Tie Waist Dress of My Dreams

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger and model Natalie Craig reviews Simply Be and Boohoo dresses.

I had a vision. I wanted a blood orange / mandarin red dress that was flowy in the sleeves and hugged every curve just right (bonus points if it was a wrap dress or had a tie waist). I vowed that if I found a dress like this, I would live in it this summer. My friends probably thought I was crazy when they asked me “Where is this dress from?” and I told them, “Oh, it’s in my head and I have yet to find it.” But after searching tirelessly for the right color and fit, I found TWO dresses that measured up to my tall order.

The one I’m wearing today is from Simply Be. The second I saw this Knot Front Dress, I got so geeked. It was everything I waned in a summer dress—and let’s keep in mind that color is not in my vocabulary or wardrobe so I am making HUGE strides here guys! The fit is so flattering and perfectly curve hugging even though the front of the dress is rather flowy. The wrap style and the tie waist give this dress the ultimate cool girl look. I’M OBSESSED. If you love the dress, get 30% OFF WITH THIS CODE: SIMPLYBE54. I also bought this Ellie Kimono Sleeve Tie Waist Wrap Dress from Boohoo—which is pretty much a dead ringer for the Knot Front Dress—because I wanted a shorter crop on the dress since the Simple Be dress was a little on the long side (and I’m a little on the short side. Heh.) I always get a little sad when summer comes around because let’s be honest, summer can be hell for a thick chick/ faty/ fluffy/ full figured woman like myself. So I really needed a dress that was going to get me excited for the upcoming season.

If you are also craving a dress in this color, I have included a bunch of wrap / bell sleeve / tie waist dresses in the shop widget below! Summer, where you at, though?

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 16 in the Knot Front Dress, which is my usual size, and the dress fits perfectly! I ordered a size 16 in the Ellie Kimono Sleeve Tie Waist Wrap Dress from Boohoo, and I definitely could have sized up because it is SUPER short! I may feature it on the blog later in summer, and I may not! Stay tuned!

Photography by: Rorie Raimondi

Simply Be sent me this look to review. All opinions are 110% my own.

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Plus Size Work Outfit

9-TO-5

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Welcome to my 9-to-5 look. This is an outfit you can catch me wearing any day of the week at the office. I love keeping my work looks professional, but fun. Don’t get me wrong, I love an all black office look comprised of fitted slacks and a nice blouse. However, when I have the opportunity to create a thoughtful and out of the box work look, I’m doing it.

I usually achieve this balance by incorporating simple staples like this pair of Rebel Wilson x Angels dark skinny jeans with an unusual embellishments. The silver snap buttons elevate the pants and take the look beyond just a pair of jeans. I also love a blazer with unique accents like the bars on the sleeves of this Rebel Wilson x Angels Open Front Blazer. This is a cute feature, however, if you have a desk job and you are typing a lot, these little bars might get on your nerves.

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 16W in the Rebel Wilson X Angels Skinny Jeans, which is my usual size, and they run a little big. The jeans are really stretchy. So if you like a tight fit with no sag, I would recommend sizing down one size. I am wearing a 1X in the Rebel Wilson x Angels Open Front Blazer, which is one size smaller than my usual size, and it fits perfectly. In my opinion, most things from this Rebel Wilson line run large.

Photography by: Rorie Raimondi

Rebel Wilson x Angels sent me this look to review. All opinions are 110% my own!

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Plus Size Jumpsuit

A Parrot Jumpsuit

When Eloquii announced its collaboration with Reese Witherspoon’s brand Draper James, I was a little skeptical. Draper James is a notoriously southern-style brand, and well, my style never really reflects a southern feel. In fact, I make it a purpose to avoid southern or country styles. It looks adorable on many women, but I’m not a fan of it on me.

However, this Draper James for Eloquii Parrot Print Jumpsuit totally caught my eye. I got the chance to model the jumpsuit on WCIU’s The Jam Show, and after I stepped off set, I knew I couldn’t let the jumpsuit go. Although it’s from the Draper James collection, this piece totally fits into my personal style and life. Here’s why: Instead of boasting a southern flare, the jumpsuit looks more like resort wear and exudes tropical vibes. The garment is playful and fits my curves just right. It’s color scheme also helps me add more vibrance into my wardrobe, as most of my clothes are black. Like last summer, I am going to try and push my own boundaries when it comes to embracing more color and ditching my monochromatic look. So let’s start off spring on the right foot with this gorgeous jumpsuit, and hope that this sets the tone for the rest of the season!

