Open
Scenes from a Friday night…

We started at @littleblackbirddc a new wine bar in Cleveland Park where we had great food, drink, and conversation into the evening. We then headed down the street to @atomicbilliards for a whole different experience and to keep the conversation going. I treasure my friendships with @sylviacolella (who had a birthday recently), @districtofchic, and @blonde_inthedistrict they’re the real deal 🥰

My dress is @adamlippes borrowed via @renttherunway and Cheetos with Sauvignon Blanc is a really fun pairing!
Open
Night and day…

Met three dear friends for an early dinner that went on until after the sun set. Great food and conversation with some great women!

The dress is @adamlippes and I borrowed it from @renttherunway. The bag is @jcrew and a splurge but I regretted not buying it the last time they offered this bag and this color is SO me. I mean, look how great it is with these many years old suede heeled sandals? Meant to be!

This color combination makes me so happy, and this dress was comfy even after a decadent meal. We all deserve to experience comfort and joy with our wardrobes! 💛🩷

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jnDf #ltkplussize #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #over40style
Open
If @thechicks are in town you can bet @debbiefaye78 and I will be there! So when we heard they were coming to @merriweatherpp we were so excited. And their concert did not disappoint. As always, a phenomenal show! If The Chicks come to your neck of the woods I highly recommend you go!

Okay I know you want to know about what we’re wearing! 

My sister’s caftan is from @anthropologie (bought this summer so maybe you can find on resale sites).

I’m wearing a @bananarepublic dress also from this summer with the @universalstandard denim chore jacket and a hat I got from a @madewell collab a year or so ago. I glammed it up with some gold chains and gold drop earrings, but kept it comfy for a night of standing and dancing with @birkenstock sandals.

This was my first big outing since my eye surgery, and with a pocketful of eye drops I felt good (and grateful we splurged for good seats!).

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jcBL #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #usinthewild #concertstyle
Open
For years I’ve trusted @somaintimates for the right bras and the right fit but it had been a while since I visited a Soma boutique to try on all the styles they currently have for a large bust. I must say I was impressed! Knowledgeable staff, extensive collection in larger sizes, and some of the most comfortable and innovative bras in up to H cups! Each body is different but what I loved:

- The Stunning Push-Up: targeted for the DD+ customer gives amazing lift and great shape under fitted knits.

- The Unbelievable Lift Scoop Balconette: sexy, supportive, and so lightweight!

- The Embraceable Wireless: I’ve recommended this wireless bra for large busts for years and was in need for a new one! 

- The Stunning Support Smooth Balconette: this is the perfect t-shirt bra for large busts with padded straps and disappears under knits

- The Stunning Starlet Multi-Way Strapless: recently improved for more support and more comfort, this wireless bra stays put and gives fab shape

I also picked up some of Soma’s iconic Vanishing Edge panties which keep you line-free. The whole Vanishing collection is genius. I loved being able to donate my gently used bras at my local Soma boutique to give to those in need. We all deserve a lift and Soma strives to achieve that. It’s why I’ve been a fan and customer for years and am honored to partner with them. Soma is the perfect fitting bra solution. Visit the link in my bio to shop and to find your local Soma boutique! #SomaPartner #SomaBraFit #SomaStartsWithMe
Open
If I close my eyes you can’t tell one is still bloodshot 😜

Still recovering from my eye surgery but feeling more myself. Getting dolled up helps me feel me. Bright colors and bold jewelry have been signature Alison since I was a kid! 

Sweater: @favorite.daughter 
Earrings: Amazon
Necklace: @_jennybird (old)
Ring: @realmfinejewelry 
Bra: @lovebravissimo 
Lipstick: @glossier 
Pins as “cufflinks”: vintage

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4j0LM #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #over40style #ltkover40 #genxstyle
Open
It was so funny and so quick I couldn’t not share! I bought this @hulkenbag a year ago and use it all the time. Carting shoot supplies, groceries, packing for road trips, and carting donations. This weekend @thenewdealcafe in @cityofgreenbelt hosted a community clothing swap so I made sure my family and I went through our summer wardrobes to gather that which we no longer needed or fit.

