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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
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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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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
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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
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@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
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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. 💚
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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
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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
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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 · April 13, 2019

Weekend Reads #48

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. 

kyle cottrell 649671 unsplash

Wow, this felt like a true “blogger week”. Some weeks I feel like I'm still at my job, just working from home.  I spend all day in front of the computer or else on conference calls.  But some weeks, there are a lot of varying things, things I never would have been able to do if I didn't quit my job.  

  • Monday I had three calls with brands and because of it ended up working until 9:30 at night to try to finish Wednesday's blog post.  I went from six posts a week to four in hopes that I wasn't always working until midnight to get the next day's content complete. I'd rather work late and have the next day normal instead of scrambling and posting mediocre content full of errors.
  • Tuesday I shared my Day in the Life on Instagram Stories so several of you saw what a non-event, non-shoot day is like. I started the day with a 9am call with my ChloeDigital rep, which went for over an hour because we're working on a lot of things.  The theme of my blog (the look of it) is by Pipdig, which is in hot water.  My hosting provider has decided to ban Pipdig plugins because of it, which made it seem like I had one week to completely redo the look of my site and find a new theme.  For those who don't blog, it took about two months and a good chunk of change to make that minor makeover for my site earlier this year.  The idea of having to do it again and on such a crunched timeline was causing me to freak out but I was glad I wasn't going at it alone and ChloeDigital had my back.  We're also dealing with some weirdness in Mailchimp which is why my newsletters haven't started.  On top of all that, my site has been getting progressively slower both for you all, and for me to work to create content and fix things on the backend. I spent a good amount of Tuesday dealing with all of that, while also creating a PowerPoint for the following day, replying to emails, answering comments and social media engagement. However, I was finished right at 6pm which was awesome.
  • Wednesday started with the usual sharing of content and working on social media and emails.  I also edited the photos for Monday's post.  Then I headed to DC where I spoke at Howard University to a marketing class for MBA students.  I shared that PowerPoint I made plus my story of becoming a full-time influencer.  The class was so engaged and asked amazing questions.  It was a wonderful experience, and I was honored to be invited. After, I headed back into the city to attend an event at the Omni Shoreham Hotel for the launch of Skindcando's new line, Lux Tempus Beauty.  I don't go to a lot of blogger events (living in the DC area I could easily attend five a day), only ones that are phenomenal experiences, hosted by dear friends, or are for brands or products I think my audience would be interested in.  This event was all three.  I had no idea that there was this magical garden behind the Omni Shoreham.  Cherry blossoms, a fire pit with s'mores, a violinist, signature cocktails and several food stations. Sara Damelio created Skincando when desiring effective clean beauty and it has become a cult favorite, especially her Combat-Ready Balm. Lux Tempus Beauty is her new line, crafted with full-spectrum organic + unique superfood ingredients including CBD. They let us try the new products and had a giveaway where everyone could pick a plastic egg from a basket. Each egg had a gift in it; some had “funny money” or store credit to buy product and some had sample sizes. All the eggs were white but one was green so I grabbed the green one… and I won the big prize, $200 in credit! I got the Lux Tempus Beauty Aloe Foam Cleanser, Liquid Silver Lotion, and Sage + Gold Toner. Gotta say I love all of them, and love supporting a local business that makes quality clean beauty!
  • Thursday started with putting out more fires and plenty of administrative work.  ChloeDigital was able to remove the Pipdig plugin without requiring me to redo my entire site – woo hoo!  I then had a 12:30 hair appointment to get my roots done and update my haircut.  I shared it on Instagram Stories and in yesterday's post; my stylist slightly modified my current cut to make it more wash and wear and summer-friendly. After I came home, answered like 50 emails, then changed into an outfit.  Karl and I drove off to do the shoot, and by 9pm I had the post ready for the next day. I was invited to, no joke, seven different events on Thursday and declined all of them.  I no longer go out more than one night a week to blogger events unless it's a special situation. I find them really draining, it's so different from what is my business – writing and engaging with all of you.  I have to get into a completely different headspace. It's also smarter business to stay home as my audience isn't primarily DC and I get so worn out I don't write as well the next day.
  • And I'm writing this at noon on Friday.  I woke at 5:30am with a pounding headache.  I drank a ton of water, took two Aleve, texted my trainer that I wasn't going to the gym and went back to bed.  I got up around 8:30 and was at my computer by 9am. No appointments, calls, or webinars today; nothing until yoga this evening.  I'm finishing this post and Monday's post, replying to very belated emails (I can easily wake to 200 new emails each morning and they keep streaming in all day), and working to make it that this weekend I will only need to put in a couple hours of work. We'll see if I achieve that goal! 

