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!).

Outfit Inspiration

What I Wore: Let’s Have a Kiki

Dress: Vintage (Two Potatoes via Etsy seller Found Yesterday Goods), more dresses from this brand | Shoes: Born ‘Myndy’ | Necklace: c/o Sweet & Spark | Bracelets: Nordstrom (similar), Gorjana, had forever (similar) It’s hard to shop vintage online when you’re not a small dress size. Size charts have changed drastically over the years and…

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Outfit Inspiration

Women’s Seersucker Pantsuit with Blush Pink

In the winter, workwear is easy. Come the warmer months, it’s harder to find pieces that look appropriate in an office setting while also being seasonally appropriate. Enter seersucker, a lightweight cotton fabric that breathes while also providing more structure than linen. I just got this women’s seersucker pantsuit and have worn it with a…

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Outfit Inspiration

What I Wore: Universal Standard (plus a giveaway!)

Once I was interviewed by a venture capitalist looking to invest in a company I’ve parntered with on the blog. He wanted to know an honest, unbiased view of the brand and to hear from a long-time customer. I admitted I loved the company, but wish they would switch up their marketing to not only…

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Outfit Inspiration

Tuesday – Boot Weather

Sweater – Ann Taylor (similar, previously worn here) Jeans – Kut From the Kloth (this year’s version) Boots – DUO “Catalonia” Bracelets – Nordstrom (these, these, these), c/o t+j Designs, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, JewelMint Hoops – Claire’s (similar) Bag – Sabina (similar) Umbrella – birthday gift (similar) Today I woke to a torrential downpour…

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Outfit Inspiration

My Wardrobe Today – Thursday

Umbrella – Lands EndCardigan – Ann Taylor (no longer available)Striped Tee – Ann Taylor (stripe available in stores)Black Jeggings – Old NavyNecklace – Ann Taylor LOFTBoots – DUO BootsBag – Banana Republic Sandhurst XL Hobo (no longer available) Hair is second day, only brushed out the bedhead because no point in getting fancy with this…

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Outfit Inspiration

Thursday

Teal blue merino bateau-neck sweater from Banana Republic, tan tweed trousers from Ann Taylor, brown croco peeptoe heels from BCBGirls, silver hoops and cuff. Hair is second day – the rain and bedhead-mussed areas fixed with a curling iron, and a bit more Jonathan Silky dirt added to ends and around loopy curls. Makeup is…

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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:

Same sweater, different day and effect. You don’t need more clothes for more outfits, just play a bit with what you own. My brain didn’t consider these two colors together, but 2026 trends really are embracing the unexpected pairing so I went with it. The reddish-brown loafers and lavender socks helped me feel the look was more cohesive and the coat has the same color in it as the sweater!

Sweater: @onequince
Coat & pants: @anntaylor (hooray for 16 petite)
Shoes: @abeofootwear
Necklace: @_jennybird
Glasses: Prada bought at @lenscrafters

Comment LINK and I’ll send deets on the whole look, where to shop it or similar!

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Same sweater, different day and effect. You don’t need more clothes for more outfits, just play a bit with what you own. My brain didn’t consider these two colors together, but 2026 trends really are embracing the unexpected pairing so I went with it. The reddish-brown loafers and lavender socks helped me feel the look was more cohesive and the coat has the same color in it as the sweater!

Sweater: @onequince
Coat & pants: @anntaylor (hooray for 16 petite)
Shoes: @abeofootwear
Necklace: @_jennybird
Glasses: Prada bought at @lenscrafters

Comment LINK and I’ll send deets on the whole look, where to shop it or similar!

Old mixed with new and adding a personal touch with accessories. Comment LINK to shop this look!

Cashmere sweater and jeans: @onequince
Shirt: @theshirt_rochellebehrens
Glasses: Ray-Ban via @glassesusa
Bag: @maxwellscottuk
Loafers: @abeofootwear (available in ice widths)
Socks: @bombas
Jewelry: @lovechicos @analuisany @cabiclothing and vintage

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Old mixed with new and adding a personal touch with accessories. Comment LINK to shop this look!

Cashmere sweater and jeans: @onequince
Shirt: @theshirt_rochellebehrens
Glasses: Ray-Ban via @glassesusa
Bag: @maxwellscottuk
Loafers: @abeofootwear (available in ice widths)
Socks: @bombas
Jewelry: @lovechicos @analuisany @cabiclothing and vintage

These dogs are such camera hogs, they KNOW when I’m trying to film!

I just got back from running errands and wanted to share my real-life style. Color and whimsy without being over the top. Love that the whole look is available in midsize petite sizing!

Comment LINK below to receive a DM with the link to this post!

Sweater: @jcrew
Jeans: @ruti
Belt: @cabiclothing
Glasses: Prada via @lenscrafters
Shoes: @camper
Necklace: @baublebar
Rings: @monicavinader and @electricpicks and vintage
Dogs: @greenbeltanimalshelter & @pgcpets4us 🐾🩷

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These dogs are such camera hogs, they KNOW when I’m trying to film!