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 18 in the Draper James for Eloquii Parrot Print Jumpsuit, which is my usual size, and the jumpsuit fits perfectly! There is not much stretch to this piece, but it does run true to size.

Photography by: Rorie Raimondi

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Plus Size Dresses

A Black Dres with a Twist

I’m infamous for rocking my shoulders—yeah, I said that. So many trends have put a new twist on the sleeves of our sweaters, T-shirts, and now, even dresses. Here’s some evidence of how obsessed I am with these shoulder-bearing trends.

Told you! So there is no surprise as to why I would fall in love with this Love Scarlett Cutout Sweater Dress from Macy‘s, right? The reason I love cutouts and sleeves like this is because it takes a rather simple dress and adds an element of surprise and edge to it. So even though I am throwing on a sweater dress and running out the door, the sleeves still elevate it. I added a touch of glam with a this Black Bow Waist belt with gold details, which I SURPRISINGLY got from Walmart—yeah, I said that. When I posted this look for a recent campaign I collaborated with Walmart on, y’all went nuts over the belt! (The point was the dress, but it’s okay guys, really. HAH) I slipped on Charlotte Russe’s Side Gore Ankle Booties to top off the look. I got this cute Chloe dupe bag in one of my Dia & Co. boxes! To learn more about Dia & Co., check out this blog post: NOT A DRILL, I’M WEARING A TUTU.

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a a size 1X in the Love Scarlett Cutout Sweater, which is one size smaller than my usual size. I sized down because I wanted the dress to fit a little tighter. However, the dress is still just a loose fitting dress because of the sweater material. I suggest sizing down one size, or sticking to your usual size for a looser fit!

Macy’s sent me this dress to review. All opinions are my own!

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Plus Size Outfit

Plus Size Striped Pants

I know that stripes are having a major moment right now, and maybe that’s why I can’t stop buying striped things. But even the completely striped, beetlejuice-esque looks have my breaking my neck! Before this year, I had never ever worn striped pants, but as you can see, I have turned over a new leaf. Check out these striped beauties: PALAZZO PANTS, ANYONE?

I found these Striped Crepe Pants at Forever 21 in the plus size section. When they didn’t have my size (a 2x) I opted for the next size available, which was a 0X. I took them into the fitting room, and I hoped they would fit. And they did! They fit like a glove, actually. So I proudly marched to the check out and paid $14 for the pants. But after the first time I wore them, they ripped…right down my butt. I can’t be mad, though. They were only $14 and they were two sizes, too small. But I’m wondering if I should buy them online in my actual size—and also in both colors. What do you think? For the rest of the outfit, I wore this Sequin Tank Top that I bought from Fashion to Figure like two years ago. And I also topped off the outfit with this Great Escape Cape Jacket from Fashion Nova (here is a similar one from Worthington).

Have you ever had a wardrobe malfunction like this? How did you recover?

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 0X in the Forever 21 Striped Crepe Pants, which is two sizes smaller than my usual size, and I think we can both conclude from the story above that they were too small. I am wearing a 2X in the great Escape Cape Jacket, which is my usual size, and it fits perfectly. I am wearing a size 2X in the Sequin Tank Top, which is my usual size, and it fits perfectly.

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Plus Size Activewear

Plus Size Athleisure

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If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably noticed how honest I’ve ben about what I wear every day. For those that know me / see me day-to-day, it’s no secret that my style is pretty laid back. Don’t get me wrong, though, I LOVE getting dressed up for a night out or for blogging events. But if I’m not earring a black sweater with jeans, I’m wearing gym attire.

What I love about this “gym look” is that it isn’t necessarily an outfit I would wear to the gym. It’s casual, but edgy enough to look like streetwear. So I don’t get the question, “Oh, are you heading to the gym?” I saw these super cool Fashion Nova Jax Joggers, and I knew that I wanted to build a look around them. So I started with this The Future is Female T-Shirt and topped the look off with this Don’t Tell Em Bomber, both from Fashion Nova Curve. I chose to sport my favorite Steve Madden Studded Platform Sneakers instead of my go-to black nikes to further instill that this IS NOT A GYM OUTFIT.

I wonder why I hate when people ask me if I’m on my way to the gym when I am wearing workout gear. It’s probably because it makes me feel lazy because I didn’t put in the effort to dress up—not because I’m not going to the gym LOL. So I really like this look because it’s the perfect combo between a look that took effort and something simple.