This wasn’t the first clothing swap and folks in town know my style (and my job) so there were some waiting for my arrival. Look how fast I cleared out this big bag! Speaking of the bag one other swap attendee said she got herself a Hulken after seeing mine in action!

It’s so great to know our old clothes are getting a good life and this bag makes carting them to the cafe so easy! I got my Hulken on Amazon, it comes in other colors and sizes too: https://amzn.to/48iTY4Y yep the bag is as great as all those ads you see on social media, I’m a big fan!
Open
I had to see… I asked my husband how often he thinks about the Roman Empire, and then asked our 14-year-old 😂
Open
#ad Go through my archives on Wardrobe Oxygen and one thing is clear: my family and I are a fan of @bombas socks! From their no-slip no-show socks to their iconic crew socks, Bombas makes great socks for the whole family while having a great heart.

Socks are the #1 requested article of clothing from homeless shelters. For every item purchase from Bombas, one is donated to someone experiencing homelessness. 

Save 20% on your first purchase at Bombas with my exclusive promo code: WARDROBE20

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4ipHy #bombas
Open
Happy gotcha day, Oscar! Four years ago he came into our life and we are so happy to have in our family!

Oscar was a rescue and came with some… quirks. Over the years we have come to understand him and he has come to trust us. He’s a diva, a snuggler, he could play catch for hours, and he’s my husband’s shadow. 

We’ve never had a small breed dog before and it’s a whole different experience. But we adore Oscar and couldn’t imagine our life without him! Thank you for coming into our life Oskie McGoskie! 🐾❤️
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Fashion Advice · August 8, 2007

Wednesday

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. 

August 0032August 0051Gosh, all these new visitors to my blog (hello you 5,000+ people) and I look like crap. Murphy's Law, huh? Glad I have been working on my skin (that's a future post).

Navy stretchy cotton v-neck sweater from Banana Republic, olive ripstop cotton cargo skirt from J. Crew, black leather thong heels from Mossimo, silver cuff, jade and other bead necklace from the hubby's trip to Mexico, black headband made from the hem of the sleeve of my Jack Daniel's tee (yeah, from this day). Amazing how my arm is almost the same size as my head… this realization came a few days ago when I found this piece of hem on the floor just outside the office's trash can and it was when I was ironing and the AC wasn't pumping as hard as I desired… now it's a new accessory (and I have been doing light weights every morning along with yoga to get the arms smaller than the noggin). Usually relegated to the bathroom for when I wash my face at night, today it was a necessity for the Real World.

So makeup is L'Oreal True Match foundation in C3, Cargo matte Beach Blush in Tenerife, some brow powder so I am not all beige (I wear it every day but never mention it because there's so much else going on), Max Factor Lash Perfection in black – one coat, non-curled lashes and a super quick swipe of Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Pink Afterglow.

Hair… I took a shower last night, put in a very small amount of Jonathan Silky Dirt in and went to bed. Woke up with a very soft and silky ‘fro. I put in the headband, took my Body Shop wood bristle brush to the super tangled pieces and left it as-is. So now you see the natural texture of my hair is tres reminiscent of Jon Bon Jovi circa 1987. I had it MADE back in middle school (never needed that body wave).

1280591530 lSo as you all readers know, I have a dog – Ruckus. Ruckus is a boxer who is 8 1/2 years old. Back when my hubby and I were still boyfriend and girlfriend who hung out only on weekends, he decided to get a dog. We did the internet searches and came up with a few breeds he thought were appropriate (read: big, burly and will look cool in the passenger seat of his Jeep Wrangler). Boxer was not on the list. To see the animals in action, we went to a few places – breeders, pet stores, yadda. His plan was to get one from a breeder, but we stopped by a pet store just to see the puppies.

And we saw Ruckus.

He was in what looked like a terrarium up so high I couldn't make kissy faces at him. He didn't care. he was upside-down licking the glass, his tail wagging frantically. We asked to see him in the play pen. He freaked me out a bit – chewing the sides of the pen, the toys and even my shoes. I thought he was quite the hellion. My husband/then boyfriend fell passionately in love with this fawn-colored bundle of energy. When the pet store manager told us he was too old for them and Monday he was probably going to “another location” (read: shelter) we snatched him up.

