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
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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
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
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It was so funny and so quick I couldn’t not share! I bought this @hulkenbag a year ago and use it all the time. Carting shoot supplies, groceries, packing for road trips, and carting donations. This weekend @thenewdealcafe in @cityofgreenbelt hosted a community clothing swap so I made sure my family and I went through our summer wardrobes to gather that which we no longer needed or fit.

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

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

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

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

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

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

We’ve never had a small breed dog before and it’s a whole different experience. But we adore Oscar and couldn’t imagine our life without him! Thank you for coming into our life Oskie McGoskie! 🐾❤️
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Outfit Posts, Summer · August 30, 2017

What I Wore to Dîner en Blanc Washington DC

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 to diner en blanc

Have you heard of Dîner en Blanc? The Dîner en Blanc concept began in Paris in 1988 when Frenchman François Pasquier invited a group of friends to an elegant outdoor dinner at Bois de Boulogne, asking them to dress in white so they could find each other. Since then, Dîner en Blanc has become a worldwide event, spanning six continents. August 26, it took place in Washington DC. Below I share what I wore to Dîner en Blanc in Washington DC.

When I first heard of Dîner en Blanc I thought it sounded like a hassle, and a pretentious one at that. But last year I decided to join and this year I was able to get tickets. I say don't judge until you've walked a mile in someone's shoes, or walked a mile to attend an all-white dinner!  I had a wonderful time.

What I Wore to Dîner en Blanc Washington DC

Tips on what to wear to Dîner en Blanc

ELOQUII was kind enough to dress both me and my sister for the event. I chose their Studio Flounce Tiered Dress. My sister wore ELOQUII's Textured Overlay Dress. I had a tailor shorten the straps, but that is all the alterations needed; my sister chose to tuck in the neck straps on her dress.  You can see my sister in her dress on Instagram. 

White Studio Tiered Flounce dress from ELOQUII: what I wore to Dîner en Blanc DC

This dress is usually above the ankle, but I liked how it became a true maxi on me.  I know some reviews online say the dress is heavy but I don't feel that is the proper way to describe it.  This dress is a chiffon overlay and traditional poly lining.  However, the way the ruffles are laid, it weighs down the chiffon so it swings and drapes instead of being a fluffy cloud.  This is a good thing, it's a very swingy dress that doesn't cling, wrinkle, or tangle around your legs. For underpinnings I wore this strapless bra with Spanx Higher Power shorts both in nude to me colors.

what i wore to diner en blanc DC

For shoes, I wore my gold flat gladiator sandals. We didn't have to walk too far from our meeting spot to the secret destination but it was too far to wear any sort of heel. They went well with the garden party theme I was going for without leaving my feet in pain at the end of the evening.  I was glad to have sunglasses; we met at 5pm and walked from 5:30-6:00 and sometimes it was right into the sun.  Also as we walked down the street tour buses were full of people gaping at us and it was nice to have on sunglasses so I could gape back!

What to wear to Diner en Blanc - tips by Wardrobe Oxygen

I found this fake flower hair clip on Etsy and felt it would not only be a great accent piece, but a great way to style my hair so it wouldn't be too much trouble and wouldn't be destroyed if I got sweaty, it was humid or raining. I'll admit I got this flower before I even had tickets for Dîner en Blanc, maybe it's my lucky charm for getting me on the list this year (I read there were over 30,000 on the waitlist!).  I kept the jewelry simple to let the dress and flower shine. To have my wallet and phone on me if I went to the dance floor or socializing, I chose my gold leather wristlet which was perfect also for carrying my receipts and phone when standing in line to pick up the food and wine we ordered.

Dîner en Blanc is rain or shine. I planned my outfit before I knew the exact forecast, but we ended up with perfect weather – it was around 70 degrees, sunny, with the occasional light breeze. Last minute I ordered two of this fan from Amazon for me and my sister. We only used them for a bit when we were in full sun waiting to go to the secret destination, but I bet we would have really been happy to have them if it was any warmer.

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In: Outfit Posts, Summer · Tagged: Diner en Blanc, ELOQUII, Etsy

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Comments

  1. Christine says

    August 31, 2017 at 9:26 pm

    You look beautiful!

    Reply
  2. Anamarie says

    August 30, 2017 at 9:25 pm

    The Minneapolis, MN event is usually in June, but was rescheduled for July due to rain. It’s organized via a private FB page and there are no tickets. The date is set well ahead of time, but the location is secret until an hour before the dinner starts. This year, we gathered at a beautiful lake in the middle of the city and it was magical! One thing people don’t understand (about our event anyway) is that each attendee has to bring everything they need for the night – tables, chairs, plates, tablecloths, napkins, glasses, food, beverages, decorations. This was our second year and our group is really planning to bring it next year! We had our checklists and easy to transport food ready to go, it was so much fun! https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d837d0b7e6eb390b48c47b20dfd22b90fa8e203501faf121d606d01666b698ec.jpg

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      August 31, 2017 at 8:00 am

      Oh you look fabulous! Yes, we too had to bring absolutely everything. I hope next week or the week after to have a post about the logistics. My sister totally went into music festival mode and had spreadsheets and did a dry run of the table setup the week prior. She was the best date since I was too busy that week at work to think about anything!

      Reply
      • Anamarie says

        August 31, 2017 at 7:59 pm

        Thanks! Yes, the key to a successful night is to be organized – and bring shout wipes! 😉

        Reply
  3. Lindsay says

    August 30, 2017 at 2:31 pm

    Your outfit is perfection!

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      August 31, 2017 at 7:58 am

      Thanks Lindsay!

      Reply
  4. Neti says

    August 30, 2017 at 11:09 am

    You look Fantabulous in this dress!!

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      August 31, 2017 at 7:58 am

      Thank you Neti!

      Reply
  5. Lorena Lorena says

    August 30, 2017 at 9:47 am

    We had DIner en Blanc here a few months ago and I read about it but did not care to investigate more. I have to say it seems like the perfect excuse to get dressed and in white. Usually long dressy white gowns are reserved for weddings and if you’re a guest, well you should not wear white… so options are limited. I love your dress and I think you looked beautiful.

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      August 31, 2017 at 7:58 am

      Thanks Lorena!

      Reply
  6. Rebekah Bryan says

    August 30, 2017 at 8:50 am

    You look beautiful! It sounds like a lot of fun!

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      August 31, 2017 at 7:58 am

      It was a really cool experience!

      Reply
  7. Jaymie Ashcraft says

    August 30, 2017 at 7:53 am

    Stunning!!!!!

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      August 31, 2017 at 7:58 am

      Thanks Jaymie!

      Reply
  8. Luvmika87 says

    August 30, 2017 at 7:20 am

    Very beautiful outfit for such a beautiful event! <3

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      August 31, 2017 at 7:58 am

      Thank you!

      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 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

View

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

wardrobe_oxygen

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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

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

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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

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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!

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).

wardrobe_oxygen

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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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