Plus Size Outfit

The Perfect Summer Jumpsuit

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Fashion Nova's Back to Back Jumpsuit.

Another day, another jumpsuit…I’m telling y’all, I might have a problem! Like I have stated in my last four blog posts, jumpsuits have to be the greatest thing! They are so easy to dress up and down, and it doesn’t require you to have to mix and match different articles of clothing if you don’t want to. I simply love them. However, if you’re an avid Natalie in the City reader, you know that I wear a lot of black. And some of my favorite jumpsuits are either black or monochromatic.

So I’m spicing it up with this Back to Back jumpsuit from Fashion Nova Curve. I was a little worried about this look at first because it was so colorful and out of my comfort zone, and I am always concerned about how jumpsuits will fit my short stature. But the fit was on point because the ankles actually tied at the bottom of the jumpsuit so I could ensure that the material wasn’t falling below my ankle and dragging on the ground. While the material of the jumpsuit wrinkles easily in any kind of humid weather and whenever I sit, I feel like it’s such a great piece for summer! I first wore this  jumpsuit when I went shopping with Nike, and my Instagram DMs blew up! I’m sorry for the delay, but at least you know the details now! And you can score 20% off this look or your next Fashion Nova purchase with the code “NATINTHECITY“.

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 2X in the Back to Back jumpsuit, which is my usual size, and it fits perfectly!

Photography by: Rorie Raimondi

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Fashion Nova's Back to Back Jumpsuit.
Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Fashion Nova's Back to Back Jumpsuit.

 

Fashion Nova Sent me this look to review. All opinions are my own!

Plus Size Jumpsuit

The Sexiest Jumpsuit

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, review's Fashion Nova's jumpsuits.

 

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, review's Fashion Nova's jumpsuits.

You can call me a jumpsuit collector…because that’s what I have become. Years ago, I would have never touched a jumpsuit or a romper with a 10-foot pole, but here we are. I used to think jumpsuits were ugly and that they would look ugly on my curvy body. And I am not denying that those statements weren’t true back then, because I truly feel like jumpsuits have come along way. I’ve become obsessed with jumpsuits as I have learned that the right ones look amazing on my curves, and they also make for an effortlessly stylish look.

I like that I can pull one on, and not have to worry about much else. But let’s not talk about the dilemma it causes in the bathroom…I mean, it’s 2019, have we not figured out how to make a jumpsuit that doesnt require us to get completely naked in the bathroom yet? SHEESH!

Anyways, I digress. Let’s talk about this sexy jumpsuit! I found this A Reason to Stay Jumpsuit on Fashion Nova Curve, and I was excited to add a jumpsuit to my collection that could enhance my confidence by hugging my curves and showing a little cleavage. While the jumpsuit was firey, the flames were extinguished when the fit wasn’t exactly right. Because I am 5’2, I know that almost everything will fit long on me, so when the legs of this jumpsuit were baggy and long at the ankle, I wasn’t too disappointed. however, the jumpsuit was really tight in the crotch area, and I couldn’t zip it up for the life of me. However, when Terry—my boyfriend—tried to zip it up, he succeeded. So I guess the jumpsuit did fit after all, but it wasn’t the most comfortable. I would size up next time!

If you want this look, use the code NATINTHECITY for 20% off your next Fashion Nova purchase!

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 2X in the A Reason to Stay Jumpsuit, which is my usual size, however the jumpsuit was a little too tight for my liking. I would size up to a 3X. 

Photography by: Rorie Raimondi

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, review's Fashion Nova's jumpsuits.
Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, review's Fashion Nova's jumpsuits.
Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, review's Fashion Nova's jumpsuits.
Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, review's Fashion Nova's jumpsuits.
Fashion Nova sent me this look to review. All opinions are my own!
Plus Size Outfit

Her Conference Unites Young Entrepreneurs

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, attends Her Campus' Her Conference and reviews Fashion Nova Curve's see-through mesh lilac lavender jacket.

