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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 😂
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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Fashion Advice · September 14, 2010

White After Labor Day – Breaking it Down

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. 

Every year, as soon as September hits, every blog writes about wearing white after Labor Day. And every blog seems to say it’s okay NOW.

Then they post pictures of ivory wool coats, ecru shearling boots, snowy angora sweaters and the random off-white belt over a black merino sweaterdress.

Well the “rule” of No White after Labor Day never included ivory, winter white, or basic shirts. The rule is about summery white items – chinos, pique dresses, eyelet skirts, and peeptoe slingbacks. I don’t care what designer sends white items down the runway, for regular folks (that means me and probably you if you are reading this), wearing summery white items after Labor Day looks tacky.

I wrote about wearing white after Labor Day before, and that post gets almost as many hits as my post about wardrobe staples. I think people are confused, and all these posts saying that white is now acceptable is making things more confusing.

White that is Acceptable:

eva longoria parker white jeans
Eva Longoria Parker, courtesy of Rue de Chic Blog


White Jeans. Not white denim skirts, not white denim shorts, not a white purse made out of denim, and not white Capri jeans. White jeans. And if you wear these white jeans, it should be with a darker top and darker shoes to balance it out and not make you look like the middle of June.

A pair of white jeans with black booties and a black cashmere turtleneck is eternally chic. Pairing white jeans with charcoal gray, camel, khaki and other neutrals can be quite lovely no matter the weather. The jeans should be heavyweight, and I personally prefer the jeans to have a slight off-white hue or tan stitching to make them look a bit more comfortable during cold months.

White Shirts. No one is asking you to pack away your white button-downs, white sweaters, white tanks and shells. White is fine to wear on the top half of your ensemble – just as with anything else keep the look appropriate to the weather. If it’s warm, go ahead and wear a short sleeved white blouse or tee, if it’s cool there’s nothing wrong with a white merino crewneck or tailored white shirt.

Ashley Olsen, courtesy of joobeelicious


White Jackets.  We're talking heavier weight blazers and novelty jackets.  I used to have a crisp white stretch twill blazer with black piping and buttons that I would pair with black trousers or dark jeans.  Since the white was of a heavier fabric, in a seasonless silhouette and balanced by darker colors and fabrics, it worked.  However with this, if you are unsure pass it by.  A white denim jacket can look tres summery on one woman and quite appropriate on the other.

Not-Quite-White. Winter white, ivory, French vanilla, ecru, bisque, foam,whatever you call it – if it's not stark white, it's not white and it's wearable year-round.

White for True Fashionistas. I have written about True Fashionistas before. These are the folks who can carry off runway looks on a work day, somehow look fantastic in the most random vintage pieces, have a true passion for fashion, and don’t read blogs like this because they have complete confidence in their established personal style.

True Fashionistas can carry off white patent peeptoe booties in November, pairing a white cotton gauze sundress with a black body suit and thigh-high boots, making eyelet look fresh and current with a leather blazer.

Today I was walking to my office and I saw a woman in a white heavy cotton shirt dress. She had the collar popped, a scarf tucked into the neckline, a very wide leather belt with chains on it, and peeptoe booties with socks. Her hair was natural, she must have been wearing 30 various bracelets and a pair of gold aviators. She didn’t look summery at all because of her strong accessories. But the thing is, not every woman can carry off that look, and if they try, they rarely can carry it off correctly. I love fashion, many people compliment me on my personal style, but I know that even so, there’s no way I could carry off a white dress after Labor Day in such a fabulous fashion. If you wonder if you too can do it, I hate to say it but you probably can not.

What that is Not Acceptable:

ashley tisdale white dress
Ashley Tisdale, courtesy of Chic Stories


Lightweight White. Sateen, gauze, voile, linen… great fabrics in the summer. When paired with white, the look can be cool, elegant, relaxed. Once the cooler months come, they look obviously out of place. A black gauze top can transition into fall FAR better than one that is white.

White Shoes. Unless they are sneakers (or you are a True Fashionista), white shoes aren’t cool when the weather is cool. I honestly think that regardless of the time of year, white shoes should be left to little children, nurses, and brides. A tan or skin-colored shoe will be just as summery, far more versatile, and do a better job at elongating your leg and highlighting your frock.

White Skirts. Yesterday as I walked home from work, I saw a woman who was wearing a black twinset, a red stone necklace, a pair of black leather peeptoes, and a white twill pencil skirt. Yes, the rest of her outfit was seasonally appropriate in weight and color, but that white skirt stuck out like a sore thumb (and also accented her VPL). White skirts always look summery. If you want a light colored skirt, a winter white, cream, or ivory skirt will give the same effect but look great in September (or December!).

White Capris. Same as with skirts. Pair white sateen capris with a charcoal cashmere turtleneck and black ballet flats, and you look like a woman who spilled something on her first pair of pants and in a hurry grabbed from the box that was to go up in the attic. White capris are for summer cookouts, winery tours, outdoor baby showers, but not for fall.

Final Words…
If you don’t like this rule, no one is telling you that you HAVE to follow it. This blog is about how to have style, my ideas on how to be stylish regardless of age, figure, budget, or lifestyle. I don’t believe that white is stylish between Labor Day and Memorial Day. Call me old fashioned, but I believe that this “rule” is a classic, and classics are always in style!

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In: Fashion Advice

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Comments

  1. Shoeaddict says

    September 22, 2010 at 7:35 pm

    I am a southern girl and believe this rule 100%. I personally feel like you do about white shoes- no one looks good in them except babies, small children, nurses and brides.

    Reply
  2. squeezle says

    September 16, 2010 at 8:36 pm

    This is one style rule I’ve never agreed with. If it’s 85 degrees outside, I won’t think twice about rocking a white skirt.

    Reply
  3. Anonymous says

    September 15, 2010 at 1:55 pm

    It’s tacky when other bloggers advertise their blog in comments.
    And your pantsuit from 2007 is neither chic nor pure white.

    -BRAINWASH (I’m back baby!)

    Reply
  4. Anonymous says

    September 15, 2010 at 1:52 pm

    Great advice, as usual!!

    Reply
  5. kathy says

    September 15, 2010 at 1:22 pm

    Love that white pantsuit! You look fabulous in it.

    Love this post too Allie. You totally nailed it.

    Reply
  6. WendyB says

    September 15, 2010 at 3:38 am

    How about white pantsuits? 🙂
    http://wendybrandes.com/blog/2007/09/life-is-not-cabaret-stop-calling-me-old-chum/

    Reply
  7. Anonymous says

    September 14, 2010 at 11:05 pm

    As someone living in Southern California, I’ve seen that rule broken here. But still, I have to say your description is pretty accurate even in warmer climates. If I was at the beach, well then no, I can wear something a bit more summery. But taking my kids to school in Sept in 90F weather, I will wear something cool but not ‘summery’. I’ve seen women wear there suede winter boots in 85F degree weather in November, in desperation for a season change lol!

    Reply
  8. FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com says

    September 14, 2010 at 10:55 pm

    I think I’d agree with fabrics such as linen and lightweight fabrics are better off staying as summer staples if they are lighter coloured.

    As for white or any other kind of colour, I don’t see a rule in the actual colour, but only in perhaps the style, cut and fabric

    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

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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

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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

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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!

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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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