What I Wore: Birthday Date Night

February 2, 2017May 20, 2021

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dress | faux fur stole | bag | bracelet

Dress: eShakti (16) | Faux fur stole: SoleSociety (similar) | Coat: Amazon (XXL) | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Bracelet: Had forever (similar)

Saturday night we stayed at The National Harbor. While we didn't have chi chi plans for the evening, it was my birthday and I love being chi chi! I wore my eShakti maxi dress (previously seen on the blog in this post) and just like I did for Christmas Eve when I also wore this dress, I jazzed up the neck with this dark green faux fur stole. It was a cold night so I wore my new leopard faux fur coat and slid the stole forward like a scarf. It was… a lot but worth it when I walked into Redstone Grill and the women at the hostess stand all raved and one called me a beautiful butterfly! It was a great reminder to give compliments to strangers, it can really make their day (or night!).

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I bought this dress as a final sale from Banana Republic. I think it cost me something like $20. I bought it while pregnant, thinking it would be the right size postpartum. I got it… and realized it was too big. It’s an XL, even though I may be XL in some places, I obviously…

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Striped tee – L.L. BeanPants – LOFT via a swap (similar)Shoes – Lillybee “Martina” c/o Simply SolesBag – Nordstrom (similar)Silver cuff (similar)“Emerson” necklace – c/o Tags-n-Stones What a busy, long weekend! I was looking forward to some time to chill, but other than a much-needed two-hour nap on Saturday, I really didn’t get much rest….

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No pics from Monday, I didn’t have a camera and well… I didn’t even look too cute. My teal Proenza Schouler dress and black ballet flats. Today – black cotton stretchy v-neck sweater from Banana Republic, dark denim skirt from Gap, avocado pashmina from Nordstrom, tan Bern boots from Duo, silver cuff and hoops. Hair…

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18 Comments

Lorena Lorena says:

February 6, 2017 at 4:42 pm

Looking beautiful birthday girl !

Reply
1. Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says:
  
  February 8, 2017 at 11:32 am
  
  Thank you!
  
  Reply
Sonia says:

February 3, 2017 at 12:42 pm

I love that when you dress up for an occasion, you do it up! You probably looked like someone famous all ready for a night on the town! A maxi dress always makes for a glam look, but I too would have never considered it for a winter event. But, now that you mention all the layers of warmth you can hide underneath, then absolutely, I’d consider it. Looks like you two had a great romantic weekend. Much love to you both.

Reply
1. Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says:
  
  February 4, 2017 at 4:05 pm
  
  Aww thank you Sonia!! Hope you are healing nicely!
  
  Reply
Meghan says:

February 3, 2017 at 9:22 am

I LOVE the stole

Reply
1. Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says:
  
  February 4, 2017 at 4:03 pm
  
  Thanks Meghan!
  
  Reply
Nihongo Dame Desu says:

February 3, 2017 at 4:44 am

Gorgeous outfit, and your makeup looks extra amazing in these photos.

Reply
1. Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says:
  
  February 4, 2017 at 4:03 pm
  
  Thank you so much!
  
  Reply
Lee4 says:

February 2, 2017 at 4:33 pm

Gorgeous!

Reply
1. Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says:
  
  February 4, 2017 at 4:03 pm
  
  Thanks!
  
  Reply
Krista Alexander says:

February 2, 2017 at 4:16 pm

Girl that outfit is smokin’ hot. I love that dress. How I missed this website, I do not know. is this a site you recommend?

Reply
1. Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says:
  
  February 2, 2017 at 4:18 pm
  
  eShakti? I’ve had mixed experiences with them. I think if I ordered with measurements instead of sizing I’d be happier. I recommend reading the comments in this post as many readers have bought from them and have amazing suggestions: http://www.wardrobeoygen.com/2016/12/eshakti-review.html
  
  Reply
SusanG says:

February 2, 2017 at 11:50 am

The green stole is a knockout with your dress!

Reply
1. Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says:
  
  February 2, 2017 at 4:18 pm
  
  Thank you!
  
  Reply
Liv says:

February 2, 2017 at 10:33 am

Stunning!

Liv

http://www.livforstyle.net

Reply
1. Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says:
  
  February 2, 2017 at 4:19 pm
  
  Thanks Liv!
  
  Reply
Jodie Filogomo says:

February 2, 2017 at 9:15 am

You are a beautiful butterfly, Allie!! What a perfect description!!
It’s funny, because I don’t see as many maxis in the winter, so the 3 of us just did a series on them. It’s nice to see you wear yours too!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

Reply
1. Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen says:
  
  February 2, 2017 at 4:19 pm
  
  I love maxis in winter, you can hide tall boots, wool socks, longjohns and more!
  
