I know I have said this a couple of times this year, but I have really been trying to step outside of my comfort zone when it comes to oversized clothing or garments with extra details—like this fringe cardigan. Typically, I would avoid fur or puffy coats, oversized sweaters, and anything else that would add extra bulk on top of my already curvy figure. I realized that I was missing out on fun pieces by forcing myself to abide by standards and ideals that were fed to me as a young girl. I used to be told, “Don’t wear stripes or don’t wear baggy clothes because they will make you look bigger than you are,” and it literally scared me into following the rule closely, until just this past year. Back then, I didn’t want to look larger than I was, hell, I didn’t even want to be as big as I was. But as I found the fat acceptance movement and body positivity, I learned to accept myself. And the need to accentuate every curve and wear an ‘ultra-slimming’ all black outfit didn’t phase me.

So let’s start off this new year with a more progressive look for me! I found this Abbot Kinney Cardigan II on Fashion Nova Curve, and while I knew there was a slight chance that I would look like a grape-colored Big Bird, I was all in. I paired it with the Burnin’ Bridges Skirt, which is so comfortable and sexy. I absolutely love the material and the zip detail on this. The color is also Devine. Can you tell I was feeling extra burgundy when I ordered this? Heh.

Want to see this look in action? Watch my Fashion Nova Curve Haul on YouTube: FASHION NOVA CURVE SWEATER DRESS & MORE HAUL

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 2X in both the Abbot Kinney Cardigan II and the Burnin’ Bridges Skirt, which is mu usual size, and they both fit perfectly! The skirt is really stretchy. 

 Fashion Nova Curve sent me this outfit. All opinions are my own!

I love when a piece of clothing can transform my persona. Take this Not Your Average Plaid Skirt for example, which totally makes me feel like the cool school girl I always wanted to be in college.

I got the whole look from Soncy, which I have recently fallen in love with, but when I saw this skirt I knew it was too good to be true. The pattern was adorable, the tie waist was flawless, and the zipper detail was too cool. However, while the skirt is my size, it was way too tight. I could wear this skirt out and about, but it’s game over as soon as I sit down or bend over. I don’t think the length is to blame for this sizing malfunction, but more so the material. The skirt has no stretch whatsoever. Had it had at least 10% more stretch, it would have been a keeper. The Zip It Up Lightweight Sweater, on the other hand, is a super cool addition to my wardrobe, and I’ve worn it with a couple of different looks. You can get the sweater and the skirt from Soncy, and you can take $15 off the total price when you use the code:nataliecraigxsoncy !

I’m so sad that the skirt didn’t workout, and I wonder if a larger size would work on me, but for some people, ordering a larger size isn’t possible. So for that reason, I won’t be exchanging it. And it’s going to have to collect dust in my closet, or I’ll donate it. If you are a size 14 or 16, and you would like the skirt, you can email me at natinthecity@gmail.com, and I will find a way to get it to you! UPDATE: This skirt has been claimed! XO

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 2 in the Not Your Average Plaid Skirt, which is my usual size, but the skirt was way too tight. If you must have the skirt, I would order up one size. I am wearing a size 2 in The Zip It Up Lightweight Sweater, which is my usual size and it fits perfectly!

Every year, I try to create a fun look for New Years Eve that makes me feel sexy, vibrant, and ready to take on the year ahead. And although I am a self-proclaimed fashionista, finding the perfect outfit is always a difficult feat. Living in Chicago, there are so many ways to spend New Years Eve, when in reality, the most practical way is staying home, and sitting by a fire…because it’s freezing. But, that’s never the case. One year, I spent NYE on a yacht in the middle of Lake Michigan in freezing temperatures, last year I went out to the clubs to watch the clock count down, and this year, I’ll be attending a house party.

I figured since my plans are a little more low key, I would still shoot for a fun and sexy look, but something a little glamorous and well suited for a house party. I loved the look of this Edges That Scratch Bodysuit, but it wasn’t sparkly or shiny enough for my usual NYE look. So I paired it with this Heart of Gold Midi Skirt to turn the whole outfit up a couple of notches. I think this has to be the most clothing I’ve ever worn on NYE…so maybe I won’t catch a cold the next day! Woo! If you LOVE this look, you can score it 15% off with the code “NATALIEXCRAIG” at Fashion Nova!

Want to see this look in action? Watch my Fashion Nova Curve Haul on YouTube: FASHION NOVA CURVE SWEATER DRESS & MORE HAUL

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 2X in the  Edges That Scratch Bodysuit, which is my usual size, but the bodysuit is very tight and I wasn’t able to button the bottom of it. I am wearing a size 2X in the Heart of Gold Midi Skirt, which is my usual size, and it fits perfectly.

This is the outfit I wore on my birthday, and I love it for so many reasons. Unfortunately, I had to work on my birthday, which was a major bummer, but I knew I could make it a great day by wearing a show-stopping outfit. And this get up didn’t sacrifice sexy for a professional look, it harmonized the two to make me feel like the grown up and radiant 27 year old I became that day.

