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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I also picked up some of Soma’s iconic Vanishing Edge panties which keep you line-free. The whole Vanishing collection is genius. I loved being able to donate my gently used bras at my local Soma boutique to give to those in need. We all deserve a lift and Soma strives to achieve that. It’s why I’ve been a fan and customer for years and am honored to partner with them. Soma is the perfect fitting bra solution. Visit the link in my bio to shop and to find your local Soma boutique! #SomaPartner #SomaBraFit #SomaStartsWithMe
Open
If I close my eyes you can’t tell one is still bloodshot 😜

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

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

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4j0LM #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #over40style #ltkover40 #genxstyle
Open
It was so funny and so quick I couldn’t not share! I bought this @hulkenbag a year ago and use it all the time. Carting shoot supplies, groceries, packing for road trips, and carting donations. This weekend @thenewdealcafe in @cityofgreenbelt hosted a community clothing swap so I made sure my family and I went through our summer wardrobes to gather that which we no longer needed or fit.

This wasn’t the first clothing swap and folks in town know my style (and my job) so there were some waiting for my arrival. Look how fast I cleared out this big bag! Speaking of the bag one other swap attendee said she got herself a Hulken after seeing mine in action!

It’s so great to know our old clothes are getting a good life and this bag makes carting them to the cafe so easy! I got my Hulken on Amazon, it comes in other colors and sizes too: https://amzn.to/48iTY4Y yep the bag is as great as all those ads you see on social media, I’m a big fan!
Open
I had to see… I asked my husband how often he thinks about the Roman Empire, and then asked our 14-year-old 😂
Open
#ad Go through my archives on Wardrobe Oxygen and one thing is clear: my family and I are a fan of @bombas socks! From their no-slip no-show socks to their iconic crew socks, Bombas makes great socks for the whole family while having a great heart.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more of my throwbacks visit #wo2tbt
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Lifestyle · April 30, 2022

Weekend Reads #198

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. 

sam gilliam rail
Sam Gilliam, “Rail,” 1977. Sam Gilliam's work is a “you have to be there to get it” sort of experience. But good thing “Rail” and two other paintings by Gilliam will be in an exhibit at the Hirshhorn next month!

Weekend Reads

This week I did an Instagram Live with the cofounders of new beauty brand Flyte.70. Geared specifically for us grown-ass women, I was impressed by the products they gifted me no strings attached, and wanted to learn more about how these Gen X friends came to make the line, how they focus on being environmentally friendly full of great ingredients, and what's next for them. It was a fun discussion (and I try a few of their products live during the event).

How the pandemic changed the way Black workers go to work. (Boston Globe)

Am I an ethical-fashion mean girl? (Vogue)

How a fashion bill becomes a law. (Fashionista)

The confounding politics of camping in America. (New Yorker)

The whiplash of growing up between two worlds. (Literary Hub)

Applied for student aid online? Facebook saw you. (The Markup)

The education culture war is raging. But for most parents, it's background noise. (NPR)

A great discussion on Peloton that can be attributed to many other aspects of society by Wendy Robinson: On loving a company that doesn't know how to love me back. (Culture Study)

Why '80s cocaine decor Is the perfect design shift for 2022. (Vice)

YWCA collecting banned books to donate to El Paso public libraries. (KFOX14)

Study finds ‘burnout epidemic’ for working women two years into pandemic. (NBC News)

How Abercrombie’s racist t-shirts motivated a generation of Asian Americans. (Netflix)

From Nirvana to Goo Goo Dolls, here's how Gen Z is revitalizing '90s grunge and rock. (Toronto Star)

When doctors cite ‘regret' to deny care, who is really protected? (Wired)

The border wall Trump called unclimbable is taking a grim toll. (Washington Post)

How female correspondents are defining war coverage in Ukraine. (Vogue)

The travails of pandemic parenting have been well documented. But how has this time shaped decision-making (and baby-making) going forward? (New York Times)

Hear/See/Read

severence apple tv

Woah, Nellie, I watched Season 1 of Severance on Apple TV. I didn't plan to, I didn't want to. My husband started the first episode and I promptly fell asleep. But he watched the second episode without me and said it was worth it to see it again so I could catch up. And I caught up and never again fell asleep during an episode. I was fascinated, and couldn't wait to see the next episode to understand what the hell was going on.

burt and irving
BTW John Tuturo and Christopher Walken are in this show and I don't want to offer any spoilers but they're lovely.

