Ever since I donated this pleated faux-leather skirt a couple of years ago, I have been craving a more sophisticated version of it. I found the skirt at a boutique in St. Petersberg, Florida in 2015, but faux leather is having a huge moment right now, which means that I can find this style just about anywhere today.

I happened upon this Faux Leather Trumpet skirt while getting my latest faux-leather fix at Eloquii. I loved that the skirt is pleated, but that the pleats are flattened at the top and then add volume toward the bottom. One of the biggest problems I had with my other pleated skirt was that the pleats started right at the waistband, hiding my figure and adding more volume to my hips. This faux-leather pleated midi skirt from Eloquii is also constructed beautifully with high-quality materials, and I love the way it moves with my body. I can envision dressing this up and down with button-up shirts or cozy sweaters, but for this look, I opted for a sophisticated, chic look with this Mixed Media Blouse. I fell in love with the black version of this top, but it sold out so quickly, so I decided to opt for the white. I am so happy with this decision though because the white has been a refreshing addition to my rather dark wardrobe. I’ve worn this blouse with my wide-leg satin pants from Universal Standard, and I have so many other looks in mind to pair it with.

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 18 in both the Faux Leather Trumpet skirt and the Mixed Media Blouse, which is my usual size, and both garments fit perfectly! The faux-leather skirt is stretchy in the waistband and the leather even has some stretch to it. The top is very much fitted and has a shorter fit than the typical blouse. 

I haven’t written anything for my blog in a while because I have been busy traveling and working on side projects, but I am really looking forward to what’s coming for Natalie in the City. While I have been busy plotting my next move behind the scenes, I have also been trying to elevate my style game. Let’s keep it real, your girl loves some cozy yoga pants and sweatshirts—like a little too much. If I didn’t have a 9-to-5, my wardrobe wouldn’t be comprised of sweatpants.

But for some reason, I have had the urge to dress to the nines every day. Maybe it’s because it’s my birthday month and I am feeling particularly optimistic and confident. I have also been on the hunt for as much faux leather as I can get my hands on. So much so that this outfit is a head-to-toe faux leather look. I never ever thought I would be this obsessed with the material and texture of faux leather, but here we are. I got this whole look from Eloquii where I first fell in love with these Plus Size Coated Skinny Jeans. I came across the Flare Sleeve Tie Waist Faux Leather Top around the same time I found the jeans, and it hadn’t yet occurred to me that I could pair these together.  However, when I was trying on the clothes, I matched them together and decided it wasn’t bad. I wore this look out for a day to see if I felt confident and got any weird stares. Throughout the day, I got tons of compliments, and I must have felt confident because even after I got home, I didn’t want to take the look off. Aside from this outfit, I am so excited to see how else I can wear the Flare Sleeve Tie Waist Faux Leather Top. It’s such a striking and sexy piece. And of course, the jeans will go with anything! I topped off the look with Eloquii’s Wide Calf Knee-high Riko Boots.

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 18 in both the Plus Size Coated Skinny Jeans and the Flare Sleeve Tie Waist Faux Leather Top, which is my regular size, and both garments fit perfectly!

Having this blog has really allowed me to challenge my style and try trends, colors, and fits that I wouldn’t regularly indulge in. And I have all of you to thank for that. If it weren’t for you pushing me on social media to embrace bold trends or reassuring me that fuchsia is my color, I would probably still be the girl who only wore black. And while those days are long gone, black is still something that is still very present in my wardrobe. Every once in a while, I’ll fall back into my old ways with an edgy look.

This Torrid outfit that I am wearing today definitely makes me feel like I’m back at my home base while still incorporating elements of my new style. Since it’s the holidays, I am taking every chance I get to embrace sequins. Y’all know that I will wear sequins just because, but during this season, I don’t get judged as hard *shrugs*. Lately, I have been on the hunt for a great pair of supportive ripped black skinny jeans, and I definitely think I found them when I stumbled across Torrid’s Bombshell Skinny Jean in Premium Stretch Black. I love that the jeans have a stretchy waistband that also offers a lot of support as it contours my body. I also fell in love with the Black Faux Leather & Ponte Moto Jacket, and it was then that I knew I was going back to my edgy ways. So I added in some sequins with the Black & Sliver Sequin Halter Top to give the look some personality and a chance at being featured as a part of my holiday wardrobe for the season. No look is complete without a darling pair of shoes like these Side Bow Booties!

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 18 in the Torrid’s Bombshell Skinny Jean in Premium Stretch Black, which is my usual size, and the jeans fit perfectly. In my experience, Torrid jeans always fit a little snug at first, but they conform to your true size after the first couple of wears. I always order my true size. I am wearing a 2 in the Black & Sliver Sequin Halter Top and the Faux Leather & Ponte Moto Jacket, which is my usual size, and both garments fit perfetly!

Today is my birthday! Usually, I feel kind of “meh” about my birthday—and as I type this the night before, I still kind of do—but this year is different because it was the greatest year I have ever had. I unexpectedly lived out most of my dreams like attending New York Fashion Week, traveling to Paris, working with brands I have always admired, making a sustainable income from my blog, winning awards, and more! I am so grateful for everything that has occurred over the past year, and I truly couldn’t have done it without the support of you all, my friends, family and my man!

Although I am so happy about how this year played out, turning 28 can be a little jarring. I could always see myself turning 25, 26, and even 27, but 28 feels monumental. Of course, as I get older, there are “timelines” that I feel like I am supposed to follow that fall in line with my age. However, I have realized that age is truly just a number and that I don’t have to abide by any timeline other than my own!

I can’t wait to see what next year holds, but I’d love to include some of the goals I have for my 28th year:

• Start designing and constructing my own clothes
• Pitch and report story ideas to my favorite magazines
• Travel to new countries
• Pay half of my student loans off
• Continue to grow Natalie in the City to reach and inspire women around the world