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

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

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

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

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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
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Beauty, Curly Hair · June 20, 2023

Why I’m Going Blonde at Age 48

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Going blonde in my 40s

Why I'm Going Blonde at Age 48

I haven’t written about how I have recently changed my hair color. I didn’t have any grand plans to go blonde, but you’ve seen on Instagram and in recent outfit posts that my hair is lighter. After bleaching my hair blonde two decades ago I swore I’d never do it again because the maintenance was so intense. However, at age 48 I am finding blonde-ish hair to actually be lower maintenance than keeping my original brunette tresses.

Change Your Hair, Change Your Life?

I am no stranger to, “Change your hair change your life.” It began in middle school, when armed with a photo of Tiffani Amber-Thiessen, I went to a proper hair salon for the first time and asked for the same layered cut. Not realizing I had curly hair, such a cut had me look less like Kelly Kapowski and more like a member of REO Speedwagon.

9th grade high school
High school, I think 9th grade. I'm the one with the choppy flat black hair in the front. Please tell me your high school also had personality photos!

I was devastated, but then leaned into it, playing with hair accessories and then color. I dabbled in Sun-In, soaked my tresses in Red Zinger tea and Kool-Aid, and got daring with Manic Panic. In high school I got more daring with my hair. I cut off my hair a la Marie Fredriksson from Roxette and then dyed it blue-black a la Nice ‘n Easy. I shaved my head from eyebrow to eyebrow, gave myself an at-home perm, and tried almost every color on the shelf at the local Peoples Drugstore.

karl and me 1993
Karl and me, the summer of 1993. One of the many times I was a redhead.

Near the end of college I toned down my look but still had fun with color. I was really into red hair, and did several shades of auburn. Here I am with Karl at Niagara Falls the summer after 12th grade, and we both have some pretty fantastic early '90s do's going on!

Trying Blonde in College

Alison in college
When I was blonde in college, before it grew out and I ended up with pink roots. Check out those terrible brows and that tanning bed glow!

In college, with the back of my head still shaved, I tried pink and red and navy and then a la another Kelly (Taylor, 90210), cut it all off again and dyed it auburn. One time I bleached it blonde and it was really pretty until I had to bleach my roots and they turned pink and my hair so damaged it would break off in the shower.

Alison 21st birthday
Me on my 21st birthday, so psyched to finally get into The Santa Fe Cafe I had my picture taken with the bar staff. It rained that night and my brown hair dye dripped all over that white shirt and never came out.

I dyed it with temporary brown color to cover the mess, scared anything stronger would make my hair fall out. I'd have to add it back in after every shower. The photo above is my 21st birthday. It rained that night and that white shirt ended up covered in brown splatter from my hair color melting as I walked home from the bars.

After college, I had jobs in retail, apparel, and beauty where I had freedom to be creative with my hair. I’d braid it, iron it, curl it, and do at-home cuts and colors. I am glad that digital cameras and smartphones weren’t a thing then; while I rocked some of my styles, some required several tiny butterfly clips or Bobby pins to hold back the mess until it grew back.

Trying Blonde in my Early 20's

Alison blonde hair
Me on the right with my badly bleached and badly cut blonde hair, trying to make it work with creative eye makeup.

In 2001, I read a piece in Jane magazine about yet another Kelly (Osbourne) who put her hair in a side ponytail and cut it off to get her signature asymmetrical haircut. At 3am after a double shift, I pulled my my hair into a side ponytail and with a pair of kitchen shears lopped it off. Less than a week later, again at 3am after a double shift, armed with two boxes of L’Oreal Super Blue I went platinum. It was a dry, damaged mess, but I rocked it with iridescent green eye shadow and many bandanas covering the worst days.

When the roots started coming in, I remembered my last experience and just let the roots grow until they were past looking punk cool and then just dyed the whole head a new color (I think it was a black-brown). Soon after that I was promoted as a trainer for my company and felt I’d look more like a leader and authority with “adult” hair and went back to natural-ish colors and simpler cuts.

Since then, I have had occasional fun with color and cuts. When I was pregnant and thinking my youth was over, my stylist at the time indulged me by putting magenta and purple streaks in my hair. But in general, my late 20’s through my early 40’s were various shades of brown and the cuts anywhere from chin to shoulder blade. Any creativity usually came with bangs.

Going to a Professional for Hair Color

I got my first gray hair when I was 29, but I didn’t have enough to need to really cover roots until my late 30’s. By that point, I was established enough in my career to see the value and be able to afford regular salon visits where a professional, not a box from CVS would expertly cover my grays and make it look natural and healthy.

Alison curly hair
I believe this is the first time I went curly, thanks to Billy Maloy (right)!

