Open
Scenes from a Friday night…

We started at @littleblackbirddc a new wine bar in Cleveland Park where we had great food, drink, and conversation into the evening. We then headed down the street to @atomicbilliards for a whole different experience and to keep the conversation going. I treasure my friendships with @sylviacolella (who had a birthday recently), @districtofchic, and @blonde_inthedistrict they’re the real deal 🥰

My dress is @adamlippes borrowed via @renttherunway and Cheetos with Sauvignon Blanc is a really fun pairing!
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
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
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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 😂
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#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
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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! 🐾❤️
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Lifestyle · April 2, 2022

Weekend Reads #194

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. 

reine paradis the tower
“The Tower” by Reine Paradis. Check out “Queen of Paradis” a documentary on this artist available on Amazon Prime. It's how I came to learn about her work!

Weekend Reads

I'm so honored to have been interviewed by Rick Bernstein for his podcast, The Pod of DC. I delve into my 17 years as a blogger, how I took it from hobby to full-time job, and thoughts on being an influencer. (Anchor, which has links to listen on all the popular platforms)

There will always be more work. (CW: domestic abuse) (Men Yell at Me)

Women are calling out ‘medical gaslighting.' (New York Times)

Into the wild: Animals the last frontier in the COVID fight. (AP)

Joan Collins just gets on with it. (New York Times)

Not smart but clever? The return of ‘dumbphones'. (BBC)

Facebook paid GOP firm to malign TikTok. (Washington Post)

Jamie Lee Curtis wants everyone to stop using the word anti-aging. (Glamour)

How to forgive someone who isn’t sorry. (Vox)

Growing up, my best friend's mom used to wear terry rompers like this and I thought they were the coolest. They do look pretty great in a “no f*cks left” way to be comfy in the summer lounging at home or putting over a swimsuit!

Diary of a Spelling Bee fanatic (a game I play almost every morning). (New York Times)

Shopping with a disability can be challenging. Now, belatedly, the beauty sector is showing signs of taking action. (Vogue Business)

What happens when “journalist brands” involve actual brands? (Gawker)

Becoming caregivers isn’t the only challenge many midlife wives face. (Crow's Feet for Medium)

How wellness influencers became cheerleaders for Putin’s war. (Mother Jones)

This is not just a restaurant review: This is Seafood channels a lifetime of experience into one tasty takeout. (Washington Post)

Defining ‘woman’ starts with humanity, not femaleness. (Christianity Today)

Nobody wants more crappy videos on Instagram. Too bad. (Vox)

I own this belt and I think I wear it more than any other in my closet. I've had it for years and am so glad they re-released it. The adjustable length and style means it looks nice through the beltloops of pants and jeans, will cinch the waist of a dress or blouse, and also looks great slung on the hips. I'm a 14 and the M/L is plenty roomy with extra length even when I wear it on my hips.

Hillary Clinton: Madeleine Albright warned us, and she was right. (New York Times)

10 signs it's time to break up with a friend. (Scary Mommy)

If you're watching Julia on HBO (I've only seen one episode at the time of writing this), you may enjoy this piece that not only shares which parts of the series are fact or fiction, but it's written in a beautiful way adding more history and richness to Child's story. Warning, there are spoilers! (Washington Post)

Why people are acting so weird. (The Atlantic)

And in WTF did I just read news… How TikTok heartthrob William White’s thirsty fandom turned toxic. (Input)

See/Hear/Read

If you really want to know what my husband and my taste level is… we couldn't finish The French Dispatch but we loved The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard.

the french dispatch
From one Owen Wilson fim to another…

Last weekend we were exhausted from existing and decided to have a day where we just sat on the couch (well me the couch and him his chair) and drink tea and watch middle of the day movies. I chose The French Dispatch because I thought some Wes Anderson pretty twee-ness would be a nice escape from reality. Oh my gosh, it felt so try hard, and the whole vibe and cadence felt extremely dated in 2022. It was like going to a Belle and Sebastian concert wearing a K95 mask, no shade to a band I really really liked at a very specific point in life.

marry me movie

So I just said I am going to watch the first free movie that Xfinity promoted OnDemand, as long as it doesn't include a lot of death or gore or horror. And Xfinity recommended Marry Me, the new movie staring JLo, Owen Wilson, and Maluma where Lopez plays a version of herself who finds out minutes before she is to marry the gorgeous Maluma that he cheated on her. So in a totally realistic sure that happens moment, Jennifer Lopez's superstar character pulls Owen Wilson who looks like he is wearing a wig to maintain his aw-shucks boy-man persona even though he is now 53, and marries him instead.

marry me michelle buteau
I'm a sucker for anything with Michelle Buteau in it.