  Reply

@wardrobe_oxygen on Instagram:

I was searching music for a song with ducks in it to go with my @rachelantonoff cardigan and autocorrect gonna autocorrect…

What I wore this weekend to attend a local clothing swap and run errands. A good mix of comfort and joy for this midsize over 40 person!

Comment LINK for a DM with details to shop this look and use code ALISON15 for 15% off this sweater!

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I was searching music for a song with ducks in it to go with my @rachelantonoff cardigan and autocorrect gonna autocorrect…

What I wore this weekend to attend a local clothing swap and run errands. A good mix of comfort and joy for this midsize over 40 person!

Comment LINK for a DM with details to shop this look and use code ALISON15 for 15% off this sweater!

Where I went in 2025 and what I wore:

January: Girls’ long weekend in @vegas for my 50th birthday in an @anntaylor sequined dress.
February: One of many protests this year wearing an old @universalstandard coat.
March: Chaperoning a Girl Scout troop trip to Bethany Beach in @landsend jeans. That same month was an election judge for a @experiencepgc special election wearing a @universalstandard ponte tracksuit.
April: Hosted an event at @mmlafleur wearing the label; that same month another protest wearing a hat from @shopsocialgoods
May: On the @oceancitymaryland boardwalk in an old Target jumpsuit; that same month went camping with the @girlscouts in @carhartt overalls.
June: Celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary in a custom @paripassushop gown
July: A family road trip to both sides of Niagara Falls, various places in Upstate New York, and Western Massachusetts wearing a @talbotsofficial shirtdress, @landsend swimsuit, and @spanx shorts with a @theshirt_rochellebehrens
August: Annual trip to @visitrehoboth in a @freyalingerie swimsuit, a concert at @wolf_trap in an @mmlafleur dress, and one of many outfits from a @virginvoyages cruise: this was an old dress from @cosstores
September: the @greenbeltlabordayfestival in a @universalstandard linen dress and @americanhatmakers hat
October: @umdterrapins game in a DIYed school tee and @gap jeans, that same year DIYed a Rocky Horror outfit to see the film at @greenbeltcinema
November: Dinner out in an @anntaylor satin suit and vintage faux fur collar
December: Gala at the Italian Embassy in the same @paripassushop dress from June

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Where I went in 2025 and what I wore:

January: Girls’ long weekend in @vegas for my 50th birthday in an @anntaylor sequined dress.
February: One of many protests this year wearing an old @universalstandard coat.
March: Chaperoning a Girl Scout troop trip to Bethany Beach in @landsend jeans. That same month was an election judge for a @experiencepgc special election wearing a @universalstandard ponte tracksuit.
April: Hosted an event at @mmlafleur wearing the label; that same month another protest wearing a hat from @shopsocialgoods
May: On the @oceancitymaryland boardwalk in an old Target jumpsuit; that same month went camping with the @girlscouts in @carhartt overalls.
June: Celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary in a custom @paripassushop gown
July: A family road trip to both sides of Niagara Falls, various places in Upstate New York, and Western Massachusetts wearing a @talbotsofficial shirtdress, @landsend swimsuit, and @spanx shorts with a @theshirt_rochellebehrens
August: Annual trip to @visitrehoboth in a @freyalingerie swimsuit, a concert at @wolf_trap in an @mmlafleur dress, and one of many outfits from a @virginvoyages cruise: this was an old dress from @cosstores
September: the @greenbeltlabordayfestival in a @universalstandard linen dress and @americanhatmakers hat
October: @umdterrapins game in a DIYed school tee and @gap jeans, that same year DIYed a Rocky Horror outfit to see the film at @greenbeltcinema
November: Dinner out in an @anntaylor satin suit and vintage faux fur collar
December: Gala at the Italian Embassy in the same @paripassushop dress from June

Me reading your DMs

(and essentially what I’ll be wearing now through 12/31)

And because y’all may ask and I my be slow to respond this week:
Pajamas: old @showmeyourmumu tailored to fit my 5’3” self
Sofa: @albanyparkhome
Rug: @ruggable
Phone case: @velvetcaviar with @popsockets grip

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Me reading your DMs

(and essentially what I’ll be wearing now through 12/31)

And because y’all may ask and I my be slow to respond this week:
Pajamas: old @showmeyourmumu tailored to fit my 5’3” self
Sofa: @albanyparkhome
Rug: @ruggable
Phone case: @velvetcaviar with @popsockets grip

Recapping Christmas and of course, what I wore…

Christmas Eve day started with a community carol sing-a-long at @thenewdealcafe where I wore an @adidas track suit I’ve had for years and my most festive jewelry (including the necklace my mom wore every Christmas).

Christmas Eve the family dressed up for a lovely dinner at my sister’s; I wore a red sequined set I got last year from @anntaylor (fun fact, wore the same skirt last Christmas Eve with a black cashmere turtleneck and tall boots). After, wore the same look to our friends’ holiday party. The sneakers kept us comfy and perfect when we ran to try to catch Santa riding around town on a @cityofgreenbelt fire truck!

