tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13796104Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:40:59 +0000MonoblockingJewelMintnaturalizer shoeLauren for Ralph LaurenFashion and AgeshoppingEmersonguest postLorealwide calf bootsskincareClarks shoebra fittingLucky BrandHappy New Yearflip flopscelebrity fashionEliza JSoftspots Shoesbonnaroowriting keeps my mind off thingssummerCarol Anderson by InvitationCustomer Serviceweek recapStyle Booksreader pleaFashion Bookssalon grafixFall 2011 Fashionthank you allInternational Women's Dayjack and gingerrecipesAlmaywhat to wear to a weddingAmiee Lynnwork attireWardrobe MistakeWashingtonianRonni NicoleTheBalmPregnancyproduct reviewNordstromfeminismBijteChristmasWinterholidaymaternitySoma IntimateshalogenTom Fordshoe trendsChicosPayless4th of Julybeyond the wardrobeThe Hold SteadyTolaniAthletaRocShabby Applevlog postZoya Nail PolishInside My BagRevlonwearing glassesfashion trendstallDC Fashion WeekGlenda BaileyFrugal TipsMossimoblack with navyKaren KaneHow to Be PolishedHow to Be 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whenTwo FigsSaving Money While ShoppingNARSthoughts and prayers welcomeNY and Cobeautyhair removal tipsmiss sixtyKloraneNature's GateMarvin DCBrahmin Bagscloset makeoverDUO BootsMargaret Atwoodlands end canvasblogger meetupfranco sartoVegetarianismmemeswimspot.comKristin Scott Thomasmy closethow to packlarge bustmoroccanoilbodycologybirthdayvacationcreating personal styleTargetYes to CucumbersOOTDWhite House Black Marketwhite after labor dayGarnet Hilldenimhow-toFrederic FekkaiHow To Shopweekendnursing wearStyle Iconvendor reviewlilith fairRalph LaurenAnother Linehaircarebody imagefeminist quotesfashion:districtold navyDCFABBweight watchersspring 2011reader questionsMaxi DressMerriweather Post Pavilliondress codeNeko Casestyle over 50weekly tipsbandolinocalvin kleinjessica simpsonPersonal Style by Alison Garyhttp://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/noreply@blogger.com (Allie (Wardrobe Oxygen))Blogger1946125http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.gifWardrobeOxygenhttp://feedburner.google.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13796104.post-6556606013749422789Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:07:00 +00002012-01-26T14:07:11.738-05:00Vince Camutojessica simpsonbanana republicLauren for Ralph Laurenmy wardrobe today<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-obK2q5N8qbe9uP4s5ZV_aobeZA/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-obK2q5N8qbe9uP4s5ZV_aobeZA/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-obK2q5N8qbe9uP4s5ZV_aobeZA/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-obK2q5N8qbe9uP4s5ZV_aobeZA/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JIiQYrGREjA/TyGjCfKm0MI/AAAAAAAAQZo/0yoRSjy4G-w/s640/IMG_7746.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RY2mCUKWnvI/TyGjBrNhsYI/AAAAAAAAQZg/WfQygHJ61C0/s400/IMG_7762.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AqMAMCOEbPY/TyGjDIruPWI/AAAAAAAAQZw/bNj_ovNJQY0/s640/IMG_7748.jpg" width="420" /></div><b>Sweater</b> - Vince Camuto<i> (<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=292945039&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <b>Skirt</b> - Banana Republic<i> (<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=317571694&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <b>Bracelets</b> - <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=270574822&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">Lauren Ralph Lauren</a><br /> <b>Shoes</b> - Jessica Simpson <i>(<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=275146890&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <b>Lipstick </b>- <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=6735494&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">NARS "Heatwave"</a><br /> <b>Smoothie</b> - My talented husband! <br /> <br /> My sister is out of the hospital! How insane to have brain surgery less than a week ago and be able to sleep in your own bed? She will need outpatient physical therapy, but is doing so incredibly well!<br /> <br /> I am dragging a bit today - yesterday was an early day at work and then with releasing my sister I didn't end up home until around midnight. I figured some super-bright colors would perk me once the caffeine stopped working! :)<br /> <br /> <br /> <center><div style="background: white; border: 1px solid #bfbfbf; display: block; position: relative; width: 424px;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="244" name="shopstyle_search" scrolling="no" src="http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid900-225470-19&amp;fts=Vince%20Camuto&amp;cat=womens-clothes&amp;width=3&amp;height=1&amp;border=0&amp;footer=0" width="424"></iframe><br /> <div style="bottom: 2px; height: 18px; left: 0; line-height: 12px; position: absolute; width: 100%;"><div style="left: 0; padding: 2px 0 0 6px; position: absolute;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse?fts=Vince%20Camuto&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0; color: #606060; font: 11px verdana,sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">Vince Camuto</a></div><div style="padding: 3px 4px 3px 0; position: absolute; right: 0;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/?pid=uid900-225470-19" style="border: 0;"><img alt="ShopStyle" src="http://resources.shopstyle.com/im/widget/ShopStyleLogo_powered.png" style="border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;" /></a></div></div></div></center><br /> <br /> <br /> <center><a href="http://www.blogger.com/follow-blog.g?blogID=13796104">Follow Me</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a> Wardrobe Oxygen by Alison Gary is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/p/contact.html.<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13796104-6556606013749422789?l=www.wardrobeoxygen.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=p3wMM2PrJIk:X8q2ygea2GU:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=p3wMM2PrJIk:X8q2ygea2GU:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=p3wMM2PrJIk:X8q2ygea2GU:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=p3wMM2PrJIk:X8q2ygea2GU:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=p3wMM2PrJIk:X8q2ygea2GU:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=p3wMM2PrJIk:X8q2ygea2GU:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=p3wMM2PrJIk:X8q2ygea2GU:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=p3wMM2PrJIk:X8q2ygea2GU:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=p3wMM2PrJIk:X8q2ygea2GU:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=p3wMM2PrJIk:X8q2ygea2GU:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~4/p3wMM2PrJIk" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~3/p3wMM2PrJIk/my-wardrobe-today-thursday_26.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Allie (Wardrobe Oxygen))16http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2012/01/my-wardrobe-today-thursday_26.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13796104.post-1397108620054147025Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:30:00 +00002012-01-25T16:30:59.753-05:00vendor reviewDUO Bootsnarrow calf bootswide calf boots<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Zh42vKls6JobSI5uvFfsk97pUdI/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Zh42vKls6JobSI5uvFfsk97pUdI/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Zh42vKls6JobSI5uvFfsk97pUdI/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Zh42vKls6JobSI5uvFfsk97pUdI/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p>In <a href="http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2011/10/duo-boots-fourth-times-charm.html"><b>my last post about DUO boots</b></a>, I discussed my previous experiences with this company that offers wide calf boots in sizes up to 50 centimeters in diameter. I mentioned how <a href="http://www.duoboots.com/"><b>DUO Boots</b></a> chatted with me via email offering their suggestions on the best boots to fit my need <i>(a low-heel tall black boot with classic styling that could work over skinny jeans as well as with dresses and skirts),</i> and my body <i>(petite, wide calves as well as large shins and ankles)</i>. DUO suggested the <a href="http://www.duoboots.com/products/boots/detail/calf_fitted_boots/catalonia/1095/colour/1-black_leather/"><b>Catalonia</b></a>, a classic riding-style boot that is known for being generous in the ankle. With DUO Boot’s free international shipping I decided to get myself a pair.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j4pU0hwrfyk/TyBzEmmzvsI/AAAAAAAAQZY/lkqQ7CF3TPI/s1600/duo+catalonia+wide+calf+boot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j4pU0hwrfyk/TyBzEmmzvsI/AAAAAAAAQZY/lkqQ7CF3TPI/s400/duo+catalonia+wide+calf+boot.jpg" width="356" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>The Duo Catalonia Boot </b></i></div><br /> The boots were backordered, but <a href="http://www.duoboots.com/"><b>DUO</b></a> let me know that before I even placed my order. They kept me posted via email on their status and arrived two days before I expected them. I had them delivered to my office so I would ensure a person would be there to sign for them <i>(DUO is based out of the UK and you need a signature for delivery). </i><br /> <br /> I got them… and they didn’t fit. While I ordered a size 39 UK/8US <i>(same size as my Bern boots and most of the shoes in my closet)</i>, my feet were positively swimming in them. I also went down a few centimeters from my Bern boots because I knew they stretched, and well I went down too far – could hardly zip the left boot. I emailed DUO asking what I could do – the last time I had to exchange with them I had to pay $40, deal with customs at the post office, and it wasn’t worth the hassle.<br /> <br /> Well DUO has updated their return policy – they sent me a link to fill out a return. My card was charged $20, I repackaged the boots in the heavy shipping bag they came in, and DHL came to my office and did the rest. While the $20 return fee sucks, it’s not that dramatic compared to so many other US-based online retailers in return for international shipping, front-door service, and stellar customer service.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uo5U7yi8c_g/TyByQBudsBI/AAAAAAAAQZQ/WJyAPX82lcY/s1600/DUO+Catalonis+pre-alteration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uo5U7yi8c_g/TyByQBudsBI/AAAAAAAAQZQ/WJyAPX82lcY/s640/DUO+Catalonis+pre-alteration.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>And in less than two weeks my new boots arrived. This time, they fit great. The only thing was the boots did a weird pirate-sort of thing at the top <i>(see above)</i>. This happens because my calf is so much wider than my knee, and I am on the short side. I had noticed this in the original pair, and before exchanging researched to see if a cobbler could actually taper the boot to not bow out so much. They could, and so I took my new Catalonia boots to my cobbler.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YYOXXLBFlBo/TyBx-atccVI/AAAAAAAAQZA/y_aPzxpNSvM/s1600/IMG_7728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YYOXXLBFlBo/TyBx-atccVI/AAAAAAAAQZA/y_aPzxpNSvM/s640/IMG_7728.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>My cobbler refused to taper the boot shaft, saying it would ruin the boot. <i><b>“Legs don’t curve that way.”</b></i> The thing is, <b>my</b> legs curve that way. So I went to another cobbler who didn’t bat an eye at my request, asked me to put on the boots, even suggested I put them over my jeans to ensure there’s room for that, got on his knees and measured. The Catalonia has a back seam so the alteration is virtually invisible.&nbsp; Two weeks and $45 later I had boots that curved with me <i>(see above)</i>. Was so impressed with the price and ease, I am taking an old pair of “pirate boots” in to be cleaned up and tapered.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>And now the review of the actual boots:</b></span><br /> The <a href="http://www.duoboots.com/products/boots/detail/calf_fitted_boots/catalonia/1095/colour/1-black_leather/"><b>DUO Catalonia</b></a> is a pretty classic-styled riding boot with a low heel, rounted toe, and pull tabs at the top of the shaft. I don’t believe my pictures do the leather justice for it is very soft and supple – the boots look expensive. There isn’t a single bit of blatant hardware on them which I love – the zippers and pulls are black, the elastic gussets are black, the wood heel is stained black. <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3OlixLrxpOc/TyByEvxy9GI/AAAAAAAAQZI/jlbrH7y_ors/s1600/duo+wide+calf+boot+catalonia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3OlixLrxpOc/TyByEvxy9GI/AAAAAAAAQZI/jlbrH7y_ors/s1600/duo+wide+calf+boot+catalonia.jpg" /></a></div>DUO rarely shows a photo the inner view of their boots, because that is where they hide the zipper and gussets. Like my Duo Bern boots, the <a href="http://www.duoboots.com/products/boots/detail/calf_fitted_boots/catalonia/1095/colour/1-black_leather/"><b>Catalonia</b></a> has a sturdy metal zipper and two horizontal gussets 6.5” long; these gussets will stretch with the leg so you don’t always have a bit gap of elastic showing <i>(see above)</i>.<br /> <br /> The foot itself runs HUGE – I am a 7.5 wide or 8 medium and I was swimming in an 8. Even with a size smaller, my foot still has a lot of room and I can comfortably wear really thick socks. The ankle area will slouch on many – this is not a stiff leather boot and it is roomy in the ankle – this is not a boot for someone who wants a sleek, fitted style. The boot is unlined, but the leather inside is soft and brushed. DUO boots aren’t known for their cushy insole, but I just buy a pair from Target to make them more wearable all day.<br /> <br /> The boot is tall – if I was a half inch shorter they would probably dig into the back of my knee when walking or sitting. Do keep this in mind if you are petite <i>(I am 5’3” and find most petite pants to be a hair short if not in complete flats).</i><br /> <br /> I have worn these boots a LOT in the past week – almost every day. They are very comfortable, and look great slipped over jeans and leggings. I also wore them with <a href="http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2011/11/my-wardrobe-today-monday.html"><b>my gray White House Black Market dress</b></a> and it looked cute; you can also <a href="http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2012/01/my-wardrobe-today-thursday_12.html"><b>see here when I wore them with a pencil skirt</b></a>. The leather has stretched slightly – just enough that they have molded to my leg and foot. They cost me $250, a price I find extremely reasonable for such quality, style, and fit.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.duoboots.com/"><b>DUO Boots</b></a> is known around the blogosphere for making wide calf boots, but they make boots of any size – if you have very narrow calves this is also a great place to shop. Before dropping dough, I recommend you contact them by email – they reply usually within 48 hours and can give you specific advice on boots to ensure you get a style that will fit you best. And for those in the US who were turned off by the old shipping and return policy – consider giving DUO another try, you’ll be pretty pleased with the change.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Note:</b> I did not receive any compensation from DUO for this post; DUO didn’t know I was writing this nor do I even think they knew I was a blogger when I placed my order.</i></span><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <center><a href="http://www.blogger.com/follow-blog.g?blogID=13796104">Follow Me</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a> Wardrobe Oxygen by Alison Gary is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/p/contact.html.<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13796104-1397108620054147025?l=www.wardrobeoxygen.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=njzCn4HTs6E:eyOYVRPxcb8:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=njzCn4HTs6E:eyOYVRPxcb8:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=njzCn4HTs6E:eyOYVRPxcb8:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=njzCn4HTs6E:eyOYVRPxcb8:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=njzCn4HTs6E:eyOYVRPxcb8:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=njzCn4HTs6E:eyOYVRPxcb8:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=njzCn4HTs6E:eyOYVRPxcb8:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=njzCn4HTs6E:eyOYVRPxcb8:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=njzCn4HTs6E:eyOYVRPxcb8:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=njzCn4HTs6E:eyOYVRPxcb8:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~4/njzCn4HTs6E" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~3/njzCn4HTs6E/review-duo-boots.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Allie (Wardrobe Oxygen))8http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2012/01/review-duo-boots.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13796104.post-6457626518286943982Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:01:00 +00002012-01-25T13:17:23.758-05:00personal stylecreating personal styleHow To Shop<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Wcv9i7GMEVrZ2Wg-K4Cte7Bw6fY/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Wcv9i7GMEVrZ2Wg-K4Cte7Bw6fY/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Wcv9i7GMEVrZ2Wg-K4Cte7Bw6fY/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Wcv9i7GMEVrZ2Wg-K4Cte7Bw6fY/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-geYcoeFPdOY/TyBCgwPxudI/AAAAAAAAQY4/TjUYLEL4U2Q/s1600/shopping-bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-geYcoeFPdOY/TyBCgwPxudI/AAAAAAAAQY4/TjUYLEL4U2Q/s1600/shopping-bags.jpg" /></a></div>I love wine, but I don’t know a lot about it. I once subscribed to Food and Wine magazine to educate myself better, but got overwhelmed. I go to the store, look for a bottle between $9 - $15, and often decide based upon the look of the label. <br /> <br /> I love coffee, but I don’t know a lot about it. My husband will ask me whether I like today’s coffee better than yesterday’s as it is a different brand or roast… and I can’t tell the difference. Sometimes I like coffee black, sometimes I don’t, but I don’t really think about why that must be. I am not a brand snob- I like Starbucks because they have fun drink ideas and yes, I am a sucker for their bright green straws. When it comes to coffee, I just know I like coffee – I like it hot for breakfast, I like it iced on a warm sunny day, and I love Frappucinnos and coffee-flavored ice cream.<br /> <br /> When I go to IKEA with my sister, she will comment on how a chair is inspired by Jonathan Adler, or a table is a copy of Saarien. I just see a shiny white table or a pretty chair. I buy home décor based upon what appeals to me, having no clue what is currently hot, trendy, or a bad copy of a famous designer.<br /> <br /> What’s the point of a fashion blogger rambling about furniture and beverages? The point is that I am not a connoisseur but I still allow myself to enjoy these things. No one judges me because I don’t know the difference between coffee from Jamaica or beans from Costa Rica, that I know how many points my Riesling received from Wine Spectator, or what designer inspired my Target shower curtain. No one judges me, and I enjoy myself.<br /> <br /> And all this can be true about fashion. The thing is, you can treat fashion the way you may treat coffee, or wine, or furniture. Enjoy what you enjoy, don’t let all the facts and figures ruin your good time. Go slow, and relish in each pleasurable moment.<br /> <br /> I often meet people who tell me they find fashion is stupid. During our conversation, I find that they don’t necessarily find it stupid, but instead they don’t understand it, or its relevance in their life. We often find that which we do not know or understand to be “stupid” or “pointless.” Think about it, have you ever found your husband’s passion for football or your best friend’s love of electronica to be strange? It’s not that it is stupid, it’s just foreign to you.<br /> <br /> Unless you are a nudist, fashion is a form of art we all have to embrace in some manner. I always feel that if you have to do something, you might as well find pleasure in it. You don’t need to be a connoisseur to have fun with fashion. <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>How to Not Hate Fashion:</b></span><br /> <b>- Buy colors you love. </b> I am always surprised when I meet people who have colorful lives and personalities yet dress in drab neutrals. With discussion, I find they buy nondescript clothing to hide the fact that they fear fashion. 2012 is a wonderful year for color lovers, where you can find everything from dresses to denim in almost any color in the Crayola box. No need to leave the silhouettes and garment styles you find safe and comfortable, but if you love green why not buy a piece in that hue?<br /> <br /> <b>- Create a uniform.</b> When I visit the closets of people who don’t like fashion, they usually have two to three times more clothing in their closet than I. Stop with all the mindless shopping and purchase garments that are tried and true. Heck, buy multiples. There is nothing wrong with having three pairs of the same black pants, and the same sweater in four different colors. I may seem to wear a different thing every day, but if you look closely I stick to a uniform of similar silhouettes that I know work for my body and lifestyle.<br /> <br /> <b>- Embrace accessories. </b>If you feel most comfortable in simple pieces, show who you are with accessories. Scarves, necklaces, bangle bracelets, brooches, headbands, belts… simple low-cost pieces that can revolutionize your wardrobe. <br /> <br /> <b>- Consider shopping online. </b>I used to hate my body. I would stand in a fitting room in a too-tight skirt and see-through blouse, my pale large legs and black trouser socks, glistening with sweat and tears from another horrific mall session. Each time I went shopping, I felt as though I was too fat, too soft, too short, too unusual for fashion. Then I had a baby and no time to actually go to a mall or boutique and had to rely on the Internet. This simple change improved my feeling about my body and the clothes that go on it every day.<br /> <br /> Now I can try clothes on with natural light, with a mirror I trust. I can take off the trouser socks and put on a pair of pumps. I can see if a blouse fits better with a different bra, a dress with a pair of Spanx. I can really know if that belt will work with the dress I already own. Now online shopping can be daunting, but once you find brands and retailers you know like your body, it makes it easier; also more and more companies are offering free shipping and easy/free/in-store returns.<br /> <br /> <b>- Act as though fashion is a restaurant.</b> If you despise liver yet it’s on the menu, you don’t reject the entire restaurant, you just choose a different entrée. If you find an entrée that looks appealing, but would prefer vegetables instead of the rice you ask the waiter for a switch and enjoy your custom meal. If you’re a vegetarian, you pick entrees that are animal-free, asking the waiter for suggestions and clarification. While society claims that you should drink red wine with beef but you’re craving a glass of Chardonnay with your filet mignon, get the Chardonnay and drink it with joy.<br /> <br /> You don’t have to wear what everyone else wears. Heck, you really don’t need my <a href="http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2009/10/staples-for-every-womans-wardrobe.html">wardrobe staples</a> if you know yourself and your personal wardrobe needs. However, like a restaurant, you may not even know your favorite entrée until you try something new. Start small, an appetizer as you will. Step outside your comfort zone with a different retailer, different color, different silhouette. If you don’t like it, move on. Don’t blame yourself, and don’t blame fashion as a whole. You can’t blame a whole restaurant because you personally don’t like their risotto. <br /> <br /> <b>- Treat personal style the way you would a ‘Couch to 5k.’ </b>No one expects you to be an expert fashionistas in a day… or even a year. The only way to find your personal style and have your exterior match your interior is with small steps. Slowly, gently venture out of your comfort zone and find out what looks and feels right. <br /> <br /> <div style="color: #073763; text-align: center;"><b>***</b></div><br /> No one expects you to be a fashion connoisseur unless you have chosen fashion to be your profession and life. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t become comfortable with some aspects of it. Honing your personal style helps people understand the true you, helps you feel and look like a cohesive person, and can make life easier and more enjoyable. Go slow, use care, and remember that half the fun of reaching your destination is the journey to get there!<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <center><a href="http://www.blogger.com/follow-blog.g?blogID=13796104">Follow Me</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a> Wardrobe Oxygen by Alison Gary is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/p/contact.html.<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13796104-6457626518286943982?l=www.wardrobeoxygen.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=Gy7PETAqyh8:TQLDjt02Gsk:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=Gy7PETAqyh8:TQLDjt02Gsk:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=Gy7PETAqyh8:TQLDjt02Gsk:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=Gy7PETAqyh8:TQLDjt02Gsk:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=Gy7PETAqyh8:TQLDjt02Gsk:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=Gy7PETAqyh8:TQLDjt02Gsk:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=Gy7PETAqyh8:TQLDjt02Gsk:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=Gy7PETAqyh8:TQLDjt02Gsk:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=Gy7PETAqyh8:TQLDjt02Gsk:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=Gy7PETAqyh8:TQLDjt02Gsk:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~4/Gy7PETAqyh8" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~3/Gy7PETAqyh8/how-to-not-hate-fashion-aka-on-being.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Allie (Wardrobe Oxygen))25http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2012/01/how-to-not-hate-fashion-aka-on-being.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13796104.post-3964095464079338465Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:56:00 +00002012-01-25T08:16:49.600-05:00talbotsNordstromJewelMintjessica simpsonann taylormy wardrobe today<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/9Gy28hKBmiccpn4ujVF4biA94g0/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/9Gy28hKBmiccpn4ujVF4biA94g0/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/9Gy28hKBmiccpn4ujVF4biA94g0/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/9Gy28hKBmiccpn4ujVF4biA94g0/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJvpcQsyTPk/Tx7RaCj67wI/AAAAAAAAQYk/HBe5tBVgLiM/s640/IMG_7735.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DzE86qfU_G4/Tx7RXEj9zoI/AAAAAAAAQYM/u5hhoUct0sA/s400/IMG_7742.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SfeB0ryX_fw/Tx7RZQMTjeI/AAAAAAAAQYc/a_cQKGrUGLM/s640/IMG_7734.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--1QdYsL5rMw/Tx7Ra_LzkZI/AAAAAAAAQYs/lOFsdjtpwMg/s400/IMG_7738.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--y4G0AqZcsE/Tx7RYV5zznI/AAAAAAAAQYU/-TXJ1JbKf5Q/s640/IMG_7729.jpg" width="420" /></div><b>Blouse</b> - <a href="http://www.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi27560&amp;rootCategory=cat90030&amp;catId=cat80006&amp;sortKey=Default&amp;section=Sale&amp;conceptIdUnderSale=cat90030">Talbots</a> <i>(how fun are these sleeves!)</i><br /> <b>Skirt </b>- Ann Taylor <i>(<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=265714694&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <b>Tights </b>-<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=201955571&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19"> Nordstrom</a><br /> <b>Shoes</b> - Jessica Simpson <i>(<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=275146890&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <b>Necklace </b>- Shop in Rehoboth Beach <i>(<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=316749326&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <b>Bracelet</b> - <a href="http://jmnt.me/xC5B4T">JewelMint</a><br /> <br /> Thank you everyone for all the wonderful well wishes, thoughts and prayers for my sister! She came out of surgery great, they were able to get 100% of the tumor. She will be placed in a rehab center <i>(hopefully today if they have a room available) </i>to help her gain strength in her right leg/foot but is otherwise in fantastic shape. Our friend and I have gotten her on the <a href="http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2011/10/not-fashion-related-hunger-games.html">Hunger Games trilogy</a> and yesterday evening she was 1/3 through Catching Fire. She's ready to get the heck out of the hospital, which is always a good sign!<br /> <br /> It's weird being back in the office; though I only took four days of PTO it feels as though I have been away for a month. Quite the load of emails to get through, and I almost missed my station on the Metro!<br /> <br /> I have to give props again to <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=201955571&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">Nordstrom brand tights</a> - this morning I realized my husband washed and dried my tights in the machine - my two pairs of regular denier DKNY tights both ended up destroyed in the process, while <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=201955571&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">these Nordstrom tights</a> look as though they were only babied by hand. Not only that, this pair is from last year! Totally worth the money!<br /> <br /> <center><div style="position:relative; border:1px solid #bfbfbf; background:white; width:424px;display:block;"><iframe name="shopstyle_search" width="424" height="244" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid900-225470-19&fts=Talbots%20Tops&cat=Any&width=3&height=1&border=0&footer=0"></iframe><div style="position:absolute; left:0; bottom:2px; height:18px; line-height:12px; width:100%;"><div style="position:absolute; left:0; padding:2px 0 0 6px"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse?fts=Talbots%20Tops&pid=uid900-225470-19" style="font:11px verdana,sans-serif;text-decoration:underline;border:0;background-color:transparent;color:#606060">Talbots Tops</a></div><div style="position:absolute; right:0; padding:3px 4px 3px 0"><a style="border:0" href="http://www.shopstyle.com?pid=uid900-225470-19"><img src="http://resources.shopstyle.com/im/widget/ShopStyleLogo_powered.png" alt="ShopStyle" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0"></img></a></div></div></div></center><br /> <br /> <center><a href="http://www.blogger.com/follow-blog.g?blogID=13796104">Follow Me</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a> Wardrobe Oxygen by Alison Gary is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/p/contact.html.<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13796104-3964095464079338465?l=www.wardrobeoxygen.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=0eupr6_G5as:-SfJIB_nGiY:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=0eupr6_G5as:-SfJIB_nGiY:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=0eupr6_G5as:-SfJIB_nGiY:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=0eupr6_G5as:-SfJIB_nGiY:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=0eupr6_G5as:-SfJIB_nGiY:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=0eupr6_G5as:-SfJIB_nGiY:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=0eupr6_G5as:-SfJIB_nGiY:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=0eupr6_G5as:-SfJIB_nGiY:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=0eupr6_G5as:-SfJIB_nGiY:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=0eupr6_G5as:-SfJIB_nGiY:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~4/0eupr6_G5as" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~3/0eupr6_G5as/my-wardrobe-today-tuesday_24.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Allie (Wardrobe Oxygen))21http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2012/01/my-wardrobe-today-tuesday_24.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13796104.post-7487902396608033516Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:28:00 +00002012-01-19T16:28:21.946-05:00thank you all<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/APYD8WZ5zfBSz96-mGZAbfJ7N8c/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/APYD8WZ5zfBSz96-mGZAbfJ7N8c/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/APYD8WZ5zfBSz96-mGZAbfJ7N8c/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/APYD8WZ5zfBSz96-mGZAbfJ7N8c/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p>My sister is out of surgery, currently in recovery. She had a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meningioma">meningomia</a>, they were able to remove 100% of it. We hope to see her in the next hour or so.<br /> <br /> Thank you so much for all your well wishes, thoughts and prayers. I feel so blessed to have connected with you all through this blog. Thank you. Thank you so much!<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <center><a href="http://www.blogger.com/follow-blog.g?blogID=13796104">Follow Me</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a> Wardrobe Oxygen by Alison Gary is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/p/contact.html.<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13796104-7487902396608033516?l=www.wardrobeoxygen.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=7DW72c6k4P0:rvsvaSKldI0:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=7DW72c6k4P0:rvsvaSKldI0:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=7DW72c6k4P0:rvsvaSKldI0:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=7DW72c6k4P0:rvsvaSKldI0:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=7DW72c6k4P0:rvsvaSKldI0:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=7DW72c6k4P0:rvsvaSKldI0:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=7DW72c6k4P0:rvsvaSKldI0:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=7DW72c6k4P0:rvsvaSKldI0:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=7DW72c6k4P0:rvsvaSKldI0:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=7DW72c6k4P0:rvsvaSKldI0:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~4/7DW72c6k4P0" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~3/7DW72c6k4P0/good-news.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Allie (Wardrobe Oxygen))35http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2012/01/good-news.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13796104.post-7984497332019118572Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:07:00 +00002012-01-23T09:03:53.424-05:00I have the most wonderful readers thank you allthoughts and prayers welcomewhat to wear whenwriting keeps my mind off things<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/OpurKwCl437dEfptoZqvnaUqtR0/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/OpurKwCl437dEfptoZqvnaUqtR0/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/OpurKwCl437dEfptoZqvnaUqtR0/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/OpurKwCl437dEfptoZqvnaUqtR0/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p>This morning I stood in front of my closet, feeling like a superficial, self-absorbed jerk. I was trying to figure out what to wear, and in a few hours my sister was going to have brain surgery. How could I be even THINKING about fashion at a time like this?<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0LEDWRlPbfE/Txho5Ulj7zI/AAAAAAAAQX0/1IYAqyWaV5o/s1600/DoctorsWaitingREX_468x263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0LEDWRlPbfE/Txho5Ulj7zI/AAAAAAAAQX0/1IYAqyWaV5o/s1600/DoctorsWaitingREX_468x263.jpg" /></a></div>Then I remembered all the other times I have spent all day<i> (and all night and sometimes the next day) </i>in a hospital waiting room, anxious for an update on a loved one. Times when my poor sartorial choices distracted me from the situation at hand. Shivering in too lightweight of a sweater, sweltering in a wool turtleneck, gas pains from too tight jeans, aching feet in heels, constantly adjusting a wrinkled-beyond-belief button-front shirt. Remembering that no matter how somber or stressful the situation, taking a moment to think before you dress can make you far more comfortable, as well as helpful to others.<br /> <br /> I decided on my black and ivory striped long-sleeve LOFT tee, a red cashmere pashmina looped around my throat <i>(Christmas gift from my sister)</i>, my black MICHAEL Michael Kors thigh-length sweater coat, my NYDJ jeans tucked into my new black riding boots from DUO. I made my hair straight, knowing that when it’s that way it holds up better after napping, or if I can’t leave in the next day or so to take a shower. <br /> <br /> I chose red, because it is a power color, and a cheery color. I chose a larger pair of jeans for the added comfort level <i>(and possible bloating from salty snack bar meals and caffeinated sodas to keep me awake long hours)</i>. Boots which are as comfortable as sneakers, but make me feel more confident and look more pulled together. Every piece with spandex so I won’t be a rumpled mess by time my sister is in Recovery.<br /> <br /> Clothing is armor, a way to feel strong and confident in uncomfortable or strange situations. Caring about yourself doesn’t mean you are a selfish person, but a prepared individual. By taking those few moments in front of the closet for myself, it made me far more ready to care for my sister and family the rest of the day. A half hour of self-care results in hours of care for others without a single thought about how I may look, how I may feel.<br /> <br /> This is not a subject I like to be an expert in, but over the past couple of decades I have become quite the pro at waiting at hospitals for loved ones. I have learned that proper preparation in regard to my fashion has ensured I am helpful, quick to respond, comfortable, and not a burden. I feel comfortable seeing friends and family who come to visit, having consultations with doctors, and staying for long periods of time away from home. Here’s my tips for how to have a comfortable experience as a hospital visitor:<br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wear Layers.</b></span> Hospitals are either freezing cold or suffocatingly hot. It doesn’t matter if it’s January or July, it’s smart to wear layers. Start with a lightweight knit layer – a refined tee shirt that looks smart when worn by itself. Over that, I recommend a stretchy jacket or cardigan – something that can be balled up into a makeshift pillow or stuffed into a toe bag but can then be put on without looking like a crumpled paper bag. Finally, I am a huge fan of pashminas – a large scarf that can be looped around the throat for a pop of color or warmth, can be wrapped around the shoulders as a shawl, or can be a makeshift blanket.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wear Stretch</b></span>. Not only will stretch keep your clothes from looking crumpled over the hours, but it will also keep your comfortable after hours of sitting in an uncomfortable waiting room chair. Ponte de Roma trousers are as comfy as yoga pants but more refined and polished; a pair of dark denim with 3-5% Lycra will look great but also hold up throughout the day or night. <br /> <br /> Pieces like button-front shirts and structured jackets will prove uncomfortable and awkward in a waiting room setting. Weirdly shaped chairs that force you to slouch, constantly taking off and putting on layers for fluctuating temperatures, and the random catnap sitting up will leave you with your bra peeking through buttonholes, strong creases in cotton, and you looking as bedraggled as you feel. While the idea of a crisp white shirt may make you feel strong at 8am, you will regret it by noon. <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wear Color.</b></span> Red and pink me feel happy, feminine, confident so I wear them when I feel sad or stressed. If you are to be strong or cheerful, it’s far easier to do it when wearing a strong or cheerful color. While I don’t expect you to dress like a box of crayons, adding at least a pop of color to your ensemble will show you have a positive outlook on the situation.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wear Your Heart.</b></span> When my father was in the hospital just before he passed away, I went to visit him wearing my favorite sweater of his. It is a cobalt and magenta marled turtleneck that looked cool on him in the ‘70s and looked pretty cool on me with vintage jeans in the ‘90s. My dad was in and out of consciousness as I went into his room, I caught him at a lucid moment. He looked at me, winked and said, “Nice sweater, kid.”<br /> <br /> Did your grandmother give you her strand of wedding pearls? Does your mother like you best in blue? Did your husband buy you an amber bracelet in Bermuda? If you even think of that accessory, color or garment when planning the day see that as life giving you a sartorial suggestion. Not only will it make you feel closer to that person during a difficult time, it will bring a smile to your loved one’s face when they get a chance to see you in Recovery.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wear Comfortable Shoes.</b></span> You will be standing a lot, sitting a lot, and depending on the size of the hospital campus you may be walking a lot. A sturdy shoe with a low heel and a roomy toebox will stay comfortable as your feet swell during the day or if you have to wear your shoes for an extended amount of time. <br /> <br /> <u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What to Bring:</b></span></u><br /> <ul><li><b>A Reusable Water Bottle.</b> Fill up your bottle with water at home for you may not have access to anything other than $5 8 oz. bottles and the public bathroom sink once you get to the hospital. Staying hydrated will keep you from feeling sluggish and will help with circulation during long hours of sitting or pacing.</li> </ul><ul><li><b>Snacks.</b> Some hospitals have wonderful snack bars and restaurants, others notsomuch. Even if you have access to food, it may not be the quality desire or the price you want to pay. Today I brought two <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0019ZN1OM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=whaevewomneei-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0019ZN1OM">FiberOne granola bars</a>, two apples, a bag of microwave popcorn, and a bag of baby carrots for me and my mom, my mom also brought her own bag of snacks. Most hospitals will have at least coffee and a microwave available, but you cannot rely on filtered water or refrigeration. Find that comfortable balance between yummy comfort food and healthy choices – if you lean too far in either direction you may end up feeling miserable.</li> </ul><ul><li><b>Entertainment.</b> Today I brought my laptop, a journal, the latest issue of Bazaar, and a novel. It’s good to have variety because you may be too distracted to be able to focus on your book, or find the Internet overwhelming. I really encourage all to have a way to write down their feelings – when you are in a position where you need to be strong but don’t feel that way, writing or typing your feeling can help alleviate the stress and keep you strong for loved ones. It’s also a good way to journal the situation if you have a bad or wonderful hospital situation or want to let the patient know what happened while they were in surgery.</li> </ul><ul><li><b>Basic Toiletries. </b> Even successful procedures can go longer than expected; having basic beauty products on hand can make your stay more comfortable. Toothpaste and toothbrush, eye rewetting drops for contacts <i>(I also encourage a case and travel-sized bottle of solution and backup glasses in case of an overnight vigil), </i>and I really love<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HJT1CW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=whaevewomneei-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000HJT1CW"> Body Shop’s Vitamin E Face Mist</a> for rehydrating skin after a trying day or to help reset makeup if you had a bit of a cryfest.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> I also bring makeup for a touch-up after a snooze or some tears – in my bag is a travel pack of facial cleansing wipes, a tube of mascara, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006A3S4Y/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=whaevewomneei-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0006A3S4Y">Philosophy’s The Supernatural mineral foundation</a> <i>(foundation and powder in one and a spill-proof container),</i> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GDSWH0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=whaevewomneei-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B004GDSWH0">Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Rose</a><i> (can double as blush).&nbsp; </i><br /> <br /> If you take medications, bring them. You don’t want to have to rush home for your pills at a time like this.</li> </ul><ul><li><b>Phone Charger. </b>Nothing is worse than having your phone die when you need it. All day I have been using my phone to keep friends and family posted on my sister’s progress and when I’m not texting or emailing, I have it plugged into a USB charger cord connected to my laptop. A wall charger is the best choice – every waiting room has an outlet or two available even if it doesn’t have WiFi. </li> </ul><ul><li><b>Calendar.</b> Whether it’s on your phone, or your paper agenda book, have your calendar ready to help the patient schedule post-op appointments or plan out family get-togethers in the upcoming days.</li> </ul><ul><li><b>Cash.</b> Dollars to pay for parking, quarters for meters and vending machines – hospitals are known for not being credit card-friendly. Instead of having to search all over for an ATM with an insane user fee, be prepared with at least $30 a day <i>($10 or more in $1 bills and at least $2 in quarters).</i></li> </ul><br /> <div style="color: #073763; text-align: center;"><b>***</b></div><div style="color: #073763; text-align: center;"><br /> </div>I hope you never have to use this information, but if you do please know that caring for yourself and your personal style at such a time is not selfish. If you care for yourself, you can do a far better job at caring for others. Take the time to nurture and prepare yourself so you can dedicate yourself to the health of your loved one.<br /> <br /> <blockquote class="tr_bq"><i style="color: #073763;"><b>Note:</b> Thank you to all who have shared this post with those who need this information.&nbsp; My thoughts go out to you and I wish you strength during this difficult time.&nbsp; My sister made it out of surgery great, they got all of the tumor and she is recovering nicely.&nbsp; I wish the same to your loved ones.&nbsp; Much love to all of you!</i></blockquote><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <center><a href="http://www.blogger.com/follow-blog.g?blogID=13796104">Follow Me</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a> Wardrobe Oxygen by Alison Gary is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/p/contact.html.<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13796104-7984497332019118572?l=www.wardrobeoxygen.