Open
Night and day…

Met three dear friends for an early dinner that went on until after the sun set. Great food and conversation with some great women!

The dress is @adamlippes and I borrowed it from @renttherunway. The bag is @jcrew and a splurge but I regretted not buying it the last time they offered this bag and this color is SO me. I mean, look how great it is with these many years old suede heeled sandals? Meant to be!

This color combination makes me so happy, and this dress was comfy even after a decadent meal. We all deserve to experience comfort and joy with our wardrobes! 💛🩷

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jnDf #ltkplussize #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #over40style
Open
If @thechicks are in town you can bet @debbiefaye78 and I will be there! So when we heard they were coming to @merriweatherpp we were so excited. And their concert did not disappoint. As always, a phenomenal show! If The Chicks come to your neck of the woods I highly recommend you go!

Okay I know you want to know about what we’re wearing! 

My sister’s caftan is from @anthropologie (bought this summer so maybe you can find on resale sites).

I’m wearing a @bananarepublic dress also from this summer with the @universalstandard denim chore jacket and a hat I got from a @madewell collab a year or so ago. I glammed it up with some gold chains and gold drop earrings, but kept it comfy for a night of standing and dancing with @birkenstock sandals.

This was my first big outing since my eye surgery, and with a pocketful of eye drops I felt good (and grateful we splurged for good seats!).

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jcBL #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #usinthewild #concertstyle
Open
For years I’ve trusted @somaintimates for the right bras and the right fit but it had been a while since I visited a Soma boutique to try on all the styles they currently have for a large bust. I must say I was impressed! Knowledgeable staff, extensive collection in larger sizes, and some of the most comfortable and innovative bras in up to H cups! Each body is different but what I loved:

- The Stunning Push-Up: targeted for the DD+ customer gives amazing lift and great shape under fitted knits.

- The Unbelievable Lift Scoop Balconette: sexy, supportive, and so lightweight!

- The Embraceable Wireless: I’ve recommended this wireless bra for large busts for years and was in need for a new one! 

- The Stunning Support Smooth Balconette: this is the perfect t-shirt bra for large busts with padded straps and disappears under knits

- The Stunning Starlet Multi-Way Strapless: recently improved for more support and more comfort, this wireless bra stays put and gives fab shape

I also picked up some of Soma’s iconic Vanishing Edge panties which keep you line-free. The whole Vanishing collection is genius. I loved being able to donate my gently used bras at my local Soma boutique to give to those in need. We all deserve a lift and Soma strives to achieve that. It’s why I’ve been a fan and customer for years and am honored to partner with them. Soma is the perfect fitting bra solution. Visit the link in my bio to shop and to find your local Soma boutique! #SomaPartner #SomaBraFit #SomaStartsWithMe
Open
If I close my eyes you can’t tell one is still bloodshot 😜

Still recovering from my eye surgery but feeling more myself. Getting dolled up helps me feel me. Bright colors and bold jewelry have been signature Alison since I was a kid! 

Sweater: @favorite.daughter 
Earrings: Amazon
Necklace: @_jennybird (old)
Ring: @realmfinejewelry 
Bra: @lovebravissimo 
Lipstick: @glossier 
Pins as “cufflinks”: vintage

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4j0LM #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #over40style #ltkover40 #genxstyle
Open
It was so funny and so quick I couldn’t not share! I bought this @hulkenbag a year ago and use it all the time. Carting shoot supplies, groceries, packing for road trips, and carting donations. This weekend @thenewdealcafe in @cityofgreenbelt hosted a community clothing swap so I made sure my family and I went through our summer wardrobes to gather that which we no longer needed or fit.

This wasn’t the first clothing swap and folks in town know my style (and my job) so there were some waiting for my arrival. Look how fast I cleared out this big bag! Speaking of the bag one other swap attendee said she got herself a Hulken after seeing mine in action!

It’s so great to know our old clothes are getting a good life and this bag makes carting them to the cafe so easy! I got my Hulken on Amazon, it comes in other colors and sizes too: https://amzn.to/48iTY4Y yep the bag is as great as all those ads you see on social media, I’m a big fan!
Open
I had to see… I asked my husband how often he thinks about the Roman Empire, and then asked our 14-year-old 😂
Open
#ad Go through my archives on Wardrobe Oxygen and one thing is clear: my family and I are a fan of @bombas socks! From their no-slip no-show socks to their iconic crew socks, Bombas makes great socks for the whole family while having a great heart.

