Open
Counteract the gray days with cozy colorful clothes! 🌈 This cashmere sweater set is the prettiest teal and I loved how it looked with this candy pink Chesterfield coat. All are from @anntaylor one of my favorite places to shop because Ann has petites over a size 12. Also all of these items are on sale!

While I did receive these clothes as a gift from Ann Taylor I am under no obligation to share with you. This is what I wore to work and when I saw these colors against the green of my building door I had to prop up my phone and capture the color combo!

This sweater is a classic and with the skirt is created a dress effect you can style with tall boots, ankle boots and tights, or dress down with sneakers. I linked to other pieces in this color that would also look dreamy with this skirt, as well as other gorgeous colorful coats.

For reference I am wearing the coat in XL petite and the sweater set in L. I am 5’3” and usually wear a 14/16

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

#LTKmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #size14 #midsizepetite #ThisIsAnn
Open
Just got back from a 4-night getaway with my sister @debbiefaye78 at @curacaomarriottbeachresort. It was a last-minute planned trip that ended up being perfect. We weren’t ready to celebrate Thanksgiving without our mom and this escape what just what our hearts needed. 

I’ll be sharing more once I finally unpack my suitcase and organize my photos and thoughts; but I couldn’t not share this picture from yesterday morning. Debbie and I got up early to enjoy some of the day at the resort before flying home to DC. We had the infinity pool to ourselves, finished our books, and relaxed before a long day of travel. 🌴
Open
It’s hard when you’re petite and most models aren’t; you have no idea how clothes, especially jeans will fit. To promote @universalstandard’s Denim Drive sale, the company sent me two pairs of jeans of my choice. And I chose to make this video to show how they fit on my 5’3” body. I am usually a 14/32 in jeans but at Universal Standard I wear a 12 because they’re super stretchy and generously sized. 

With jeans as low as $35 in sizes 00-40, this is a sale not to be missed. And use code INFS-BFALISON10 for an additional 10% off sitewide!

The Farrah Flare is a favorite because at my height, most flare jeans will lose what makes them special once hemmed. At a 30” inseam these are great with low heels or lug soles.

The Etta is a straight jean with a vintage fit. If in doubt size down. They’re also super stretchy and the 28” inseam (they also come in 31”) works with my boots and sneakers.

While I was provided the apparel in this Reel for free, I was not paid or contracted to create this content. Consider it a PSA for my fellow shorties shopping this fab denim sale!

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4oWOQ #ltkmidsize #ltkplussize #ltkover40 #ltksalealert #uspartner #midsizestyle
Open
Thanks to @talbotsofficial I’m ready for the holidays! #AD

I love Talbots for holiday fashion and this season’s new arrivals do not disappoint. And for Black Friday the entire site is 40% off with free shipping on orders $150+. Until noon, you also receive 50% off 1 regular price item!

I ordered pieces from the Talbots Holiday Collection and found great quality, great style, and great versatility. How cute is the Breton stripe bateau neck with the removable feather cuffs? The metallic plaid patio skirt is so fun, and these two dresses can glam up or dress down with a change of footwear and bag. For reference, I am wearing everything in either XL or 16 petite.

The ivory cords are also Talbots; the black trousers are from last year’s Talbots Holiday Collection showing how Talbots has lasting style. I’ve linked to exact or very similar in my LTK shop. Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.ltk app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content! https://liketk.it/4oDJF

#mytalbots modernclassicstyle #wondersoftheseason #ltkover40 #ltkplussize #ltkmidsize #blackfridaysale
Open
@somaintimates makes it easy to shop for a range of personas this holiday season! #AD With gift guides for a range of personality types, you can easily find great gifts for your loved ones. I was drawn to the creative one, loving the rich colorful florals, luxe satin, lace trim, and of course Soma’s iconic Cool Nights sleepwear! Visit Soma’s gift guide for tips on finding the perfect present this holiday season. #SomaGiftGuide #SomaStartsWithMe
Open
Working on the weekend is far more enjoyable when it’s in my office 💚

Perimenopause and the pandemic and homeschooling made our row home feel even smaller. So when neighbors revitalized an office building in our town center and offered individual offices for rent, I felt it would be good for business and personally. And I kept it when the world opened up and our kid went back to public school because it helps me have a clear start and end to the work day, but also because I created a space I really enjoy.

