Open
Night and day…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I also picked up some of Soma’s iconic Vanishing Edge panties which keep you line-free. The whole Vanishing collection is genius. I loved being able to donate my gently used bras at my local Soma boutique to give to those in need. We all deserve a lift and Soma strives to achieve that. It’s why I’ve been a fan and customer for years and am honored to partner with them. Soma is the perfect fitting bra solution. Visit the link in my bio to shop and to find your local Soma boutique! #SomaPartner #SomaBraFit #SomaStartsWithMe
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!
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I had to see… I asked my husband how often he thinks about the Roman Empire, and then asked our 14-year-old 😂
Open
#ad Go through my archives on Wardrobe Oxygen and one thing is clear: my family and I are a fan of @bombas socks! From their no-slip no-show socks to their iconic crew socks, Bombas makes great socks for the whole family while having a great heart.

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

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

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

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

We’ve never had a small breed dog before and it’s a whole different experience. But we adore Oscar and couldn’t imagine our life without him! Thank you for coming into our life Oskie McGoskie! 🐾❤️
Open
I can see clearly now…

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

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

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

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

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4idXm
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Lifestyle · August 11, 2018

Weekend Reads #15

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. 

weekend reads 1

I think the hardest part of blogging is how solitary it is. I'm used to an office setting where I go to get a cup of coffee at the kitchen and bump into a coworker or two. If I'm stuck, I could bounce ideas off my boss or a teammate, and at any time get up and walk to a coworker's cubicle or office to say hi, snag a piece of candy, sit down and chat a bit, head over to District Taco with a group for lunch. Blogging, whether it's in my living room, home office, The Wing, or a coffee shop is still me, alone, with my computer. That's why yesterday was super good for my soul. My friend Angelica hosted an event at Blue Bottle Coffee's Union Market location for a select group of DC influencers and it was an amazing group of positive, friendly folk (and plenty of delicious coffee and snacks!). I met new people, caught up with others I already knew, and after Angelica and another blogger friend Tanvi went over to the actual Union Market for a drink (kombucha and sparkling waters, we're so wild!) and some more shop talk. We three have such different businesses we're running, we're different people with different blogs and online brands, and it was motivating to hear their goals and together discuss ways we can help one another. I personally find all the competition in blogging stupid; we're all so different and it's not like there's a limited number of opportunities out there. By helping one another, we help the quality of content improve across the influencer space, ensure brands aren't taking advantage of us, and blogging doesn't feel like such a solitary existence. I finished the day with yoga and an amazing meal by Karl and feel renewed and ready to face the weekend!

I was recently invited to an event that I couldn't go to because of a scheduling conflict, but if I could I wasn't sure what I would wear.  I was telling my husband I need a Le Smoking, a badass perfectly tailored dressy pantsuit. Something with a bit of shine, a sleek silhouette that doesn't look like Corporate America or “Cool Mom” Mother of the Bride. Something I could wear with a simple cami, maybe even a solid black bra, or even a high-necked blouse. The day after griping about this to my husband, I receive an email from Macy's promoting their new Zoe by Rachel Zoe collection and in it I see a sparkly lady tux. I ask them if they're doing any gifting but they said no, they were just hoping I'd share about the collection on social media and my blog for free. So I decided to order it myself, I got the pants and the jacket in a size 14, the largest size available. Well I'm glad they didn't gift it to me because it doesn't fit.  The jacket sleeves are so snug I can't get them completely on. The jacket is crazy long on me, and the button is low, below my belly button.  The pants are super flared and somehow are too big and too small.  There's no shape to the pants, so they're snug in the bum and gaping at the waist and puckering at the crotch. That being said, the metallic fabric is smooth, the pieces are lined, and they look nice for their pricepoint.

Since the bad Rachel Zoe tux, I started looking for lady tuxes that go larger than a size 10. Wondering, have any of you tried Little Black Tux, Sumissura, or Her Tuxedo? I actually want something out of a shiny fabric, not a classic wool tux with satin lapels but willing to try.

Walmart wants to compete with Everlane. I'm all about a brand competing with Everlane, especially if they have a broader size range, but it's Walmart. I'm trying to see how anything Walmart related can compete with a brand that prides itself on ethical treatment of its workers and transparency…

Um, total #GOALZ via Advanced Style…

A lot of you desired a gold ring pouch like the one I've worn on the blog (see in this post) but the brand no longer has this size in gold. I did a bit of searching and found this one from Nina. It's not leather, but it's the same style and would be a perfect little purse for dressy occasions and the price is MUCH nicer than my bag!  In fact, it seems as though the ring pouch is a hot trend this fall, look at all the options I found when researching an upcoming blog post (um, this one is to DIE FOR and I'd buy if I won the lottery!).

350

Do you live in a home with an open concept/lack of walls? I found this article fascinating about the history of home layouts.  In the article they have a picture of one of the style of homes in my community (not the one I live in but similar); in 2008 we put an addition on the house which took our living/dining room and separate kitchen main floor and made it into an open concept from front to back with only a half wall separating the kitchen. As Emerson gets older I do find times when we had more separate rooms, but I in general love it. I see pluses and minuses to both concepts. What do you think of the open floor plan?

