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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!
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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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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
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 😂
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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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Corporate Fashion, Capsule Wardrobes, Fashion Advice · January 8, 2018

What to Wear When Running for Political Office: The Woman Candidate’s Capsule Wardrobe

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. 

This post contains affiliate links; if you click on a link and make a purchase Wardrobe Oxygen may make a small commission.
What to Wear When Running for Office: The Political Candidate’s Capsule Wardrobe for WomenIt’s 2018 but when you Google what to wear when running for political office, what to wear for a political campaign, or any other similar search almost all advice is old and geared towards men.  Where's the advice for women political candidates? At the October Women’s Convention in Detroit, Emily’s List stated over 20,000 women thad already decided to run in 2017, and about 40% of those women were running in local elections.  While women are more than half of our country’s population, in 2017 only 19.4% of Congress, 23.7% of statewide elective, and 24.9% of state legislatures were female. Not only does having more women in office better represent our population and help support women-related issues, having women in politics benefits the entire country.  A few stats:

  • U.S. congresswomen bring home roughly 9% more discretionary spending than congressmen. As a result, districts that elect women to the House of Representatives receive, on average, about $49 million more each year
  • 57% of female legislators were more likely to opt for government in public view rather than government behind closed doors, compared to 32% of men
  • Nations with a woman in the top leadership position have a 6.8% greater increase in GDP growth versus those with a man in such a position

Over the past year I struggled with how to help our country while running a fashion blog. That is until two readers in Texas reached out asking if I would assist them with a seminar on how women should dress when running for political office.  In their area, they had many brilliant, successful, and passionate women run for office but weren’t sure how to dress for their new profession. They were comfortable dressing for their day jobs as attorneys, teachers, doctors, scientists, and more but needed assistance with the transition to the public sector.  I reached out to Rosana Vollmerhausen, Founder and Chief Personal Stylist of the personal styling company DC Style Factory who has experience dressing politicians in the Nation’s Capital and its suburbs.  Together we created a capsule wardrobe of just 14 items that will dress a woman for all her political events during a campaign and a corresponding seminar to support female candidates one-on-one with campaign style.  We conducted this seminar twice in 2017 and look to conduct many more in 2018.

This post delves into the basics from our seminar – the capsule wardrobe for female politicians and tips on what to wear to the basic campaign events:

  • Door-to-door canvassing
  • Casual fundraising at a home or somewhere in your community
  • Slightly more formal fundraising at a restaurant or event hall
  • Cocktail party event
  • Town hall

What to Wear when Running for Political Office: A Capsule Wardrobe for the Woman Candidate

capsule wardrobe fopr running for office. style and grooming tips for the female candidateshop similar pieces featured in this capsule wardrobe:
solid colored sheath dress with sleeves (plus size option) | slim belt | loafer or structured flat with almond or pointed toe (option with widths) | block heel pump with almond or pointed toe (option with widths) | small pendant necklace or signature everyday piece of jewelry | dressy statement necklace | black straight leg or “cigarette” pants (plus size option) | dark denim jeans with a straight cut and free of embellishments or distressing (plus size option) | dressy clutch purse | sheer hosiery (plus size option) | soft jacket (plus size option) | another soft jacket with a bit more structure (plus size option) | silky solid-colored blouse (plus size option) | another blouse with good drape (plus size option)

With just 14 pieces, you can be dressed for any event that comes your way as a political candidate, no matter your audience.  This capsule is only a guide, not gospel, and can be adjusted for your specific needs, culture, or climate.  Before dissecting this capsule, let’s see how it can work for the most common campaign events and why these specific items were chosen.

How to Dress for Canvassing Door-to-Door

 This is by far the most labor-intensive activity when running for office. The key message for this look is “Relatable.” Your goal is to have people listen to you, trust you, and relate to you. What you wear has to be something anyone would wear, just a bit more elevated.

what to wear when canvassing door to door as a political candidateDenim is a way to look relatable, and this look elevates it a notch above jeans and a tee shirt. A dark or “rinse” pair of jeans in a straight cut is the most universally flattering and far more versatile than skinny, bootcut, wide leg, or flare jeans.  Choose a pair free of whiskering, distressing, or embellishments. Such jeans can be found at most any pricepoint; consider a hint of Lycra for stretch and comfort.  With these jeans wear the flat shoes from the capsule wardrobe; there are many comfort brands that beautifully marry comfort and style to keep you feeling great as you pound the pavement.  With it wear one of the silky blouses in a color you love and a jacket or soft layering third piece to complete the look.  Add your pendant necklace or signature accessory for interest and a touch of shine.