I was chatting with my friend Dana this week about the change after going full-time.  She says I seem happier and I am. I said you don't realize how toxic your life can be until you are out of it and can see it from the outside.  It's amazing that I went for years with a max of five hours of sleep a day.  My fuel would be several cups of coffee and food on the run (hello 7-Eleven taquitos for breakfast, they were my JAM).  I could drink several glasses of wine a night and wake up looking haggard and feeling a bit more drained but still able to get through a ten-hour work day, two hours of commuting, and a couple more hours that night on the computer putting together blog content. Now that I have made caring for myself a priority, I can't do that shizz any more.  Less than six hours of sleep and my body completely shuts down.  More than two cups of coffee and my stomach shuts down. One glass of rose in a beautiful garden filled with cherry blossoms and beautiful people of DC and I'm a giggly chatty goofball. And if I don't get in a good amount of greens each day, my whole self seems to be at 50% (after days like Wednesday I come home off my one-glass buzz and stand at the kitchen counter shoveling handfuls of spinach into my face knowing if I don't I'll wake up a waste). In some ways I feel like I'm now a wimp.  I'm this delicate flower that needs just the right amount of sun and water and nutrients or I'll wither. What happened to the Allie who could keep going and push through and work a full-time job and manage successful blog with her good arm in a cast and a wriggly kindergartner in the other? But that Allie was living in a scratched-up Plexiglass box separating her from life and she didn't even know it.  She was a machine, a robot.  And now I am this delicate flower who needs to sweat and eat greens and get a lot of sleep but the plexiglass box is gone.

Being an influencer is an emotionally taxing job.  For every person who appreciates what I do, there's usually one who hates my guts and can't wait to see me fail. For every brand who is excited to work with me and connect with all of you, there are at least 20 who don't see me as the right look, the right Instagram size, the right age, the right attitude. Even the brands you think you're in good with can change their opinion overnight and you're ghosted or you're seeing your friends getting campaigns you used to be a part of. Your peers are competing with you even if you don't realize it, you don't know who you can trust, and you can spend days feeling very alone.  When you share your work issues with those outside the industry they don't get it because it should be okay to be treated like shit, screwed over, and stressed out if you're getting free clothes and skincare and trips. But you know what?  I wouldn't trade it.  I feel so incredibly blessed to be able to make this my profession, even if it doesn't last forever.  I'm able to support my family with the cockamamie ideas I think of when conditioning my hair or getting frustrated with an online purchase.  I can help women feel better about themselves and maybe get them to realize that they don't need another sweater or lipstick to feel stylish or whole. I get to do super cool things with super cool and inspiring people and have traveled to places I likely would never have seen otherwise. I've become better at time management and delegation in this past year than my previous decade in middle management. And I can't thank you all enough for being part of this journey!  Now onto Weekend Reads! 

Sale Alert

Nordstrom is having their Spring Sale with up to 50% off; all the items on sale are at this link. This is a great sale where sure, you can find winter things on clearance to stock up for next year but there are also many great spring and summer items available. I decided to see what things I found that I love that are under $100 and found:

  • It's the time for spring coats, especially those that work well through April's showers. This belted lightweight hooded jacket comes in five colors, regular and petite sizes.  Here is the link for the same jacket in plus sizes.  I love this chic hooded trench in two colors and petite as well as regular sizes.  A longer trench, classic with a touch of edge in a gorgeous terracotta color.  This water-repellant anorak with a stowaway hood comes in three colors. A classic olive utility raincoat, 
  • I recently wrote about stylish wide width shoes and see many of the ones I reviewed are now on sale! The Kinsey from Naturalizer which is a classic that will go with all your dresses and glam up your jeans, the Naturalizer Kadin which I fell in love with and would have bought if I had lower volume feet, this chic flat in four colors that will go with dresses as well as shorts, a classic yet trendy sneaker that comes in a variety of widths, and a simple sandal with a comfortable block heel.
  • I found some great dresses and jumpsuits for spring and summer weddings, graduations, and holidays. This gorgeous blue plus sized jumpsuit, this plus size floral dress in the prettiest lavender color, for those who desire sleeves without overheating this blue floral dress in regular and petite sizes is a good choice, as is this lavender lace frock.  This blush colored sparkly sheath (sorry only plus sizes) is so pretty for an evening wedding.  I adore this floral faux wrap dress and if it came in petite I'd buy it for myself!  This blush pink jumpsuit is so elegant.
  • And Nordstrom sales are always great for work staples like this long cardigan which was one of the bestsellers on this blog last year, this plus size cap sleeve blouse, ivory crepe trousers (plus size), and highly rated stretch twill ankle pants.

I know many of you, like me, are fans of Paula's Choice skincare.  They're currently having a sale of up to 25% off their products that are faves with beauty editors; all the items on sale can be found at this link. I'm way behind on doing beauty reviews but from this collection of sale items I have and regularly use their Essential Glow Moisturizer.  It just gives a bit of glow/highlight along with SPF 30; it's the kind of glow that makes older skin look dewy and happy and I wear alone or under my regular makeup. Their AHA Gel is also awesome; I used up my bottle and should get more, I miss it.  I'm allergic to BHA but know many who swear by the Paula's Choice version.  Gotta love the extensive customer reviews on the PC site, really helps you find the right product for your specific needs.

Levi's has an extra 30% off sale styles with promo code ITSON. Please note this is just for online purchases, not in store. Here's the link to all the styles for women that are part of the sale, but my picks are:

  • Their Western shirts are perennial classics.  Go ahead and buy somewhere else, but Levi's is one you can wear now and a decade from now.  I had their plus size Western shirt and wore it like crazy.  I liked the fit and ended up selling it when it was too big. This is the link to the plus size Western shirt, here's the link to the same shirt in straight sizes, and this is their Ultimate Western Shirt which comes in a great variety of colors and patterns though only in straight sizes.  As an FYI, the 1X was perfect for me when I was a busty size 14/14W/16 so I think now I would be an XL. I plan on placing an order as I don't currently have a denim shirt I love so stay tuned!
  • If you're an XL, here's a super classic Breton stripe tee for less than $25!
  • Like their Western shirts, Levis' trucker denim jackets are perennially cool and on trend. The original has a classic fit and they have several colors available.  The Ex-boyfriend style is a bit more relaxed and roomy but equally as stylish. 
  • Levi's Wedgie fit jeans are a hot look right now and they have them on sale.  Most department stores don't carry this cut in plus sizes but they have them on the Levi's site. 

Ann Taylor is having a few different sales this weekend.  The big one is 40% off full-priced tops, sweaters, shoes, and accessories with promo code SPRINGNEEDS. They also have 40% off sale, select dresses for $98, and tops at this link that are on sale for less than $25.

  • In the summer I'm a big fan of professional looking tops that don't have to be tucked in.  When it's hot out, it's far more comfortable to have tops untucked.  Most of these would look equally cute with ankle pants and flats for brunch or jeans for the weekend. A few that caught my eye are this sleeveless wrap sweater (the green is gorgeous) and this wrap top with loose short sleeves, this tie-waist tee, this chic white asymmetric draped shell, this black and white polka dot tie-waist shell (it's also available in this winter white version), and this black wrap top that has matching pants and skirts on the site. 
  • I love their little scarves.  Nice quality silk, great size (more like a bandana so cute to tie at the throat without looking like a flight attendant), and great prices.  I own two myself but am partial to this one, this one, this one, and this one.
  • This season I am loving belts.  Big statement belts, smaller metallic belts, and unique belts like Ann Taylor has this spring.  I love having the statement be the belt and not the buckle, what a way to glam up a look of solids or create some subtle pattern mixing.  This green floral skinny belt would look so chic over a sheath dress or paired with jeans. I have a previous year version of this leopard haircalf belt and wear it often; also love this one with tiny polka dots.
  • I've had a lot of success with Ann Taylor shoes for fit, comfort, and quality. They have SO MANY cute styles this season, but I'm partial to these gorgeous floral embroidered pumps, colorblock suede slingbacks, and these leopard kitten heel pumps which I own and wear all the time.

