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Scenes from a Friday night…

We started at @littleblackbirddc a new wine bar in Cleveland Park where we had great food, drink, and conversation into the evening. We then headed down the street to @atomicbilliards for a whole different experience and to keep the conversation going. I treasure my friendships with @sylviacolella (who had a birthday recently), @districtofchic, and @blonde_inthedistrict they’re the real deal 🥰

My dress is @adamlippes borrowed via @renttherunway and Cheetos with Sauvignon Blanc is a really fun pairing!
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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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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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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
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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
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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!
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I had to see… I asked my husband how often he thinks about the Roman Empire, and then asked our 14-year-old 😂
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#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
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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! 🐾❤️
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Lifestyle · November 16, 2019

Weekend Reads #79

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. 

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One of the things that calms me and makes naps and lying on a couch with a bad back far more enjoyable.

Once November arrives, life gets hectic. It can be a whirlwind of buying presents, managing intense schedules, attending events and figuring out what to take and wear and bake for such events, hosting friends and family, the emotional toll of some friends and family, money issues, travel issues, weather issues, and on it goes until January 2nd. On top of all that it’s the busiest time of year with my job. It reminds me of when I worked retail; I practically would live at the mall until a day or two after Christmas and when home, I was frantically cooking and cleaning and shopping and wrapping and glamming up and being vivacious at social situations. Damn, I could always rally and lo0ok good doing it.

I had my first migraine in November, back when I worked retail. I had my first day off in two weeks. I got a Frappuccino at Starbucks and decided to leisurely stroll through TJ Maxx, enjoying retail from the other side of the cash wrap. I was in the towels aisle when I felt as though a bullet entered my temple. I seriously thought I was shot and dropped to the ground, feeling my head. No blood, no wound. My vision was blurred in the eye on the same side and it was both silent and roaring loud. I rallied and somehow got out of that store and drove home where I got in bed and didn’t leave for hours.

I never had a migraine come on that strong again, but I continued to get them, always the first calm day after chaos. The day after Black Friday, the day after my father-in-law’s memorial service, the day after the major conference we had been planning for months, the day after I had to fire someone. My body would provide enough gas to get through the situation then blow up in flames right after. I got to where I could predict, and often prepare for them with a day of PTO or a way to not have to leave the house.

Before I got my first migraine, it was my back. I’d get a baseball-sized nucleus of nerve-tingling spasming pain right at the small of my back. And even as early as kindergarten, I had a nervous stomach not just before a scary situation, but afterward. But since quitting my job and focusing on the blog I have experienced only one small migraine. No back pain, no nervous stomach, no migraines.

Until last week.

Just the thought of November stresses me out. There is so much expectation to have great and timely holiday content, it can make or break your year. Just like when I worked retail and our whole year’s sales goal could be determined by this one month, so can my income as a blogger. I had big goals to be ahead of the game for November, I didn’t achieve them and knew I’d be working crazy hours to keep up through the month. On top of it, life was ramping up. Recitals and school projects and hosting family and visiting family for the holidays and house repairs and more.

This week started off rough and by Tuesday afternoon I was feeling as though I was drowning. Suddenly the small of my back reacted with that fist of spasming twingy miserableness. What the heck, body? You always fall apart AFTER the events, not BEFORE. I had two in-person events that week where I needed to look lovely and be charming. I had to rally. I can always rally. I will rally. I got this.

Thursday night I co-hosted a trunk show at Nordstrom for an amazing brand founded by an amazing woman and I wasn’t in the right headspace getting ready. I felt hot and dehydrated and cranky and while my back wasn’t in as much pain as the previous day, it was still making sure I was fully aware of its existence. I finally pulled together an outfit that I wouldn’t hate being photographed in or standing in for three hours and downed three CBD pills with a cup of black coffee before heading out the door. 

Readers showed up, fellow bloggers showed up, Nordstrom customers showed up. We laughed, we oohed and aahed over the clothes and sold a good amount of them. I hardly noticed my back until I did and once I did I began to lose gas. First, it was the back spasms, then it was a little bit of an ache behind one ear. I was spent, my gas tank was on E yet I still had an hour to go.