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, attends Her Campus' Her Conference and reviews Fashion Nova Curve's see-through mesh lilac lavender jacket.

THE CONFERENCE 
I recently attended the 8th Her Conference in Los Angeles where I got to connect with so many women, learn how to start and grow a business, find out how to effectively build and maintain a social media presence, and I was also recognized for being named Most Inspiring InfluenceHer of the Year. 

I have been involved with Her Campus, since I was in college and I attended College Fashion Week. A couple of years ago, I also joined the InfluenceHer Collective, which helps me navigate the influencer space while connecting with other bloggers and some of my favorite brands! This year, the collective hosted its first ever InfluenceHer Awards, and I won the Most Inspiring InfluenceHer category. I was so excited and honored to receive the award, and I hope to continue inspiring you all for years to come! Aside from being recognized on stage, I got to hear from Jessica Alba on how and why she created her brand Honest Beauty, and how she balances being an actress and entrepreneur. I also witnessed Gabi Gregg, of GabiFresh, speak about how she has been able to pioneer fashion-forward styles and initiatives for the plus size community.

It was such a great experience to be around so many like-minded women. I left the conference feeling so inspired to push my brand to new limits and elevate the content I deliver my audience.

I also got to meet up with some of my best social media friends IRL! Bianca Karina and Karen Vega have been some of my favorite digital friends, and I was so excited to meet them at the conference, as well as make new besties!

I recommend that all creative, young women, both in college and new to the workforce, attend Her Conference to learn how they can stand out and establish themselves!

THE OUTFIT
Now, shall we talk about this fit?! OMG. This may be my favorite outfit EVER. I scored the whole look from Fashion Nova Curve! The Only Have You Mini Dress is under this MAGNIFICENT No Secrets Allowed Jacket. I have never had a lilac / lavender look, but this outfit seriously rocked my world.

If you want this look, use the code NATINTHECITY for 20% off!

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 2X in both the The Only Have You Mini Dress and the No Secrets Allowed Jacket, which is my usual size, and they both fit perfectly! 

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, attends Her Campus' Her Conference and reviews Fashion Nova Curve's see-through mesh lilac lavender jacket.

 

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, attends Her Campus' Her Conference and reviews Fashion Nova Curve's see-through mesh lilac lavender jacket.

 

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, attends Her Campus' Her Conference and reviews Fashion Nova Curve's see-through mesh lilac lavender jacket.

 

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, attends Her Campus' Her Conference and reviews Fashion Nova Curve's see-through mesh lilac lavender jacket.

 

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, attends Her Campus' Her Conference and reviews Fashion Nova Curve's see-through mesh lilac lavender jacket.

 

Uncategorized

Plus Size Nike Outfit

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Nike's plus size line.

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Nike's plus size line.

I was always

too short to model
too fat to be an athlete
too emotional to be captain
too different to be accepted
And while I may still be all of those things now, none of them actually kept me from becoming a model, working out, and being accepted. All the way down too my core, I felt those statements above were true, and that ultimately, my fat, chubby, short body would prevent me from living the life I dreamt of. It wasn’t until I discovered women—like me—living the very dreams I called “fantasy” and “unrealistic,” to realize that I could attain any goal I set, live my life by design, and love the body I had hated since I could see my reflection.
Sometimes we need a push or an ally to show us that are dreams are within reach, and that were capable of our wildest ambitions no matter how far away we may seem. And while I never thought a sportswear brand could be an ally to my plus size body, I felt uplifted when I took a recent trip to Nike Chicago. I knew the brand had started carrying plus size clothing a couple of years ago, but I didn’t know just how much careful thought and consideration went into their plus size offerings until I visited the store. On the third floor, there was a plus size section with giant posters of plus size women wearing Nike. Their body types were all different from each other, and I instantly wanted everything they were wearing. Not only did they have the plus section, but I could also find my size in different sections throughout the store. I felt seen, heard, and valued at Nike. And as a fat person, I never thought I would have felt as loved by an athletic wear brand as I did the day I visited.
And when I put on this look, my doubts melted away, my confidence was turned up a couple of notches, and I felt like I belonged. Each piece embraced and enhanced my curves instead of masking, compressing, or hiding them. Not to mention, the style was so cool, edgy, and even sexy, which is something that I feel a lot of athletic wear brands get wrong when they sit down to design plus sizes.
SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 2X in the Nike Plus Size Air Cropped Running Leggings and the Nike Plus Size Women’s Hooded Running Jacket Nike Air, which is my usual size, and both fit perfectly. I decided to size down in the Nike Air Women’s Crop Top because it was very stretchy. So I am wearing an XL, and I love it! I topped off the look with my Nike Tanjun Running Shoes, which I am wearing an 8.5 in! 

