Whether or not you have realized it, being plus size comes with rules. Have you ever heard, “Don’t wear horizontal stripes?” or “Only wear a crop top if your stomach is flat?” Yeah, it’s starting to sound like a broken record. While I usually follow the rules in my day-to-day, I’m all about breaking them when it comes to fashion.

I put this Forever 21 Plus sweater on, which I absolutely love, and as I looked in the mirror, I asked, “Do I look fat in this?” HAH! Yes… because, well, I am fat. I have always loved stripes, but have turned away from them because these rules have been ingrained into my head.

So I have been experimenting with ways to make this outfit more flattering for my figure, and I think I found a couple of style hacks. I added this navy scarf to break up the stripes. Instead of wrapping it around my neck, I just let the scarf drape over my shoulders, which helps to separate the pattern. I aso rolled up my sleeves to interfere with the stripes. See? It’s the little things that make a big difference!

It feels good to know that I can wear whatever I want, but I realize that it takes a lot of confidence to shut out the negative rules and words of those who wish to limit us plus size women to what we can wear and what we can’t. I say, “Rock it all, and rock it well.”

I have said it many times, and my friends will be the first ones to tell you. Although I am considered a “fashionista,” I love to keep it casual—especially toward the end of the semester when finals are piling up and papers are due. Getting dressed up and looking like a million bucks feels great, but doing it everyday is exhausting and at heart I am truly a jeans and T-shirt kind of girl. (Yikes I can’t believe I said that.)

However, when it is a jeans and T-shirt kind of day, I like to keep my looks edgy and creative. The shirt I am wearing in this post is from Kadi Klothing. I fell in love with the elephant on the shirt when I first saw it on Klaudia Sekura’s Instagram. I had no idea that it was going to be on a shirt or that she drew and designed the beautiful graphic herself. Klaudia is the creator of Kadi Klothing and she just opened up shop! The line of T-shirt’s and crewnecks for men and women is both artisitc and extremely unique being that Klaudia designs each and every one of them. Visit Kadi Klothing here!

You know what I love more than Gucci, Louis, Fendi, and Prada? Gucci, Louis, Fendi, and Prada at 60%–80% off retail price! If you love a good sale, too, then you will not want to miss out on this Gilt City Chicago Warehouse Sale from October 16–17 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Warehouse!

Ticket prices vary according to date and time of session, which allow for two hours of shopping, but here are some of the brands that everyone can expect to cop at the warehouse sale: Lanvin, Chloe, Valentino, Missoni, Balenciaga, Dior, Brian Atwood, Christian Louboutin, and Jimmy Choo. SWOON! 

Oh, and you might also catch me and Melony Melrose there! So come say, “Hi,” and let’s blow our paychecks together! 

Check out the full event details and some shopping tips courtesy of Gilt City! You can purchase tickets to the event here: gilt.com/ChiWarehouseSale

WHEN:           Friday, October 16, 2015

• Arrive early:  Just as you would for any sample sale, arrive early!  No matter what session you come to, be sure to get there with ample time. This ensures a full shopping experience, and it’s best to view the merchandise when it’s most organized. 
• Reduce your drag:  Come prepared to shop—we require coat check and large bag check, so bring a small purse or wallet that you can keep your credit cards and ID in. A small wallet or cross-body bag will leave your hands free to peruse the racks, or sip a cocktail! Also, shopping in light layers will allow you to try clothes on easily, and you may even decide not to wait for a fitting room!
• Think Ahead: Don’t be afraid to shop for future seasons.  You’ll find that there are amazing deals for every occasion – score designer suits or that perfect glam dress for the holidays. 
• Have an open mind: The most exciting part of the Warehouse Sale is the element of surprise! While you may have certain items in mind that you’re really focused on purchasing, take your time, look through the racks and filter through the shoes and accessories with an open mind.  This is usually the time when the magic happens and you’ll find yourself going home with some great steals that you might otherwise not have found!  
• And Remember – Plastic! No cash, so bring your debit or credit cards!

Woah. Is it just me, or am I wearing a lot of white? I’m usually sporting a darker ensemble with more black, but I had to step out of my comfort zone a little bit with this outfit.

I found this skirt at Forever 21, which is actually part of a two piece set that comes with a matching top, but I ditched the top and had to have the skirt. I love the subtle camouflage pattern, it pairs with pretty much everything in my closet but also serves as a standout piece. Win-win!

This week, I am gearing up for my first-ever meet and greet at Lord & Taylor in Schaumburg, Illinois this Saturday! If you will be in attendance, please send me an email (natinthecity@gmail.com)! I would love to connect with you before the event. For more details, you can check out my previous blog post about the Lord & Taylor Meet and Greet.

I am also working on something else exciting, which I will be announcing and sharing with you all in the coming months. My readers can also expect to see more posts on Natalie in the City about fashion industry hot topics and events, as well as outfit collages and style guides! Don’t worry, I will still be posting outfit of the day posts every week!

I am beyond excited to announce my first ever meet and greet for all of my readers in Chicago and surrounding Illinois suburbs! Not only will we be able to chat, dance, and take a million selfies, but I will also be styling everyone who visits the new plus size section in Lord & Taylor at the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, IL on Saturday, September 26 from 12–4 p.m.

If you would like to RSVP so I can reach out and connect with you before the event, head over to the Meet & Greet with Natalie Craig @ Lord & Taylor event page!

