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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!
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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Lifestyle · July 10, 2021

Weekend Reads #160

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. 

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Greetings from New York City! Well, this was where I was two days ago. Right now we're in Salem, Massachuttes, and will be heading to Vermont for a few days. Follow along as I share our family vacation on Instagram!

As for what I am wearing above, I'm wearing these sneakers from HOKA which were fantastic for walking all over NYC for three days. My bag is this one from Maxwell Scott that I've been loving for six years now; use ALISON10 to get 10% off sitewide. The dress is this one from Ann Taylor which is on sale PLUS an extra 25-40% off depending on how much you spend there; the promo code is REFRESH. At the time of writing this (yesterday morning), it was back in stock in all sizes (including petites up to 18)! I found a few other similar sundresses with a breezy shape and straps wide enough to cover a standard bra:

Shop Breezy Sundresses:

350

Weekend Reads

Inside Betsey Johnson's Malibu dream house. (New York Times)

Why the next part of the sustainable fashion conversation will be about racial justice. (Vanity Fair)

1 in 4 Americans is a woman over 40. So why do so many feel ignored? (Fast Company)

In Maryland, every person who died of Covid-19 in June was unvaccinated. That's not an aberration, experts say. (CNN)

Why you make grunting noises every time you sit, stand, and bend over. (Huffington Post)

A doctor was deemed ‘unprofessional’ for wearing hoops. Now other women of color are speaking out. (The Lily)

Y'all know I love Margaux shoes for style, size and width selection, quality, and comfort. Well, Margaux just released sneakers and they're beautiful and sound comfortable. Unfortunately, they are only available in Medium width, but they are available in their extensive size range (US sizes 4-13).

How America’s most fabulous character actor made Hollywood come to her: a profile on Jennifer Coolidge. (Bustle)

“Though my bosoms are blameless, now if they’re braless they say I’m a loser. I became aware this was true when I saw that older women’s braless breasts might be weaponized.” (Jumble & Flow)

What deadlines do to lifetimes. (New Yorker)

“Surely Joan Didion has confronted her share of aggravations (cucumber slices not adhering to tea sandwiches; Lynn Nesbit calling during NewsHour; latest Celine sunnies too big for tiny, exquisite face). But would she ever take to Twitter to inscribe these frustrations onto the ticker tape of the infinite? Of course not.” (The Atlantic)

The lie of “expired” food and the disastrous truth of America’s food waste problem. (Vox)

The best way to succeed as a woman artist is to be old. Not necessarily dead yet, but with the specter of death hanging over you. (The Believer)

A new law in Texas bans abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy. And it effectively deputizes ordinary citizens to sue people involved in the process. (New York Times)

The beauty intellectual's reading list. (Into the Gloss)

Rock-climbing route names are notoriously racist. So my friend and I scaled a mountain to create our own. (The Lily)

Great Jones cookware and the illusion of the millennial aesthetic. (New Yorker)

The subversive joy of Lil Nas X's gay pop stardom. (New York Times)

It's okay to outgrow the life you thought you wanted. (Medium)

I'm a fan of the Girls Night In newsletter; are you? And if so, would you want to see my recommendations in GNI?

Which perfume were you? (Twitter)

Balenciaga Couture Is the Death Knell of Influencer Culture. This is a very clickbaity title, but it lured me in and I really enjoyed reading about new fashion from the perspective of someone who enjoys and respects it and likely did not create the article's title. (GQ)

Hear/See/Read

this is pop

We have been enjoying This is Pop, a series on Netflix that goes behind the music. Each episode is drastically different, focusing on a specific theme regarding popular music. From protest songs to Autotune, each episode teaches me something new, even regarding genres and artists I thought I knew quite well.

thisispop570

We haven't finished the series yet, but I've already learned why some of the catchiest songs of the '90s and '00s had such weird lyrics yet such catchy hooks (blame and thank Sweden), that T-Pain is an unappreciated treasure, and I loved finding out how Glastonbury Festival came to be. Even though I haven't yet finished the series, I still feel that the first few episodes were tighter, more specific, and with that, more entertaining and informative. As the season continued, the super general themes (festivals, protest songs, etc.) were too broad for the time allotted.

AAAABRGp37dRNi0vIC8YQq3aD42tag4yLH4lf9p0f12I2xDQ8FJosKsesMkxyGOmDIdaOpzxtP5DV9lzCTyQ 6ESe1g3WD v

That being said, This is Pop is a great series for music fans of all genres. Pop music is often dismissed as superficial or too orchestrated; this docuseries proves otherwise. It also shows how pop music is more than Billboard Top 40, how there is a lot of crossover, and a lot of bigwigs trying to prevent that homogenization of music for a lot of really stupid reasons.

