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The perfect red for the holiday season 💄

I love a red lipstick, especially in winter. It adds brightness to gray days and skin not exposed to the sun. Look in my dressing table and you’ll find at least a dozen different red lipsticks. But this winter my go-to red is “Relax” by @flyte.70 

Glossy but not sticky, long wearing but not drying, the Flyte.70 L+L.LipLacquer feels like a lip balm. One layer is a hint of color and shine; add more layers for more pigment, gloss, and impact. This isn’t the only Flyte.70 lip color I have and love; I regularly wear “Fast Car” which is a modern version of the brown lipsticks we loved in the 90s that looks so good with the neutrals popular right now.

And with products named after songs from the 80s and 90s I couldn’t not use this Frankie Goes to Hollywood song for this lip color!

This isn’t paid, it’s a PSA because I know it’s hard to find good red lip colors. And @flyte.70 is a U.S.-based woman-owned ethical beauty brand created specifically for U.S. grown women and I find the quality stellar.

Use code WOXYGEN15 for 15% off your order at Flyte.70

The quickest and cheapest way to update your wardrobe for the holidays is with a glossy red lip! 💄

#over40style #genxstyle #genxbeauty #flyte70
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The tree is trimmed! 🎄

When I was a single gal, I had the prettiest tree with a color story and theme. 20 years later, my tree is a hodgepodge of inherited ornaments, gifts from loved ones, and handmade pieces from both my childhood and by my child. And I think each year it veers further from the original concept the more beautiful it becomes!

My daughter and I donned our Santa hats, turned on the holiday playlist, a Yule log on the TV, and spent the afternoon getting our home into the Christmas spirit.

When she was little, my husband would pick her up so she could place the star on top of the tree. Now that she’s taller than I am, when he got home he just put his arm around her as she used the library stool to reach the top. Some traditions need to be modified with time but they’re still special! ⭐️

Top is a feather trimmed Breton from @talbotsofficial; the scarf as a belt is also Talbots but a few years old. The jeans are @landsend and the blanket on the chair in the second photo is by artist  @zanderschlacter
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My therapist recommended I walk outside more as I grieve the recent loss of my mom.

When it was time to pay for my mom’s funeral, the credit card I had in my wallet was my @bananarepublic Mastercard. I’ve had this card for decades because over the years, most of our family have worn some Gap brand. From onesies to tuxedos, we’ve updated our wardrobes with points.

And I got a serious chunk of points for charging my mom’s funeral expenses on my Banana card.

I decided to use them to buy clothes for winter outdoor walking. Nothing motivates me more than a chance to put together a cute outfit. This cute look is from @athleta, one of the few activewear brands that fits both my size and my style.

My Athleta purchase arrived on my doorstep and that day, a neighbor reached out, inviting me to join a group of women in our community who were supporting, not competing, to move 100k. I immediately said yes and signed up. 

This past week I hit 100k. And this past week week it has been two months she has been gone. I’m still going 💪 

Wearing XL. For reference I’m 5’3” and usually wear a size 14.

I share details on all my looks on the @shop.LTK app. You can use the app or desktop, search for @wardrobe_oxygen or use the link https://liketk.it/4pFaS
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Normalizing the normal everyday outfit…

It was a day of running errands, running to the office, and then running into friends. It rained off and on so I wanted shoes for potential puddles and a coat that wouldn’t soak through but also keep me warm.

The sweater is @universalstandard; I bought it thinking it was a bold purple but the color was off on the site and I got plum. But I think I like this better. I’m wearing a S. This is my second of this cardigan, it is super soft, dense, and holds up to washing. My other one I got a year ago and still wear all the time.

The jeans are @oldnavy and while they’re not perfect and stretch out throughout the day they were around $18 and I like the wash and weight of the denim. I’m wearing a 14 Short.

The boots are old Docs, the coat I got at @talbotsofficial last winter, and the bag is @maxwellscottuk and I’ve had for almost a decade. Earrings are @_jennybird, necklace is @gorjana. 

