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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 · March 19, 2022

Weekend Reads #192

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. 

EstructurasTransformativas SI 013 576
From Estructuras Transformativas by Maria Martinez–Cañas

Weekend Reads

What if this is just the way things are now? (Culture Study)

Mail is going missing at Boston University. One mother went searching for answers. (NBC News)

The surprising thing about being an empty nester. (Cup of Jo)

Quinta Brunson, the bright light. (Essence)

My garden of absolutely no delight. (New York Times)

Idaho’s new anti-abortion law offers cash bounties to rapists’ family members. (Slate)

The rough, rough road of gentle parenting. (Gloria)

An innovative cooking method Is making mealtime a lot more enjoyable for people with dementia. (Washingtonian)

If you've been thinking about trying CBD, use and love CBD, or know someone who will benefit from this plant-based anti-inflammation product I have the deal for you. Through the end of the month, use WARDROBEOXYGEN at checkout and get 33% off at Equilibria, a woman-owned organic full-spectrum CBD company. And no, that is not a typo. 33% off everything – individual products, bundles, subscriptions, for new, existing, and previous customers!

Love to see Representative Katie Porter's relatable style being featured. (The Cut)

All pandemic long, scientists brawled over how the virus spreads. Droplets! No, aerosols! At the heart of the fight was a teensy error with huge consequences. (Wired)

The U.S. is nearing 1 million recorded COVID-19 deaths without the social reckoning that such a tragedy should provoke. Why? (The Atlantic)

Healthcare…can't live with it….can't live without it. (Ijeoma Oluo: Beyond the Book)

Angela Davis on the power of protest: ‘We can’t do anything without optimism’. (The Guardian)

Wish you could use your Airpods with that airplane screen or with the treadmill at the gym? How about using wireless headphones with your favorite gaming device? Wish you and another could watch the same movie on your iPad at the same time with your own separate earbuds? Then I have the device for you.

One year after Atlanta: how Asian women heal when misogyny and racism endure. (Elle)

I love Lizzo—but body positivity isn’t enough to fight racialized misogyny. (Ms.)

I'm done being your model minority. (New York Times)

The bat mitzvah turns 100. It marks more than a coming-of-age for Jewish girls. (NPR)

How to murder a good idea with conventional wisdom. (In These Times)

The most haunting truth of parenthood. (The Atlantic)

Mourning our parents can start before they die. Here’s how to cope with anticipatory grief. (Washington Post)

I can't sleep through the night. I continue to doomscroll. The return to normal seems like it's maybe bullshit. (Esquire)

I'm someone who prefers brights and jewel tones to pastels, but this spring the softer colors just are so darn pretty! Pair with faded jeans, stone-colored relaxed chinos and shorts, white denim and linen, and gold jewelry. Switch out the blush for a bronzer and focus on brows in place of eyeshadow for a look that welcomes the warmer weather.

how to style faded jeans

one (XS-XL) | two (XS-XXL) | three | four | five | six (on sale) | seven (0-24) | eight | nine (0-20 with petite and tall) | ten | eleven | twelve (1X-3X; link for XS-XL) | thirteen (S/M-L/XL) | fourteen

And speaking of faded jeans, a few great styles I saw this week. For more suggestions on denim for spring, check out my article on the three denim trends to consider this spring that will last more than one season.

See/Hear/Read

turning red movie poster

Like many parents, last Friday we as a family watched Turning Red, the latest Pixar movie available on Disney+. The movie is about a 13-year-old Chinese-Canadian girl who is a pretty typical middle schooler except for the fact that when she gets emotional (like most kids her age), she turns into a giant red panda.

turning red movie bathroom scene
Oh. My. God. Are those PADS on that bathroom counter? Won't someone think of the CHILDREN?!?!