I just got back from running errands and wanted to share my real-life style. Color and whimsy without being over the top. Love that the whole look is available in midsize petite sizing!

Comment LINK below to receive a DM with the link to this post!

Sweater: @jcrew
Jeans: @ruti
Belt: @cabiclothing
Glasses: Prada via @lenscrafters
Shoes: @camper
Necklace: @baublebar
Rings: @monicavinader and @electricpicks and vintage
Dogs: @greenbeltanimalshelter & @pgcpets4us 🐾🩷

Our schedules aligned, and I had breakfast and a great catch-up with three friends this morning. This is what I wore:
Coat & sweater: @anntaylor
Jeans: @ruti
Glasses: Prada via @lenscrafters
Sneakers: @adidas (I find the superstar style roomy enough for insoles)
Nail bracelet: @electricpicks
Everything else is old, vintage, inherited, but I did find similar options!

Comment LINK and I’ll send you a DM with all the deets!

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Our schedules aligned, and I had breakfast and a great catch-up with three friends this morning. This is what I wore:
Coat & sweater: @anntaylor
Jeans: @ruti
Glasses: Prada via @lenscrafters
Sneakers: @adidas (I find the superstar style roomy enough for insoles)
Nail bracelet: @electricpicks
Everything else is old, vintage, inherited, but I did find similar options!

Comment LINK and I’ll send you a DM with all the deets!

For over 20 years, I’ve been providing real-life style advice for grown-ass women at Wardrobe Oxygen. And considering life right now, you may be wondering how to style your graphic t-shirts in a more elevated manner for work, school, town halls, city council meetings, and press events. I hope these sample outfits offer inspiration. For more tips and details to shop these collages comment LINK and I’ll send you a DM of my article that delves into this further. 💪

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For over 20 years, I’ve been providing real-life style advice for grown-ass women at Wardrobe Oxygen. And considering life right now, you may be wondering how to style your graphic t-shirts in a more elevated manner for work, school, town halls, city council meetings, and press events. I hope these sample outfits offer inspiration. For more tips and details to shop these collages comment LINK and I’ll send you a DM of my article that delves into this further. 💪

Since December 2017, I have been a full-time influencer and content creator, as well as the sole breadwinner for my family. I do not come from money, neither my husband nor I have parents alive to support us. For the past decade, I’ve been speaking out about injustice in our country, and am still able to support my family financially.

I have lost brand partnerships, and I have chosen to end some due to my beliefs. But for every brand that doesn’t wish to rock the boat, there is one that wants to be on the right side of history. And when you speak your truth, you find your community and your community will support you.

I’ve been blogging for over 20 years and continue to be successful because I pride myself on being honest and transparent with my audience. And because I have always been honest and transparent with them, I rarely lose followers when I share my beliefs because they know who I am and support that.

If I owned a coffee shop, I would hang a sign in my window and share my beliefs on my social platforms as I continued to keep my doors open, serving my customers, making a living. As an influencer, I do the same. I may have sponsored posts, I may share my outfits and beauty routine, but I will continue to keep my doors open, serving my customers, making a living.

I vote with my wallet, choosing to support businesses with ethics. I am an influencer, but I also am a consumer of social media and influencer content. And I vote with my follows, supporting those who have ethics and aren’t afraid to share them.

You as a follower have immense power. Follows, likes, and shares are currency in the influencer world. Companies partner with influencers they believe will increase sales and positive brand recognition. When you support an influencer who is in a brand campaign, you extend their reach… and their message. You, the audience, determine all of this.

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I saw we were sharing photos from 2016? It was my 11th year as a blogger and creator and I had really hit my stride. In fact, the following year I quit my job to go full time. I look through these photos and remember these outfits. So many I’d still wear (and many pieces I still own!).

As I scrolled through the archives of Wardrobe Oxygen, I saw 2016 was when my family did a cross-country road trip, when I was in an infomercial for a fashion brand, and when I began making regular capsule wardrobes.

I saw in 2016 I shared a lot of political content. I featured a different nonprofit each Friday of the holiday season, offered tips on how to donate anonymously, and that look with the gray ruana at the lake was the day after the election, when I shared my concerns with the future of our country.

So much has changed in a decade, yet so much is still the same. This exercise reminded me of how we creators have platforms and can be financially successful when we use them to speak out. I’ve been a full time content creator and the sole breadwinner of my household for almost a decade and have never shied from speaking up. I may not have the biggest following or make millions, but I do well while also sleeping well at night (or as well as can be had with this government and perimenopause).

#2016 Alison taught me to not be afraid of speaking up and the most fun closet pieces are actually the most timeless. 🧡 #wo2tbt

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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!

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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. 🐾

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