Disclosure: the coat was gifted last year but remains a favorite. The necklace was also gifted about a year ago but I keep wearing because I like it and it has held up quality-wise. The rest I bought. 

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKfindsunder50 #LTKover40 #LTKmidsize #midsizestyle #genxstyle #over40style #size14 #usinthewild 
https://liketk.it/4pDXG
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Counteract the gray days with cozy colorful clothes! 🌈 This cashmere sweater set is the prettiest teal and I loved how it looked with this candy pink Chesterfield coat. All are from @anntaylor one of my favorite places to shop because Ann has petites over a size 12. Also all of these items are on sale!

While I did receive these clothes as a gift from Ann Taylor I am under no obligation to share with you. This is what I wore to work and when I saw these colors against the green of my building door I had to prop up my phone and capture the color combo!

This sweater is a classic and with the skirt is created a dress effect you can style with tall boots, ankle boots and tights, or dress down with sneakers. I linked to other pieces in this color that would also look dreamy with this skirt, as well as other gorgeous colorful coats.

For reference I am wearing the coat in XL petite and the sweater set in L. I am 5’3” and usually wear a 14/16

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

#LTKmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #size14 #midsizepetite #ThisIsAnn
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Just got back from a 4-night getaway with my sister @debbiefaye78 at @curacaomarriottbeachresort. It was a last-minute planned trip that ended up being perfect. We weren’t ready to celebrate Thanksgiving without our mom and this escape what just what our hearts needed. 

I’ll be sharing more once I finally unpack my suitcase and organize my photos and thoughts; but I couldn’t not share this picture from yesterday morning. Debbie and I got up early to enjoy some of the day at the resort before flying home to DC. We had the infinity pool to ourselves, finished our books, and relaxed before a long day of travel. 🌴
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It’s hard when you’re petite and most models aren’t; you have no idea how clothes, especially jeans will fit. To promote @universalstandard’s Denim Drive sale, the company sent me two pairs of jeans of my choice. And I chose to make this video to show how they fit on my 5’3” body. I am usually a 14/32 in jeans but at Universal Standard I wear a 12 because they’re super stretchy and generously sized. 

With jeans as low as $35 in sizes 00-40, this is a sale not to be missed. And use code INFS-BFALISON10 for an additional 10% off sitewide!

The Farrah Flare is a favorite because at my height, most flare jeans will lose what makes them special once hemmed. At a 30” inseam these are great with low heels or lug soles.

The Etta is a straight jean with a vintage fit. If in doubt size down. They’re also super stretchy and the 28” inseam (they also come in 31”) works with my boots and sneakers.

While I was provided the apparel in this Reel for free, I was not paid or contracted to create this content. Consider it a PSA for my fellow shorties shopping this fab denim sale!

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4oWOQ #ltkmidsize #ltkplussize #ltkover40 #ltksalealert #uspartner #midsizestyle
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Thanks to @talbotsofficial I’m ready for the holidays! #AD

I love Talbots for holiday fashion and this season’s new arrivals do not disappoint. And for Black Friday the entire site is 40% off with free shipping on orders $150+. Until noon, you also receive 50% off 1 regular price item!

I ordered pieces from the Talbots Holiday Collection and found great quality, great style, and great versatility. How cute is the Breton stripe bateau neck with the removable feather cuffs? The metallic plaid patio skirt is so fun, and these two dresses can glam up or dress down with a change of footwear and bag. For reference, I am wearing everything in either XL or 16 petite.

The ivory cords are also Talbots; the black trousers are from last year’s Talbots Holiday Collection showing how Talbots has lasting style. I’ve linked to exact or very similar in my LTK shop. Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.ltk app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content! https://liketk.it/4oDJF

#mytalbots modernclassicstyle #wondersoftheseason #ltkover40 #ltkplussize #ltkmidsize #blackfridaysale
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@somaintimates makes it easy to shop for a range of personas this holiday season! #AD With gift guides for a range of personality types, you can easily find great gifts for your loved ones. I was drawn to the creative one, loving the rich colorful florals, luxe satin, lace trim, and of course Soma’s iconic Cool Nights sleepwear! Visit Soma’s gift guide for tips on finding the perfect present this holiday season. #SomaGiftGuide #SomaStartsWithMe
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Fashion Advice · March 10, 2017

Wide Fit Trendy Sandals and Dressy Shoes: Shopping Hits and Misses

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. 