I love this piece about a woman who chose to celebrate her 80th birthday with a tattoo.

I wrote a few weeks ago about female political candidate fashion and what my friend Rosana of DC Style Factory thought of a piece about the subject in the New York Times. It made this feature on Cynthia Nixon's daily life even more interesting to me. A snippet from it, “I like a dress, personally, because it breathes more. But I have a lot of pantsuits and, I have to say, people respond very positively to that because I think we’re still in an era when an elected leader is a person who wears a suit. I think it helps people imagine me in office.”

The best chart I've found to help women dress according to their body shape.

And for your musical enjoyment, one of the latest songs from Death Cab for Cutie. Death Cab is such a specific sound from a specific time in my life and I wasn't feeling the need to hear more of the same with their new album coming out later this month.  But I keep hearing this song on the radio and it's a fresh sound from this band. Dare I say it has a twinge of Flaming Lips to it?

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In: Lifestyle · Tagged: weekend reads

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You’ll Also Love

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Comments

  1. Barbara says

    August 20, 2018 at 5:38 pm

    The ring bags that Paige Hamilton Design does are also beautiful albeit spendy. But beautiful! And made in the US and really thoughtfully designed by a real-live person named Paige Hamilton 🙂 I never travel without her Isabel crossbody.

    Reply
  2. Jax says

    August 14, 2018 at 11:56 pm

    I agree there are pluses and minuses to the open concept house layouts. We live in a 1940s apartment building, where the kitchen is separate and sits down the hallway from the living room. My husband is the cook in the family and he often feels isolated and lonely, cooking there, while the rest of the family hangs out in the living room, reading and watching tv. We’ve enjoyed staying in airbnbs where the family or living room sits with the kitchen, because we all hang out together and nobody’s missing out on a conversation.

    I am a firm believer in the bedrooms, office/study and bathrooms being individual, private spaces that are connected by a hallway, away from the common areas. And I think lots of home builders these days stint on the necessary sound insulations of those walls! Worse bathroom I ever visited once — my artist friend lived in a very nice converted warehouse loft. I didn’t realize till I was in the bathroom, peeing, that the walls didn’t extend all the way up to the ceiling! It was more of a bathroom cubicle! YIKES.

    Reply
  3. Laurel says

    August 13, 2018 at 10:36 am

    Great digest again with interesting finds. We live in an open concept home and I am super happy to have a few rooms that are private where anyone can go and be alone. The whole house open is also a challenge to a clean freak such as myself. That kitchen has to be cleaned up or I’m bothered. 🙂

    Reply
  4. karen says

    August 13, 2018 at 6:50 am

    Alison…i’m interested in your comments re Walmart vs Everlane….i just want to give you some thing to think at about….how do we know that Everane’s factories are ethical? we know because THEY tell us….how do we know that Walmart’s are not (at least not always)? we know because they are tracked and monitared by tons of outsiders….
    (FYI, i’m no fan of Walmart, and i do like and wear Everlane, but….)

    Reply
  5. Nicole K says

    August 11, 2018 at 2:48 pm

    I LOVE these roundups you do. Such a curator of interesting things. Goals: get a tattoo and go on more architectural history walks. (Looking cute with all your fashion advice, of course). 🙂

    Reply
  6. Helen Maciejewski says

    August 11, 2018 at 9:29 am

    Thanks for the chart on dressing for your body type. You are absolutely right. It IS the best thing ever! Well, next best to you, of course!

    Reply

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

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Sep 23

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Night and day…

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

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

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

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

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Sep 21

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sep 19

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

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 11

Open
Happy gotcha day, Oscar! Four years ago he came into our life and we are so happy to have in our family!

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 8

Open
I can see clearly now…

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

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

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

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

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

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Sep 5

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!

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Aug 30

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Ladies who lunch…

While in Savannah, I made sure to get lunch reservations for me and E at @theoldepinkhouse she loves the color pink, historic homes, and ghost stories so it was a perfect choice! 

Built in 1789 on Reynolds Square, there are stories of guests seeing ghosts, cutlery and wine bottles moving along with an elegant and truly delicious dining. 

While we didn’t see any apparitions, we did have a lovely lunch with impeccable service and after toured all floors of the home. I highly recommend a visit if you’re visiting Savannah!

My dress is from @cosstores (no longer available); hat is @furtalk and bag is @talbotsofficial (no longer available).

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Aug 29

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Scenes from a week in Savannah… 

The three of us (and our dog Oscar!) had a warm and humid but wonderful time exploring Savannah, Georgia earlier this month. Our daughter visited this gorgeous city last summer with her @girlscouts troop but wanted to return to experience more. We let her choose our adventures and play your guide and it was awesome. We cannot wait to visit again, though next time it won’t be August 🥵

For more of our trip check the “Savannah” highlight on my profile page!

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Aug 28

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Stripes are always right…

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

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

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

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

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Aug 27

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The family that wears @printfresh together stays together 🥰

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

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

#printfresh #printfreshpajamas #printfreshpartner

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