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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
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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
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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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Fashion Advice, Plus Size Fashion · April 19, 2021

Universal Standard Linen for a Sweltering Summer

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 linen review

I don't know about where you live, but the Farmer's Almanac is saying Maryland is going to have a “stormy and sizzling” summer. Ugh, not like the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia) isn't already hot, humid, and swampy from June to October. Sounds like linen weather.

Having a Love/Hate Relationship with Linen

Linen… I think many of us have a love/hate relationship with this fabric. It's so cool and breezy, it wrinkles too easily, it needs to be air dried, it stretches out, it doesn't stretch enough, it's transparent, but gosh it's so comfortable in the summer!

I avoided linen for many years because I am already a klutzy person who spills coffee down her front, I don't need to add accordion creases across my midsection and a saggy bum. But living in Maryland with it's high dew point, I've learned to embrace linen to survive our muggy summers.

universal standard linen review 2021

Good news: Just in time for summer, Universal Standard released a limited edition, light-as-air stretch linen collection of five essential pieces. Made from innovative stretchy linen that has all the texture, plus the freedom of movement, this collection is available in Universal Standard's 00-40 size range.

Bad news: Universal Standard only made 500 pieces so once they're sold they're gone. Also this is a pre-sale; the pieces won't ship until May. This means the “try before you buy” program is not available for Universal Standard linen purchases.

Universal Standard sent me the five pieces from the collection to review and share with you, knowing I will be honest with my thoughts. I am not being paid for this review, I am only writing it as a PSA and so you can see the products beyond the stills on the Universal Standard website. That being said, if you click on a link in this article and make a purchase, I may make a commission. For more information on how blogs make money, please click this link.

Universal Standard Linen Review

If you have experienced Universal Standard linen before… this is not the same fabric. I had. a piece from the past that I found too stiff and scratchy for my tastes. The new Universal Standard linen collection is niiiiice. It feels soft, almost silky, and the stretch not only helps with fit but with preventing wrinkles.

I steamed all the pieces before this shoot. The dress reviewed below, I wore while I answered some emails and as I sat at my dressing table to do my makeup for the shoot. I did not steam it again, so you could get a feel for how the fabric will crease with wear.

The Universal Standard linen collection is 55% linen, 42% rayon, and 3% elastane which explains why it feels so good to the touch and doesn't wrinkle like traditional linen while still being cool and breezy.

For those wondering about the laundry instructions, the pieces are machine wash, dry flat. I personally don't dry anything flat except the most precious and delicate of things so I'll be hanging to dry, knowing I'll have to hit it with a steamer or iron before wearing again.

I received all pieces in size XS, which is my standard size with Universal Standard. For reference, in other brands I am usually a 14 or 14 petite.

While Universal Standard has several people of different sizes modeling the linen collection, I chose to keep photos of the same model, even if the colors aren't what I have, to make it a clearer example of how the pieces fit on her body versus my body.

Dawn Linen Hi-Low Tunic Review

universal standard dawn tunic review
The Dawn Tunic as seen on the Universal Standard website

The Dawn Tunic's hi-low hem means you can wear it untucked and still access your pockets without causing creases. It also means you can knot the front and leave the back hanging, or do a pretty nice French tuck of just the front half of the shirt.

Universal Standard linen long-sleeved shirt and loose above-knee shorts on Alison. She is standing in front of a wall of bamboo with her legs crossed and smiling at the camera.

Opening the package, I didn't love the seam at waist-height, but on I got it. That seam is that little bit of weight needed to keep the shirt from tenting out at the bust or the belly. It adds a beautiful drape and very subtle design detail that makes the tunic look more elevated.

US white linen 1

It may be hard to gauge how the shirt will fit on you as I am 5'3″ with a 36F chest; looking at my size XS shirt, it is 34″ from the back of the collar right where it meets the body of the shirt to the hem of the shirt.

US white linen 2

The Dawn Tunic has horn buttons; for some, this may be a dealbreaker. I personally, don't love contrast buttons. However, on the white linen, it looks chic, very resort, and I think more elegant than white pearlized buttons. Unlike the jumpsuit I reviewed last week, the sleeves have a button at the cuff and a second one to keep the opening closed. The sleeves look nice down or cuffed three times.

US white linen 5

I'll be honest, this is not a shirt I would buy based on the photos on the site, or even my first impression pulling it out of the shipping box. But on? I know I'll be rocking this shirt all swampy summer long.

The Dawn Tunic is available in four colors, sizes 4XS-4XL, and retails for $94.

