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
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Lifestyle · October 20, 2018

Weekend Reads #25

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. 

eekend reads
Fall has finally hit in the DC area and it's straight up cold. It was literally 90 degrees one day last week so it's hard to accept we're in the season for coats and boots. We pulled out all of Emerson's winter clothes and also received a Stitch Fix box for her that has some super adorable and super warm pieces. As for me, I haven't pulled out my winter clothes from the attic yet but hope to this weekend if all goes well.

People joke that bloggers don't have real jobs and their Monday isn't like a Monday in Corporate America. I disagree.  Any blogger or freelancer strives to maintain a schedule, and to function in society tries to have weekends free like everyone else. And I am so glad the weekend is here.  This has been an extremely tough weekend, some of the reasons are stories not mine to share added to tax time (I got an extension), writing a piece for a pubication, progress reports, and about six different campaign deliverables. For the first time in almost a year I have upper back pain and an eye twitch. I'm writing this Friday afternoon, striving to get everything done so my husband and I can enjoy an event this evening and I can have a weekend where I can be a mom, wife, and friend and not chained to the laptop. I hope to fit a nap in too!

Sale Updates

Colleen Rothschild skincare is my favorite, I've been using products from this line for years and they make my skin so happy. Their Friends & Family sale is this weekend, save 25% off the whole site with promo code FAMILY25. If you haven't tried the line, I recommend starting with the Discovery Collection which has minis of the bestsellers, all TSA-friendly size in a super nice cosmetic bag. What's cool is all the containers are refillable; I've been refilling my Discovery Collection for over a year, it's the gift that keeps giving!

Through Sunday, Talbots is offering 30% off all jeans, shoes, and accessories and an additional 30% off already reduced sale items (no promo code needed).  I am LOVING Talbots' fall collection and there are so many goodies part of this promotion. I have this bag so can attest to the fact that it's well made, elegant, and a pretty perfect size. I have and love these pumps, they were sold out so I'm psyched they're back in time for this sale. I wear these jeans ALL THE TIME. Okay, I started linking too many things so instead here's a gallery of my picks of items on sale:

350

Through Tuesday, LOFT is having 40% off your purchase with promo code FRIENDS.  I've been impressed with LOFT's latest offerings and love that they have extended their plus size selection and have so many petite offerings. I love the color options and the silhouette of these booties. This is the kind of dress you want in your closet for work, for weekends, for day weddings, for funerals, and most any other occasion.  Wear in spring and fall with flats or pumps but it will also look chic with tights and tall boots come winter. Here's the rest of my picks from their New Arrivals:

350

Ann Taylor had to get in on the action as well and is having 40% off with an additional 10% off promo code REFRESH. Sale through Sunday. This link will take you to the items part of the sale; below are my picks:

350

Through Tuesday, Lands' End has 40% off full-price styles with promo code CORN and PIN 3026.  This code will also give you free shipping for orders over $50. I recently got this flannel shirt and like it so much I may purchase another (here's the link for it in plus sizes). I also had plenty of cute jackets but nothing that fit and was a workhorse for winter activities, shoveling snow, getting life done so I bought their iconic Squall Parka in black (here's the link for plus size which also has petite plus sizes). This is a perfect classic cableknit sweater that will go with everything; here it is in a turtleneck version. I'm going to have to grab a pair of these pants for winter.  This cozy pullover makes me actually look forward to colder temps. I'd make a little widget but Lands' End doesn't have it for sale items so just visit and see all the good stuff they have this season!

Weekend Reads

The American Dream has changed as has the American Dream Home.  On the future of real estate for multiple generations.

Have you checked out The Cut's series on Women and Power? It's pretty phenomenal. There's several chapters with short interviews with women in a variety of fields, a variety of ages and lifestyles. Chapter One features women such as Stormy Daniels, Lena Waithe, and Gloria Steinem. Chapter Two includes Barbra Streisand, Ilhan Omar, and Binky Urban. In Chapter Three, read what power means to Nicole Kidman, Lilly Ledbetter, Tammy Duckworth, and more. The fourth and final chapter includes Nikki Haley, Roxanne Gay, and Nancy Pelosi as well as many more. This whole series is worth a read.

Messages in Metal is a family-owned company that makes its jewelry in the USA. They reached out about their company and provided me with one of their name necklaces (I got this one with Emerson's name). They're nicely priced and nice quality, a great choice for yourself or for a loved one (the holidays are right around the corner!).