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=hSzc9BmjH4o:BY5cwJruJiY:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=hSzc9BmjH4o:BY5cwJruJiY:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=hSzc9BmjH4o:BY5cwJruJiY:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=hSzc9BmjH4o:BY5cwJruJiY:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=hSzc9BmjH4o:BY5cwJruJiY:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=hSzc9BmjH4o:BY5cwJruJiY:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=hSzc9BmjH4o:BY5cwJruJiY:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=hSzc9BmjH4o:BY5cwJruJiY:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=hSzc9BmjH4o:BY5cwJruJiY:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=hSzc9BmjH4o:BY5cwJruJiY:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~4/hSzc9BmjH4o" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~3/hSzc9BmjH4o/what-to-wear-for-hospital-vigil.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Allie (Wardrobe Oxygen))36http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2012/01/what-to-wear-for-hospital-vigil.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13796104.post-3851335245953226808Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:27:00 +00002012-01-17T14:27:55.444-05:00NordstromCAbimiss sixtyann taylormy wardrobe today<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/rmJnFABMEkqTaN3Y1FRubxk_WRM/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/rmJnFABMEkqTaN3Y1FRubxk_WRM/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/rmJnFABMEkqTaN3Y1FRubxk_WRM/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/rmJnFABMEkqTaN3Y1FRubxk_WRM/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CPSCtBztlys/TxXKGVyszsI/AAAAAAAAQUQ/JC3JARyRKFw/s640/IMG_7719.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5uGCa72wifw/TxXKD5E_gKI/AAAAAAAAQT4/AhDfaa759vM/s400/IMG_7725.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m3LvGgmLFqc/TxXKEuygXxI/AAAAAAAAQUA/V1zFo9qQ1J4/s400/IMG_7726.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EOOTOvXSePo/TxXKFnyNSMI/AAAAAAAAQUI/e3nLIAqpCmY/s640/IMG_7715.jpg" width="420" /></div><b>Shirt </b>- c/o <a href="http://lisaholt.cabionline.com/collection/clothes/tops/classic-shirt/">CAbi</a><br /> <b>Sweater </b>- <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=320268449&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">Ann Taylor</a><br /> <b>Skirt </b>- Ann Taylor <i>(<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=288151840&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <b>Tights</b> - <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=201955571&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">Nordstrom</a><br /> <b>Booties</b> - Miss Sixty<i> (<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=310460042&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <b>Bracelet </b>- <a href="http://jmnt.me/xC5B4T">JewelMint</a><br /> <br /> Good outfit wasted on a bad day. Seriously, I dig this outfit and it seems others do too, but it's near impossible to see due to the horrible cold rain this morning. Pics were taken with my husband huddled under the hatchback of his Subaru in a rush so we could get into the safety of the car.&nbsp; Of course now it's sunny outside! <br /> <br /> <br /> <center><div style="background: white; border: 1px solid #bfbfbf; display: block; position: relative; width: 424px;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="244" name="shopstyle_search" scrolling="no" src="http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid900-225470-19&amp;fts=Ann%20Taylor%20Sweaters&amp;cat=Any&amp;width=3&amp;height=1&amp;border=0&amp;footer=0" width="424"></iframe><br /> <div style="bottom: 2px; height: 18px; left: 0; line-height: 12px; position: absolute; width: 100%;"><div style="left: 0; padding: 2px 0 0 6px; position: absolute;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse?fts=Ann%20Taylor%20Sweaters&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0; color: #606060; font: 11px verdana,sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">Ann Taylor Sweaters</a></div><div style="padding: 3px 4px 3px 0; position: absolute; right: 0;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/?pid=uid900-225470-19" style="border: 0;"><img alt="ShopStyle" src="http://resources.shopstyle.com/im/widget/ShopStyleLogo_powered.png" style="border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;" /></a></div></div></div></center><br /> <br /> <br /> <center><a href="http://www.blogger.com/follow-blog.g?blogID=13796104">Follow Me</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a> Wardrobe Oxygen by Alison Gary is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/p/contact.html.<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13796104-3851335245953226808?l=www.wardrobeoxygen.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=Aw96vszYhxc:Hv9GqMHVb4Y:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=Aw96vszYhxc:Hv9GqMHVb4Y:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=Aw96vszYhxc:Hv9GqMHVb4Y:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=Aw96vszYhxc:Hv9GqMHVb4Y:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=Aw96vszYhxc:Hv9GqMHVb4Y:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=Aw96vszYhxc:Hv9GqMHVb4Y:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=Aw96vszYhxc:Hv9GqMHVb4Y:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=Aw96vszYhxc:Hv9GqMHVb4Y:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=Aw96vszYhxc:Hv9GqMHVb4Y:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=Aw96vszYhxc:Hv9GqMHVb4Y:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~4/Aw96vszYhxc" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~3/Aw96vszYhxc/my-wardrobe-today-tuesday_17.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Allie (Wardrobe Oxygen))23http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2012/01/my-wardrobe-today-tuesday_17.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13796104.post-8720038331156949813Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:28:00 +00002012-01-16T13:28:02.776-05:00Only MineNordstromjessica simpsonCAbiAnn Taylor LOFTNARSmy wardrobe today<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/KH3_DSnyRSFzEHyHvNVu9J4mXqs/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/KH3_DSnyRSFzEHyHvNVu9J4mXqs/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/KH3_DSnyRSFzEHyHvNVu9J4mXqs/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/KH3_DSnyRSFzEHyHvNVu9J4mXqs/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0MADhmdLlVg/TxRoaC-XGWI/AAAAAAAAQQ0/dqePYKHSu6A/s640/IMG_7689.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gvyTkB-3GWo/TxRobsGUc3I/AAAAAAAAQRE/ETKNbsImwkQ/s400/IMG_7704.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JlxS9oyuTVU/TxRocChdWwI/AAAAAAAAQRM/l0KC_G-asv8/s400/IMG_7705.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-udVeLkC_d-M/TxRoZSWc3MI/AAAAAAAAQQs/HvaIO4pQvnc/s400/black+suede+platform+pumps.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l6COsgVdWKs/TxRoaogj_gI/AAAAAAAAQQ8/b-VCMETsePs/s640/IMG_7701.jpg" width="420" /></div><b>Sweater</b> - <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/only-mine-stripe-cashmere-sweater-petite/3211911?origin=keywordsearch&amp;resultback=2394">Only Mine</a><br /> <b>Skirt</b> - c/o <a href="http://lisaholt.cabionline.com/collection/clothes/bottoms/vogue-skirt/">CAbi</a><br /> <b>Necklace</b> - LOFT <i>(<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=266701834&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <b>Bracelet </b>- <a href="http://jmnt.me/ymS88g">JewelMint</a><br /> <b>Tights </b>- <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=201955571&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">Nordstrom</a><br /> <b>Pumps</b> - Jessica Simpson<i> (<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=310837832&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <b>Lipstick -</b> <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=225975573&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">NARS "Heatwave" </a><i><br /> </i><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZnEpCBkqTQ/TxRocz-WwfI/AAAAAAAAQRU/3eGKbWSyTkQ/s640/IMG_7709.jpg" width="640" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>I was trying to capture a picture of breath on this frigid morning!</b></i></div><br /> There's not even a dozen people in the office today - anyone with school-aged children decided to take off and a few who use non-WMATA public transportation are working from home since buses aren't running.<br /> <br /> This weekend was pretty good. Saturday I was able to get in a midday nap which was exactly what I needed to kick this cold. Saturday night we went to the Sweet 16, where I think Emerson had more fun than the birthday girl! She danced all night, chased after little boys, and had fun with glo-sticks. I wore a white sequined tank from Ann Taylor with my black Limited boyfriend blazer, dark jeans and the same shoes I am wearing today. Sunday, we went with my sister to get mattresses - we both bought LivingSocial deals a few months ago for a discount on a mattress but ended up getting a deal there that was even better. They are having buy one, get one free on Sertas; since my sister and I only live half a mile from one another we could do the deal, have both shipped to her house and then cart our new set home. We hope to Craigslist our current mattress set since it's only three years old and in like-new condition. After mattress shopping, we used another LivingSocial deal to go to dinner at The Sly Horse Tavern in Crofton, MD. It's a charming restaurant, and a nice place to have a family meal to do an early celebration of my sister's birthday and us finally getting around to acquiring comfortable beds. Last night of course I caught the Golden Globes - my faves were Laura Dern, Tilda Swinton, and Nicole Kidman (though I think her dress would have been more dramatic on a brunette).<br /> <br /> And on an important note, while it's lovely to have a day off work or school (or a quiet day in the office), it's important to remember WHY you have such a day. Continue Dr. Martin Luther King's fight for justice, and use this day to volunteer in your community or do some act to make this world a better place.<br /> <br /> <br /> <center><div style="background: white; border: 1px solid #bfbfbf; display: block; position: relative; width: 424px;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="244" name="shopstyle_search" scrolling="no" src="http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid900-225470-19&amp;fts=Cashmere%20Sweaters&amp;cat=Any&amp;width=3&amp;height=1&amp;border=0&amp;footer=0" width="424"></iframe><br /> <div style="bottom: 2px; height: 18px; left: 0; line-height: 12px; position: absolute; width: 100%;"><div style="left: 0; padding: 2px 0 0 6px; position: absolute;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse?fts=Cashmere%20Sweaters&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0; color: #606060; font: 11px verdana,sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">Cashmere Sweaters</a></div><div style="padding: 3px 4px 3px 0; position: absolute; right: 0;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/?pid=uid900-225470-19" style="border: 0;"><img alt="ShopStyle" src="http://resources.shopstyle.com/im/widget/ShopStyleLogo_powered.png" style="border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;" /></a></div></div></div></center><br /> <br /> <br /> <center><a href="http://www.blogger.com/follow-blog.g?blogID=13796104">Follow Me</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a> Wardrobe Oxygen by Alison Gary is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/p/contact.html.<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13796104-8720038331156949813?l=www.wardrobeoxygen.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=alWv0BxamL8:yLUTgMmC_mE:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=alWv0BxamL8:yLUTgMmC_mE:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=alWv0BxamL8:yLUTgMmC_mE:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=alWv0BxamL8:yLUTgMmC_mE:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=alWv0BxamL8:yLUTgMmC_mE:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=alWv0BxamL8:yLUTgMmC_mE:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=alWv0BxamL8:yLUTgMmC_mE:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=alWv0BxamL8:yLUTgMmC_mE:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=alWv0BxamL8:yLUTgMmC_mE:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=alWv0BxamL8:yLUTgMmC_mE:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~4/alWv0BxamL8" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~3/alWv0BxamL8/my-wardrobe-today-monday.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Allie (Wardrobe Oxygen))21http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2012/01/my-wardrobe-today-monday.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13796104.post-5808992940022672033Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:45:00 +00002012-01-13T12:45:02.905-05:00DUO Bootswide calf bootsSabina Leather BagNot Your Daughter's JeansAnthropologieann taylormy wardrobe today<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-KGX3fJ5bgiPrPR8U9EfuZrcxyk/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-KGX3fJ5bgiPrPR8U9EfuZrcxyk/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-KGX3fJ5bgiPrPR8U9EfuZrcxyk/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-KGX3fJ5bgiPrPR8U9EfuZrcxyk/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cWmETS7Wojw/TxBroMoAAfI/AAAAAAAAQQM/AePrgueOwcQ/s640/IMG_7728.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sddojxh00Ak/TxBrmvUpSeI/AAAAAAAAQP8/28qNUT5ABkA/s400/IMG_7741.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DXBozI00CKs/TxBrnYCfW2I/AAAAAAAAQQE/JgBt_BXl9Z0/s400/anthropologie+bracelet.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RPY-LZrj9fg/TxBro3xUUlI/AAAAAAAAQQU/6PXYwBHpMKI/s640/IMG_7732.jpg" width="420" /></div><b>Sweater</b> - <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=320268360&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">Ann Taylor</a><br /> <b>Jeans</b> - <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=318013782&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">NYDJ</a><br /> <b>Boots</b> - <a href="http://www.duoboots.com/products/boots/detail/calf_fitted_boots/catalonia/1095/colour/1-black_leather/">DUO "Catalonia"</a><br /> <b>Bracelet</b> - Anthropologie<i> (<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=266866084&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <b>Bag </b>- Sabina <i>(<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=286879944&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <br /> My entire household has been sick since Christmas. First it was Emerson, then me, then my husband, and now Emerson and I have sniffles. I want to wipe down the whole house with Lysol and bleach; every time it's above 40 degrees I try to air out the house. Today I didn't feel like getting creative, so you see a look I will normally wear on the weekends.<br /> <br /> Ann Taylor is having 40% off everything except new arrivals with the code NEWYEAR; last week I went shopping online during my lunch hour and got <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=320268360&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">this sweater</a> and a <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=320268449&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">red wool crewneck</a> as well - the total was less than $50 for the two! I love it when you can get Ann Taylor quality at the prices of Target!<br /> <br /> This weekend we have a friend's daughter's Sweet Sixteen, and will probably have some friends over for a casual get together/Golden Globes watching. The cheap champagne is already chilling in the fridge! What are your weekend plans?<br /> <br /> <br /> <center><div style="background: white; border: 1px solid #bfbfbf; display: block; position: relative; width: 424px;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="244" name="shopstyle_search" scrolling="no" src="http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid900-225470-19&amp;fts=Not%20Your%20Daughter%27s%20Jeans&amp;cat=Any&amp;width=3&amp;height=1&amp;border=0&amp;footer=0" width="424"></iframe><br /> <div style="bottom: 2px; height: 18px; left: 0; line-height: 12px; position: absolute; width: 100%;"><div style="left: 0; padding: 2px 0 0 6px; position: absolute;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse?fts=Not%20Your%20Daughter%27s%20Jeans&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0; color: #606060; font: 11px verdana,sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">Not Your Daughter's Jeans</a></div><div style="padding: 3px 4px 3px 0; position: absolute; right: 0;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/?pid=uid900-225470-19" style="border: 0;"><img alt="ShopStyle" src="http://resources.shopstyle.com/im/widget/ShopStyleLogo_powered.png" style="border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;" /></a></div></div></div></center><br /> <br /> <br /> <center><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/WardrobeOxygen">Follow Me</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/Wardrobe-Oxygen/353392800150">Facebook</a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a> Wardrobe Oxygen by Alison Gary is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/p/contact.html.<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13796104-5808992940022672033?l=www.wardrobeoxygen.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=iCBiQIjw570:1u0ztdg-OD8:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=iCBiQIjw570:1u0ztdg-OD8:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=iCBiQIjw570:1u0ztdg-OD8:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=iCBiQIjw570:1u0ztdg-OD8:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=iCBiQIjw570:1u0ztdg-OD8:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=iCBiQIjw570:1u0ztdg-OD8:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=iCBiQIjw570:1u0ztdg-OD8:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=iCBiQIjw570:1u0ztdg-OD8:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=iCBiQIjw570:1u0ztdg-OD8:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=iCBiQIjw570:1u0ztdg-OD8:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~4/iCBiQIjw570" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~3/iCBiQIjw570/my-wardrobe-today-friday_13.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Allie (Wardrobe Oxygen))13http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2012/01/my-wardrobe-today-friday_13.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13796104.post-3423545733126392816Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:27:00 +00002012-01-13T10:27:45.784-05:00weight watchersAsk Allieweight loss<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/B0WdXR6ygRzAuVYtx2MCD67We7c/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/B0WdXR6ygRzAuVYtx2MCD67We7c/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/B0WdXR6ygRzAuVYtx2MCD67We7c/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/B0WdXR6ygRzAuVYtx2MCD67We7c/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;,Courier,monospace;">Hi Alison-</div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;,Courier,monospace;">I decided to <i>(return)</i> to Weight Watchers. While you are doing fabulously on it <i>(YAY YOU!!!)</i>, I am not...<i>(BOO ME!!!)</i>. I think I am following the plan but nothing is happening. Would you consider sharing some of your habits-maybe even a couple of menu samples-like what you eat in a couple of days? It would be a huge help to me...and probably others.</div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;,Courier,monospace;">Warm regards,</div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;,Courier,monospace;">Keri</div></blockquote><br /> Hi Keri:<br /> I loved your email because I have<i><b> totally</b></i> been there. Not sure if I have mentioned this before, but this is my <i><b>fourth time doing <a href="http://www.weightwatchers.com/index.aspx">Weight Watchers</a></b></i>. Once in high school, once right after college, once about a decade ago and then now. Being with Weight Watchers so often and for so long has taught me some major tips for more success:<br /> <br /> <b>1. Drink Water.</b> I know Diet Coke and coffee are 0 PointsPlus but they do affect how your body removes weight on the plan. While I too consume diet sodas, tea, and water, I try to limit it to one <i>(max two on bad days)</i> cups a day, and take a day off once a week where I drink just plain water.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LIYMOY6HGg0/Tw9dyQUOs6I/AAAAAAAAQPs/dmEmgUJZWPQ/s400/P1020441.JPG" width="300" /></div>Not only do I drink water, but I drink a LOT of it. Above is a picture of my work water bottle, recently emptied by moi. It holds 32 ounces and I won’t go home until I have filled and consumed this twice. I find the bite valve on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0019DCD7U/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=whaevewomneei-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0019DCD7U"><b>Camelbak bottles</b></a> helps me drink faster, and benefits the klutz in me from destroying a stack of important work papers. I have another two of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0019DCD7U/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=whaevewomneei-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0019DCD7U"><b>these bottles</b></a> at home, I fill another and consume it during dinner, and fill it again to be beside my bed and I consume half before I go to bed, half once I wake.<br /> <br /> I remember Oprah once complaining about having to pee so much when drinking the recommended amount of water, and it’s true… for the first week or so. Then the body seems to get used to it and you don’t have to go to the bathroom quite as often. But drinking this much water and mainly water helps me remove – the weeks where I slack on drinking are the weeks I don’t lose.<br /> <br /> <b>2. Track EVERYTHING.</b> I don’t use the paper trackers, I use <a href="http://www.weightwatchers.com/plan/www/etools_01.aspx?navid=etoolsaag"><b>eTools</b></a>. I leave a tab with it open all day at work, and I track everything from the spoonful of my daughter’s macaroni and cheese to the Hershey’s Kiss I pilfered from my boss’ candy bowl. If in doubt, I average up with PointsPlus. On weekends, I will note what I ate in my little purse notebook and once at a computer, will log into eTools and jot it down.<br /> <br /> <b>3. Don’t Use Your Weekly/Activity Points.</b> I learned this from a Lifetimer at my meeting – she said the weeks where she used those points she wouldn’t lose or even gain. While some weeks I go over my daily allotment <i>(hello date nights and holidays!)</i>, usually I pretend that all I have are my daily PointsPlus. If I exercise, that’s just icing on the cake, not an excuse to indulge. If I plan in advance, I will exercise to justify going over, but never use the weekly points allotment.