The skirt may look awfully familiar to you, and for a good reason. I have the same Pleather Pleated Skirt in black from Marée Pour Toi! See the post here: THE POCKETS ON THIS BLAZER THO. I first tried Marée Pour Toi, a new plus size brand, this fall, and I instantly fell in love with the fit, quality, and on-trend pieces they offered. So I doubled down and got this Washed Silk Charmeuse Bow Blouse and the Olive Pleather Pleated Skirt. Needless to say, I felt like a goddess all day, as I should on my birthday! I adore the pleats on this skirt as well as the thick insulation on the inside that keeps me warm during chilly Chicago days. I am also rather charmed by the tie neck on this unbelievably soft charmeuse blouse and the sleeve cuffs are also cute and intricate. I topped off the look with some black booties, and slayed the day!

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 18 in the Washed Silk Charmeuse Bow Blouse and the Pleather Pleated Skirt , which is my usual size, and the fit is perfect! I highly recommend Marée Pour Toi because everything runs true to size! 

The holidays can be such a fun time no matter how, where, or with whom you celebrate! This holiday season, I am traveling back to my home city of Los Angeles where I will enjoy Christmas with family—and the sun! But I typically spend the holidays in freezing temperatures whether it be in my other home city of Boise, Idaho, or my current home base: Chicago. Other than spending time with my loved ones, my favorite part about the holidays is the fashion, of course….Would you expect anything else from me?

My holiday activities are anything but traditional, and they change every year, which means I have to have different looks that are perfect for every occasion. So I wanted to show you some of the different looks I will be sporting this season and where I will be wearing them to!

I got all of my looks at Gordmans, one of my favorite places to shop for my most-coveted fashion and home decor brands on a budget! Gordmans’ mission is to thrill every guest with fun finds and exciting deals at every turn. There’s no need to hunt for bargains at Gordmans, and that’s because it is an off-price retailer. Off-price retailers buy excess inventory from department and specialty stores, then sell it at greatly reduced prices. For shoppers, that means exceptional deals on designer and name brand fashion. (Which is exactly how I scored two items from Express—that were originally priced at more than $90 each—for under $25. Scroll down to check out how I worked those items into these looks!) I also love that Gordmans has an extensive plus size section with many different brands and styles.

GLAM 
I love a good holiday dress that doesn’t scream “deck the halls” right away, but has the potential to be dressed up or down for any holiday occasion. Some love to accessorize their holiday looks with embellished Christmas sweaters and Christmas light necklaces, but I prefer an elegant dress that’s ready for any impromptu friend or family photo op. I love the velvet details on the dress, which make the garment feel even more festive. I’m wearing this dress to a holiday dinner with family, but it could also work for holiday photos, too! Now, let’s talk about sizing and fit: This fit and flare skater dress is so flattering, and the materials is very stretchy and comfortable. I am wearing a size 2x, which is my usual size, and it fits perfectly.
Dress: French Atmosphere – $16.99
Necklace: Lux Accessories – $6.99
Cardigan: Express – $16.99
Clutch: Madison West – $21.99
Booties: Olivia Miller – $16.99
Earrings: Lux Accessories – $6.99

PARTY
One of my favorite times during the holidays is when my best friend throws a Christmas cookie decorating party, and we all get together to laugh over too much wine and sugar. I love getting dressed up for this party, but as the night goes on we end up on the couch watching a movie. So while I do want a glam look, I also want something that’s cozy and that I can chill out in. When I first saw this green oversized cardigan, I knew I had to have it. I rarely ever wear an oversized cardigan or outerwear because I feel like it could come off as frumpy, but I fell in love with this cardigan instantly. So I decided to pair it with this sequin mini skirt—also from Express and found at Gordmans (link)—to elevate the cardigan. I also added in this lace camisole to put a sexy touch on the look.  This look could also work for holiday photos or parties. I am wearing an XL in the cardigan and the skirt, which is two sizes smaller than my usual size, but the cardigan is oversized, and the skirt runs big. So they fit perfectly! I am wearing a size 2X in the camisole, and it fits perfectly!
Camisole: Tru Heart – $12.99
Cardigan: Express – $16.99
Skirt: Express – $8.99
Clutch: Madison West – $21.99
Booties: Olivia Miller – $16.99
Necklace: Lux Accessories – $6.99

CHILL
After all the food, wrapping, and last minute gift shopping, my go-to outfit is something comfortable and cozy without sacrificing style. That’s why this striped sweater, these burgundy leggings, and some knee-high boots make up the perfect look for opening gifts in the morning, volunteering, or just hanging out with friends and family. While my urge is to stay in jimmies all day, it makes me feel lazy and lackluster. But let’s face it, leggings and a cozy sweater aren’t too far away from jimmies…it’s just all about how you style and work it!
Sweater: Love by Marcy – $12.99
Leggings: Zac & Rachel – $16.99

Because I scored all three of these looks—accessories and shoes included—for less than $150 in total, I may have also gotten some Christmas shopping done while I was at Gordmans….most of which was probably for me, but still!