Everlane has pledged to remove all virgin plastic from its business by 2021 by introducing a new material, called ReNew, made from recycled plastic bottles. This is fantastic news; too bad Everlane only goes up to an XL or 16 (which in my experience fits more like a 12/14).  Hey world, did you know that women of all sizes like to shop ethically? It's true!

Does drinking coffee affect your period?

Mediavine is the company I use for the ads on this site. Hate them, don't notice them, understand they're necessary in this day and age to cover hosting costs, Mediavine has been amazing to work with.  I'm honored they featured me on their blog; read to find out some behind the scenes about this blog, my favorite blogs to read, and more!

Jonathan Adler has an exclusive line of home goods at Amazon!  From quirky vases and wall art to rugs and furniture, Now House by Jonathan Adler is a must-see for those who love colors, whimsy, and an MCM-inspired look for their home.

Did you hear? Universal Standard is now carrying sizes 00 through 40. They're starting with their new FOUNDATION collection and I got a sneak preview of these soft layering basics and they're pretty fantastic.  Each time Universal Standard drops a new product or line or concept I fall more in love with them!

You've hopefully heard about food deserts, where populations in the United States do not have access to fresh foods and vegetables.  But did you know parts of our country are also experiencing a news desert? About 1,300 communities have lost local news coverage.

I swear by customer reviews to help make online purchases, but many sadly are fake.  This article helps you recognize a potentially fake review and mentions Fakespot, a great tool to help when searching sites like Yelp and Amazon.

This Week's Reader Question

“I've followed your blog for a couple of years now and watched your transition from a corporate job to working from home while I too have transitioned to working from home full time. I went through the phase of wearing t-shirts and sweats everyday because it's just too easy not to put in the extra effort to pull yourself together just to sit all day in a home office with no face to face interaction. I am slowly trying to pull out of that and put a little more thought in how to transition my wardrobe to be pulled together but comfortable and this blog has been a great example for that.

My question is regarding something as small as tucking in a shirt. I have never been one to tuck in anything but have noticed the difference it can make in the outfit examples you share from your everyday life. My problem is that I feel self conscience in doing so as it makes me feel too “exposed.” I have played with the trendy half-tuck but that never feels quite right either. Your thoughts would be appreciated on this topic.”

I hate to admit I am replying to this while wearing a pair of Adidas shorts and a Soma lounge top with no bra and a pair of old silver Birkenstocks. While most days I try to make an effort and it makes me feel better (and makes it more likely that I get out of the house for fresh air and mental clarity), some days it just doesn't happen. But your question is about tucking in tops and I AM SO GLAD YOU ASKED THIS!!!

I get the feeling of being exposed. But here's the thing I've learned over the decade plus of putting myself out there and scrolling through hundreds of photos of me in outfits, many I felt looked fab in my mirror but looked different when moving around out and about. Your body is your body no matter what you put on it. Black won't make you look slimmer unless you're in a photo, and leaving your top untucked doesn't hide the fact that you have a tummy, a butt, and your lady parts. In fact, leaving your top untucked when out in the real world and not in front of your bedroom mirror, it often makes you look larger because everything is hidden in one mound of fabric. It also makes you look less polished and less confident.

The key to gaining confidence tucking in tops is having well-fitting pants. We're not talking jeggings or skinny jeans, that is senior-level don't give a eff confidence. Let's start with something like straight-leg jeans, ankle pants, classic trousers. I recommend to size up. We often go tighter figuring it will reduce bulk and make us look slimmer but it actually emphasizes the belly, crotch, and rear area. If need be, get these pants or jeans tailored so they fit well in all places. With pants that aren't straining anywhere, you can feel better about tucking in.

Play with the tucking, not all tucks work for all tops or all bodies. Some tops, half tucking looks ridiculous on me. I find a top with less stretch and a thinner fabric does better for me with half tucking. I also like tops that have shirttails so there's not weird bunching on the sides and the back half untucks cleanly. Other tops, I prefer to tuck in and blouse out so much it's hardly still in the pant. This is usually silky knits with good drape. And then others, I find it's actually more flattering to hardly untuck it at all because blousing out just makes me look like I have a muffin top. I'm also a fan of knotting a part of the hem and either showing it or tucking it under to give a tucked effect but not necessarily as high as your waistband.

Once you try a tuck, it's okay to start small with a layering piece. Tuck in a top and put a cardigan or blazer over it. Once you try it, you'll find that the tucked in look is more polished, you maybe look taller or slimmer or more curvy, the clothes look more expensive, and you appear more confident.