<br /> <br /> <b>4. Eat a PointsPlus Breakfast. </b>When I start my day with a banana and a cup of coffee, I am pilfering my boss’ candy dish by 10am. If I eat a smart, slow-burning breakfast I am sated until lunch and have fewer cravings come that time. My two go-to breakfasts are a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002QM9CTA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=whaevewomneei-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002QM9CTA"><b>low-carb tortilla</b></a> wrap of <a href="http://www.eggbeaters.com/"><b>Egg Beaters</b></a>, a shmear of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004NABMSW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=whaevewomneei-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B004NABMSW"><b>Laughing Cow</b></a> and some fresh spinach, or else a serving of instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of cheese <i>(or a Laughing Cow wedge)</i> and a side of some fruit. <br /> <br /> <b>5. Have Meal Staples. </b> I can easily go an entire week having oatmeal for breakfast, Subway 6” turkey with mustard and a bag of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002XNTJM2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=whaevewomneei-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002XNTJM2"><b>Light Lays</b></a> for lunch, a small can of pineapple for snack, and then whatever my husband made for dinner. It’s not exciting, but I know the PointsPlus in my head, the food tastes good and I am satisfied. When I try to get too creative and I am stressed and short on time I end up eating crap.<br /> <br /> <b>6. Get the Family on Board. </b>It’s hard to stick to the plan when your husband wants ribs, your kids want chicken fingers, your besties want an order of mozzarella sticks with their margaritas and your coworkers decide to go to lunch at McDonald’s. Let people know you’re on Weight Watchers, and say if they love you, they will support you. <br /> <br /> My Weight Watchers leader regularly says there is no reason why they whole family can’t be on the plan, even if they aren’t dieting and it’s so true. If you love yourself enough to choose healthy food, why are you killing your loved ones with crap? <br /> <br /> <b>7. Get Sleep.</b> When you don’t get enough sleep you are more likely to binge, your body doesn’t metabolize things properly, and you get wicked cravings. Do as I say, not as I do because lately I have NOT been getting enough sleep and I can tell not just by yawning and having haggard skin, but having more trouble with dropping weight.<br /> <br /> <div style="color: #073763; text-align: center;">***</div><br /> As for what I eat, as I mentioned I have two stock breakfasts. I usually drink my coffee on my commute, which I “decorate” with a tablespoon of real cream and one Splenda, though I am slowly weaning myself to black coffee. <br /> <br /> The people at Subway near my office know me very well. At Subway I eat the bread I like <i>(they are all pretty much the same PointsPlus value)</i>, I get turkey because it’s so low in PointsPlus and I enjoy it, I get mustard, vinegar and almost every single vegetable available. Sometimes I will indulge in a small bit of light mayo, or even will get cheese, but I have learned to adore the sandwich as-is. I also get the Lays Light chips, which is 2 PointsPlus and I usually stick a couple inside the sandwich. When I bring my lunch, it is either leftovers, or else a Lean Cuisine. I usually have a few frozen meals stuck in the work fridge in case I get stuck at work, forget my leftovers, etc.<br /> <br /> For dinner, my husband usually is in charge. Once a week we get Chinese, and I get hot and sour soup and steamed rice. My husband finds it disgusting, but I don’t eat the fried noodles, but instead stick the rice in the soup and eat it like a sloppy entrée. My husband and I will share a serving of steamed vegetarian dumplings. This is 14 PointsPlus if I eat it all, but I usually have half the soup mixture left over for lunch the next day. On other days, it’s a real variety, but we eat a LOT of vegetables. The other night, my husband made <a href="http://www.harpershappenings.com/2011/10/26/crock-pot-shredded-buffalo-chicken/">Shredded Buffalo Crockpot Chicken</a> , which I ate on a bed of shredded iceberg lettuce, with a side of baby carrots, celery sticks, and pepper slices, and I put 2 tablespoons of fat-free ranch dressing on top. My husband ate his on top of rice with a beer and far more dressing, but we were able to eat together and chat about how delicious the chicken turned out and mine was only 13 PointsPlus.<br /> <br /> We use the crock pot a lot, and don’t usually eat Weight Watchers recipes, but instead look for low PointsPlus value normal recipes <i>(or lower PointsPlus versions).</i> Lots of seafood, since we love it and it is usually lower PointsPlus value. The fridge always has apples, baby carrots, some sort of leafy green, and crunchy veggies like celery and peppers. I also do a lot with dips – salsa with a bit of fat free sour cream with crudités, ranch dressing on salads or over chicken, we always have several types of vinegars in stock, as well as a variety of hot and Asian sauces. And again the water – making myself consume 22-32 ounces while eating dinner forces me to slow down and I often end up not eating the whole serving on my plate.<br /> <br /> I do feel goofy giving advice since I have been so slow with weight removal, and I don’t always follow that which I preach. However when I do everything that is posted above, I do lose, and lose consistently. I hope you find this helpful, and best wished on your journey!<br /> <br /> <br /> <center><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/WardrobeOxygen">Follow Me</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/Wardrobe-Oxygen/353392800150">Facebook</a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a> Wardrobe Oxygen by Alison Gary is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/p/contact.html.<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13796104-3423545733126392816?l=www.wardrobeoxygen.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=2PqJ7QDi6fc:8mC4N5EdlQA:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=2PqJ7QDi6fc:8mC4N5EdlQA:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=2PqJ7QDi6fc:8mC4N5EdlQA:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=2PqJ7QDi6fc:8mC4N5EdlQA:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=2PqJ7QDi6fc:8mC4N5EdlQA:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=2PqJ7QDi6fc:8mC4N5EdlQA:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=2PqJ7QDi6fc:8mC4N5EdlQA:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=2PqJ7QDi6fc:8mC4N5EdlQA:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=2PqJ7QDi6fc:8mC4N5EdlQA:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=2PqJ7QDi6fc:8mC4N5EdlQA:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~4/2PqJ7QDi6fc" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~3/2PqJ7QDi6fc/ask-allie-weight-watchers-advice.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Allie (Wardrobe Oxygen))10http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2012/01/ask-allie-weight-watchers-advice.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13796104.post-6027665839427709321Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:11:00 +00002012-01-12T14:11:35.874-05:00halogenDUO Bootswide calf bootsChicosHobo Internationalmy wardrobe today<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/eQM3pHRS2AgakNvDV2tUx26nxyU/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/eQM3pHRS2AgakNvDV2tUx26nxyU/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/eQM3pHRS2AgakNvDV2tUx26nxyU/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/eQM3pHRS2AgakNvDV2tUx26nxyU/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LjV9f-qBT-E/Tw8ocm1lieI/AAAAAAAAQPk/daxd_1rnB6w/s640/IMG_7717.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ljkIAJ6UtZQ/Tw8oa0c0hZI/AAAAAAAAQPU/FWBoYF0SGZ0/s400/hot+pink+skinny+belt.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f4VtHZb-VcQ/Tw8oZheasII/AAAAAAAAQPM/BW7t_eWZnbw/s400/duo+wide+calf+boot+catalonia.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--VXOdW22Q94/Tw8ob8AVIjI/AAAAAAAAQPc/mGWbSEtMhcM/s640/IMG_7710.jpg" width="420" /></div><b>Sweater</b> - Chico's <i>(<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=301775101&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <b>Skirt </b>- <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=168900358&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">Halogen</a><br /> <b>Belt </b>- Hobo International <i>(<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=308682180&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <b>Boots </b>- <a href="http://www.duoboots.com/products/boots/detail/calf_fitted_boots/catalonia/1095/colour/1-black_leather/">DUO "Catalonia"</a><br /> <b>Silver cuff</b><br /> <br /> Last night we took my mom to dinner for her birthday, so I didn't get home until quite late.&nbsp; I was excited to see that my husband had picked up my newest pair of DUO boots from the cobbler!&nbsp; While they fit perfectly in every way possible, due to the weird shape of my legs, they stuck out on top and made me look like a pirate <i>(<a href="http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2011/12/my-wardrobe-today-friday_24.html">see here</a>)</i>.&nbsp; The cobbler was able to taper the top of the boots so they better fit my legs, but still leave enough room for skinny jeans underneath.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> So last night, I dreamed of wearing them with this skirt, my <a href="http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2011/11/my-wardrobe-today-wednesday.html">Banana Republic merino crewneck</a>, and a gorgeous cobalt scarf that Ann Taylor recently sent me.&nbsp; And then reality struck.&nbsp; My husband had cleaned up our bedroom last night and the scarf was no where to be found; my black crewneck was in the washing machine <i>(Ack! Luckily I rescued it before it went in the dryer like <a href="http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2011/08/my-wardrobe-today-thursday_25.html">my watermelon-colored merino v-neck</a> I miss so much)</i>.&nbsp; I found this Chico's sweater folded up in a drawer and while I don't like the ribs or the fit as well, it works in a pinch to get the same look.<br /> <br /> And the boots - well I really wanted a pair of low-heel riding boots mainly to wear over skinny jeans on weekends, and that is what these are.&nbsp; Not really the best for this ensemble, but I was like a kid on Christmas Day to get them back and just had to wear them at first chance!&nbsp; Now that I know my cobbler can taper the calf of boots, I have my <a href="http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2009/09/tuesday.html">Ros Hommerson "Maryland" boots</a> I will be taking to him so I can wear them and not look like Captain Hook - they will be far more sleek and appropriate with my beloved pencil skirts.<br /> <br /> Hooray for boots that fit us women with wide calves!<br /> <br /> <center><div style="background: white; border: 1px solid #bfbfbf; display: block; position: relative; width: 424px;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="244" name="shopstyle_search" scrolling="no" src="http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid900-225470-19&amp;fts=Wide%20Calf%20Boots&amp;cat=Any&amp;width=3&amp;height=1&amp;border=0&amp;footer=0" width="424"></iframe><br /> <div style="bottom: 2px; height: 18px; left: 0; line-height: 12px; position: absolute; width: 100%;"><div style="left: 0; padding: 2px 0 0 6px; position: absolute;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse?fts=Wide%20Calf%20Boots&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0; color: #606060; font: 11px verdana,sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">Wide Calf Boots</a></div><div style="padding: 3px 4px 3px 0; position: absolute; right: 0;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/?pid=uid900-225470-19" style="border: 0;"><img alt="ShopStyle" src="http://resources.shopstyle.com/im/widget/ShopStyleLogo_powered.png" style="border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;" /></a></div></div></div></center><br /> <br /> <center><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/WardrobeOxygen">Follow Me</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/Wardrobe-Oxygen/353392800150">Facebook</a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a> Wardrobe Oxygen by Alison Gary is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/p/contact.html.<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13796104-6027665839427709321?l=www.wardrobeoxygen.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=gO9HRVE5Of0:j1vhUBeXSkw:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=gO9HRVE5Of0:j1vhUBeXSkw:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=gO9HRVE5Of0:j1vhUBeXSkw:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=gO9HRVE5Of0:j1vhUBeXSkw:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=gO9HRVE5Of0:j1vhUBeXSkw:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=gO9HRVE5Of0:j1vhUBeXSkw:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=gO9HRVE5Of0:j1vhUBeXSkw:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=gO9HRVE5Of0:j1vhUBeXSkw:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=gO9HRVE5Of0:j1vhUBeXSkw:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=gO9HRVE5Of0:j1vhUBeXSkw:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~4/gO9HRVE5Of0" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~3/gO9HRVE5Of0/my-wardrobe-today-thursday_12.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Allie (Wardrobe Oxygen))23http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2012/01/my-wardrobe-today-thursday_12.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13796104.post-6279362024278310468Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:28:00 +00002012-01-11T13:28:28.749-05:00TV/Film/Book ReviewTargettalbotsDKNYCAbiann taylormy wardrobe today<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/npmjDWXvnHUtG2gKOvLf6Xicslw/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/npmjDWXvnHUtG2gKOvLf6Xicslw/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/npmjDWXvnHUtG2gKOvLf6Xicslw/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/npmjDWXvnHUtG2gKOvLf6Xicslw/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w8oBiZcGcOk/Tw3TIXr173I/AAAAAAAAQOc/34HEmwucnTA/s640/IMG_7697.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-deF8cS7R9No/Tw3TGc1wggI/AAAAAAAAQOU/iPsAHUUJBNU/s400/gold+chain+necklace.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ppEcYukjr1I/Tw3TFragp2I/AAAAAAAAQOM/T5XIs-WUxhE/s400/orange+skinny+belt.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oCcb1mMkw8w/Tw3TE6Zh2AI/AAAAAAAAQOE/wczaLB4zbpk/s640/IMG_7699.jpg" width="420" /></div><b>Blouse </b>- <a href="http://lisaholt.cabionline.com/collection/clothes/tops/classic-shirt/">CAbi</a><br /> <b>Skirt</b> - <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=276869700&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">Ann Taylor</a><br /> <b>Belt </b>- Target<i> (<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=314312270&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <b>Tights </b>- <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=314445312&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">DKNY</a><br /> <b>Booties</b> - <a href="http://www.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi27255&amp;rootCategory=cat70018&amp;catId=cat440039&amp;sortKey=Default&amp;section=Sale&amp;conceptIdUnderSale=cat440039">Talbots</a><br /> <b>Pashmina </b>- Nordstrom <i>(<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=45515203&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G6KjOpre6p0/Tw3UHh4SvxI/AAAAAAAAQOo/Xlgzc-HueJE/s400/IMG_7687.jpg" width="400" /></div>My goodness it was cold this morning! While my husband strapped Emerson into her carseat and got his camera ready, I huddled next to the car drinking hot coffee, bundled in my pashmina <i>(coat in the car for after the shoot)</i>. Now it's raining. DC has such crazy weather, just this weekend I was running errands without a jacket and the sun was shining!<br /> <br /> And not fashion related, but so awesome and important - you HAVE to watch this video.&nbsp; Hopefully it will inspire you to visit your local bookstore and purchase a real book with real paper pages.&nbsp; There is nothing more lovely than flipping through a real book, and having a library to go back to so you can revisit dear "friends" whenever you desire!<br /> <br /> <center><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qYcSrIkVpzM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center><br /> <br /> <center><div style="background: white; border: 1px solid #bfbfbf; display: block; position: relative; width: 424px;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="244" name="shopstyle_search" scrolling="no" src="http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid900-225470-19&amp;fts=Ann%20Taylor%20Skirts&amp;cat=Any&amp;width=3&amp;height=1&amp;border=0&amp;footer=0" width="424"></iframe><br /> <div style="bottom: 2px; height: 18px; left: 0; line-height: 12px; position: absolute; width: 100%;"><div style="left: 0; padding: 2px 0 0 6px; position: absolute;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse?fts=Ann%20Taylor%20Skirts&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0; color: #606060; font: 11px verdana,sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">Ann Taylor Skirts</a></div><div style="padding: 3px 4px 3px 0; position: absolute; right: 0;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/?pid=uid900-225470-19" style="border: 0;"><img alt="ShopStyle" src="http://resources.shopstyle.com/im/widget/ShopStyleLogo_powered.png" style="border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;" /></a></div></div></div></center><br /> <br /> <center><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/WardrobeOxygen">Follow Me</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/Wardrobe-Oxygen/353392800150">Facebook</a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a> Wardrobe Oxygen by Alison Gary is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/p/contact.html.<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13796104-6279362024278310468?l=www.wardrobeoxygen.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=KBVOInWQomI:61PKCS_SO5g:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=KBVOInWQomI:61PKCS_SO5g:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=KBVOInWQomI:61PKCS_SO5g:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=KBVOInWQomI:61PKCS_SO5g:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=KBVOInWQomI:61PKCS_SO5g:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=KBVOInWQomI:61PKCS_SO5g:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=KBVOInWQomI:61PKCS_SO5g:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=KBVOInWQomI:61PKCS_SO5g:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=KBVOInWQomI:61PKCS_SO5g:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=KBVOInWQomI:61PKCS_SO5g:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~4/KBVOInWQomI" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~3/KBVOInWQomI/my-wardrobe-today-wednesday_11.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Allie (Wardrobe Oxygen))32http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2012/01/my-wardrobe-today-wednesday_11.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13796104.post-4160518965435680597Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:40:00 +00002012-01-10T16:40:59.484-05:00personal style<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Y_KyUyxtT8dVStjeKfq_3bOtXp4/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Y_KyUyxtT8dVStjeKfq_3bOtXp4/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Y_KyUyxtT8dVStjeKfq_3bOtXp4/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Y_KyUyxtT8dVStjeKfq_3bOtXp4/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p>I shared <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/ryanhatesthis/whats-the-worst-song-from-the-90s"><b>this link</b></a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> and it brought up many memories of old music, old memories, and old fashion. I remembered going to a Creed concert in the '90s <i>(I KNOW!)</i>, wearing overalls and a bandanna over my two pigtails <i>(double I KNOW!)</i>. It made me start to think about my personal style pre-blog - how was it before I started sharing it online.<br /> <br /> I hit up my dusty MySpace page <i>(too bad I didn't keep my Friendster account)</i> and found a few great sartorial blasts from the past. <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Before I was a fashion blogger...</b></span><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxHzBPIQI8I/Twyk0Vx_T8I/AAAAAAAAQLI/7WoZ3861TTc/s1600/232323232%25257Ffp46%253Dot%2529232%2528%253D324%253D4+6%253DXROQDF%252923235566+6732ot1lsi.jpg" /></div>...I wore pastel pink to my rehearsal dinner <i>(for the record the twinset was cashmere and those pants were brocade and cropped - all from Banana Republic).</i><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A4vBn3fEm1Q/Twyk5GaRgzI/AAAAAAAAQMo/EdyBn37KmNI/s1600/lhgjg.jpg" /></div>...I wore a matte jersey maxi skirt in Paris <i>(and took matching matte jersey pants, cardigan, tunic, tank, and short skirt to mix and match).</i><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QSrtCX_lpmQ/TwykzkVtI7I/AAAAAAAAQKw/r3oXGGjHLlM/s1600/viking+ship.jpg" /></div>...and cargo pants in Norway <i>(the horror!).</i><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JHNSrMB5vNg/Twyk0N739uI/AAAAAAAAQLA/1QXCNRXIxYk/s1600/232323232%25257Ffp45%253Dot%25292326%253D969%253D%252845%253D483437b27273%252823%253D32325%253B%2528256+2%2528nu0mrj.jpg" /></div>...I wore a lace tank with jeans to a <a href="http://cancuncantina.com/">nightclub</a> <i>(and had WIRE HANGERS in my closet!)</i>.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3sJAcxvgYBI/Twyk1AvALZI/AAAAAAAAQLc/QqZU0D7UXW0/s1600/232323232%25257Ffp54%253Dot%2529232%2528%253D324%253D4+6%253DXROQDF%252923234%253B36%253B9538ot1lsi.jpg" /></div>...and off the shoulder tees from Express to <a href="http://thestarboard.com/">beachside bars</a>.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9yysgp88ig/Twyk4-9l7gI/AAAAAAAAQMY/RZz_Nz9FbIk/s1600/go+fug+yourself.jpg" /></div>...I loved <a href="http://gofugyourself.com/">Go Fug Yourself</a> in the early days and purchased their tee shirt each year.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-okfQWcbpQAU/Twyk6D7SCpI/AAAAAAAAQNA/OLbovbaw3wo/s1600/south+of+the+border.jpg" /></div>...I wore white shorts with sneakers.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HAoFbmD3ZNA/Twyk4Amnb9I/AAAAAAAAQMI/0_m2be9ozSY/s1600/232323232%25257Ffp64%253Dot%25292329%253D+39%253D88+%253DXROQDF%2529232363777%253B987ot1lsi.jpg" /></div>...I always loved bright colors...<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GK5D4nmVtuE/Twyk2zKc3sI/AAAAAAAAQL4/_vUFQzgJKRg/s1600/232323232%25257Ffp63%253Dot%25292329%253D+39%253D88+%253DXROQDF%25292323764%253B%253B85%25288ot1lsi.jpg" /></div>...and I loved anything with sequins or sparkles<i> (still do!).</i><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I9AQyh5gQNc/Twyk11026dI/AAAAAAAAQLs/g3731khTkx0/s1600/232323232%25257Ffp63%253Dot%25292326%253D969%253D%252845%253D655352b28274423%253D3232929%253B78556nu0mrj.jpg" /></div>...I always wore my silver cuff <i>(still do!).</i><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dQhHGapNHgw/Twyk58sYqMI/AAAAAAAAQM4/oIfxrV3a5bM/s1600/ry%25253D400.jpg" /></div>...and wore boat shoes as grunge <i>(that's my dad with me).</i><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lQFu0B1jfcg/Twyp8HMAdnI/AAAAAAAAQNc/dvAPogOiHzc/s1600/l54.jpg" /></div>...I wore denim vests and <a href="http://www.drugstore.com/revlon-super-lustrous--creme-lipstick-toast-of-new-york/qxp36049">Toast of New York lipstick</a> <i>(and cut my hair like <a href="http://www.fanpop.com/spots/kelly-taylor/images/3673685/title/beverly-hills-90210-s06-screencap">Kelly Taylor</a>)</i>.<br /> <br /> Going through these pictures, my personal style hasn't changed that dramatically over the years.&nbsp; While I did cave to a few trends <i>(many that weren't that awesome),</i> I always liked strong accessories, black with bright colors, and solids over prints.