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
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, Fall · September 6, 2018

What I Wore: Subtle Details

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. 

talbots jeans review for petite

My new normal is far more relaxed than a year ago when I worked in an office. I go to the gym, take my daughter to school, run a few errands, and then hunker down at my computer for 6-9 hours. If I do go out, it's usually a fashion or blogger event and the look is less office style and more street style. Many days, my life is in a stretchy pair of jeans and a top, but I make sure to choose pieces that are not only comfortable but have subtle details to elevate them and add style and interest.

talbots slim ankle jean review

Shirt: Elbe Shirt c/o Universal Standard (XS Petite) | Jeans: Slim Ankle Jean – Shadow Stripe c/o Talbots (14P) | Necklace: Tribute Necklace c/o cabi | Bag: Thacker | Shoes: The Points c/o Rothy's | Bracelet: Metal Marvels | Earrings: Gift from my husband over 20 years ago | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

universal standard elbe shirt

I'm not a fan of stiff button-front shirts, I find them hard to wear when you're curvy and soft. But Universal Standard knows how to dress a soft curvy body so I was willing to try their Elbe Shirt. Like everything from Universal Standard, the fabric is phenomenal and completely justifies the cost ($80). It's stretchy but still has crispness; a sheen without looking cheesy. The buttons aren't white but a more subtle horn/tortoise shell color and the placket is covered. This is a popover with a placket that ends halfway down the shirt. This is awesome because you don't have to worry about it getting wonky when tucked in or gaping when you sit down. The collar is the perfect amount of stiffness and height to look great as-is, but can also look great if popped. The cuffs have three buttons: two at the cuff and one higher up to keep it from gaping. All this and it's machine washable. This shirt may have made me a button-front shirt convert!

talbots petite jean review talbots slim ankle jean shadow stripe fall

I've had luck with Talbots denim in the past. They are a nice weight, don't lose their stretch, and hold up beautifully (I have some bootcut that are three years old that each time I go in my denim drawer I grab them mistaking them for a brand new pair). I loved the subtle shadow stripe on the seam of these jeans. It's subtle, but adds style while also elongating the leg. I wore these jeans Friday night to a carnival and they held up in heat and humidity as I climbed in and out of rides, sat on grass, and in general gave them a workout. Threw them in the wash and dryer with other jeans and they came out looking and fitting exactly the same. I wore these jeans for over 12 hours Tuesday, running errands, taking my kid to school, and even sitting for hours in my home office writing this post and answering emails and comments. No sliding down, no stretched out waist or knees, and super comfortable. If unsure, size down. Even with petite these have a very high rise and I find a small cuff is needed to have them truly an ankle length.

thacker ring handle purse leopard print

This is the same bag I featured Tuesday, this time with the optional shoulder strap. The bag may look small but in there is my full-sized wallet, my Ray-Ban sunglasses case, my phone, and a small pouch with tiny hairbrush, lip balm, eye drops, and lip gloss (I'm wearing Fenty Gloss Bomb and it's amazing).

The Tribute Necklace from the Fall 2018 partnership of cabi with The Giving Keys

The necklace is from a collaboration with The Giving Keys and cabi. Each season, cabi creates a piece where a portion of the net proceeds from helps fund their The Heart of cabi Foundation’s efforts around the world. This year it is this necklace. It's two necklaces, connected by a ring in the back. The necklace is also adjustable in length. Wear the two keys together, separately, or give one as a gift to a loved one. One key has the word “Better” on it, the other “Together.” “Better Together” is the theme for cabi's Fall 2018 collection; it's a message of hope and strength that cabi hopes everyone will carry forward into their lives.

At first glance, this outfit is pretty basic. But when you look closer, you see the subtle details that makes it stand out and honestly, makes it more enjoyable to wear!

These photos were taken outside the New Deal Cafe in Greenbelt, Maryland.  If you follow me on Instagram you know this is a favorite place for me and my family.  Rated one of the best small live music venues in the US, the Cafe offers live music almost every night of the week and there is no cover.  This summer, the kitchen was taken over by Michael and Leah Moon, who also run DC Vegan Catering. The new menu is Italian-American and completely plant-based. Even the wine and beer offerings at the Cafe are vegan. The food is amazing, enjoyed by vegans and omnivores alike (my personal favorites are the Panzanella and the Chesapeake). Like many businesses in historic Old Greenbelt, The New Deal Cafe is a non-stock, cooperative membership corporation.

alison signature

In: Outfit Posts, Fall · Tagged: CAbi, Greenbelt Maryland, Prince George's County Maryland, Ray-Ban, Rothy's, Talbots, Thacker, Universal Standard

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Comments

  1. Lorena says

    September 17, 2018 at 12:00 pm

    Wow Ally, these jeans fit you marvellously well- all are great fitting basics. Nicely done.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      September 18, 2018 at 4:43 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  2. Christine says

    September 9, 2018 at 12:15 pm

    I’ve been enjoying your blog for years and I have learned so much about style from your posts! You look fresher and even prettier now that you are more in charge of your schedule. GOOD FOR YOU! This particular outfit looks great on you. I wish that more shirt designers paid attention to important details like not gaping and having tails long enough to stay tucked. Even though I am not curvy, I run into the same problems with shirts that you do.

    Reply
  3. Barbara says

    September 7, 2018 at 4:56 pm

    Just here to second your thumbs up on the Elbe shirt. I wear my Universal Standard Elbe shirts to death. Same with the Rubicon dress. And as someone with a larger chest than I’d prefer to have, popovers are great because you can sew the buttons shut if you need to and never have a gap.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      September 7, 2018 at 4:59 pm

      Great suggestion thank you Barbara!

      Reply
  4. Tutti says

    September 7, 2018 at 10:22 am

    I just have to say, your booty is popping in those jeans!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      September 7, 2018 at 4:58 pm

      LOL thank you!

      Reply
  5. Kate says

    September 6, 2018 at 1:21 pm

    In all seriousness, I like the paparazzi-photo vibe to a couple of these shots! “Fashion bloggers: they’re just like US. Alison elevates her everyday jeans with a chic flat and a pair of shades!”

    Reply
  6. Ratula says

    September 6, 2018 at 11:58 am

    You look so effortlessly chic in that outfit! Love everything about it.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      September 7, 2018 at 4:59 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  7. Susan harris says

    September 6, 2018 at 8:38 am

    Thx so much for yr support of the New Deal. It’s the heart of the community and I’m so glad u love it too.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      September 7, 2018 at 4:59 pm

      It’s the best!

      Reply

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Building a Work from Home Wardrobe

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

View

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

View

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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Aug 12

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Shuts laptop until Monday… #RehobothBeach

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