If you were to take a look at my closet, you wouldn’t even be able to guess what style I primarily lean toward or if I have a favorite color. That’s because I get new clothes almost on a daily basis, and one article never looks like another. I love embracing trends and discovering new styles for curves, but that usually means that I have so many pieces of clothing in my wardrobe that don’t pair well and go out of season quickly. After purging my closet once a month—yes, once a month—and color-coding it, I have decided to hold myself to a challenge for 2020—or as most would say, *a New Years Resolution*: Buy fewer statement pieces and more classic, staple clothing.

But does this mean that I stop shopping and indulging in statement clothing that makes me feel inspired? No! It just means that I have to shop smarter. Enter Gordmans, my favorite off-price retailer. Not only does Gordmans buy excess inventory from my favorite brands and designers to offer me a huge discount, but they are also always looking out for us curvy girls. When I shop at Gordmans, I walk in feeling confident that I am going to get the best deal and walk out with on-trend styles I’ve been craving.

So, I decided to put my love for Gordmans to the test to see if I could find a classic, staple outfit that could work for a variety of different outfits and styles so that I could also buy just a few statement pieces to create endless looks. Let’s see how I did! Also: I am giving you the chance to win a $100 gift card to Gordmans at the end of this post, so stay tuned! 

The Basics
I have been looking for a really comfortable pair of true black jeans, and when I set my sights on these YMI skinny jeans, I was in love. They were so soft to the touch, and sure enough, when I tried them on, they instantly became my new favorite pair of jeans. I also found this tank top with a zipper accent, which I could wear all day every day with anything—exactly what I was looking for! I determined that this was going to be my staple look. It’s black, classic, and comfortable, which checks off every box I had when it came to finding classic clothing.

I got this entire outfit for less than $25, which left me some extra cash to spend on statement pieces. Having an outfit like this that I can plop into any look makes me feel better about spending money on items that may not go with everything, but will certainly pair well with black.

A Pop of Color 
This cardigan caught my eye as soon as I walked into Gordmans. I instantly told myself, “No, we are here for staple clothes only!” This cardigan was the opposite of classic. However, it was only $16, and if I found a staple look like the one above, this cardigan could pair well with that and other monochromatic looks that I plan out. So I decided to indulge in this statement piece. It’s so comfortable, and the color brings a smile to my face and livens up any outfit I wear it with. I wore this outfit to the office one week, and everyone complimented me!

On-Trend Now: The Teddy Coat 
One of the trends that I have really been wanting to try is the teddy coat. These cozy jackets are so cute, but I fear that they won’t be around for much longer. So when I found this gorgeous cropped teddy coat for only $24, I had zero regrets buying it. And, I knew it would go perfectly with the staple look that I had created!

Can Prints be a Staple? 
This is a question I have been pondering for a while because of how prevalent leopard is. I have been wanting to incorporate more of it into my wardrobe, but I am trying to contemplate whether or not it will be a staple or a fad. One rule that I think I can live by when it comes to embracing this trend is to find a pattern that has a modern take on the trend and that is neutral, like this sweater. The print is updated and it will go with anything in my closet. Therefore, I didn’t feel excessive when I bought this because I knew that it was versatile, and even if it became a fad in a couple of months, I loved it.

GIVEAWAY
Whether you love shopping at Gordmans or you’re looking to experience the magic of finding your favorite styles and brands at a fraction of the price, enter my giveaway to win aa $100 Gordmans gift card! Here are the rules:
1. Follow Gordmans on Instagram
2. Comment on my most recent Instagram post: HERE featuring my new favorite finds from Gordmans! Tell us what styles your excited to find at Gordmans!
We will choose a winner at random on Friday!

Find your closest Gordmans store by visiting Gordmans.com… and do not forget to invite me!

Thank you to Specialty Retailers, Inc. for sponsoring this post. I am a huge proponent of brands that promote inclusivity and sell high-quality, well-fitting clothing. All opinions expressed in this post are 110% my own! Thank you for continuing to support the brands that make Natalie in the City a possibility!

Ever since I donated this pleated faux-leather skirt a couple of years ago, I have been craving a more sophisticated version of it. I found the skirt at a boutique in St. Petersberg, Florida in 2015, but faux leather is having a huge moment right now, which means that I can find this style just about anywhere today.

I happened upon this Faux Leather Trumpet skirt while getting my latest faux-leather fix at Eloquii. I loved that the skirt is pleated, but that the pleats are flattened at the top and then add volume toward the bottom. One of the biggest problems I had with my other pleated skirt was that the pleats started right at the waistband, hiding my figure and adding more volume to my hips. This faux-leather pleated midi skirt from Eloquii is also constructed beautifully with high-quality materials, and I love the way it moves with my body. I can envision dressing this up and down with button-up shirts or cozy sweaters, but for this look, I opted for a sophisticated, chic look with this Mixed Media Blouse. I fell in love with the black version of this top, but it sold out so quickly, so I decided to opt for the white. I am so happy with this decision though because the white has been a refreshing addition to my rather dark wardrobe. I’ve worn this blouse with my wide-leg satin pants from Universal Standard, and I have so many other looks in mind to pair it with.