&nbsp; As I have gotten older, my style has become more refined <i>(fewer flip flops and cargo pants, more pencil skirts and pumps)</i>, and more consistent <i>(again, no cargo pants and definitely no lace tanks from Ann Taylor with distressed denim)</i>.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> <blockquote class="tr_bq"><b style="color: #073763;">How has your personal style evolved over the years?</b></blockquote><br /> <br /> <center><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/WardrobeOxygen">Follow Me</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/Wardrobe-Oxygen/353392800150">Facebook</a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a> Wardrobe Oxygen by Alison Gary is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/p/contact.html.<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13796104-4160518965435680597?l=www.wardrobeoxygen.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=aHA99HRPijA:a047myJX70g:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=aHA99HRPijA:a047myJX70g:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=aHA99HRPijA:a047myJX70g:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=aHA99HRPijA:a047myJX70g:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=aHA99HRPijA:a047myJX70g:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=aHA99HRPijA:a047myJX70g:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=aHA99HRPijA:a047myJX70g:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=aHA99HRPijA:a047myJX70g:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=aHA99HRPijA:a047myJX70g:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=aHA99HRPijA:a047myJX70g:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~4/aHA99HRPijA" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~3/aHA99HRPijA/before-i-was-fashion-blogger.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Allie (Wardrobe Oxygen))25http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2012/01/before-i-was-fashion-blogger.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13796104.post-3059215203829387037Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:53:00 +00002012-01-10T05:53:41.857-05:00Not Fashion RelatedEmerson<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/9HumaKKZhhB-8DKDB2mcF1R1q9U/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/9HumaKKZhhB-8DKDB2mcF1R1q9U/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/9HumaKKZhhB-8DKDB2mcF1R1q9U/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/9HumaKKZhhB-8DKDB2mcF1R1q9U/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p>Sunday Emerson turned three, and we had a party for her. We invited family, like-family, and then because it is her third birthday we had three of her closest friends also attend. She's at an age where she has favorite friends, and even a best friend so she was excited to have them come play at her house.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I9F6oNonOvg/TwwVDAlGiPI/AAAAAAAAQKE/GP76RN0RaN4/s640/IMG_7677.JPG" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2fabebZaozQ/TwwVFbNlQ0I/AAAAAAAAQKM/cGJ8n13-Q64/s640/IMG_7683.JPG" width="640" /></div><a href="http://mymintgreenhouse.blogspot.com/">My sister</a> always makes Emerson's birthday cake but this year she was getting over the same cold my household <i>(and my mom)</i> have dealt with this holiday, so she bought Emerson a Cinderella cake. I don't know where she got it, but Emerson is on a huge princess and fairy kick right now and LOVED the cake!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MfnQrhV41Vw/TwwVVcBN_bI/AAAAAAAAQKU/vhRqMXq4DMc/s640/IMG_7657.JPG" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sbWNFq7r-LY/TwwVWMSNw-I/AAAAAAAAQKc/LazR00sBpoM/s640/IMG_7670.JPG" width="640" /></div>There were 10 kids there under the age of 6, so the energy level<i> (and audio)</i> was quite high. When Emerson opened her presents, I sat on the floor with her and the kids all circled around me so close I felt as though I was being taken over. Don't get between a bunch of toddlers and a Dora talking backpack!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lF-io63bIq4/TwwXQYkBDBI/AAAAAAAAQKk/6hvLwS93h6g/s640/IMG_7682.JPG" width="420" /></div>Emerson wore a printed ponte dress from <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=6436&amp;vid=1&amp;pid=870218">Gap</a><i> (she has the raincoat in the same print)</i>, another present from her <a href="http://mymintgreenhouse.blogspot.com/">Aunt Debbie</a>.&nbsp; I knew I would be on the floor with kids, so I decided to wear my <a href="http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2011/10/my-wardrobe-today-monday-and-this.html">long Hawaiian muumuu</a> with my turquoise beaded J. Crew necklace. &nbsp; The day was relatively warm, warm enough that the kids spent a lot of time in their coats running around like crazy in the back yard.&nbsp; It was a fun time, and always wonderful to be able to celebrate my favorite little person with the people we love so much!<br /> <br /> <i>Not party related, but <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5mEorzVZjdA/TStybdJNsuI/AAAAAAAALyo/pitPxpHHwOo/s1600/alison_gary_weight_loss.JPG"><b>check this out </b></a>to see how much a year </i><i>(or two!) can make with Weight Watchers.&nbsp; That's me for her second and first birthdays.&nbsp; Wow! </i><br /> <br /> <br /> <center><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/WardrobeOxygen">Follow Me</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/Wardrobe-Oxygen/353392800150">Facebook</a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a> Wardrobe Oxygen by Alison Gary is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/p/contact.html.<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13796104-3059215203829387037?l=www.wardrobeoxygen.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=nieS89MRxz0:fVd-jfGcraU:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=nieS89MRxz0:fVd-jfGcraU:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=nieS89MRxz0:fVd-jfGcraU:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=nieS89MRxz0:fVd-jfGcraU:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=nieS89MRxz0:fVd-jfGcraU:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=nieS89MRxz0:fVd-jfGcraU:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=nieS89MRxz0:fVd-jfGcraU:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=nieS89MRxz0:fVd-jfGcraU:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=nieS89MRxz0:fVd-jfGcraU:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=nieS89MRxz0:fVd-jfGcraU:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~4/nieS89MRxz0" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~3/nieS89MRxz0/emersons-birthday.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Allie (Wardrobe Oxygen))13http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2012/01/emersons-birthday.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13796104.post-2133301717733234240Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:41:00 +00002012-01-09T20:42:09.632-05:00weight watchers<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-ybO_rpH6ldcT1XDDm9oCa-bmQU/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-ybO_rpH6ldcT1XDDm9oCa-bmQU/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-ybO_rpH6ldcT1XDDm9oCa-bmQU/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-ybO_rpH6ldcT1XDDm9oCa-bmQU/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FzN4mwe-S_Q/TwuVRSDuC1I/AAAAAAAAQJ0/1ZLiIeXpHEw/s1600/HPcakestack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FzN4mwe-S_Q/TwuVRSDuC1I/AAAAAAAAQJ0/1ZLiIeXpHEw/s1600/HPcakestack.jpg" /></a></div>This is what was on the flip chart when I attended <a href="http://www.weightwatchers.com/">Weight Watchers</a> this past week. I somehow forgot that the first meeting of the year is packed with those who put weight loss on their New Year’s Resolution list and ended up spending the entire session standing in line waiting to be weighed.<br /> <br /> <div style="color: #073763; text-align: center;"><b>I removed 1.8 pounds!</b></div><br /> I decided to use 2012 as a time to start Weight Watchers again. To measure, to track, to be conscious of what I am doing and what is going in my mouth. Deciding on chicken instead of steak, researching before eating to know that the vanilla cupcake is a whole PointsPlus lower than the chocolate, and deciding that to enjoy a cupcake for a coworker’s birthday I will have a lunch high in vegetables so I can still stay on target. <br /> <br /> I got my husband on the plan, and he has kept the fridge and pantry full of vegetables, fruit, and low-PointsPlus foods like chicken breasts, low-fat cheese and dairy products, and FiberOne bars. I bought Weight Watchers-brand snack bars and chips to have in my desk drawer for times of cravings (by the way the ones with coconut in them taste just like Girl Scout Samoa cookies!).<br /> <br /> But the quote above is so true. With Weight Watchers, I am relearning what is healthy. Healthy isn’t necessarily depriving my body of certain foods, removing all carbs, counting calories, being obsessive in any way. It’s making healthy decisions with healthy foods. With Weight Watchers I no longer fantasize about Ben &amp; Jerry’s or Tostitos with a jar of Doritos brand queso, or a whole box of spiral pasta with butter and cheese and garlic powder. My husband is cooking kale, and the smell of the garlic and greens is making my mouth water.<br /> <br /> I was talking to a coworker about the grapefruit diet, which I did back at the beginning of last decade. My sister and I did it together, we both lost a ton of weight. We dined on lobster and butter-drenched broccoli, cooked cheese in the microwave until it was crispy and dipped it in sour cream. We ate tons of fat, hardly a single carb, dropped dress sizes, and I had the worst stomach pains and gas. I dreamed about watermelon and blueberries, salivated over baked potatoes and felt terrible guilt whenever I broke my diet. On Weight Watchers when I spend a day, a week, or even a month not tracking or thinking about Weight Watchers, I don’t beat myself up. I just get back on track and the weight comes off again.<br /> <br /> And when I am not 100% on track, I still have taken many life lessons from Weight Watchers to heart. I drink water all the time, I eat breakfast every day, I keep trigger foods out of my house without feeling deprived, I choose produce over most anything else.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h589fqBhgac/TwuVfxFotqI/AAAAAAAAQJ8/N3ev87WguaY/s1600/tumblr_lx7ft1HW4U1qzzk3fo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h589fqBhgac/TwuVfxFotqI/AAAAAAAAQJ8/N3ev87WguaY/s1600/tumblr_lx7ft1HW4U1qzzk3fo1_500.jpg" /></a></div>This was another quote that my <a href="http://www.weightwatchers.com/">Weight Watchers</a> leader shared at the meeting, and such a true one.&nbsp; It's a new year, and if what you're doing isn't working, then stop doing it.&nbsp; There's no point in torturing and depriving yourself if you aren't getting the results you want or enjoying the life you currently have.&nbsp; Each person is different, with different needs. I am not saying Weight Watchers is the Holy Grail, but I am saying that if you're feeling like a hamster on a wheel with your current plan, there may be a better choice for you.&nbsp; Take care of yourself, nurture yourself.&nbsp; Losing weight should be to better your body and your life, not be torture.<br /> <br /> <blockquote class="tr_bq"><b style="color: #073763;">How was your week?&nbsp; What are you doing to get on track for 2012?</b></blockquote><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <center><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/WardrobeOxygen">Follow Me</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/Wardrobe-Oxygen/353392800150">Facebook</a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a> Wardrobe Oxygen by Alison Gary is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/p/contact.html.<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13796104-2133301717733234240?l=www.wardrobeoxygen.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=nfqMkvYP16g:SlZ_DcNt2gU:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~4/nfqMkvYP16g" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~3/nfqMkvYP16g/this-is-what-was-on-flip-chart-when-i.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Allie (Wardrobe Oxygen))12http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2012/01/this-is-what-was-on-flip-chart-when-i.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13796104.post-2068405003128304763Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:10:00 +00002012-01-06T11:10:16.063-05:00talbotsDUO BootsDKNYOnly MineJewelMintann taylormy wardrobe today<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/KVNr7dRjEj7hSZzmYd4z_cPzs60/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/KVNr7dRjEj7hSZzmYd4z_cPzs60/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/KVNr7dRjEj7hSZzmYd4z_cPzs60/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/KVNr7dRjEj7hSZzmYd4z_cPzs60/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gvfNABg4l-U/Twcb8_U-MXI/AAAAAAAAQJI/eDXbjOhS4PA/s640/ann+taylor+orange+skirt.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o6ZBxGeE8o4/Twcb-B1Dc6I/AAAAAAAAQJY/hxvH1vQQmNg/s400/gold+chain.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k1JZvghAroU/Twcb9eWHZmI/AAAAAAAAQJQ/4D6Z1VnrY5Q/s640/ann+taylor+zipper+skirt+orange.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hqw_R_x17ak/Twcb-l0ysAI/AAAAAAAAQJg/VeFndIQxflU/s400/jewelmint+bracelet.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zJb0ZX0ax7o/Twcb7J1JweI/AAAAAAAAQI4/rM2Qng5rRUw/s400/talbots+suede+bootie.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BeVDUPg2bXU/Twcb703t3uI/AAAAAAAAQJA/NMpa12rWIcA/s1600/alison+gary+wardrobe+oxygen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BeVDUPg2bXU/Twcb703t3uI/AAAAAAAAQJA/NMpa12rWIcA/s640/alison+gary+wardrobe+oxygen.jpg" width="420" /></a></div><b>Sweater</b> - <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/only-mine-stripe-cashmere-sweater-petite/3211911?origin=keywordsearch&amp;resultback=1482">Only Mine</a><br /> <b>Skirt -</b> Ann Taylor <i>(<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=308028546&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <b>Tights </b>- <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=283538513&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">DKNY</a><br /> <b>Necklace</b> - Rehoboth Beach <i>(<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=318029406&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <b>Bracelet</b> - <a href="http://jmnt.me/ymS88g">JewelMint</a><br /> <b>Booties</b> - Talbots<i> (<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=302182419&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <b>Tote </b>- Nordstrom <i>(<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=266808165&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>) </i><br /> <br /> Happy Friday everyone! While I am glad for the week to be over, I am a bit stressed over this weekend. Emerson's birthday is Sunday and I have had no time to prepare in any way. Tomorrow I will be a maniac, taking down the tree, cleaning like crazy, and buying supplies from the grocery and most likely Party City. We're not doing anything fancy or <a href="http://pinterest.com/wardrobeoxygen/">Pinterest</a>-worthy - she's only three and won't even fully appreciate it. Just some bright colors, fun kid-friendly noshes and maybe a play crown since she's super into princesses right now! If I am lucky I'll have time to stop by the cobbler and pick up my new DUO boots - I'd love to see how they turned out, hopefully rock them and provide a full review of my latest experience with DUO!<br /> <blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="color: #073763;"><b>What are your weekend plans?</b></div></blockquote><br /> <br /> <center><div style="background: white; border: 1px solid #bfbfbf; display: block; position: relative; width: 424px;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="244" name="shopstyle_search" scrolling="no" src="http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid900-225470-19&amp;fts=Talbots%20Shoes&amp;cat=womens-shoes&amp;width=3&amp;height=1&amp;border=0&amp;footer=0" width="424"></iframe><br /> <div style="bottom: 2px; height: 18px; left: 0; line-height: 12px; position: absolute; width: 100%;"><div style="left: 0; padding: 2px 0 0 6px; position: absolute;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse?fts=Talbots%20Shoes&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0; color: #606060; font: 11px verdana,sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">Talbots Shoes</a></div><div style="padding: 3px 4px 3px 0; position: absolute; right: 0;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/?pid=uid900-225470-19" style="border: 0;"><img alt="ShopStyle" src="http://resources.shopstyle.com/im/widget/ShopStyleLogo_powered.png" style="border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;" /></a></div></div></div></center><br /> <br /> <br /> <center><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/WardrobeOxygen">Follow Me</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/Wardrobe-Oxygen/353392800150">Facebook</a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a> Wardrobe Oxygen by Alison Gary is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/p/contact.html.<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13796104-2068405003128304763?l=www.wardrobeoxygen.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=kQ-HpKUVgm0:sc2gxrkKf_g:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=kQ-HpKUVgm0:sc2gxrkKf_g:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=kQ-HpKUVgm0:sc2gxrkKf_g:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=kQ-HpKUVgm0:sc2gxrkKf_g:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=kQ-HpKUVgm0:sc2gxrkKf_g:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=kQ-HpKUVgm0:sc2gxrkKf_g:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=kQ-HpKUVgm0:sc2gxrkKf_g:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=kQ-HpKUVgm0:sc2gxrkKf_g:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=kQ-HpKUVgm0:sc2gxrkKf_g:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=kQ-HpKUVgm0:sc2gxrkKf_g:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~4/kQ-HpKUVgm0" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~3/kQ-HpKUVgm0/my-wardrobe-today-friday.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Allie (Wardrobe Oxygen))39http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2012/01/my-wardrobe-today-friday.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13796104.post-8590336448106247054Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:29:00 +00002012-01-05T13:29:19.283-05:00NordstromJewelMintT+J DesignsCAbiLauren for Ralph Laurenmiss sixtyann taylormy wardrobe today<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/ZDyP_myBh00V43jY-3F5ncg1SWc/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/ZDyP_myBh00V43jY-3F5ncg1SWc/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/ZDyP_myBh00V43jY-3F5ncg1SWc/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/ZDyP_myBh00V43jY-3F5ncg1SWc/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-agSMd3xeYeA/TwXqPlqm7zI/AAAAAAAAQIg/gekscBnmEUw/s640/IMG_0002.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DeIpVAZ7-EQ/TwXqNhezwUI/AAAAAAAAQIQ/rJ-iPQNXJWg/s400/t%252Bj+designs+bracelet.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k0s6t3QcAvc/TwXqOy0ZQoI/AAAAAAAAQIY/obFsW-EpsNo/s400/cabi+sweater.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wVdgtSzLzuc/TwXqRknvg-I/AAAAAAAAQIw/EzWCqvWFj6E/s400/miss+sixty+jaiden+bootie.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WHOrcOPNxzs/TwXqQYGkTtI/AAAAAAAAQIo/b1zj6aHZ0Aw/s640/IMG_0007.jpg" width="420" /></div><b>Cardigan</b> - c/o <a href="http://www.cabionline.com/collection/clothes/tops/cadet-cardigan/">CAbi</a><br /> <b>Ruffle Tank</b> - c/o <a href="http://www.cabionline.com/collection/clothes/tops/vp-top/">CAbi</a><br /> <b>Skirt </b>- Ann Taylor <i>(<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=319047515&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <b>Tights</b> - <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=201955571&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">Nordstrom</a><br /> <b>Shoes </b>- Miss Sixty<i> (<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=287768305&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <b>Bangles </b>- <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=270574822&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">Lauren Ralph Lauren</a><br /> <b>White and pave bracelet</b> - c/o <a href="http://www.tplusjdesigns.com/collections/bracelets/products/white-pyramid-bracelet">t+j Designs</a><br /> <b>Link bracelet </b>- <a href="http://jmnt.me/ymS88g">Jewelmint</a><br /> <b>Lipstick</b> - Nars "Heatwave" <br /> <br /> Today is a day where the outfit looks far better in person than these photos. This morning I thought it was ready to snow, it was so gray and gloomy out. But the outfit is pretty cheery and fantastic. I considered my teal pencil skirt but asked Emerson <i>(yes, Emerson) </i>and she said that the "shiny black" skirt was a better choice. My husband agreed, said it was less "Sesame Street" which is what he calls my overly colorful ensembles!<br /> <br /> <br /> <center><div style="background: white; border: 1px solid #bfbfbf; display: block; position: relative; width: 424px;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="244" name="shopstyle_search" scrolling="no" src="http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid900-225470-19&amp;fts=Leather%20Skirts&amp;cat=Any&amp;width=3&amp;height=1&amp;border=0&amp;footer=0" width="424"></iframe><br /> <div style="bottom: 2px; height: 18px; left: 0; line-height: 12px; position: absolute; width: 100%;"><div style="left: 0; padding: 2px 0 0 6px; position: absolute;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse?fts=Leather%20Skirts&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0; color: #606060; font: 11px verdana,sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">Leather Skirts</a></div><div style="padding: 3px 4px 3px 0; position: absolute; right: 0;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/?pid=uid900-225470-19" style="border: 0;"><img alt="ShopStyle" src="http://resources.shopstyle.com/im/widget/ShopStyleLogo_powered.png" style="border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;" /></a></div></div></div></center><br /> <br /> <br /> <center><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/WardrobeOxygen">Follow Me</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/Wardrobe-Oxygen/353392800150">Facebook</a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a> Wardrobe Oxygen by Alison Gary is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/p/contact.html.<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13796104-8590336448106247054?l=www.wardrobeoxygen.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=4y49niq_S5w:NqhxRsYy1iA:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=4y49niq_S5w:NqhxRsYy1iA:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=4y49niq_S5w:NqhxRsYy1iA:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=4y49niq_S5w:NqhxRsYy1iA:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=4y49niq_S5w:NqhxRsYy1iA:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=4y49niq_S5w:NqhxRsYy1iA:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=4y49niq_S5w:NqhxRsYy1iA:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=4y49niq_S5w:NqhxRsYy1iA:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=4y49niq_S5w:NqhxRsYy1iA:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=4y49niq_S5w:NqhxRsYy1iA:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~4/4y49niq_S5w" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~3/4y49niq_S5w/my-wardrobe-today-thursday.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Allie (Wardrobe Oxygen))19http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2012/01/my-wardrobe-today-thursday.