How to Dress for a Fundraising Event

The key word for a fundraising event is “Trustworthy.”  When you are fundraising, you are asking people to trust you enough to contribute their money to support your candidacy.

what to wear for a casual fundraising event when a political candidateThis look is for a more casual fundraising event, possibly at a neighbor’s house. This is a way to meet people right in your community in an intimate setting; the goal is to look approachable but slightly dressier than your look for canvassing.  Just by switching from jeans to a pair of straight leg trousers accomplishes this effect.  Not pictured but you tuck in your blouse and have belt loops, you should wear a belt.. While the blouse changed, honestly you can wear the same one for canvassing; that’s the beauty of this capsule wardrobe – so many pieces are interchangeable.

what to wear for a fundraising event when a political candidateThis look is a bit more formal for a fundraising event at a restaurant or other local business.  Just by choosing a more structured jacket, you accomplish it without having to change any other aspect of the look.  While the jacket here is cropped, a longer jacket or structured sweater jacket would also work nicely.  Look for jackets out of ponte knit which have as much stretch as yoga pants but look refined enough for such an event.

The goal is clean, polished, not too distracting.  You are selling your message, not your personal style.  You wish to appeal to a broad range of constituents who have different backgrounds, beliefs, cultures, and lifestyles. Solid colors over prints let your words take the spotlight, are less memorable, and photograph better. For fundraising events, unless they’re at a picnic or other uber-casual event, steer clear of denim and tee shirts.  Pieces should have a bit of structure – not sloppy cardigans, oversized pieces, or anything that clings or bags.

What to Wear to a Political Cocktail Party

The key word behind this sort of look is “Sophisticated.”  At cocktail events you are schmoozing, it’s an opportunity to showcase your personality as you rub elbows with other politicians and larger donors.  Your look should be elevated: formal, classic, and elegant. For this look it’s a similar concept to the previous outfits – polished and simple enough so that your message and not your outfit take the spotlight.

what to wear to a cocktail party when you are a political candidateA solid colored tailored dress is the best choice.  A black dress is featured here, but you can do most any color.  The hem should hit one of three points – directly above the knee, at the middle of the knee, or directly below.  Any longer and the dress can look too long.  Opt for sleeves unless you love your arms.  There is no layering for this look (no shrugs, boleros, cardigans, or wraps); your dress, no matter the color acts as a not-so little black dress and should be able to stand on its own.  For fabrics, look for crepe, silk, ponte knit, matte jersey, and classic suiting fabrics.  A lined dress will hang better and look more elevated.

You’ll be on your feet for many hours, a block-heel pump will provide more stability and better distribute weight than a skinny heel.  This sort of heel is on trend right now so you can find a great variety at retailers of all pricepoints.  A pointed or almond toebox will make the shoe more elegant and formal.

To dress up this look, add one statement accessory.  While this capsule wardrobe features a necklace, you could switch it out for a brooch or earrings.  However, only choose one statement piece above the bustline.  A smaller clutch purse with a bit of sparkle will also help make the dress look more formal; many of these purses come with a delicate chain strap so you can hang it off your shoulder to have your hands free for meet and greets and hors d’ourves.  For a formal event, opaque tights are not dressy enough. Thanks to Kate Middleton, sheer hosiery is back in style and you can find really sheer natural ones in all sizes and pricepoints (the lower the denier number, the more sheer the hosiery). Sheer black stockings are acceptable, but only if you’re wearing black pumps.

What to Wear for a Town Hall

\The key word for this look is “Authority.”  You are the expert on the issues and the best to handle such issues.  Your look has to convey this authority; the effect is polished, tailored, and fierce.  This is a more formal business look, but NOT a suit.  Separates will better accomplish the effect you desire.

what to wear when participating in a town hall as a political candidateThis look also incorporates the dress from the capsule wardrobe, but layered with a more structured jacket it achieves a completely different effect.  Your jacket can be any length; a longer car coat can be quite flattering and look great over a sheath, a-line shift, or wrap dress.  You wish to use a more structured jacket, preferably one with subtle texture or print in place of classic suiting material. You want to look formal and powerful, but accessible at the same time and fabric choice can make all the difference.  Another plus to a subtle pattern or texture – no visible sweat marks!  Adding your signature accessory provides interest and shine without being too distracting.