Juniper Linen Easy Pull-On Shorts Review

universal standard linen review
The Juniper Shorts with the Dawn Tunic as seen on the Universal Standard website

So… these shorts are both great and awful. The fabric is super nice, the length means no chance for chub rub, they have pockets, they're comfy, they look casual cool with the Dawn Tunic…

Alison in a universal standard linen shirt and shorts in white walking to the left but looking over her shoulder at the camera

But they're not cute on me. But then, for you Universal Standard fans… few pants and shorts from the brand look cute on me. I find there is often too much fabric in the crotch/hip area. It may be because of my height for I do have a lower belly that is often too much for other brands.

US white linen 7

These shorts are loose. I wonder if I could have sized down to an XXS (never bought anything at US that size except for their Seine jeans) but fear it will be too snug in the rear. That being said, they are so comfy, they're not clinging, and they feel breezy and cool.

I appreciate the wide, encased elastic waistband on the Juniper shorts. No rolling or folding over, you will have a nice seamless, clean line under clothes and it will look polished enough to wear it with something tucked in. My size XS shorts have a 6″ inseam.

US white linen 8

This combo of the tunic and shorts… with some metallic Birkenstocks and my gold hoops and a bit of bronzer… I'll be feeling and looking cool all summer. Sometimes comfort is more stylish than a perfectly fitting pair of shorts.

The Juniper Shorts are available in four colors, sizes 4XS-4XL, and retail for $74. If you like both the Dawn Tunic and the Juniper Shorts, there is a link to buy the combo, though there is no discount for buying together.

Iris Linen Easy Pull-On Pants Review

universal standard iris linen pants review
The Iris Pants as seen on the Universal Standard website

The Iris Linen Easy Pull-On Pants are essentially the shorts with a longer inseam, 27″ to be exact on my size XS pants. Same waistband, same pockets, just longer.

Alison in a black off the shoulder t-shirt knitted at the waist and white linen wide leg pants. She is standing in front of a bamboo wall and looking to the left.

These pants have a straight, loose fit, and at 27″ in length, is a standard inseam for a cropped trouser. For reference, the shoes I've worn in the last three outfits are these from Birkenstock.

US linen pants 2

Like the shorts, these pants are too full in the crotch/belly area for me and maybe I'd do better sizing down to an XXS. But then again, I think they may be too snug in the rear.

US linen pants review

One thing I have to say, is that while this linen isn't opaque it's not as transparent as other linen I've owned. I am wearing nude-to-me seamless underwear (these to be specific), but you can't see anything even up close.

US linen pants 1

The Iris Linen Easy Pull-On Pants are available in four colors, sizes 4XS-4XL, and retail for $98. With the pants, I am wearing the Universal Standard Dolci Top in XS.

Dune Linen Dress Review

universal standard dune linen dress review
The Dune Dress as seen on the Universal Standard website

This dress is not a silhouette I'd usually wear, especially in this color. As soon as I put it on I went to my closet to pull out belts and scarves to try to alter the silhouette. Thing is, with the shape and pockets, at least on my curvy self, it was best left alone.

Alison wearing a green linen cap sleeve shirt dress that is midi length. She's wearing it with white Birkenstock Arizona sandals and has her hands on her hips smiling at the camera.

And when I turned to look at my profile, I saw how this dress is quite great. See, I have big boobs and full upper arms. Take those two in a cap-sleeve shirtdress and I will look like I'm wearing a tent.

US linen dress side review

But the Dune Linen Dress has details like a back seam, a slim cuff on the sleeves, and a hi-low hemline that makes it fit and hang nicely and look polished. There are snaps between the buttons to keep the placket closed over curves.

US linen dress 1

I know, I just called linen polished! The dress also has snaps between the buttons to keep yourself covered, but it's a full-button dress so you could wear it open like a duster, open it a bit on the bottom for a slit, or open it more on top and expose a bit of a camisole.

US linen dress collar

While this color isn't my jam (I would be more likely to choose the black, or possibly even the white since I know the opacity based on the pants), I think this green is beautiful with brown leather and gold. And even though the color isn't my jam, I can see myself reaching for it more than I would expect, especially as it gets into late summer.

In case you're curious about the necklace, it is this one I found on Etsy (her whole shop has great pieces and you can choose the length of your necklace – mine is 19″ and she has rings up to size 13. My hoops are from Jenny Bird (no longer available but these are the same size and width, just a slightly different detail at the ear).

I think I like this so much even though it's not at all what I would usually gravitate to because it's so comfortable. The pockets are deep (I wish I was more careful with steaming to have them lay flatter), the dress stretches even if I don't adjust it just so before sitting, the buttons stay closed.

US linen dress review wo

It's a practical dress that isn't boring. It's minimalistic, not utilitarian, if that makes sense. I know I am often toying the balance between the two, but I think this doesn't head into outdoor store apparel department because it can be worn with dressier shoes.