Wide Fit Trendy Sandals and Dressy Shoes

Ugh shoes. I love shoes, but shoes don’t love me.

I walked on my toes as a child; when I’m tired I still do. This has built up muscles in weird places. I have an unusual amount of padding on the balls of my feet which makes the front of my foot wide and my toes short while my heel is normal width. Muscles built up in the actual foot, making the bridge unusually thick/tall so while my foot may fit width-wise into a shoe, it won’t height-wise. And then the ankles which are so thick most ankle straps won’t close and if they do, they cut off the circulation to my feet. I wear pumps so often because they work with such a foot… sandals are another story. If I find a unicorn of a sandal or dressy non-pump shoe that is not only wide but roomy in height for my foot, it's often frumpy or doesn't go with my personal style. I’ve been on a mission to find wide width sandals and dressy shoes that fit and are fashionable for a few upcoming events as well as life in general this spring and summer. My hits and misses below:

ASOS

ASOS has a good selection of budget-friendly trendy wide width shoes. I’ve found the quality and sizing is inconsistent; I’ve ordered the same shoe in two sizes and found one to have visible glue and a too-short ankle strap and the other look like a designer shoe three times its price with a longer strap. However, unlike many brands that claim to have wide widths (Stuart Weitzman I’m calling you out), these shoes are truly wide and worth checking out, especially for current shoe trends.

asos hide and seekASOS Hide and Seek

I’ve desired a “nude” shoe for a while – thin ankle strap, thin toe strap, single sole, thin heel. This is the kind of shoe that goes with everything from jeans to ball gowns. Knowing how my tiny pinky toe slips out of everything, this shoe’s double toe strap looked like it would better corral my tootsies. I ordered this shoe in December in gold croco and it was a fail, way too big and the strap was the only way the shoe was staying on my foot. And the strap was too tight, I could barely buckle it and it was cutting off circulation. I needed the shoes for an event that month so I just returned but this month I decided to try in a 7 (I usually wear an 8). Success! The shoe fits! The ankle strap is snug, but not too tight. And as I expected, the cross strap keeps in my pinky toe. I got this in black suede; the gold croco is on mega sale and hardly any sizes are left. It also comes in rose gold.

new look barely thereNew Look Barely There

I ordered these in Oatmeal which was a nude patent. They’re delicate and neutral. They didn’t fit over my toes and wouldn’t buckle at the ankle. Miss.

asos soroyaASOS Soraya

I ordered these shoes thinking they were a more comfortable heel height and with the closed toe, could work better now when there’s still a chill in the air. I thought they’d look cute with fit and flare dresses and fuller skirts, as well as ankle pants and cropped or cuffed jeans. Again, I ordered these in a 7 instead of my usual size 8.

These are really wide. Shoes like this usually dig right into the widest part of my foot but these do not. The toe box is surprisingly short; I have short toes yet I have a hint of toe cleavage going on. The ankle strap is a comfortable length, the gold mirror finish is fun and makes a statement. These aren’t expensive shoes – they’re stiff and they look like they cost less than $45, but they’re a reasonable heel height, relatively comfortable, and far more fun than classic pumps.

Dune AbbigailDune Abbigail Leopard Pony Pumps

I’ve needed a pair of leopard calfhair or pony hair pumps. I have a pair from a brand I no longer wear, and each time I find another company that sells them I find them too high, too narrow, too bright and cheesy of a leopard print. I decided to try these, especially when they were on sale from $106 to $63.50.

