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!

Is this my go-to winter outfit? No. But did I look outside before I left the house….also a no. Don’t worry, I wore a black pea cot with the look, and I was only outside momentarily before I realized that I had no other choice but to run back to my apartment, put on some snow boots and a parka.

But isn’t this two piece set beautiful?

This Ruby Red Midi Skirt and Cropped Top is from SONCY, and its the latest addition to my work wardrobe. How do you feel about the clothes you wear to work? I love dressing up for work, but a lot of my work attire is uncomfortable. By the end of the day, I can’t wait to come home and rip my clothes off and trade them in for a pair of sweats. But because this set feels like a knit jersey fabric, it’s so comfortable, and I know I will feel like I am wearing sweats at work all day. Not only is the set comfortable, but it’s gorgeous! You already know how much I love Burgundy and how it looks on my skin, so I knew I had to add this look to the other Burgundy hues I have in my closet.

You can get this set from Soncy, and you can take $15 off the total price when you use the code: nataliecraigxsoncy !

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 2, which is my usual size, and the skirt fits perfectly! The top fits fine, too, but I also think it’s a little too big. I think it’s safe to say that you can order your usual size, unless you are looking for it to be a little more form-fitting. 

Soncy sent me this look to review. All opinions are my own!

So many of my readers try subscription styling services like Stitch Fix Trunk Club, and Dia & Co. And while I do, too, I don’t do it very often. Which is why I made a point to sign up for a new Stitch Fix box twice a month for the past two months. Stitch Fix reviews vary from person to person, but I think it’s really cool that you could earn a Stitch Fix $100 credit when you sign up and refer your friends. Dia & Co. has a similar program where you can also earn $25 when your friends sign up.

I think subscription boxes are great, but they aren’t a good fit for every kind of fashionista. If you don’t like shopping or trying on clothes in the dressing room and you would like assistance in styling certain looks, I think subscription box services could be great for you. On the other hand, if you have a deep sense of style and would rather pick your own clothes that a random stranger that doesn’t really know you, then maybe these services aren’t for you.

Can you guess which kind of shopper I am? Based on my theory, I should really hate subscription box services, but I don’t. While it may take some extra patience and communication with my virtual stylist, I usually get really fun, true to my style outfits from them. The reason why I love using subscription box services is that they introduce me to trends and brands I wouldn’t have usually tried on my own. For example, this Honey Punch Navy Sweater with Rainbow Sleeves was in my most recent Stitch Fix box, and while I absolutely love it, I would have never sought it out on my own. And do you see these jeans I’m wearing? They came from a Dia & Co. box. The brand of denim is Molly + Isadora, which I had never heard of before I got these jeans, and they have since become my favorite pair because they are so comfortable. And let’s work our way down to the shoes, shall we? I got these bad boys because I asked my Stitch Fix stylist if she had any platform slide on sneakers because I needed a pair in my wardrobe. And sure enough, she sent some along! Being able to leave feedback and ask for specific items is another reason why I love these subscription services.

I recently opened both a Dia & Co. and Stitch Fix box on YouTube to show you all the differences between the two and what I got in each box. Watch it here: DIA & CO. VS STITCH FIX: THE BETTER PLUS SIZE SUBSCRIPTION BOX

If you want to try Stitch Fix, you can sign up for your first fix here: TRY STITCH FIX and get $25 off your first box, too!

You can also sign up for Dia & Co. here: TRY DIA & CO.

These are the only two subscription styling services I have ever tried. Have you tried Trunk Club or another service that you thought was great? Let me know! email me at natinthecity@gmail.com!

First thing is first: I got this outfit from Dia & Co., my all-time favorite subscription styling service—especially created for plus size women. If you want a cute circle houndstooth skirt like this one, sign up for your very own Dia & Co. box and request it! You can drop the link to this blog post in the notes section after you schedule your box, and if it’s in stock, Dia & Co. will make sure they get it to you!

Now, you know I usually don’t rush through the outfit, but I have a more important message to talk to you all about today….