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13796104.post-3697160363364945417Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:51:00 +00002012-01-04T19:56:35.386-05:00House and Home<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/joOIw8SU1sMwX9Ll4UDqFyljgGw/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/joOIw8SU1sMwX9Ll4UDqFyljgGw/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/joOIw8SU1sMwX9Ll4UDqFyljgGw/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/joOIw8SU1sMwX9Ll4UDqFyljgGw/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p>Next in the series of posts about our home is my favorite room in the house - the kitchen! To fully understand my love for this room, you have to see the "before" pictures of it<i></i>:<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-imE30ocdxU8/TwSooelKhFI/AAAAAAAAQD8/ie2VCZHHEeA/s1600/old+kitchen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-imE30ocdxU8/TwSooelKhFI/AAAAAAAAQD8/ie2VCZHHEeA/s640/old+kitchen.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>When we did our home remodel at the end of 2008, not only did we add to the back of the house to create a living room and master suite upstairs, but we added five feet off the front to have a main-floor half-bath and extend the kitchen. As a reminder, the original house was just over 700 square feet so the kitchen was teensy. So teensy that the stove only had one large burner and I could never find a cookie sheet to fit in the oven. So teensy that when the refrigerator died a month after moving in, we had to custom order one small enough to fit in its place. When the old dishwasher died, we would have had to custom order it so we just used it as a dish drainer.&nbsp; Not only was it teensy, it was cheap. Peeling laminate counters, pressed-wood cabinets that were sagging and pulling from the walls... I could go on and on. It all just made me love the remodel even more.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P6HV8mHDStY/TwSuwPTpwgI/AAAAAAAAQEU/t_aGouAjD60/s640/P1020393.jpg" width="640" /></div>The new kitchen makes our house a home. I saw this in a boutique in Rehoboth Beach in 2009 and had to get it for our "new" home.&nbsp; Little did I know that this "unique" sign was mass-produced and now every single townhouse in America has one like it, but at the time I saw this sign as a proper and unique representation of how our house had developed with our family.<br /> <br /> This post is pretty photo-heavy so please click to see more... <br /> <a name='more'></a><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZWuAPZDqUQ/TwSwPFY_UTI/AAAAAAAAQEg/T4BlNsN4W2o/s640/P1020391.jpg" width="480" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>The bulkhead shows where the house used to end. Emerson's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NZVXBM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=whaevewomneei-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000NZVXBM">Rody</a> keeps watch at the front window while looking tres festive.</b></i></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KmeDE17QzQQ/TwSwQLYPUUI/AAAAAAAAQEo/LDTpr_uT3TY/s640/P1020382.jpg" width="480" /></div>Just five additional feet meant a full-size range, a full-size refrigerator, and a reasonable amount of counter space. We put the most thought into the kitchen - we researched appliances, cabinetry, and drafted up layouts multiple times.&nbsp; The cabinets were an overstock - not our original choice but such a great deal <i>(and now we ADORE them).</i>&nbsp; The floor was a must for me - my husband wanted to do something cheaper, we compromised, but then our contractor scored the very same tile I lusted after at a great price <i>(it sometimes pays to have a small kitchen)</i>.&nbsp; By purchasing our appliances through the company that provided the cabinetry <i>(and the bamboo flooring we have in the bedroom and throughout the downstairs - also an overstock),</i> we saved a lot of money.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rlbfga1JsHQ/TwSxWmCSfUI/AAAAAAAAQE8/Wd11ifqn02g/s640/P1020384.jpg" width="480" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c-vGGukC1hI/TwSxV8X2PVI/AAAAAAAAQE0/g3VFa9tdIiE/s640/P1020386.jpg" width="480" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Oh to no longer deal with drip pans on electric burners, to have a dishwasher that works, and a built-in microwave so the entire counter isn't lost?&nbsp; Heaven!</b></i></div><br /> The paint was a sticking point for me.&nbsp; I picked this color out before I was on full maternity bedrest.&nbsp; We went to Home Depot and I decided I wanted a deep shade of berry, I could just imagine it with wood, brushed stainless, and the floor tile.&nbsp; My husband thought it too crazy and wanted a cadet blue.&nbsp; The contractor also found me crazy, and the painter found me annoying because I made them paint the room almost a dozen times to get the really deep hue I desired.&nbsp; But it's totally worth it - I have yet to tire of the color, and as soon as you walk in the house you see this amazing color.&nbsp; I think it really fits our personality, and yes now my husband too loves the color!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W52XCL_AioE/TwS0TrfCPwI/AAAAAAAAQFI/ICmUNehGqhw/s640/P1020395.jpg" width="640" /></div>I love our extra-deep sink.&nbsp; And this kitchen comes with a garbage disposal!&nbsp; So very 21st century!&nbsp; You can see when we finished the kitchen, we still used paper towels - the paper towel holder is now a nice towel bar for our reusable dish towels <i>(we keep a basket in the nearby half bath/laundry room for cleaning rags)</i>.&nbsp; We also use reusable sponges <i>(can find great ones on Etsy)</i>, and make our own foaming hand wash from a combination of Dr. Bronner's and water.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6LWkDpfHAhM/TwS07BbNghI/AAAAAAAAQFU/LvCEPP1Bxlc/s640/P1020397.jpg" width="640" /></div>When we moved into our house in 1999, I bought these canisters from Williams-Sonoma as a housewarming present for myself.&nbsp; You can see my tastes in kitchen decor haven't changed much in the past decade.&nbsp; They hold regular flour, steel cut oats, and brown rice.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9dUQrhjUGeQ/TwS1PBnqJ8I/AAAAAAAAQFg/qYbHWLhWjJg/s640/P1020394.jpg" width="640" /></div>It's amazing to have this much counter space! The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009ADDS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=whaevewomneei-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00009ADDS">French press</a> is a recent addition to the home - a Christmas gift to my husband from my mom to replace our old press which was getting wonky. The <a href="http://www.cooking.com/products/shprodde.asp?sku=573729">Le Creuset artichoke</a> holds sugar. Have to have music - we have iPod speakers in many rooms of the house so we can carry our music everywhere. The knife block is Henkels for Target, but there's a real random variety of knives now residing in it. Most of our cutting boards were in the dishwasher at the time of this photo - the ones we use most often are bright colors like lime, orange, and turquoise.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c_D_Ub4EkmQ/TwS180LIjSI/AAAAAAAAQFs/w_IqcmbozBU/s640/P1020398.jpg" width="640" /></div>The other housewarming gift I bought myself back in '99 was this same <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012RZHJO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=whaevewomneei-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0012RZHJO">Le Creuset teakettle</a> in yellow.&nbsp; Back then, I wanted a sunny yellow, blue and white kitchen and slowly collected a lot of yellow accessories.&nbsp; That teakettle had an untimely death - I forgot about it, it boiled all the water out and melted the bottom.&nbsp; By then, I was on a green kick <i>(pretty clear from the kitchen I am still on that kick) </i>and got a lime replacement.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OOzK7Cr6LGM/TwS2i4WiFDI/AAAAAAAAQF4/kpJPDT_JrPA/s640/P1020399.jpg" width="640" /></div>Two years ago, our toaster kicked the bucket and I got this toaster oven for only $25 on Overstock.&nbsp; We love it - we use it a lot so we don't have to use a ton of energy to heat up the full-sized oven.&nbsp; The coffee and tea pots belonged to my husband's paternal grandparents - we use the teapot regularly.&nbsp; And you can see Emerson's bottle drying rack hasn't gone to waste once she stopped drinking milk - we use it to dry her sippy cups and our travel mugs and Camelbaks.<br /> <br /> Okay, finished with the pretty pictures - now to the nitty gritty and not so pretty.&nbsp; We love our kitchen, and we use it a lot.&nbsp; Here's how we organize it <i>(or attempt to organize it)</i>.&nbsp; Starting with the cabinets closet to the window <i>(the ones above and below the toaster oven)</i>:<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RkN4TdCNG6E/TwS3oAla_WI/AAAAAAAAQGk/cIvOLllBKlg/s640/P1020301.jpg" width="480" /></div>The top cabinet.&nbsp; You'll soon see a pattern - things I use are on the bottom shelf, things my husband uses or I rarely use are higher up.&nbsp; Bottom shelf are sippy cups and travel mugs, higher up are baking tools.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PsDNTYBJ2Ek/TwS3JIs3fMI/AAAAAAAAQGE/XTPunxX4-T4/s640/P1020405.jpg" width="640" /></div>The drawer below the counter keeps a hodgepodge of spices, powder mixes, and leftover sauces from Chinese take-out. Probably not the best place <i>(right next to and below a heating element)</i> but we're working with limited space.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MwizIvrkfD8/TwS3M1dkI3I/AAAAAAAAQGU/3ILwUEaomMU/s640/P1020406.jpg" width="480" /></div>The bottom cabinet holds our appliances and most of our cookware <i>(we store cookie sheets in the oven, and the really large cookware in the drawer below the oven).</i><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XQsuOWay9gM/TwS4rfLuxhI/AAAAAAAAQGw/Cc_zqf3tS6Q/s640/P1020302.jpg" width="480" /></div>This cabinet is directly to the right of the microwave.&nbsp; Bottom shelf holds our cooking essentials, while the top shelves hold baking supplies, coffee and tea.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GxyzwmFfQ5g/TwS5H1YfEYI/AAAAAAAAQHE/c6u7GLTCV4E/s640/P1020300.jpg" width="480" /></div>First drawer below the counter holds our silverware and most-used utensils.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZH-4IQqwWk/TwS5HL6MFVI/AAAAAAAAQG8/PPr80exdQH4/s640/P1020299.jpg" width="480" /></div>The next drawer holds bulkier utensils, tools we don't use as often, measuring cups, and most of our dish towel collection.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QH_pLFaXd1E/TwS5IdB4aHI/AAAAAAAAQHM/2FcR7b373YU/s640/P1020305.jpg" width="480" /></div>The bottom drawer holds our reusable food storage containers.&nbsp; We'd like to switch to glass, but it's pretty pricey and not in our budget.&nbsp; I found the idea of containers in a drawer so strange, but my husband was raised with a drawer for them and we have never had enough cabinet space to stack them on shelves.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w0p30maUmB8/TwS65tf-KcI/AAAAAAAAQHY/Z5sMh0VSCn4/s640/P1020402.jpg" width="640" /></div>Under the sink is typical under the sink stuff.&nbsp; Above the sink are these five little drawers and a glass door that opens up.&nbsp; My husband chose these details for the kitchen and I thought they were both really goofy; now I love them.&nbsp; Obviously we use the glass cabinet as our liquor cabinet <i>(also stores our olive oil which is too tall for the other cabinet)</i>; the little drawers hold things like beer cozies, toothpicks, drinking straws, and wine stoppers.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ujsCJSzxCgI/TwS7l3JrctI/AAAAAAAAQHk/B07EB4Wh0IA/s640/P1020411.jpg" width="480" /></div>And here is where we keep all our plates and glasses.&nbsp; Again, a few are in the dishwasher.&nbsp; Our glasses are <a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/picardie-glass-tumbler/?pkey=ccasual-glassware">these from Williams-Sonoma</a> - my cousin got them for us for our wedding.&nbsp; The small square bowls are Crate and Barrel, the round ones are Anthropologie.&nbsp; The plates are a mix - the dark ones are <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/dining-and-entertaining/dinnerware-sets/samoa-dinnerware/f9554">these from Crate and Barrel</a> - they were on our wedding registry and while they are beautiful we hate them.&nbsp; We recently inherited a gray stoneware set from my husband's paternal grandparents that are far more our style - they have a navy brushwork pattern on them.&nbsp; I think I'll sell the C&amp;B plates on Craigslist - I know many people love them and may need a few cheaply-priced plates or bowls to finish their collections.<br /> <br /> The drawer below the counter is our junk drawer - pens, scissors, business cards, rubber bands, that sort of thing.&nbsp; Below that is our trash can - this was a biggie for us with the remodel.&nbsp; Ruckus used to be able to knock over and open any sort of trash can we ever got and this "trash drawer" is completely Ruckus-proof.&nbsp; We use regular grocery bags for our trash - we compost so we really don't have a ton of trash - maybe two or three bags max per week.&nbsp; The grocery bags fit perfectly in the plastic can in the drawer.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tgO9soGGhh4/TwS87Yq8u6I/AAAAAAAAQHw/w3eGQwWQiuY/s640/P1020388.jpg" width="480" /></div>And then we have the refrigerator.&nbsp; The cabinet above it holds things like serving bowls and vases and lunch bags.&nbsp; I was so happy to be able to get a brushed stainless fridge that was able to hold magnets - we have a pretty big collection of them and it makes our kitchen look more like us and less like a model home.&nbsp; Your typical collection of baby announcements, family photographs, and receipts.&nbsp; The white door is our pantry.&nbsp; The pantry opening is very shallow and just has shallow shelves holding canned goods and pasta; below the shelves we store dog food and unopened bottles of wine.&nbsp; The pantry then leads to a deep short space below the stairs - in there we store cans of paint, gardening tools, camping equipment, and a bin to collect cardboard and paper for recycling.&nbsp; We use the slatted door to display birthday and holiday cards - usually I display Christmas cards in the living room but this year I was lazy so they ended up here!<br /> <br /> That mishmosh to the right of the pantry has been part of our kitchen from the get-go.&nbsp; It's a dinner bell that my husband inherited.&nbsp; After his first marathon, he slung his medal around it and the rest is history.&nbsp; The "bar" is pretty much a catchall for keys, wallets, baby monitors and the day's mail.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_-bMH8gm_1A/TwS-sqcI3HI/AAAAAAAAQIA/Z-lai9oBjb0/s640/P1020383.jpg" width="640" /></div>And that, my friends, is my kitchen!&nbsp; All the nooks and crannies, the less-than-exciting parts<i> (which I personally love to see myself which is why I shared)</i>, and the fun parts.&nbsp; My happy purple and green favorite room in our home!<br /> <br /> <center><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/WardrobeOxygen">Follow Me</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/Wardrobe-Oxygen/353392800150">Facebook</a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a> Wardrobe Oxygen by Alison Gary is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/p/contact.html.<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13796104-3697160363364945417?l=www.wardrobeoxygen.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=mekxwbSWGw0:xCCiiY0poJw:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=mekxwbSWGw0:xCCiiY0poJw:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=mekxwbSWGw0:xCCiiY0poJw:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=mekxwbSWGw0:xCCiiY0poJw:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=mekxwbSWGw0:xCCiiY0poJw:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=mekxwbSWGw0:xCCiiY0poJw:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=mekxwbSWGw0:xCCiiY0poJw:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=mekxwbSWGw0:xCCiiY0poJw:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=mekxwbSWGw0:xCCiiY0poJw:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=mekxwbSWGw0:xCCiiY0poJw:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~4/mekxwbSWGw0" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~3/mekxwbSWGw0/inside-our-home-our-kitchen.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Allie (Wardrobe Oxygen))67http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2012/01/inside-our-home-our-kitchen.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13796104.post-5336135909419091746Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:52:00 +00002012-01-04T13:52:13.943-05:00Cole HaanAnn Taylor LOFTWhite House Black Marketann taylormy wardrobe today<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/JUQRzpN16SOlBbW5dIwaJL7n5HA/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/JUQRzpN16SOlBbW5dIwaJL7n5HA/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/JUQRzpN16SOlBbW5dIwaJL7n5HA/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/JUQRzpN16SOlBbW5dIwaJL7n5HA/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cx6IiiALelU/TwSYFkKx8ZI/AAAAAAAAQDQ/LBBCGD3vQU4/s640/IMG_0001.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-QnFYTFYfo/TwSYVh-Yy_I/AAAAAAAAQDs/h34V0XA2JGk/s400/IMG_0007.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AM6-PSOx9uQ/TwSYHMApMPI/AAAAAAAAQDg/lyyVZUs230M/s400/IMG_0006.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w8gEnj6Y9fc/TwSYGpgaXHI/AAAAAAAAQDY/_bMJWQekoR0/s640/IMG_0005.jpg" width="420" /></div><b>Cardigan </b>- Ann Taylor<i> (<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=310638833&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <b>Blouse </b>- White House | Black Market <i>(<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=306083366&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <b>Pants </b>- LOFT <i>(<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=312045922&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <b>Belt</b> - Ann Taylor<i> (<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=272814859&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <b>Boots</b> - <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=283812565&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">Cole Haan "Air Talia"</a><br /> <br /> You know those days where you wish you could go to work in your pajamas? Yeah, today is one of those days. Thanks goodness for ponte, which is work-appropriate yet as cozy as yoga pants. And this cardigan was an impulse purchase from the clearance rack last year that has totally been worth the money. I wore it this weekend with a white tank and a cobalt crinkled gauze oblong scarf with jeans, and have worn it to work several other times.<br /> <br /> I have been dealing with a cold off an on for about a week - it has been tough to shake because it seems each time I get well, Emerson gets sniffly. This morning, my husband woke up coughing and sneezing so it looks as though it will make another cycle through the Gary household. Le sigh.<br /> <br /> <br /> <center><div style="background: white; border: 1px solid #bfbfbf; display: block; position: relative; width: 424px;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="244" name="shopstyle_search" scrolling="no" src="http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid900-225470-19&amp;fts=Ann%20Taylor%20Cardigans&amp;cat=Any&amp;width=3&amp;height=1&amp;border=0&amp;footer=0" width="424"></iframe><br /> <div style="bottom: 2px; height: 18px; left: 0; line-height: 12px; position: absolute; width: 100%;"><div style="left: 0; padding: 2px 0 0 6px; position: absolute;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse?fts=Ann%20Taylor%20Cardigans&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0; color: #606060; font: 11px verdana,sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">Ann Taylor Cardigans</a></div><div style="padding: 3px 4px 3px 0; position: absolute; right: 0;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/?pid=uid900-225470-19" style="border: 0;"><img alt="ShopStyle" src="http://resources.shopstyle.com/im/widget/ShopStyleLogo_powered.png" style="border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;" /></a></div></div></div></center><br /> <br /> <br /> <center><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/WardrobeOxygen">Follow Me</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/Wardrobe-Oxygen/353392800150">Facebook</a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a> Wardrobe Oxygen by Alison Gary is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/p/contact.html.<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13796104-5336135909419091746?l=www.wardrobeoxygen.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=RQ79qHW-mmI:BMuKeTVDbkI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=RQ79qHW-mmI:BMuKeTVDbkI:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=RQ79qHW-mmI:BMuKeTVDbkI:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=RQ79qHW-mmI:BMuKeTVDbkI:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=RQ79qHW-mmI:BMuKeTVDbkI:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=RQ79qHW-mmI:BMuKeTVDbkI:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=RQ79qHW-mmI:BMuKeTVDbkI:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=RQ79qHW-mmI:BMuKeTVDbkI:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=RQ79qHW-mmI:BMuKeTVDbkI:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=RQ79qHW-mmI:BMuKeTVDbkI:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~4/RQ79qHW-mmI" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~3/RQ79qHW-mmI/my-wardrobe-today-wednesday.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Allie (Wardrobe Oxygen))27http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2012/01/my-wardrobe-today-wednesday.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13796104.post-5613670746998760838Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:59:00 +00002012-01-03T11:59:50.893-05:00DKNYNordstromthe limitedjessica simpsonAnn Taylor LOFTLands Endann taylormy wardrobe todayCoach<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/WS-C0bP6e9Ouf-ikR8cwta8WG5M/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/WS-C0bP6e9Ouf-ikR8cwta8WG5M/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/WS-C0bP6e9Ouf-ikR8cwta8WG5M/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/WS-C0bP6e9Ouf-ikR8cwta8WG5M/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nNFBGlTS_1Q/TwMwgW1ASXI/AAAAAAAAQCY/280RB3yXBdo/s640/leopard+ann+taylor+skirt.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GrxdlzXGXFU/TwMwiGtNzeI/AAAAAAAAQCo/KG62QxPzpM8/s400/ann+taylor+statement+necklace.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kZX3KlursTk/TwMweiju-gI/AAAAAAAAQCI/ihEUhZMEgk8/s400/IMG_9995.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9RZS72Ufqvw/TwMwfRhHdfI/AAAAAAAAQCQ/WEzvtvrjaZY/s400/jessica+simpson+suede+heels.