I was searching for a new stylist and checked out a trendy salon I saw on Instagram. The first stylist I tried there was talented but I didn’t feel cool enough to be in their seat. The next one was a warmer, friendlier person but the cut didn’t feel me. As I sat under the dryer for that session I saw another stylist in the salon that caught my eye. He had the most glorious long silver hair and a fabulous laugh and seemed to be friends with everyone. I asked his name, and next hair appointment I made with the silver fox Billy Maloy.

And I am still trusting my hair to Billy Maloy, who now has his own salon in Silver Spring, Maryland. Billy is the one who encouraged me to embrace my natural texture and become a “curly girl.” And Billy isn’t afraid of experimenting, encouraging me to step out of my “curly brown shag” box.

Changing Up My Look Every March

Alison hairstyles | Why I'm Going Blonde at Age 48
Red hair in March 2022, and then an ombred brownish shade six weeks later.

Each March, I come to Billy desiring a change-up. After months indoors for winter, spring arrives and I feel sallow and sad and boring. Last March, we went with a shorter French bob with bangs and a red color which was fun, but didn’t feel like me. The thing with hair is it is easy to change. You can cut it, let it grow, dye it, dye it again. And Billy the genius took it from red to this ombre brown to blonde that grew our beautifully.

I didn't regret it, making a big change pushes you to see things differently, especially yourself. You literally see yourself differently, and it makes you reassess your closet, your makeup, your priorities. Is the hair too high maintenance? Do you have inspiration to be more bold with what you wear? Do folks address your differently? How does it feel? So this March, when I was feeling the “Change my hair, change my life” tug, I went with it. I had been watching Poker Face on Peacock and was inspired by Natasha Lyonne's messy shaggy blonde hair.

Going Blonde at Age 48
Adding blonde to my hair for the first time in over 20 years

Having Billy, not a box of bleach in my bathroom, bring on the color felt safer to me. And partial highlights of a sandy color meant it could grow out beautifully if I decided it wasn’t for me. Along with the blonde partial highlights, I asked Billy for a bit of a mullet; above is a picture I took when I got home from that salon visit. I felt very modern and cool yet still me.

Less Makeup and Less Visible Roots

Unlike when I have gone darker brown or red, my blondish hair didn’t require a change of makeup or clothing colors. My everyday face, even my brows still looked right. So right, a lot of folks didn’t even notice the color change. Most just asked if I went on vacation, some folks saying I looked tan or “sunkissed.” As a woman over 40 who had been indoors all winter and hadn’t been in the sun, I loved those compliments. I was surprised how a few blonde highlights brightened up my face more than any new makeup product.

Folks didn’t notice I was going blonde, but also wasn’t noticed was my roots. Usually around five weeks I start seeing roots. My hair isn’t even gray enough to be called salt and pepper but there is enough to make my already thin hair look thinner. The grays were so close to my scalp color no volumizing product could counteract their ability at even one-eighth an inch, to make my hair look thin and patchy.

Alison and family
This is seven weeks after adding blonde. At this point I'd be freaking out about my roots, covering them with powder or spray. I wasn't even thinking about them when this photo was taken!

But the partial blonde highlights turned my hair into a calico cat. Some were paler, some were darker, and with spring here and me outside more, my natural auburn highlights were beginning to show. When my grays grew in I didn’t notice. In fact, when it was time for my scheduled hair appointment I considered rescheduling to a few weeks later. But the “mullet’ was growing out and needed a shape-up.

partial blonde highlights
Hey girl, move a little closer… you're too shy shy

At that next appointment, Billy added a few more blonde highlights and didn’t cut much to let the mullet grow out so we could end up with a longer curly shag. It was exactly what I wanted, but I felt I looked a bit Kajagoogoo with my blonde on top and brown “party in back” heading towards my shoulder blades.

Summer was coming, and I remembered how easy it was having a curly shag that ended before my shoulders. It could air dry, it looked good sweaty, it fit well under a hat, and even when it was bad it didn’t look that bad. So after a few weeks I went back to Billy.

Managing Curly Hair as a Blonde

We discussed the blonde, and how much I liked it. I found maintenance for this color was quite easy. I continued to use LUS Brands | Luv Ur Self shampoo, conditioner, and all-in-one Wavy styler for my curls. Once a week, I’d use the LUS Brands deep conditioner. I also bought Oribe shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair and would use that on days when I knew I didn’t need my curls to be popping. Oribe is ultra moisturizing and makes my hair look super soft and healthy, but it's not great for curls. I use it like a treatment and think it helps.

Going Blonde at Age 48
I didn't even realize how blonde I was until my friend Gretchen and I took this photo together and I looked as blonde as she!

