Open
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!
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! 🐾❤️
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Fashion Advice · January 10, 2011

What a Difference a Year Makes

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. 

alison gary weight loss
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My sister sent me her Snapfish album of pictures from Emerson's birthday party.I looked at the pictures of me when I didn't know/think about my picture being taken.  I was happy my sister fixed my bangs before present-opening, and also happy I wore a solid color.  Of course, like most women I was noticing my double chin, how my eye makeup may have been a bit too dark for that time of day, all the negative aspects of me.  But then I thought… you know what?  I look pretty darn good. 

So I decided to go back and look at pictures from Emerson's first birthday.  First of all, omigoodness look how much my baby has grown!  But moreso… look how much I have changed!

New moms, do know the body will keep changing.  Look at that stomach – that's no where near a “nine months in, nine months out” sort of body.  That stomach at Emerson's first birthday looks as though I just gave birth a month earlier.  And I can remember thinking I looked relatively good that day.  And I can think right now how I have such a crazy saggy/flabby belly.  But it's changing, constantly changing.  Things move, shift, tighten, adjust.  Don't be hard on yourself – you just did an amazing thing – you created a living human being! 

I'm not going to say I look awesome now, but I can see the progress.  And the progress isn't just on the scale.  As I get accustomed to this new body, I am learning all over how to dress myself to flatter my shape, I am learning how to feed this body to feel satisfied but not stuffed, I am learning how to move and stretch to make it feel its best.  It's a process, a learning experience.  Nine months in, nine months out may work for some women, but for me and most women I know – it's a myth.

It's hard to get adjusted to this new life – a whole other person living in your home, being your top responsibility.  Lack of sleep, lack of brain cells, learning and adjusting every day with a body that is constantly healing, changing, adapting.  It takes time to get the hang of things, but I feel I have finally gotten a grasp on this new life, which gives me the time and confidence to get a grasp on my weight and my personal health.  And seeing these pictures just give me all the more confidence and inspiration!

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Comments

  1. Frances says

    January 2, 2012 at 6:28 am

    Allie, 

    I had to laugh at your comment in the first paragraph about things most women notice when they have their picture taken – that is so me and I thought I was the only one who stressed out about those types of things!  You look great “before” and “after” and that little Emerson is so darn cute!  I enjoy your blog so much, I check out your “outfit” of the day every morning before heading off to work (I’m on the West Coast) and being over 50+  I have learned so much about mixing colors and prints…and the Weight Watchers updates are so inspiring as well.  Thanks so much for the blog!!! Happy New Year to you and your lovely family!

    Reply
  2. Allie says

    January 15, 2011 at 6:10 pm

    Aw, thank you so much! 🙂

    Reply
  3. Anonymous says

    January 15, 2011 at 5:51 pm

    Allie-
    You say in your mission statement that women are beautiful.
    and you are.
    Please know how lovely you are, how great you are, and the best gift for that precious baby is a mom who loves herself.

    Reply
  4. Steph says

    January 11, 2011 at 9:16 pm

    What strikes me most is how happy you look. It’s taken me a long time to really believe it, but I honestly believe a smile is one of the best accessories!

    Reply
  5. keri says

    January 11, 2011 at 8:16 pm

    ‘i’m not saying i look awesome now’-okay, i will say it for you. you look awesome allie…be kinder to yourself. you are beautiful and intelligent and kind. and you look awesome.
    good for you!!!!

    Reply
  6. Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

    January 11, 2011 at 2:17 pm

    Thanks Karen!

    Reply
  7. Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

    January 11, 2011 at 2:16 pm

    Aw Julie, you are too kind!

    I swear by Not Your Daughter’s Jeans – they really keep things controlled while being as comfortable as yoga pants and look like regular jeans. With dresses I wear Spanx Higher Power in the summer and their Tight End Tights when it’s cold out. With trousers, I wear high-cut briefs so my undies don’t cut the gut in half. 🙂

    Reply
  8. Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

    January 11, 2011 at 2:15 pm

    Thanks so much Adrienne!

    Reply
  9. Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

    January 11, 2011 at 2:14 pm

    Thanks Kinsey!

    Reply
  10. In Kinsey's Closet says

    January 11, 2011 at 2:12 pm

    You DO look great! I think comparing the pictures was such a great way to see how far you’ve come! Beautiful. Congrats on the little one’s birthday too!

    Reply
  11. Adrienne says

    January 11, 2011 at 10:31 am

    Amen, sister. And yes, you do look fabulous! Good for you, Allie! I, too, am doing WeightWatchers and have taken off 25 lbs this past year. (Still adjusting to the new plan but liking it so far). I admire your attitude and optimism. Those things can be hard to hold onto, especially since we “real” gals are always bombarded with celeb mom photos that shout, “one month post-baby and already back in her size 0 jeans!!” BLAH!!!!! I have loved your blog for years…great post!

    Reply
  12. Julie Burks says

    January 11, 2011 at 4:20 am

    Allie,

    Love the photos, you look fab!

    I have a question, though….you mention the dreaded “flabby belly” but in all of your photos, I really don’t see evidence of it. What undergarments do you wear?

    Reply
  13. karen Twin mummy says

    January 10, 2011 at 10:12 pm

    I totally agree with what you’ve written. I have 18month old twins and my body has changed beyond recognition, especially after breastfeeding them both for 8 months! I’m struggling to come to terms with my shape but I wouldn’t chnage a thing, my babies are my world. You look fab and are right to feel great x

    http://www.twinmummyoutfits.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  14. Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

    January 10, 2011 at 9:44 pm

    It sort of feels like it did when I was a pre-teen – each day you wake up and feel a bit different. I personally like my shape MORE now than I did pre-baby. Yeah, a lot of my old pants are now too short and I needed to get smaller bras, but it’s a more feminine shape and I feel more at home in it!

    Reply
  15. Lindsay says

    January 10, 2011 at 9:30 pm

    You look great. I’ve followed your blog forever and never commented. I’m expecting my first baby – a girl – on Valentine’s Day, and I’ve been thinking a lot about getting back to my pre-baby body (I’ve gained more than 35 lbs already). Thanks for your realistic take on the changes your body goes through after baby. I’m hoping for a miracle but I’m sure it will be a lot of hard work and that my clothes may never fit the same again. You really do look great!

    Reply
  16. Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

    January 10, 2011 at 9:29 pm

    Thanks! I really haven’t exercised more than taking stairs, parking far away, running up escalators and some stretches in the AM. It really is the food mindset that is making the impact right now.

    Just need to get more activity in so I can get to my goal of a size 10 by June!

    Reply
  17. cosmeddicted says

    January 10, 2011 at 9:22 pm

    I agree, you look fantastic in this year’s picture! It makes me really motivated to get back in shape…

    Reply

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My Wardrobe Today – E’s Birthday

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!

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 23

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

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Sep 21

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

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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

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

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