This weekend I went to the office to shoot some content. And once I was finished I enjoyed just sitting here, watching the light change. I think I may switch the furniture around, switch up the energy. I love that I can do that without consulting another or having another person’s opinions matter.

When you have a family, things go from me to we. I don’t regret leaving Corporate America to do this full time, but I do miss being part of a team. And I missed having an office, a place away from home that’s just for me. 

I wish more communities would offer rental offices like @thegranitebuilding. With reasonably affordable monthly rates, it doesn’t have to just be business owners who get office spaces. It can be a place to work on a hobby or craft, a place to WFH that’s not home, or a place to just read and write and nap undisturbed. A literal room of one’s own. Because sometimes a person needs time to be a me and not a we. 💚
Open
You’re never too old for a Rory Gilmore sweater… this cotton fisherman sweater is from @llbean and inspired by @marielle.elizabeth I shopped the men’s department for a better size range. The influencer influenced the influencer!

The jeans are @landsend I got last year and I’m glad they brought them back this year in several washes, inseam lengths, and plus sizes. If in doubt, size down. They will shrink in length slightly but not anywhere else, they’re super comfy and stretchy but don’t stretch out. 

Kept the collegiate vibe going with a trucker cap, HOKAs, and my trusty commuter bag for years: the large @dagnedover Dakota backpack!

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4o4bQ #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #genxstyle #ltkover40 #over40style
Open
It’s Cozy Season, and @tjmaxx is here to update our wardrobes with stylish accessories and apparel from the best brands for less. #AD

I recently visited tjmaxx.com and was so impressed with the array of elevated designer labels, on-trend looks, and the best prices. This pearl-encrusted beanie is from a woman designer I have admired for years; tjmaxx.com has the matching gloves and other pieces from this label to make a great set for yourself or to gift another. These earrings I’ve seen from the same designer at department stores; in fact I own other earrings from this label and paid much more for them. I should have checked T.J.Maxx first! And this cozy poncho is the perfect layer for late fall in the DC area.

I love how the winter white pieces elevate my existing closet. And pearls can be worn for day or glam up for evening. I can see many ways I’ll be styling these designer accessories from #tjmaxx all season long!

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4o2dA
Open
My husband has a special backpack he fills with weight to wear while hiking; it’s called rucking. I wear a @dagnedover Dakota and fill it with my laptop, my iPad, a full water bottle, and my purse and walk to work; it’s called commuting. 💁🏻‍♀️

But seriously, I’ve had this backpack for five years. It has been shoved under plane seats, in overstuffed car trunks, under feet in the passenger seat. I’ve worn it as I’ve walked miles in major cities and from my house to my town center. My daughter also has a Dagne Dakota; it survived middle school and continues to work through camping, sleepovers, and road trips. It’s genially designed, comfortable, and can take a beating and still look great.

As for the rest of the look, the vest (XL) is a new purchase from @athleta; the Rainier tights (L) are also Athleta but two years old. The purple top is @nike and about a decade old. Hat is @llbean and it’s on sale for less than $15. And my trusty @hoka sneakers that have had their own set of adventures.

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

#ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #genxstyle #dagnedoverdakota
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Lifestyle · April 25, 2020

Weekend Reads #102

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. 

image from rawpixel id 1210014 jpeg

Oh, the highs and lows of Corona.  Last weekend was rough and it went into this week.  Tuesday I had a call with my business consultant and ended up in tears.  But I took a day to go outside and spend a few minutes in my front yard absorbing sunshine, I got my hands dirty in the garden, I made friendship bracelets with my daughter, I showered and used all my masks and scrubs and lotions and potions, and I went to bed early and I felt worlds better.  There's this feeling that right now we need to be productive, whether we're bored or slammed with work and/or homeschooling and/or caring for others and/or dealing with our health.  And it's unfair.  We're dealing with a freaking pandemic, something none of us have experienced before, and it's not just happening to us, or to our community, or even to our country but the entire globe.  And that's some heavy shizz, and it's going to affect all of us, likely at the weirdest and worst and most unexpected moments.  And that's okay.  And the best thing I did all week was have one of the ugliest nose-faucet puffy eye twisted-face cries I've had in years.  Letting it out reduces its power and allows us to move forward.  Much love to all of you.

