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
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
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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 · September 17, 2022

Weekend Reads #214

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. 

becky suss
Becky Suss. Bathroom (Ming Green), 2016

Weekend Reads

This is your periodic reminder that Rebecca Minkoff is an active Scientologist. Scientology’s Secret Immigrant Workforce Exposes Decades of Exploitation. (Documented)

My mother wanted me to be happy. (Oldster)

Human trafficking’s newest abuse: Forcing victims into cyberscamming. (ProPublica)

Billionaire no more: Patagonia founder gives away the company. (New York Times; gift link)

Karen O, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs front woman on recording the band’s new album, becoming a mother, and meeting other rock stars who look like her. (New Yorker)

The ‘0.5x/ultrawide lens picture' trend and our relationship with body image. (Mint)

In former British colonies, ghosts of past haunt mourning for queen. (Washington Post)

Did you know they still make Trapper Keepers? Did you know they have planner-sized Trapper Keepers with pages specifically for it? I just KNEW at least one of you would be psyched about this intel!

For the “Black Panther” sequel, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright and their castmates leaned on each other to get through the grief-stricken shoot. (New York Times; gift link)

For runners and local yokels: This Arlington runner ran 3,200 miles across the country. (Washingtonian)

Tommy Hilfiger raises the bar for diverse model casting. (Vogue Business)

I don't usually share Twitter threads, but this one about how to spot a fake screenshot of a Tweet is really useful to recognize fakes not just for Twitter but all sorts of Internet content.

Last Thursday my family and I saw Red Hot Chili Peppers perform at Nationals Park and this piece articulates all my feels about the evening. (Washington Post; gift article)

Hear/See/Read

making the cut season 3

We finished Season 3 of Making the Cut on Amazon Prime and I am so sad. I love this show, my husband does too, and it moves so fast since there are two episodes each week. It's so beautifully filmed, the contestants so talented, the judges, in my opinion, so fair and vested in the success of the competitors.

making the cut season three amazon 04

What makes Making the Cut different from a lot of other competition shows is there's no drama. You don't see them getting ready in the morning, you don't see them gossiping, even when someone does something that could be seen as controversial, they don't dwell on it and usually put a positive spin on it.

making the cut vannik

For example, in this season, one contestant used another contestant's sewing machine after they all agreed to stay on their own machines. There was frustration and anger, but it wasn't blown up into a “thing.” The focus is on the fashion. Even the contestants are supportive and admiring of one another's work, offering advice, hugs, and compliments galore.

making the cut season 3 store

This show really pushes designers to turn into brands. They have to create an accessible look with each challenge (the winning look, well a cheap adaption of it is available in the Making the Cut store on Amazon). They create their own store, they do a business pitch for how they would spend the million dollars if they win, and the runner-up gets a shop on Amazon. I appreciate this mix of art and business to support those who have a really good concept and just need a boost.

making th cut judges

Hosted by Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum, Tim is their mentor and Heidi, Nicole Ritchie, and Jeremy Scott are the judges. They have a guest judge each week, which like other fashion shows, is not usually bringing anything to the table but it's interesting to hear the perspective from a fashion lover instead of a fashion insider.

the novice movie poster

Looking for a movie to watch, my husband and I checked out The Novice. It was about rowing, and since we both took sculling classes this summer we thought it would be enjoyable. Gentle reader, this movie was not enjoyable. It was raw and realistic but dang it was painful.

the novice review

The Novice is about Alex Dall, a college freshman who joins her college rowing team, vowing to be great at a sport she has never tried before. We've seen many sports movies over the years, men who push themselves to the point of pain and madness and win gold. We admire their drive, their passion, see them grow stronger and more focused and cheer them on. From the get-go you feel that Alex will succeed but you're really uncomfortable with what she endures mentally and physically to be the best.

the novice movie

Alex is driven and always has been. She redoes tests three times to ensure accuracy, she has a full ride to college from getting a presidential scholarship. But everyone around her from high school friends to coaches to girlfriends tell her she needs to relax and slow down. Alex doesn't listen, and there were times I hid under my throw blanket seeing how self-destructive she was.

novice movie isabelle

I just kept comparing this movie to other sports movies about men. Was I uncomfortable because she was self-destructrive, or because she wasn't acting like a typical female? Was it because I was putting my female emotions and any similar experiences into the scene and seeing it with that lens? What kind of movie would this be if the protagonist was male?

the novice isabelle fuhrman

This is a beautifully filmed movie. Isabelle Fuhrman was fantastic in the role of Alex; she was able to convey so much just through facial expressions and you saw her progression into darkness. Furhman was new to me, as she usually does horror films (you may recognize her from the Orphan series of films). The movie felt real, you could almost smell the room where they worked out, the mist on the river in early morning. That being said, this was an anxiety-inducing film and especially if you have issues with cutting/self-harm and obsessive tendencies, I recommend not seeing this movie.

For Your Entertainment

The French band Phoenix is back, and for this single from their album coming out in November, they enlisted Ezra Koenig from Vampire Weekend. They collaborated on this song remotely, so it's fitting that their video shows the artists in two different cities. You may want to watch this twice to capture all the scenery.

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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
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Comments

  1. RoseAg says

    September 23, 2022 at 11:01 am

    Trapper Keepers came along after I was out of school. I never had one, and neither did my Millenial kids because they were banned from their Middle School.
    There was a rigid list of school supplies for Middle School, they had a particular sort of ‘notebook’ organization they wanted, and TK were banned in all caps on the list.

    I’m a journal person and I do think the planner sized one looks neat.

    Reply
  2. Erin says

    September 22, 2022 at 11:22 pm

    Years ago, I had a very sad breakup, but most of my breakup playlist was songs from musicians he had introduced me to… including the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Maps is still one of my all-time favorite songs, and I loved reading this article about her!

    Reply
  3. Jax says

    September 22, 2022 at 2:05 pm

    My daughter and I watch Making the Cut just like you and your daughter do. Can’t wait to start Season 3. I really like Jeremy Scott’s presence as a judge. I watched the first 4 seasons of Project Runway, but fell out of it later, but I like Scott so much more as a judge than Michael Kors. Tim Gunn is always a gem.

    Reply
  4. Katie says

    September 17, 2022 at 11:32 am

    The level of delight I have from seeing that mini Trapper Keeper… oh my. I’m going back to college this winter (!! finally doing it!) and I think that may need a spot in my bag. 🙂 THANK YOU!

    Reply
  5. Susan L says

    September 17, 2022 at 10:47 am

    Great and varied set of articles!

    Reply
  6. SusieG says

    September 17, 2022 at 10:22 am

    That song is a bop! Great and engaging set of articles. Love.

    Reply
  7. Bette says

    September 17, 2022 at 9:44 am

    Great compendium, as always. And thanks for featuring the piece from Oldster, which is the fascinating brainchild of Sari Botton. HIghly recommended!

    Reply

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Wedding Guest Dresses for Grown-ass Women: 45+ Stylish Options for Fall and Winter

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

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

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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

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

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