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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Plus Size Outfit

Salton Sea

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Fashion Nova Curve's maxi dresses and visits palm springs and the salton sea.

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Fashion Nova Curve's maxi dresses and visits palm springs and the 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!
 

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Fashion Nova Curve's maxi dresses and visits palm springs and the salton sea.
Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Fashion Nova Curve's maxi dresses and visits palm springs and the salton sea.
Plus Size Dresses

Limitless

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Pink Clove's mini wrap dress and attends Her Conference in Los Angeles. palm springs windmills, best places to take photos in palm springs

 

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Pink Clove's mini wrap dress and attends Her Conference in Los Angeles. palm springs windmills, best places to take photos in palm springs

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

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Pink Clove's mini wrap dress and attends Her Conference in Los Angeles. palm springs windmills, best places to take photos in palm springs
Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Pink Clove's mini wrap dress and attends Her Conference in Los Angeles. palm springs windmills, best places to take photos in palm springs
Plus Size Jackets

Oversized Plus Size Denim Jacket

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Fashion Nova Curve's denim jackets and skirt sets.

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. 

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Fashion Nova Curve's denim jackets and skirt sets.
Fashion Nova sent me this outfit to review. All opinions are my own!
Plus Size Work Outfit

Spice Up the 9-to-5

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Maree Pour Tai's plus size workwear.
Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Maree Pour Tai's plus size workwear.

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.

Photography by: Rorie Raimondi
Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Maree Pour Tai's plus size workwear.
Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, reviews Maree Pour Tai's plus size workwear.
Plus Size Dresses

Like a Highlighter

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

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!

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

 

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

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

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

Plus Size Outfit

Highs & Lows

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, review's Fashion Nova's hi-lo tops and jeans.
Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, review's Fashion Nova's hi-lo tops and jeans.

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!

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a 2X in the Love Like Yours Top, which is my usual size, and it fits perfectly. I am wearing a size 18 in the Midnight Rider Fashion Nova jeans, which is my usual size, and they fit perfectly, too! 

 

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, review's Fashion Nova's hi-lo tops and jeans.

 

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger, YouTuber, and model Natalie Craig, of Natalie in the City, review's Fashion Nova's hi-lo tops and jeans.

 

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