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The perfect red for the holiday season 💄

I love a red lipstick, especially in winter. It adds brightness to gray days and skin not exposed to the sun. Look in my dressing table and you’ll find at least a dozen different red lipsticks. But this winter my go-to red is “Relax” by @flyte.70 

Glossy but not sticky, long wearing but not drying, the Flyte.70 L+L.LipLacquer feels like a lip balm. One layer is a hint of color and shine; add more layers for more pigment, gloss, and impact. This isn’t the only Flyte.70 lip color I have and love; I regularly wear “Fast Car” which is a modern version of the brown lipsticks we loved in the 90s that looks so good with the neutrals popular right now.

And with products named after songs from the 80s and 90s I couldn’t not use this Frankie Goes to Hollywood song for this lip color!

This isn’t paid, it’s a PSA because I know it’s hard to find good red lip colors. And @flyte.70 is a U.S.-based woman-owned ethical beauty brand created specifically for U.S. grown women and I find the quality stellar.

Use code WOXYGEN15 for 15% off your order at Flyte.70

The quickest and cheapest way to update your wardrobe for the holidays is with a glossy red lip! 💄

#over40style #genxstyle #genxbeauty #flyte70
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The tree is trimmed! 🎄

When I was a single gal, I had the prettiest tree with a color story and theme. 20 years later, my tree is a hodgepodge of inherited ornaments, gifts from loved ones, and handmade pieces from both my childhood and by my child. And I think each year it veers further from the original concept the more beautiful it becomes!

My daughter and I donned our Santa hats, turned on the holiday playlist, a Yule log on the TV, and spent the afternoon getting our home into the Christmas spirit.

When she was little, my husband would pick her up so she could place the star on top of the tree. Now that she’s taller than I am, when he got home he just put his arm around her as she used the library stool to reach the top. Some traditions need to be modified with time but they’re still special! ⭐️

Top is a feather trimmed Breton from @talbotsofficial; the scarf as a belt is also Talbots but a few years old. The jeans are @landsend and the blanket on the chair in the second photo is by artist  @zanderschlacter
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My therapist recommended I walk outside more as I grieve the recent loss of my mom.

When it was time to pay for my mom’s funeral, the credit card I had in my wallet was my @bananarepublic Mastercard. I’ve had this card for decades because over the years, most of our family have worn some Gap brand. From onesies to tuxedos, we’ve updated our wardrobes with points.

And I got a serious chunk of points for charging my mom’s funeral expenses on my Banana card.

I decided to use them to buy clothes for winter outdoor walking. Nothing motivates me more than a chance to put together a cute outfit. This cute look is from @athleta, one of the few activewear brands that fits both my size and my style.

My Athleta purchase arrived on my doorstep and that day, a neighbor reached out, inviting me to join a group of women in our community who were supporting, not competing, to move 100k. I immediately said yes and signed up. 

This past week I hit 100k. And this past week week it has been two months she has been gone. I’m still going 💪 

Wearing XL. For reference I’m 5’3” and usually wear a size 14.

I share details on all my looks on the @shop.LTK app. You can use the app or desktop, search for @wardrobe_oxygen or use the link https://liketk.it/4pFaS
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Normalizing the normal everyday outfit…

It was a day of running errands, running to the office, and then running into friends. It rained off and on so I wanted shoes for potential puddles and a coat that wouldn’t soak through but also keep me warm.

The sweater is @universalstandard; I bought it thinking it was a bold purple but the color was off on the site and I got plum. But I think I like this better. I’m wearing a S. This is my second of this cardigan, it is super soft, dense, and holds up to washing. My other one I got a year ago and still wear all the time.

The jeans are @oldnavy and while they’re not perfect and stretch out throughout the day they were around $18 and I like the wash and weight of the denim. I’m wearing a 14 Short.

The boots are old Docs, the coat I got at @talbotsofficial last winter, and the bag is @maxwellscottuk and I’ve had for almost a decade. Earrings are @_jennybird, necklace is @gorjana. 

Disclosure: the coat was gifted last year but remains a favorite. The necklace was also gifted about a year ago but I keep wearing because I like it and it has held up quality-wise. The rest I bought. 

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

#liketkit #LTKfindsunder50 #LTKover40 #LTKmidsize #midsizestyle #genxstyle #over40style #size14 #usinthewild 
https://liketk.it/4pDXG
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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
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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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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
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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
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@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
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Lifestyle · December 12, 2020

Weekend Reads #134

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. 

televisions

When Karl and I moved in together in 2001, he brought his television. It was a perfect TV for our house, which was when moved in, was only about 750 square feet. We only replaced it when it kicked the bucket. That bucket was kicked in 2014. I will always remember the year because it was the year Frozen came out on Blu-ray. We set up the new TV and proceeded to watch Frozen on that TV almost daily for the remainder of the year.