How to Help

I shared this in the Wardrobe Oxygen Community on Facebook.  Today is a virtual Small Business Saturday in DC and it felt appropriate to re-share.  The businesses we support now are the ones that have a chance to make it through.  I know we don't all have the money or ability to buy from these businesses right now, but that doesn't mean you can't help them.

More than ever, small businesses you love need your support… and it does NOT need to be financial! Small businesses can be online retailers, your favorite cafe in town, your personal trainer, the company that replaced the siding on your house or seal-coated your driveway, the hotel you stay at every anniversary, or your favorite blogger or comedian or YouTuber. Some no-cost ways to help:

  • Use your social media to share them. Share their articles on your feed. Mention them in Facebook groups when people are asking for suggestions. Tag and mention them in your Instagram stories. Do a #throwbackthursday sharing a photo of their product or service or location (and don't forget to tag and mention them). Invite friends to like their Facebook pages, join their Facebook groups, etc.
  • Leave honest and detailed reviews, whether it's on Yelp, their Facebook page, TripAdvisor, or for influencers like me, on Fohr
  • Visit their websites. Google notes traffic, and it helps them rank higher for searches. Even if you can't afford to buy something from that business, visit their website and click around. For blogs, visit the actual blogs, not just their social media or the emails you get.
  • Engage. Leave comments on their Instagram posts where other people can see they have an engaged audience. Leave comments on blog posts, the Facebook pages of brands, participate in discussions in their Facebook groups.
  • Give them compliments, let them know why you love them. Small businesses right now are struggling to stay afloat, and a positive comment can be just what they need to get through the day and keep pushing forward.
  • Give them grace. Know that shipping may take longer, errors may happen, things may not be as seamless or perfect as they were before. Small businesses are scrambling to keep things running with this new normal while also applying for loans and grants, having frantic talks with financial institutions and accountants, upsetting conversations with staff, and dealing with constantly changing rules and news each day they wake. Your support makes all the difference. 2764

Weekend Reads

Speaking of small DC businesses, my Year of the Woman t-shirt is from The Outrage, a DC business participating in the virtual Small Business Saturday.  For reference, I bought a size Large.

By now I hope you have checked out Fiona Apple's latest album, Fetch the Bolt Cutters.  It's on Spotify, it's fabulous, it has been on repeat at Casa Gary.  Enjoy this interview with the artist. (Vulture)

In honor of her 94th birthday, a look back at Queen Elizabeth II's rainbow wardrobe. (Tattler)

There are two Americas now, the sick and the bored.  I am totally feeling this piece, though honestly, my life is if anything busier since sheltering in place. (Gen on Medium)

ADA Collection makes some of my very favorite belts; see me wear them here.  The founder Ada Deferrari is currently offering a free body shape guide and a free class to dress the body shape you have right now.

New plant subscription service wants to give D.C.’s aspiring green thumbs ‘a cheap kind of therapy’. (DCist)

“When people try to be cheerful about social distancing and working from home, noting that William Shakespeare and Isaac Newton did some of their best work while England was ravaged by the plague, there is an obvious response: Neither of them had child-care responsibilities.” (The Atlantic)

If your hands are seriously chapped from all the washings, I can't recommend Combat Ready Balm from Skincando enough.  Skincando is an organic, woman-owned, DC-based skincare line and Combat Ready Balm is a product used by US soldiers in war zones as it helps treat dryness, itching,  eczema, minor abrasions, post-shaving burn, chafing, scars, bug bites, and sun/wind burn. 

Could COVID-19 usher in a new era of responsibility in fashion? (Vogue)

If you can’t handle me at my Crocs, you don’t deserve me at my literally any other shoe. (Just Good Sh*t)

I loved Alabama Shakes, seen them several times including one show at Ram's Head in Baltimore that didn't sell out and I was right up on the stage.  I love Brittany Howard.  And I love this piece about her. (New Yorker)

In the WO2 Community on Facebook this week we've been discussing wireless bras.  If you're more the “small of bust” than I and looking for a comfy and pretty bra for staying at home, I know many who love the everyday bra from underbares. Underbares is an ethical and sustainable Washington DC-based intimates brand.