For such an event, steer clear of bright red, white, gray, or optic prints.  None of these do well on camera and town halls are often photographed and televised. If you wish to do pants, you could wear the black pants from the capsule but dress it up with the pumps and a more structured jacket or longer car coat.

How to Shop on a Budget

  • Lord & Taylor is a great resource for budget-friendly yet polished workwear. You may find better selection online. Check our their in-house brand Nipon Boutique which carries stylish workwear in regular and plus sizes and nothing is over $100.
  • Buy cheap and spend on a tailor.  When your clothes fit your body and proportions, you will look more expensive.  To find a tailor or seamstress, ask at bridal boutiques and men’s clothing stores – their in-house tailor may also take on side work. Nordstrom provides alterations on any clothing purchased at their store.
  • Don’t spend a lot on blouses.  Blouses are only a base layer that is usually partially hidden under a jacket or cardigan so you can scrimp on this piece. A poly-blend fabric is much less expensive than silk, easier to launder, and doesn’t wrinkle either.
  • Shop Poshmark, eBay, and ThreadUp with caution… and a mission. Online resale sites can be great for bargains, but if you don’t go in with a strategy you could get sucked in by a great deal and end up going off course.  My suggestion is to use it to shop for a very specific item – if you know the brand, the style name, the size that fits, the fabric, and color you desire you can search these sites and possible find it at a lower price.

Grooming Tips for the Political Candidate

We often forget that to have a really cohesive and polished look we have to not only address our style and wardrobe, but also hair and makeup.  The key here is just like it is for your wardrobe – to be you, only a bit more polished and defined.  This is not the time to get a makeover, we’re not looking for a Glamour Shots effect.

  • If you never wear makeup, don’t jump into full face.  You still want to be authentic to who you are.  A bit of concealer can even skintone and reduce dark circles without looking obvious. L’Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Concealer is a great formula, comes in a broad range of colors, and is available at most drug stores. Mascara is a great way to define your eyes without looking too done up. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara is a lightweight formula that won’t clump.
  • If you are comfortable with makeup, you may wish to head into Sephora, Ulta, or your nearby department store to learn a few new techniques focusing on evening skintone, reducing dark circles, or finding a product that will last longer. I recommend visiting before lunch on a weekday when the store won’t be as busy.  Such makeovers are free in the hopes you will purchase something.
  • When you are on camera, shine can turn your face into a disco ball.  A translucent powder compact or pack of oil blotting papers should always be in your bag for events that may televised, be stressful, or too warm.

The ultimate goal is to define your features so you are you, only better o camera and from a distance.

What to Wear Under the Capsule Wardrobe: Foundation Garments

When you are on camera and in front of a crowd, details matter. You wish to have a smooth and polished look, and your underpinnings can make all the difference.

  • If you haven’t had a bra fitting recently, now is a good time.  A properly sized bra will be more comfortable, help your clothing lie better, and may even make you look slimmer.  You should be refitted for bras every year as your bust changes with age, weight fluctuation, and life changes.
  • Not all foundation garments squeeze, pinch, and suck you in.  I am a fan of this bodysuit from TC Intimates which work with your bra, prevent any rolls between bra and waist in the back, and give a smooth look without any gas pains or visible lines.  Such a piece is especially valuable when wearing a dress and more tailored garments.
  • When wearing pants and tailored skirts, look for undergarments that are seamless and promote being invisible under clothing.  I am a fan of Soma’s Vanishing Edge collection.

The Purpose of this Capsule Wardrobe

This capsule isn’t to make you spend a lot of money or be someone you’re not.  Men have a set uniform, women’s fashion is more complicated.  The goal of this capsule wardrobe is to simplify your fashion so you can focus on the issues that matter most to your community.  We want to see you succeed, and want to provide our knowledge to assist with that.