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Nike's plus size line.

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Nike's plus size line.

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Nike's plus size line.

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Nike's plus size line.

Plus Size Dresses

Plus Size White Dress

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, review's CoEdition and Warp + Weft.

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, review's CoEdition and Warp + Weft.

If you’ve been avidly reading my latest posts, you’ll know that I have become quite fond of the color white. While I have steered clear of this color for years, it’s been one that I have learned to embrace over the last month or so (See: ROCKING MY FLAWS | THE POWER BLAZER).

I recently got the green version of this Warp + Weft HTO Button Dress in my Stitch Fix box, and when I came across it on the CoEdition website, I decided that it would be my next adventure into embracing the color white. If you haven’t heard of CoEdition, it’s a marketplace exclusively for plus size women! The shop makes it so easy to find my size and some of the styles and designers that I know I already love, but it also introduces me to new brands like Warp + Weft.

Check out CoEdition to find your next favorite summer dress, swimsuit, or formal attire, and take 20% off your first purchase with the code NATALIEC20!

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 3X in the Warp + Weft HTO Button Dress, which is one size larger than my usual size, and it fits well. I did size up on this dress because the 2X was too tight.

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, review's CoEdition and Warp + Weft.
Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, review's CoEdition and Warp + Weft.
CoEdition sent me this look to review. All opinions are my own!
Plus Size Outfit

Plus Size Summer Trousers

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Pink Clove UK's wide leg trousers and Fashion Nova Curves Crop Top.

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Pink Clove UK's wide leg trousers and Fashion Nova Curves Crop Top.
If I told you that I picked these pants out myself…would you believe me? Given the fact that I hate florals, you would think that I would have avoided these pants like the plague. However, it’s quite the contrary. I was actually drawn to these pants from Pink Clove instantly.

There are some rare occasions that I will wear florals, one of those is if the florals are muted or monochromatic. Given that the flowers on these Navy Floral Wide Leg Trousers where all navy and white (or almost black), they were alright in my book. And I love a good wide leg trouser that is made from lightweight fabric for summer. I love pairing pants like this with a cute cropped top like this KiKi Cropped Top. I try to stay away from pants or jeans in the summertime, but let’s be real: chub rub makes abandoning pants altogether impossible! That’s why I collect easy, breezy pants like these trousers. I don’t overheat in them, and they mitigate chub rub. It’s a win-win. While these pants aren’t fitted and boast extra material, they look really good on my curves and don’t drown out my figure like you may think. You know that I really hate wearing baggy clothing or anything that doesn’t show off my curves, but trust me, these pants have a way of making my curves standout!

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a UK size 22 (US Size 18) in the Navy Floral Wide Leg Trousers, which is my usual size, and they fit perfectly! `I am wearing a size 2X in the KiKi Cropped Top, which is my usual size, and it fits perfectly. 