What does Vogue do in a pandemic? It shows medical workers as heroic — but also human. (Washington Post)

No beauty supply & no salon: four black women on haircare in quarantine. (Man Repeller)

Looking for a cool way to update your pad? I love these neighborhood map prints from Cherry Blossom Creative, a DC-based stationery shop and creative studio.  While the collection is primarily neighborhoods in the DC metro area, there are also maps for cities around the country such as San Francisco, Pittsburgh, and the South End of Boston.

“Amazon has never been more powerful, but the consequences of its power have never been more visible.”  If you're shopping Amazon when you have other options, you really REALLY need to read this.  (New York Times)

See/Hear/Read

Hey folks, if you haven't heard, the Parks and Recreation cast is reuniting for a special episode April 30th on NBC to benefit Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund. The writers, producers, and cast will match donations up to $500,000 combined.  (Glamour)

The series finale of Empire was so disappointing.  I know it was rushed due to SIP regulations but dang, they couldn't pull it together a bit more with clips from the past kazillion seasons? I would have loved something to remind me why I stuck around all these years.  It's a shame because this series started off so strong.

As a family, we watched The Willoughbys, a new family film on Netflix.  Dude, this movie is SO WEIRD, it's like a candy-covered acid trip but we parents were engaged (it helped to have a famous cast voicing the characters and having NO CLUE what in the world would come next), and our daughter thought it was FABULOUS. 

As I mentioned in a previous Weekend Reads, Colleen Hoover had all her eBooks for free one day and I got them all.  I read Verity and liked it, and then started on her book Hopeless, not realizing that Verity is NOT her typical type of book and this was some YA romance stuff.  And I noped out of it and started another book.  But then I decided one day when I wanted some light and mindless to go back to Hopeless and finished it in one day.  Yes, it's a story about high school seniors, a lot of it is cliche, the twist at the end I sort of saw coming (not all of it, but the jist), the first time the two got together and got all romantic was steamy but the other times I quickly scanned and moved on.  This wasn't bad, but not my genre so don't take my word for it.  With over 10,000 reviews on Amazon, the book gets a 4.6 so I am clearly not the right demo.  

At some point I preordered Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies by Tara Schuster and it showed up in my Kindle so that will be the book I start this weekend.  I've made a little routine of starting Saturday with breakfast, coffee, and a book to separate it from the week and from work.  I'll be sure to let you know what I think of it!

And speaking of books, I've made a storefront on Bookshop.  I used to track books read in Amazon but Bookshop supports indie bookstores so I'm switching to them.  When you shop at Bookshop you can support DC bookstores such as Kramerbooks.

I LOVED all the book suggestions last week, keep it up!  Several have emailed me that they got new books based on your recommendations and I am noting them for when I am out of books I already purchased!

For Your Entertainment

Missy Missy can't you see, we need your music during the quarantine. Thank you to Missy Elliott, who has provided us with not only new music but some of her legendary videos to go with it.  Enjoy “Cool Off.”

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In: Lifestyle · Tagged: weekend reads

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Comments

  1. Cynthia says

    April 26, 2020 at 9:57 pm

    Round like a ceiling fan, round like a ceiling fan – I love the music videos you include in your weekend reads, always good! Clearly, we share the same taste in music. Now I’m off to see if I can learn that dance routine LOL

    Reply
  2. Pam says

    April 26, 2020 at 3:38 pm

    I’ve had great luck lately with alternatives to Amazon. Etsy for a squirrel house and another specialty website for in-shell nuts (long story, trying to help 3 juvenile squirrels who abandoned their best). Another specialty store for some bread making stuff (Pacific Grain and KAF). And our local Ace hardware for row cover for veggies (esp since Amazon can’t get it here for 10 days, and I need it now).

    I might be nuts but in each case it felt like the business appreciated the business.

    Reply
  3. Rachel says

    April 26, 2020 at 3:01 am

    “I’ve made a little routine of starting Saturday with breakfast, coffee, and a book to separate it from the week and from work” This is an inspired idea!! Definitely mimicing that one!

