I found the secret to feeling like a goddess, and it’s this dress. As soon as I slipped this maxi dress on, I felt like the baddest chick on the planet! It’s off the shoulder, it has high slits, and the tropical floral print is divine. I wore this dress out while shopping, and it was definitely a head turner. One of the best feelings to me is knowing that I have a piece of clothing in my closet that can transform my mood, confidence, and day as soon as I put it on. And for me, this dress just became that garment.

I found this Night Moves dress on Fashion Nova, and although it comes in plus sizes, it also comes in straight sizes, too! So all of my non-plus size baddies can also wear this dress! I love the material, which is made up of polyester and spandex. It’s breathable, but it’s also heavier than your typical fabric so it doesn’t blow around too much in the wind. The dress also comes with an inner shorts lining to provide some extra coverage since the double slits are so high up. A downside to the inner shorts lining is that you essentially have to get naked to use the bathroom—similarly to if you were wearing a romper—but I would get naked in the bathroom 50 times a day for this dress, honestly. HAH!

If you want to unleash your inner goddess, use the code “NATALIEXCRAIG” for 15% off of your next Fashion Nova purchase! If you are totally feeling these tropical floral vibes, I have put together a list of tropical maxi dresses that you can shop below! Enjoy!

After I saw DJ Khaled’s new music video for “Wild Thoughts,” featuring Rihanna and Bryson Tiller, I could not get Rihanna’s red, cropped, off-the-shoulder blouse out of my mind! So, naturally, I ran to Forever 21, H&M, TJ Maxx, and Marshals to try and find a similar top. To no avail, I started to panic. I HAD TO HAVE THE RED BLOUSE! Then, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted this bright red top shoved into the size small section on a rack at TJ Maxx. How crazy would it be if the one piece of red clothing in this whole store was my size and it somehow got misplaced in the small section? “No way,” I thought to myself. But, I grabbed the top with my eyes closed and counted to myself “1, 2, 3…..” (GUYS IT IS REALLY NOT THAT SERIOUS, BUT ALSO IT IS.) I opened my eyes, and sure enough the tag on the top said “XL.” I’m pretty sure I let out a little scream.

Sure, the blouse I am wearing in this outfit is far from the one Rihanna was wearing, but it’s off-the-shoulder and red, and I had nothing like it in my closet. As soon as I slipped the blouse on, I knew I had to have it. Since I did find this blouse at TJ Maxx, I don’t have a link to the exact one, but I will include multiple options below in the shop widget, and here is the closet replica: Off-The-Shoulder-Top With Fluted Sleeves.

I didn’t have a groovy pair of pants to complete Rihanna’s exact look, but I styled the blouse with some gray, acid-wash shorts that I bought at Forever 21 Plus three years ago and a pair of lace-up block heels. I wore this ensemble out to lunch, and I was definitely feeling sexy and sassy! 

Photography by: Ghaffar Gbenro

Do you remember when I tried my first tutu? I was a little skeptical and really nervous. I usually only wear clothes that are form fitting, and I shy away from extra fabric at all costs. But when I slid on my first Society + tutu, I knew it was something special, and that the skirt would be worth the fashion risk I was about to take.

Since I ended up loving this tutu, I have been dying to incorporate another one into my wardrobe. Enter this fabulous, limited edition Society + Juliet Printed tutu! As I mentioned previously, I was a little unsure about wearing a tutu, and I can also be hesitant when it comes to wearing florals. But the Juliet Printed Tutu is the right amount of tutu mixed with florals, and the little details make it all that more special. A thin layer of tulle drapes over the floral printed skirt, which mutes the print, and gives the skirt a little bit of volume. I could totally see myself incorporating this tutu into some of my every day looks since the skirt has much less volume than the first tutu I tried, which I really like.

At first sight, I knew this skirt would be perfect for a date night look. It’s romantic, flirty, and playful. And since the skirt adds a lot of volume to the look, I knew I could wear something super sexy and form fitting on top, like the Torrid bralette I am wearing. I love wearing bralettes as tops, but I can admit that they can feel a little revealing, which is why I like to wear a light coat or jacket over them, too. I have had this military style coat in my closet for years, and it always assists in some of my favorite outfits. I love that it adds another element of interest to this ensemble. Because this coat doesn’t actually exist online anywhere because I bought it five years ago, I found a similar style on Eloquii.

SIZING INFO: I’m wearing a size 14/16 in the Society + Juliet Printed Tutu, which was a little small in terms of the waistband. The waistband does stretch, but the satin material over the elastic waistband doesn’t. I would recommend ordering a size up. Instead of pulling the skirt on like I usually do, I slid the skirt over my head, and it fit perfect (Gotta love a big booty, hah!). I am wearing a size 2, which is my usual size (28-40 C) in the Torrid bralette, and it fits perfectly!

I am definitely #TeamCasual. However, I am also known for using the term “casual” too loosely and just rocking gym clothes. Feel me? Since I’m a recovering gym gear wear-aholic, I have been trying to create looks that are put together, but casual, and still a little fashion forward.