This dress would also be a lovely piece for travel to throw over a swimsuit, wear over sun- and wind-burned skin at the end of the day, wear with some slipshorts for sight-seeing and metallic sandals for the evening. Spot clean in the sink, hang dry, and use the hotel iron (or a very steamy shower) to have it ready for the next day!

US linen dress 2

The Dune Linen Dress is available in sizes 4XS-4XL, four colors, and retails for $118.

Luna Linen Sleeveless Jumpsuit Review

universal standard luna jumpsuit review
The Luna Jumpsuit as seen on the Universal Standard website

Y'all know I LOVE a jumpsuit, so I was super psyched to receive this one. I also was psyched to get it in navy (it's available in two other colors).

Alison wearing a navy sleeveless linen jumpsuit from Universal Standard that has a v-neck and a self belt. SHe paired it with gold Margaux heeled sandals

This jumpsuit is nice, it's very elegant looking for linen. My tailor could shorten up at the shoulders for a better fit, but that's a given for my short self. As an FYI, this jumpsuit in size XS also has a 27″ inseam.

US linen jumpsuit 2

The jumpsuit has a self-belt that is easy to switch out if you want to use a belt, cord, or scarf to switch up the look (no actual belt loops, just those little string loops). I do wish the self-belt was a bit wider or at least had better interfacing. I think it would have looked more finished and balanced.

US linen jumpsuit reviews

There is a zipper in back with a hook and eye closure, but even after a tough upper body workout, I was still able to zip and unzip it by myself without any issue. The hook and eye was another thing, but my family didn't even notice I didn't connect it.

US linen jump suit

This is the kind of piece I could see myself wearing a lot this summer once my fam and I are fully vaxxed. I'd wear it with a straw hat and sandals to the farmer's market, with gold hoops and sandals for dinner out, with Birks and an interesting necklace for the weekend.

For reference, I am wearing the jumpsuit with these sandals from Margaux. They are the only heels I still want to wear after a year at home. Here, you can read my Margaux shoes review (FYI, they're great for wide feet).

US linen jumpsuit

I am glad it is navy; it both covers my underpinnings as well as any sweat (because we all know in the summer, sweat doesn't just come from our underarms).

The Luna Sleeveless Linen Jumpsuit is available in three colors, sizes 4XS-4XL, and retails for $128.

Universal Standard Promo Code

Universal Standard is offering the Wardrobe Oxygen community 10% off your order with promo code wardrobe_oxygen10. However, due to the limited nature of this collection, the code is NOT valid for the linen, but will work for anything else that you purchase.

This is a temporary code and I cannot guarantee that it will work beyond this week. As many of you know, this code turns on and off depending on the promotions taking place; I recommend trying it before making any purchase but know it may not always work.

Shop the Post:

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How to Keep Linen Not Looking a Mess

So… back to me being a klutz with a coffee stain on my shirt. How have I come to terms with linen and how do I wear it without looking even MORE like a mess?

  • Accessorize. Yeah, this doesn't change the fact that linen wrinkles, but accessories make every outfit look more purposeful. I find shiny accessories, especially in gold, seem to elevate linen and make the wrinkled linen look more breezy cool than wrinkled sad.
  • Wash on the Gentle Cycle. And leave a lot of room in the washer. With less twisting and wringing during the cycle, the linen clothes will be less likely to form such strong creases (I know I've had a linen shirt come out of the wash with one arm crinkled to half its width and possibly twice its length due to the spin cycle). Having less garments in the load will also reduce the chance of the linen clothes getting cramped or creased.
  • Iron or Steam Before Wearing. I mean, this is a “no duh” statement, but ironing while still damp or steaming will help release wrinkles and make them less likely to show up. I recommend that even if your linen clothes look good enough, give them a steam or an iron once-over before heading out because it will hold the wrinkles at bay longer.
  • Pick a Linen Blend… Especially with Rayon. Hey, good thing the Universal Standard linen collection this spring is a rayon/linen blend! I find this creases and wrinkles far less than my 100% linen pieces while still being breezy and comfortable.
  • Embrace the Rumple! Linen is classic, linen is chic, and linen is cool. No one expects linen clothes to be crisp. Embrace a bit of a rumple. Roll up the sleeves, unbutton another button so the neckline falls against your collarbone, and own the fact that you're being smart this summer by wearing the chicest fabric for hot and humid days.

Some like to starch their linen; I personally don't like the feel when the starch combines with the sweat on my neck and back. I'd rather be comfortable, and the starch doesn't prevent the wrinkles, it just reduces the chance (and makes it more likely wrinkles turn to creases).

Have you tried the Universal Standard linen collection? If you have, I'd love to read your thoughts on fit, quality, and how you plan to style it!