    April 25th is ANZAC day, which commemorates those who have sacrificed for our freedom (the specific date is linked to a WW1 battle where large numbers of Australian, New Zealand and Turkish men lost their lives in one battle, but this has rightly morphed into recognising all across the years). The tradition is to have a dawn service as that is when the battle commenced. It was one of those truly ridiculous ones that make me sad and angry and were sadly rife in that war. Anyway, normally I’d go up to Edinburgh Castle for the service (I’m am expat NZer), but of course this year it didn’t take place. So instead I rode my bike down to the beach and listened to The Last Post, the three national anthems, and The Reveille as I contemplated and watched the sun come up over the waves. It was extremely restorative. Nature is such a healer – as you’re experiencing in your garden.

    Take good care and thanks for the ever great content.

    Reply
  4. Alison French-Tubo says

    April 25, 2020 at 5:58 pm

    Thanks for the book suggestions. I just read the first of a YA series recommended by my local bookshop, Capital Books (Sacramento) for my 12 yo, and it was just what I needed in terns of mix of serious and light..”The Unwanteds” by Lisa McMann. Some of the vibes of The Hunger Games and Harry Potter but definitely its own thing. Said 12 yo let me steal it while he read “Guards, Guards” by Terry Pratchett, which is part of a long, but read in any order series called Disk World. Fun word play abound.

    Reply
  5. Mary says

    April 25, 2020 at 2:07 pm

    Took your nudge to support small biz Saturday, in some of those creative non financial ways. Will check out Bookshop. Thanks

    Reply
  6. Mariana says

    April 25, 2020 at 1:11 pm

    Fiona Apple’s albums free to listen to on. Amazon Music if you’re a Prime member!

    Reply
  7. Rebecca Hovingh says

    April 25, 2020 at 11:39 am

    My family (consisting of two parents and three grown children) really enjoyed the Willoughbys as well! I highly recommend the book by Lois Lowry if you haven’t read it 🙂

    Reply
  8. Lee says

    April 25, 2020 at 10:56 am

    Parks & Rec—yay! My husband, son, & I only watched this, via Netflix, this past year. We were sad when we finished the series back in the summer, so we are all 3 excited about this. Too bad it’s not still on regularly. Comedies are desperately needed these days. I DVR’d Will & Grace & watched the final episode last night. Oh, how I wish it wasn’t over & that they would continue—even if they just did 10 or 12 episodes a year. But I guess it’s not to be.

    Other shows our family enjoys watching together are Mixed-ish, Black-ish, and Young Sheldon (missing Big Bang too!). My son is 14 & over the years, we’ve always had comedies we’ve watched together & really look forward to (The Middle was a past favorite). There were & still are moments in almost any show where he may not understand something or it’s a little inappropriate for his age. But, it either flies right over him or it leads to good conversations among the 3 of us.

    God Friended Me has been a real favorite and we are all incredibly sad to see it end Sunday night. If ever we need a feel-good show like that, it’s now.

    More good books ladies: The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley. Very suspenseful! A group of old college friends gather for New Years Eve at a remote Scottish hunting lodge. Someone dies.

    Long Bright River by Liz Moore. A female cop in Philly deals with her job while trying to find her missing sister, who is a drug addict. Really good, but takes a bit to get into.

    Alison, hope you have a great weekend with your family! I continue to be grateful for your blog & the various topics you write about. It’s very refreshing that there are times when it’s obvious that you just want to share with us, rather than get us to buy things we don’t really need. Thank you!

    Reply
  9. D says

    April 25, 2020 at 10:21 am

    I too hit the wall this week! After a big old ugly cry for no reason cry I decided to just find a way to reach out and do something ( virtually of course) for family, friends and neighbors. My two almost adult sons that I’m home with got into it too and it took us out of our own heads. We all feel a little bit better.
    I for one love hearing that that you are struggling too. All this pretending everything’s normal kinda wears you down.
    Thanks for keeping it real!!!

    Reply
  10. Aleta Hong says

    April 25, 2020 at 8:50 am

    Yes Bookshop! I am so happy they are taking the off and recently used them to support Greedy Reads my fav Baltimore shop.

    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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Nov 28

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Just got back from a 4-night getaway with my sister @debbiefaye78 at @curacaomarriottbeachresort. It was a last-minute planned trip that ended up being perfect. We weren’t ready to celebrate Thanksgiving without our mom and this escape what just what our hearts needed. 