Christmas morning, opened presents with the family wearing a pair of satin pajamas from @showmeyourmumu I got a few years ago and have worn before for Christmas! I glammed it up with my @swarovski lucent hoops which were a Christmas gift from my husband a few years ago. This year he got me this badass ring from @alexisbittar!

Then Christmas evening, us three Ashpes Girls went to @greenbeltcinema to see a movie together (Marty Supreme). I wore a @landsend holiday sweater with @ruti barrel jeans.

It was a beautiful holiday with loved ones. Wishing all of you peace and health through this holiday season and into the new year! ❤️

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Recapping Christmas and of course, what I wore…

Christmas Eve day started with a community carol sing-a-long at @thenewdealcafe where I wore an @adidas track suit I’ve had for years and my most festive jewelry (including the necklace my mom wore every Christmas).

Christmas Eve the family dressed up for a lovely dinner at my sister’s; I wore a red sequined set I got last year from @anntaylor (fun fact, wore the same skirt last Christmas Eve with a black cashmere turtleneck and tall boots). After, wore the same look to our friends’ holiday party. The sneakers kept us comfy and perfect when we ran to try to catch Santa riding around town on a @cityofgreenbelt fire truck!

Christmas morning, opened presents with the family wearing a pair of satin pajamas from @showmeyourmumu I got a few years ago and have worn before for Christmas! I glammed it up with my @swarovski lucent hoops which were a Christmas gift from my husband a few years ago. This year he got me this badass ring from @alexisbittar!

Then Christmas evening, us three Ashpes Girls went to @greenbeltcinema to see a movie together (Marty Supreme). I wore a @landsend holiday sweater with @ruti barrel jeans.

It was a beautiful holiday with loved ones. Wishing all of you peace and health through this holiday season and into the new year! ❤️

I didn’t think the boots were going to work but Bowser hates having his feet wet or cold. Once he got the hang of them he seemed to appreciate them and enjoyed a longer walk! Oscar on the other hand doesn’t mind the snow and would rather be naked rolling in it. 🐾

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I didn’t think the boots were going to work but Bowser hates having his feet wet or cold. Once he got the hang of them he seemed to appreciate them and enjoyed a longer walk! Oscar on the other hand doesn’t mind the snow and would rather be naked rolling in it. 🐾

In a room of black gowns, be a rainbow 🌈

Attended a black tie gala with friends, decided to dress not for the male gaze but for the 20-somethings to let them know getting older can be pretty effing awesome.

Dress: custom @paripassushop (rip)
Shoes: years old @vincecamuto
Bag: years old @jcrew
Earrings: @swarovski
Glasses: @zeelool
Rings: one was my dad’s wedding band from his first marriage, the other was a cocktail ring I bought when I worked at @express in the late ‘90s. Folks, store your costume jewelry in ziploc bags and they will last much longer!

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In a room of black gowns, be a rainbow 🌈

Attended a black tie gala with friends, decided to dress not for the male gaze but for the 20-somethings to let them know getting older can be pretty effing awesome.

Dress: custom @paripassushop (rip)
Shoes: years old @vincecamuto
Bag: years old @jcrew
Earrings: @swarovski
Glasses: @zeelool
Rings: one was my dad’s wedding band from his first marriage, the other was a cocktail ring I bought when I worked at @express in the late ‘90s. Folks, store your costume jewelry in ziploc bags and they will last much longer!

Since 2018 I’ve been wearing this @talbotsofficial polka dot ball skirt to host Thanksgiving. There’s no need for a new look for every occasion; if you shop slowly and thoughtfully you can create signature looks that are perfect time and time again.

(We took off 2023 and 2024 due to the passing of my mom; this is our first year back at it)

A long skirt is great when hosting; you don’t have to worry about cute shoes, you’re covered up if you have to crawl under the table to grab a napkin or spill, and hello deep pockets!

I’m thrilled Talbots came out with a very similar skirt this year with the same fun polka dots; comment LINK and I’ll send you the deets (it’s 50% off today and comes in Misses, Petite, Plus, and Plus Petite!)

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Since 2018 I’ve been wearing this @talbotsofficial polka dot ball skirt to host Thanksgiving. There’s no need for a new look for every occasion; if you shop slowly and thoughtfully you can create signature looks that are perfect time and time again.

(We took off 2023 and 2024 due to the passing of my mom; this is our first year back at it)

A long skirt is great when hosting; you don’t have to worry about cute shoes, you’re covered up if you have to crawl under the table to grab a napkin or spill, and hello deep pockets!

I’m thrilled Talbots came out with a very similar skirt this year with the same fun polka dots; comment LINK and I’ll send you the deets (it’s 50% off today and comes in Misses, Petite, Plus, and Plus Petite!)