I said I liked the blonde, and wanted it to be consistent, not just face-framing highlights. I also said while I had worked to get my hair longer, I was ready to cut it off again to have the ease of my summer curly shag. Since I was growing out a mullet with shorter sides, Billy cut the hair to let it all grow together again. And for color, he did highlights all over, not just in front, using a sandy blonde color so it wasn’t too golden and wouldn’t look brassy.

Blonde Hair Equals More Volume

Going blonde does damage one’s hair, but with Billy’s expertise and me not over-shampooing and hardly using hot tools on it, the only effect I’ve found on my hair has been a positive one – more body. As someone with thin hair that has gotten thinner since I hit my 40’s, I’ve struggled to have natural looking, low-maintenance volume while hiding my scalp.

I’ve used mousses, sprays, Velcro rollers, tease combs, and Toppik to achieve volume and scalp coverage. Who would have thought curly blonde hair was the key to it all?

Blonde Hair Means Less Makeup

As we get older, our skin loses a lot of color. What was our natural color can end up making us look washed out, especially if we dye it to maintain that hue. I had been lightening my brown over the years; I can remember when my hair was almost black and I loved that Snow White effect. But I found over the years I had to apply more makeup to balance that intense color.

Celebrities Over 40 Going Blonde

Celebrities Over 40 Going Blonde
Celebrities over 40 adding caramel and sandy hues to their hair:
top row: Penelope Cruz, Halle Berry, Angelina Jolie
bottom row: Melissa McCarthy, Olivia Wilde, Drew Barrymore

Since adding blonde highlights to my hair, I’ve noticed many other famous brunettes doing the same once they hit their 40’s and 50’s. Penelope Cruz and Angelina Jolie have both slowly gone from deep dark brunette to honey shades. Melissa McCarthy and Drew Barrymore have both had blonde tresses over the years, but now it’s a soft caramel that isn’t quite blonde, not quite brown. Same with Olivia Wilde and Halle Berry, both who have played with blonde but their current shade is a sandy hue that doesn’t fight against their skintone and require more makeup and maintenance.

Being Blonde Over 40 is Easier Than Trying to Maintain My Natural Color

Being Blonde Over 40
While I am a bit tan here (Dr. Dennis Gross Glow Pads FTW), you can see how little makeup I need with the blonde hair. A touch of concealer, mascara, brows, bronzer, and gloss.

When I was blonde in my 20’s I needed a lot of makeup to make it work. Even if I spent the entire summer at the pool, I still wouldn’t get a single blonde strand in my hair. It wasn’t natural for me and my coloring so I had to play a lot with foundation, blush, and brows to have it look natural. I often just went the opposite route, playing up the unnatural color with darker brows and bold red lips, occasionally with an extreme smokey eye.

But at 48, this blonde is softer, has more depth, and has a sandy tone that helps my skin glow from within. I can go without makeup and not look like death warmed over. My five-minute face looks a lot more “done” than the same products and process when I was a brunette. And to have more volume and less visible roots? Going blonde at 48 has been a win/win/win.

alison signature

In: Beauty, Curly Hair

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Comments

  1. Cie says

    June 24, 2023 at 6:32 am

    sitting here at 51 with purple Manic Panic in my (thanks for finally showing up!) sun-streaked blonde hair. You’re the best for sharing your adventures with us, Ali–failures, successes, and all.

    Reply
  2. Erin G says

    June 21, 2023 at 10:14 pm

    As usual- so timely for me- I had hoped to get my gray roots colored before a trip this weekend but no luck. So I decided to wait out the summer and see what my color looks like. My base is dark brown that I get highlighted blonde but is probably 50% or more gray!! Thinking maybe I
    Should transition to some gray/white highlights- I do like that brightness around my face!

    Reply
  3. Arlene says

    June 21, 2023 at 9:07 am

    Love it! I did the same, certainly made the transition to natural silver in my mid 60’s.

    Reply
  4. Karin says

    June 20, 2023 at 8:13 pm

    The blonde looks great! I too find blonde highlights are key to giving my flat hair more body. LOVE all the photos of your hair history and sweet family. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  5. Michelle says

    June 20, 2023 at 6:15 pm

    Your hair looks great! I’d noticed it was lighter but just thought you’d been out in the sun more. Obviously, you’ve got quite the healthy glow going on! I’ve had a few brunette friends go blonde rather drastically & then slowly work their hair back to a more caramel color, which looks good. This is giving me lots to think about with my own hair. I’m 51, a brunette who gets my hair professionally colored regularly, & although I don’t have tons of gray yet, I do want them covered right now. But slowly lightening up might be a direction to go.

    Reply
  6. Dmc says

    June 20, 2023 at 1:27 pm

    I’m struck by how beautiful your whole family is. I think it’s your sister, mom and daughter? Your daughter is looking so lovely as she approaches high school

    Reply
  7. RoseAG says

    June 20, 2023 at 1:06 pm

    When I got my formerly brown hair grown out into it’s current salt/pepper one of the best features is that I’m no longer styling my hair to avoid an obvious rootline.
    If going blond helps you calico-cat into longer periods before touch-ups and styles that aren’t 100% aimed at avoiding rootlines then it’s a win!