I’ll be sharing more once I finally unpack my suitcase and organize my photos and thoughts; but I couldn’t not share this picture from yesterday morning. Debbie and I got up early to enjoy some of the day at the resort before flying home to DC. We had the infinity pool to ourselves, finished our books, and relaxed before a long day of travel. 🌴

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Nov 19

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Working on the weekend is far more enjoyable when it’s in my office 💚

Perimenopause and the pandemic and homeschooling made our row home feel even smaller. So when neighbors revitalized an office building in our town center and offered individual offices for rent, I felt it would be good for business and personally. And I kept it when the world opened up and our kid went back to public school because it helps me have a clear start and end to the work day, but also because I created a space I really enjoy.

This weekend I went to the office to shoot some content. And once I was finished I enjoyed just sitting here, watching the light change. I think I may switch the furniture around, switch up the energy. I love that I can do that without consulting another or having another person’s opinions matter.

When you have a family, things go from me to we. I don’t regret leaving Corporate America to do this full time, but I do miss being part of a team. And I missed having an office, a place away from home that’s just for me. 

I wish more communities would offer rental offices like @thegranitebuilding. With reasonably affordable monthly rates, it doesn’t have to just be business owners who get office spaces. It can be a place to work on a hobby or craft, a place to WFH that’s not home, or a place to just read and write and nap undisturbed. A literal room of one’s own. Because sometimes a person needs time to be a me and not a we. 💚

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Nov 17

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You’re never too old for a Rory Gilmore sweater… this cotton fisherman sweater is from @llbean and inspired by @marielle.elizabeth I shopped the men’s department for a better size range. The influencer influenced the influencer!

The jeans are @landsend I got last year and I’m glad they brought them back this year in several washes, inseam lengths, and plus sizes. If in doubt, size down. They will shrink in length slightly but not anywhere else, they’re super comfy and stretchy but don’t stretch out. 

Kept the collegiate vibe going with a trucker cap, HOKAs, and my trusty commuter bag for years: the large @dagnedover Dakota backpack!

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4o4bQ #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #genxstyle #ltkover40 #over40style

wardrobe_oxygen

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Nov 15

Open
My husband has a special backpack he fills with weight to wear while hiking; it’s called rucking. I wear a @dagnedover Dakota and fill it with my laptop, my iPad, a full water bottle, and my purse and walk to work; it’s called commuting. 💁🏻‍♀️

But seriously, I’ve had this backpack for five years. It has been shoved under plane seats, in overstuffed car trunks, under feet in the passenger seat. I’ve worn it as I’ve walked miles in major cities and from my house to my town center. My daughter also has a Dagne Dakota; it survived middle school and continues to work through camping, sleepovers, and road trips. It’s genially designed, comfortable, and can take a beating and still look great.

As for the rest of the look, the vest (XL) is a new purchase from @athleta; the Rainier tights (L) are also Athleta but two years old. The purple top is @nike and about a decade old. Hat is @llbean and it’s on sale for less than $15. And my trusty @hoka sneakers that have had their own set of adventures.

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

#ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #genxstyle #dagnedoverdakota

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Nov 6

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Another day of early voting for our city election, another outfit I wore as an election judge! 🗳️

I got this sweater set from @mmlafleur last spring and it continues to be a favorite. The color and popcorn stitch makes it wearable three seasons of the year. I’ve styled it with gold heels and dramatic gold earrings, with sneakers and a crossbody belt bag, and more than once with knee-high boots and a scarf at my throat. The color works with brown and black boots, the skirt silhouette and length with heels and flats. These brown riding boots are from @duoboots and almost a decade old. The scarf belonged to my dad; I have a feeling it was styled with a leisure suit back in the day!

I may have been more dressed up than other election judges but I think seeing democracy in action is a cause to celebrate! 🇺🇸

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Nov 4

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Early voting poll worker style 🗳️

I’ve been an election judge (AKA poll worker) for several years but this year I decided to take it a step further and join my city’s Board of Elections. I’m passionate about fair and accessible elections for all. The Board is acting as election judges for early voting so it’s great to use my previous experience on a city level!