Our 2014 TV was so fancy. It was so flat, and thin, and rectangular. The picture was so clear and bright, it transformed watching movies. It has been a good TV to us, even this spring when staying at Airbnbs we commented on how we missed our TV at home because it was better.

Until this November, when we stayed at an Airbnb with a nice TV. Crisp and clear and it was a Smart TV. We were able to log into Hulu, to Netflix, heck we could have even logged into our Peloton app.

We have never been small screen connoisseurs. We still have cable, we don't watch a lot of shows on our phones, and only a handful of movies on a laptop. This TV made us want to be connoisseurs.

So this Black Friday, we got a new TV, even though our last one worked perfectly well. We got Samsung because we had Samsung before, it had the capabilities we desired and came in the same size we had previously. I was floored that I could get a 4K Smart TV for $12 less than I paid for our 2013 TV. I gifted our old TV to a member of our city's Buy Nothing group; that person didn't have transportation available so we coordinated a knock and drop at their home.

This week my husband jokingly asked if we could go back to that person's home and Love Actually style with signs at their window and ask if we could trade TVs. Because we don't like 4K.

ACS 0268

When we got our 2013 TV, it transformed movie watching for the better. But 4K? It's creepy with it's crispness and detail. You can see every pebble the camera dolly rolls over, the smudge of lipstick on the protagonist, and the crispness feels less like a film and more like reality TV.

Maybe I'm romanticizing our 2014 TV. Maybe that switch also gave us headaches with the hyper-color and hyper-realness. Maybe we just got used to it and forgot the first few weeks. We love the technology of our television upgrade, but it's going to take me a while to get used to it.

How to Help

Have you heard of Two Screens for Teachers? It's exactly what it sounds like – an organizing matching teachers with donors who will buy them a second monitor.

two screens for teachers

Many of you work in Corporate America and likely know the benefit of a second monitor. Have email up on one and that spreadsheet on another, copy information from one document to another, be able to share your screen in the team Zoom while also seeing everyone on the call. Well, teachers can really benefit for the same reasons.

“Second monitors are lifesavers. Imagine trying to run a video call, slides, and class notes on a 13” laptop screen.”

— Mr. Stowell, Principal, Greenwood Elementary, Seattle WA

Just like kids who are dealing with distance learning for the first time, so are teachers. And just like many kids who didn't have a dedicated laptop or tablet for online school, teachers didn't have on hand the tools for successful virtual teaching and many are working off a single laptop screen.

two screens for teachers 1

Each monitor through Two Screens for Teachers is $115 which may be a lot for you. But imagine if you pool together your knitting group, your book club, your coworkers, your cousins and bought a teacher a monitor. This is providing good not just to the teacher but all their students.

You can buy a monitor for a specific teacher, any teacher in your city or state, or just have it go to any teacher in the US that is in need. Teachers, you can apply to get one of these monitors. Two Screens for Teachers is also accepting large donations.

Two Screens for Teachers is an independent, fiscally sponsored project of DonorsChoose, a 501(c)(3). Donations to Two Screens for Teachers are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. All operating costs are covered; your donation goes entirely to monitors for teachers.

Weekend Reads

How can a garment be cheaper than a sandwich? (New York Times)

I use Poshmark, though not as much this year as previous years. I found this article on Poshmark sellers really interesting. (Wired)

Fellow Peloton users, you may enjoy this interview with Cody Rigsby. (Vogue)

There is no cure for burnout. (Ella Dawson)

Mammogram guidelines can put women of color at risk. (The Lily)

What happens when queerness is part of the equation? (Salty)

The ugliest and weirdest and most ridiculous thing I saw this week was this gift guide sharing some of the wackiest things you can buy on the internet. Don't say I didn't warn you. (New York Times)

America's most hated garment. (The Atlantic)

Stealing to survive: More Americans are shoplifting food as aid runs out during the pandemic. (The Washington Post)

Nordstrom has a discount on face masks and PPE which sounds weird, but makes it easier to buy each loved one one of these kits along with any other gifts this season. Good to have in the trunk or console of a car or in your daily bag at the ready.

H&M is being investigated by a Swedish government agency over a report of racial discrimination. (The Fashion Law)

White women are not a monolith. (GEN for Medium)

You may have heard of the passing of Tony Hseih, the founder of Zappos. But there was more to his passing and the destructive life that led up to it. (Forbes)

I wish I waited so I could get one of these elegant PopSockets for my phone instead of the hokey one I currently have.