Ulta is having a promo that ends today where you can get 30% and more off beauty essentials and the selection is fantastic. We're talking 30% off L'Oreal mascaras, 40% off Burt's Bees makeup, 40% off HairFood (read my HairFood review, I still use it!), 40% off Revlon and Almay face makeup, and more.  Click here for all the deals.

Weekend Reads

alisongary meetandgreet

Hey Richmond, Virginia! I want to meet you!  I am hosting a meet and greet at Chairlift on Saturday, April 27th at 10am.  I am being hosted by the Rebelle conference yet you do not need a ticket to the conference to attend this meet and greet.  Free coffee, chill environment, we can hang out and talk.  No need to RSVP, but I hope you can make it! 

South Korea lifts their bans on abortions while much of America is working to take away women's rights. From the article: “The abortion ban limits women’s rights to pursue their own destinies and violates their rights to health by limiting their access to safe and timely procedures,” the court said in a statement as quoted by The Guardian. “Embryos completely depend on the mother’s body for their survival and development, so it cannot be concluded that they are separate, independent living beings entitled to the right to life.” (Vice)

I always feel like somebody's watching me… or at least my searches.  And it's true.  Amazon just created an in-house skincare line based on user searches on their site. Welcome to the world of algorithm-based beauty. If you're interested in the line you can see it at this link. (Vox)

It used to be that you were old if you called instead of texting.  Now you're old if you're not down with spontaneous FaceTime.  Gotta say, the only people I spontaneously FaceTime are my mom and sister but after reading this piece I appreciate the reason for its popularity. (MEL Magazine)

In the WO2 Community, Carol shared an article about ASOS' new return policy and it sparks a discussion.  This article delves more into the costs that accrue from returns. (Vox)

I hadn't heard of Rixo, but it's a UK retailer that per their website creates, “vintage inspired one-off pieces for the modern woman to wear with confident style and effortless grace. To honour this, the girls decided no piece would ever be mass produced. And that every print would be painted – by hand – by the founders themselves at their London studio.” Their pieces aren't just on their website but also sold internationally on Net-a-Porter. The artist Feanne was notified by one of her fans that her work was being used on Rixo clothing. She looked and multiple pieces are duplicates to her work down to the irregularities in the patterns.  You can read more details here in her Instagram post (no need to be on Instagram to read it), Twitter, and Facebook. Feane has reached out to Rixo and they haven't replied and are deleting and blocking any negative comments regarding this on social.  This isn't the first time I've read of an artist or small business being blatantly copied by a larger company and rarely do they get in trouble for this act, especially if they have a reputation for being green, feminist, or supportive of other groups. 

Fascinating, Elizabeth and James (one of the fashion lines by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen) is headed to Kohl's. (Elle)

I hate to break it to you, but that cotton tote of yours may be worse for the environment than a plastic bag. (Quartz)

My husband is a yoga instructor. He got his certification over a decade ago and immediately found a job at a studio in town. He researched schools and courses and found one that fit what he wanted to share once certified. Since having our daughter he scaled back his business, using space in a community room and removing all advertising to focus on longtime students and word of mouth drop-ins. When he first was certified, people were intrigued. Now it seems everyone we know is a certified yoga instructor.  Needless to say, we both were entertained by this article. (New York Times)

If you haven't yet read Kyle Kover's piece about being a white player in the NBA I encourage you stop what you're doing and click this link. (The Players' Tribune)

For Your Entertainment

Back in the late '90s and early aughts I got really into country music.  I still love the genre (honestly, there is no genre of music I don't like) but when I hear songs from that period of my life it takes me back.  While “Neon Moon” by Brooks & Dunn came out in 1992, it was still a radio staple a decade later and continues to be a favorite song of mine.  So when Kacey Musgraves (another artists I positively adore) joined Brooks & Dunn for a version of this song for their Reboot album (a song Musgraves has covered many times at her live shows), you can believe it's been on repeat in the Gary household. There is no fancy video for this song, but this video has a high-quality audio for it.  If you use Spotify, here is the link to the song. Enjoy!