I believe voting is a special occasion and I dressed the part. The puff sleeve sweater and pants are from @anntaylor; these pants are the same ones from the suit I wore earlier this week. I added a beloved @hermes scarf as a belt and silver hoops (they belonged to my mom) as a hint of shine.

If your area is having an election this coming week; I implore you to vote. Your voice deserves to be heard. And please ensure your neighbors know of the election and where to vote. 🇺🇸

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Nov 2

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Always fun to see my name in lights! 💡 I was a panelist at the annual @jaofcentralmd Leading Ladies event that connects local high schoolers with women in business. My panel was on using social media for promoting one’s business or personal brand. Along with other social media experts, we guided students and adults on how to create compelling and engaging social content and together created content for the conference’s feed. It was fun and I loved being able to share my almost two decades of personal and professional experience!

The dress code for the conference was business professional and since the event’s theme color was pink, they encouraged us to wear the color. 

This @anntaylor suit has been a favorite since late summer. I’ve dressed it down with a white tank and sneakers and glammed it up with a silk cami and gold heeled sandals. I love how Ann Taylor has petite suiting up to size 16; I know I’m not the only short curvy girl who desires suits and professional attire!

For this event I chose a berry-colored microfiber tank from @lovechicos. I own several of these tanks; they wear like iron and the tight weave and subtle shine make them great shells under suits. 

The look fit the theme but was also comfortable. I was glad to share my expertise and encourage others to see how they can donate their time and knowledge to a local @juniorachievementusa #JALeadingLadies #JALeadingLadies2023 #JACMD #JuniorAchievment

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Oct 18

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Sharing this from my #iPadOS17 thanks to @apple! A bit belated with all that has been going on lately but I’m really enjoying using an iPad to improve how I work, stay organized, and find new ways to be creative. Can I just say that editing video on an iPad instead of a phone is a game changer!

Recently, I attended an event at the gorgeous Apple Carnegie Library hosted by @flourishplanner_ to learn ways to make the most of #iOS17 and it was awesome. I brought my new iPad and learned about the new wallpaper, stickers, and organizing tools.

As for my look, the dress is from @bananarepublic’s summer collection. Kept it comfy with a pair of Samba sneakers and held down the volume of the dress with my black recycled leather @ganni crossbody. Added an old @_jennybird link necklace and a silver cuff I’ve had since the ‘90s.

#todayatapple #genxstyle #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #size14 #over40style

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Oct 17

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I love an excuse to dress up, especially if it’s for a good cause! This weekend was the @thenewdealcafe Masquer-AID fundraiser to support this independent cafe, art gallery, and live music venue in @cityofgreenbelt.

My family and I have loved going to The New Deal Cafe for all these years. Grabbing coffee with friends, having a meal, seeing an amazing band, participating in an open mic or one of their Reel and Meal events. So @debbiefaye78, our mom, and I got tickets and even chipped in for a plaque from us “Ashpes Girls.” 

Our mom passed before she could attend the event; we asked our like a sister best friend @shellymingram to join us in her place and we had a great time, dancing all night as our mom would have, connecting with neighbors, and supporting a local business we all love so much.

As for the outfit, the dress is @ronnykobo the bag is @ganni and I borrowed both from @renttherunway The shoes I’ve had for years and the gold metal mask I found on Amazon and liked how it could mold to my face and not put pressure on my still-healing eye.

And I know y’all will ask because I received so many DMs this weekend when I shared this event in my Stories… my sister’s dress is from @eshakti she bought it a few years ago and it’s even more gorgeous in person!

#newdealcafe #greenbeltisgreat #onlyingreenbelt #midsizestyle #genxstyle #over40style #greenbeltmd

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Oct 11

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The biggest fashion trend this fall is a return to classics. For decades I have turned to @talbotsofficial for quality classics with style.  This season, Talbots has a fantastic range of pants to update the wardrobe. 

I love how these @talbotsofficial ivory stretch corduroy straight leg pants elevate closet classics! Available in Misses, Petite, Plus, Plus Petite, Curvy, and in 10 colors, these cords are a chic alternative to jeans and just as easy care! I can run errands and have a bit of quiet time with an ebook and a coffee with comfort and style. 

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4kFNi #talbots #mytalbots #talbotspartner #ltkover40 #modernclassicstyle #liketkit #ltkover40

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