This winter is going to suck, but UCLA economists say the spring will be like the Roaring '20s. As long as the fashion for this second-generation '20s embraces curves I'm down! (LA Times)

Aurora James and Kerby Jean-Raymond are the adults in the room — why the fashion industry needs to sit up and listen. (Footwear News)

Breakdancing is coming to the Olympics. (Vulture)

By my friend Jenn, a piece I think many of us can relate to: As the pandemic rages, a former fashion editor muddles over her buying habits. (Medium)

And a seriously powerful read: Three years after family separation, her son is back. But her life is not. (New York Times)

Hear/See/Read

I have heard from so many that the 2020 ‘Saved by the Bell' reboot on Peacock is actually a fun watch, so to prepare my kid and I have been watching an episode or two of the original series each weekday before school. Wow, so much of it does NOT hold up. So much misogyny, so much homophobia, so many jokes based on making fun of others… in the words of my tween it's “cringey.”

saved by the bell

But it is amazing how well I remember these episodes. The extras in the background, the outfits, the music, the details in their bedrooms, the storylines. I can't recall what I had for breakfast yesterday, hardly remember a thing from high school science classes, but I can recall all the bad magic tricks by the owner of “The Max.”

I was asking my husband what we watched this week to put in Weekend Reads and he suggested everything I had shared – ‘Killing Eve', Jingle Jangle, Jeopardy (we record it, and ‘Wheel of Fortune' every night so we can fast-forward through the commercials because it's awesome). And he brought up one we saw a few weeks ago, The Gentlemen.

the gentlemen fashion

If you like Guy Ritchie movies, those movies that are gorgeous and have great looking people in them and the conversation is smart and quick and every bit of funny is cut with violence, then you should see The Gentlemen. We both enjoyed it, it's a good date night movie.

the gentlemen plaid tracksuits

In case you were wondering after watching The Gentlemen where to get plaid tracksuits like what you saw in the film, I got you, here is the original Etsy shop that created them. I asked the shop if they do custom as my husband needs at least a 36″ inseam, and sadly the answer is no. The plaid tracksuits come in sizes S-XL and are made of cotton.

He was inspired to mention The Gentlemen because as I type this, we're sitting on the couch watching Ava, an action film that came out this year starring Jessica Chastain, John Malkovich, Common, Geena Davis, and Colin Farrell. It's currently available on Netflix.

colin farrell ava turtleneck 1

If you're a Colin Farrell fan, watch Ava to see him look gorg in turtlenecks but IMO that's the best part of this really cliché film. It's especially hard to watch after just finishing the third season of ‘Killing Eve'. IMO Jodie Comer is a far more compelling assassin with a past, and her wardrobe is far more entertaining.

For Your Entertainment

Phoebe Bridgers, the hot guy from ‘Normal People', and a super cute dog in black and white directed by Pheobe Waller-Bridge. I'd love to hear your thoughts on what this video means.

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In: Lifestyle · Tagged: weekend reads

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Comments

  1. Dawn says

    December 23, 2020 at 12:16 am

    I love that you gifted your old television on Buy Nothing.

    Reply
  2. Cathie says

    December 14, 2020 at 3:17 am

    I too have something similar to the mopping shoes, mine are a flat mule type I call “cleaning slippers”. They are great, I have wooden floors and I find wearing them around the house just keeps it that bit cleaner with no effort and often a bit of fun gliding around my rooms. Wish I could get the whole family on board.
    Great reads as usual, always something to think about

    Reply
  3. Stacie says

    December 13, 2020 at 6:08 pm

    Have you seen Ted Lasso? It’s on AppleTV. Reading the description, I shrugged after a friend recommended it, but we watched it and it’s so endearing. Really a bright spot during so many things.

    Reply
  4. Book Goddess says

    December 13, 2020 at 5:23 pm

    I’m not sure what it says about me that one of my friends got me those mopping slippers. I think she got them at Goodwill, though.

    Reply
  5. Jax says

    December 13, 2020 at 5:19 pm

    Thank you for letting me know about Two Screens for a Teacher. That’s wonderful! Our kid’s teacher often complains about not being able to see who has entered the Zoom or trying to enter the Zoom when she’s sharing her screen.

    The Tony Hsieh article is so sad. So gifted but wrecked.

    And I share your appreciation of Colin Farrell!