If you like psychological trippy shows, you'll like Severance. Even if you think Adam Scott has a punchable face, you'll like Severance (and may end up finding him less punchable). If you dug LOST, you'll dig Severence. Even if you're glad spring is here and the last thing you want to watch is a show filtered to look even colder and sadder than working in what appears to be a windowless basement with the harshest fluorescent lighting ever, you still may dig Severence (and I won't blame you if you nod off during the first or even second episode).

severence arquette
BTW, Patricia Arquette is in the cast and she is so creepy scary good.

For those who haven't heard of this show, it's a concept that you can get a job where when at work you don't recall anything about your personal life, and at home, you don't recall anything about your work life. And no, this doesn't give folks a work/life balance; in fact, the result is pretty horrifying. And the season finale didn't tie a single darn thing into a muted cool-toned bow.

lol
The Jack Handey of Ganz

I cannot WAIT for Season 2. And I just had to share this meme I found on the Severance Subreddit!

heartstoppper

In a completely different world, I am also watching Heartstopper on Netflix, which my daughter HAD to watch and HAD to watch with me. Looked cute, I was game. We like having a show we can watch together while having breakfast before we head off to work/school. Our schedule kept causing us to postpone watching until Wednesday this week and that day we watched two episodes, not ready to let it go. We ended up watching it over three days, but could have easily binged it in one sitting. But it's so delightful we wanted to savor it a bit.

heartstopper charlie

Heartstopper is based on a series of graphic novels by Alice Oseman (the fifth volume and a companion “yearbook” is coming out next year). This is the darn patootin' cutest sweetest most adorable teenage show and I just can't get enough. The cast is utterly adorable and sweet, one of the character's mom is played by Olivia Coleman, and the soundrack is teenage emotion perfection. I'm obsessed.

heartstopper cast

And for those who are looking for a wholesome representation of queer teens, Heartstopper is a great option. Each of the eight episodes is less than 30 minutes long and I can't imagine anyone can watch this and not think back to those moments of passing notes in school and accidentally brushing against your crush in the hallway. Swooooooonnnn.

For Your Entertainment

snail mail valentine

Sometimes a song gets in your head and you can't let it go and it drives you crazy because it's so annoying. And then other times you really enjoy it and even listening to the actual song over and over doesn't ruin it for you. Well that is how I felt this week with the song “Valentine” by Snail Mail.

Snail Mail is a solo project by Lindsey Jordan, a fellow Marylander (Ellicott City for you local yokels). She created Snail Mail at the tender age of 15; the following year she released her first EP and got signed to her first label. Now 22, Snail Mail's latest album, also titled Valentine, was released in November of 2021 but for some reason the first song on it has been my earworm.

I have never before seen the video for “Valentine” and it surely didn't end the way I was thinking it would. But it didn't stop me from singing, “So why'd you wanna erase me? Darling, valentine” over and over in my head. Sorrynotsorry if it gets stuck in your head as well.


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In: Lifestyle · Tagged: weekend reads

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You’ll Also Love

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Betty Acquah, Positive posture 1, 2023 | Weekend Reads #262Weekend Reads #262
Hilma af Klint, Untitled #1,1915 | Weekend Reads #261Weekend Reads #261

Comments

  1. Stacie says

    May 1, 2022 at 7:40 pm

    I binged Severance and holy cow. That subreddit certainly fuels the imagination. I really appreciated Wendy’s article about Peloton. As an I,dear woman with a genetic complication hindering weight loss,I feel sidelined, unseen, maligned by fashion and fitness. I love my Peloton, but good grief, I’m tired of Emma Lovewell’s ability to pretzel her slim body into positions my boobs and baby-bearing abdomen no longer allow for. With the strife the brand is currently experiencing this is such a missed opportunity.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      May 2, 2022 at 9:05 am

      Last night I did a ride with Christine DeErcole and it was so nice to see her shirt ride up and see a hint of softness between it and her leggings. To see her strong muscles but relatable arms. If not on the bike, at least for strength and stretching, or even yoga, they should have a larger body. I think it would not only be inspiring for many, it would normalize strength at every size for those who are fatphobic. To see a larger body doing a workout that the viewer is struggling to complete would be a win in so many ways.

      Reply

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Vacation Capsule Wardrobe with Chico’s Zenergy Collection: 6 Pieces, 12+ Great Looks

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

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Sep 21

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

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

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

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 19

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

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 11

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 8

Open
I can see clearly now…

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

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

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 5

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

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

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

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

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

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Aug 30

Open
Ladies who lunch…

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

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

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

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Aug 29

Open
Scenes from a week in Savannah… 

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

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

wardrobe_oxygen

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Aug 28

Open
Stripes are always right…

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

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

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

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

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Aug 27

Open
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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