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In: Fashion Advice, Plus Size Fashion · Tagged: Universal Standard

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Comments

  1. K says

    May 19, 2021 at 2:20 pm

    I ordered from the pre-sale based on this really helpful review – and the great shots of you wearing the pieces! Thought Wardrobe Oxygen readers might be interested to know that my pieces have arrived just yesterday. Style is pretty great, and as pictured. I’m super disappointed by the fabric, though. It’s very thin, quite see-through, and at least in my pieces seems to be only linen – no blend, no stretch (and telltale sign – no fabric content tag). I think Universal Standard has some quality control issues that make it a bit hit or miss to purchase from them – though I keep trying because the hits are real hits! I’m debating what to do about these pieces. They’re a bit expensive to keep as linen only – likely only good for one season – pieces. Not 100% convinced they’re worth it. Interested if others had the same experience?

    Reply
  2. Sarah says

    April 20, 2021 at 11:04 am

    Does the jumpsuit have a seam at the waist? And do you think it be worn without a sash/belt?

    Reply
  3. Genevieve Smith says

    April 19, 2021 at 6:54 pm

    It’s your thoughtful consideration of details like this which makes me appreciate your reviews! Ty

    “I chose to keep photos of the same model, even if the colors aren’t what I have, to make it a clearer example of how the pieces fit on her body versus my body.”

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      April 20, 2021 at 9:04 am

      I’m so glad you like it, I just think what I want to see when looking for product reviews!

      Reply
  4. Karen O says

    April 19, 2021 at 3:46 pm

    Thank you for this review! I got their email this morning and thought the only thing I could pull off would be the shirt. It looks great on you and I’m sure it would work on me though I’d need to go down to a 2XS, according to the garment measurement chart (I am SO glad US does this). Sadly, for a 5′ shorty like me the rise on the shorts and pants would look ridiculous and easily come right up to the bottom my bra! The dress would be too long also.

    But let me tell you — you’re rocking that jumpsuit! It would be well worth it to take it up at the shoulders and wear that baby all summer long!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      April 20, 2021 at 9:03 am

      It really is very tall-friendly of a collection. And thank you!

      Reply
  5. Lee says

    April 19, 2021 at 2:47 pm

    These really are great on you! (I can’t get past those shoes on the model–lol!). That navy jumpsuit is totally you! You reminded me that I have a white linen shirt I bought a while back and then never wore b/c the pandemic started, and I wasn’t leaving the house. I need to find it and give it a try; appreciate all the ideas on how to wear it. Your posts are always helpful–thanks!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      April 20, 2021 at 9:03 am

      Yay I am so glad you find them helpful!

      Reply
  6. Barbara says

    April 19, 2021 at 10:26 am

    I love this new collection on you! (Especially that jumpsuit) Before I order, with the rayon and elastane, is there less “growth or sagging” in the pants or shorts? Nothing worse then having to Erkel elastic waisted linen pants

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      April 19, 2021 at 10:27 am

      To be honest, I didn’t get enough of a chance to really wear these things out a lot (they didn’t arrive until Friday evening) but I sat in them all and I found the waistbands because they’re wide to stay in place.

      Reply
  7. Rosie says

    April 19, 2021 at 10:04 am

    Do you have a particular steamer that you recommend? Might be a good 2021 purchase!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      April 19, 2021 at 10:08 am

      I have this handheld one which is great for one or two pieces: https://amzn.to/3trijRj
      I also have this one which I use before putting away line dried pieces that are wrinkled and big jobs like steaming before this shoot: https://bit.ly/32vrtQV

      Reply
      • Rosie says

        April 19, 2021 at 12:40 pm

        Thanks!

        Reply
  8. Bonnie Grove says

    April 19, 2021 at 9:57 am

    That jumpsuit is the best piece! Love it on you!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      April 19, 2021 at 10:08 am

      Thanks Bonnie!

      Reply
  9. E says

    April 19, 2021 at 9:38 am

    The navy jumpsuit looks awesome on you! Love!

    I’m surprised there are no bust darts in any of these woven pieces. IMO, that would improve the fit 100%. Also, I believe the horizontal waist seam on the tunic is less about weight and more about saving money — small pieces of fabric are far cheaper than one long length of woven fabric.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      April 19, 2021 at 10:09 am

      Thank you!

      And all the pieces except the big white shirt do have bust darts. And I think that seam, while it may be the reason for a lot of clothes, I think for this is a design element as it’s not used on the longer back or the dress or any other piece.

      Reply
      • E says

        April 19, 2021 at 11:42 am

        Good to know! And thanks so much for the reply.

        Reply
  10. HokieKate says

    April 19, 2021 at 8:44 am

    Wow, all the pieces look far better on you than on the models. It’s fascinating what little bits of styling can do. I love the dress with collar open and you smiling!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      April 19, 2021 at 10:09 am

      Thank you!

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Weekend Reads #148

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

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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

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Sep 11

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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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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!
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!
https://liketk.it/4hkEF 

#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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