A podcast I listen to had an episode about personality tests and it inspired me to find out my Enneagram. It said I was The Enthusiast and I was excited but as I read it I felt it wasn’t really me anymore. I've aged out of horror movies, White Russians, thongs, 4” heels on concrete floors, and being able to rally no matter what. But with it, I was experiencing something I aged into: not giving a f*ck about it.

I did rally that night because I adore these amazing women and this revolutionary clothing brand that plus women DESERVE. And then I went to my friend’s event upstairs at a different store because I adore her too and that brand is also awesome. But I was beyond done. I hugged and caught up and even was able to get into some group photos with so many friends and awesome women I’ve met through this job. And it was so warm in there and the music so loud I was starting to feel overwhelmed so I said goodbye to a few as I rolled out.

As soon as I entered my house I felt my breathing slow and my back relax. This is what my body and spirit needed. Quiet, calm, secure, relaxed.

All week I’ve been trying to figure out what caused my back pain. I realize now it’s like my old migraines, it’s my body letting me know that I’m out of gas and need to refuel. And unlike the past where I had youth and a desire to please, now my body and brain are OVER rallying on fumes.

In my 30s if I felt this way, I would feel bad about myself and ignore what my body was telling me. In my 40s, I thank my body for telling me how it feels and what it needs. Yesterday I wanted to have my Alison’s Favorite Things of 2019 gift guide. I did it last year and it was super successful and fun. I got as far as beauty and skincare before my back removed any creativity or motivation. I hope to have it next week but if I don’t, that’s okay. Because a functioning back and pride in a reduction of fucks is worth more.

Sale Alert

Soma is having 25% off and free shipping with promo code 35165.  I know this brand well and own several pieces across categories.  My picks:

  • Their Cool Nights pajamas.  They're silky and pretty and keep you cool and wash well.  I adore them, and now that my daughter can fit well enough into their XS (pajamas are okay a bit too big, that's what drawstring waists are for) we often twin in them.  They have some cute holiday prints that are perfect for yourself, a loved one, or you and a loved one to be twins!
  • Their Embraceable pajamas.  I love these so much I included them as a favorite thing for 2018. They're a bit heavier than Cool Nights and feel luxe.  They also wash up beautifully and come in some fabulous prints. 
  • The Cooling Full Coverage Bra.  It makes my breasts look amazing but also keeps me from getting sweaty and gross on hot days or those in-between events where a sports bra is excessive.
  • The Embraceable Full Coverage Wireless Bra.  I love it so much I wrote this unsponsored review.  read the comments, others agree!
  • The Enbliss Collection.  Okay I don't wear this because I have gigantic saggy boobs, but all my friends up to a D cup swear by this collection of bras and tanks. 
  • The Essential Short Sleeve Tee.  I'm wearing it right now as I type this.  The curved hem makes it easy to half tuck, which I am doing into a pair of joggers.  It looks all vintage and worn but is opaque.  It drapes nicely and washes up nicely.

Many think Net-a-Porter is too expensive for their budgets, but the retailer curates pieces from brands like Madewell, Converse, and J. Crew as well as high-end designers.  The point of the site is the curation, not the price.  And the site has 25% off for their Friends and Family Sale. There is no need for a special code, it's just the pieces available at this link. 

L.L. Bean has 25% off your order with promo code SAVE25!  I went there just to say how much I love my sweater fleece; it's my third winter with it and I prefer it to any other sweatshirt or fleece in my wardrobe. But I'm psyched for this sale in general.  I'm also a fan of their shearling insoles which I put in every pair of my boots this time of year for warmth and comfort.  Also these cleats? Get a pair, tuck them in your commuter bag or the trunk of your car and buy a pair for your mom, sister, or bestie.  They are amazing when you're in a slippery icy situation and work over most non-dress shoes.

Baublebar has 15% off full-priced items with promo code HOLIDAY15.  I love Baublebar for nicely priced costume jewelry that is higher quality than most other brands.  They have the hottest trends, fun statement pieces, delicate higher quality pieces, and fun accessories.  It's a must-visit destination if shopping for a tween or teen thanks to their Personalized Department and perfect for the holidays with their Holiday Dressing and Festive Extras Collections.  I mean, how cute are these menorah earrings? 

