Open
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
Open
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. 🌴
Open
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
Open
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
Open
@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
Open
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. 💚
Open
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
Open
It’s Cozy Season, and @tjmaxx is here to update our wardrobes with stylish accessories and apparel from the best brands for less. #AD

I recently visited tjmaxx.com and was so impressed with the array of elevated designer labels, on-trend looks, and the best prices. This pearl-encrusted beanie is from a woman designer I have admired for years; tjmaxx.com has the matching gloves and other pieces from this label to make a great set for yourself or to gift another. These earrings I’ve seen from the same designer at department stores; in fact I own other earrings from this label and paid much more for them. I should have checked T.J.Maxx first! And this cozy poncho is the perfect layer for late fall in the DC area.

I love how the winter white pieces elevate my existing closet. And pearls can be worn for day or glam up for evening. I can see many ways I’ll be styling these designer accessories from #tjmaxx all season long!

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4o2dA
Open
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!
https://liketk.it/4nKRE

#ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #genxstyle #dagnedoverdakota
  • Fashion
    • Capsule Wardrobes
    • Outfit Posts
  • Beauty
    • Skincare
    • Curly Hair
  • Lifestyle
    • Perimenopause
    • Health and Wellness
    • Travel
  • Subscribe
  • Exclusive Promo Codes
  • Home
  • Exclusive Promo Codes
  • About
    • Contact
    • Work with Me
    • Privacy Policy
  • Fashion
    • Capsule Wardrobes
    • Outfits
    • Plus Size Fashion
    • Denim
    • Footwear
    • Activewear
    • Swimwear
    • Underpinnings and Sleepwear
  • Beauty
    • Curly Hair
    • Skincare
  • Lifestyle
    • Perimenopause
    • Travel
    • The Business of Blogging

Wardrobe Oxygen

Real-life style for grown women

  • Home
  • Exclusive Promo Codes
  • About
    • Contact
    • Work with Me
    • Privacy Policy
  • Fashion
    • Capsule Wardrobes
    • Outfits
    • Plus Size Fashion
    • Denim
    • Footwear
    • Activewear
    • Swimwear
    • Underpinnings and Sleepwear
  • Beauty
    • Curly Hair
    • Skincare
  • Lifestyle
    • Perimenopause
    • Travel
    • The Business of Blogging

Fashion Advice · July 16, 2022

Weekend Reads #205

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. 

NewYork Whitney Hendricks Steve FINAL 2000
Steve, 1976. Magna, acrylic, and oil on linen. Overall: 72 × 48 in. (182.9 × 121.9 cm). Purchase and gift with funds from the Arthur M. Bullowa Bequest by exchange, the Jack E. Chachkes Endowed Purchase Fund, and the Wilfred P. and Rose J. Cohen Purchase Fund. Inv.: 2015.101. Image via ArtNet

Weekend Reads

I was interviewed by InStyle magazine about my thoughts on skorts and my favorite. As an FYI, I wrote this piece about the best skorts for grown women which is how they found me. (InStyle)

Guggenheim Painter Accused of Ripping Off Black Artist Admits She Made a ‘Mistake’. (Rolling Stone)

New emojis are coming. (Mashable)

Janeane Garofalo never sold out. What a relief. (New York Times)

Why Democrats want Nevada to vote first in 2024. (Axios)

Actor John Turturro recounts the legacy of his grandmother's botched abortion. (Washington Post)

Can H&M ever be sustainable? CEO Helena Helmersson says yes, but it’s still far off. (Vogue Business)

One woman dominated the awards at a Virginia county fair. Then the internet went wild. (NPR)

The Oakland Public Library is documenting what people leave in returned books. (Oakland Public Library)

Looking for a plus size dress for all those summer weddings that doesn't break the bank? I'm impressed by this dress by FlyCurvy that comes in four colors, sizes 10-28, and is less than $50. It's weird when I bookmarked it on Monday, the site looked different, it had photos of the dress in different colors and different models, and had dozens of customer reviews, most five star and some with photos. I hope they're in the middle of an update and the extra photos and the reviews return!