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 18 in both the Faux Leather Trumpet skirt and the Mixed Media Blouse, which is my usual size, and both garments fit perfectly! The faux-leather skirt is stretchy in the waistband and the leather even has some stretch to it. The top is very much fitted and has a shorter fit than the typical blouse. 

I haven’t written anything for my blog in a while because I have been busy traveling and working on side projects, but I am really looking forward to what’s coming for Natalie in the City. While I have been busy plotting my next move behind the scenes, I have also been trying to elevate my style game. Let’s keep it real, your girl loves some cozy yoga pants and sweatshirts—like a little too much. If I didn’t have a 9-to-5, my wardrobe wouldn’t be comprised of sweatpants.

But for some reason, I have had the urge to dress to the nines every day. Maybe it’s because it’s my birthday month and I am feeling particularly optimistic and confident. I have also been on the hunt for as much faux leather as I can get my hands on. So much so that this outfit is a head-to-toe faux leather look. I never ever thought I would be this obsessed with the material and texture of faux leather, but here we are. I got this whole look from Eloquii where I first fell in love with these Plus Size Coated Skinny Jeans. I came across the Flare Sleeve Tie Waist Faux Leather Top around the same time I found the jeans, and it hadn’t yet occurred to me that I could pair these together.  However, when I was trying on the clothes, I matched them together and decided it wasn’t bad. I wore this look out for a day to see if I felt confident and got any weird stares. Throughout the day, I got tons of compliments, and I must have felt confident because even after I got home, I didn’t want to take the look off. Aside from this outfit, I am so excited to see how else I can wear the Flare Sleeve Tie Waist Faux Leather Top. It’s such a striking and sexy piece. And of course, the jeans will go with anything! I topped off the look with Eloquii’s Wide Calf Knee-high Riko Boots.

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 18 in both the Plus Size Coated Skinny Jeans and the Flare Sleeve Tie Waist Faux Leather Top, which is my regular size, and both garments fit perfectly!

Having this blog has really allowed me to challenge my style and try trends, colors, and fits that I wouldn’t regularly indulge in. And I have all of you to thank for that. If it weren’t for you pushing me on social media to embrace bold trends or reassuring me that fuchsia is my color, I would probably still be the girl who only wore black. And while those days are long gone, black is still something that is still very present in my wardrobe. Every once in a while, I’ll fall back into my old ways with an edgy look.

This Torrid outfit that I am wearing today definitely makes me feel like I’m back at my home base while still incorporating elements of my new style. Since it’s the holidays, I am taking every chance I get to embrace sequins. Y’all know that I will wear sequins just because, but during this season, I don’t get judged as hard *shrugs*. Lately, I have been on the hunt for a great pair of supportive ripped black skinny jeans, and I definitely think I found them when I stumbled across Torrid’s Bombshell Skinny Jean in Premium Stretch Black. I love that the jeans have a stretchy waistband that also offers a lot of support as it contours my body. I also fell in love with the Black Faux Leather & Ponte Moto Jacket, and it was then that I knew I was going back to my edgy ways. So I added in some sequins with the Black & Sliver Sequin Halter Top to give the look some personality and a chance at being featured as a part of my holiday wardrobe for the season. No look is complete without a darling pair of shoes like these Side Bow Booties!

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 18 in the Torrid’s Bombshell Skinny Jean in Premium Stretch Black, which is my usual size, and the jeans fit perfectly. In my experience, Torrid jeans always fit a little snug at first, but they conform to your true size after the first couple of wears. I always order my true size. I am wearing a 2 in the Black & Sliver Sequin Halter Top and the Faux Leather & Ponte Moto Jacket, which is my usual size, and both garments fit perfetly!

Today is my birthday! Usually, I feel kind of “meh” about my birthday—and as I type this the night before, I still kind of do—but this year is different because it was the greatest year I have ever had. I unexpectedly lived out most of my dreams like attending New York Fashion Week, traveling to Paris, working with brands I have always admired, making a sustainable income from my blog, winning awards, and more! I am so grateful for everything that has occurred over the past year, and I truly couldn’t have done it without the support of you all, my friends, family and my man!

Although I am so happy about how this year played out, turning 28 can be a little jarring. I could always see myself turning 25, 26, and even 27, but 28 feels monumental. Of course, as I get older, there are “timelines” that I feel like I am supposed to follow that fall in line with my age. However, I have realized that age is truly just a number and that I don’t have to abide by any timeline other than my own!

I can’t wait to see what next year holds, but I’d love to include some of the goals I have for my 28th year:

• Start designing and constructing my own clothes
• Pitch and report story ideas to my favorite magazines
• Travel to new countries
• Pay half of my student loans off
• Continue to grow Natalie in the City to reach and inspire women around the world