bird carmine earrings universal standard green shirtdress

Dress: Astelia Cupro Shirtdress c/o Universal Standard (XS) | Earrings: Large Carmine Hoops c/o Jenny Bird | Shoes: SARTO Franco Sarto (on sale!) | Bag: OTAAT/MYERS Collective (similar) | Watch: Metallic Watch c/o LOFT | Large Bracelet: c/o Chico's (similar) | Smaller Bracelet: Metal Marvels

Universal Standard ASTELIA CUPRO SHIRT DRESS

I'm honored to have built a relationship with Universal Standard that I can see a gorgeous green dress in one of their daily emails, contact them, and they will send it to me. They are one of the first brands I actively pursued, believing so much in what they were doing. The quality, the style, the size range, and how they are constantly looking for ways to improve impresses me. This dress is made of cupro, and if you're like me you may have no idea what that is. It feels and moves like a heavyweight sandwashed silk, but is actually cotton. This article delves into the fabric but it's a fabulous vegan and eco-friendly alternative to silk. This dress has such beautiful details that justify the price.  Between the buttons are hidden snaps so no gaping at the bust or even further down when you squat or sit.  The threads to hold the self-belt are not just loose loops but sewn flat against the dress to keep the belt in the right place and to have them virtually invisible. I have large arms and non-stretchy sleeves usually dig into my skin, not with this dress.  And hello pockets!

jenny bird large carmine earrings

It's clear I'm a fangirl for Jenny Bird jewelry.  I bought my first pair of earrings, the medium Edie hoops I think almost two years ago and they continue to be worn regularly.  Since then I have bought two more pairs of Jenny Bird earrings and a necklace.  Jenny Bird reached out to me on Instagram and to thank me for the love, offered to send me two pieces from her latest collection.  I chose these earrings, ones I've been loving since I saw them at Nordstrom (I got the smaller version during the Nordstrom sale but really wanted these too).  They're just as spectacular as I expected.

plus size silk shirtdress universal standard dress review

And these shoes… who would have thought bright pinky magenta suede heeled sandals would be worn so often? I wore these all day, after this shoot we ran some errands and then I went to the National Harbor to meet my friend Tonya from The Real Chic Life for lunch and my feet were happy the whole time.  They're now on sale; if you're looking for a shoe in the same color that's better for transitioning into fall, I found these slide loafers, and these block heel slides!

moms college park pinball

These photos were taken at the new MOM's Organic Market in College Park, Maryland. MOM's has resided in College Park for many years and is one of our favorite grocery stores; last month the store reopened on the other side of the strip mall in a space double the size of their old location.  The store is gorgeous, more merchandise but also an organic vegan cafe, bakery, coffee shop, places to sit and eat or telework… and a pinball arcade! The pinball machines come from the personal collection of MOM’s founder Scott Nash. We're so lucky to have such an amazing organic supermarket virtually in our backyard!

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In: Outfit Posts, Summer · Tagged: Chico's, Jenny Bird, LOFT, Prince George's County Maryland, Universal Standard

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Comments

  1. Emily says

    August 26, 2018 at 11:37 pm

    I love this dress and color! I’m going to have to check out this brand that I’ve heard such good things about.

    Reply
  2. Christine says

    August 24, 2018 at 8:39 pm

    Yes, that green looks almost as good as orange on you, which is saying a lot! But what I really want to say is thank you for crediting even small jewelry producers when you can, beyond just saying “Nordstrom” or “Etsy.”

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      August 26, 2018 at 3:58 pm

      My pleasure! Sure I make money off affiliate links but only if you buy. You deserve to have the knowledge before you click and deserve to choose whether to click or do your own search for a link!

      Reply
  3. Carol says

    August 24, 2018 at 12:04 pm

    This is a beautiful color! I love this dress but imagined I would need to wait for it to become available in petite. But aren’t you a petite, Alison? May I ask your height? The length works really well on you, so it might work for me, too. The other worry I have are the sleeves. They look just*slightly* snug on you, but then I think you’ve been doing lots and lots of strength training, so you have real muscles there! What do you think? Are the sleeves on the narrow side?

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      August 26, 2018 at 4:01 pm

      I am 5’3″ and was worried it wouldn’t work on me but this is straight from the box no altering, just a run of my streamer on it! The sleeves aren’t loose that’s for sure but they were comfy, didn’t dig. I do have very large arms and have been working out a lot and it hasn’t diminished my arm size, just firmed them up!

      Reply
  4. Alison says

    August 24, 2018 at 2:26 am

    I love love love green and have been looking for “the” green dress, hope they make this in petites soon! (Love how the sandals work with the dress.)

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      August 26, 2018 at 4:02 pm

      This would be a great petite dress, I was happy to find it a flattering length on my 5’3″ self!

      Reply
  5. Donna says

    August 23, 2018 at 3:46 pm

    You look amazing in these pics! Now I’m wondering if I need this green dress too!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      August 26, 2018 at 4:03 pm

      It’s a pretty fantastic dress!

      Reply
  6. Kathryn says

    August 23, 2018 at 1:26 pm

    You look great! Love your blog. I need to add more bold colors like this

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      August 26, 2018 at 4:03 pm

      Thanks Kathryn!

      Reply
  7. Suzn says

    August 23, 2018 at 9:54 am

    I’m neutral about the dress and this line but I have to say that your skin is incredible! You have such a glow and I am sure it’s not just makeup. Whatever you’re doing, keep it up.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      August 26, 2018 at 4:04 pm

      Thank you! I think working out has been the best skincare treatment. I’ve also cut down on dairy and alcohol and started meditating and doing yoga occasionally which I think has also helped!

      Reply
  8. Emily says

    August 23, 2018 at 9:50 am

    This dress looks great on you!

    US has been killing it with their new releases. I just saw that they released the Misa in a short-sleeved jersey version… so tempting!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      August 26, 2018 at 4:05 pm

      Right? The new Misa is soooo good!

      Reply
  9. Patricia says

    August 23, 2018 at 9:13 am

    You certainly seem to have figured out how to dress your new body! You look smashing.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      August 26, 2018 at 4:05 pm

      Thank you so much Patricia!

      Reply

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The Oxygen Edit: Fall Bag Trends Under $100

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

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

View

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

View

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

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 5

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

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

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

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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).

wardrobe_oxygen

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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!

wardrobe_oxygen

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Aug 28

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Stripes are always right…

Y’all know I love stripes and when @universalstandard came out with their Breton-stripe dresses and tops I HAD to try them! As expected, the quality is stellar, the fit boosts my confidence, and I appreciate the range of colors (5 different stripes to choose from) and sizes (00-50). For reference, I’m wearing XS but preferred S for the top and I usually wear a 14 or XL in other brands.

The tote is @able and it’s a soft yet durable leather that just looks better with time. This color (cognac) is one that transitions nicely from summer to fall. 

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

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

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Aug 27

Open
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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