I’m sure you are well aware that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner—literally tomorrow. And while this year I will be spending it low-key with my boyfriend, I still think the holiday is bogus. It’s just another day created to get us to buy a bunch of stuff for people we love, when really, we should be showing them we love and appreciate them every day. Valentine’s Day also puts a lot of pressure on individuals to have a valentine, and for those who spend the holiday solo, the build up to the day—and the day itself—may seem a little more lonely.

Well, I’m here to tell you that Valentine’s Day really doesn’t matter, but if you feel yourself getting down about your situation or you are feeling gloomy among all the hearts and happy couples, you can reclaim V-Day, and make it a celebration of yourself.

Dia & Co. has inspired me to change my perspective on Valentine’s Day. And with their help, I hope I can do the same for you. Instead of focusing on significant others, dates, gifts, and societal pressures, what if we viewed Valentine’s Day as a moment to celebrate ourselves or the women around us? I think back to the times when I spent Valentine’s Day alone, and honestly, I had the best time. I indulged in my favorite things and self care, which made me feel loved and special…..and I didn’t need anyone but myself to show that to me. So while I have a Valentine this year, I am still making myself my own Woman Crush Wednesday (#WCW). It’s important to remind yourself of the person who always has your back…YOU….and maybe your friends.

Dia & Co. is encouraging its community to show a little love to the inspirational women in their life—even if that means me, myself, and I—by posting a photo on Instagram with the hashtag #WhatISeeInHer in the caption. From celebs to grandmothers to gal pals and even fictional characters, Dia & Co. has seen its community jump at the chance to shine a little light on their favorite women.

Now, it’s your turn! Dia & Co. and I would love to hear about an amazing woman in your life and exactly what it is you see in her. Or, if you need some TLC—like me—show us why you are your own #WCW. Post a photo of her with the hashtag #WhatISeeInHer on Instagram. Because today is Galentine’s Day, it’s the perfect time to show that woman you love just how much she means to you.

Learn more about Dia & Co.  #WhatISeeInHer campaign, and see some of my favorite power chicks in the plus community!

Also, as a little Valentine’s Day Gift to you, I am giving away $50 to Dia & Co. on Instagram! Check out this post, and learn how to enter: ENTER MY INSTAGRAM GIVEAWAY!

As far as I’m concerned, New Year’s Resolutions are bogus—for me at least. I never stick to them because I put so much pressure on myself to adhere to whatever impossible goal I have set for myself. For this reason, I haven’t made a resolution in years. However, as 2019 crept up on me, I realized there was one thing I needed to change and that was the frequency in which I travel internationally. So many of my friends get to travel abroad and have these culturally-rich experiences, while I have to stay home, and allocate every extra penny I have to my student loans. But it’s not all that black and white. When I recently looked over my monthly expenses, I realized that I spend a huge amount of money on clothes—is anyone surprised? There is no reason why I can’t allocate more of the money I spend on clothes into a travel fund so that I can see more of the world this year. As a fashion blogger and clothing lover, there is no way I couldn’t go without spending money on clothing for a whole year.

So, I turned to my favorite off-price retailer, Gordmans, so that I can still enjoy all of the brands I love, while on a major budget. 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. For shoppers like me, that means exceptional deals on designer and name brand fashion and home décor. I love Gordmans because Gordman’s plus size section is just as big as their other sections and I can always find what I am looking for. I recently took a trip to Gordmans and stocked up on necessities for all aspects of my wardrobe from work to athletic gear. Thanks to Gordmans, I can still reach my travel goals by being able to save more money and still add incredible pieces to my wardrobe.

Due to the amazing discounts and sales Gordmans offers, I was able to get an outfit for every occasion—and then some—while stocking up my wardrobe for the rest of the Winter season and even into late Spring! Let’s see how many styles and outfits I was able to score for less than $200!