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 2x in both the Tax Joggers and The Future is Female T-Shirt, which is my actual size, and they both fit perfectly. I am wearing a size 3X in the Don’t Tell Em Bomber, which is one size larger than my usual size. I sized up in the bomber because I wanted an oversize fit.

Photography by: Rorie Raimondi

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

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Plus Size Dresses

Plus Size Mini Dress

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This outfit may be the only thing that has me wishing for summer. Y’all know just how much I dread summer. The chub rub, the hot temps, and shorts are the biggest pain in the ass—literally and figuratively. I could go on and on about why I strongly dislike summer, in fact, it was today that both of my best friends were saying, “Oh my god, I can’t wait until summer is here!” I rolled my eyes and let out a big sigh. But despite my disdain for the season, I’m plotting summer looks in my head. And this gorgeous blush-colored ensemble is definitely on the list.

This Knot Waiting For You Mini Dress in Mauve is the sexiest little thing, but I also wanted to give it a practical touch with this walnut-colored Business Casual Coat. Both of these garments are from Fashion Nova Curve, which explains why they go so well together although they are at the complete opposite end of the style spectrum. But I’m realizing you could totally take a sexy club or girl’s night out piece and pair it with something like a trench coat for an acceptable outfit to wear anywhere. Aside from the versatility of these two pieces, I really love the off center tie waist on the mini dress. It accentuates my curves, but also covers my tummy, which I can be insecure about at times. And can we talk about this color scheme? I love mauves and the occasional blush-colored piece. They feel so feminine and pretty to me, which can be a breath of fresh air to my usual all-black wardrobe.

If you love this look, you can score 15% off by using the code “NATALIEXCRAIG“!

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 2X in the Knot Waiting For You Mini Dress in Mauve, which is my usual size, and it fits perfectly. The dress is naturally form-fitting and since it is a mini dress, it is very short. If you like a looser dress with a little more length, I would advise sizing up. I am wearing a size 2X in the Business Casual Coat, which is my usual size, and it fits perfectly, but the arms are a little tight. I would suggest sizing up one size if you have thicker arms, like me!

Fashion Nova sent me this outfit to review. All opinions are 110% my own!

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Plus Size Outfit

Pretty in Pink

I’m really taking a walk on the girly side today. While I have worn pink and pearls, I’ve never worn them all at once. So when I found this Ruched Pearl Sleeve Top at Dressbarn, I asked myself “Why not?!”

Although it’s out of my comfort zone, I really love how fun this look is. I paired the top with these Polka Dot Lux Super Stretch Ankle Pants, which are also from Dressbarn. I could totally see myself wearing this outfit to a chic brunch or to the office if the top wasn’t off the shoulders. I’d also like to try tucking this blouse into a denim mini skirt. As for the pants, well I’ve worn them multiple times since I got them. They are perfect for the office, and I usually pair the with a gray, slouchy sweater. Do you have any other ideas about how I can style this look or what I can match this top with? Let me know on Instagram or in the comments below!

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a 2X in the Ruched Pearl Sleeve Top, which is my usual size, and I would say that the top fits true to size. I am wearing a size 16 in the Polka Dot Lux Super Stretch Ankle Pants, which is my usual size, and they fit perfectly!

Photography by Rorie Raimondi

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Dressbarn sent me this outfit to review! All opinions are my own!

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Plus Size Jeans

Sequin Patches

I love sequins. And I love denim. But I never thought I would love them together. The dilemma was real when I saw these Sequin Patched Jeans from Eloquii. I loved them at first sight, However, I also had doubts about where I would wear them. They are just jeans—with a little bit of sequins—I could literally wear them anywhere. But it still took me a full two months of contemplating until I actually bought the jeans.

Since I’ve copped the jeans, I’ve worn them to work and around the city while running errands. They are super cute and casual and the sequins elevate them even further. If you look at the photo of these jeans on the Eloquii site, you’ll see that they fall right above the ankle of the model—who’s probably tall AF. Since I’m 5’2, I roll up the jeans to fit me properly (See SIZING INFO below for more fit details). For this look, I paired the denim with a black pleated peplum top, which is also from Eloquii (But here is a similar one since the original top is sold out: Pleated Peplum Tank). And I topped off the outfit with a white blazer. Fun story: I have had this blazer for almost five years, and it always escapes my monthly closet cleansings. It’s still going strong! Don’t you love a piece like that?