    Reply
  8. Julia says

    June 20, 2023 at 12:51 pm

    I was naturally a dark brunette, much like you, when I was younger and I too have been adding a lot of blond to my hair in my 40s! I am letting my gray come in pretty much naturally, but I like to add blond highlights to make the brightness in my hair more even and flattering. My stylist does such a good job of placing the highlights so they are harmonious with my gray, as well as the bit of dark color still hanging around. I never would have thought that I would be so happy with so much blond but it is such a great fit, and so low in maintenance!

    Reply
  9. Rebecca says

    June 20, 2023 at 12:50 pm

    You look good as a blonde, but I was close to blonde for several years and when I went back to my “natural” dark brunette (my natural shade, but I started going gray at age 30), I realized how much better I look as a brunette. Yep, I get salon color every 4-5 weeks and it’s not cheap, but I’ve been doing it for so many years now that I don’t really think about it. WOW makes a good root touch up. A lot of my friends went blonde in their 40s, but it’s not me. I’ll be brunette until I feel like my skin matches my age, and then I’ll go gray. Even then, my stylist said I might want color if my gray is more drab than striking.

    Reply
  10. Michelle says

    June 20, 2023 at 12:07 pm

    Love it! I’m 44 and two years ago starting getting professional highlights. My hair had gone from light brown to a very dark brown through my 30s (and 3 kids) and I found, like you, that it was challenging to get makeup right. My stylist is amazing, it grows out beautifully, I only need to get it done every 5-6 months, and it looks amazing.

    Reply
  11. Krista says

    June 20, 2023 at 10:52 am

    Your blond hair looks great! I colored my hair red for so many years that my husband couldn’t even remember me as a brunette. But about three years ago, I decided it was time to start the transition to my natural, mostly gray hair. I wanted to see what was really under there. It took six hours and my stylist is a saint but we got it there, a pretty, ashy blond with rose gold tint. I rocked that for a while and we gradually stopped coloring the roots and started letting them come in. But I got bored, so we dyed it all purple. Funny thing, because of the different processes on my then long hair, I ended up with a natural ombre that was awesome! White to lavender to purple to violet. Once I had enough gray to cut it off, we did. Now I have the gorgeous purple “Highlights” in my curls and I could not be happier. I honestly wish I’d done it sooner. I don’t look as old as I thought I would. I think instead I look more fierce.

    Reply
    • Erin G says

      June 21, 2023 at 10:09 pm

      Ooh- do u have pics of this process?? Would love
      To see it!

      Reply
  12. Doxylover says

    June 20, 2023 at 10:51 am

    You look beautiful-love the blonde! It’s fun to change up style/color. I recently tried going gray (white for me) and hated it so back to being a redhead again. In the end I really believe it’s what makes us feel best about ourselves! To each their own. Thanks for this.

    Reply
  13. Catherine says

    June 20, 2023 at 10:28 am

    Oh my gosh I love all the pics with the different hair!! I have been there. I, too, love to experiment with hair. Bleached my light brown hair white-blonde a la Madonna in the 80s, shaved one side of my head, had a long run with Sun-In and Frost’n’Tip (remember that??). Later, when I could afford professional highlights, my hair was highlighted for thirty years. Red highlights, strawberry blonde highlights – the gamut. I loved it.
    And then about a year ago at age 59 I decided to experiment again. I let the grey grow in long enough to get a pixie cut. I haven’t looked back. My hair is healthier, thicker, and has lovely natural silver highlights. I get compliments on my hair all the time now.
    I love the blonde on you. But perhaps in about fifteen years you too will be posting about the beauty of silver hair. Who knows?

    Reply
  14. Evelyn says

    June 20, 2023 at 9:38 am

    Love your sense of humor, which shines through almost every one of your posts! I am pushing 70 and, while I believe a completely dyed to natural hair color head of hair is not a good look for me, I’m not ready to give in to the mousy in-between natural and gray head of hair. My solution is highlights and low lights. No roots, no fussy maintenance and it’s more natural looking. Anything to liven the old girl up, right?

    Reply
  15. Susan Braverman says

    June 20, 2023 at 9:21 am

    Love it! I’m blonde (or used to be) but for me I need to add lowlights to my hair during the summer so I don’t look like a washed out mess! I love how it thickens my hair. And my gray roots don’t show like my dark haired sister! Win win 🙂

    Reply
  16. Marty says

    June 20, 2023 at 8:28 am

    Love your blonde curls! It looks great on 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 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! 🧡

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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