Marry Me follows the recipe of a Jennifer Lopez/Matthew McConaughey/Kate Hudson/Hugh Grant romcom where the couple gets together in an unexpected manner (extra points if it's on TV or stage), someone gets cold feet because they've been hurt before/have to keep their image up/misunderstand the other and don't take the time to ask questions or let the person explain, and they reunite and live happily ever after, of course with a few adorable quirks.

the hitman wifes bodyguard movie

And you know what? I ain't mad and neither was Mr. Gary. It was pure escapism on a Saturday afternoon and Karl said I was to remain VJ and pick the next movie. Again letting Xfinity take the reins, I randomly chose a category of free to me films and came upon The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard. I mean, how can you resist such a name? And when you see it stars Ryan Reynolds, Salma Hayek, and Samuel L. Jackson, you HAVE to click “watch.”

hitman wifes bodyguard hayek
“Oh Breese, don't be mad. You know you love me and want to be my baby.”

This movie was so dumb. Oh, it also stars Morgan Freeman and Antonio Banderas and it's the sequel to a 2017 film called The Hitman's Bodyguard that starred the same three primary folks and got terrible reviews and I somehow didn't even know it existed. But gosh I really enjoyed it, and Karl did too.

hayek jackson
I've never seen a more credible on-screen couple with this much chemistry. Sike.

It was as dumb a film as you can imagine having Ryan Reynolds as a washed-up bodyguard who ends up paired up with the newlywed couple of 55-year-old Hayek and 73-year-old Jackson who are criminals desperately trying to have a baby. But when was the last time you watched a movie that was dumb without it being a cult classic or currently in the news? It felt nostalgic, like when you were younger and just watched whatever was available on TNT that day.

to wong fu movie poster

Speaking of nostalgia, we keep a list of movies we want our daughter to see that we loved. And Friday, we watched To Wong Fu, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar. A great choice after a kid has seen Dirty Dancing, Grease, Coming to America, Encanto, Footloose, and Moulin Rouge!

patrick swayze to wong fu

Gosh, this movie just reminds you of what a treasure Patrick Swayze was. My daughter was mesmerized and loved every minute. I enjoyed watching it years later and seeing all the cameos (Naomi Campbell, Robin Williams, RuPaul (in a Confederate flag dress!), Joey Arias, Susanne Bartsch, and her husband David Barton just to start.

to wong fu strawberry festival
“Can I have my shoe, please?”

A few jokes didn't age well but in general, this is still such a delightful film. When we watched it, it wasn't free on any platform but I felt it was worth the price of a coffee ($3.99 on Amazon and OnDemand) to rent and share with our kid!

For Your Entertainment

harry styles

I had a completely different song and artist here, but then Harry Styles dropped a video for “As it Was,” a new song off his new album and it's just so visually stunning and the song so lovely and Harry so lovely I just had to share it instead.


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In: Lifestyle · Tagged: weekend reads

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You’ll Also Love

Portrait of Artist Pan YuLiang | Weekend Reads #263Weekend Reads #263
Betty Acquah, Positive posture 1, 2023 | Weekend Reads #262Weekend Reads #262
Hilma af Klint, Untitled #1,1915 | Weekend Reads #261Weekend Reads #261

Comments

  1. Vanessa says

    April 15, 2022 at 11:03 am

    I’ve been reading your work for years and I appreciate your consistent good taste and level approach to content creation. Thank you!

    Reply
  2. Leslie says

    April 4, 2022 at 2:33 pm

    Listened to your podcast interview yesterday – you were excellent! Have you thought about starting your own podcast? 🙂

    Reply
  3. Jessica says

    April 4, 2022 at 1:35 pm

    I bought that Chico’s belt on your recommendation and get lots of compliments on it. It elevates any outfit.

    Reply
  4. Rachel says

    April 3, 2022 at 12:31 am

    Jamie Lee Curtis is an international treasure.

    Reply
  5. Joy says

    April 2, 2022 at 8:34 pm

    I really enjoyed your podcast interview. Your tone of voice is so pleasant, it should be heard more often!

    Reply
  6. Kathryn Braun Fenner says

    April 2, 2022 at 1:20 pm

    Lady Haden-Guest is awesome, and I can see why Nigel Tufnel married her!

    Reply
  7. Bette says

    April 2, 2022 at 1:10 pm

    Your podcast interview was so good! I’ve been reading your blog for at least 5 years, yet strangely had never heard your voice before. I realized that I’d made up a completely different voice for you in my mind — it was good to align imagination with reality! It’s also interesting how much hearing your voice rounded out the picture — I guess that’s the point of our 5 senses, 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 26

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Scenes from a Friday night…

We started at @littleblackbirddc a new wine bar in Cleveland Park where we had great food, drink, and conversation into the evening. We then headed down the street to @atomicbilliards for a whole different experience and to keep the conversation going. I treasure my friendships with @sylviacolella (who had a birthday recently), @districtofchic, and @blonde_inthedistrict they’re the real deal 🥰

My dress is @adamlippes borrowed via @renttherunway and Cheetos with Sauvignon Blanc is a really fun pairing!

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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

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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

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Sep 8

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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!
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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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