Unlike many wide width pumps, these shoes aren’t too wide in the heel and they aren’t so low in the vamp that my pinky toe falls out. The leopard print is classic. The only thing I don’t like is the heel is a bit higher than I like and the heel is covered with black suede-like fabric (not as easy to patch when it gets scuffed). However they’re really comfortable. So, not a dressy shoe or sandal but they filled a hole in my wardrobe!

asos hundredASOS Hundred

I also ordered these shoes in a 7. They fit, though the ankle strap was a bit too snug for my liking. The problem is these are very heavy clunky shoes with a huge bow on the front. I know, duh, that’s just what they look like in the photo but this isn’t a shoe I need in my wardrobe. They would go with absolutely nothing in my closet. Also they’re heavy and look a bit cheap.

ASOS SocietyASOS Society

How fun, a feminine rose gold shoe with crystal embellishments! They are just as pretty in person. However, they run more narrow than say the Soraya, so the edge of the toebox was digging into the sides of my feet. This material is so stiff there’s no way it will stretch out to be comfortable. Also the rose gold mirror finish and the large crystals was too much for my personal style; they’re the type of shoes I’d wear once and never again. So while they’re super fun and pretty, for me they’re a miss.

Payless

Payless is a great resource for wide width dressy shoes and sandals. However, you need to be careful because Payless is prone to being a trend salad. Let’s have a bow and a statement color and a funky print and a lace up ankle and a block heel and a rhinestone buckle! And while some of their shoes can look quite nice (have had much success with the Christian Siriano for Payless collection), many can just look cheap and cheesy.

braash naomiBrash Naomi

This is a good basic shoe – it’s a block heel at a nice height and the ankle strap makes it look on trend. It comes in black and nude, but I couldn’t find nude at any local stores. And the black isn’t really what I need. A black sandal on my pale skin makes me look even shorter and squatter; the ASOS Hide and Seek at least has the heel and slimmer straps to balance me out. Also the ankle strap was snug. However, if you don’t have cankles, this is a great spring and summer shoe to wear with dresses and pants of all lengths and styles.

fioni maagikFioni Magik

A classic Payless trend salad. Not a bad shoe shape, but why does it have to be two-toned? Black or silver, the toe strap is patent while the rest of the shoe is a sparkly fabric. I think this combo makes the shoe look cheap and also more matronly. The ankle strap was also too tight to buckle. Miss.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom is my preferred online shoe boutique. While Zappos may have more shoe styles, there’s so many that I just don’t want and it’s hard to weed them out. Nordstrom’s buyers and I seem to have a similar style aesthetic and I can filter wide width shoes and choose certain styles and get more options I’d actually want to wear.

naturalizer adelleNaturalizer Adelle

I mentioned this shoe in a weekly link-up post. These shoes are just as cute in person. I got them in red, but it’s a warm red with a hint of orange that makes them look springy. They’re tall, but the platform helps. They’re super cute, they’re pretty comfortable, and the ankle strap doesn’t cut off my circulation! They also come in a white and neutral stripe and black suede; I think the red will be a great pop of color with all the denim looks this spring and so fun with prints and neutrals. Hit!

BP LuminateBP. Luminate

This is a beautiful shoe, the classic “nude” shoe that goes with everything. It comes in 12 different colors and fabrics and gets rave reviews for comfort. Problem is I didn’t find these to be wide enough and the ankle strap is too short for me to buckle. If you’re a bit wide with normal sized ankles, this could be a great choice. But for me it’s a miss.

stuaartweitzman nearlynudeStuart Weitzman NearlyNude

Spoiler alert, these are a fail. Stuart Weitzman is the brand that is known for the nude shoes. They have several styles with nude in the name, the Nudist is the shoe that it seems every TV actress wears on the red carpet. It’s a great simple shoe that lets the outfit shine, but it runs narrow. Stuart Weitzman carries some of these nude styles, like the NearlyNude in wide widths. They aren’t terribly wide, and they are made for low-volume feet and narrow ankles. I thought maybe because these are a lower heel they may work. Ha! I can’t even slide my toes in these. Miss.