It’s not stylish or financially savvy to buy a new look for every occasion or every holiday season. I believe in creating a holiday capsule wardrobe of separates you can mix and match for a range of events, wear beyond the season, and look forward to pulling out again next year. Don’t call it wearing the same thing over and over, it’s creating signature style and that is incredibly chic!

This capsule collection is now on sale and from a range of retailers offering quality and reasonable price points. Everything is available up to at least size 18, with much also available in plus size and petite lengths!

Comment LINK and I’ll send the article I wrote about this capsule that has not only the ways to shop this look but also styling tips so you too can have big style with a smaller closet!

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It’s not stylish or financially savvy to buy a new look for every occasion or every holiday season. I believe in creating a holiday capsule wardrobe of separates you can mix and match for a range of events, wear beyond the season, and look forward to pulling out again next year. Don’t call it wearing the same thing over and over, it’s creating signature style and that is incredibly chic!

This capsule collection is now on sale and from a range of retailers offering quality and reasonable price points. Everything is available up to at least size 18, with much also available in plus size and petite lengths!

Comment LINK and I’ll send the article I wrote about this capsule that has not only the ways to shop this look but also styling tips so you too can have big style with a smaller closet!

My legs laugh at most so-called wide calf boots. 16” is not wide calf, and why do so many have wide calves and teeny ankles? Why is it so hard to find wide calf boots that aren’t ugly, janky, or made of chintzy materials? I bought two pairs of the @dolcevita extra wide calf boots and share my experience. Comment LINK and I’ll send you my list of the best truly wide calf boots made from real leather or suede and are incredibly stylish to boot (see what I did there?).

For 20 years I’ve been providing real life style advice for grown-ass women at Wardrobe Oxygen. We all deserve great closets, and I hope this helps my fellow strong fabulous calved friends!

For those curious:
@onequince jeans and sweater
Prada glasses I bought at @lenscrafters
Vintage belt, @mmlafleur earrings

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My legs laugh at most so-called wide calf boots. 16” is not wide calf, and why do so many have wide calves and teeny ankles? Why is it so hard to find wide calf boots that aren’t ugly, janky, or made of chintzy materials? I bought two pairs of the @dolcevita extra wide calf boots and share my experience. Comment LINK and I’ll send you my list of the best truly wide calf boots made from real leather or suede and are incredibly stylish to boot (see what I did there?).

For 20 years I’ve been providing real life style advice for grown-ass women at Wardrobe Oxygen. We all deserve great closets, and I hope this helps my fellow strong fabulous calved friends!

For those curious:
@onequince jeans and sweater
Prada glasses I bought at @lenscrafters
Vintage belt, @mmlafleur earrings

The only way I’m going to survive this season in life and society is to get fresh air and sunshine when possible, move this body, wear color that brings me joy, and find humor in the mundane. Dogs also help, even though Bowser looks embarrassed by my fall fig leaf action! 🍁

Vest, top, and leggings are all @athleta though not all new. Shoes are @brooksrunning Cascadia which come in wide width, sunglasses are @caddis_life prescription & polarized, on my back is my @dagnedover Dakota backpack which I used to ruck books to the little free library then ruck groceries home.

Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/5yU4t #ltkmidsize #ltkpetite #ltkover40

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The only way I’m going to survive this season in life and society is to get fresh air and sunshine when possible, move this body, wear color that brings me joy, and find humor in the mundane. Dogs also help, even though Bowser looks embarrassed by my fall fig leaf action! 🍁

Vest, top, and leggings are all @athleta though not all new. Shoes are @brooksrunning Cascadia which come in wide width, sunglasses are @caddis_life prescription & polarized, on my back is my @dagnedover Dakota backpack which I used to ruck books to the little free library then ruck groceries home.

Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/5yU4t #ltkmidsize #ltkpetite #ltkover40

Eff that noise that you MUST toss anything from your closet to be stylish and current. A little restyling can give new life and a fresh look to anything in your closet, including millennial booties.

Want more real life style advice from Wardrobe Oxygen that doesn’t force you to buy new to feel current? Comment LINK and I’ll send you more tips on styling your favorite shoes in a way that is modern, stylish, and likely won’t make you spend an additional dime. 🧡

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Eff that noise that you MUST toss anything from your closet to be stylish and current. A little restyling can give new life and a fresh look to anything in your closet, including millennial booties.

Want more real life style advice from Wardrobe Oxygen that doesn’t force you to buy new to feel current? Comment LINK and I’ll send you more tips on styling your favorite shoes in a way that is modern, stylish, and likely won’t make you spend an additional dime. 🧡

Proud wife and daughter of @usnavy veterans. To all who are in and have been in the U.S. military, thank you for your service. This country exists and is great because of you and your dedication to upholding democracy and protecting our citizens.🇺🇸💙

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