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! 🐾❤️
Open
I can see clearly now…

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

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

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

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

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4idXm
Open
#throwbackthursday to what I wore 10 years ago in September…

A decade ago I was working full time in an office and was promoted to manage a good portion of my department. My blog was doing quite well, I was featured in local and national publications and websites. I was embracing what I felt to be a polished professional with an edgy vibe. Less color, more interesting accessories, and my first semi-designer bag (I still have that leopard print mini M.A.C. In the back of my closet). 

I have come to embrace color and have way less black in my closet now, but a lot of these looks are timeless and I would wear now… just likely with lower heels! 😂

Do you recall what you were wearing a decade ago? How similar is it to how you dress now?

For more of my throwbacks visit #wo2tbt
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Fashion Advice · February 6, 2021

Weekend Reads #140

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. 

swing by sam gilliam
Swing by the artist Sam Gilliam

In 2005, I saw an exhibit of Sam Gilliam's work at The Corcoran and was forever changed. Gilliam's draped canvases are definitely something where, “you had to be there,” for the majesty and emotion of them cannot be portrayed in a photograph.

While born in Tupelo, Mississippi in 1933 and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Gilliam moved to DC in 1962 where he was associated with the Washington Color School. Gilliam lives in DC to this day. One of America’s most influential living artists, Gilliam has created work in a variety of mediums (most recently, aluminum sculptures but is best known for his draped canvases.

sam gilliam
Sam Gilliam by Gabriella Demczuk for The New York Times

While artists like Jackson Pollock applied paint to canvases on the floor and then framed them, Gilliam abandoned the stretcher bars and draped the canvases from the ceiling, thus creating one of the first art installations. One of the beauties of Gilliam's draped canvases is that they will never be hung the same way twice, thereby never looking the same twice.

april 4 sam gilliam
April 4 by the artist Sam Gilliam. This article from The Smithsonian American Art Museum delves into the story behind this powerful piece.

In 1975, Gilliam stopped creating his draped canvases and switched to other mediums. He created collages, paintings, sculptures, and works on paper. This article from Galerie Magazine shares much about Gilliam and some of his most famous works of art. I'm thrilled to hear that in 2022, The Hirshorn in DC will be the subject of a major retrospective exhibition.

Weekend Reads

Tony Bennett's battle with Alzheimer's. (AARP)

To everyone traveling right now: Stop it. (The Everywhereist)

How UX-ing my wardrobe helped me UX my career. (Lauren Friedman via Medium)

This is a must-read. I know several of my kid's friends have experienced supposed children their age that they met online using photos from Google Images that are asking for photos and more personal information. Please parents, even if you're in the same room with your kid while online, you may not know what they are doing. With children stuck at home during coronavirus shutdowns, online sexual predators can swoop in. (Washington Post)

Why do I spend weeks avoiding tasks that will take me 10 minutes to do? (Vice)

The vintage sellers of Instagram are burned out. (Curbed)

For decades, policymakers were largely silent about the issue of “period poverty.” But that’s shifting as some devise policies that make menstrual products more accessible. (New York Times)

When Evan Rachel Wood came out this week and named Marilyn Manson as an abuser, I wasn't surprised. Manson told us exactly who he was years ago, making him a monster of an entire industry's making. (NBC News)

Have you ever had a friendship breakup? (Cup of Jo)

US Army announces a new grooming policy in a push for inclusion. (CNN)

The recent employment wipeout dates to September 2020, when 865,000 women dropped out of the labor force, compared with 216,000 men. What complex confluence of demographic shifts converged at that critical time? School started. (The Cut)

And while we're on the topic… this article needs to be clicked to at least see the photos. Three American mothers, on the brink. (New York Times)

The art of listening in 2021. (Shondaland)

Congrats to Zelie for She, a plus-size fashion brand by LA-based designer Elann Zelie, for having her collection now available at Nordstrom! I have admired this line for years, have ordered, but I am too short for it. Those of you taller than me, get at it, it's sooo good! It's good to see Nordstrom featuring more Black designers and Black-owned businesses!

Let Cindy Crawford guide you through Paris Fashion Week circa 1992. (Messy Nessy)

I have a bit of a crush on Gillian Anderson and very much enjoyed this profile on the actress. I'm thrilled to hear her show, “Sex Education,” has been filming a new season! (InStyle)

Why we have not yet found a way to mourn loss on this scale. (NewStatesman)

I saw this title and had to share it, as I bought this book over a year ago and still haven't finished it. I still plan to, even after reading the article, I read Woman Code so you don't have to. (Into the Gloss)

A Great Gatsby TV series is in the works. (Town & Country)

How TikTok made pro-choice activism cool again. (Elle)

And a for a fun end to this list of links… Nine-year-old Lilyana Ilunga, in a new campaign by the Swedish nonprofit Generation Pep, clocks in 10,000 danced steps in just three minutes. (Colossal)

Hear/See/Read

lupin

So many of you recommended ‘Lupin' (available on Netflix), I just had to check it out! Many of you also recommended we watch it in French (it is a French series) with English subtitles. If you are unsure how to do this on Netflix, this link will assist with your specific device.