nina camilleNina Camille

This is a cheat, I’ve had these shoes for almost a year, and instead of champagne satin, I have them in a champagne slightly shimmery fabric (after writing this I found the exact version I own on Zappos). They’re awesome. They’re truly wide, the ankle strap fits, and I have worn them all night on dancefloors at weddings and galas. Not really trendy, this is more the kind of shoe that fades into the background without looking too matronly. Look on Amazon where you can often find this shoe in other colors and materials (and usually for far less than on Nordstrom and Zappos).

clarks param stellaClarks Parram Stella

A low low wedge sandal with a fun flower detail? I’m all over that, and ordered it in dusty pink nubuck leather thinking it would be close to a nude. They look exactly like the photo. They run a tad narrow, but I could get them on. However, the 8 was too long from flower to tip of toes and my tiny toes were hidden under the flower. I returned and reordered in a 7.5; we’ll see how they work!

Lane Bryant

Whether or not you are plus sized, plus size retailers are a great place to look for wide width shoes. Problem is that many of these retailers go the Payless route – trend salads that look really cheap and cheesy.

lane bryantAnkle Strap Heel

I ordered these heels in 8. BIG MISTAKE. These are humongous, I wonder if a 7 would still be too long. The plus is the strap does fit around my ankle comfortably. However, these look cheap. The color is a good shade if you have a darker complexion, but on this white chick the color looks weird. The Velcro ankle strap is too wide for both style and comfort, and the Velcro is visible. Miss.

The Result

I have a statement shoe (the red Naturalizer Adelle), a simple heel that goes with a lot (the ASOS Hide and Seek in black), something lower (the ASOS Soraya… don't know may end up returning), and a dressy shoe with a wearable heel height (Nina Camille… though its style is more for an evening wedding than anything else). I’d love a nude-to-me semi-low heel, but otherwise I feel pretty good about my shoe wardrobe for spring and summer. If you've found any fab wide width shoes out there, do share in the comments!

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Comments

  1. Annax Technologies says

    April 19, 2017 at 1:13 am

    block heels are amazing thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  2. MedicoMart says

    April 17, 2017 at 7:46 am

    It was a great post..very nice to share with me.I am sharing to…

    Reply
  3. Eleanorjane says

    March 15, 2017 at 3:34 pm

    Some lovely shoes there, I particularly like the red-orange ones. Only thing I find is that it’s only sandal weather for me in England for about a month each year (if we’re lucky). I get cold feet (literally). So my general struggle is finding ballet flat style shoes that stay on my feet and don’t give me blisters. Every year I seem to buy 3-4 pairs that I find I can’t wear to walk for more than 20 min. I’ve found some success with really cheap ones at New Look ‘cos the vinyl is softer than most leather and they have so many shoes that you can keep trying them on until you find some that work for you.

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      March 15, 2017 at 3:54 pm

      I have yet to find flats that don’t drive me batty, I feel your pain!

      Reply
    • Emily says

      March 18, 2017 at 2:38 pm

      Fellow UK person here!! I got these sandals from Asos right before a trip to Asia and they are SUPER comfortable. (I say this as a person that gets blisters from everything). They aren’t quite as smart as normal ballet pumps but the silver sections help and I definitely think with a nice pedicure they would be good enough for the office in the summer? http://www.asos.com/asos/asos-joel-wide-fit-leather-woven-summer-shoes/prd/7222655?iid=7222655

      Reply
  4. allison davis says

    March 13, 2017 at 10:21 am

    Thank you! Picked up the Naturalizers!

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      March 13, 2017 at 2:46 pm

      Woo hoo, you will ROCK them!

      Reply
  5. GlamorousandGeeky says

    March 11, 2017 at 5:02 pm

    such a gorgeous selection of shoes. Just so beautiful!!!!!

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      March 13, 2017 at 2:46 pm

      Glad you liked them!

      Reply
  6. Deanna Debrecht says

    March 10, 2017 at 10:11 pm

    I just bought these from zappos…. http://www.zappos.com/p/steve-madden-irenee-light-pink/product/8763840/color/433. Super comfortable and lowish heel – I’m in love! My ankles aren’t super big so I’m not sure how strap would hit for some, but I do have a couple extra holes in the strap 🙂

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      March 11, 2017 at 9:31 am

      Ooh thanks for this Deanna!