How to Host a Political Style Seminar for your Organization

Our seminar on style for the political candidate delves into the capsule wardrobe, how to style it in multiple ways, and advice on working with your existing closet, understanding color and print, tips on grooming and accessories, and shopping tips to make the process less painful and less expensive.  At the end of the seminar, we work individually with attendees who brought some of their campaign clothing for advice on styling, tailoring, and completing their existing wardrobe. If you are interested in having such a seminar take place in your area, with your group, or at your conference please contact Rosana Vollmerhausen at DC Style Factory.

capsule wardrobe for running for office - What to Wear When Running for Office- The Political Candidate’s Capsule Wardrobe for Women

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In: Corporate Fashion, Capsule Wardrobes, Fashion Advice · Tagged: Rosana Vollmerhausen

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Comments

  1. Aminat Danmole says

    April 30, 2021 at 3:27 pm

    This is exactly what I needed! Would you be willing to do an updated post on this, many of the links I found for my favorite no longer work.

    Reply
  2. Curvy CEO says

    June 28, 2018 at 1:23 pm

    Fantastic post! I have one suggestion, though – instead of translucent powder (which can make one look ghostly in pictures), I would recommend going with something like Mally’s Face Defender…it mattifies your skin without leaving any sort of cast. And YES to the oil blotting papers. Both are great to use before hitting a stage—especially if there is any sort of spotlight!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      June 29, 2018 at 5:15 pm

      Awesome thank you so much for this suggestion!

      Reply
  3. Vanessa Friedman says

    June 11, 2018 at 6:34 pm

    I am trying to reach you for a story I am writing – please contact me at the above email

    Reply
  4. Paula says

    April 21, 2018 at 6:14 pm

    And I would add that (rightly or wrongly – I know it plays into gender stereotypes) voters like to see female candidates wearing some lighter or brighter colours at least on their upper body. So paler jackets and blouses are useful. While it’s not good that we have to participate in these expectations, I think female candidates need to use whatever strategies will help them get elected!

    Reply
  5. Paula says

    April 21, 2018 at 6:11 pm

    I’ve been a political candidate here in Australia and hope to be again. One extra piece I would suggest is a polished sundress and cardigan or comfortable skirt and blouse combination that can be worn to school fetes and other daytime community events where you might need to serve behind a counter or give a short speech. This is a combination I often wore and needed.

    Reply
  6. Alexis says

    January 11, 2018 at 9:20 pm

    This is a terrific capsule for many public-facing professional environments (hello, teaching). Thank you SO MUCH (and that black sheath dress with sleeves is truly excellent).

    Reply
  7. Annie says

    January 11, 2018 at 6:56 pm

    I loved the idea of this article! However, with 10 ad breaks (at least on my mobile version, I counted) throughout the piece, it was a bit distracting from the content. I know that you’ve been tweaking with your layout, just wanted to give you some feedback!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      January 12, 2018 at 6:03 pm

      Thank you for this feedback, that is more ads than I am comfortable with and will edit the settings!

      Reply
  8. Felicia says

    January 11, 2018 at 6:38 pm

    In regards to the question above about products for WOC, if you have the cash and extra time to find your shade, Rihanna’s fenty beauty line of foundation has 40 shades. It’s the only brand that has ever matched my skin perfectly and it has a matte finish, so it’s great for photos and interviews to combat that oily look! Fenty also has a couple simple lipsticks/lip gloss that can be a nice touch to any outfit and look good on all skin tones.

    In terms of hair, curly and kinky hair should be deep conditioned (I do it once a week) to prevent dryness and breakage, it will look smooth and healthy. You can find relatively cheap conditioning packets in beauty stores and target. I would also caution WOC with curls or kinks that want to go the straight hair route if that’s something they haven’t done before. Not worth the damage to adhere to such beauty standards.

    If you’re low on cash which I know many candidates are, I often go to thrift stores in high-income suburbs and can get practically brand new name brand professional garments. You could probably obtain this whole capsule wardrobe from Savers for $100 and nobody would be the wiser!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      January 12, 2018 at 6:03 pm

      Thank you SO MUCH for this Felicia!

      Reply
  9. Kirstin says

    January 11, 2018 at 12:27 am

    Lovely article! I was wondering if you had any suggestions for a capsule wardrobe for an undergraduate business student? It seems like I need a little of everything (casual to formal) but don’t know how to make it all work. Especially on a budget!

    Reply
  10. Sacha says

    January 8, 2018 at 9:58 am

    Thank you for providing a resource where there wasn’t one! I love that about you.

    Just popping by to ask if you consulted with any Black or brown women for this post…? As a fellow white woman, I know we often lose sight of WOC’s experience being different than ours, and the impact of that erasure is profound even when the intent is inclusion. Small things like makeup sources that work for their skin tones and hair types are meaningful, at a minimum. I don’t know enough about the fashion and cosmetic products shown to say one way or another but I figured I’d at least mention it.