Anyway, back to ‘Lupin,' watch it in French if possible, because the voices are way better and you feel more connected to the characters. And watch this series because it is so incredibly well done. It's action without the violence of many action shows. It's creative and layered and timeless and it doesn't hurt that the star, Omar Sy, is very easy on the eyes. There are only five episodes, but don't worry there are five more that will be released this summer!

EixcSFOXgAA6pv9

If you are looking for a new book to read, may I suggest Elizabeth Gilbert's Onward Book Club? Gilbert created this after the death of George Floyd as a way to spotlight, study, and celebrate  the work of Black female authors. Gilbert has live chats with the authors on Instagram, but saves these videos to watch on Instagram's IGTV as well as YouTube (which are all embedded on the book club site).

bad on paper podcast

I knew about this book club this summer, but was reminded of it after listening to a recent episode of the Bad on Paper podcast where Elizabeth Gilbert was the guest. I don't listen to a lot of podcasts these days, but Bad on Paper is one I enjoy because it mixes books, politics, small businesses, strong women, and fun conversation about all sorts of everyday topics.

For Your Entertainment

British rapper Headie One came out with “Judge Me,” an interlude on his 2020 album which featured vocals from British singer-songwriter, dancer, and actress FKA Twigs. This year, FKA Twigs expanded on “Judge Me” with “Don't Judge Me,” a finished piece where the two artists share double billing.

Headie One's lyrics are about racism in the UK and the video features Black English activists and cultural figures, including writer Reni Eddo-Lodge, football player Mahlon Romeo, poets Solomon O.B. and Benjamin Zephaniah, models Kukua Williams, Munroe Bergdorf, and Danto Earth, musician and artist Lisa Elde, entrepreneur Nicole Crentsil, fitness expert Efua Baker, and radio host Clara Amfo.

The video takes place at Fons Americanus, a fountain created by artist Kara Walker, currently on display at the Tate Modern. Fons Americanus is inspired by the Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace but instead of celebrating the British Empire, this piece explores the interconnected histories of Africa, America, and Europe and transatlantic slave trade.

FKA Twigs is a phenomenal dancer, and it shows in her emotional performance where she is battling an invisible oppressor. FKA Twigs and Emmanuel Adjei directed this video. Profits from the single, “Don't Judge Me” are being donated to The Black Curriculum.

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Comments

  1. Alissa says

    February 7, 2021 at 10:03 pm

    Man this was such a heavy, heavy but good mix of content. I cannot, and I do mean cannot, deal with the ignorance I see right now about traveling. My literal work used to be traveling and I have found a way to experience that life shift and see the beauty in it. I almost want to scream IF YOU’RE GOING TO BE AN IGNORANT ASS CAN YOU JUST NOT INSTAGRAM IT?? I just am so, so, so exhausted. I’m double-masking for the people who do care and even for those that proudly do not. I am burned out AF.

    Reply
  2. Jax says

    February 6, 2021 at 10:02 pm

    So looking forward to Sex Education!!
    The Vice article on procrastination — um, I feel so seen (sob).
    Thanks for sharing the Don’t Judge Me video — I love FKA Twigs. Saw her for my last big concert pre-pandemic.
    Lupin is on my list.

    Reply
  3. Bette says

    February 6, 2021 at 6:58 pm

    This was an especially incredible compilation, Allie. Thank you for always making me think on Saturdays, LOL.

    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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Sep 21

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

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

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

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 19

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

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

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

View

Sep 8

Open
I can see clearly now…

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

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

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 5

Open
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!

wardrobe_oxygen

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Aug 30

Open
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).

wardrobe_oxygen

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Aug 29

Open
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!

wardrobe_oxygen

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Aug 28

Open
Stripes are always right…

Y’all know I love stripes and when @universalstandard came out with their Breton-stripe dresses and tops I HAD to try them! As expected, the quality is stellar, the fit boosts my confidence, and I appreciate the range of colors (5 different stripes to choose from) and sizes (00-50). For reference, I’m wearing XS but preferred S for the top and I usually wear a 14 or XL in other brands.

The tote is @able and it’s a soft yet durable leather that just looks better with time. This color (cognac) is one that transitions nicely from summer to fall. 

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

#usinthewild #bretonstripes #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #size14 #over40style

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Aug 27

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The family that wears @printfresh together stays together 🥰

Use code wardrobe_oxygen for 15% off your order of size-inclusive organic cotton sleepwear, dresses, bags & more https://glnk.io/qk04/wardrobe-oxygen

I’ve been raving about my Printfresh pajamas for years, my family also wanted to try them. Thank you Printfresh for gifting these for our annual three generation girls’ getaway to Rehoboth Beach, DE. We had a great time and being all matchy matchy in our pajamas was a fun addition! 🐅🍃🥰

#printfresh #printfreshpajamas #printfreshpartner

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Aug 12

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Shuts laptop until Monday… #RehobothBeach

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