For Your Entertainment

This isn't a brand new song, it came out this spring, but each time I hear it and see the beautiful video I get butterflies.  It's one of those songs like “Into the Mystic” that I hear and immediately want to be slow dancing at sunset with my guy. If you're not listening to Leon Bridges you're missing out.

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In: Lifestyle · Tagged: weekend reads

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Comments

  1. Stacie says

    October 22, 2018 at 10:46 pm

    Elk Grove–I grew up just outside that area, in Sacramento. We changed houses every 3-5 years due to a parent’s endless drive to climb up the economic status ladder (I asked my dad and he counted we lived in at least 7 homes by the time I was 18). The last house I lived in with my parents was a 4 bedroom, 1600 square feet, that they bought at the height of the 80’s interest levels (13% or more on their loan).
    Fast forward, and we purchased our first home as a couple in 1999, not selling until 2017. It was a split level, 5 bedrooms, 2.75 baths, with a 2-car garage, and 2200 sq feet–gigantic, for two people. We had the good fortune to buy “low” and sell in a year where people in the greater Seattle area had bidding wars and paid for homes in cash. Ironically, our 1963 split level had many of the features being touted in the article–a “MIL suite” downstairs with its own kitchenette, bedrooms, and bath.

    Now we’re in a position where if we want to buy a home, anything that’s not a “fixer upper” is over $1 mil. We’re watching the real estate market begin to bend under the weight of its assumptions that people will throw money at homes that are tear downs just so they can be a part of the “American Dream”–2008, when we watched our home lose half its value almost overnight, is a big player on our memories.

    If you haven’t watched it, I recommend “The Big Short”, which is a wonderful explanation of what happened in 2008, and why it will likely happen again.

    Reply
  2. bubu says

    October 22, 2018 at 4:49 pm

    Thanks so much for the tucking question and response — I have struggled with this one for years, and usually end up not tucking. But have started realizing what you say: it does not make you look thinner, often the opposite! brave new world.

    And yay for Leon Bridges — heard him first on the Big Little Lies Soundtrack, excited to hear more!

    Reply
  3. Susannah says

    October 22, 2018 at 11:29 am

    Thanks so much for joining us on the Mediavine blog, Alison! We agree — ads aren’t always our favorite, but monetizing a blog is definitely all about finding that balance between being paid for your work and providing a great user experience. We’re so glad to have you as one of our publishers!
    — Susannah at Mediavine

    Reply
  4. Jess says

    October 21, 2018 at 6:58 am

    Your music recommendations are so great! I can’t believe I never heard of this guy.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      October 22, 2018 at 8:00 am

      Yay! I love him, isn’t he fantastic?

      Reply
  5. Lee says

    October 20, 2018 at 12:19 pm

    Oops! Hit submit by accident. My parents sold their home and moved about 20 minutes away from where I live now. They felt like it would be better in the long run, as they begin to age. Who knows what living option comes next? My home isn’t really set up for a 2 family living situation. But I think that’s a trend we’ll continue to see more of. Personally, my husband and I hope to downsize ourselves after our son grows up. Something smaller, easier to maintain, and maybe in an area with more walking options! Great read today!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      October 22, 2018 at 8:01 am

      Glad you liked it! Our mom moved right near me and my sister for the same reason.

      Reply
  6. Lee says

    October 20, 2018 at 12:15 pm

    Well, I just downloaded 2 Leon Bridges albums—thank you for sharing him with us! Everything in this Weekend Read is so interesting. I came across another blog this week that mentioned the fake reviews & the Reddit thread about them (not sure I totally “get” Reddit but I’m sure it’s geared more for Millennials anyway ).

    The article about how Americans are changing their view of how they buy houses really hit “home” with me. Several years ago, my parents moved into a home that had an attached apartment (but it all looked like 1 house from street view) so that my widowed grandmother could live with them. It was a really great set up for them and they lived there until she passed away. A year or so after that, they sold it and

    Reply
  7. Patricia says

    October 20, 2018 at 10:18 am

    I’m going to be clicking on Fakespot in the future. In person, I’m a trusting soul. In the murky world on-line, I’m a lot more suspicious. You just gave me another tool.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      October 22, 2018 at 8:02 am

      Oh I’m glad to help!

      Reply

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What I Wore: Cropped Wide-Leg Jeans

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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Nov 28

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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. 🌴

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Nov 19

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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

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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

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Nov 6

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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! 🇺🇸

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Nov 4

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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. 🇺🇸

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Nov 2

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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

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Oct 18

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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

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Oct 17

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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

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Oct 11

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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

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