SIZING INFO: I’m wearing a size 14 in the Sequin Patched Jeans from Eloquii, which is one to two sizes smaller than my usual size. I had to size down quite a bit in these jeans because they do stretch and they were way too long. The size 14 fits me perfectly, though.

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Plus Size Outfit

Fit Meets Form

Did anyone catch this Sheer Romance Mesh Kimono on Fashion Nova Curve before it sold out the first time? (Or am I the only one stalking the Fashion Nova site? LOL) This kimono sold out almost as soon as it was posted, and I was heartbroken. But when they restored it, best believe I scored it!

There is just something so cool, yet weird, about this kimono. I’ve never seen anything like it before, and I knew I had to have it. But now I have to figure out just where I can wear it. What do you think? I paired the kimono with this Bottle Service Mini Dress, which is also from Fashion Nova Curve. I wanted to keep the garment I wore under this kimono pretty simple, but still wanted it to shine on it’s own. I love the halter fit and the ruched detailing on the front. Both of these elements make the dress super flattering, which is critical since this kimono has so much volume. I usually stick to more form fitting pieces, which is why I balanced the embellished kimono with a bodycon dress.

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 2X in the Bottle Service Mini Dress, which is my usual size, and it fits perfectly. I am wearing a size 3X in the the Sheer Romance Kimono, which is one size larger than my usual size, and it’s a little big. I sized up in the kimono to be safe because I wasn’t sure how the material would feel or fit. I would recommend ordering your actual size or sizing down one size!

Photography by: Rorie Raimnondi

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

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Plus Size Winter Outfit

Plus Size Pleated Midi Skirt

I sure do wear a lot of pleated midi skirts for the blog, but I rarely wear them in real life. Why? I have always felt like the fit and details were not very flattering on my curves. My hips don’t lie, so anytime a loose fabric with pleats hits my hips, it’s not the best look—in my opinion. When Eloquii dropped this Pleated Midi Skirt, I instantly loved it. I was crazy about the color, and I thought that it even looked amazing on some of my curvier friends. I tried it on myself and instantly gained the confidence to rock it. But have you ever tried on clothes in the store, and then put them on once you got home and they looked totally different? I think I’m experiencing that with this skirt. On the other hand, I look through these photos and think, “Maybe I’m just psyching myself out because these look cute!” I just can’t decide.

I paired the Pleated Midi Skirt in the color Sky Captain with Eloquii’s Bell Sleeve Sweater with Trim in White, which shouldn’t be too predictable seeing that I sported this exact outfit in all black once upon a time—HAH. I really love this bell sleeve sweater—if you can’t already tell. I own it in two colors! The sweater is perfect for the office or for a casual day out, and the bell sleeves and stripes set it apart from all of the other sweaters in my closet. Even though I am on the fence with the skirt, I think this is a pretty cute look! Thoughts?

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 16 in the Pleated Midi Skirt, which is my usual size, and it fits perfectly. Since I am petite, I roll the skirt up sometimes to give it a shorter look. I am wearing an 18/20 in the Bell Sleeve Sweater with Trim, which is one size larger than my usual size, but I purposely sized up to get a looser fit!

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Plus Size Outfit

Winter Wonderland

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You might recognize both of these pieces I’m sporting today as they have been featured on the blog recently! After we got a fresh snowfall, I felt like this was the perfect look for a glam evening out. I know you’re probably thinking, “Fresh snow and you are wearing a dress..?” Yeah, I totally understand your concern, but after it snows, its usually a little warmer over in my neck of the woods.

But I’m no weather woman, so let’s get to the outfit, shall we? You may remember this Ruffled Sleeve Plaid Just My Size Dress from my The Most Flattering Dresses For Your Curves post! I have always loved the way this dress hugs my curves, and I can wear it so many different places: The office, dinner plans, events, and more! I topped this dress off with my favorite Rebel Wilson X Angels Faux Fur Jacket to give this look an elegant and wintery vibe. You can barely see them, but I also added some glam earrings to the look, you can get a little peek at them in this post, too: Timeless Glam. I originally scored these earrings from Forever 21, but I will include some similar ones in the shop widget below! This outfit makes me feel glamorous and it’s also a pretty expensive looking outfit. The jacket is a little pricey at $198, but the dress is only $30!

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a 2X in the Just My Size Dress, which is my usual size, and it fits perfectly. I am wearing a 1X in the Rebel Wilson X Angels Faux Fur Jacket, which is one size smaller than my usual size, and it fits perfectly. I personally feel that everything from the Rebel Wilson X Angels line runs big, so I usually size down.

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