Lands' End has 50% off full-priced styles and free shipping no minimum with promo code FALL PIN 1050.  I am a fan of their family pajamas; last year we had matching pajamas for our holiday cards and we ordered them from several places.  Lands' End had the beast quality, the best fit, and everything matched perfectly (some brands do not).  Not only that, we've worn our pajamas SO MUCH since then and they still look new!  Lands' End also has some beautiful holiday decor for your home or to give as a gift.  Another great gift for a kid is one of their high-quality towels with a monogram.  It's practical, feels personal, looks fun, and is a really nice price.

REI has their Gear Up Get Out Sale with 30% off gear and clothing available at this link. 

Weekend Reads

You know I love sharing articles about TikTok; with a tween in my home and seeing it as the newest and biggest social platform to hit the scene with adults like Reese Witherspoon and Terry Crews joining, I think it's worth it to know what it's about and how younger generations are affected by it. And TBH, sounds a lot healthier than Instagram! “Rather than trying to compete for views and likes with the genetically gifted, kids are pivoting to self-deprecation in a way that’s less depressing than it might seem to concerned parents: it’s a reclamation of mediocrity in an online space where everyone else is an overachiever.” (Vox)

Physicians have long dismissed or downplayed women's sexual- and reproductive-health concerns—but in 2018, stories about “health-care gaslighting” are consistently breaking through to the mainstream. (The Atlantic)

The female problem: how male bias in medical trials ruined women's health. (Kinda have a theme going this week (The Guardian)

Some DC-based friends have been in the news lately for being their fabulous, stylish selves and I just have to share!  Elizabeth, who I met through her reading this blog, had her amazing style featured by Washingtonian.  And Libby, who is one of my favorite people on Instagram, had her badass home featured on Apartment Therapy!  Congrats women, well deserved!

I was offered the chance to order a pair of Cariuma sneakers, my choice of style, in exchange for a mention on social media.  I loved the ethics and sustainability of the brand but worried the sneakers wouldn't fit me.  Not a problem, these are super cute yet also super roomy sneakers that do not look like I stuck ginormous marshmallows on my feet.  I got the white leather though I like the look of all of them.

A powerful blog post on body image and figure flattery by my friend Emily (Authentically Emmie)

“This is a vivid picture of what's going to happen at most coastal places in the future.” The many reasons Venice is flooding right now.  This goes out to the person at the gym who told me they didn't believe Bangkok would be underwater by 2050 because global warming isn't really a thing and doesn't move that quickly. (Washington Post)

She brought street style to the mainstream, but at the height of her success, Garance Doré chose to walk away. What happened when the original influencer turned her back on fashion? (Elle)

Studio 54 may be long gone but debauchery isn't dead. (The Cut)

Not an easy read, but an important one about a farming family and how they're trying to make it after rising debt pushed the father to suicide.  (The Washington Post)

A New York artist's latest project? A large-scale re-enactment of the 1811 German Coast Uprising, in which as many as 500 enslaved people of African descent marched toward New Orleans from the surrounding sugar plantations in an inspiring, but eventually doomed, effort to win their freedom. (New Yorker)

When I was on The Today Show, there was this vivacious woman in the Orange Room with me.  I didn't know who she was but she seemed to know everyone and everyone was thrilled to take selfies with her.  After she left I realized it was Amanda Nguyen and I regret not taking the chance to get to know her. Learn more about this powerhouse activist and fashionista. (The Cut)

“Personally, I want my pants to be so high that they can double as an underwire bra. I want to feel like Humphrey Bogart playing an exaggerated version of himself for Halloween.” If you feel the same, this article is for you. (New Yorker)