I love that the denim skirt is coming back into style, and I have been trying to find the perfect one to start working into my wardrobe for the summer. The search is still on, but I couldn’t help but fall in love with this Daliah Skirt in medium blue from Fashion Nova Curve. The skirt is definitely #teamcasual, too, because it’s so comfortable and can be worn with anything. I ordered 3X (a size larger than my usual size) in this skirt because from the looks of it online, I thought it may not be super stretchy. But I should have stuck with a 2X because the skirt definitely stretches. But beware: the Daliah skirt can be a little short if you aren’t used to rocking high hem lines. I personally love the length, though.

The casual party doesn’t stop there, y’all. On top, I’m wearing the Spotless Mind Top in coco, also from Fashion Nova Curve. I love that this piece is just an oversized sweatshirt that bunches at the sleeves, and because of the way it falls, it makes this piece more special. I could totally see myself rocking this top with a pair of yoga pants….. SEE?! I CAN’T STOP WEARING GYM GEAR. HELP! I’m laughing out loud as I type this last sentence because I am literally thinking, “Yeah I can’t wait to wear this sweatshirt with my sweats. mwuahahahaha.” I have a problem!

SIZING INFO: I’m wearing a 3X in the Daliah Skirt, which is a size larger than my usual size. I should have stuck with a 2X because this skirt is super stretchy! I am wearing a 2x in the Spotless Mind Top, which is my usual size.

 

Photography by: Ghaffar Gbenro

I’m kind of weird. I love the idea of summer, but I always feel kind of uninspired when it comes to summer fashion. I face the same dilemma every year: It’s 90°and I should wear shorts or a skirt. While that sounds great, I do a lot of walking since I rely on that and public transportation to get around the city. And lots of walking = lots of chub rub, and chub rub is my worst enemy. Given that situation, I should wear leggings or jeans, but then I will be hot. So, I usually throw my arms up and say, “Oh well, just aim for comfort and put on some yoga capris, a loose tank top and some sneakers.” But then I feel so mad at myself for stepping out in gym gear when I see everyone dressed so cute! Like I said, I’m kind of weird.

 

I think I just found my new go-to look for a night out.

On top, I am wearing this plus size lace up top from Fashion Nova Curve. This top is actually a tunic and can be worn as a dress, but the material is pretty thin so I was able to tuck it in to the skirt without it looking too bulky. On the bottom, I am sporting the plus size suede skirt. Ladies, I cannot even begin to explain how well made this skirt is for it only costing $25. The waist fits snugs and doesn’t stretch, while the bottom of the skirt does stretch, which contours your body to highlight your hourglass shape! This is definitely the outfit to cop if your aiming for the bombshell look. I wore this outfit out to a rooftop club where my friend was DJing. But before I got to the club, I was having a terrible day, and I turned to this outfit to pull me out of my rut. As soon as I put this look together, I instantly felt better, and I was ready to dance the night away! If you are in need of a little pick me up, use the code “NATALIEXCRAIG” for 15% off your next Fashion Nova Curve purchase!

SIZING INFO: I’m wearing a 2x—which is my usual size—in both the shirt and skirt, and they both fit perfectly!

Fashion Nova Curve sent me these clothes to review. All opinions are 100% my own!

Summer has officially arrived in Chicago! While I love warm weather, I despise some of the things that come with it. As a thick chick, wearing plus size shorts and skirts has been really difficult because of “chub rub,” and I know all my fellow curvy ladies feel my pain. I get so many comments on Instagram from you all asking what I do to combat chub rub. While it’s almost inevitable, I have found a couple of tricks to beating chub rub and enjoying summer in shorts!

How to Prevent Chub Rub

1. Wearing Plus Size Opaque Tights – My first, and favorite trick is wearing plus size opaque tights. This is the only thing that totally keeps chub rub away, but when you are wearing open-toed shoes or sandals, tights may not be the best option. 
2. Using an Anti Chafe Stick – I love using Megababe’s chub rub stick. Megababe keeps your thighs moisturized to combat and prevent the intense friction that creates chub rub. You could wear this balm with any outfit as it doesn’t provide any obstacles like tights—or my other favorite, bandelettes.
3. Wearing Bandelettes or Thigh Bands – If you are wearing a maxi or midi skirt or dress and you don’t want to wear tights or anti chafe balm try wearing thigh bands. These bad boys work almost as great as the tights do, but they too also put a restriction on what you can wear with them. Usually, thigh bands or bandelettes are a no-go with shorts or mini skirts.
4. Wearing Chub Rub Shorts – I absolutely love to wear chub rub shorts! Anti chafe slip shorts have become so diverse, which means they can be worn with virtually any outfit. 

Photography by: Katherine Davis

I’m no magician, but sometimes I can pull off a mean illusion when it comes to fashion. What do I mean? Well, while this adorable little number—under this embroidered mesh bomber—looks like a dress, it’s actually two separate pieces. I paired a lace and mesh underwire halter bralette with this crepe pleated skirt from Torrid to create a flirty ensemble. But I didn’t want to just wear the skirt and bralette out during the day—as it is more proper for a night out—so I threw on the embroidered mesh bomber to soften the look and make the outfit a little less revealing.

