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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!
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
Open
#throwbackthursday to what I wore 10 years ago in September…

A decade ago I was working full time in an office and was promoted to manage a good portion of my department. My blog was doing quite well, I was featured in local and national publications and websites. I was embracing what I felt to be a polished professional with an edgy vibe. Less color, more interesting accessories, and my first semi-designer bag (I still have that leopard print mini M.A.C. In the back of my closet). 

I have come to embrace color and have way less black in my closet now, but a lot of these looks are timeless and I would wear now… just likely with lower heels! 😂

Do you recall what you were wearing a decade ago? How similar is it to how you dress now?

For more of my throwbacks visit #wo2tbt
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Outfit Posts, Spring · May 6, 2022

What I Wore Recently

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. 

It has been a bit since I shared what I wore recently. We had Spring Break and then suddenly life got really busy. It has been two years since I lived and died by my Google Calendar but I'm back, baby. Lots of, I can do that Tuesday but only after 2pm; I'm free Friday prior to noon; this weekend is out but next Saturday we're available for dinner. And with a schedule like that, I think less about taking a photo of my outfit. But I need to get on the ball, a mirror selfie is quick and easy, so here are the ones I captured since my last What I Wore post!

talbots shirtdress

This dress is from Talbots; I got it a while ago and even wore it on Easter, but didn't think to get a photo that day. It is a bit big so I put it in the washer and the dryer… and it didn't shrink. But it made it softer. I didn't even iron or steam it before wearing; the only thing creased was the self belt.

I ordered it in a 14W because in the past, shirtdresses from Talbots were snug on my upper arms and bust. I should have gotten a 14 instead. It doesn't look big in this photo, but it does in back where the torso and skirt are bunched because the belt is cinched tighter than the waist seam. But I'll still wear it because it's cute and 100% cotton comfortable and likely more comfortable being loose.

The shoes are Rockport; I got them last year and love them (you can see them in this post). They have a wood heel and lots of cushioning and are surprisingly comfortable. They don't have them this year, but this sandal (which is on sale) is the same heel and a super cute style I'm considering adding to my wardrobe. The tote is from Dagne Dover, I got it last year and love it so much (I have the large size).

But this dress would be cute with white sneakers, but can dress up too. I felt very comfortable in this for a day of work and then meeting my sister for happy hour at a cafe patio; I received a lot of compliments and folks thought I looked really dressed up even though it was a super comfy easy look!

pink wide leg pants

This is what I wore to run errands. The pants you have seen many times before; they are Banana Republic and first seen on the blog in this post from 2019. The sneakers are FILA and I've had for quite a while. They're the Elektrove, in off-white and I've seen a few on Poshmark but a lot of other brands now carry super chunky off-white sneakers. Chunky sneakers are a hot look, and a comfortable one too. For an alternative I like these from SOREL and these from VEJA.

The top is from J. Crew and considering I am 5'3″ this top is cropped (I'm wearing XL). But I like the cropped length because it's essentially the length it would be if I tucked in a shirt, but I don't have to tuck in the shirt. Expect to see me wear it soon with these white linen pants and this straw bag and maybe a straw hat and some sandals.

osei duro blue jumpsuit

As I mentioned in this Weekend Reads, I went to see the Yaoyi Kusama exhibit at the Hirshhorn Museum and decided to wear my blue printed Osei Duro jumpsuit because it's easy and comfortable and interesting. It's easy to get on and off (zipper front) and has pockets deep enough to hold my phone securely. I tucked the legs into my years-old La Canadienne boots (super comfy and supportive with a pair of these insoles inside) for a flight jacket effect.

osei duro jumpsuit

The bag is from Ganni, and a relatively new purchase. I desired a black leather crossbody that also made for a good shoulder bag. I wanted a variety of pockets and a clean and modern yet relatively timeless look. This one was on sale at the time for around $200 and I liked that it was made from recycled leather. It has a back pocket, the interior section with a zipper pocket, but another smaller compartment inside so plenty of places to tuck and organize things in a relatively small bag.