Photography by: Rorie Raimondi
Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Pink Clove UK's wide leg trousers and Fashion Nova Curves Crop Top.
Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Pink Clove UK's wide leg trousers and Fashion Nova Curves Crop Top.
Pink Clove sent me these pants to review. All opinions are my own!
Plus Size Activewear

Feeling Confident, Rocking My Flaws

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger and model Natalie Craig Natalie in the City reviews Fabletics biker shorts

 

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger and model Natalie Craig Natalie in the City reviews Fabletics biker shorts

I don’t know what has gotten into me, but lately, I have been comparing my body to others more frequently than I already do. As I am sure you know, comparison can really tear down one’s self esteem, and just because I may exude confidence, doesn’t mean I am immune to feeling insecure.

My body has shrunk, grown, and changed throughout the years—as most women’s bodies do, but that doesn’t mean that changes don’t shake me…especially when it comes to my body, which has been under scrutiny most of my life. But when I catch a glimpse of myself, and instead of positive thoughts I feel negative, critical ones, I harp on those messages I am sending to myself. “I wish _____ was smaller…I wish ______ was bigger…why am I shaped like this…?”

When I start becoming super critical or insecure with my body, my initial reaction is to feel sad and hide, but I have since been trying a new method that helps me step out of my negative mindset and forces me to adopt confidence in leiu of self hate.

I put on clothes that I love, but I am afraid to try because I am plus size. I have strayed away from so many trends, colors, and styles because I was told I shouldn’t wear them because they wouldn’t look good on my curvy body. One of these things is the color white. Up until a couple of months, there was not a drop of white in my closet. I turn to black, which is a “flattering” color. Never once had I ever wanted anything white. But when I saw these Fabletics biker shorts, I knew this was going to be my next “challenger” outfit.

I knew as soon as I put this Fabletics outfit on that I was going to have to level up my confidence to rock it. And sure enough, I rocked it, and I felt confident doing so. But as you can tell looking at these photos, white isn’t the most curve enhancing…which is exactly why I would stay away from it. However, I want to keep pushing my own boundaries and not always wear something because it enhances my figure.

With that being said, I’m pretty in love with this set, and Fabletics! I’m sure you have seen all of the different sales and deals Fabletics has for new members and guests, but if you’re wondering how much are Fabletics leggings right now, I’m here to share the good news! Right now, if you become a member, you can get your first two pairs of leggings for only $24!

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a 1X in the Fabeltic‘s Mila Pocket Shorts, Rosanna Hoodie, and Mila Medium Impact Sports Bra, which is my usual size in Fabletics, and everything fits perfectly except for the sports bra. The bra was super tight, and I probably will size up next time. 

Photography by Rorie Raimondi

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger and model Natalie Craig Natalie in the City reviews Fabletics biker shorts

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger and model Natalie Craig Natalie in the City reviews Fabletics biker shorts
Fabletics sent me this look to review. All opinions are my own!
Plus Size Swimwear

My Plus Size Beach Body

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Fashion Nova Curve's plus size swimwear.

If it’s you’re first time here, and you know nothing about me… Hi, my name is Natalie, and I love wearing swimsuits. I am also a 5’2, fat, and confident woman. I wear a lot of things that people tell me I shouldn’t wear…because of my body. Now, I have been a bigger girl my whole life, and even when I had disbelief in myself, my body has never stopped me from a damn thing. If anything, it’s provided me the capability to do everything I have ever wanted, and then some.