Nantucket is courting the “Coastal Granddaughter” generation — and it’s working. (Buzzfeed)

Selma Blair Is helping redefine makeup design as Creative Director of Guide Beauty. (Vogue)

Their Laurel, Maryland apartments were deteriorating. Then the rent went up. (Washington Post)

DC's Swann Street is believed to be named after Thomas Swann, a former Maryland governor and slave owner. Now, a group of residents want the street re-dedicated for William Dorsey Swann, a Washingtonian and the first known drag queen. (DCist)

Gap Inc. CEO Sonia Syngal steps down. (Retail Dive)

If like me you prefer an underwire for support but you wish your favorite full-bust bra could be as comfy as a bralette, check out this one from Chantelle. I got one of the sale colors during a Bare Necessities promo event and I am obsessed. Not as lifting and shaping as my favorite everyday bra, but comfortable enough I'd choose it for a long car ride or even a nap!

A group of entertainment entrepreneurs thinks the blockchain may be the route to finding the next ‘Godfather’. (Washington Post)

Tacky is back! (Vox)

All the tea on Lea Michele replacing Beanie Feldstein in ‘Funny Girl’. (The Daily Beast)

Prince taught me my dirty mind was just fine. (The TueNight Social)

Those who call it a myth ignore the facts: The US has at least 180 facilities to reprocess billions of pounds of plastics every year, and customer demand is growing. (Bloomberg)

For a woman in a wheelchair, abortion access was one more challenge. (New York Times)

I got laid off at 51. It took me 6 years to find a new job — here's what it was like. (HuffPost)

Why Old Bay is suddenly on everything. (Washingtonian)

I don't usually share Twitter posts or threads in Weekend Reads, but this one kindly and clearly discussing how to improve your protest sign messaging is really important. To truly be effective, we need to be current and inclusive. (REPRO Riding Virginia on Twitter)

I loved this article which I read in our print subscription: Inside a superfan's secret friendship with Eddie Van Halen. (Rolling Stone which doesn't even give online access to print subscribers so if you ran out try another browser or incognito mode to read)

While my family and I love Bioderma's Atoderm Cleansing Oil (not greasy, lathers, hydrating, super gentle, and very subtle scent), I like to occasionally have a fragranced body wash. Scrolling on Amazon at body washes I saw Bliss Lemon & Sage Soapy Suds and dang it took me back. I remember being in my childhood bedroom the summer after what was supposed to be my last year of college. I had two jobs and moved back home, taking night classes to try to finish up my degree and had extra income.

I bought jersey sheets (because Oprah said they were the greatest thing in the world and this was before her mile-long annual “Favorite Things” lists) from the Company Store catalog and a bunch of products from the Bliss Spa catalog, including their Lemon & Sage collection. I felt so sophisticated and grown-up, upgrading from whatever I found at the drug store and the occasional Bath & Body Works splurge. I decided to order a bottle of the Bliss body wash (linking to Ulta not Amazon for reasons below).

The bottle came, I put it in my shower, and pumped it a few times to get it working and onto my skin towel (love these things) came… lotion! The company sent me lotion! I was so annoyed. And the idea of having to return a bottle of lotion that had already been opened sounded messy and even more annoying. But then I looked online and saw on the Bliss site that the 32 oz. of body wash is $16-$18, but the 32 oz. of lotion I got is $60 so I kept it.

Karen, a friend and member of the Wardrobe Oxygen community shared in the Facebook group that she uses any lotion as an in-shower moisturizer (referencing this post where I discussed the Jergens in-shower lotion) so I tried it with the Bliss Lemon & Sage lotion. (again, an Ulta link) LOVE! I love the smell, I love the feel, I love how it's not thick and gloopy yet hydrating and doesn't get weird in the humidity. Vegan, clean, and cruelty-free too. And the smell takes me back to 1997 in a good way.

And a little LOL that I found fitting for Weekend Reads: New study finds leaving tab open for two weeks is same as reading article. (The Hard Times)

See/Hear/Read

I read three books on my break; two that were highly recommended and I found meh, and one I knew nothing about but my husband bought me based on hearing about it on a podcast. Knowing nothing about the author nor reading any reviews, I dug in and am really glad I read it. So much, I have it on my coffee table and open random pages from time to time to refresh my memory. The book is From Strength to Strength by Arthur C. Brooks.

