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!
 

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!

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! 

My tummy was out this weekend. And I must say, that’s pretty rare… not just because it is typically freezing around this time in Chicago, but also because I don’t usually sport tops that reveal my tummy. I made a promise to myself—like I do every summer—that this is going to be the summer that I live my best fat life. What does that mean? It means I let my tummy out, let my thighs rub together and be seen, wear the short dress, and sport the short shorts! I want to dress for summer instead of throwing on a pair of jeans that will make me over-heat because they will save me from chub rub. I also don’t want worry about what others think of me. Did you know that sometimes I don’t wear an outfit because I think it will make OTHER people feel uncomfortable? YEAH. WTF, NATALIE?! Well, this summer I vow not to give a fuck. And I know I make this promise every summer, but I feel like this year is different. I have a new wave of confidence that has rushed over me—thanks to training my mind and changing my negative narrative through positive affirmations (learn more about these at the bottom of my post!)

Sure, this outfit is not jaw dropping, but it is a huge step for me…and my tummy. And hey, it’s only (barely) spring! Just wait until the temperature really starts rising. I had been on the look out for a black crop top that I could pair with my favorite pants and skirts for spring and summer, and I decided on this KiKi Cropped Top from Fashion Nova Curve. I loved that it was a tank top and that it came in different colors—you already know how much I preach versatility! I decided to pair the top with these adorable Marcela Pants, which have since become my favorite pair of work pants—with an appropriate top of course! I topped the look off with this cute leather jacket from Soncy!

If you love this look and want to get it for less, use the code NATINTHECITY at checkout, and you will get 20% off your next Fashion Nova purchase!

If you are interested in learning more about how positive affirmations have helped me build confidence and take charge of my thoughts and my own narrative, visit: beyourowngoals.com. This is a website I created to help women, just like you, find confidence and their inner voice. When you enter your email on the website, you will get a free guide to building positive affirmations, and you will also get to look at my very own positive affirmations list that I recite to myself every morning.

Here is to a carefree and confident summer….if it ever gets here! XO

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 2X in both the KiKi Cropped Top and the Marcela Pants, which is my usual size, and they both fit perfectly! The pants are really structured and made from a thicker material. They do have a little bit of stretch in them, though!

On my lunch break the other day, I read this article from Thought Catalog about the Psychological Reason Some Women Love Wearing All Black. I was intrigued because, I too, wear all black ensembles all the time. Weather it’s at work or when I go out with friends, a monochromatic black look is my go-to. The article revealed that women wear all black for a number of reasons, the first being to reclaim their power. Wearing a black outfit can provide a “shield” from certain emotions, the article says. It also says that a preference of the color black indicates prestige and power.

While I’m not sure if I wear all black as a shield or to hide my emotions, I do know that when I wear an all-black ensemble, it’s a power move. Ever since I was a young girl, I turned to fashion as a way to channel confidence. In a way, it did act like a shield against people who made fun of me because I was bigger. I felt that if I had a great outfit on, no one could say anything to hurt my feelings. So when I need an outfit to level up my confidence, I usually turn to black. And this look is no different. While I can’t wear this outfit anywhere but to the club or out to dinner, I have been craving a sexy, all black look that looks killer on my curves. I started with this Daisy Black Halterneck Cold Shoulder Frill Top from Pink Clove. I love this top for so many reasons, but mostly because it incorporates my two favorite trends: mesh and a cold shoulder. I paired the top with this Daphne Black PVC Mini Skirt, which is also from Pink Clove, for a super sexy look. Say hello to my new power moves look!

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size UK 22, which is a size US 18—my usual size, in both the Daphne Black PVC Mini Skirt  and Daisy Black Halterneck Cold Shoulder Frill Top from Pink Clove. They both fit perfectly!