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
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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Lifestyle · February 4, 2023

Weekend Reads #232

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. 

Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun Self Portrait in a Straw Hat 1782 Oil on canvas, 97.8 x 70.5 cm Bought, 1897 NG1653 https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/NG1653
Elisabeth Louise Vigée, Le Brun Self Portrait in a Straw Hat, 1782

Weekend Reads

Florida may force high school athletes to disclose their menstrual history. (Time)

No one prepared Gen X for menopause. (The Baltimore Banner)

Women have been misled about menopause. (New York Times – gift article)

Now that you’ve found him, the Twitter “Menswear Guy” would like to talk to you about fast fashion. (The New Republic)

Marie Kondo’s life is messier now — and she’s fine with it. (Washington Post – gift article)

12 Ways of Looking at André Leon Talley: The friendships and love stories found inside his estate auction. (The Cut)

The unbearable weight of too many notifications is leading to a shift in the way people communicate on the internet. (Mint Lounge)

In the shallow world of BookTok, being ‘a reader’ is more important than actually reading. (GQ)

For my makers, bakers, gardeners, and handyfolk, I recently learned about tove, a sustainable fashion brand that makes wrap skirts and apron dresses with pockets. I think these are so genius, and asked the brand for one to review so stay tuned!

Welcome to the Marthaverse: Why you’re seeing Martha Stewart everywhere. (Bon Appetit)

Street style has a fatphobia problem. Can it be fixed? (Refinery29)

Who gets to be fat onscreen, and to what end? (Katie Couric Media)

After banning weight loss ads, TikTok took millions from brand claiming you can lose 90 lbs in 2 weeks. (Jezebel… now waiting for TikTok to ban all the ADHD meds ads)

Was M&M’s recent decision to sideline its spokescandies a response to cultural backlash, or just an elaborate stunt leading up to the Super Bowl? (New York Times – gift article)

Ron DeSantis, Chris Rufo, and the college anti-woke makeover. (The Bulwark)

Widely used test kept Black people from getting kidney transplants sooner. Now that's changing. (USA Today)

This woman combats a White-dominated book industry by printing her own. (Washington Post – gift article)

Our constant need for entertainment has blurred the line between fiction and reality—on television, in American politics, and in our everyday lives. (The Atlantic)

Okay, I HAVE to share this. Like you, I get bombarded with the same ads over and over on social media. And I oftentimes succumb to the ads, most recently Look Optic reading glasses. Look Optic has PROGRESSIVES reading glasses! Clear no-prescription on top, readers on the bottom. Perfect for those of us who are Googling facts while watching TV, reading while attending a lecture, viewing a menu while having a conversation with friends.

look optic progressives review

I got these aviator style progressives and they are the first aviator readers I've found that not only look cool on me but are so comfortable they don't slide down my nose or feel heavy. These are not cheap readers, but the quality IMO is excellent and being progressive, they are glasses I can wear all day. Now my husband wants a pair!

See/Hear/Read

poker face movie poster

No surprise, last weekend I binged the first four episodes of Poker Face. I have been a fan of Natasha Lyonne since I saw But I'm a Cheerleader and even if this show sucked I knew I would watch it just to watch her. But no worries, I think Poker Face is fantastic!

lyonne poker face
The whole rusty trailer and old cooler and old car thing annoyed me. It felt too “aesthetic” as the young kids say. But this was only in the first episode and then her style wasn't as much a factor (and clothes are reworn).

Available on Peacock (no need to be a subscriber, it does have ads), Poker Face stars Lyonne as Charlie, a person who can tell if folks are lying. This skill has gotten her in a bit of trouble and she's on the run from a scary guy. Each town she pulls into, there's a murder and she ends up solving it. For those who have compared this to Columbo, they're spot on. It's unrealistic and charming, occasionally heartbreaking and sometimes funny and it will remind you of when TV series were something you looked forward to every week.

mountain goats poker face
Chloë Sevigny as a washed-up rock star and who is that in green behind her? It's John Darnielle from the band The Mountain Goats!

The cast of Poker Face is star-studded, and that just adds to the fun. You will recognize faces current and from the past, and those faces you may not recognize are just as well-used with a great script that lets everyone shine. This show is being advertised as very “aesthetic” with Lyonne's bleached hair, trucker cap, aviators, and rusted-out trailer. There seems to be a lot of bad guys doing bad dealings but this show is far more Murder She Wrote than Claws.

devotion movie poster

This week we watched Devotion, a film about Jesse Brown, the first African-American aviator to complete the United States Navy's basic flight training program who fought and was killed in the Korean War. Based on a book of the same name written by military historian Adam Makos, it tells of the friendship between Brown and Tom Hudner, who is white.

devotion movie friendship

This movie worked very hard to not make it seem like the white friend saved the day and magically ended racism. The film made it clear that Hudner's good intentions were not enough. The film neither sugar-coated how Black Americans were treated in our military at this period of time nor did it fetishize it yet… it still felt like a Disney film. Just a little too bland and a little too surface.

devotion majors

Don't get me wrong, Jonathan Majors (Lovecraft Country, The Harder They Fall, Loki) is phenomenal. When is he not? And this role gives him plenty of opportunities to showcase his emotional, expressive face. He showed such love, such rage, such despair, such confidence… he is the shining star of this otherwise dull film.

we got it jesse brown

Glen Powell, who was in Top Gun: Maverick and Hidden Figures continues to play the same role. He was good, but I think a dozen different white dudes in Hollywood right now could have played the same exact part. And the rest of the dudes in this film are completely forgettable (including Joe Jonas who I thought looked like Joe Jonas but didn't . Sadly, the way the story was portrayed in this film, it too is forgettable. Even with Brown and his fellow pilots partying in Cannes with Elizabeth Taylor, it was boring.

devotion movie

My husband was in the Navy, his father was a war historian. My father was also in the Navy, on an aircraft carrier in Korea. We were so interested in this film we paid to rent it, and both found Devotion lackluster. If you wish to learn more about Jesse Brown and this story, the book gets stellar reviews.

For Your Entertainment

billy nomates

Tor Maries performs under the name Billy Nomates. From Bristol, England, Tor Maries was recommended to my husband after finishing some other album. Reminiscent of rockers like Pat Benetar and Anne Wilson, Maries' voice is clear and beautiful but free of bullshit. Enjoy.


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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. Rebecca says

    February 5, 2023 at 7:47 pm

    Peacock isn’t free anymore. I sprung for the $30/year deal—hope we like Poker Face enough to justify it! I do like Natasha Lyonne,

    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 23

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Night and day…

Met three dear friends for an early dinner that went on until after the sun set. Great food and conversation with some great women!

The dress is @adamlippes and I borrowed it from @renttherunway. The bag is @jcrew and a splurge but I regretted not buying it the last time they offered this bag and this color is SO me. I mean, look how great it is with these many years old suede heeled sandals? Meant to be!

This color combination makes me so happy, and this dress was comfy even after a decadent meal. We all deserve to experience comfort and joy with our wardrobes! 💛🩷

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

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Sep 21

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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