Socks are the #1 requested article of clothing from homeless shelters. For every item purchase from Bombas, one is donated to someone experiencing homelessness. 

Save 20% on your first purchase at Bombas with my exclusive promo code: WARDROBE20

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4ipHy #bombas
Open
Happy gotcha day, Oscar! Four years ago he came into our life and we are so happy to have in our family!

Oscar was a rescue and came with some… quirks. Over the years we have come to understand him and he has come to trust us. He’s a diva, a snuggler, he could play catch for hours, and he’s my husband’s shadow. 

We’ve never had a small breed dog before and it’s a whole different experience. But we adore Oscar and couldn’t imagine our life without him! Thank you for coming into our life Oskie McGoskie! 🐾❤️
Open
I can see clearly now…

Actually I can’t, but things after my retina surgery are much improved! My next appointment is in a month and I’m cleared to get back into the world (with some restrictions to protect my eye).

With a sclera buckle, it changes your eye shape and now I am nearsighted again (I had lasik a few years ago). Once the eye is stabilized I can get glasses or contacts but until then I’m 20/20 in one eye and right now 20/60 in the other. But the eye is healing beautifully and I feel positive!

And I could see clearly enough to fall for this poppy-colored cotton jumpsuit from @pistoladenim. It comes in a few colors but this one is my favorite. I went with XL (im@a 14, sometimes 16) and likely could have sized down but I enjoy the relaxed fit and the drawstring waistband to create shape. And hello zipper closure making it super easy to get on and off!

My husband took this photo right after my eye appointment, I think it reflects my positive attitude and feeling of hope! 🧡

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4idXm
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Outfit Posts, Summer · August 30, 2023

What I Wore In July

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. 

what I wore in July 2023 by Wardrobe Oxygen

You know what happens when I go on vacation in August? What I wore in July isn't posted until it's almost September! It's amazing how quickly this month has gone by. Well, better late than never, right?

What I Wore in July

Universal Standard printed top and shorts

Universal Standard printed top and shorts

For the 4th of July holiday, we went to a friend's house for a daytime party before our community's fireworks at the lake. For the party I wore a blue and white shibori print top and shorts from Universal Standard (no longer available). The top is XS, the shorts are S. With it I wore red earrings I got at Nordstrom maybe a decade ago, and my red Birkenstock sandals. The top has a deep shirrtail hem so I tied the front and tucked the back into the shorts to create a romper/jumpsuit effect.

Blue monochrome outfit

Pieces from my summer to fall transitional capsule wardrobe!

I know this sweater shell sold out FAST, when I ordered it for the campaign it was in stock in all sizes, but by time it was ready to go live it was almost sold out and no plans to restock. I was told to feature it anyway, since it's a focus on the Blue Majesty color that was in their new arrivals and still live on their site in other pieces.

Both pieces I ordered for the campaign a bit too big, but I still loved the silhouettes and colors so I wore them. I added a Banana Republic Factory scarf as a belt (same size different print, same print different size) to cinch the pants for a better fit. And then I added white Birkenstock sandals.

linen summer outfit

Both of these linen pieces I got last year.

The shirt is Chico's and I wore a year ago in a similar fashion. The pants are Ann Taylor and I can't seem to find a photo online but I did find this reel from last June when I was wearing them. I finished the look with red lips and my red Birkenstocks.

Talbots active dress

The semi-famous Talbots active dress.

I featured this dress in my summer road trip capsule wardrobe. Folks saw it on Instagram while I was on my road trip and many purchased it and many of those folks said they too loved it. There are a few sizes left in misses and petite, and the dress is on sale. It's a good dress; I wore it for a walk with a friend and coffee. The hat is Wallaroo, and HOKA Bondi 8 sneakers.

Natori jumpsuit | What I Wore In July

Natori jumpsuit

I've worn this Natori jumpsuit before, casual with Birks and dressed up for my friend's baby shower. For this day I was meeting a friend for lunch and dressed it up with red accessories. The same old earrings from the 4th of July, same red Birks, and a red belt bag I got at Target.