      Reply
  7. kuri says

    March 10, 2017 at 5:50 pm

    You read my mind! Lately I’ve been on a total shoe kick, but it’s a challenge with my wide feet.
    I did find Rockport Cobb Hill to be nice – the wide width was wide enough but I probably need to go down half a size. Rockport Total Motion seemed nice too – again I need to go down half a size. Munro was nice too – their extra wide worked well, and I need to size down, but the styles are a bit boring.

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      March 11, 2017 at 9:32 am

      I learned the hard way I need to size down with Rockport – their Total Motion line is really cute and they sent me a pair, but I was swimming in 8W, 8M, and even 7.5W. Definitely one to try on in store to know your right size and then find all the selection online!

      Reply
      • kuri says

        March 11, 2017 at 9:40 am

        Good to know! I’ll do that!

        Reply
  8. crtfly says

    March 10, 2017 at 5:06 pm

    To me the Nina Camille have a vintage look. I think they would be fantastic with some of the full-skirted 40s and 50s dresses that the vintage bloggers like to wear.

    Chris

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      March 11, 2017 at 9:33 am

      Yes! If I had that personal style aesthetic I’d buy them in multiple colors and fabrics!

      Reply
  9. Ann Davies-Dakin says

    March 10, 2017 at 12:35 pm

    I like the Bella Vita brand, on occasion – they’re kind of hit and miss, from a style perspective, though. Some styles are cute, some are really “old lady”! Nordstrom carries this brand online!

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      March 10, 2017 at 1:04 pm

      Good call on Bella Vita, and agree hit or miss but I had some black ankle strap slides I got 2 years ago from Shoebuy I wore a LOT (https://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/what-i-wore-gwynnie-bee-review/). The only pair I ever found to be open enough for my high volume feet! I also LOVED some gold gladiator-esque sandals from them I wore last summer quite often and likely will this year too! http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/tag/bella-vita Thanks for the reminder!

      Reply
  10. Megan Bryant says

    March 10, 2017 at 9:12 am

    This article was written for me! I have wide feet, a pinky toe that either falls out of every sandal I wear or is smushed and sore by the end of the day, and cankles! I also wear a 6.5 which is tough to find in wide. ASOS has been a good place for low priced, trendy shoes for me too! I have also had great luck with Simply Be for boots, sandals, and loafers. They go down to a 6 and up to EE which is extra wide. Other places I have found are Lands End and Talbots, but their selection isn’t as good as it used to be.

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      March 10, 2017 at 9:22 am

      Yes! And even Talbots and Lands End don’t seem to fit the same way. Another brand I’ve had luck with is Born – they had a sandal called the Myndy that was my JAM, I still wear it though they’re all beat up. I haven’t yet tried SimplyBe, you’re not the first to recommend that’s my next place I’ll check out!

      Reply
  11. cDs says

    March 10, 2017 at 8:40 am

    Those gold block heels are amazing! I would so wear those for work
    x0x0 Caro http://thecarolove.com/

    Reply
    • Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says

      March 11, 2017 at 9:34 am

      Vivi was wearing a similar pair Thursday night from SimplyBe and they were so cute, I’ll have to try to incorporate into day style!

      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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The tree is trimmed! 🎄

When I was a single gal, I had the prettiest tree with a color story and theme. 20 years later, my tree is a hodgepodge of inherited ornaments, gifts from loved ones, and handmade pieces from both my childhood and by my child. And I think each year it veers further from the original concept the more beautiful it becomes!

My daughter and I donned our Santa hats, turned on the holiday playlist, a Yule log on the TV, and spent the afternoon getting our home into the Christmas spirit.

When she was little, my husband would pick her up so she could place the star on top of the tree. Now that she’s taller than I am, when he got home he just put his arm around her as she used the library stool to reach the top. Some traditions need to be modified with time but they’re still special! ⭐️

Top is a feather trimmed Breton from @talbotsofficial; the scarf as a belt is also Talbots but a few years old. The jeans are @landsend and the blanket on the chair in the second photo is by artist  @zanderschlacter

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Nov 28

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Just got back from a 4-night getaway with my sister @debbiefaye78 at @curacaomarriottbeachresort. It was a last-minute planned trip that ended up being perfect. We weren’t ready to celebrate Thanksgiving without our mom and this escape what just what our hearts needed. 

