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.
Ori Tie Waist 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!
My Experience Gifting a Big Fig Mattress
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.”
- 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!)
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!
Desert Goddess
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.
Dancing While Plus Size
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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Salton Sea
In my last blog post (LIMITLESS), I told you all about how I trekked out to the Palm Springs desert and shot those stunning photos on my own. Well, these photos are also a product of that day, except for this time, we are at the Salton Sea, which is a 50-mile drive away from Palm Springs. I had learned about the “sea”—which is really more like a lake, but because of its high salt content, it’s designated as a sea—and I knew that I had to venture out there. I love that there was a beautiful body of water with an extensive mountain range in the back. It was truly stunning.
Similarly to the struggles I had taking photos of my last outfit, the sun was beating down on me with no shade in sight, and the white sand that surrounded the dark blue—almost black—sea wasn’t actually sand…it was pulverized fish bones. The history and current state of the Salton is really sad, but interesting, and while I’d love to fill you in on all the deets, this is a fashion blog. (If you want to learn more about the Salton Sea, check this out: The History of Salton Sea). Anyways, with all odds against me—and not a soul on the beach besides me—I shot my favorite photos of all time. It was so bright out there that I had no idea what the photos looked like until I got back to my hotel later that evening, but I was stunned.
I knew I wanted to take this Something You Gon’ Need Maxi Dress from Fashion Nova Curve to the sea because of the contrast it would create. It happened to also flow perfectly in the slight breeze. This dress has also become one of my favorite maxis because it fits so well and looks so good on my curves. The rust/orange/brown color also gives me a certain glow. And I love that it’s not a traditional maxi in the sense that it dips toward the center and comes up on the sides.
If you love this look and want to get 20% off your next Fashion Nova order, use the code “NATINTHECITY” at checkout!
SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 2X in the Something You Gon’ Need Maxi Dress, which is my usual size, and it fits perfectly!
Limitless
If you’re ever feeling down on yourself, go out and do something you didn’t think you could. Between running my blog and working full time, I sometimes get lost in my own sauce—for lack of better words. Ask yourself how often you take a break from everyday life to stop and acknowledge your accomplishments? For me, I rarely ever do. In fact, I keep telling myself that I don’t do enough. I had to travel to Palm Springs for work, but I wanted to come early for a little vacation time. And if you’ve ever been to Palm Springs, you know how prime the area is for the perfect photo ops. So I searched for local photographers and planned out some stunning outfits. However, I found that most of the photographers wanted to charge me an outrageous amount for little flexibility.
So I figured, why not take my camera and tripod out to the middle of the desert and shoot my looks by myself? I was optimistic at first, but when I got out to my first location–the windmills on the side of a busy freeway—I realized how difficult taking my own photo and changing outfits would be.
The sun was beating down on me, it was 102 degrees, semis were honking at me as my dress blew up in the windy valley, and my tripod barely stayed upright. I set the self-timer, and I got out in front of my camera. I repeated this process for 20 minutes, and as I tried to view a preview of the images I took, I realized it was hard to see in the bright sun. I thought to myself, “I’m just going to keep shooting, and if they suck, then oh well.” I hopped back into my car, cranked up the AC, and started to go through the photos. I couldn’t believe what I captured. I instantly felt a sense of pride. And there it was, one of the rare moments I say, “Damn, Natalie. You are pretty great. Look at you go!”
It felt good to recognize myself and to accomplish something I thought was nearly impossible. What you see in this blog post is what I achieved.
Of course, these photos wouldn’t be as impactful if I wasn’t wearing a cute look! This Beige Wrap Dress from Pink Clove is such a fun and flirty look. I am obsessed with mini wrap dresses, and this summer, you will only find me wearing these styles.
Also, I have some exciting news for my Los Angeles and Southern California followers! I was recently named “The Most Inspiring Influencer of the Year” by The InfluenceHer Collective! I will be attending Her Conference June 1 in LA, and I am giving one lucky follower a ticket to the conference.
To enter to win:
1. Comment on this Instagram post telling me why you’d love to come to the conference: CLICK HERE
2. Follow @herconference on Instagram
Oversized Plus Size Denim Jacket
I know I have mentioned this to you all before, but because of where I am from (Boise, Idaho), there are some trends/clothing that when I wear it, I feel like I look “country” (like yeehaw). Why do I feel this way? I literally do not know. What I think looks country, some people would never have even thought that. One of the things on my “looks country” list is denim jackets. Now, do I think all denim jackets look country? No. But it all depends on how I feel when I put it on.
When I saw this oversized plus size denim jacket, I thought maybe my bad luck streak with denim jackets was over. I mean, I have never seen a jacket like this before, and I thought it would look so cool with a casual set. In my mind, these pieces together couldn’t look country. So I was sold. Sure enough, I definitely think this is a look I’d wear casually. I learned really quick that this denim jacket is entirely too oversized…it’s almost hard to wear. But if this is your style, I think this is a look you’ve got to have!
I’m heading off to Palm Springs today, and I am so excited to finally get to some warmer weather and have a little vacation before I get into some work duties!
SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 2X in both the Different Moods Denim Jacket and Heart Sigh Skirt Set, which is my usual size, and both fit pretty well. The jacket is really oversized. I think I could have sized down in this jacket just because it fit me way too loose.
Spice Up the 9-to-5
Anytime I can spice up my work wardrobe, I do. You know I love an all black ensemble with a pair of heels for work, but every once in a while, I get to mix in a statement piece like this Asymmetrical Faux Wrap Skirt from Marée Pour Toi. Sure, this piece may be a little loud for the office, but it’s all about what you pair it with. I decided to top the look off with a Black Blazer and a Washed Silk Tank Top, which seems safe, but is a bold look with the striped skirt. Aside from the edginess this skirt brings to my work look, it’s also very comfortable, which I love. While I may be sitting in my office a lot of times, there are weeks where I have to attend conferences and meetings and I need something I can be in all day without feeling uncomfortable—and I don’t want to have to sacrifice style for comfort.