Turning Red has gotten a LOT of press for what is about ten minutes of the entire film – talk about periods. You know that thing that happens to half the world's population and most any mammal born with female reproductive organs? That thing that happens to most bodies with a uterus and needs to happen so that we can continue the human race? Yeah, that thing is causing this movie to be boycotted and hated and seen as inappropriate for the children who wouldn't be on the planet if it weren't for the wombs that carried them having the ability to experience said periods.

turning red movie
What horrible degenerates destroying the youth of America with their filthy thoughts

And if you haven't seen the film, you'd think the entire film is coated in menses or something. But really, it's two short moments in a film that well represents a mother/daughter relationship especially in Chinese culture, being a young teen, embracing your emotions and uniqueness, getting crushes, and the power of friendship.

turning red 4town poster
Fun fact: all the songs performed by 4*Town in the film were by Billie Eilish and Finneas

I personally was overwhelmed by this fever dream of a movie. It's so over the top. I mean, a kid turns into a giant panda which of COURSE means hijinks ensue, but there's no news or issue with it beyond in her family and other close relationships? And near the end… just imagine if Godzilla arrived at the Hollywood Bowl during a One Direction concert and destroyed the facility and then passed out in the middle and Harry Styles crooned to its body to help it turn into a middle-aged woman That's really weird, right? Well it's not that far off from what happens in Turning Red.

turning red movie
I believe I would have the same face if my mom read my middle school journal.

But my 13-year-old loved Turning Red, and she's the audience it is for. And honestly, I think it's for kids younger than she as well. Some may go over their heads, but don't most Disney films have parts that go over the heads of their audience? And if you think that your child is too young or the wrong gender to see a film that mentions menstruation, I gotta say, you're perpetuating the patriarchy.

turning red movie friends
I feel like these same kids were eating flaming hot Cheetos on my back deck last weekend

There's nothing wrong with what happens to almost all the people reading this, and if we keep making it something taboo or an inappropriate topic based on age or gender, we'll continue to be disregarded by medical professionals and pay tax on a necessity and be held down and back by those who consider our bodies lesser than. Those who hold us down wouldn't exist if it weren't for our ability to bleed once a month, and our younger generations should be taught that.

For Your Entertainment

Summer of 2019, I went to the Firefly music festival with my friend Nicole. I was in the best health of my adult life, feeling strong and free with a dear friend who is also a live music lover. We were two decades older than the majority of the attendees and we didn't care, we had a BLAST. We rocked the fest, grown-ass woman style. We stayed hydrated, we went VIP, we slept in a hotel, we splurged for pedicabs, we stood rail for amazing shows.

And one we were rail for was Tank and the Bangas, and they melted my face. I only casually knew their music, but that mid-day performance blew me away and made me a forever fan. Tank and the Bangas' next album is coming out in May but here is a single to tide you over until it's released:


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In: Lifestyle · Tagged: weekend reads

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Comments

  1. Dawn says

    March 28, 2022 at 12:16 am

    “My baby daughter, who has managed to become a college freshman despite being born five seconds ago….” is perhaps the best line about parenting I’ve ever read.

    Reply
  2. Erica says

    March 20, 2022 at 10:09 am

    I haven’t seen Turning Red yet, but I was at the zoo this weekend and the red panda is the new celebrity animal. Everyone was skrieking, “It’s Turning Red!” Zoos always bring mixed feelings for me, but the positive response was encouraging to see.

    Reply
  3. Grace says

    March 19, 2022 at 11:58 pm

    Wow these are intense and grief provoking heavy articles this week.

    Reply
  4. Stacie says

    March 19, 2022 at 11:24 pm

    Watching the drama unfold around Turning Red has been unbelievable. From the “unrelatable” comment via a 3rd rate white male cinema reviewer to Fundamentalists throwing up their collective hands over the “sorcery” (seen Frozen or Raya or really name one Disney movie without magic?) and *clutches pearls* a child rebelling against her mother (that never happens!), it’s been quite a ride. I am so grateful for this movie, making people think about how we approach puberty and being female, and it opens so many opportunities for conversations (pink tax, anyone?)

    Reply
  5. Zaeobi says

    March 19, 2022 at 11:18 pm

    I took the red panda to mean puberty in general, right? (Becoming hairy, smelly etc…) So even if periods were part of it, I think the metaphor can still be beneficial to those without periods too.

