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 · April 27, 2019

Weekend Reads #50

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. 

derrick brooks 1502502 unsplash

I'm writing this on Wednesday as Thursday I drove to Richmond, Virginia for the Rebelle Conference. I'm driving home today (Saturday) but leaving again tomorrow for California for another speaking engagement. Do follow along on Instagram Stories; I'll be sure to write recaps once I am home and settled in.

Weekend Reads

The costume designer for the Hulu series Shrill said she couldn't find good plus-size options for the protagonist, played by Aidy Bryant, and resorted to making clothing for the character.  The Curvy Fashionista shares five plus-size brands that offer clothing that would have been perfect. (The Curvy Fashionista)

Speaking of Shrill, my friend Sarah wrote an amazing piece for CNN about how the show flipped the script on being “fat” and “millennial.” (CNN)

It was interesting to read how Vanessa Friedman came to be one of the foremost critics in the fashion industry. (Fashionista)

“I would never ever want to be young again. Life just gets better the older I get. The single best thing about being this age is that I don’t give a damn what people think.” Tips on how to combat ageism from one of the most badass women on the planet, Cindy Gallop. (Considerable)

Meet the woman who designed some of the clothing you likely coveted and dreamed of owning when you were an adult. (New York Times)

And you can bet I ordered a copy of her book! 

Fellow DC-based fashion blogger Kelly-Lynne wrote about how making her Instagram feed more inclusive and following different accounts helped reframe the conversations she had with herself. (The Low Low Style)

Last year was an incredibly tumultuous time for the skincare brand Deciem (if you've heard of The Ordinary line of products, this is the company) and the company's founder died this past January.  This piece shares the history and how the company is working to bounce back. (New York Times)

A lot of you have been asking for a capri or pedal pusher pant in place of the ankle-length crop that is everywhere.  Well, Talbots has you, with clean lines, a bunch of colors, and a full size range (misses, petite, plus, and plus petite). Shop them at this link.  And while you're there, you should check out Talbots' New Arrivals.  They sent me lookbooks of their later spring and summer looks and I want so much of it!  Clean, classic, crisp, chic, and perfect for so many situations. My current loves are this seersucker blazer and matching pants, these linen pants (I love their linen pants I wore these so often), and this matching shirt (super chic monochromatic look for work or weekend or even a social occasion, great tucked or untucked or tied at the waist), and hello adorable bag that will go with everything!

And while we're discussing Talbots, their current Bucket List Giveaway is amazing. I entered and struggled which of the possible prizes to pick (Napa since I haven't been there yet). Sign up (getting emails and such is optional), and good luck!

This woman gave up fast fashion for a year and shared her story. I'll be honest, her piece wasn't that insightful, but she does recognize how most sustainable brands are marketed to and designed for skinny rich white ladies and shares some brands that aren't just greenwashing. (The Cut)

“Fourteen years was a long time to abide deep and overt discrimination at your job. It’s also a long time to be a named claimant in a lawsuit, which at one point grew to include nearly 70,000 women.” A must-read about Sterling Jewelers, the parent company for stores like Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Zales. (New York Times Magazine)

I used various brands of menstrual cups for many years until I got an IUD. Not sure what changed, but they became not only incredibly painful but unreliable. I now use LOLA but recommend cups to anyone I meet. But I do remember when I worked at an office with a busy bathroom… those days I resorted to tampons and this article explains why. (InStyle)

I was in a gynecologist's office this week and they had the L'Enfant poster up on the wall.  Anyone around my age remembers this black and white poster of a shirtless muscled man holding a baby; it was on bedrooms and dorm room walls all across America. It made me think about how posters were such a necessity as a teen and young adult but few kids seem to be that into posters. And then this article about the history of posters and the current trend showed up in my inbox. (Vox)

On my way home from the gym Tuesday, I heard this piece on NPR about an Iraq War veteran being deported. It's a complex story about PTSD, lawful residency in America, and what happens if you commit a crime at any point in your life and temporarily leave the country. This isn't some law our current president instituted, but this story brings to light how there should possibly be some exceptions made for those who have dedicated their life to protecting our country.  (NPR)

For Your Entertainment

Who knew a Barbie doll could express so much, and represent such sadness? The loneliest Barbie and Ken on a road trip in the video for “Hollywood,” a song by Lee Ann Womack. Such a well-done timelapse movie.

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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
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Comments

  1. vicki says

    April 29, 2019 at 10:18 am

    Awesome video for Lee Ann’s song. I have to share it.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      April 29, 2019 at 1:51 pm

      I’m glad you liked it!

      Reply
  2. RoseAG says

    April 28, 2019 at 5:27 pm

    The restroom where I work is shared by many women with cultural background, and most would prefer not to be witness to someone’s blood covered menstrual cup process. It’d probably be better to have 3-4 of them, dump the blood into the bowl, put in a fresh one and stick the dirty one in a baggie in your purse for cleaning up at a later time.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      April 29, 2019 at 1:55 pm

      You bring up such a great point about other people’s cultural and religious views on it. Respect for your coworker’s beliefs and views is extremely important; thank you for this!

      Reply
  3. Miss Kitty says

    April 28, 2019 at 12:26 am

    This story warmed my heart: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/three-young-men-invite-elderly-widow-to-sit-with-them-after-seeing-her-dining-alone-2019-04-24/

    Also I hate that we live in a world where something like this is necessary: http://www.fox13news.com/news/local-news/tampa-student-makes-jewelry-to-detect-date-rape-drugs

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      April 29, 2019 at 1:57 pm

      Thank you for sharing these <3

      Reply
  4. Chris says

    April 27, 2019 at 11:34 pm

    I really envy your ability to travel all over. I love flying and traveling in general. I don’t have enough $ to travel just for fun. I only get to travel when it’s work related. And at that, I only get paid for the time I am in conference meetings or training, Travel expenses I have to come up with. Still, without the partial compensation I get I wouldn’t be able to go at all. I am grateful for what I do get. I formerly had another position at the same non-profit. At that position, I wasn’t able to travel at all.

    Where in CA are you going this time? I hope you have a great time!

    Thanks for the introduction to Cindy Gallop. I am in total agreement with her. You might have noticed that I slip in comments about ageism as often as I can 😉

    Reply
  5. Stacie Scattergood says

    April 27, 2019 at 11:11 pm

    The Sterling Jewelers story makes me so sad, and angry. And experience so much deja vu as I read it. I work at Microsoft, and if you haven’t heard, they have their own version of that going. https://www.themarysue.com/women-of-microsoft-protesting-sexual-harassment/

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      April 29, 2019 at 1:58 pm

      Oh wow, I didn’t know and am glad you brought this to my attention!

      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

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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Aug 30

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Ladies who lunch…

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

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

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

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

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Aug 29

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Scenes from a week in Savannah… 

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

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

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Aug 28

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Stripes are always right…

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

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

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

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

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Aug 27

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The family that wears @printfresh together stays together 🥰

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

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

#printfresh #printfreshpajamas #printfreshpartner

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