What do you think? Would you wear this to work?
SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 18 in both the Faux Wrap Skirt and the Washed Silk Tank top, which is my usual size, and they both fit well. However, if I could do it again, I would order the top in a larger size because it doesn’t stretch.
Like a Highlighter
This may be the brightest outfit I have ever worn, but hey, I am trying to sport a wardrobe that looks less like a gray scale and more like an eclectic mix of my favorite crayons—with some black, gray, and white, of course.
I wore this Come to Town Sweater Midi Dress from Fashion Nova Curve while I was visiting my hometown of Boise, Idaho. It was almost 70 degrees, which was such a nice break from the below 30° Chicago weather I’ve been in since November. Anyways, this dress was quite a statement, and I loved every minute of wearing it. I love the curve-contouring effect of the dress, but I will say, the material was confusing at first. It sort of feels like a thin, stretchy towel. But nonetheless, this dress will be on heavy rotation because I love it. I foresee myself wearing so much neon this summer, and I can’t wait. How about you? Are you pushing yourself to be more adventurous with colors? Or have you always incorporated them into your wardrobe?
If you want to sport a dress like this, you can use the code “NATINTHECITY” to score 20% off your next Fashion Nova purchase!
Highs & Lows
Do you remember when the “hi-lo” trend was a thing? It seemed like every plus size maxi dress, skirt, and top had a hi-lo fit—and if you don’t know what “hi-lo” is, it’s when a top, dress, or skirt is shorter in the front and longer in the back. I used to love the trend, but eventually, I got sick of it. I wanted to show off my booty and hide my lower tummy, which frustrated me when it came to this trend because it was showcasing and hiding the areas opposite of what I had wanted.
However, that was years ago, and I have since pushed myself to embrace my lower tummy, which in fact, is very “fluffy.” So when I came across this hi-lo Love Like Yours Top from Fashion Nova Curve‘s new Wear to Work line, I decided to challenge myself and give the trend another chance. Oh yeah, and we won’t skip over the fact that Fashion Nova launched a work line…crazy right? If you want to see some of the other pieces I scored from the collection, watch my I WORE FASHION NOVA TO WORK FOR A WEEK haul on YouTube! But anyways, back to this look. I paired the hi-lo top—which I would totally wear to work if anyone was wondering—with my Midnight Rider Fashion Nova jeans. These have been my only jeans from Fashion Nova, until recently, when I tried all of the brand’s high-waist classic denim.
If you love this look, you can score 20% off with the code “NATCITY” on your next Fashion Nova purchase!
My Summer and Spring Wardrobe with Gordmans
If you are a frequent visitor of Natalie in the City, you already know that I am a huge fan of Gordmans! While many of you currently love getting your favorite designer brands for less at Gordmans, I have had conversations on social media about not having a Gordmans close to you. Well, that all might be changing—depending on where you live.
And that’s because Gordmans is growing! During March, Gordmans opened 38 new locations…and I’d say that calls for a celebration! Find out if they opened one near you: Gordmans Store Finder.
Hearing this news made me crave a Gordmans trip, so I decided to go to the retailer to stock up on a new spring and summer wardrobe. When I got there, I was overwhelmed with all of the new styles they had for spring and summer, as well as a couple of cute sweaters to finish off the last of the winter months. Although, every Gordmans I have ever been to has a great plus size section, I always visit the Valparaiso, Indiana location because it has the best and biggest selection of plus size clothing.
I got all of these spring and summer looks for less than $60, which is such a bargain because these are some of the brands I typically pay full price for! Thanks to Gordmans for being an off-price retailer, I can score all of my favorite designer brands for a fraction of the price. If you aren’t familiar with off-price retailers, they essentially buy excess inventory from department and specialty stores, then sell it at greatly reduced prices. So let’s dive into each of these looks! You will never believe the brands I scored!
LIFE OF THE PARTY
– Eye Candy Stripe Jumpsuit: Size 1X | $12.99
– Express Beige Ankle Booties: Size 9 | $9.99
I love this look for a night out with my girls or a summer brunch. This jumpsuit is so stretchy and comfortable, but it doesn’t lack style or emphasis!
SUMMER LOVE
– Love, Fire Romper: Size 2X | $16.99
– Express Beige Ankle Booties: Size 9 | $9.99
Every summer, I try to find a cute romper that I just feel adorable in. And I think I may have found my go-to for this year. I rarely ever wear navy and red together, but I am loving this subtle color combo, and I think this romper is the cutest!
EASY BREEZY
– Belle Tweed Striped Dress: Size 2X | $12.99
– Express Beige Ankle Booties: Size 9 | $9.99
– Luxe Accessories Necklace $6.99
When the temperatures rise, I opt for a mini fit—every time. I love this mini ruffle dress, and the stripes are nice touch. This dress is so stretchy and soft, which means I get to look sexy and be comfortable at the same time. Win win!
CUTE AND COZY
– Design History Animal Print Sweater: Size 2X | $8.99
– Puma Platform Sneaker: Size 9 | $21.99
Because I live in Chicago, I’m not out of the woods yet when it comes to the close of winter. We still have days where it’s 30° or below well into May. So having a stylish and warm look like this on hand is ideal. I have been obsessed with animal print lately, as well as platform sneakers. So I figured the two would go perfect together!
















