58100575

Brooks is a white conservative Christian cis-male who has had a pretty easy life. It was clear to figure this out without having to read another person's review of this book. In fact, as someone who also worked for a DC-based think tank at the same time as Brooks, I believed I knew which think tank he worked at without having to visit Google.

From Strength to Strength will not solve a single problem, but it will get you thinking if like me, you're around the middle of your life and you feel like things aren't as hunky dory as they were a few years ago. Your job may no longer feel like a good fit, you're doing twice as much work for half the results you used to get.

This book is for strivers in midlife. Brooks goes into the difference between fluid intelligence and crystalized intelligence and that really resonated with me. He also discussed a career ladder being more like a spiral staircase, which I also vibed with. These discussions were so powerful I wasn't as disappointed with the second half of the book which didn't provide any actionable content. No exercises, no quizzes, no suggestions on how to put these ideas into practice in one's own life.

I didn't really need it, I just needed to know what I was feeling wasn't unusual and there is a way to move forward and grow and be even better in the second half of life and it's not what I imagined second half of life success to be.

When I was in my 20's I felt a badass older person was still rocking hard, doing all the things I at my age felt were fun and exciting and rewarding. When I was in my 30's I felt a badass older person had set themselves up so well financially they could retire early (or at least partially) and live life on their terms. Now in my 40's I realize it's not about money or stamps in my passport and definitely not about how cool my life looks like on social media but personal individual unique fulfillment. And as someone who has always been a hard worker, a striver, it's finding a way to achieve fulfillment in the second half of life in my personal life but also in a continuing professional life.

From Strength to Strength helped me clarify what I was feeling and motivated me to take those feelings and act on them. If you are in a similar situation, this book may also prove beneficial to hop on your “second curve”. And it's a reminder to sometimes ignore Goodreads and Amazon reviews and just buy the book because of what is on the jacket (or read the book a loved one thought was a good choice for you).

FS MrikUcAAJlGr

My mom has been a big fan of Elvis since he came on the scene. I love the glossy colorful world that Baz Luhrmann creates in his films (Moulin Rouge, 2013's The Great Gatsby) so when Luhrmann's film Elvis came to our local theater, my mom, sister, and I got tickets.

This is another time when it's good to not read the reviews. I was on my internet break and couldn't Google the opinions of others to cloud my happiness after seeing the film. In fact, I liked it so much that when my daughter came back from her Girl Scout trip, I took her to see it so I could see it again. As for my mom who grew up with Elvis, she also thought this movie was fantastic.

I am not going to share more details here because in this time and age, everyone has opinions and virtual soapboxes from which to shout them. But if you've been intrigued, I recommend seeing Elvis. We are lucky to have a small independent theater in our neighborhood and both times I attended there were fewer than 50 people (the first time fewer than 20) in the entire theater and most individuals were masked.

For Your Entertainment

harry styles

If there is a new Harry Styles video, you can be sure I'll be sharing it in Weekend Reads. If you are not familiar with or not a major fan of Styles, I find his latest album, Harry's House to be really enjoyable from start to finish. There are few albums these days you want to run through, priority is on the single, the viral hit. But Harry's House? It makes me want to purchase the vinyl and I have on more than one occasion listened to it straight through. Great for road trips, cleaning your closet, and dinner parties!


alison signature

In: Fashion Advice

Did you like what you just read?

Consider tapping here to buy me a coffee in thanks. The best gift you can give a content creator is the gift of sharing. Consider sharing this article on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. Thank you so much for your support!

join the community

You’ll Also Love

castcoverz fun fashionable cast crutches covers reviewFriday Favorite: CastCoverz!
A Life, Replotted: Dressing the Part
Not Fashion Related - HalloweenNot Fashion Related – Halloween

Comments

  1. Heidi says

    July 18, 2022 at 3:07 pm

    Thanks for sharing the article about Prince. I still remember hearing the “Dirty Mind” album for the first time in college and playing it nonstop. Listening to him still gets me all hot and bothered.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      July 27, 2022 at 4:49 pm

      I love this, Heidi!