White tank and denim shorts

White tank and denim shorts

Same red belt bag and Birks, styled with J. Crew denim shorts that are at least two years old (these look similar; I always go up a size with shorts) and a tank from Able. The topper is linen and from Ann Taylor (earlier this summer, no longer available); I've also worn it with white linen pants and as a swimsuit coverup. I put a red bandana over my hair because it was being quite unruly.

Pink overalls | What I Wore In July

Pink overalls

I've worn these pink overalls before, they were seen in what I wore last month, as well as a whole post dedicated to them last year. Here, I am wearing them with an old straw hat, old Tevas I really don't like (these are better), and the Universal Standard twist bikini for a quick trip to my husband's plot at the community garden to gather produce.

Universal Standards bikini

Speaking of the Universal Standards bikini… I also wore it to the pool.

I actually wore it to the garden to see how it would hold up in sweat and a lot of movement, and then wore to the pool to see how it did when it was saturated and how it did with swimming and somersaults. I am wearing the bikini brief and the twist bikini top in size XS.

This suit is great; it ended up being the one I took on my vacations (yes instead of my tried and true Lands' End Tugless Tank!). It's a good choice for those who like the beach and pool not just for floating and sunning, but volleyball, water polo, a few casual laps, boogie boarding, kayaking, and other activities. The towel is Marimekko.

casual summer look

A total casual look, but a few details keep it from being schlubby.

The t-shirt is about five years old; I tied it to add some style and shape (I used this method). Instead of jeans or pull-on pants, I'm wearing the Madewell Harlow pants, which IMO are pretty darn comfortable but look more elevated (size 14P). The red pops (including a stain of red lipcolor) makes the outfit look puposeful and adds a necessary dose of color with the neutrals. Same Birks and red belt bag you see above.

What I Wore In July 2023

Another casual look that doesn't look so casual.

These are the Zhou culottes from M.M.LaFleur which I now own in two colors and a printed silk version. They run a bit roomy; I am wearing a 14. I love that these in the Eco Weave are machine wash, line dry, no need to iron, and they don't wrinkle. I paired them with a simple white ribbed tank, and then took a cardigan I got on Etsy back in 2020 (you can also see it here) and tied it in a knot instead of leaving it loose. Just that knot elevated the look. White Birks and some gold hoops (these from Chico's) finish the look.

COS brand dress | COS brand dress

COS brand dress

And finally, I got this COS brand dress from Nordstrom in XL and have been wearing it pretty continuously since. I can dress it up like I did here, but I also wear it like a muumuu bra free around the house. It's machine washable and I line dry it because it dries super fast. I took it to Savannah and it was perfect there too. Unfortunately it's almost out of stock and I never saw it on the COS website.

Same red Birks, ball earrings I got from a Target designer collab (first seen in this post) and my bag is a reversible cotton tote I got at cabi a few years ago. The bra underneath is the Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless which is the lightest weight strapless bra I've found for large busts that still does something and isn't horribly uncomfortable. It's my summer go-to strapless bra.

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In: Outfit Posts, Summer · Tagged: Ann Taylor, Birkenstock, Madewell, Natori, Talbots

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Comments

  1. Ana says

    August 30, 2023 at 8:18 pm

    Is the famous active dress cotton or polyester? They are sold of plus sizes, but they have a similar looking olive dress. The fabric looks plastic-y though. Us locals are going to be sweating through October so want to make sure its a good fit fabric wise. Thanks!

    https://www.talbots.com/lightweight-stretch-stand-collar-dress/P233034943.html?cgid=plus-size-dresses&dwvar_P233034943_color=OLIVE%20BRANCH&dwvar_P233034943_sizeType=WO

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      August 31, 2023 at 8:46 am

      I don’t find the fabric plasticy, you can see it on me in this post, on Instagram, and in my capsule wardrobe: https://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/one-week-one-bag-summer-road-trip-capsule-wardrobe/ I’ve worn it on hikes on 90 degree days, worn it in Savannah in August, as well as NC and DC in the heat. That olive dress is the same fabric; it’s personal preference but I find it cooler than my cotton dresses in the humidity.

      Reply
  2. Karen O says

    August 30, 2023 at 6:31 pm

    Fantastic! I just love all the color in your wardrobe.