On the way home he was named Ruckus and he proceeded to pee all over me. Somehow me, a person raised a cat person found this endearing and by the time we returned to my boyfriend's house I too was passionately in love with this dog.

l df0a703c3ef12bb475fe3127cbd19e0bOver the years, he went from being my boyfriend's dog to our dog to my baby. He stopped chewing shoes and was satisfied with a Jolly Ball in the yard. He would have bursts of insane energy, and then be the most cuddly and darling pup. Though my husband is the Alpha Male in the house, I am the Mommy. I put peanut butter on his thyroid pill every day. I brush him and walk him and feed him mist of the time. I sing to him and cuddle with him and he follows me around like… well like a puppy dog.

Well last night reminded me he is getting up in years (boxers average 8-12 years). Guess his legs are starting to bother him (he had ACL surgery on his back legs several years ago when he tore both of them jumping off the deck) and he spent the whole night pacing, I think standing was more comfortable than lying down. With some pet-friendly meds, I think he got comfortable and the doc says just to watch his activity level and keep him off the stairs, but the night was spent mostly on the living room floor with my baby, cooing and scratching his belly. this morning when the alarm went off, I had been in bed for a total of an hour and a half and the last thing I cared about was my appearance.

l c5e58d76b29ebe567c1cacfb878030f8Ruckus had gotten some sleep and seemed okay getting up and hop/walking into the front yard to take care of business. He heartily ate his breakfast and pills and was full of boxer-esque grins and tail wags even though you could tell the experience freaked him out and he was still sore. I think last night we both realized that Ruckie-boo ain't the spring chicken we both believe he still is.

So, I look a bit off, but I am happy that my dog is feeling better. Even happier that in six hours I will be back home to hang out with him!

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Comments

  1. Michelle says

    August 13, 2007 at 12:20 am

    My mom has two boxers, one of which is about Ruckus’s age these days. She’s had several run-ins with skin cancer (they had to amputate the better part of one of her ears) and I know how upset my mom gets about the relatively short boxer lifespan.

    Anyhow, Ruckus is a handsome, handsome boy and I’m glad he’s doing well.

    Reply
  2. ThickChick says

    August 9, 2007 at 2:31 pm

    Ooh, fellow doggie mamma here! That must be hard to see your baby in pain, glad your entry had a happy ending too!

    And by the way – you look fantastic- I never would have guessed you were going on ONE freakin’ hour of sleep!! Also – your legs look longer in this skirt length (something I’m going to keep in mind for moi!)

    Reply
  3. Dawn says

    August 9, 2007 at 1:37 pm

    aw, your dog is so cute! glad to read that the blog had a happy ending..

    Reply
  4. tiffany says

    August 9, 2007 at 11:10 am

    aww poor ruckie.

    Reply
  5. maddie says

    August 9, 2007 at 5:41 am

    awww! ruckus is soo cute! i’m so glad he’s better. there’s nothing worse than when one of our little animals aren’t doing so well. i love that you put peanut butter on his pills. i had a cocker spaniel when i was growing up and we wrapped her pills in a big piece of salami and she loved it.

    🙂 he’s lucky to have a mommy like you!

    Reply
  6. De in D.C. says

    August 8, 2007 at 9:31 pm

    awwww, what a doll!! My cocker mix is 14 1/2 and has been having elderly issues lately. Some things that really help her are fish oil, a higher protein diet (elderly dogs tend to lose muscle mass and need more protein – contrary to how the “senior” dog food formulas are made), and a liquid glucosamine/chondroitin/msm formula. We use a human formula and do about 1/4oz 2x/day (for a 32lb dog, you’d likely need more but talk to your vet).

    As another cat person that married into a dog, I know how much they grow to be family. Give Ruckus lots of tummy scratches for me!

    Reply
  7. Looks to Love says

    August 8, 2007 at 6:59 pm

    Awww.. ruckus is so cute!! Glad he’s doing better!

