I saw this plus size sweater stuffed into a clothing rack at Macy’s, and the pattern immediately caught me eyes. So I pulled it out and untangled it as I wondered what it was. I slipped the sweater on while wearing this exact outfit, and I fell in love. Buttoned or unbuttoned, it’s one of the chicest pieces I own—and it’s SO versatile.

I obviously love wearing this Alfani Plaid Sweater Jacket with plus size gray sweater dress and black Over-the-Knee Boots, but I could totally see myself sporting it with jeans, leggings, or a blouse and skirt. When I first found this sweater, it was in the plus size section, but I also found it in the straight size women’s department, too. This came in handy because while the size 1X fit me, I felt like it was a little big, and I wanted something more form-fitting. So I opted for the XL fit. Fun fact: My mom bought the same sweater after she saw me try it on—it really is that cute, y’all! I topped off the look with this adorable Pearl Detail Wrap Necklace from Eloquii. And you probably recognize the rest of the outfit from previous posts.

SIZING INFO: I am wearing an XL in the Alfani Plaid Sweater, which is two sizes smaller than my usual size. I decided to size down for a more form-fitting look.  I am wearing a size 8 in the wide-calf over-the-knee boots. This is one size smaller than my usual size and they fit perfectly because they are made in a truly wide fit.

Lately, I have been opting for casual and simple looks, which has sort of left me feeling unfulfilled when it comes to my passion for fashion. So I’m starting the new year with an edgier look comprised of things I don’t usually wear in order to push me out of my comfort zone. So I tapped this striped bodysuit and cropped faux fur coat to launch me into 2018 in style.

Dia & Co recently sent me a box of clothing to try out, and inside was this Plus Size Rebel Wilson x Angels Faux Fur Jacket and a pair of Pin Up Super Skinny Jeans, also from Rebel’s line. To learn more about Dia & Co., check out this blog post: NOT A DRILL, I’M WEARING A TUTU. I usually don’t wear too much faux fur because it often adds too much bulk to my look, which typically looks unflattering. However, since this jacket was cropped, I decided to pair it with skinny jeans and a body suit to highlight my curves. I got the striped bodysuit from Forever 21 Plus, and as soon as I saw it, I knew it would go perfectly with this look. My Tulip Allover Lace bra from Curvy Couture is peaking out from the bodysuit, and I totally love this little, unexpected detail. I’m also wearing my absolute favorite Wide-Calf, Over-the-Knee Boots from Charlotte Russe (Check them out in gray: DENIM IS A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND)

I hope you have started off your New Year with a bang. I cannot wait to see what’s in store for 2018! Thank you always for your support! Here is to another year of Natalie in the City! XO

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a 1X in both the faux fur jacket and the pin up skinny jeans, which is one size smaller than my usual size, but they both fit perfectly. In my experience with the Rebel Wilson x Angels line, the clothes usually run a little big. So I typically size down. I am wearing a size 3X in the Forever 21 bodysuit, which is one size larger than my usual size and it fits okay. I only sized up because they didn’t have a 2X available. I am wearing a size 8 in the wide-calf over-the-knee boots. This is one size smaller than my usual size and they fit perfectly because they are made in a truly wide fit.

 

 

Dia & Co sent me this outfit to review. All opinions are 110% my own!

I’m not sure about this one. We’ll just start there. Do I love 100% of the outfits / clothes I purchase or put together? Absolutely not. Everything is trial and error for me. While I purchased both of these items at one time, and loved them, they have fallen toward the back of my closet. You have probably noticed this pleated leather skirt because it has appeared a couple of times on this blog (refer to Plus Size Pleated Leather Skirt). And I recently bought this blouse from Eloquii (it’s sold out, but here is something similar: V-Neck Cascading Sleeve Top). I paired the two together because my initial instinct was to pair this blouse with something plain and simple like a black pencil skirt or jeans. But I knew that I wanted two strong pieces— both of which are a little outside of my comfort zone—to come together in holy (or unholy) matrimony.

 

Photography by: Denise Mario Kokinis, Fashion Love Letters

 

 

 

HAH. Gotcha! No, I’m not actually sporting my birthday suit, but this outfit is, in fact, what I wore on my birthday. This past weekend, I was in New York City attending The Experience through The School of Womanly Arts, and catching up with some of the brands I work with through my blog. Oh, I was also celebrating my 26th birthday! This birthday was different from every other I’ve ever celebrated, and it was exactly what I had hoped for.

Last year, around this time, I finished reading the book Pussy: A Reclamation, and it was a total life and game changer for me. So when I heard that the Author, Regena Thomashauer, was hosting one of her Live Experiences—based off of the book—on my birthday, I knew I had to attend. So I packed my bags for NYC, and prepared to get a fresh dose of feminine power. But I wasn’t at all prepared for what was actually going to take place. The Experience emotionally kicked my ass. I cried, laughed, screamed, and danced with 2,500 women (ranging from 18 years old to 93 years old) from all 50 U.S. states and 23 countries. It’s impossible to explain exactly what went down at The Experience, but you can learn more about it on this page: The Experience Intro Event. The author will also be hosting another experience the first weekend of February in NYC, if you find yourself interested in attending.

As we headed in to The Experience, we were told to wear the clothes that made us feel hot, sexy, and beautiful—whether that be a sequin dress or Nike yoga pants. I chose to wore this Fashion Nova Curve look because these two pieces are my absolute favorite right now. Not only are the garments sexy, but they really highlight my curves and make me feel like a total babe. The Down for the Hype Skirt shows off my hourglass figure and adds an extra edge with the lace-down sides. I paired the skirt with the Little White Lies Top in hunter green. I am so obsessed with this top that I am ordering it in the burgundy and ivory colors it also comes in. I don’t currently own any other wrap tops besides this one, but I have found that I really love being able to wrap the garment around my waist in different ways to create different silhouettes. I have been able to wear this top out to the club, but also dress it up for work with a pencil skirt. You can use the code “NATALIEXCRAIG” to earn 15% off of your next Fashion Nova purchase!

I sported this outfit on the last day of The Experience, and I received so many compliments on it. Not to mention, that after the event was over, I headed over to Times Square to just soak in the city as the final hours of my birthday wound down. One of the women I had met at the conference was with me, and I had her take a couple of photos of me. Upon browsing these photos, I couldn’t help but notice that I looked joyful and radiant, which is exactly what I hope to continue to be in 2018. See these photos for yourself, and compare them to the ones in this blog post taken a couple of days prior!

Do you have an outfit that takes you from feeling “blah” to full-on goddess? Let me know in the comments below, or feel free to shoot me an email: natinthecity@gmail.com. I can’t wait to see your looks!

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 2X in both the Little White Lies Top and the Down for the Hype skirt, which is my usual size, and the garments both fit perfectly!