For Your Entertainment 

I never heard of Qveen Herby but YouTube is like Big Brother and watches what I watch and recommends things to me based off them and YouTube suggested I'd like “Vitamins” by Qveen Herby.  I did a quick search and found that Qveen Herby is Amy Noonan, part of the duo group named Karmin that was popular at the beginning of the 2010's (you may remember their song “Hello” or “Brokenhearted“.  She relaunched as a solo project in 2017.  I must say, the lyrics to this song got me.  We're in a time of the year that can be hella stressful, sad, overwhelming, exhausting, and emotional.  It's important to survive it to take any time you can for some self-care and self-preservation. “Out here lookin' like a vegan, oh, she glows. Want to know my secrets and my antidotes?  Self care, good livin', vision board and a mission. Eat my greens, nutrition.” “Vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C; vitamin D, vitamin, bitch, vitamin please. I went bullshit free for weeks, it snatched my physique and put the color back on my cheeks. I found peace, now my influence is catastrophic.” A hip-hop song about self-care, just the right thing to motivate you to get through driving around town for groceries, getting through that final load of laundry, and getting ready to face the in-laws this season.  There's nothing selfish about going to bed early, saying no to that next glass of wine, journaling, and taking vitamins.  Remember the oxygen mask policy – you need to care for yourself first before you can properly care for another.

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In: Lifestyle · Tagged: weekend reads

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Comments

  1. Dawn says

    November 16, 2019 at 7:53 pm

    Great post! And I had to chuckle about aging out of White Russians. LOL

    I’m going to take that personality test.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      November 18, 2019 at 10:30 am

      I can’t believe I not only drank multiples of them in one sitting, I thought it was elegant! LOL

      Reply
      • Dawn says

        November 18, 2019 at 12:49 pm

        LOL!!

        Reply
  2. Ann says

    November 16, 2019 at 1:30 pm

    You are a total inspiration. ALL the time. Thank you for your honesty (and smarts, and style, and humor) in a sea of mega bullshit out there. Love this blog the best.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      November 16, 2019 at 3:32 pm

      Wow, thank you so much Ann!

      Reply
  3. Laurel says

    November 16, 2019 at 1:17 pm

    That farm story really touched me. And pants so high they can double as an underwire bra…lol.

    The Venice flooding is heartbreaking. We were there two years ago and it’s hard to see those amazing places flooded. Selfishly, I’m really happy we had decent weather and didn’t end up walking in water to our thighs. The people who deny global warming infuriate me.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      November 16, 2019 at 3:33 pm

      They infuriate me as well. There are so many facts, so many tangible examples of it happening yet people can explain anything away. This person said, “I can’t believe two degrees can put a city underwater.” It’s easy to believe if you read all the studies and articles and data proving this fact. ARGH!

      Reply
  4. RoseAG says

    November 16, 2019 at 10:38 am

    Take it easy and be carefull about being around fallen leaaves. My sinus/migraine issues were alsmost always a combination of hormones (bad news for the peri-menopausal 🙁 ) and allergens. Leaves put off a lot of particulate and can be moldy. I’d also be sure my new Pup was bathed frequently. Pet dander coming back into your life could be a trigger.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      November 16, 2019 at 1:02 pm

      It’s so true, my allergies are always their worst in fall! Thank you.

      Reply
  5. Kathryn Fenner says

    November 16, 2019 at 10:27 am

    I just stocked up on the Lands’ End crew neck long-sleeved fitted tee shirts. They are such a comfortable, polished first layer! They stay looking nice forever, too! And at this price!! Free shipping!!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      November 16, 2019 at 1:01 pm

      Awesome!

      Reply
  6. Krista says

    November 16, 2019 at 9:42 am

    First and foremost…take care of you. I hope your back gets better quickly. Second, apparently I’m an individualist perfectionist giver. (Leave it to me to have the most random enneagram test results). Third, I love Emmy! Her photo shoots happen near my hometown, so I enjoy her posts just because. But it’s awesome to see her embrace the things she loves and tune out the naysayers. We should all be so bold.

    Feel better!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      November 16, 2019 at 1:01 pm

      Thank you Krista!

      Reply
  7. Leu2500 says

    November 16, 2019 at 8:57 am

    Break your gift guide into pieces. You have part 1 done, publish it then work on the other parts. Yeah, you’ll have to tweak your editorial calendar plans, but that’s life. As the Eisenhower quote I’ve been seeing a lot of goes “plans are worthless. It’s the planning that’s important.”

