Let’s keep it real. For every “put together” outfit I strut down the street in, I have five casual ensembles waiting for me to slide into the second I get home. While I love, love, love my yoga pants and sweatshirts, I hate that everyone asks me if I’m on my way to the gym. UGH NO. 

So, lately, I have been putting more effort into my casual ensembles beyond just piecing together my favorite workout gear. Which is why Dressbarn’s DB Sunday line is the spirit animal of my new, relaxed outfits. The DB Sunday’s slogan is “Get cozy on the couch, and indulge in some much needed me time.” While I’m all about having a lazy day and some extra “me time,” I think the line also works well for those #GirlBosses on the go who also want to be comfortable.

You all know that I love anything that laces up (exhibit A: Lace-up leggings, B: Lace-up dress, and C: Lace-up blouse). So it comes as no surprise that I gravitated toward this DB Sunday striped lace-up top. The material is thick, stretchy, and comfortable, making it a perfect piece for a day of running errands. And this drawstring mini skirt—it’s actually a skort, but you’d never know—gives me the boost of confidence and a playful edge that I need to kick start my day. I topped the look off with a denim jacket and some white slip on sneakers.

So March is almost over, and I’m itching to ditch my winter coat and shed heavy layers, but living in Chicago isn’t making the switch to spring any easier. One day it’s 80 degrees and sunny, and the next day it’s pouring rain and chilly. So what is a girl to do when she can’t wait to embrace spring pieces while living in a bipolar climate? Mix the best of both worlds, that’s what.

I paired this belted ruffled floral dress from dressbarn with a wool blend long vest from Eloquii for a day out on the town after a rainy morning. As spring arrives, I face the same conflict every year: I wear so much black, and very little color (and you can definitely see that by scrolling through my blog). But I’m trying to incorporate more colors, and this dress is a step in the right direction. I love how this dress flows with the wind and sways with every step I take. It’s a fun (and colorful) piece. I’m wearing a size 16, which is the size I usually wear in dresses, and the fit is perfect! The dress makes me want to go take salsa dancing lessons because I love the way it moves.

Photography by: Ghaffar Gbenro

Dressbarn sent me this belted ruffled floral dress to review. All opinions are 110% my own!

Ever since I scored this knitted cardigan from Zara, I have been getting some major school girl/preppy vibes from every outfit I top off with the piece. The pink tones in this cardigan would usually push me away from the garment, but the way the colors worked together, it reminded me of a Chanel tweed jacket, and since the piece was on sale, I just couldn’t pass it up. I love wearing the cardigan to work with a black blouse or this white button-up with a black neck tie. The sleeves are a little long, but I think that was the look Zara was going for. I like to roll up the sleeves to accommodate for that extra length and give the piece a different look.

What a time to be alive, ladies! Stitch Fix, a personal styling service, just expanded their size range to offer up to a size 24W and 3X. So many retailers are now offering and extending their lines to include plus sizes, which is a beautiful thing! And I’m glad Stitch Fix is following suit.

To get my fix and celebrate Stitch Fix‘s progressive move, the brand welcomed me to create my own style profile and sent me my very first Stitch Fix box.

I started out making my style profile, which tells Stitch Fix about the trends I love, the price I feel comfortable spending for each garment, and my sizing and measurements. Then, Stitch Fix assigns me a stylist who studies my profile to learn what trends I am currently sporting, and they hand-pick clothes to send me once a quarter. For those girls who love fashion, but don’t enjoy shopping, Stitch Fix is perfect for you. But even if you are an avid shopper—like me—getting a Stitch Fix box every once in a while is a great way to familiarize yourself with brands you may not always see during your average trip to the mall.

My two favorite things from my box were the blush-colored Pistola moto jeans and the open-back Colette blouse. I also received a blue tank top maxi dress from PaperMoon and some fun accessories. My stylist even wrote me a note telling me that they loved my blog and Pinterest account! I think I may have found my new clothing fix and a new pen pal! hehe!

When I was a teenager, my friends and I would frequent the water parks and beaches, and I always sported a two piece bikini. Granted, I was a lot smaller back then, but still heavier than all of my friends. The point is, I have never shied away from being in a swimsuit in public. Sure, I may have felt a little insecure standing next to my skinny friends, but nonetheless, I shrugged my shoulders and rocked a swimsuit.

Five-ish years and 80 pounds later, it was difficult to find swimsuits that were made for my plus size, curvy body. And it was getting harder and harder to go to a pool or the beach feeling confident and sexy.

I think the most common thing that most brands get wrong about plus size women is that they think we aren’t proud of our bodies and that we don’t want to show them off. Personally, I am always looking for clothes that hug every curve, and you’ll never see me turn down the opportunity to wear a two piece bikini. But a lot of swimwear retailers that sell plus size swimsuits only offer modest one pieces, tankinis with shorts or skorts, and a bikini ONLY if it comes with high-waisted bottoms.

But I want to wear what my skinny friends wear, even when it comes to swimwear. And Swimsuits For All understands that.

From their partnerships with blogger Gabi Fresh Swimsuits For All and plus model Ashley Graham, their swim offerings have provided women of all shapes and sizes with edgy, sexy, and modern swimwear choices that any woman can feel proud and beautiful in. While I usually opt for a two piece bikini, this Boss Underwire one piece with lace up sides and an eyelash bra makes me feel even sexier than my usual swimwear choice.