    Reply
  6. Mandy says

    December 12, 2020 at 10:09 pm

    Thanks for featuring Two Screens For Teachers. What an awesome idea! I am so fortunate that even being a school librarian in a very poverty-stricken area, I do have access to two screens. It makes a world of difference for the students and the teachers!

    Reply
  7. Linda B says

    December 12, 2020 at 5:40 pm

    As usual, I really got a lot out of the links you shared. And by happenstance, we watched Ava last night; also found it rather meh. Killing Eve is waaaay better.

    Reply
  8. Lisa Piechowski says

    December 12, 2020 at 2:34 pm

    Hey Allie, I think I know what’s wrong with your new tv. You need to disable “motion smoothing.” I don’t want to post a link, but Google “soap opera effect.” Cheers! Lisa

    Reply
    • Erin says

      December 12, 2020 at 3:30 pm

      Was just coming down to post this. It’s not the 4k, it’s the effect. It drives me crazy. https://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/what-is-the-soap-opera-effect-in-tvs-and-how-to-turn-it-off/

      Reply
      • Ellen says

        December 13, 2020 at 9:07 am

        Yes! We had the same problem with our new LG TV. We switched to Cinema mode and it’s much better now.

        Reply
  9. Mary Beth says

    December 12, 2020 at 12:52 pm

    I actually own one of the items from the NY Times list! In the before times, I commuted by bike and kept a pair of those silicone shoe covers in my bag for rainy days. They’re great for keeping your feet dry and free from the gunk that kicks up while riding on wet streets, without having a whole extra pair of shoes to tote around.

    Reply
  10. Rachna says

    December 12, 2020 at 10:29 am

    I look forward to your links every week, and the burnout article is probably the best piece I have read on the subject. Very well written. Thank you

    Reply
  11. RoseAG says

    December 12, 2020 at 10:08 am

    I’ve seen a fair number of teachers highlight their WFH offices, and have been surprised that they’re using their laptops as their main interface. It’s hard to get the monitor to the right height if all you have is a laptop, and I hate the small keyboard/mousepad. As a long-time WFH person the first thing that I’ve always do is plug in an external keyboard, mouse and monitor. My employer issues a laptop and docking station, and extra monitors/keyboards for use at the work site, but doesn’t pay for at home extras. I’ve probably spent $300 this year upgrading. It’s amazing how much better video conferences are via headphones!

    Reply
  12. Elizabeth says

    December 12, 2020 at 7:08 am

    Is it possible you have a setting on that you dislike? I’m only asking because when we got our last tv, the tv had motion smoothing (has different names on different brand tvs) and I HATED it. But, once we figured that out, we were able to turn it off and, boom…tv was good again, lol! It’s worth looking at, because it sounds like that might be what you’re describing. Apparently some people are more bothered by it than others. My husband didn’t mind it at all, but it drove me crazy to the point of not wanting to watch it anymore. Picky, I know!

    Reply
    • Leu2500 says

      December 12, 2020 at 8:28 am

      When I went to look up what motion smoothing IS, I found this CR article on other settings you might want to adjust

      Sort of makes you long for the days of rabbit ears & giving the TV a good wack to restore the picture.

      https://www.consumerreports.org/tvs/turn-off-these-3-features-in-every-tv/

      Reply
    • Lana says

      December 12, 2020 at 8:47 am

      Yes! I had the same problem.. You can fix it and all will be good again 🙂

      Reply
    • Bette says

      December 12, 2020 at 10:43 am

      All the newer televisions give me headaches, and I finally figured out it was b/c they hung on the wall, causing me to have to tilt my neck and head upwards when sitting. As soon as I went back to a TV on a table, at eye level when sitting, my headaches went away.

      Reply

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The Friday Shop

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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Dec 5

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The tree is trimmed! 🎄

When I was a single gal, I had the prettiest tree with a color story and theme. 20 years later, my tree is a hodgepodge of inherited ornaments, gifts from loved ones, and handmade pieces from both my childhood and by my child. And I think each year it veers further from the original concept the more beautiful it becomes!

My daughter and I donned our Santa hats, turned on the holiday playlist, a Yule log on the TV, and spent the afternoon getting our home into the Christmas spirit.

When she was little, my husband would pick her up so she could place the star on top of the tree. Now that she’s taller than I am, when he got home he just put his arm around her as she used the library stool to reach the top. Some traditions need to be modified with time but they’re still special! ⭐️

Top is a feather trimmed Breton from @talbotsofficial; the scarf as a belt is also Talbots but a few years old. The jeans are @landsend and the blanket on the chair in the second photo is by artist  @zanderschlacter

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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

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Nov 15

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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!
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#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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