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In: Lifestyle · Tagged: weekend reads

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Comments

  1. Lisa says

    April 16, 2019 at 12:51 am

    Brooks & Dunn… LOVE THEM! Neon Moon was one of my favs too and Kacey Musgraves does a good job with it. I usually hate covers, but this is good. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  2. Diane says

    April 15, 2019 at 7:09 am

    I love your weekend reads! Don’t stop them! This was a great mix. I also ordered the Levi’s western shirt. I love the peek into your day. Most bloggers make it look so easy I appreciate you take the varnish off and see the work that goes into the great information you give us!

    Reply
  3. Annie says

    April 14, 2019 at 10:58 pm

    I usually enjoy your posts very much, but I think you may have missed the mark a bit. I understand, I think, what you were trying to get across, but at first read, it kind of came off as “Being an INFLUENCER is exhausting! I’m so popular, look at all these parties I simply CAN’T attend!” It just comes across as very privileged and woe is me.

    Reply
    • Diane says

      April 15, 2019 at 7:11 am

      I just left a comment and then read the other comments and saw this. I ended with a completely different perspective. I like following bloggers but they seem to have this life with no work at all. I like how Allie shared there is a lot of work and not that different from my own job. I know she does a lot of work to create the content but I never factored in the actual work of running a website. It is so interesting how we had drastically different reactions to this!

      Reply
  4. Laurel says

    April 14, 2019 at 10:21 pm

    Great read, as always! 🙂

    Reply
  5. littleblackdomicile says

    April 14, 2019 at 2:31 pm

    I applaud you for doing what feels right for you and your family. After working indecently for nearly 40 (egads!) years I can say there is nothing better. Some may not “get you” but the ones who do really do! -Laurel

    Reply
  6. Danielle says

    April 14, 2019 at 2:18 am

    I love Weekend Reads as well. Love your reading lists and articles you share.

    Regarding the days of easy/free returns coming to an end, this link in the linked article sparked some musing in me: “And since return rates are higher on online purchases versus those made in stores, that number will doubtlessly continue to grow as more people shop online.”

    I wonder if this will have any effect on swinging the pendulum back enough to bring back more storefronts? Probably not. I think there’s probably no un-ringing that bell, but I do miss having more storefronts to shop at and more variety to choose from. So it’s a bit of a vicious cycle. Online shopping have made it more difficult for stores in real life to survive and they cut down their inventory accordingly (this is what I’ve been told when I’ve had these conversations with stores).

    So you’re forced into online shopping when you can’t find what you’re looking for in the local shops. But online shopping is difficult when you can’t try something on, see a fabric and color in real life, how it moves and feels on your own body. I’m not trying to waste a company’s time, but I can’t afford to be keeping things that don’t fit (because I couldn’t try it on first at a store) or don’t look anywhere close to the doctored/photoshopped photos that make an item look far better online than it does once I receive it.

    I have been stuck with far too much crap from online purchases that now I won’t buy unless I can return it if I don’t like it. I get that that causes some issues for companies. But given the very nature of online shopping, it seems like that is part of the beast that they need to build into their model. Because if you want me to spend $200 on an item (for example), and it does not meet the expectations I was led to have, but you won’t accept a return for full refund, I’m not shopping with you whatsoever.

    Reply
  7. Chris says

    April 13, 2019 at 11:55 pm

    “It used to be that you were old if you called instead of texting. Now you’re old if you’re not down with spontaneous FaceTime.”

    Allie, in no way do I want to curtail your desire to speak freely from the heart nor do I think that you should always police yourself for fear of offending someone. I understand that you were talking about FaceTime. I just want to point out how ingrained age bias is in our culture and language. Whereas sometimes “old” cars or buildings are considered a plus, for the most part, the word old denotes something that no longer has any value. This is especially true in relation to people. Young people = good. Old people = bad.

