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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4j0LM #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #over40style #ltkover40 #genxstyle
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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
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
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#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 · September 22, 2018

Weekend Reads #21

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. 

weekend reads 3

For those who think blogging is an easy job, you're so wrong and this week was such an example. All those fun events that bloggers attend are work. You spend so much of the time there trying to capture great photos and video for blogs and social and then you're looking at your phone to edit and share instead of live in the moment. Before being at that event, you're doing calls and emails to schedule and plan, after you're emailing metrics and thank yous and trying to secure future opportunities, and then well… figuring out all those outfits. And creating content. And pitching and collabing for future content. This week I averaged four hours of sleep each night, missed three days of the gym, and still turned in one deliverable late (which is eating me up inside because I hate being unprofessional and unreliable). Yes, I worked this hard on a regular basis at my day job, there's no way I'd say blogging is harder than Corporate America but it's tough in a different manner and in many ways, tougher.

But Wednesday my friend invited me to speak at her college class about being a full-time blogger. I got there early to get a bit of a tour of the gorgeous campus of Howard University. It was a beautiful day, the first sunny, non-muggy day in a long while and we sat on a bench outside in the shade to enjoy the weather and catch up. She used to have a day job and teach part-time. This year she also made a leap, quit Corporate America to be a full-time professor. Less pay, weirder hours, but so much more joy. And we sat there, just watching the students walk by, the sun come through the trees, felt the breeze and I feel the joyful energy coming off both of us was visible. Yes, our jobs are stressful and emotionally taxing and never really over, but when it's what you love to do and what makes you feel fulfilled… it's the good kind of exhaustion, the kind you get after moving into your first home or completing your first marathon.  I haven't felt exhausted like this in years, hell, in decades.

This weekend I am going camping with my family; I'm writing this as Karl is packing up the car with coolers, tents, and our canoe. We have a housesitter, a mail gatherer, and all the laundry has been washed and put away. I may end up sleeping in the car on the way there but am excited for a few days away from everything.

Weekend Reads

This piece from The Huffington Post about obesity is a must-read for everyone. Seriously everyone, even those who have been slim all their life.  Read it, share it with your relatives, share it with your doctor.

The badass that is Tammy Duckworth. Loved this piece in Vogue about her and love that's she's proof you can love this country, support our military, yet not have to support our horrible president.

The trailer for Captain Marvel came out, and critics felt Brie Larson's part was “wooden” and that she should smile more.  Her response was fantastic.

Okay, it's clear I love Jenny Bird jewelry. I have several pieces and they always garner compliments, even from strangers across the room.  They also hold up nicely, they don't tarnish, chip or start to look faded after a few months.  Jenny's (yes she's a real woman, check out her Instagram Stories to see the BTS of her business and her life) fall collection dropped and it's soooo good. From the fall collection, I already own the large Carmine Hoops and large Faye Knockers and have worn both many times on and off the blog.  However, I am falling for so many other pieces of this strong collection.  My picks below (click to see on the site with people wearing them to get the full effect):

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At my old job, one department focused on end of life, hospice, and death with dignity. It really made me think, we should have the right when we are elderly and/or ill to die on our terms. So much physical and emotional pain happens at the end of life, so much money and anguish for our loved ones who have to see through it and fund the procedures and treatments that never heal, just prolong the torture. I've had many loved ones go through this, so when I read stories like this one about a woman who has picked her own death date I cheer. My hope is more stories about this topic will normalize it and open lawmakers' eyes to how respectful and honorable it is to own your life as well as your death.

Henri Bendel, the famous New York department store is closing after 123 years. Wendy Brandes shares her memories of the store and how through it she met her current hair stylist.

This Week's Reader Question

How do you find jeans that fit all day? Mine are great for maybe the first hour, but then they start to sag and bag all over. I’ve read to buy a smaller size, but again they are perfect for the first short time. I can’t seem to find denim without stretch anymore. HELP.

I've found it's less about the inclusion of stretch and more about the denim quality.  Jeans that are thin or super stretchy will bag out more quickly.  A tightly woven denim, even with a bit of stretch, will hold its shape better. Also jeans with a higher rise don't bag out as much because the waist is above the torso's point of bending and strain. Look for denim that is described as double ring spun, Japanese, raw, or selvedge for a tighter, higher-end denim. Different washes will stretch differently; denim in dark “rinse” washes and without any weathering or whiskering will stretch less than those that are distressed or faded.  When you have denim you love, do NOT put it in the dryer.  The dryer will break down the fibers, especially the Lycra, damaging the elastic so it won't retract as well. Wash denim on cold, hang dry from the legs.

