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My therapist recommended I walk outside more as I grieve the recent loss of my mom.

When it was time to pay for my mom’s funeral, the credit card I had in my wallet was my @bananarepublic Mastercard. I’ve had this card for decades because over the years, most of our family have worn some Gap brand. From onesies to tuxedos, we’ve updated our wardrobes with points.

And I got a serious chunk of points for charging my mom’s funeral expenses on my Banana card.

I decided to use them to buy clothes for winter outdoor walking. Nothing motivates me more than a chance to put together a cute outfit. This cute look is from @athleta, one of the few activewear brands that fits both my size and my style.

My Athleta purchase arrived on my doorstep and that day, a neighbor reached out, inviting me to join a group of women in our community who were supporting, not competing, to move 100k. I immediately said yes and signed up. 

This past week I hit 100k. And this past week week it has been two months she has been gone. I’m still going 💪 

Wearing XL. For reference I’m 5’3” and usually wear a size 14.

I share details on all my looks on the @shop.LTK app. You can use the app or desktop, search for @wardrobe_oxygen or use the link https://liketk.it/4pFaS
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Normalizing the normal everyday outfit…

It was a day of running errands, running to the office, and then running into friends. It rained off and on so I wanted shoes for potential puddles and a coat that wouldn’t soak through but also keep me warm.

The sweater is @universalstandard; I bought it thinking it was a bold purple but the color was off on the site and I got plum. But I think I like this better. I’m wearing a S. This is my second of this cardigan, it is super soft, dense, and holds up to washing. My other one I got a year ago and still wear all the time.

The jeans are @oldnavy and while they’re not perfect and stretch out throughout the day they were around $18 and I like the wash and weight of the denim. I’m wearing a 14 Short.

The boots are old Docs, the coat I got at @talbotsofficial last winter, and the bag is @maxwellscottuk and I’ve had for almost a decade. Earrings are @_jennybird, necklace is @gorjana. 

Disclosure: the coat was gifted last year but remains a favorite. The necklace was also gifted about a year ago but I keep wearing because I like it and it has held up quality-wise. The rest I bought. 

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKfindsunder50 #LTKover40 #LTKmidsize #midsizestyle #genxstyle #over40style #size14 #usinthewild 
https://liketk.it/4pDXG
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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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Lifestyle · August 3, 2019

Weekend Reads #64

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. 

testimonials

It's been proven that criticism can stay with you far longer than ten times as many compliments. In the profession of blogging, I experience this daily. I can get so many supportive comments but will latch onto the one that is critical. I catch myself writing, expecting those criticisms on my grammar, my styling, if I've worn or written about the same brand too often, if my pricepoint is too high, if my disclosure on monetization isn't transparent enough. I focus so much on this, I get compliments and don't let them sink in.

Years ago, I had a thread on a message board that snarks on bloggers and social media influencers. It coincidentally started the same weekend I slipped on black ice and shattered my radius and was on disability for five weeks. I lay on the couch, doped up on Vicodin, unable to do much other than scroll through my phone and my self-sabotage hobby of choice was scrolling through that thread about me. It colored my whole world, made me question everything about myself, and drove my friends and family crazy. The only way I was able to get a grip on reality was with an Excel spreadsheet. I went through every page of that thread, made a column with screen names, then tallied how many comments from each user, and whether that comment was Troll (“she's fat and ugly and stupid and her husband is gay”), Constructive (“I hate how she started this, I wish she wouldn't do that, she'd be better if she did this other thing”) or White Knight (“I don't think she's that bad, I actually liked when she did that, I disagree”). It made me realize that while there were pages and pages, most were from just one screen name and in there were a lot of nuggets of constructive criticism. Each time I meet someone who is on that message board or another snark site, I encourage them to do this exercise, it helped me take it less personally and not drown in negativity.

The other way to rise above focusing on criticism? Step away. As a blogger or if you're the owner of any business, that's easier said than done. You can't really close down your shop or cafe or sealcoating business for a week or two and unplug and not end up with lasting financial issues. But I felt I had gotten to a point where I wasn't able to see the forest for the critical trees and took some leave without pay from Wardrobe Oxygen. I have three days left of this two-week vacation; I'm typing this on my laptop while sitting alongside a stream. I received an email from Fohr, an influencer network I am a part of, asking me to fill out a survey and see if I am a good fit for a future campaign. After, I went to check out my profile on the site and scrolled down to the follower recommendations. I shared a link on Instagram Stories and in the WO2 Community to this follower survey and scrolled through all of the entries and did some happy crying.  So many reviews (sorry they're hidden unless you're a brand looking to work with me), and so many that totally get what I'm trying to do with Wardrobe Oxygen. Taking the time to do the survey, and write such thoughtful messages was so incredibly powerful.  I am glad I did it now, with some space between me and the job so I could truly appreciate them.  I can't tell you enough how thankful I am for this community and for your support!