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5igy_qg2fE8/TwMwhEcIi1I/AAAAAAAAQCg/JeSFm49efV0/s640/alison+gary+wardrobe+oxygen.jpg" width="420" /></div><b>Tee</b> - LOFT<i> (<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=289001112&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <b>Blazer</b> - The Limited <i>(<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=283086611&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <b>Skirt</b> - <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=277531536&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">Ann Taylor</a><br /> <b>Necklace </b>- c/o <a href="http://anntaylor.com/">Ann Taylor</a><br /> <b>Tights</b> - <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=314445312&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">DKNY</a><br /> <b>Shoes</b> - Jessica Simpson <i>(<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=281439406&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <b>Coat </b>- <a href="http://www.landsend.com/pp/LuxeDownParka%7E228535_59.html">Lands End</a><br /> <b>Pashmina</b> - <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=300318536&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">Nordstrom</a><br /> <b>Gloves</b> - Coach <i>(<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=299313301&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-trFcRuwO-lY/TwMxPkX930I/AAAAAAAAQC0/OPlvqoPulRo/s640/IMG_9984.jpg" width="420" /></div>Happy 2012 everyone! Back to work, and back to true winter weather! Boy today is cold, but it's nice to be able to wear the red cashmere pashmina and matching red cashmere-lined leather gloves from Coach that my sister got me for Christmas!<br /> <br /> <center><div style="background: white; border: 1px solid #bfbfbf; display: block; position: relative; width: 424px;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="244" name="shopstyle_search" scrolling="no" src="http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid900-225470-19&amp;fts=Ann%20Taylor%20Skirts&amp;cat=Any&amp;width=3&amp;height=1&amp;border=0&amp;footer=0" width="424"></iframe><br /> <div style="bottom: 2px; height: 18px; left: 0; line-height: 12px; position: absolute; width: 100%;"><div style="left: 0; padding: 2px 0 0 6px; position: absolute;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse?fts=Ann%20Taylor%20Skirts&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0; color: #606060; font: 11px verdana,sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">Ann Taylor Skirts</a></div><div style="padding: 3px 4px 3px 0; position: absolute; right: 0;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/?pid=uid900-225470-19" style="border: 0;"><img alt="ShopStyle" src="http://resources.shopstyle.com/im/widget/ShopStyleLogo_powered.png" style="border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;" /></a></div></div></div></center><br /> <br /> <center><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/WardrobeOxygen">Follow Me</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/Wardrobe-Oxygen/353392800150">Facebook</a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a> Wardrobe Oxygen by Alison Gary is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/p/contact.html.<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13796104-5613670746998760838?l=www.wardrobeoxygen.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=cdbqx-DWfPA:ugvob3JiuEA:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=cdbqx-DWfPA:ugvob3JiuEA:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=cdbqx-DWfPA:ugvob3JiuEA:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=cdbqx-DWfPA:ugvob3JiuEA:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=cdbqx-DWfPA:ugvob3JiuEA:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=cdbqx-DWfPA:ugvob3JiuEA:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=cdbqx-DWfPA:ugvob3JiuEA:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=cdbqx-DWfPA:ugvob3JiuEA:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=cdbqx-DWfPA:ugvob3JiuEA:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=cdbqx-DWfPA:ugvob3JiuEA:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~4/cdbqx-DWfPA" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~3/cdbqx-DWfPA/my-wardrobe-today-tuesday.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Allie (Wardrobe Oxygen))41http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2012/01/my-wardrobe-today-tuesday.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13796104.post-836204421616606896Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:38:00 +00002012-01-03T11:17:10.868-05:00hair removal tipsOlaybeautygiveaway<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/_YxNQLS6n-lryxrHaSyPK37GQ2o/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/_YxNQLS6n-lryxrHaSyPK37GQ2o/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/_YxNQLS6n-lryxrHaSyPK37GQ2o/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/_YxNQLS6n-lryxrHaSyPK37GQ2o/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><script language="JavaScript1.1" src="http://oascentral.blogher.org/RealMedia/ads/adstream_jx.ads/blogher.org/Olay-Sophia_Nov11_ReviewBadges_024/@x13" type="text/javascript"> </script><br /> I'm not afraid to admit the behind-the-scenes actions I take to feel feminine and beautiful on a daily basis. The steps I take to prevent sweat, smell, and yes, unwanted facial hair. Every two weeks I pull out my tube of smelly white cream and slather it over my upper lip. I hate it; it stinks, it often causes redness and breakouts, and usually leaves that part of my face numb for the rest of the day. Not an enjoyable act, but it gets the job done.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZpPA__LqoY/Tt6yLd9tZnI/AAAAAAAAPhE/pph0scv7CqQ/s1600/olay+smooth+finish.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZpPA__LqoY/Tt6yLd9tZnI/AAAAAAAAPhE/pph0scv7CqQ/s400/olay+smooth+finish.jpg" width="325" /></a></div>So when BlogHer contacted me asking if I would like to try the <a href="http://goo.gl/ldPwe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo</a>, I jumped at the chance.<br /> <br /> I read that<a href="http://www.olay.com/skin-care-products/facial-hair-removal"> </a><a href="http://goo.gl/ldPwe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo</a> is a uniquely formulated two-step system designed to gently, yet effectively remove unwanted facial hair, leaving skin smooth, conditioned, and visibly hair free. This gentle hair removal system contains a Skin Guarding Balm, applied before the removal cream, that hydrates the skin to minimize irritation, redness, and other tell-tale signs associated with hair removal creams. It sounded like perfection!<br /> <br /> This weekend I tried <a href="http://goo.gl/ldPwe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">it</a> out. The box comes with two products: a tube of the Skin Guarding Balm and a tube of the Hair Removal Cream. The balm is a stick, similar to lip balm; I applied a thin layer to my upper lip and rubbed it in completely. Then I applied the cream for six minutes. After six minutes, I removed the cream with a washcloth.<br /> <br /> <div style="color: #073763; text-align: center;"><b>After those six minutes, I was a <a href="http://goo.gl/ldPwe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New Olay Smooth Finish Hair Removal Duo</a> convert.</b></div><br /> I have used many different drugstore depilatories, and they all were the same cream in different boxes. Olay is the first one to be drastically different. The Skin Guarding Balm really does work; it ensures that the hair remover doesn't touch and irritate your skin. As for the actual hair removing cream, the scent is hardly noticeable.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://goo.gl/ldPwe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New Olay Smooth Finish Hair Removal Duo</a><a href="http://www.olay.com/skin-care-products/facial-hair-removal"> </a>didn't cause redness, irritation, breakouts, or numbing of the skin. It just left smooth, happy, hairless skin. As a busy working mom I find this awesome; now I don't have to block out time on the weekend so I can heal in the privacy of my home, I can do it in the morning while getting ready for work. Gentle on my skin and it simplifies my beauty routine? Who could ask for more?&nbsp; <b>How about getting this product for free?</b> Today is your lucky day, BlogHer and Olay are offering one Wardrobe Oxygen reader a <b>$50 gift card!</b><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>How to Enter:</b></span><br /> <div style="color: #073763; text-align: center;"><b>To be entered for a chance to win, please leave me a comment explaining how you express your inner beauty through your beauty routine!</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rules:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">No duplicate comments.</div><div style="text-align: left;">You can enter to win up to two (2) times, using any combination of the following methods:</div><ul><li>Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post</li> <li>Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post</li> <li>Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post</li> <li>For those with no Twitter or blog, read the <a href="http://www.blogher.com/inner-beauty-sweepstakes-official-rules">official rules</a> to learn about an alternate form of entry.</li> </ul><b>The sweepstakes runs from 1/3/2012 - 2/3/2012</b>. This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available <a href="http://www.blogher.com/inner-beauty-sweepstakes-official-rules" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp; Also be sure to visit the <a href="http://www.blogher.com/olay-smooth-finish-facial-hair-removal-duo-reviews" target="_blank">Promotions &amp; Prizes page</a> on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers' reviews and find more chances to win! <i><b> </b></i> <i><b>Good luck!</b></i><br /> <br /> While we’re on the subject of looking good, you might want to check out the “<a href="http://goo.gl/2tjLA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Looking Your Best</a>” posts in the Life Well Lived section of <a href="http://blogher.com/">BlogHer.com</a>. There are some great tips and expert posts!<br /> <br /> <center><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/WardrobeOxygen">Follow Me</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/Wardrobe-Oxygen/353392800150">Facebook</a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a> Wardrobe Oxygen by Alison Gary is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/p/contact.html.<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13796104-836204421616606896?l=www.wardrobeoxygen.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=oNMJLvJpWVs:V5zzz5M1nv0:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=oNMJLvJpWVs:V5zzz5M1nv0:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=oNMJLvJpWVs:V5zzz5M1nv0:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=oNMJLvJpWVs:V5zzz5M1nv0:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=oNMJLvJpWVs:V5zzz5M1nv0:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=oNMJLvJpWVs:V5zzz5M1nv0:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=oNMJLvJpWVs:V5zzz5M1nv0:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=oNMJLvJpWVs:V5zzz5M1nv0:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=oNMJLvJpWVs:V5zzz5M1nv0:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=oNMJLvJpWVs:V5zzz5M1nv0:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~4/oNMJLvJpWVs" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~3/oNMJLvJpWVs/review-and-giveaway-olay.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Allie (Wardrobe Oxygen))108http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2012/01/review-and-giveaway-olay.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13796104.post-790025576173006028Sun, 01 Jan 2012 18:56:00 +00002012-01-01T13:56:09.370-05:00Happy New Year<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-iwibCl2qP4hFzSzCtbstUEruQc/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-iwibCl2qP4hFzSzCtbstUEruQc/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-iwibCl2qP4hFzSzCtbstUEruQc/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-iwibCl2qP4hFzSzCtbstUEruQc/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BkeCUDVczoQ/TwCr4HKcnnI/AAAAAAAAQBs/umGfA0d6u_o/s1600/5981411974598688_sstgPKMX_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BkeCUDVczoQ/TwCr4HKcnnI/AAAAAAAAQBs/umGfA0d6u_o/s1600/5981411974598688_sstgPKMX_c.jpg" /></a> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>I saw this on <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/81416705733266018/">Pinterest</a> and just HAD to share!</b></i></div><br /> I hope you all had a safe and wonderful New Years Eve. Here's to a fabulous 2012!<br /> <br /> <br /> <center><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/WardrobeOxygen">Follow Me</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/Wardrobe-Oxygen/353392800150">Facebook</a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a> Wardrobe Oxygen by Alison Gary is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/p/contact.html.<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13796104-790025576173006028?l=www.wardrobeoxygen.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=KDAIIBtepvM:GA_A9Xik2V4:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=KDAIIBtepvM:GA_A9Xik2V4:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=KDAIIBtepvM:GA_A9Xik2V4:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=KDAIIBtepvM:GA_A9Xik2V4:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=KDAIIBtepvM:GA_A9Xik2V4:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=KDAIIBtepvM:GA_A9Xik2V4:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=KDAIIBtepvM:GA_A9Xik2V4:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=KDAIIBtepvM:GA_A9Xik2V4:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=KDAIIBtepvM:GA_A9Xik2V4:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=KDAIIBtepvM:GA_A9Xik2V4:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~4/KDAIIBtepvM" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~3/KDAIIBtepvM/happy-new-year.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Allie (Wardrobe Oxygen))0http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2012/01/happy-new-year.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13796104.post-8449676325337900323Fri, 30 Dec 2011 21:38:00 +00002011-12-30T16:38:20.341-05:00halogenNordstromthe limitedAnn Taylor LOFTMICHAEL Michael Korsann taylormy wardrobe today<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/V9eYBCXuAVUSmzVvufjv67_PmCs/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/V9eYBCXuAVUSmzVvufjv67_PmCs/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/V9eYBCXuAVUSmzVvufjv67_PmCs/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/V9eYBCXuAVUSmzVvufjv67_PmCs/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9txhauDItWE/Tv4tD4FqWGI/AAAAAAAAQBE/i3-_4EB3rho/s640/ann+taylor+red+pants.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rbLe1pZavdQ/Tv4tErJaodI/AAAAAAAAQBM/FNHQ5sNbl_4/s400/IMG_9974.JPG" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jid82Erjak4/Tv4tGIgfpvI/AAAAAAAAQBc/xgUeRIfnaHQ/s400/michael+kors+flex+pump.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fVOLZErIgpY/Tv4tFK_RMaI/AAAAAAAAQBU/Rprcf-sIwts/s640/LOFT+striped+tee+blazer.jpg" width="420" /></div><b>Tee </b>- <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=287625134&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">LOFT</a><br /> <b>Blazer</b> - Limited <i>(<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=315532757&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <b>Pants</b> - <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=316548639&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">Ann Taylor</a><br /> <b>Tote</b> - Halogen <i>(<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=266808165&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">similar</a>)</i><br /> <b>Pumps </b>- <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=252744403&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">Michael Kors "Flex"</a><br /> <b>Silver cuff</b><br /> <b>Adorable child </b>- mah bah-dee!<br /> <br /> Today I went to lunch with my two best friends and then went with them to have one get a very major cut and color for her hair <i>(I am so proud of her!)</i>. Tonight I am going to<a href="http://fillmoresilverspring.com/index"> the Fillmore</a> to see <a href="http://www.therootsband.com/">The Roots</a> in concert. I don't know yet what I will wear tonight but I will hopefully get some pictures of the ensemble!&nbsp; I am looking forward to it, haven't yet been to <a href="http://fillmoresilverspring.com/index">the Fillmore in Silver Spring</a>, and have heard it's an awesome music venue.<br /> <br /> If I don't get around to posting tomorrow I wish all of you a very happy New Years and I will see you in 2012!<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <center><div style="background: white; border: 1px solid #bfbfbf; display: block; position: relative; width: 424px;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="244" name="shopstyle_search" scrolling="no" src="http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid900-225470-19&amp;fts=Ann%20Taylor%20Pants&amp;cat=Any&amp;width=3&amp;height=1&amp;border=0&amp;footer=0" width="424"></iframe><br /> <div style="bottom: 2px; height: 18px; left: 0; line-height: 12px; position: absolute; width: 100%;"><div style="left: 0; padding: 2px 0 0 6px; position: absolute;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse?fts=Ann%20Taylor%20Pants&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0; color: #606060; font: 11px verdana,sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">Ann Taylor Pants</a></div><div style="padding: 3px 4px 3px 0; position: absolute; right: 0;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/?pid=uid900-225470-19" style="border: 0;"><img alt="ShopStyle" src="http://resources.shopstyle.com/im/widget/ShopStyleLogo_powered.png" style="border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;" /></a></div></div></div></center><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <center><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/WardrobeOxygen">Follow Me</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/Wardrobe-Oxygen/353392800150">Facebook</a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a> Wardrobe Oxygen by Alison Gary is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/p/contact.html.<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13796104-8449676325337900323?l=www.wardrobeoxygen.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=dR-CrMpciLQ:cPR41EW1BuI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=dR-CrMpciLQ:cPR41EW1BuI:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=dR-CrMpciLQ:cPR41EW1BuI:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=dR-CrMpciLQ:cPR41EW1BuI:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=dR-CrMpciLQ:cPR41EW1BuI:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=dR-CrMpciLQ:cPR41EW1BuI:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=dR-CrMpciLQ:cPR41EW1BuI:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=dR-CrMpciLQ:cPR41EW1BuI:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=dR-CrMpciLQ:cPR41EW1BuI:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=dR-CrMpciLQ:cPR41EW1BuI:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~4/dR-CrMpciLQ" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~3/dR-CrMpciLQ/my-wardrobe-today-friday_30.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Allie (Wardrobe Oxygen))12http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2011/12/my-wardrobe-today-friday_30.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13796104.post-3307249313292311876Thu, 29 Dec 2011 20:55:00 +00002011-12-29T15:55:06.608-05:00haircareDiorShowPhilosophy SkincareMary KayCrest 3D White VividT3NeutrogenaKloraneCeraVeYes to CucumbersbeautyLorealTheBalmproduct reviewMisikkoClarisonic Mia<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/6y0TecjvMaXb-aLo3rrgGAnhRIc/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/6y0TecjvMaXb-aLo3rrgGAnhRIc/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/6y0TecjvMaXb-aLo3rrgGAnhRIc/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/6y0TecjvMaXb-aLo3rrgGAnhRIc/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p>2011 was a year where I reclaimed myself. Emerson was born at the beginning of 2009, and that year was a fog of sleepless nights, pumping milk, and I think a case of mild PPD. 2010 I started getting regular sleep and got back into the swing of things with my blog, my job, and my body. I began <a href="http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/search/label/weight%20watchers">Weight Watchers</a>, and started finding my personal style. And 2011 is when it all clicked again. I am not the same woman I was in 2008 – I don’t have the same exact personal style, don’t have the same body, and surely don’t have the same lifestyle. Instead of missing what I had, I created a new Alison.<br /> <br /> In 2011 I focused on taking care of myself, be it with clothing that fit and flattered this new figure, choosing smart when eating, and also taking better care of my skin and hair. Below is a list of products I started using in 2011 that made a major difference with my hair or skin. Products that transformed, simplified, and are worthy of a re-purchase.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8pWX6bt-B7U/TvzMGzl_KAI/AAAAAAAAP-8/-u99lB3Gaz8/s400/3D-White-Vivid-Toothpaste.png" width="400" /></div><a href="http://rstyle.me/buc3jid28w"><b>Crest 3D White Vivid Toothpaste.</b></a> I love coffee, red wine, and the occasional Diet Coke. Thing is, these are some of the worst things for teeth. Over the past couple of years my teeth have yellowed to the point that I started a fund to get my teeth professional bleached. I tried a couple at-home bleaching systems and either they were ineffective, or caused major sensitivity. A couple months ago, <a href="http://rstyle.me/buc3jid28w">Crest 3D</a> was on sale and my husband bought a tube. I couldn’t believe it would be more effective than any other whitening toothpaste I have used.<br /> <br /> My husband and I have seen a drastic difference in our teeth since using <a href="http://rstyle.me/buc3jid28w">Crest 3D White Vivid</a>. We don’t have blinding white teeth, but it has bleached our teeth enough that we no longer think about our teeth looking yellow, and I forgot about my teeth bleaching fund. Not only is it effective, but neither of us experience any sensitivity from it. We just got home from Target where they are selling 2-packs of the toothpaste for $5.00 – we bought two packs. I was always a Colgate girl, but <a href="http://rstyle.me/buc3jid28w">Crest 3D White Vivid</a> has made me a Crest convert.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cTLCzYmAofU/TvzMwHgsYdI/AAAAAAAAP_U/kuO9WyLxAHo/s400/aaa_loreal_youth_code_serum.jpg" width="188" /></div><a href="http://rstyle.me/emyekgd28w"><b>L’Oreal Youth Code Serum.</b></a> I wrote about this <a href="http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2011/11/about-face-recent-beauty-buys.html">here</a>, and I have to continue with the rave reviews. I use <a href="http://rstyle.me/emyekgd28w">this</a> every morning before my SPF moisturizer and every night over my retinol and under my night cream. I still don’t know what it does, but it makes my skin look better and yes, younger.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4r_Gj2honI0/TvzNwDqMR_I/AAAAAAAAP_s/W7Mj9K7L3OI/s400/philosophy+turbo+c+booster.jpg" width="400" /></div><a href="http://rstyle.me/iv7d8d28w"><b>Philosophy Turbo Booster C Powder.</b></a> A month or so ago I had a professional facial. When I asked the esthetician what I should change about my skincare regimen, she suggested adding a Vitamin C serum for daytime to fight free radicals and even skintone. Doing a bit of research, I chose the <a href="http://rstyle.me/iv7d8d28w">Philosophy Turbo Booster C Powder.</a> I put ½ to 1 scoopful into two pumps of the <a href="http://rstyle.me/emyekgd28w">L’Oreal Youth Code Serum</a> and apply each morning before my SPF moisturizer. It doesn’t irritate, it smells delish, a little goes a long way, and I think in just a month it has lightened some of my freckles and age spots.