Finally, many suggest to go a size down to account for the stretching that will happen.  I disagree and suggest you stick with your size or even larger and get the waist tailored to fit.  When the denim is being pulled taut it will strain the Lycra making it less likely to bounce back.  More expensive denim doesn't mean better quality, but I have to admit that the jeans I have that don't stretch out cost more and are from brands that specialize in quality denim (DL1961, AG Jeans, Universal Standard).  Below are some suggestions of denim that is less likely to stretch out:

Shop Denim:
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For Your Entertainment

For your entertainment, the latest from Gorillaz. Always love the music from Damon Albarn's project as well as their videos. When you get back on a Saturday night, and your head is caving in, do you look like me, do you feel like me, do you turn into your effigy?

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In: Lifestyle · Tagged: weekend reads

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You’ll Also Love

Betty Acquah, Positive posture 1, 2023 | Weekend Reads #262Weekend Reads #262
Hilma af Klint, Untitled #1,1915 | Weekend Reads #261Weekend Reads #261
Weekend Reads #260

Comments

  1. L H Carter says

    September 25, 2018 at 6:07 pm

    Dear Allie,
    I’m back again for a late weekend read suggestion for you.
    Jennifer Weiner had an op-ed piece in last Sunday’s New York Times. In it she suggested 2 books.
    Sarai Walker’s ‘Dietland’ . My favorite pages so far are 93-97 because their sheer subversive if only factor. Unfortunately Fay Weldon’s ‘The Life and Loves of a She-Devil are not on my library’s shelves so I cannot report on it.
    Thank you for keeping my level of consciousness high with your weekend reads. I so wish I lived in Tammy Duckworth’s state so I could vote for her!!!

    Reply
  2. L H Carter says

    September 23, 2018 at 3:36 pm

    Amen to Aurelia’s comment.

    Reply
  3. Aurelia says

    September 22, 2018 at 2:30 pm

    I have followed and read your blog for 5 years, and this is my first comment. I have such admiration for your opinions and fashion advice. Your politics never cloud your wardrobe tips and I think having an opinion makes you a real person.

    Keep up the great work!

    Reply
  4. Lisa says

    September 22, 2018 at 1:49 pm

    Thanks for being so open about how you’re engaging in today’s America. I appreciate that you’re placing personal style in a whole-life context and that context includes political opinions. Enjoy camping!

    Reply
  5. Trystan says

    September 22, 2018 at 11:15 am

    Tammy Duckworth is a hero & an inspiration. Thanks especially for that link!

    Also, that piece on obesity is an absolute must-read for everyone.

    Reply
  6. Anne says

    September 22, 2018 at 10:28 am

    I read your blog for inspiration, not politics. Unfollowing

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      September 22, 2018 at 8:15 pm

      You must be new here. My beliefs define who I am, and it is infused into everything I write and even everything I wear. There are plenty of blogs out there that are scared to share their beliefs and offend those who disagree or blogs that agree with your political beliefs, I know you’ll find a better fit.

      Reply
  7. Lee says

    September 22, 2018 at 9:23 am

    Have a wonderful and relaxing time on your camping trip! Isn’t Tammy Duckworth fabulous?? Thank you for continuing to speak out against the monster in the White House. This week has been incredibly sickening and painful as I’ve seen too many people shame women and give white boys and men a pass for atrocious behaviors. When will this all end? As a mother of a boy, I’m doing my best to raise him to be a decent and kind male who will not assume he gets a pass in life b/c he’s a white male.

    Reply

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

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Sep 21

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sep 19

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

View

Sep 8

Open
I can see clearly now…

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

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

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

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

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

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Sep 5

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

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

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

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

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

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Aug 30

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Ladies who lunch…

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

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

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

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

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Aug 29

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Scenes from a week in Savannah… 

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

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

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Aug 28

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Stripes are always right…

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

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

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

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

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Aug 27

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The family that wears @printfresh together stays together 🥰

Use code wardrobe_oxygen for 15% off your order of size-inclusive organic cotton sleepwear, dresses, bags & more https://glnk.io/qk04/wardrobe-oxygen

I’ve been raving about my Printfresh pajamas for years, my family also wanted to try them. Thank you Printfresh for gifting these for our annual three generation girls’ getaway to Rehoboth Beach, DE. We had a great time and being all matchy matchy in our pajamas was a fun addition! 🐅🍃🥰

#printfresh #printfreshpajamas #printfreshpartner

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Aug 12

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Shuts laptop until Monday… #RehobothBeach

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