Charity of the Month

I am a bit delayed with the month-end results since on vacation but wanted to get your thoughts on which charity I should donate to this month.  As a reminder, I am donating $100 for every $1,000 I made in the month of July to a charity and will do the same for the month of August.

I will collect anonymous entries through the next couple of days and this coming week I will share a full recap of how my first month of my “summer vacation” went and which charity will receive the donation and for how much. If you would like a charity considered for August, leave a comment or send me an email!

Weekend Reads

Since I mentioned studies on criticism, I felt it made sense to share links on the subject…

  • Why criticism is more powerful than praise (The Guardian)
  • Why people remember negative events more than positive ones (New York Times)
  • Why we fear criticism and how to deal with it (Inc.)

We all know by now I love Dagne Dover bags.  I have the Landon XL and the Dakota backpack with me on this trip and wish I brought my Ace fanny pack.  The one thing I wished Dagne bags had was the sleeve to slide the bags onto the handle of a rolling suitcase.  Well guess what? They're relaunching their 365 collection with luggage sleeves!  I'm totally going to get them, they're going to make these bags even better for travel!

She practiced self-care for a month and realized her concept of the practice was all wrong. (EatingWell)

As a child, I had a nervous stomach.  Our pediatrician told my mom never to keep me home for an upset tummy.  He was right that it wasn't the stomach, it was just anxiety.  One in eight children develop an anxiety disorder, this piece shares how to recognize it and care for it. (Awareness Act)

How to know a pair of shorts are awesome? When you specifically packed a small vacation wardrobe and realize you packed two of the exact same pair.  I must have been so worried about forgetting them that I packed both pairs, one from last year and one from this.  And last year's pair is indistinguishable from the newer pair! They from Kut from the Kloth and this link has a variety of styles in the specific cut and the jeans go up to 14W and 16 (for reference I am wearing a 14; I usually size up for shorts but 14 works for me).

Another good buy that I had on this vacation were my Lands' End water shoes. They're on sale for $14.99 and then I got them during a 40% off promotion.  I got the black floral version and they have been awesome for walking around slippery rocks near the river, wading in the river, going to a water park, and I've even worn them after to go out for lunch. If you have wide feet, don't worry I do too and they're plenty roomy and comfy!

‘Ghost fleet' of sunken warships in Maryland declared a national marine sanctuary and I need to visit it! (National Geographic)

Target is re-releasing 20 of its past designer collaborations.  I often think of my zebra-print corduroy pencil skirt from the Isaac Mizrahi collection; I sold it to a reader over a decade ago.  And I had a dress from the Proenza Schouler collection that was my JAM even through my pregnancy. Read about this release at this post. (Vox)

And another story about Tarjay – Target is releasing Halloween costumes for children in wheelchairs. (Kid's Activities)

Hey local yokels, especially those on the Virginia side: The largest collection of Ross’ paintings to ever be displayed at one time will be shown in the Franklin Park Arts Center in Purcellville, Virginia, from Sept. 10 to Oct. 15. Just an hour outside of DC, the Loudoun County public arts center will present 24 original Ross works created during his time on “The Joy of Painting.” (Washingtonian)

“In high school, my friends and I were inseparable. We grew up in the same church with the same faith. How did we all drift so far apart?” (Slate)

Your fat friends need you as an ally. This is how you can be one. (ABC Life)

For Your Entertainment

Well you KNOW if there's a new Lizzo video I'm going to share it.  Even better when Missy Elliott is part of it! And now I want a faux fur cape for this fall and winter…

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In: Lifestyle · Tagged: weekend reads

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Comments

  1. Patricia says

    August 5, 2019 at 10:37 pm

    I try to leave only positive or at least constructive comments on the blogs I regularly read. I’m well aware you’re providing free content. And I really appreciate that. Over the course of the month you’re giving me the equivalent of a magazine free. And a lot of solid information. I don’t love every thing you write so some posts get less love from me. And I’m okay with that.

    You keep doing you. I remember how much I missed you when you went silent while you were struggling with arm issues. And I hate that trolls were nasty when you were so vulnerable.

    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 5, 2019 at 10:40 pm

      Forgot to mention I still have an Isaac Mizrahi leopard print sweater. Still in great shape. Still fits.

      Reply
  2. Beth says

    August 5, 2019 at 1:39 pm

    On a lighter note, I am thrilled that Target is bringing back the Mizrahi clothes – if only in a limited way! I loved those pieces and hung onto them for a long time (even after they no longer fit me!).

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      August 5, 2019 at 2:41 pm

      Right? They were so good!

      Reply
  3. Jenn C says

    August 5, 2019 at 10:43 am

    Here in DC, SafeShores supports and advocates for children who have suffered violence and trauma (usually in domestic situations). I’ve volunteered with them before and really admire the work they do.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      August 5, 2019 at 2:42 pm

      Thank you for this suggestion, and thank you for volunteering your time!