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f4WctIQjuQI/TvzOJAPyxqI/AAAAAAAAP_4/0BKW0oVy8RI/s400/clarisonic+mia+pink.jpg" width="400" /></div><a href="http://rstyle.me/bupucnd28w"><b>Clarisonic Mia.</b></a> I bought myself this gadget for my birthday back in January and have felt pretty meh about it. A couple months ago <a href="http://www.unefemme.net/">Une Femme D'un Certain Age</a> mentioned how she uses the <a href="http://rstyle.me/bupucnd28w">Clarisonic</a> sans cleanser just to exfoliate. Since then, I keep it in my shower and exfoliate with it if my skin is already clean, or use it with cleanser if my face is dirty. This means it gets used on my face about 4x/week. I think it does a better job at exfoliating when not used with cleanser, and since using it consistently I think my pores look smaller and I no longer have the tiny white bumps on my chin.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FbPqpLUHxT0/TvzNAUyp6jI/AAAAAAAAP_g/ny75P3NBOEo/s400/cerave-cleanser.jpg" width="183" /></div><a href="http://rstyle.me/dwqz9d28w"><b>CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser</b></a>. I have written about this <a href="http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2011/11/about-face-recent-beauty-buys.html">before</a>. It’s awesome. This cleanser is super gentle, rinses clean, but doesn’t leave my skin feeling taut or dry. No irritation, no redness, and no greasy feeling that I felt with <a href="http://rstyle.me/ernghwd28w">Cetaphil</a>. It also works great with the <a href="http://rstyle.me/bupucnd28w">Clarisonic Mia</a>.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dJt9eEQuOaM/TvzOjWvAjnI/AAAAAAAAQAE/W37-CcfWBnI/s400/neutrogena+makeup+remover+cleansing+towelettes.jpg" width="400" /></div><a href="http://rstyle.me/ep6etcd28w"><b>Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes.</b></a> I have been against these wipes because I hate the idea of all this waste. Then I thought about how I end up using cotton pads or toilet paper to apply makeup remover, and then use face wash to remove the greasy residue. By using these wipes when I wear liquid liner or other difficult makeup, I reduce steps, and I only need to use one product. <br /> <br /> I bought them for <a href="http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/search/label/bonnaroo">Bonnaroo</a> and became a convert. They don’t irritate my contacts-wearing eyes, I don’t have to rinse afterwards, and they really get my skin very clean without being dry or taut. I cut the wipes in half – saves money and reduces trash. I don’t buy the fancy container, I get the refill packs and just use that.<br /> <br /> At the same time I received a pack of the wipes from <a href="http://rstyle.me/ejgygnd28w">Yes to Cucumbers</a> - they can't compare to Neutrogena in gentleness, and the ability to remove the most stubborn cosmetics.&nbsp; I would wipe with the Yes to Cucumbers, and then wipe with Neutrogena and remove a ton more makeup.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8e6cHfjvSC8/TvzPqdG4PCI/AAAAAAAAQAQ/ScRet3v_-uk/s400/klorane_dry_shampoo.png" width="187" /></div><a href="http://rstyle.me/f726ywd28w"><b>Klorane Dry Shampoo.</b></a> I have tried a half a dozen dry shampoos and each one is… fine. Some good points, and some bad. I feared <a href="http://rstyle.me/f726ywd28w">Klorane</a> because as a brunette I didn’t want the ashy look to my hair. While <a href="http://rstyle.me/f726ywd28w">Klorane</a> goes on hair white, it will actually brush out leaving hair shiny and its natural color. I can’t use it on curly hair because I do need to brush a lot, but <a href="http://rstyle.me/f726ywd28w">Klorane</a> will extend a blow-out, add body, de-grease my roots without a harsh smell, ashy residue, or a weird texture to my hair.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fmWmfruLpl4/TvzQL25UdNI/AAAAAAAAQAc/yZkgsxgsVYc/s400/T3+tourmaline+evolution+hair+dryer+misikko.jpg" width="400" /></div><a href="http://www.misikko.com/t3-evolution-hair-dryer.html"><b>T3 Tourmaline Evolution Hair Dryer. </b> </a>You get what you pay for. For years I have been using my red Conair dryer and I felt it was fine. My hair got dry, and isn’t that the point? Then <a href="http://www.misikko.com/">Misikko</a> contacted me and asked me if I would like to try out their <a href="http://www.misikko.com/t3-evolution-hair-dryer.html">T3 Evolution dryer</a>. I would never normally purchase such a costly dryer, but my Conair was getting so old it would burn my hand if I used it too long and would often stop working mid-styling.<br /> <br /> The <a href="http://www.misikko.com/t3-evolution-hair-dryer.html">T3</a> is like a Corvette to my old Yugo dryer; it dries my hair faster, I have fewer split ends, my color lasts longer, and my hair has more shine. Before, I used leave-in conditioners, heat protectants, and shine serums on my hair to make it look and feel less damaged. Now with the <a href="http://www.misikko.com/t3-evolution-hair-dryer.html">T3</a> I don’t need any of that for healthy hair. While the dryer isn’t cheap, when I think how much I save on products to heal and protect my hair from my old cheapy dryer, it’s worth the money. I no longer fear drying my hair!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S6LA9xQONYI/TvzQ-m947NI/AAAAAAAAQAo/noj_lmerb2o/s400/thebalm+mary-lou+manzier+highlighter.jpg" width="400" /></div><a href="http://rstyle.me/buksdcd28w"><b>TheBalm Mary-Lou Manzier</b>.</a> Highlighters always make me look like a disco ball or greasy. As I age, my skin is less luminous. I wanted a product that would just make my skin look dewy and healthy, not Studio 54.<a href="http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2011/03/my-reviews-of-your-reviews.html"> April, a long-time reader suggested</a> <a href="http://rstyle.me/buksdcd28w">TheBalm Mary-Lou Manzier</a> and I have been using it daily ever since. I apply it to my brow bones, inner corner of my eyes, cheek bones and bow of my lip. If I want it really subtle, I apply it under foundation. Lately I apply it over foundation and under powder and it gives a gorgeous, natural luminous look. This product can also multi-task – I will apply some to lipstick to make it a shimmer, apply it heavy for a shimmery nighttime look, and have even applied it to shoulders and décolleté for glowing skin on a summer night. Even though I have used it daily for months, I have yet to hit pan. One compact of <a href="http://rstyle.me/buksdcd28w">Mary-Lou Manzier</a> will likely last me over a year which makes it a great value.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aex8veX77as/TvzRPgTYcdI/AAAAAAAAQA0/7ZF_OCv3FrY/s400/mary+kay+ultimate+mascara.jpg" width="400" /></div><a href="http://www.marykay.com/color/eyes/marykayultimatemascara/default.aspx"><b>Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara.</b></a> BlogHer sent me a tube of this to review back in June and I was highly impressed. I am extremely critical of mascaras and usually another person’s Holy Grail is meh on my lashes. If I could afford it, I would buy a new tube of <a href="http://rstyle.me/e4dueqd28w">DiorShow</a> every month. So when I got a tube of <a href="http://www.marykay.com/color/eyes/marykayultimatemascara/default.aspx">Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara</a> I was skeptical. Come to find out, it was one of the best mascaras I have ever tried. I was so thrilled when Mary Kay sent me a second tube a couple months ago, and I liked it just as much as I did this summer. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.marykay.com/color/eyes/marykayultimatemascara/default.aspx">Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara</a> has one of those spiky brushes, but it seems to work better than the ones I tried by CoverGirl and Maybelline. It coats every lash, building volume and lengthening. It dries fast enough to not smear and it also holds the curl from my lash curler. It doesn’t flake, and doesn’t irritate. It’s not waterproof, but it stays put if I sweat or watch a sappy movie. At $15.00 a tube, it’s far more reasonable than <a href="http://rstyle.me/e4dueqd28w">DiorShow</a> <i>(and it doesn’t dry up as quickly as a tube of <a href="http://rstyle.me/e4dueqd28w">DiorShow</a>).</i><br /> <br /> <blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="color: #073763;"><b>What are some of your favorite new<i> (or new to you) </i>beauty products from this past year?</b></div></blockquote><br /> <br /> <center><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/WardrobeOxygen">Follow Me</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/Wardrobe-Oxygen/353392800150">Facebook</a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a> Wardrobe Oxygen by Alison Gary is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/p/contact.html.<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/13796104-3307249313292311876?l=www.wardrobeoxygen.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=z2IK5fviVLU:Kn5t3nczqDY:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=z2IK5fviVLU:Kn5t3nczqDY:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=z2IK5fviVLU:Kn5t3nczqDY:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=z2IK5fviVLU:Kn5t3nczqDY:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=z2IK5fviVLU:Kn5t3nczqDY:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=z2IK5fviVLU:Kn5t3nczqDY:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=z2IK5fviVLU:Kn5t3nczqDY:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=z2IK5fviVLU:Kn5t3nczqDY:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?a=z2IK5fviVLU:Kn5t3nczqDY:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WardrobeOxygen?i=z2IK5fviVLU:Kn5t3nczqDY:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~4/z2IK5fviVLU" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WardrobeOxygen/~3/z2IK5fviVLU/my-best-beauty-buys-of-2011.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Allie (Wardrobe Oxygen))18http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2011/12/my-best-beauty-buys-of-2011.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13796104.post-7522246207107871527Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +00002011-12-27T19:20:41.122-05:00haircarecurly hairAsk Allie<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/pHKXYLRercqpbEK6dYHk1-p1DuM/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/pHKXYLRercqpbEK6dYHk1-p1DuM/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/pHKXYLRercqpbEK6dYHk1-p1DuM/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/pHKXYLRercqpbEK6dYHk1-p1DuM/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;,Courier,monospace;">Hi Allie,</div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;,Courier,monospace;"></div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;,Courier,monospace;">I am a regular reader of your blog. My hair is very similar to yours in texture and I love the way you do your hair. I love wearing my hair straight but I now live in a very humid part of India. Could you tell me if Elnett would work to keep frizz at bay? </div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;,Courier,monospace;"></div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;,Courier,monospace;">Thanks so much, Praveena</div><div style="font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;,Courier,monospace;"><br /> </div><div style="color: #4c1130; font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;,Courier,monospace;">Dear Alison, would you please write a post on how you deal with your hair? I think we have similar hair – not thick, not curly, not straight. I say my hair is like my daughter’s and she’s 4. Soft but hard to manage and full of cowlicks. How do you get your hair to look so thick and controlled?</div><div style="color: #4c1130; font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;,Courier,monospace;">Thanks, Becca</div><div style="font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;,Courier,monospace;"><br /> </div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;,Courier,monospace;">Hi Allie</div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;,Courier,monospace;">I was wondering whether you would do a post on your hair; from what I can tell, we have EXACTLY the same hair. Mine is similarly a combination of curly/wavy in parts and straightish in others. It is also on the fine side, which yours seems to be too. I have been struggling with mine for a while - it’s easy to blow dry it straight, but difficult to keep it that way. If I leave it to dry naturally, it’s a mess and not something I can wear to work. Even on days I manage to curl bits to get a neat wavy look, once I sleep on it, it’s a mess and I don't have time to spend more than 10 minutes on it each morning. I would love your tips on how you look after and style yours. In particular, how often you wash and when.</div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;,Courier,monospace;">-Veronica</div></blockquote><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yj6td2LBC0U/TvpVzJrYiVI/AAAAAAAAP9o/NFkcauYRNP0/s1600/l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yj6td2LBC0U/TvpVzJrYiVI/AAAAAAAAP9o/NFkcauYRNP0/s1600/l.jpg" /></a></div>I am NOT a hair expert. For years I did DIY haircuts and color; late nights of bleaching into oblivion <i>(as seen above - yeppers, I'm the one on the left)</i> and then dying it red the next week, cutting bangs with nail scissors, and even once cut off a side ponytail for an asymmetrical ‘do. I finally decided around the time of my wedding <i>(and turning 30) </i>that I was getting too old for gray dye stains on my neck and crooked bangs and started going to a salon on a regular basis. <b> <a href="http://www.bananashairdesign.com/">Kathleen my stylist</a> </b>seems to understand my hair and know how to cut it to get it to curl, straighten, and lay properly; she also has kept my grays at bay without looking dowdy for the past six years. When I am on schedule, I see Kathleen every 6-10 weeks for a trim, maybe a slight change to the cut, and either a color touch-up or a slight change. I used to be far more daring with my hair color, but with my current position at my job I find it makes sense to keep my hair pretty neutral.<br /> <br /> For the past several years I have relied on <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=110571426&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19"><b>Pureology shampoo</b></a> and <b><a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=215432506&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">conditioner</a>,</b> nothing else compares for my hair. The line really extends my color, and my hair feels so soft and looks so shiny. I use the<b> <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=110571426&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">Hydrating collection</a></b> – I have switched to the <b><a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=205005051&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">Volumizing collection</a> </b>in the past but it didn’t work as well for my hair. I was my hair every 2-3 days, keeping the shampoo close to the scalp and the conditioner close to the ends so my oily-prone hair doesn’t get too weighed down. I always do a cool rinse after my shower – I don’t know if it really helps with shine but it feels good and wakes me up. I shower often in the morning because the house is asleep and it wakes me up, but if I know I want to go curly or wavy or know I’ll have an early workday, I’ll wash at night and let it dry while I sleep.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-olgKA9JOxB4/TvpS40iJn3I/AAAAAAAAP9c/fhcQoeVYHEk/s400/my_wardrobe_today+112.jpg" width="400" /></div>I used to do hot oil, deep conditioning masks, and even homemade hydration treatments on my hair, but in the past few months it has just left my hair looking really greasy and heavy. However, out of all the products I have used the best is regular olive oil. On a lazy Sunday I will warm up olive oil in the microwave, apply to dry hair, then wrap in Saran wrap and then a towel and wear it for a few hours. I then wash it out completely and it will leave my hair very soft and not nearly as greasy as popular products like <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AO0WCG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=whaevewomneei-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001AO0WCG">Moroccan Oil</a>.</b><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-536fZniVPtk/TvpShluSsbI/AAAAAAAAP9Q/uMnweAlR6Bs/s400/IMG_0011.jpg" width="400" /></div>As for styling products, I have used several things in the past, but right now I usually don’t a lot of product at all. I recently was sent <a href="http://www.makeuptalk.com/beautyblog/john-frieda-new-product-test-trial/"><b>FrizzEase Sheer Solution</b></a> to try out and it’s pretty great for fine hair. You shake the bottle, dribble out 10 drops in your palm and spread through your hair. Let hair air dry <i>(or use a diffuser) </i>for soft waves and curls, or blow dry to get hair extra-straight. Unlike regular straightening serums, this doesn’t make my hair greasy or heavy; I also think it makes my hair dry faster. The only problem is that it makes my hair look limp on Day 2.<br /> <br /> I occasionally use <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=12040958&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19"><b>Jonathan Silky Dirt</b></a> on damp hair if I want texture once dry. I emulsify a pea-sized amount in my palms and rub through the bottom half of my hair and dry as usual. It makes hair look a bit rougher, a bit dirty yet not greasy. A tiny bit more on dry hair will separate layers and keep sideswept bangs in place.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2mp3NNFBYxU/TvpPnvUC72I/AAAAAAAAP8s/SUOWJ9pAOCI/s400/alison_gary.jpg" width="400" /></div>Usually when I make my hair straight, I use no product at all. I usually let my hair air dry overnight and then the next day use my flat iron to smooth. I will tackle the bangs first with a<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=312986984&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19"><b> dryer</b></a> and<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=218045338&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19"><b> paddle brush</b></a> – I swing the bags side to side with the dryer on it so they don’t have a cowlick or separate. I then go over the whole head with the <b><a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=158693809&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">flat iron</a>.</b> I keep the iron at 350 degrees so it doesn’t get it bone-straight, just smooth.&nbsp; To extend this look I use dry shampoo - I have used a few different brands but right now I'm digging <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=303227069&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19"><b>Klorane</b></a><i> (as long as I have the ability to brush out the white - not good for curly or wavy looks).</i><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WIP8O9htbB4/TvpPkEWF0cI/AAAAAAAAP8g/cnfj9quDVvU/s400/alison+gary+curly+hair.jpg" width="400" /></div>When I make my hair curly, I add either the <b><a href="http://www.makeuptalk.com/beautyblog/john-frieda-new-product-test-trial/">FrizzEase Sheer Solution</a> </b>or some <b><a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=230486640&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">Bumble and Bumble Styling Creme</a> </b>and try to let it air dry as much as possible – either I will let it dry overnight, or get up early, shower, and then putz around the house until it dries. My hair doesn’t react well to a diffuser so I only use it when absolutely necessary. Once dry, I take a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AFGTH2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=whaevewomneei-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001AFGTH2"><b>curling iron</b></a> to it to smooth out frizz and/or bedhead. I usually curl towards the back of the head so it looks natural and a bit windswept. I’ll then hit it with a fine mist of<b> <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=203426640&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">Elnett</a>,</b> let it dry and cool completely and then use my fingers to separate the curls.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F7-rvAtSQ74/TvpR0nJct_I/AAAAAAAAP9E/npOqfFxkV-A/s400/Lilith+Fair+2010+029.jpg" width="400" /></div>When I have to go out after work or am out on the town for a long day, I’ll use a bit of body lotion to smooth hair – I’ll moisturize my hands and then the leftover I will use to smooth. If I have a special event to attend, I will tuck <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=158693809&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19"><b>my flat iron</b></a> into my purse to revive my bangs and the under part that curls up with heat. I really should get a <b>mini iron</b> to keep in my desk or bag!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4DiLRDooKXU/TvpQ9nCS0LI/AAAAAAAAP84/4gm7stKbDuM/s400/alison_gary_wardrobe_oxygen.jpg" width="400" /></div>Come summer, I usually use more product in my hair and go wavy or curly. The combination of product, waves, and DC humidity work in my favor for a more casual beachy look. This past summer I used<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=251604360&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19"> <b>Frederic Fekkai’s Luscious Curls</b></a>. I would put in wet hair, scrunch, let the dogs out, scrunch, eat breakfast, scrunch, check email, scrunch, get dressed. Usually my hair was at least 80% dry by that point and I would then use a curling iron just to adjust the bangs and deal with that one point on the left side of my head that doesn’t wave or curl as well as the rest.&nbsp; This method will work for a couple of days - I will revive with <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AFGTH2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=whaevewomneei-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001AFGTH2">my curling iron</a> </b>and use some<b> <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=286411052&amp;amp;&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19">tinted dry shampoo</a></b> to keep the roots fresh.<br /> <br /> <br /> <center><div style="background: white; border: 1px solid #bfbfbf; display: block; position: relative; width: 424px;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="244" name="shopstyle_search" scrolling="no" src="http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid900-225470-19&amp;fts=Pureology&amp;cat=womens-beauty&amp;width=3&amp;height=1&amp;border=0&amp;footer=0" width="424"></iframe><br /> <div style="bottom: 2px; height: 18px; left: 0; line-height: 12px; position: absolute; width: 100%;"><div style="left: 0; padding: 2px 0 0 6px; position: absolute;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse?fts=Pureology&amp;pid=uid900-225470-19" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0; color: #606060; font: 11px verdana,sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">Pureology</a></div><div style="padding: 3px 4px 3px 0; position: absolute; right: 0;"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/?pid=uid900-225470-19" style="border: 0;"><img alt="ShopStyle" src="http://resources.shopstyle.com/im/widget/ShopStyleLogo_powered.png" style="border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;" /></a></div></div></div></center><br /> <br /> <br /> <center><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/WardrobeOxygen">Follow Me</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/Wardrobe-Oxygen/353392800150">Facebook</a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/wardrobe_oxygen">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wardrobeoxygen">Facebook</a> Wardrobe Oxygen by Alison Gary is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. 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