71UC0Cb AxL. SL1500

Random aside… you learn in This is Pop that Ace of Base became famous because their demo cassette got stuck in a producer's car stereo. When my husband was graduating from Navy boot camp in Great Lakes, I road tripped with his best friend and girlfriend up to see it. We popped in the Ace of Base tape The Sign (because it was 1994 and that is what you did in 1994) and it got stuck. We couldn't get the radio to work either; it was Ace of Base or nothing so we listened to Side A of that cassette from Maryland to Illinois, and back!

The Mitchells vs the Machines2021

When we arrived in NYC earlier this week, it rained. We didn't try to tough it out, we hunkered down in our hotel room and screencast a movie from Netflix. We let our daughter pick, and she chose The Mitchells vs. The Machines, which she saw on TikTok was super cool (well done, Netflix marketing department).

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An animated film originally planned for the theaters, with COVID, Sony Pictures sold the rights to Netflix. The story is about the Mitchells, a family that decides to take as road trip to drop the eldest child off at college. At the same time, a company similar to Google or Amazon run by a young techy updates their Alexa/Siri with an actual robot. The robots revolt, and the Mitchells end up being the ones responsible for saving the human race.

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I was hella relating to mom; the character of Linda (played by Maya Rudolph) was awesome.

This was a great film. As someone who is pretty much the age of the parental Mitchells, I was feeling all the parental feels, the growing up and thinking a dream has died but it actually has morphed into something better, all of it. I was also exhausted from preparing the house and packing the car and navigating up to NYC, and all the crap that happens to get us all settled in and I lay on a bed in the hotel room with a view of the Empire State Building in the rain and silently cried for a good 1/3 of the film but it was a good cry, and I snuggled in with my family. This film shows technology is a double-edged sword and that family and human connections are not only more powerful than technology, but necessary.

For Your Entertainment

joy crookes

Joy Crookes is a British artist from South London, born to a Bangladeshi Bengali mother from Dhaka and an Irish father from Dublin. She is young, but gosh is she talented. By 13, Crookes was recording covers on YouTube and began teaching herself guitar, piano, and bass and writing her own songs. A cover of “Hit the Road Jack” by Ray Charles that she recorded at 15 gave her minor viral fame and brought her to the attention of her current manager.

In 2016 at the age of 17, Crookes released her first single. She has released three EPs which have received rave reviews including being nominated as a “Rising Star” at the 2020 Brit Awards and a mention from the BBC as a Sound of 2020. Her debut album was to drop last year, but no surprise, COVID delayed it. It will be coming out this year and last month Crookes dropped the video for her first single from it, called “Feet Don't Fail Me Now.” It is a classic sound with modern lyrics and a video full of gorgeous style.

Crookes shared, “‘Feet Don't Fail Me Now' is a song I wrote in light of the political events of last year. It's written from the perspective of someone who finds it easier to remain complicit out of fear of speaking up and what those consequences might be. I think the chorus is universal and I hope it can be a call to action. We are all guilty of being this character. Ultimately I hope the song encourages people to be a bit braver – it's important to open up a dialogue, speak out, make mistakes – that's okay and that's how progress happens.”


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In: Lifestyle · Tagged: weekend reads

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You’ll Also Love

Betty Acquah, Positive posture 1, 2023 | Weekend Reads #262Weekend Reads #262
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Comments

  1. Erica says

    July 10, 2021 at 2:43 pm

    These Hokas were wide enough for you? A light look at reviews say this model runs narrower than the others.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      July 15, 2021 at 6:17 am

      I was worried they would be too narrow but they go in where I go in, but are plenty roomy in the toebox for me.

      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 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

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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

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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

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I’ll be a bit quiet on here and other channels because I had eye (retinal) surgery this past weekend. I was having what I thought were ocular migraines but come to find out I was experiencing lattice degeneration, which is thinning/holes in the retina. I had surgery Saturday for my right eye and later on they’ll work on the left eye, which isn’t as bad and can be remedied by laser, in office.

I share not because I’m Mrs. Frizzle meets Iris Apfel as I recuperate at home, but because this whole thing has been a lesson on trusting my gut. And I want to remind you to do the same.

As we get older our bodies can feel like strangers. Things are constantly changing and it’s easy to just assume your annual physical will catch anything wrong. But if you slow down and listen to your body you’ll know when things are just a sign of aging and life and what seems unusual. That nagging issue may be something more serious.

And if you’re seeing flashing lights, floaters, spiderwebs or other odd eye things get checked out ASAP. It may be nothing but take it from me, it may actually be something. ❤️

Okay, going back to my big sunglasses caftan recuperation life!

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Aug 30

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Ladies who lunch…

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

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

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

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

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Aug 29

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Scenes from a week in Savannah… 

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

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

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Aug 28

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Stripes are always right…

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

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

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