      Reply
  4. Allison says

    August 4, 2019 at 5:01 pm

    I found this charity via the Washington Post article. I love that a little money goes a long way with direct impact https://aliceskids.org/

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      August 4, 2019 at 5:16 pm

      Thank you for sharing this!

      Reply
  5. Brenda says

    August 4, 2019 at 12:55 pm

    HI Alison – as I am a Canadian, I don’t know many of the charities and will trust you and your other readers to choose one. I wanted to thank you for your blog (which I read very often) – and appreciate your honesty and sense of ethics, and although I am taller/different size than you, I have purchased some of the clothing you reviewed. Finally, I wanted to say something about negative comments on the internet. I don’t know why but for whatever reason, people (including me) have an impulse to write negative things that they would never think of saying aloud or “owing up to”. My husband says the internet “amplifies”. I think that’s true – it amplifies our emotions and somehow gives us the feeling that we can safely say anything. I carefully watch/stop this tendency in me – constantly asking myself why I’m having a reaction and what I can do that is positive to deal with my own thoughts/feelings/emotions rather than projecting them on someone else!

    Thank you again for everything you do on the blog – including the risks you take. I admire you.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      August 4, 2019 at 5:20 pm

      I’ve totally been there. Have a bad restaurant experience? You want to race to Yelp to rant. See someone do something annoying? So easy to text it to a friend or leave an anonymous comment. I’ll admit I was on that snark site as a member before I became a subject because it felt good to have a community of others who were as annoyed as I. The internet makes it sooo easy. But it never makes us feel good. it’s a quick rush but it deepens our negativity. It has taken a long time to get to the point where I can even write this and I do have to watch myself from returning to that negative place.

      And THANK YOU!!! <3 Seriously, thank you.

      Reply
  6. Leu2500 says

    August 4, 2019 at 11:52 am

    Since we just suffered 2 mass shootings in less than 24 hours, might I suggest an anti-gun violence organization be considered next month? 2 that I’ve seen suggested are Moms Demand Action & March 4 our lives. There’s also the Brady organization, although I don’t know how active it is anymore. And Gabi Gifford has an organization. None of these is a recommendation – I’m tough on full disclosure, I want a high percentage of donations to go to the work not to admin & fundraising & it’s going to take more digging to satisfy me.

    And hand-in-hand with gun violence goes mental health care. I have no idea what would be a good organization to suggest there though. We have PP, we have Komen, we have local crisis hotlines for domestic abuse/violence against women, but I am unfamiliar with any organization that’s trying to fill the mental health care gap. Perhaps other readers have good suggestions?

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      August 4, 2019 at 5:24 pm

      I fully agree with both of these suggestions. As for mental health care, I too am not sure all that is out there, but I have donated to RAINN which is there to provide help to those who have been sexually assaulted, the Trevor Project which supports LGBTQ youth, and Project Semicolon which works to reduce suicide incidents.

      Reply
  7. Sarah says

    August 4, 2019 at 10:34 am

    I was one of the people posting on the snark site you mention, and I definitely commented on your thread more than once. I am sorry for anything I said that hurt you or made you feel like shit. I was in a really bad place in my own life during that time and it was easier to bitch and moan about other people (and bloggers in particular) than it was to deal with my own issues. And to be honest I was very jealous of you and your happy marriage and lovely family and clothing budget and confidence and I handled that jealously in a very destructive way. I stopped following most of the blogs I snarked years ago, but I still read yours every week, because I enjoy it. And I do deeply regret any hurt I caused you back then.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      August 4, 2019 at 1:41 pm

      Hi Sarah, THANK YOU for this. I can relate to being in a bad place; communities like that can make us feel empowered and not alone. I really am proud of you to see that it was toxic, and to speak up. It’s not easy, but it means a LOT especially how things escalated between the two of us. Thank you. <3

      Reply
      • laurel says

        August 4, 2019 at 10:33 pm

        Powerful from both of you ladies on these two comments.

        Reply
  8. dmc says

    August 3, 2019 at 8:21 pm

    Regarding Lizzo: I can’t get on board with women calling each other “hoes.” I’m all for accepting various body shapes and sizes but can’t accept her crude lyrics and shaming the skinny women. That’s not doing our gender any favors.

    Reply
    • Chris says

      August 4, 2019 at 1:13 am

      I don’t like calling women hoes or bitches, even if those words are used affectionately. I also don’t like anything rap. Regardless of those reservations, I think Lizzo is beautiful, stylish, and fabulous.

      Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      August 4, 2019 at 3:15 pm

      I don’t see where she’s shaming skinny women. That slow songs are for them?