ever by x dress

I shared this green ever by X dress in this blog post and I just love it so much. I often wear it just around the house as a caftan because it feels good on the skin, is completely opaque, and has pockets. But it dresses up beautifully. I'm wearing it with my ancient black boots that no longer are made and this belt from Chico's.

alison gary

I sent this photo to my friend who asked if I had changed my haircolor, but it's a good photo to show my hoops and my necklace!

dressed in joy review

I am a fan of the athleisure brand Dressed in Joy. I've worn the line before; you can see me and my husband wearing Dressed in Joy athleisure at this post and here I wore a Dressed in Joy shirtdress. So when they dropped a Ready to Wear collection, I had to get pieces! I got this shirt in XL and these pants also in XL. I had the pants shortened by my tailor.

I find these pieces… fine. The pants run small (they fit but are snug on the waistband), the top has very long sleeves, neither have much style or detail. The pants are elasticized in back with a side zipper and the elastic twisted with wear and the zipper I fear is too delicate and too hard to get up that I'll end up breaking it.

dressed in joy wardrobe oxygen
A better look at the fabric and my pink hoops (very old, from Baublebar)

The pieces are made with Resonance, which I discussed in my The Kit review, and honestly, I am underwhelmed. The prints look great on the fabric with Dressed in Joy but the garments themselves feel like something I'd buy at ASOS for half the price. But instead, I am supporting a Black woman-owned small business. I'll wear these pieces again (this isn't my first time wearing the outfit) but I can't honestly say these pieces deserve five stars.

dressed in joy matching set

So let's go into positive things about this day wearing this look… I got to meet J, a Wardrobe Oxygen reader! She lives in the area; we've connected often through Instagram and her old coworker is a family friend. She came to visit my office and take me to lunch and it was such a lovely afternoon!

blue chicos dress

I also mentioned in a previous Weekend Reads that my sister, daughter, and I went to see Mean Girls at the Kennedy Center. Yes, they made the movie into a musical and it was so much fun! I wore the same Chico's dress you saw in this blog post again with my ancient crumbling black knee-high boots I need to replace but can't find anything similar in super wide calf. The dress is sold out; this sleeveless orange dress is like a summer version of it.

blue dress kennedy center

My bag is my Balenciaga City bag that I discussed in this blog post. The look was perfect for the theater – comfortable, dressy but not over the top for a weeknight, a fun color, bag just the right size for everything I needed for the evening!

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In: Outfit Posts, Spring

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Comments

  1. Cindylou says

    May 27, 2022 at 9:52 am

    Excuse me, auto typing took over. I meant you look great in bright colors.

    Reply
  2. Cindylou says

    May 27, 2022 at 9:50 am

    You’re skin and coloring are beautiful. You look so good in those b egg Ishtar colors. It’s quite remarkable.

    Reply
  3. Kay howshan says

    May 23, 2022 at 8:37 pm

    Do you offer petites?

    Reply
  4. Joy says

    May 6, 2022 at 2:06 pm

    That Talbots dress would be my dream if I still had my office job. It looks professional, yet I can tell it would be comfortable. I keep trying to think of an occasion where I would wear it to give me an excuse to buy. As always, I love seeing your looks. I always feel inspired by these posts.

    Reply
  5. Rebecca says

    May 6, 2022 at 10:42 am

    Really like the Talbots dress and have to get my Ever dress out and play with it. I am going out to a nice dinner in Boston tomorrow night and I want to look elegant, but it’s going to be about 50 degrees! So speaking of Rockport, I have a pair of black dress boots from them that I really like and guess I might wear, even in May. Maybe you could try them for wider calf widths.

    Reply
  6. LA says

    May 6, 2022 at 8:27 am

    Looking good girl! Loving the Talbot’s dress on you. I hope they still have that one!
    Happy Spring and keep filling up that calendar.

    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 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

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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!

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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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Aug 12

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Shuts laptop until Monday… #RehobothBeach

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