    Our society values WOC even less than WW and one thing WW can do is be aware of our (sometimes inadvertent) participation in the white supremacist patriarchy.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      January 8, 2018 at 10:09 am

      You make as great point. Cicapair may not work with darker skin tones though I know many Latina and Asian women who use and love it. I chose L’Oreal because they have such an extensive range of colors and also celebrate a wide range of skin tones in their advertising. I considered not including beauty/grooming because it’s so specific to skin tone, hair texture, skin type, age, health, and more but after the seminars realized some seemed to be needed. I do plan on updating this post with feedback to make it the best resource possible and your comment helps me do that, thank you!

      Reply
  11. Sara says

    January 8, 2018 at 9:32 am

    Great and helpful post, thanks! I am so excited about anything that gets more women to run for office!

    I also walked away with a lot of practical tips for myself, a non-politician and practical dresser. thank you!

    I did have a few quick responses related to my own experience as an occasional political donor and as a longtime makeup minimalist:

    I would probably suggest that the jeans be newer looking and less distressed than what you show in your capsule, for this purpose.

    I used to use Maybelline Great Lash and I agree it is the best drugstore mascara and better than many department store brands. A couple of years ago a friend turned me on to They’re Real Mascara which I get at Sephora. I like it even better, and I have heard from other fans that it is even less likely to cause eye irritation for women with sensitivities to makeup (which I don’t have).

    I will check out that L’Oreal Concealer and Cicapair, as I always want to keep my barely-there makeup regime on point! For years, with a lot of success, I have been using Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Cream Compact, applying it very selectively with a medium sized firm brush to cover up general redness. For blemishes, I use Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, with a small firm brush. I find both to be long lasting and they don’t Irritate or tend to flake on my quite dry skin. I just apply a couple of minutes after putting on my moisturizer/sunscreen. Both products come in a wide range of colors so I think address many skin tones. The prices may be on the high end, but you do need very little so they tend to last.

    Finally, since we can all use a laugh in the name of women’s empowerment, I submit the parody fashion blog site http://www.ladypockets.com for your amusement. I wish I had a genius grant to give the author so she’d post more often. I love her stuff.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      January 8, 2018 at 10:11 am

      Thanks so much for your suggestions Sara! These are great! I fully agree with you on the denim, but darker colors didn’t translate as well online, looking more like pants. I hope the words and links will help readers make the right choice. And thank you for sharing Ladypockets, that is amazing!!

      Reply
  12. Helen M. says

    January 8, 2018 at 9:30 am

    What a thoughtful post. Being a woman, especially a woman stepping into the public eye is complex. No matter how many women run for office and are elected, we will be judged on our appearance in a way men are not. I hope that potential women candidates for public office will find this useful in removing , or at least lowering, a barrier that may stand in the way. Thanks, Allie!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      January 12, 2018 at 6:04 pm

      Thanks Helen!

      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!

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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

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Sep 19

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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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Sep 11

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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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Sep 8

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I can see clearly now…

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

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

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

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

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Sep 5

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I’ll be a bit quiet on here and other channels because I had eye (retinal) surgery this past weekend. I was having what I thought were ocular migraines but come to find out I was experiencing lattice degeneration, which is thinning/holes in the retina. I had surgery Saturday for my right eye and later on they’ll work on the left eye, which isn’t as bad and can be remedied by laser, in office.

I share not because I’m Mrs. Frizzle meets Iris Apfel as I recuperate at home, but because this whole thing has been a lesson on trusting my gut. And I want to remind you to do the same.

As we get older our bodies can feel like strangers. Things are constantly changing and it’s easy to just assume your annual physical will catch anything wrong. But if you slow down and listen to your body you’ll know when things are just a sign of aging and life and what seems unusual. That nagging issue may be something more serious.

And if you’re seeing flashing lights, floaters, spiderwebs or other odd eye things get checked out ASAP. It may be nothing but take it from me, it may actually be something. ❤️

Okay, going back to my big sunglasses caftan recuperation life!

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Aug 30

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Ladies who lunch…

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

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

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

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

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Aug 29

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Scenes from a week in Savannah… 

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

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

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Aug 28

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Stripes are always right…

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

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

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

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

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