    Reply
  8. Debbie says

    August 8, 2007 at 5:43 pm

    I felt the same way brid did! Poor puppy – I’m glad my nephew is doing better.

    Reply
  9. brid says

    August 8, 2007 at 5:15 pm

    I don’t think I’ve ever commented, but have been around lurking for months. I spent so much of this post going “please oh please oh please oh please” hoping the post was going to have a happy ending. It did. Phew!

    Glad ruckus is feeling better.

    Reply

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Since 2005, Wardrobe Oxygen has offered real-life style advice for grown-ass women. With years of experience as an apparel visual merchandiser and personal shopper, Alison Gary provides advice on how to achieve personal style no matter your age, size, or budget.

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Sep 26

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Scenes from a Friday night…

We started at @littleblackbirddc a new wine bar in Cleveland Park where we had great food, drink, and conversation into the evening. We then headed down the street to @atomicbilliards for a whole different experience and to keep the conversation going. I treasure my friendships with @sylviacolella (who had a birthday recently), @districtofchic, and @blonde_inthedistrict they’re the real deal 🥰

My dress is @adamlippes borrowed via @renttherunway and Cheetos with Sauvignon Blanc is a really fun pairing!

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 23

Open
Night and day…

Met three dear friends for an early dinner that went on until after the sun set. Great food and conversation with some great women!

The dress is @adamlippes and I borrowed it from @renttherunway. The bag is @jcrew and a splurge but I regretted not buying it the last time they offered this bag and this color is SO me. I mean, look how great it is with these many years old suede heeled sandals? Meant to be!

This color combination makes me so happy, and this dress was comfy even after a decadent meal. We all deserve to experience comfort and joy with our wardrobes! 💛🩷

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jnDf #ltkplussize #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #over40style

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 21

Open
If @thechicks are in town you can bet @debbiefaye78 and I will be there! So when we heard they were coming to @merriweatherpp we were so excited. And their concert did not disappoint. As always, a phenomenal show! If The Chicks come to your neck of the woods I highly recommend you go!

Okay I know you want to know about what we’re wearing! 

My sister’s caftan is from @anthropologie (bought this summer so maybe you can find on resale sites).

I’m wearing a @bananarepublic dress also from this summer with the @universalstandard denim chore jacket and a hat I got from a @madewell collab a year or so ago. I glammed it up with some gold chains and gold drop earrings, but kept it comfy for a night of standing and dancing with @birkenstock sandals.

This was my first big outing since my eye surgery, and with a pocketful of eye drops I felt good (and grateful we splurged for good seats!).

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jcBL #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #usinthewild #concertstyle

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 19

Open
If I close my eyes you can’t tell one is still bloodshot 😜

Still recovering from my eye surgery but feeling more myself. Getting dolled up helps me feel me. Bright colors and bold jewelry have been signature Alison since I was a kid! 

Sweater: @favorite.daughter 
Earrings: Amazon
Necklace: @_jennybird (old)
Ring: @realmfinejewelry 
Bra: @lovebravissimo 
Lipstick: @glossier 
Pins as “cufflinks”: vintage

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4j0LM #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #over40style #ltkover40 #genxstyle

wardrobe_oxygen

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

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Sep 8

Open
I can see clearly now…

Actually I can’t, but things after my retina surgery are much improved! My next appointment is in a month and I’m cleared to get back into the world (with some restrictions to protect my eye).

With a sclera buckle, it changes your eye shape and now I am nearsighted again (I had lasik a few years ago). Once the eye is stabilized I can get glasses or contacts but until then I’m 20/20 in one eye and right now 20/60 in the other. But the eye is healing beautifully and I feel positive!

And I could see clearly enough to fall for this poppy-colored cotton jumpsuit from @pistoladenim. It comes in a few colors but this one is my favorite. I went with XL (im@a 14, sometimes 16) and likely could have sized down but I enjoy the relaxed fit and the drawstring waistband to create shape. And hello zipper closure making it super easy to get on and off!

My husband took this photo right after my eye appointment, I think it reflects my positive attitude and feeling of hope! 🧡

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
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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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