Now, what does this have to do with wearing a swimsuit? It may come as a shock to some people, and for the others, you may be nodding your head right now as you know exactly what I am about to say. Every time I step out in a swimsuit, people stare. From the time I was in the 8th grade, and a camp counselor told me that I couldn’t wear a swimsuit without a T-shirt because they “didn’t want the boys’ minds to wander (because of my curves),” to last summer, wearing a one piece with some denim shorts over them while I was downtown and someone shouting from their car for me to “put some clothes on.” People are going to be people. And honestly, I don’t really care what they think. I know that if someone decides to belittle me because I wear a swimsuit to the beach or the pool—like everyone else—they have some deep rooted insecurities and problems that have nothing to do with me or my body. Therefore, I usually disregard these people.
But when women, most of whom are plus size like me, tell me that they are afraid to wear a swimsuit to the beach or the pool because of this very reason, I completely understand. I truly believe that EVERYONE—NO MATTER THEIR BODY TYPE—has insecurities about wearing a swimsuit in public…even the women who may seem so confident. Being practically naked in public is scary, and it forces you to be extremely vulnerable. Fat women aren’t the only people who think twice about putting on swimwear. So what do I tell women when they ask me how I have built up the confidence to wear a swimsuit out in public? I tell them that everyone on the beach is in the same place they are. They, too, are worried about their bodies, and they are probably constantly thinking, “I hope no one is judging me.” While I may seem like the most confident person ever, I have insecurities, and boy oh boy are there days where my insecurities get the best of me. Do I feel like the most confident woman ever in a swimsuit? No, not always. But you want to know how I get there? I tell myself that we are all in the same boat. And what fun is it to spend your day out in the sun comparing yourself to others and worrying if someone is noticing your stretch marks? It’s not fun at all. So I put on a swimsuit that makes me feel like a goddess. I don’t check to see if anyone is looking at me? I’m proud as hell of myself for embracing my body and showing it off. I smile, I play volleyball, I run into the water, I look for shells, I lay out with my favorite music on, and I may read a book.
For every person that may look at me and say, “Wow, she really has no business wearing a two-piece swimsuit…” there is someone who looks at me and says, “Because she wore it, I am going to wear it.”
And I am so cool with that!
BABY STEPS…if you need to take them…that is perfectly fine! If you have never worn a swimsuit before, start researching some brands that make swimwear in your size and swimsuits that you think look great. Order a couple of different styles to learn which one you like best. When you find your suit, it’s time to show the world! But, if you’re a little uneasy, wear what makes you comfortable. Sometimes, I will opt for a flow maxi dress swim cover up, or a crochet dress that shows my swimsuit, but also covers my booty and belly. As you warm up to your surroundings, peel off your layers, and check in with yourself. It’s all about how you feel and what YOU want to wear!
Now, if it’s not your first time here, and you know me…you know that I have been very vocal about my search for the perfect swimsuit. And while I had a very strong “SUNS OUT BUNS OUT” stance at the beginning of spring, I have broadened my swimsuit desires to include one pieces like the Snake Bite Cut Out Swimsuit I am wearing in these photos from Fashion Nova Curve. I ordered a bunch of swimsuits from Fashion Nova, and I will be sharing them with you all to give you some swimspo/swimspiration! If you want to stock up on swim from Fashion Nova, too, use the code “NATINTHECITY” for 20% off!
JUST REMEMBER TO DO YOU ALL DAY EVERY DAY AND FUCK WHAT ANYONE ELSE SAYS. 
I love you (just the way you are)! XO

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Fashion Nova Curve's plus size swimwear.

Plus Size Dresses

Ori Tie Waist Dress

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, review's Ori's Signature French Terry Dress.

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, review's Ori's Signature French Terry Dress.

We already know I am a huge fan of a black garment, throw in comfort and I’m obsessed. Take this outfit for example. You either thinking, “This is super cute!” or you’re going to be like, “Well, duh…” when I tell you this dress is just a really long T-shirt with a tie waist. Whether you think it’s overly simple or perfectly chic, I am in love. I feel like women—especially me—are always sacrificing comfort for style, and I am really tired of it. But with this dress, I get the best of both worlds.

My latest comfort-stylish hybrid garment is the Signature French Terry Dress from Ori. My introduction to the brand came via their super comfortable Crop Tees, which I wear with everything these days. One of the things I love most about this dress is the tie waist. I rarely ever where anything that doesn’t highlight my shape, and without the tie waist, I would have steered clear from this dress. I also love the versatility. I could wear this literally anywhere, and I can dress it up or down. The dress also fits a little longer in the back, so I don’t have to worry about my booty cheeks popping out! I topped the look off with a glam necklace and these Steve Madden Snakeskin Rookie Booties.

Whether you want to try Ori’s Perfect Tee or find your new favorite dress, I highly recommend the brand if you are looking for high quality basics!

