Whether it's back to school or a workplace with a metal detector, you may be looking for a stylish clear backpack or tote. Across the U.S., schools are requiring clear backpacks. I also know that many who work in security, retail, and for the government must use transparent work bags. Is it possible to have a cool looking clear bookbag? I researched to find the most stylish clear backpacks and totes for school and work. My focus is on larger transparent totes and backpacks appropriate for middle and high school students. However, I have a mix of styles and price points below for kids and adult ..read more

Growing up, we were surrounded by history: paintings of deceased relatives in the stairwells, furniture that told stories of past generations, china that came by ship a century ago, lamps left in wills, books written in previous centuries. The thing is, most of these items weren't in any condition to blow minds on the next episode of ‘Antiques Roadshow.' They were loved, and they were used, and they weren't necessarily worth a lot. But they had stories, and they were treasured. My mom, me in face paint, and her dressing table, circa 1980-something My mom had an antique white dressing table in ..read more

Jane Fisher, Sun Bather, 2012 Weekend Reads Thank you, L, for sending this my way… Born in DC, I lived most of my life in Maryland, and spending my summers at Delaware beaches, I know the Orange Crush. In fact, it was the signature drink at our wedding in 2004! Maryland invented the orange crush. Now Delaware is claiming it. (Washington Post – gift link) The calculus of what makes for “happily ever after” has shifted. (The Atlantic – gift link) Water bottle freaks. (Bad Environmentalist) Some people love ‘The Bear'… for its style. (New York Times – gift link) Etsy losing “vintage” and “handmad ..read more

When I was in elementary school, my best friend was Kelli. Kelli's mom and my mom were stay-at-home parents and Kelli and I had birthdays only days apart. We always had creative fun together, and Kelli's house was like a second home for me and I thought her mom was very cool. Kelli's mom made pirogies and perfect grilled cheeses that were never burned. She made real iced tea, not the powdered Lipton we had at home. All summer long, Kelli's mom wore these terrycloth rompers. They were strapless, with elastic at the top, a drawstring waist, ending in dolphin shorts. I especially remember a yello ..read more

I recently returned from a weeklong vacation at a rental house on a canal that fed into a bay. The house was in a community that had a pool with a tiki bar, a restaurant with live music and, a bar, a golf course, and walking trails, and you could rent kayaks, SUPs, and boats. We planned to spend a day sightseeing and at least one day at the beach. This summer capsule wardrobe for a waterfront vacation is inspired by what I packed for my own getaway. I hope it will provide you with inspiration for your vacation packing lists! Me on vacation wearing pieces from this summer capsule wardrobe When ..read more

Last September, I did a Wardrobe Oxygen State of the Blog reader survey (which is still up accepting submissions), and before I could delve into the responses, my mother passed away. My focus has been primarily on my mom's estate and my family, but I'd like to make some changes later this year to improve Wardrobe Oxygen based on your feedback. reader survey link This is a simpler survey, focusing on your thoughts on Wardrobe Oxygen and the content I offer here, as well as social media, newsletters, etc. All questions are optional, and all responses are completely anonymous (I am not collecting ..read more

Rene Wiley, Rain Reflected, 2015 Weekend Reads Eyes wide opened. (Swamp) Taraji P. Henson made Project 2025 the talk of the BET Awards. (MSNBC) How Taraji P. Henson spotlighted Black designers at the BET Awards. (Vogue) FEUDS JUNE 11, 2024 Martha-Ann Alito is beefing. (The Cut) And the original 2006 article by Robin Givhan. (Washington Post – gift link) How I hacked my life by saying yes to everything. (Wall Street Journal – gift link) TikTok is an unrivaled trendsetter. Will its influence last? (AP) What you need to know about hormones and hair loss. (Gloria) Katie Pumphrey completes 14 ..read more

On the Wardrobe Oxygen Facebook page, a reader asked a question I have been asking myself since my favorite option is no longer available… I am searching for the best wool and cashmere sweater refresher sprays, and which ones on the market are the best to replace my old, now discontinued favorite? This is Michelle's question: I have personally gotten so much use out of The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Spray for my sweaters. I love the smell & it’s been a great way to spray them & freshen them up between wearings. I also usually put them out on my back porch for a little airing out as ..read more

Ever since I turned 40, I have been dealing with thinning hair. I had blood tests, there is nothing specific that is wrong, just getting older and with it, having less hair on the top of my head. I embraced my natural hair texture and went curly, I cut out most hot tools on my hair, and both helped but I was curious if clip-in extensions would improve my thinning hair in midlife. Hi, I'm Alison and this is my hair on a normal day. Curly, frizzy in the Maryland humidity, and thinner than it was in my younger years. Trying Clip-in Extensions to Make My Midlife Thinning Hair Look Fuller With curl ..read more

Lauren Pretorius, White Lilies, 2023 I began Weekend Reads last week, but I knew I was heading out of town for a few days and decided to wait until this week so I could respond to any comments and wouldn't have to work on my getaway promoting and sharing and newslettering oh my. I missed y'all but dang that getaway was what the doctor ordered. I truly felt relaxed, and having it right after school ended provided a good hard reset. I think we may do a similar June getaway next year. I shared a Reel of many of my looks over the getaway and have already started working on a summer capsule wardrob ..read more