    Reply
  3. Leu2500 says

    August 30, 2023 at 8:16 am

    Talbots currently has what looks like a variation on the blue dress. Same basic shape & I believe material. But more details at the neck, cuffs & pockets. In an olive/moss green. And 25% off right now.

    Reply

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Since 2005, Wardrobe Oxygen has offered real-life style advice for grown-ass women. With years of experience as an apparel visual merchandiser and personal shopper, Alison Gary provides advice on how to achieve personal style no matter your age, size, or budget.

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Sep 23

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Night and day…

Met three dear friends for an early dinner that went on until after the sun set. Great food and conversation with some great women!

The dress is @adamlippes and I borrowed it from @renttherunway. The bag is @jcrew and a splurge but I regretted not buying it the last time they offered this bag and this color is SO me. I mean, look how great it is with these many years old suede heeled sandals? Meant to be!

This color combination makes me so happy, and this dress was comfy even after a decadent meal. We all deserve to experience comfort and joy with our wardrobes! 💛🩷

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jnDf #ltkplussize #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #over40style

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Sep 21

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If @thechicks are in town you can bet @debbiefaye78 and I will be there! So when we heard they were coming to @merriweatherpp we were so excited. And their concert did not disappoint. As always, a phenomenal show! If The Chicks come to your neck of the woods I highly recommend you go!

Okay I know you want to know about what we’re wearing! 

My sister’s caftan is from @anthropologie (bought this summer so maybe you can find on resale sites).

I’m wearing a @bananarepublic dress also from this summer with the @universalstandard denim chore jacket and a hat I got from a @madewell collab a year or so ago. I glammed it up with some gold chains and gold drop earrings, but kept it comfy for a night of standing and dancing with @birkenstock sandals.

This was my first big outing since my eye surgery, and with a pocketful of eye drops I felt good (and grateful we splurged for good seats!).

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jcBL #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #usinthewild #concertstyle

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 19

Open
If I close my eyes you can’t tell one is still bloodshot 😜

Still recovering from my eye surgery but feeling more myself. Getting dolled up helps me feel me. Bright colors and bold jewelry have been signature Alison since I was a kid! 

Sweater: @favorite.daughter 
Earrings: Amazon
Necklace: @_jennybird (old)
Ring: @realmfinejewelry 
Bra: @lovebravissimo 
Lipstick: @glossier 
Pins as “cufflinks”: vintage

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4j0LM #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #over40style #ltkover40 #genxstyle

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 11

Open
Happy gotcha day, Oscar! Four years ago he came into our life and we are so happy to have in our family!

Oscar was a rescue and came with some… quirks. Over the years we have come to understand him and he has come to trust us. He’s a diva, a snuggler, he could play catch for hours, and he’s my husband’s shadow. 

We’ve never had a small breed dog before and it’s a whole different experience. But we adore Oscar and couldn’t imagine our life without him! Thank you for coming into our life Oskie McGoskie! 🐾❤️

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 8

Open
I can see clearly now…

Actually I can’t, but things after my retina surgery are much improved! My next appointment is in a month and I’m cleared to get back into the world (with some restrictions to protect my eye).

With a sclera buckle, it changes your eye shape and now I am nearsighted again (I had lasik a few years ago). Once the eye is stabilized I can get glasses or contacts but until then I’m 20/20 in one eye and right now 20/60 in the other. But the eye is healing beautifully and I feel positive!

And I could see clearly enough to fall for this poppy-colored cotton jumpsuit from @pistoladenim. It comes in a few colors but this one is my favorite. I went with XL (im@a 14, sometimes 16) and likely could have sized down but I enjoy the relaxed fit and the drawstring waistband to create shape. And hello zipper closure making it super easy to get on and off!

My husband took this photo right after my eye appointment, I think it reflects my positive attitude and feeling of hope! 🧡

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

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 5

Open
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!

wardrobe_oxygen

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Aug 30

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Ladies who lunch…

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

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

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

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

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Aug 29

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Scenes from a week in Savannah… 

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

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

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Aug 28

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Stripes are always right…

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

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

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

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

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Aug 27

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The family that wears @printfresh together stays together 🥰

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

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

#printfresh #printfreshpajamas #printfreshpartner

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