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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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
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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Outfit Posts, Fashion Advice, Plus Size Fashion, Spring · April 12, 2019

What I Wore: Universal Standard Petite Avenir 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. 

Wardrobe Oxygen in the Avenir dress from Universal Standard with a KARA white fringe ring handle bag and black patent leather ankle booties

It's good to have a few versatile dresses in your closet at the ready for all sorts of situations.  This dress from Universal Standard has been worn many times yet this is its debut on the blog.  I love that it's a classic style with an edge thanks to a modern cut and mixed media (the majority of the dress is nubby matte crepe and the bottom is silky). 

Wardrobe Oxygen in the Universal Standard Petite Avenir dress with a white fringe ring bag from KARA

dress | earrings | bag | boots | lipstick

Wardrobe Oxygen in the Universal Standard Avenir dress with white leather fringe bag from KARA

Dress: Petite Avenir Dress c/o Universal Standard (XS Petite) | Bag: KARA (on sale!) | Earrings: Cober Hoops c/o Jenny Bird | Booties: ASOS (old; similar, lower heeled option) | Lipstick: RMS Beauty in “Rebound”

Wardrobe Oxygen in a black crepe dress from Universal Standard with a white fringe bag from KARA and black patent leather wide width ankle booties from ASOS

In the winter, I wore this dress with opaque tights, a leather moto jacket and booties to a blogger event.  I wore it with tights, heels, and statement earrings for a date night.  It's been styled with strappy heels and sparkly earrings for a dressy event, and the other week I wore it with a pair of trendy sneakers. I love that it's loose, no need for special underpinnings and it's chic without being uncomfortable. 

Wardrobe Oxygen in the Avenir dress from Universal Standard with a white fringe handbag

Now that it's spring, I'm wearing it with bare legs.  I like the look of an ankle bootie to keep the look modern. However, this is the kind of dress that works with pointed toe flats, with pumps, with strappy heels or low wedges, with sneakers, even throw it on with a pair of Birkenstocks.  The Universal Standard Petite Avenir dress only comes in black, but the regular also comes in teal and red. This dress is available in sizes 6-32.

Wardrobe Oxygen in the Avenir dress from Universal Standard with a white fringe handbag

And if you follow me on Instagram Stories (seriously, why aren't you?) you know I got my hair cut yesterday (which is the day of these photos).  I wanted to find a way to make my hair more wash-and-go especially with summer coming.  My stylist Billy at Scissor & Comb Salon in Takoma Park took my current cut, made the bangs thicker, trimmed the sides and bottom so it wasn't so square/heavy. As for the color, he added a chocolate brown at the roots and a gold glaze on the tips so it almost looks like it has been highlighted.  For product, he added a bit of conditioner after the hair was cleaned and then a small bit of anti-frizz serum (this one specifically from Virtue).  On Instagram, several of you DMed me asking about anti-frizz serums; below are the ones I have used and liked.  My tip for such serums is use less than you think you need and then learn from that day.  Too much can make your hair look greasy and be heavy and I think is why a lot of people don't like this kind of product.

Shop My Picks for Anti-Frizz Serums:
350

Wardrobe Oxygen in the Avenir dress from Universal Standard with a white fringe handbag

I would normally air-dry it, but he put me under the dryer hood since we wanted to see how it looked like before I left.  I then came home and fluffed it more and added some dry texturizing spray (this specific one which I wrote about here) to give it a bit more oomph. I'm ready for you Summer, me and my tresses!

Shop the Look:
350

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In: Outfit Posts, Fashion Advice, Plus Size Fashion, Spring · Tagged: ASOS, Jenny Bird, KARA bags, RMS Beauty, Universal Standard

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My Experience at a Universal Standard Trunk ShowMy Experience at a Universal Standard Trunk Show

Comments

  1. Lisa says

    April 14, 2019 at 9:21 am

    Hi Allison, you are fabulouse as usual. Will you be showing us some fun color outfits for spring? You of course look amazing in everything you wear, the reason I’m asking is because color is my favorite but I also find it the most challenging to pick for myself.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      April 15, 2019 at 9:52 am

      Oh yes I will! I’m trying to rewear what is in my closet and honestly, a lot of the things that survive season to season are more neutral. But there will be plenty of color coming down the pike!

      Reply
  2. Christine says

    April 12, 2019 at 5:33 pm

    Your hair looks fantastic! Makes me consider getting bangs with my curly-ish hair.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      April 15, 2019 at 9:57 am

      Thank you! And curly bangs are back, if you have the hair texture you should consider it! https://www.huffpost.com/entry/curly-bangs-hairstyles-2019_l_5cabad2ae4b01b34503a5293

      Reply
  3. Michelle says

    April 12, 2019 at 2:45 pm

    Noticed your hair right away, so cute! I wish mine could be curlier. It’s long with with a below chin layer that always manages to look frizzy unless curled/straightened. Getting curlier the more grey I get. The way you have the dress styled with that bag and boots, so mod, I love it!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      April 15, 2019 at 9:59 am

      I find the cut makes all the difference. When I had more of a bob/lob my hair was curly in places, wavy in others, some was straight and all of it was frizzy. I’m thrilled that hair trends now seem to be embracing natural texture far more! And thanks, this dress is so easy to style in many ways!

      Reply
  4. Elizabeth says

    April 12, 2019 at 1:41 pm

    Hi Alison. I’m new to your site and I’m really enjoying it. Thank you for often sharing the size of clothing you are wearing. Would you be willing to share your height? First time purchasing from universal standard. I’m 5’4” and busty (38DDD) and think I will be a Small.

    Thank you

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      April 12, 2019 at 1:43 pm

      Oh sure! I am 5’3″ and I am a 36 F and across the board am an XS at Universal Standard, better off when it’s available in petite. Welcome to Wardrobe Oxygen, I’m so glad you like it!

      Reply
      • Elizabeth says

        April 12, 2019 at 2:09 pm

        Perfect! Thank you again

        Reply
  5. Marta says

    April 12, 2019 at 1:22 pm

    That’s a lovely dress! This is embarrassing but I actually don’t own an LBD so this might be a good choice for a casual dress that can be dressed up.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      April 12, 2019 at 3:15 pm

      Oh don’t be embarrassed I know many are the same! But this is a great option!

      Reply
  6. Tracie says

    April 12, 2019 at 11:45 am

    Ohhh! I love your haircut! So cute and hopefully easier to take care of.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      April 12, 2019 at 1:54 pm

      Thanks Tracie!

      Reply
  7. Marie says

    April 12, 2019 at 9:53 am

    This is such a cool and badass outfit ! It’s a modern-day 1960’s cool. I love it !

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      April 12, 2019 at 11:28 am

      Thanks Marie!

      Reply
  8. Ann DD says

    April 12, 2019 at 9:16 am

    This dress looks great on you (like way better than it does on any of the models on the Universal Standard site)! How do you think it would be for travel? With the silky bottom, would I need a steamer to keep it wrinkle-free?

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      April 12, 2019 at 11:05 am

      When it arrived from Universal Standard the entire dress was quite wrinkled but it all came out with a quick swipe of the steamer. I’d recommend steaming after travel, the bottom part since it’s sort of like matte satin does show wrinkles easily though it doesn’t get super wrinkled. These photos are after a second wear.

      Reply

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The Best White Jeans: Reviewing Over 12 Pairs

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

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

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!
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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