I’ll be sharing more once I finally unpack my suitcase and organize my photos and thoughts; but I couldn’t not share this picture from yesterday morning. Debbie and I got up early to enjoy some of the day at the resort before flying home to DC. We had the infinity pool to ourselves, finished our books, and relaxed before a long day of travel. 🌴

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Nov 19

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Working on the weekend is far more enjoyable when it’s in my office 💚

Perimenopause and the pandemic and homeschooling made our row home feel even smaller. So when neighbors revitalized an office building in our town center and offered individual offices for rent, I felt it would be good for business and personally. And I kept it when the world opened up and our kid went back to public school because it helps me have a clear start and end to the work day, but also because I created a space I really enjoy.

This weekend I went to the office to shoot some content. And once I was finished I enjoyed just sitting here, watching the light change. I think I may switch the furniture around, switch up the energy. I love that I can do that without consulting another or having another person’s opinions matter.

When you have a family, things go from me to we. I don’t regret leaving Corporate America to do this full time, but I do miss being part of a team. And I missed having an office, a place away from home that’s just for me. 

I wish more communities would offer rental offices like @thegranitebuilding. With reasonably affordable monthly rates, it doesn’t have to just be business owners who get office spaces. It can be a place to work on a hobby or craft, a place to WFH that’s not home, or a place to just read and write and nap undisturbed. A literal room of one’s own. Because sometimes a person needs time to be a me and not a we. 💚

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Nov 17

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You’re never too old for a Rory Gilmore sweater… this cotton fisherman sweater is from @llbean and inspired by @marielle.elizabeth I shopped the men’s department for a better size range. The influencer influenced the influencer!

The jeans are @landsend I got last year and I’m glad they brought them back this year in several washes, inseam lengths, and plus sizes. If in doubt, size down. They will shrink in length slightly but not anywhere else, they’re super comfy and stretchy but don’t stretch out. 

Kept the collegiate vibe going with a trucker cap, HOKAs, and my trusty commuter bag for years: the large @dagnedover Dakota backpack!

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4o4bQ #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #genxstyle #ltkover40 #over40style

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Nov 15

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My husband has a special backpack he fills with weight to wear while hiking; it’s called rucking. I wear a @dagnedover Dakota and fill it with my laptop, my iPad, a full water bottle, and my purse and walk to work; it’s called commuting. 💁🏻‍♀️

But seriously, I’ve had this backpack for five years. It has been shoved under plane seats, in overstuffed car trunks, under feet in the passenger seat. I’ve worn it as I’ve walked miles in major cities and from my house to my town center. My daughter also has a Dagne Dakota; it survived middle school and continues to work through camping, sleepovers, and road trips. It’s genially designed, comfortable, and can take a beating and still look great.

As for the rest of the look, the vest (XL) is a new purchase from @athleta; the Rainier tights (L) are also Athleta but two years old. The purple top is @nike and about a decade old. Hat is @llbean and it’s on sale for less than $15. And my trusty @hoka sneakers that have had their own set of adventures.

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
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#ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #genxstyle #dagnedoverdakota

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Nov 6

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Another day of early voting for our city election, another outfit I wore as an election judge! 🗳️

I got this sweater set from @mmlafleur last spring and it continues to be a favorite. The color and popcorn stitch makes it wearable three seasons of the year. I’ve styled it with gold heels and dramatic gold earrings, with sneakers and a crossbody belt bag, and more than once with knee-high boots and a scarf at my throat. The color works with brown and black boots, the skirt silhouette and length with heels and flats. These brown riding boots are from @duoboots and almost a decade old. The scarf belonged to my dad; I have a feeling it was styled with a leisure suit back in the day!

