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

I’m not quite sure what’s in the cards for me this Valentine’s Day. So, I went shopping at Fashion Nova Curve, and I got four different looks that will work for any occasion—no matter where my day or night takes me! Watch me try on the four looks I ordered in the video on YouTube Below!

Want to get 15% off your next Fashion Nova look? Use the code: “NATALIEXCRAIG” at checkout!

OUTFIT 1: Hopelessly Romantic Teddy – Black | Size: 2x
OUTFIT 2: Shine like the Night Sequin Dress – Nude | Size: 2x
OUTFIT 3: Pretty Young Thang Dress – Wine | Size: 2x
OUTFIT 4: Side by Side Mini Sweater Dress | Size: 2x

SIZING INFO: I ordered all of these garments in my usual size (a 2X), and they all fit perfectly, with the exception of the Hopelessly Romantic Teddy Lingerie. The lingerie rode up very high on my waist and I would not have been able to wear it confidently without jeans or a skirt. The construction of the lingerie piece was OK, but it wasn’t made for plus size bodies.