    As a child of immigrant parents who had her first one towards the end of 10 years old & was utterly mortified by it (partially because of my parents but also because my school did not have the resources for me to continue using the student bathrooms during ‘that’ time), I can understand how it might look like a lot to someone on the outside (who didn’t have to deal with the deep amount of shame & ‘signalling readiness for marriage’ that my new bodily functions brought me). Even if my parents weren’t backwards enough to *actually* marry me off then, I was no longer allowed to socialise with boys & was now given more ‘grown up’ tasks to do around the house – at 10/11 years old!

    My life changed that day, & not for the better, mind you… So seeing someone reconcile with that part of themselves so young (instead of hiding any evidence of it, like my own mother) is what people like me need. Representation matters, after all – not just racially, but for the everyday human experience, too.

    Reply
  6. Geraldine says

    March 19, 2022 at 6:46 pm

    I am horrified by the article on new abortion laws in the US which will only force poor women into backyard abortions like the old days.

    I sincerely hope that this trend does not appear in Australia, where I live, like so many US trends do.

    Dear God in heaven!

    Reply
  7. Rachel says

    March 19, 2022 at 3:52 pm

    Thankfully the outrage against Turning Red hasn’t made it to NZ, or at least the circles I move in! I’d like to say that it’s ridiculous, but that would diminish the insidious nature of such comments. As you say, menstruation is natural and necessary and should be recognised and understood not perpetually brushed under the carpet. For real. My husband and I watched Turning Red and loved it. Fever dream is a great way to describe it!

    As ever, your curated list of articles issimultaneously right up my alley and inclusive of new to me thinking. Thank you

    Reply
  8. Michelle says

    March 19, 2022 at 12:16 pm

    I love WR—thank you for continuing to do this! My spring break starts today, so I’m going to take my time reading through these articles. Thank you, though, for not pretending that Covid didn’t happen, that Covid hasn’t been awful, that Covid is over, & that we still must deal with the aftermath of it. That Atlantic article about the huge number of deaths & the attitude towards them—heartbreaking. I live in a rural Southern state ruled by Republicans, so as you can imagine, it’s been bad here (based on our population), but our state government’s attitude has been to worry about the economy & little else. Our Republican legislators actually passed laws recently banning mask mandates, banning vaccination requirements, & limiting our ability to move to virtual school if Covid numbers were high enough. I’m exhausted & disheartened by all the ignorance but also by all the cruelty towards looking after our fellow men/women. All this to say, I appreciate WO for your great info about all things fashion but also for being real with us.

    Reply
  9. Debby says

    March 19, 2022 at 12:05 pm

    Thanks for the Weekend Reads. Always worth my time.

    Reply
  10. Tina Z says

    March 19, 2022 at 10:25 am

    We loved Turning Red! Many Asian films have elements of fantasy, like Over the Moon and Abominable, and the panda scenes in this film were similar. That plus the mix of bright colors, lot of sound, plenty of action, and just overall “bigness” is what makes them so beautiful to watch! The metaphor of the Godzilla-like creature crushing everything in sight, because the mom didn’t learn to cope with her anger (and other emotions), was perfect. Agreed with the age recommendation: My 7 yo (almost 8) understood very much what the pandas represent, and how and why Meilin takes a different path and figures out how to cope with and even celebrate her panda. Admittedly my kid goes to a therapist weekly to learn emotional regulation skills and we frequently talk about our different inner parts, so she was primed to see it that way. But other than us explaining a few things related to 13 year old girls, it was fine with parental guidance and some debriefing.

    Reply
  11. Linda says

    March 19, 2022 at 8:58 am

    Oof, between the empty nester article and the dining with dementia article, you really got me today. Thank you.

    Reply
  12. Laura says

    March 19, 2022 at 8:42 am

    My family enjoyed Turning Red.
    As a European immigrant I relate to the fact that so many things that are normal for other cultures seem strange, over the top or unrealistic for North Americans from family dynamics, way of parenting and what is considered socially acceptable or not.

    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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