I may have been more dressed up than other election judges but I think seeing democracy in action is a cause to celebrate! 🇺🇸

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Nov 4

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Early voting poll worker style 🗳️

I’ve been an election judge (AKA poll worker) for several years but this year I decided to take it a step further and join my city’s Board of Elections. I’m passionate about fair and accessible elections for all. The Board is acting as election judges for early voting so it’s great to use my previous experience on a city level!

I believe voting is a special occasion and I dressed the part. The puff sleeve sweater and pants are from @anntaylor; these pants are the same ones from the suit I wore earlier this week. I added a beloved @hermes scarf as a belt and silver hoops (they belonged to my mom) as a hint of shine.

If your area is having an election this coming week; I implore you to vote. Your voice deserves to be heard. And please ensure your neighbors know of the election and where to vote. 🇺🇸

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Nov 2

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Always fun to see my name in lights! 💡 I was a panelist at the annual @jaofcentralmd Leading Ladies event that connects local high schoolers with women in business. My panel was on using social media for promoting one’s business or personal brand. Along with other social media experts, we guided students and adults on how to create compelling and engaging social content and together created content for the conference’s feed. It was fun and I loved being able to share my almost two decades of personal and professional experience!

The dress code for the conference was business professional and since the event’s theme color was pink, they encouraged us to wear the color. 

This @anntaylor suit has been a favorite since late summer. I’ve dressed it down with a white tank and sneakers and glammed it up with a silk cami and gold heeled sandals. I love how Ann Taylor has petite suiting up to size 16; I know I’m not the only short curvy girl who desires suits and professional attire!

For this event I chose a berry-colored microfiber tank from @lovechicos. I own several of these tanks; they wear like iron and the tight weave and subtle shine make them great shells under suits. 

The look fit the theme but was also comfortable. I was glad to share my expertise and encourage others to see how they can donate their time and knowledge to a local @juniorachievementusa #JALeadingLadies #JALeadingLadies2023 #JACMD #JuniorAchievment

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Oct 18

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Sharing this from my #iPadOS17 thanks to @apple! A bit belated with all that has been going on lately but I’m really enjoying using an iPad to improve how I work, stay organized, and find new ways to be creative. Can I just say that editing video on an iPad instead of a phone is a game changer!

Recently, I attended an event at the gorgeous Apple Carnegie Library hosted by @flourishplanner_ to learn ways to make the most of #iOS17 and it was awesome. I brought my new iPad and learned about the new wallpaper, stickers, and organizing tools.

As for my look, the dress is from @bananarepublic’s summer collection. Kept it comfy with a pair of Samba sneakers and held down the volume of the dress with my black recycled leather @ganni crossbody. Added an old @_jennybird link necklace and a silver cuff I’ve had since the ‘90s.

#todayatapple #genxstyle #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #size14 #over40style

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Oct 17

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I love an excuse to dress up, especially if it’s for a good cause! This weekend was the @thenewdealcafe Masquer-AID fundraiser to support this independent cafe, art gallery, and live music venue in @cityofgreenbelt.

My family and I have loved going to The New Deal Cafe for all these years. Grabbing coffee with friends, having a meal, seeing an amazing band, participating in an open mic or one of their Reel and Meal events. So @debbiefaye78, our mom, and I got tickets and even chipped in for a plaque from us “Ashpes Girls.” 

Our mom passed before she could attend the event; we asked our like a sister best friend @shellymingram to join us in her place and we had a great time, dancing all night as our mom would have, connecting with neighbors, and supporting a local business we all love so much.

As for the outfit, the dress is @ronnykobo the bag is @ganni and I borrowed both from @renttherunway The shoes I’ve had for years and the gold metal mask I found on Amazon and liked how it could mold to my face and not put pressure on my still-healing eye.

And I know y’all will ask because I received so many DMs this weekend when I shared this event in my Stories… my sister’s dress is from @eshakti she bought it a few years ago and it’s even more gorgeous in person!

#newdealcafe #greenbeltisgreat #onlyingreenbelt #midsizestyle #genxstyle #over40style #greenbeltmd

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