    I hope to maybe take a page from the Body Positive folks. The have done a lot to make the word fat just a description rather than an insult or a negative. I hope to be able to see a day where old is just old without being value laden with negativity. Yes, I know I am touchy about this.

    As always, I appreciate what you do and I applaud all your efforts.

    In general I like Levi products. I am somewhat taken aback at the unfortunate naming of their jeans style Wedgie Fit. I don’t know what they mean, but to me it sounds like an unpleasant, painful ride-tightly-up-the-butt-crack-fit. ??? What do you think?

    Reply
  8. Michelle says

    April 13, 2019 at 6:02 pm

    Just had to share, I love classic country but have never really been a fan of what’s contemporary. I do like Sturgill Simpson but he’s still conifer ed an outsider (I think). All that being said, I loved Neon Moon in the 90s! It really is a great song. Have a great rest of the weekend Ali!

    Reply
    • Jax says

      April 13, 2019 at 9:13 pm

      I love Sturgill Simpson too! I also like Jamey Johnson, but I generally go for old school country — Hank, Patsy, Buck, Tammy, Graham, Townes, Dolly, Merle, Willie.
      I really loved late 90s and early aughts alt/indie country or countryish indie — Whiskeytown and Ryan Adams’ first solo album, Josh Ritter, Neko Case, Tift Merritt, Laura Cantrell.
      Sturgill is both old school and experimental.

      Reply
    • Jax says

      April 13, 2019 at 9:14 pm

      I love Sturgill Simpson too! I also like Jamey Johnson, but I generally go for old school country — Hank, Patsy, Buck, Tammy, Graham, Townes, Dolly, Merle, Willie.
      I really loved late 90s and early aughts alt/indie country or countryish indie — Whiskeytown and Ryan Adams’ first solo album, Josh Ritter, Neko Case, Tift Merritt, Laura Cantrell.
      Sturgill is both old school and experimental.

      Reply
  9. Linda Dodson says

    April 13, 2019 at 12:10 pm

    Thank you, thank you for adding Kyle Korver’s article to the mix. He is one of my 14-year-old’s heroes from when Korver played for the Hawks, and my son plays the same position – shooting guard. I made sure that my son saw and read that article as soon as it came out. We are on a travel team with a lot of kids of color, and we are having some great discussions about what our privilege gives us – would our team friends be comfortable driving the back roads home through south Georgia that we can take without thinking about it? Should we perhaps caravan home to make sure everyone is safe?
    I’ve long admired Korver because my kid does, but now, way more so. Thanks again.

    Reply
  10. Linda B says

    April 13, 2019 at 10:22 am

    I really do adore what you share in Weekend Reads, and today’s edition was no exception. I am so impressed with the changes you have made in your life, Alison! You have done the most important things: follow your personal creative path, and change your lifestyle into a healthy one. Although I am more and more finding the new term “influencer” to be annoying somehow, I totally respect and admire you as an influencer–because you seek to not only influence people to buy stuff (although I do appreciate that this is part of your living, and that you do it well!) but also to take hold of their own lives in such wonderful ways. I love it!

    Reply
  11. Lee says

    April 13, 2019 at 8:45 am

    Love Weekend Reads so much Alison! I hope your weekend will be restful after the week you’ve had. Your hair looks fabulous, by the way! Personally, I’ve not noticed any big issues with reading your blog (other than not getting the Saturday email w/ Weekend Reads). Putting it in the FB group is helpful and reminds me to visit your site directly. Thanks for that! By the way, my husband will be visiting your area this summer on business and I am SO jealous because I can’t tag along. You’ve shared so many fun and interesting places with us all around the DC/Maryland area. One of these days I’ll get back there.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      April 13, 2019 at 9:34 am

      Alison, just wanted to update — Weekend Reads is back in my in-box now. Yay!

      Reply
      • Alison Gary says

        April 17, 2019 at 9:16 pm

        Awesome!!

        Reply

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What I Wore: Universal Standard Petite Avenir Dress

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. 💚

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Nov 17

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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

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Nov 15

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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.

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#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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