Every summer I make a pledge to embrace my body to the fullest. I tell myself, “Don’t opt for the pair of jeans when you can rock a mini skirt, don’t hide your stomach when you can sport a cute crop top, and most importantly, wear whatever the hell you want to the beach.” I have seen women (skinny and plus size) feel self conscious about wearing a swimsuit out in public because they think people will judge them. I’m here to tell you that no one cares what you are wearing. And if they do, and go as far as to say something to you, THEY HAVE THE PROBLEM, not you! Everyone has some sort of insecurity no matter how small, tall, short, curvy, skinny, or full figured they are. By stepping out in a swimsuit confidently, you never know who you could inspire to embrace their body, too.

It’s time to stop hiding. So will you join me in embracing your body and rocking that swimsuit you have always been dreaming of? You’ve got this!

I have been on the hunt for a whimsical duster that can be worn in an office setting, but also with an easy breezy ensemble. I finally found this beautiful blush-colored duster in Forever 21’s plus section, and initially I reached for the military green color, but my BFF Katherine guided me in the right direction toward this one. In the name of versatility, I avoided the green. (I’m planning on going back to get it. Hah)

I have had this dress for two years now, and I will probably have it for more years to come. It’s just such a classic piece, and surprise, it’s also from Forever 21. I can wear this dress anywhere, though. I love the different textures and the flow of the pleated tulle, but the fit of the knit under skirt. It’s flattering, but also has that intriguing movement to it.

I was introduced to Meijer in August 2016 when I flew out to Grand Rapids to visit the Midwestern super center’s headquarters. Upon stepping foot into my first Meijer, I felt included. The store’s plus size section catered to a wide range of women and boasted on-season trends—something that I wasn’t always used to seeing at a super center or even a mall. I couldn’t be happier to connect with another brand that cared so deeply about serving every body type. I met with the fashion team at Meijer, and they expressed their dedication to push the store’s clothing to be as on trend and fashion-forward as possible. But little did I know that Meijer was on the brink of something even bigger.

A couple months later, Meijer announced they were getting rid of their plus size department because they were merging it together with the women’s department and putting sizes small through 3x on the same rack, in every style. This was an emotional time for me because as someone who has always had a larger figure, I have always been shown to the tiniest, darkest corner of the store: the plus size section. I constantly wonder why brands don’t just expand their sizing instead of having separate sections for thin and plus size women. And now, Meijer is doing just that, and leading the way in these efforts. I couldn’t be happier to be involved.

Behind the scenes of #StyleForEveryBODY
I got the opportunity to participate in Meijer’s #StyleForEVERYBody campaign to announce the integration. I got to work with two amazing teams from JohnsonRauhoff and Meijer as well as some beautiful plus size AND straight size co-models. It was truly a day I will never forget!

Since the campaign has gone live, I have had a lot of women reach out to me and ask me how I got my start in modeling. While I have worked with other brands in similar capacities, this was my first, real modeling gig. At an early age, I idolized the models I saw in the magazines and on TV, wishing that someday I could be a model, too. However, my physical features (height and weight) were working against me. I started Natalie in the City in 2013 as a way to creatively express myself, and I could have never imagined that it would provide me with opportunities like this. I never had a vision for what I wanted my blog to be like, but it lead me to this campaign and to so many others that have been a catalyst in prompting more plus size inclusivity in fashion.

So my advice to you—whether you want to get into modeling, start a blog, embark on your dream, or take a risk—is to just simply pursue your dream. Be who you want to be, and do what you want to do. It sounds simple, and it is, the journey may be harder than the commitment. However, just taking that first step to setting fourth on your dreams is integral. And even if all the odds are against you—like being a 200+ lb., 5 ft 2 in.-tall model—if you believe it, you can be it.

If you could have anything you want in this world—no boundaries, no restrictions—what would it be? And what is the first step toward living that dream? If you feel brave, leave your dream in the comment section below! I can’t wait to read them!

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When I saw these lace up leggings, I knew I had to have them. I’m obsessed with everything that has to do with the lace up trend. For example, refer to this post with the lace up sweater, this post featuring a lace up dress, and this post showing a lace up blouse. See?! I have a problem!

This whole outfit is actually from Forever 21 (minus the body chain necklace, which is H&M). I used to shop at Forever 21 plus a lot, because it was so easy. There are three Forever 21 stores in Chicago that have a great plus size section. And for a while, Forever 21 was serving up the most fashion-forward clothing for the plus size girl that wants to be seen, not hidden. But as of lately, I have been trying to expand my shopping rituals to include more from Eloquii and Fashion to Figure. So, this may be my last all Forever 21 outfit.

Don’t you just love a go-to cozy outfit that doesn’t scream “lazy” or look frumpy? Well, this is my go-to outfit, and while it’s comfortable, it still makes me feel glam.

I recently bought this Style & Co plus size lace up sweater at Macy’s, but it has since sold out. So here is similar sweater from Macy’s by INC. I have also created a shopping widget below with lace-up sweaters, too!

 
This pair of gray-washed denim is from my favorite place to get jeans: Target. Oh, and I cut the holes on the knees myself! Ever since Target relaunched their Mossimo denim line with more sizes, fits, colors, and washes I haven’t purchased denim from anywhere else. I wear a size 14 or 16 depending on the style! I also recommend checking out Mossimo’s “curvy” fit, which is great for my fellow curvy chicks with hips that don’t lie.

Can we talk about these beige booties now?! I fell in love with them when I was on set shooting with Meijer (which I can’t wait to tell you all about very soon). So when my cab driver picked me up from the set, I asked him to stop by Meijer so I could run in and grab the boots. If you live by a Meijer, the boots are from Sugar, and they come in black and beige!

• Petite package: $35/mo stores up to 15 winter items and 20 summer items. Dry cleaning is a la carte.
• Classique package: $45/mo stores up to 30 winter items and 40 summer items. Dry cleaning a la carte.
• De Luxe package: $65/mo stores up to 50 items and includes dry cleaning.