I find myself wanting to wear bralettes as tops a lot lately, whereas a couple of years ago, I would have never thought to do such a thing. But bralettes are evolving and becoming more than just a simple bandeau. In my opinion, Torrid has some of the cutest bralettes around, and just browsing through their intimates section inspired me to create this look. So, this summer, I am going to try and embrace more bralettes and style more looks featuring the garment as a top. How do you feel about this trend?

SIZING INFO: I’m wearing a size 2 in the bralette and bomber, which is my usual size, and they both fit perfectly. I’m wearing a 16 in the skirt, which is my usual size, and it also fits true to size!

Photography by: Ghaffar Gbenro

Torrid sent me this outfit to review. All opinions are 100% my own! 

I believe that the way I dress has a huge impact on how I feel throughout the day. But when my alarm goes off at 6:00 a.m. every morning, the last thing I want to do is spend the next hour getting glammed up, and squeezing my butt into a pair of dress pants before I rush out the door to my 9-to-5. What I really want to do is slide into some comfortable leggings and a baggy sweater. So, while coffee is really the only thing on my mind in the morning, I remind myself that if I don’t put 100% into my outfit for the day, I will feel less confident, motivated, and productive throughout the day.

Is it spring, summer, or winter? Chicago can’t decide, and neither can I. But if there is chance for sunshine, best believe that I am throwing on a summer-isa ensemble, and embracing it the fullest. This weekend, I took a stroll in this plus size wrap maxi skirt from Forever 21 Plus when the sun came peeking out of the clouds. Sure, it was a little chilly, but I am trying to be optimistic and enjoy the sunshine after a long, gloomy winter. Chicago was stuck in the clouds for one month straight! That’s right, the longest cloudy streak in 25 years. SHEESH.

Anyways, I am not the weather woman, and I know that you aren’t here to get the weekly weather update. So, back to this outfit! The olive/gray-colored skirt that I am wearing sold out a while ago on Forever 21, but it also comes in ginger! I scored this beautiful mock neck crochet blouse at T.J. Maxx last summer, and I just dusted it off this weekend while purging all of the old clothing in my closet to make room for some new pieces. But I couldn’t get rid of this top just yet, I’m too in love with the crochet details. I found similar mock neck crochet blouses, and put them in the widget below!

Happy spring/summer/winter! xo

Photography by: Ghaffar Gbenro

Last week, I shared one of my favorite office looks with you, and I wanted to give you another peak into my work wardrobe this week, too!

My work attire is usually an all black ensemble. However, I really love fun tops and blazers to spice up my look every once in awhile, hence this sequin blazer and the beautiful flounce elbow bell sleeve blouse that I am wearing. I scored this blouse from Eloquii, which is where I always find treasures that fit seamlessly into my office wardrobe. The brand really captures the perfect plus size girl boss on the go—that’s a mouthful, but you get what I mean! Eloquii is like the more polished, plus size Zara.

Last week, I wore this bell sleeve blouse to work with a pair of black, skinny dress pants, and a pair of pointed toe flats. After work, I attended Columbia College’s end of year LAUNCH student fashion show. So I threw on some lace up heels and put on some red lipstick, which transformed my look from office to front row at the fashion show.

Many of you ask where I find good quality and comfortable dress pants. My go-to places are T.J. Maxx and Macy’s. The Micheal Kors brand at Macy’s is great quality and they are usually on sale. T.J. Maxx sells a brand called Jules & Leopold, and they make the BEST skinny dress pants that have a lot of stretch in them! I usually purchase four or five pairs of these pull-on pants in an XL and they are the greatest!

P.S. I usually post on my blog twice per week, and I share a photo from my posts every day on Instagram. But last week, I fell behind a bit because I caught a nasty cold in the middle of the week. I didn’t think anyone would notice, but I certainly heard from many of you on Instagram. Sorry! I’ll be back on my grind this week! Thanks for being so close in tune and checking up on me! Love y’all! XO

I spend a large part of my life working—most of us do. But when it comes to office attire, I don’t take the easy way out. I love dressing up for work. I wake up at 6:00 a.m. to do my hair and pick out my outfit for the day, all the while, enjoying a huge cup of coffee.

I receive a lot of emails from you all asking me what I wear to the office and how I create comfortable and professional outfits while also incorporating fashion-forward pieces. So this week, I will be publishing two posts that show you what I wear to the office!

At work, I usually wear a pair of skinny, stretch dress pants—in either black, grey, or white. I love capri dress pants—like the ones I am wearing—for the warmer spring and summer days. I try to keep my bottoms as basic as possible so I can put all of the excitement into my tops and accessories. With that being said, I topped the outfit off with this sleeveless collar top from Eloquii, a statement necklace, and a sequin blazer. OK YEAH, a sequin blazer might be a little extra for the office, but the sequins are a dull enough silver tone that are totally appropriate for work. I bought this sequin blazer from Eloquii a while back, and it has sold out since. But here is another black sequin blazer and a cute sequin bomber to hold you over!

I hope you find some inspiration in these looks! Let me know what your favorite work pieces are in the comments below, or email me at natinthecity@gmail.com!