      Reply
  2. Michelle says

    July 17, 2022 at 8:24 am

    I’m slowly making my way through Weekend Reads & enjoying all the articles so much. Thanks for continuing to do this post for us! Excited to see you in that skorts article! I wish I’d ordered the Chico’s skort back when you wrote that because it’s sold out now. I’m also ready to visit Nantucket—ha! It certainly looks beautiful in the pictures. One of my “travel dreams” would be to spend my summer visiting multiple locations along the East Coast—just so much to see & do.

    I’ve got a TV recommendation: Gordita Chronicles on HBO Max. It’s about a family from the Dominican Republic who immigrate to Miami in the 80’s. It’s a comedy, family friendly, and just light hearted & enjoyable. It’s told from the point of view of the youngest daughter, as an adult looking back on her childhood. Sometimes, I need to get away from the doom & gloom that is everything happening here & this show is good for that.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      July 27, 2022 at 4:50 pm

      Oooh thanks for this recommendation! I hadn’t heard of Gordita Chronicles and it sounds right up my alley!

      Reply
  3. MaryInMaryland says

    July 16, 2022 at 9:12 pm

    If anyone wants the Chantelle bra recommended in basic colors, those are on sale as part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I bought one last week and Allison’s description of both comfort and appearance is spot on. I ordered 2 more.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      July 27, 2022 at 4:50 pm

      Thank you for sharing this intel!

      Reply
  4. Tracie says

    July 16, 2022 at 2:30 pm

    I loved the weekend reads! I felt like I was going to order all of the skorts – I’ve got a cheap Baleaf and a cool Duluth Trading skort. I love them.

    I didn’t get into Prince until I was a senior in high school in 1982, but Dirty Mind was my go to record.

    I saw Elvis for the first time two days ago, and I’m so glad I didn’t read anything about it beforehand. Can’t wait to see it again.

    Reply
  5. Bette says

    July 16, 2022 at 9:36 am

    Re the piece “I got laid off at 51. It took me 6 years to find a new job — here’s what it was like (HuffPost)” — I’ve seen a flurry of similar articles lately, all encouraging the older, invisible women hurt by the pandemic to buck up and keep trying to find new jobs. Eventually, with hidden sources of income and unlimited time and assets, they’ll find their way back. I call BS on most of these. For every one woman who finds her way back to a well-paid job at 57, there are hundreds of thousands who do not. To me, it’s just another version of victim blaming, where we can hold up the one and ignore the millions.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

What I Wore Offline

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.

Archives

Search Wardrobe Oxygen:

Categories

  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Health & Wellness
  • Outfits

instagram

Follow @wardrobe_oxygen

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Nov 28

Open
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. 🌴

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Nov 19

Open
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. 💚

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Nov 17

Open
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

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Nov 15

Open
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!
https://liketk.it/4nKRE

#ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #genxstyle #dagnedoverdakota

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Nov 6

Open
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! 🇺🇸

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Nov 4

Open
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. 🇺🇸

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Nov 2

Open
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

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Oct 18

Open
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

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Oct 17

Open
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

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Oct 11

Open
The biggest fashion trend this fall is a return to classics. For decades I have turned to @talbotsofficial for quality classics with style.  This season, Talbots has a fantastic range of pants to update the wardrobe. 

I love how these @talbotsofficial ivory stretch corduroy straight leg pants elevate closet classics! Available in Misses, Petite, Plus, Plus Petite, Curvy, and in 10 colors, these cords are a chic alternative to jeans and just as easy care! I can run errands and have a bit of quiet time with an ebook and a coffee with comfort and style. 

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4kFNi #talbots #mytalbots #talbotspartner #ltkover40 #modernclassicstyle #liketkit #ltkover40

Info

  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Exclusive Promo Codes

join the community

On the Blog

  • Capsule Wardrobes
  • Curly Hair
  • Plus Size Fashion
  • Perimenopause
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Disclosure

Copyright © 2023 Wardrobe Oxygen · Theme by 17th Avenue