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 2 in the Signature French Terry Dress, which is my usual size, and it fits perfectly!

Photography by: Rorie Raimondi

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, review's Ori's Signature French Terry Dress.
Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, review's Ori's Signature French Terry Dress.
Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, review's Ori's Signature French Terry Dress.
Life

My Experience Gifting a Big Fig Mattress

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Big Fig, the mattress made for a bigger figure, and shares how she bought the perfect mothers day gift!
Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Big Fig, the mattress made for a bigger figure, and shares how she bought the perfect mothers day gift!

I have had my Big Fig Mattress for a couple of years now, and I am always reminded that it is the best thing to happen to my sleep routine when I travel for work or go on vacation—there isn’t one hotel bed that has ever come close in comparison…and that’s saying quite a bit! But since I have been sleeping on my Big Fig for a while now, I expect to sleep wonderfully every single night. When my mom came to visit me in Chicago a year ago, she slept on my mattress, and she woke up with so many questions about where I got it because it was the best sleep she had gotten…in a long time. Sleeping on the Big Fig has set a high standard for my sleep routine, and while my old mattress wasn’t the best, I was shocked to learn that my mom was also not sleeping very well on her current bed. So I asked my mom about her mattress…

“My old mattress was a pillow cushion mattress with a foam top that I spent a lot of money on,” My mom said. “I thought because I spent a lot of money on it, it would be ideal for me. I would get back and neck pain every morning. If I wouldn’t have known how good the Big Fig was, I would have slept on my old mattress for the rest of my life because I didn’t know any better. I thought maybe I was sleeping funny.”

Now, if you know my mom, you know that she doesn’t put up with any BS…not even from a mattress. So I was shocked to learn that she was just going to settle for a regular, one-size-fits-all mattress, while blaming her self for “sleeping funny.”

When Christmas rolled around last year, I passed up buying my mom another piece of jewelry and I decided to step up and get my mom a Big Fig Mattress. If you have never heard of Big Fig Mattress, it’s the first mattress built for a bigger figure. When I found a mattress that was made for my body, I was ecstatic—and the Big Fig didn’t dissapoint. While the Big Fig was a game-changer in my life, it is quite the investment, so I decided to finance it through one of the many options Big Fig offers on its website. The financing process was so easy, and I was even able to finance the mattress with 0% interest. I’m just a couple of payments away from paying it off completely!
My mom has been sleeping like a queen for a couple of months now, so I asked her what she thought now that she has a Big Fig Mattress of her own.
“I no longer wake up with back aches,” she said. “The mattress is the perfect combination of firm and soft. I love that the firmness keeps me from feeling the person next to me move or get out of bed in the middle of the night, but its still soft enough to be extremely comfortable.”
She also said that the delivery of the mattress was so easy and efficient, and that the delivery personnel even took her old mattress and disposed of it for her. If you’re wondering if I surprised her by getting the mattress into her room—without her knowing—on Christmas morning, I didn’t. (BUT I THOUGHT ABOUT IT) Instead, I put my purchase confirmation of the Big Fig in a card for her to open on Christmas morning so that she could schedule the delivery time that worked best for her!
“My bedroom is my favorite place to be, and it’s so important that my bed provides a safe and comfortable place for me to rest and relax,” my mom said. “And my Big Fig has done just that.”
While my mom’s favorite qualities of the bed are the balance between firm and soft, some of the qualities I really love about my Big Fig are:
  • Extra firm edges that keep my body in place
  • ThermoGel cooling technology that keeps me from overheating at night
  • I rest easy knowing that my Big Fig has a 20-year warranty (most mattresses only last 5-8 years!)
Out of all the gifts I have given to my mom, whether it be for Christmas or Mother’s Day, my best gift has to have been the Big Fig. I am so happy that it’s a gift she can use every single night, and I rest easy knowing that she is getting the sleep she needs to be at her best every day.
If you are thinking about what to get your mom for Mother’s Day or gifting a Big Fig Mattress for any occasion, I highly suggest it. Like I said, even if you don’t want to put down a big chunk of money, financing is always an option, and I found that it was the best for me!