9-to-5 Ready 
Because I spend most of time at work, I pack my closet with office-appropriate clothing that packs a style punch. Sure, I may enjoy the classic black blazer and pant, but I also want pieces that have flare and fit me perfectly. These Zac & Rachel Tuxedo Stripe Ankle Pants make the perfect addition to my work wardrobe, and they only cost me $4.18. Can you believe it? I also paired the look with a black Peplum Top and a Zac & Rachel Fitted Black Blazer. I topped off the look with a Betsy Johnson Laptop Case and a pair of beige heels.
• Zac & Rachel Tuxedo Stripe Pants: Size 18 | $4
• Zac & Rachel Black Blazer: Size 18 | $16
• Beige Heels: Size: 9 | $10
• Heart Stitched Laptop Case: $14

Work from Home 
If I’m not in the office during the week, I’m usually at home working remotely. My job is super cool and allows me to work from virtually anywhere. And while you may be thinking that means that I stay in my pajamas all day and don’t brush my teeth until 5—you might be a little right—but there are also times that I like to get dressed as if I am going into work. Studies show that employees who work remotely are more productive if they dress for their job even if they don’t report into an office. So, whenever I have a big assignment due and I have to focus, I will get dressed for the day. With that being said, I still want to be comfortable. So, this Luxology Striped Sleeve Sweatshirt Dress is the hybrid between office and home. I can still look great while also enjoying my day in a sweatshirt. WIN WIN!
• Luxology Striped Sleeve Sweatshirt Dress: Size 2X | $19.99
• Union Bay Slide on Flats: Size 9 | $9

Double Time Dress 
While shopping on a budget can really help me save money, buying a garment that can work for many occasions is an even better idea. This dress, originally from Express, only cost me $10.98, and it can be worn to so many different places. I can easily see myself wearing this to work, out to dinner or to the club, and even to blogging events I may attend. The possibilities are endless with this dress, and the corset detail gives this garment just the right amount of sexy, and therefore doesn’t put limits on where or when this can be worn.
• Express Long Sleeve Corset Dress: Size XL | $10
• Olivia Miller Booties: Size 8.5 | $16.99

A Night Out on the Town 
While I may go out once or twice a month, having a little black dress that makes me feel sexy and confident is more important to me than any other aspect of my wardrobe. The clothing I wear directly translates to my confidence level, and let me tell you this: If I go out on a Saturday night and I feel like the hottest chick in the room, I am unstoppable! This LBD, originally from Express, has the cutest ruffle details that make me feel special and spicy! Let’ dance the night away!
•Express Ruffle Mini Dress: Size XL | $10
•Express Wrap Ballet Heels: Size 9 | $19.99

Let’s Hit the Gym
When I hit the gym or a dance class, I like to look good! But I always have a hard time finding pants that aren’t see through or sweaters that aren’t too tight. At Gordmans, there was a huge section committed to inclusively-sized athletic wear. Not only could I find my size, but I found all of the high-quality brands that I loved like Nike, Reebok, and BeBe Sport. These cute BeBe Sport yoga pants are perfect for any activity, but during a walk in the park on a cold day, I paired it with this quilted RXN Funnel-Neck Sweatshirt. I was warm, comfortable, and confident, at a fraction of the price I would have paid for these items anywhere else.
• RXN Funnel-Neck Sweatshirt: Size 2X| $19
• BeBe Sport Yoga Pants: Size 2X | $18
• Nike Shoes: Size 8.5 | $34

Casual Look 
When I’m not dressed down for the gym or dressed up for work or a night out, you can find me in something casual and comfortable, but also sophisticated…like this look. I love this outfit because while I could wear it anywhere, I could still wear it to work if I felt like being a little more on the casual side. What’s not to love about a tunic, leggings, and Over-The-Knee Boots. In my last post with Gordmans, you all wanted to know if Gordmans carries wide calf, wide width boots. And the answer is yes! I know it can be so hard to find boots that fit us plus size ladies, but Gordmans (LINK: http://www.gordmans.com) has you covered. During my last shopping trip, I saw wide calf boots in several colors, heel heights, and materials. I paired these boots with this I.N.C. Tunic and a pair of Zac & Rachel Leggings, and topped off the outfit with a black knitted scarf.
• I.N.C. Tunic: Size 18 | $12
• Zac & Rachel Leggings: Size 2X | $16
• Over-The-Knee Boots: Size 8 | $21
• Black Knitted Scarf: $8