      There is a wave of feminism that is reclaiming terms like hoes, b*tches, c*nts, etc. A lot of marginalized groups have been doing this over the decades; it’s not something everyone will like and not something I myself use but I appreciate the sentiment.

      Reply
      • dmc says

        August 4, 2019 at 4:41 pm

        My opinion: I think calling them” skinny hoes” is shaming. I can’t condone the “N” word whether used by blacks or whites and I can’t condone the use of “b*itches” “hoes” or worse used by women or men. Words have such power. I don’t think we need to reclaim those words. We need to eliminate them.

        Reply
  9. Tracie Bowman says

    August 3, 2019 at 5:28 pm

    I am older too, but think Lizzo is the bomb! I hope you watched her NPR a Tiny (ass) Desk Concert, she was great as Lizzo only can be. See her if you get a chance!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      August 4, 2019 at 9:55 am

      She was amazing!!

      Reply
  10. Lee says

    August 3, 2019 at 12:42 pm

    Love so much the charities you’ve suggested and voted for Southern Poverty Law Center today. Hate crimes are on the rise in our country since a certain monster moved into the White House & it’s good to support organizations that will work against them. Thank you for being you, Alison, even when you may get negative feedback. Enjoy the last bit of your vacation with your family. I’m humming a song right now from the movie “Lilo & Stitch”: no place I’d rather be…It makes me think of being with my own son & husband & how much I cherish the time we spend together in our little family of three!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      August 4, 2019 at 9:56 am

      Oh I love it Lee!!

      Reply
    • Vivian says

      August 4, 2019 at 3:06 pm

      Thank you for sharing this! When I saw SPLC as an option I cringed. As someone who grew up in Montgomery, this organization does some good but it mostly a smoke show ‍♀️

      Reply
  11. MonicaR says

    August 3, 2019 at 11:46 am

    Something to consider before donating to SPLC: https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/the-reckoning-of-morris-dees-and-the-southern-poverty-law-center

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      August 4, 2019 at 9:56 am

      Thank you for sharing this.

      Reply
  12. Margot says

    August 3, 2019 at 11:15 am

    I appreciate the charity choices you have offered. I don’t think we can afford not to make a stand against the current culture of encouraging hatred. If we remain silent then we condone the ugliness imo.

    Reply
    • Danielle says

      August 3, 2019 at 11:37 am

      Agree! We can’t afford silent complicity and I for one APPRECIATE a blogger with a fucking spine who isn’t afraid to declare where she stands and who/what she supports. I wanted to vote for both Planned Parenthood and Southern Poverty Law Center.

      Reply
      • c says

        August 3, 2019 at 7:38 pm

        i wanted to vote for each of ’em.

        Reply
  13. Dar says

    August 3, 2019 at 10:54 am

    Please leave political activists off your list. Planned parenthood and Southern pPoverty have become an arm of the Democrats more than a charity. I have started to unfollowing blogs and Facebook pages that used to be just fashion, decorating, travel and fitness And now feel it necessary to make political comments. I get enough of that interwoven in every tv show at night. Thanks for reading

    Reply
    • C says

      August 3, 2019 at 1:32 pm

      Are you a regular (or even an occasional) reader of this blog? While I haven’t seen many blog posts I’d call ‘political,’ there are many that touch on social issues (including some that’ve been politicized though they’re not inherently political).

      Why not cast a vote, if you’re so inclined, for one of the five listed organizations you find less objectionable than the ones you’ve cited?

      Reply
    • Jane says

      August 3, 2019 at 4:06 pm

      What an unfortunate comment. Planned Parenthood largely offers reproductive health care services to low income folks, and I would know because I have used them for this purpose when I was paying for my own measly health insurance. And SPLC advances crucial cases that protect all of our constitutional rights.

      Reply
      • Katelin says

        August 5, 2019 at 5:23 pm

        When I was a student I went to PP regularly for annual exams. They were very affordable and offered excellent care. They are a wonderful organization helping low income women (and men!)

        Reply
  14. Anna says

    August 3, 2019 at 7:18 am

    Oh, the voting form had not come up when I made that suggestion for your donation. Sorry! I have now voted for one of your possibilities.

    Reply
  15. Anna says

    August 3, 2019 at 7:13 am

    Count me in as one of your regular and admiring readers. I am old enough for you to have been my “menopause baby,” and my style is radically different from yours, but I still tune in daily to catch your wardrobe and beauty/fitness choices and narratives, and to appreciate your honest and constructive approach to blogging, as others have said so well.

    The Children’s Defense Fund, under the guidance of Marion Wright Edelman, would be a wonderful destination for your contribution. (Disclaimer: no personal connection)

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      August 4, 2019 at 9:57 am

      Thank you for this suggestion I’ll add it to the list of possibilities for next month!

      Reply

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Capsule Wardrobe: One Week, One Bag

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.

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
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#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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