Thank you to Big Fig Mattress for sponsoring this post. I am a huge proponent of brands that promote inclusivity and make high-quality products for plus size individuals. All opinions expressed in this post are 110% my own! Thank you for continuing to support the brands that make Natalie in the City a possibility!

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Big Fig, the mattress made for a bigger figure, and shares how she bought the perfect mothers day gift!

Plus Size Outfit

Desert Goddess

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Fashion Nova Curve's Slither My Way Bodysuit and Boot Camp Latex Skirt.

 Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Fashion Nova Curve's Slither My Way Bodysuit and Boot Camp Latex Skirt.

Okay. I have been back from Palm Springs for a little less than a week, but I am not done serving y’all desert vibes. So, let’s proceed.

Like my last two posts, I drove out to the desert to take these photos all by myself. I’m pretty proud of myself, given the elements and circumstances. When I was planning out the looks I would shoot in Palm Springs, I knew I had to include this sexy, curve emphasizing look. I got the Slither My Way Bodysuit from Fashion Nova Curve and I paired it with this Boot Camp Latex Skirt for a sizzling look. I absolutely love the way latex looks on my curves, but the material always makes me so hot and sweaty. Can anyone relate? In the winter, I can get away with a latex skirt, but in the summer or the desert…FORGET ABOUT IT!

If you love this look, you can get it 20% off when you use the code “NATINTHECITY” at checkout!

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 3X in the Slither My Way Bodysuit, which is entirely too tight and small even though it’s a size larger than I usually wear. I wouldn’t recommend purchasing it. However, I am wearing a size 2X in the Boot Camp Latex Skirt, which is my usual size and it fits fine. This skirt is pretty tight, so I would size up.

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Fashion Nova Curve's Slither My Way Bodysuit and Boot Camp Latex Skirt.
Fashion Nova Curve sent me this outfit to review. All opinions are my own!
Life

Dancing While Plus Size

Chicago petite plus size fashion blogger, model, and youtuber Natalie Craig of Natalie in the City tried DivaDance Chicago's plus size friendly dance classes

Growing up, I did some form of cheer and dance for the majority of my life. At first it was ballet, then hip hop and jazz followed, and eventually, I ended up doing competitive cheer leading. I LOVED dancing. Dancing always empowered me and allowed me to connect with my sensuality.

While I was always the biggest girl on the squad or team, I never let my body get in the way of doing what I loved. When I turned 19 and started going to college, I stopped doing cheer and dance and naturally, I kind of let myself disconnect with my love for dance. I also used my body, which was always changing, as an excuse to keep me from dancing.

But about a year ago, I found DivaDance Chicago, and I decided to try some of their classes here in the city. I was a little nervous at first just because I didn’t know if there were going to be any other plus size women in the class, and I didn’t want to be judged. However, after my first class, I had never felt more accepted in my life. Everyone in the class was so nice and I had a blast. DivaDance Chicago really gave me a judgement free and inspiring space to fall back in love with dancing and my body. The classes are so fun and diverse, and their song selection is on point! So far, I have routines to Drunk In Love – Beyoncé, God Is A Woman – Ariana Grande, and Milkshake – Kelis! 

Right now, new clients can join and get three classes for only $49, which is such a great deal! You can view all of DivaDance’s pricing plans here: PRICING

As a huge THANK YOU and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to DivaDance Chicago, I’m giving away FREE 10-day trials to 5 of my followers!
To enter to win:
1. Follow @divadancechi
2. Comment a song you would LOVE to dance to on THIS Instagram post!

If you’re not in Chicago, DivaDance has so many locations around the U.S., including Atlanta, New York, Houston, and so many more! Find your nearest studio here: ABOUT DIVADANCE 

Check out the Chicago Class Schedule here: SCHEDULE

 

 

 

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