    And a D cup’s perspective on the enbliss & embracable wireless bras. I like both. The enbliss doesn’t have quite enough support for low impact activities – I won’t wear it for my daily walk again. But it’s great for other stuff, including the airport. The tank is great when you want something between your skin & a sweater but don’t want a turtle neck, shirt, etc.

    The embraceable DOES have support for low impact activities. Ie it trusses you up more. But not bad. I wore it under a sweater to work & it was very comfortable. But if you wear to work, you do have to pick & choose what you wear it with.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      November 16, 2019 at 1:00 pm

      I may break it up, but people get angry when I have too many gift guides on here so I do fewer, longer ones so it’s easy for them to just bypass them and have other content they enjoy. Thank you so much for these Enbliss and Embraceable reviews, they are so helpful!

      Reply
      • laurel says

        November 16, 2019 at 6:12 pm

        I am always perplexed when someone gets angry at how a blogger presents posts…if something does not pertain to them at the moment, simply do not read. Goodness!

        Reply
        • Nicole Kowalski says

          November 17, 2019 at 12:41 am

          Me too! I mean, if they feature an item you don’t like or it’s too expensive, just move on! Don’t assign the blogger the work of finding a different or less expensive item. They are already sharing time and expertise *for free*. So, to complain about it seems like the ultimate rudeness.

          Thanks to Alison for everything: fashion advice, sharing her life, encouraging everyone by example.

          Reply
          • Alison Gary says

            November 18, 2019 at 10:32 am

            Thank you so much Nicole!

        • Alison Gary says

          November 18, 2019 at 10:31 am

          I think it’s because we become emotionally connected to bloggers, which is a good thing. They like what they like and are frustrated when it’s different. Same when a favorite store changes the layout, a favorite beauty brand changes packaging or a formula, a favorite restaurant switches up their menu. It’s finding the balance between trying something new and respecting those who have been there for the long haul.

          Reply
  8. Bette says

    November 16, 2019 at 8:30 am

    I loved the piece on Garance Doré, thanks for suggesting it. I’m finding myself increasingly interested in stories of women who intentionally said no — to too much stuff, stress, office politics, 80-hr workweeks, perfection, even reaching a previously longed-for dream. Kinda goes with the theme of this post!

    Reply
    • Bette says

      November 16, 2019 at 8:36 am

      PS. In the “not advice, but empathy” column — I suffered through years of debilitating neck pain and migraines while my PT and doctor kept subtly encouraging me to “relax.” It didn’t sink in until I let go of a very toxic relationship and suddenly, maybe in combination with all the treatments, my headaches stopped and began to feel more normal again. Emotions are powerful, even when we don’t recognize them or, in my case, choose to ignore them.

      Reply
      • Alison Gary says

        November 16, 2019 at 12:59 pm

        SO TRUE!

        Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      November 16, 2019 at 12:58 pm

      It does! It’s funny how I see after I put them together that my Weekend Reads often end up with a theme!

      Reply
  9. L H Carter says

    November 16, 2019 at 8:28 am

    Another pink suit, a tiger dress, high waisted jeans, red leaf shoes , listening to body messages, Parri Passu and much more—all totally interesting and informing. Thank you for enriching your readers’ Saturdays.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      November 16, 2019 at 12:58 pm

      I’m so glad you like it!

      Reply
  10. karen says

    November 16, 2019 at 8:21 am

    sorry to read that you are feeling unwell and stressed, hope you feel better and find your balance again soon

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      November 16, 2019 at 12:57 pm

      Thank you Karen!

      Reply

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Casual Cold-Weather Look for a Coffee Run

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 26

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Scenes from a Friday night…

We started at @littleblackbirddc a new wine bar in Cleveland Park where we had great food, drink, and conversation into the evening. We then headed down the street to @atomicbilliards for a whole different experience and to keep the conversation going. I treasure my friendships with @sylviacolella (who had a birthday recently), @districtofchic, and @blonde_inthedistrict they’re the real deal 🥰

My dress is @adamlippes borrowed via @renttherunway and Cheetos with Sauvignon Blanc is a really fun pairing!

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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

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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

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Sep 11

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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! 🐾❤️

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Sep 8

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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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