For those of you who can’t make it to Lord & Taylor at Woodfield, no worries! You can stop by Lord & Taylor in Oakbrook, Northbrook, and Old Orchard from Wednesday, September 23–Saturday, September 26 for amazing deals on clothes that you will love! However, if you want to kick it with me, I will only be at the Woodfield location. I wish I could be everywhere at once! *sad face*

Also, the store will be in the middle of their Signature Sale, which is a “Buy More Save More” event.
Here is how it works:
Spend $49.99-$99.99, save 20%
Spend $100-$249.99, save 25%
Spend $250 or more, save 30%

I have put together some of my favorite pieces from the Lord & Taylor Plus Section below to hold you over until September 26! I can’t wait to meet you all!

The title of this post is a little ironic, I guess. This is actually the hottest summer I have ever had as I survived a 3-month heat wave with no air conditioning—welcome to being a big kid Nat, air conditioning costs $$$$.

However—metaphorically, perhaps—this has been a pretty cool summer. I landed my first two “big girl” jobs at both Advertising Age Magazine and a tech start up in Chicago. Also, I will be going back to school to earn a certificate in fashion industry essentials from Teen Vogue and Parsons! So, as I wipe sweat from my freshly made up face, I will say that this summer has been pretty cool.

But let’s talk about this outfit, shall we? Every time I wear these Dolce Vita wedges,  I feel unstoppable. This sheer Mossimo burnout tank top can be paired with jeans for a casual day or a dressy skirt for a night out. I love having sheer pieces that show a little skin because they add a little touch of sexy to any outfit. Speaking of things that I am currently in love with, Target’s new Mossimo denim line. These black distressed jeans are from the line and I knew I had to have them when I saw the holes in the knees. Call me basic, but holy knees are trendy!

I have said it before, and I will say it again: I am thrilled, excited, and grateful every time a brand or retailer decides to create or enhance a plus size clothing line. However, in this constant thankful state I have been in, I oftentimes over look the fact that plus size clothing is not as great as it could be. These lines for full figured women are underwhelming and don’t push too many boundaries. For some fashionistas, this is fine. However, there are plus size women out there—ME—who want to look sexy and feel confident in whatever they wear.

So when Stylzoo challenged me to style this Plus Size Metallic Dress, I didn’t hesitate. This dress is everything that plus size fashion should be. Sure, the puffed shoulders are little ’80s, but the bold pattern and the form fitting fabric makes me feel like one of a kind. I MEAN, LOOK AT MY CURVES! Although risks may be hard to take and a little unsettling, they are absolutely worth it and exciting—especially in fashion. There is no better feeling than looking fierce and feeling confident, and that is exactly what this dress does for me. If you also love this dress, great news: It also comes in another color and you can check it out on Amazon! Oh, and shout out to my man for taking these photos. He’s the best!

This month marks the second year that I have lived in Chicago, and I can hardly believe that just a couple of years ago, a stary-eyed Natalie walked into the city, excited to see what would happen next. To celebrate my third year in Chi-town, I was invited by Shoreline Sightseeing to take an architectural tour on the Chicago River.

The tour was really informative and took us up and down the river and even out to Lake Michigan. As you would probably assume, the views of the Skyline were breathtaking. Our tour guide, Adam, was also pretty funny and we couldn’t help but laugh at his jokes about the Trump Tower or buying the old U.S. Postal Office for $17 million.  

Although I have been living in Chicago for a couple of years, there was a lot that I still didn’t know about the city’s beautiful archetecture. However, the tour guide answered all of my questions, and then some. I would definitely reccomend enjoying a Shoreline Sightseeing tour during the last couple of weeks of summer! Click “READ MORE” for my outfit details and some spectacular views. 

{ Photography by: Katherine Davis }

Before I tried on these jeans, there was not a single pair of light washed denim to be found in my closet, wardrobe, or any of my previous blog posts. I always thought I had to wear dark denim for it to flatter my figure and look great. However, these Mossimo, light washed, mid-rise skinny jeans from Target changed my mind completely.

I would have never tried a pair of light-wash jeans if I didn’t play a little game called “Denim Truth & Dare”—notice it’s not truth OR dare, but truth AND dare. I had to come clean with the TRUTH of my denim ways—all dark wash everything—and then I had to DARE myself to try something new.

The jeans are comfortable, seriously. I came home from work, sat down on the couch with my boyfriend and watched three episodes of Friends before I even noticed that I was still wearing the jeans, comfortably. I’m sure most girls understand this: Once I walk in the door, it’s heels off, jeans off, make up off, sweats on, hair up—I’m not playing any games. After a long day, I want to be comfortable. But now, I lounge in these jeans, even after I wore them all day.

I love that I can either wear these jeans with the ankles rolled up for a capri look, but if I don’t roll the ankles up, the length of the jeans fit perfectly with my height, eliminating bulky and scrunched up denim at my ankles.

So now, my denim diaries have expanded to new colors, styles, fits, and washes. I’m in love! Be sure to check back for more posts with these jeans styled in different ways!


Also, you can now shop these jeans and find your @TargetStyle at your local Target! When you try on denim, you will receive $10 off your first pair. If you are shopping online, use the code “TRYON10.” In the first 2 weeks in August (8/2 – 8/15), you’ll get free shipping and free returns when you shop denim on www.target.com/jeans.