A Cinderella Moment

I remember missing out on prom and homecoming in high school because I couldn’t find a dress that fit me well and actually looked good on my body. All the gorgeous gowns of my dreams were made for tiny girls, and my size was never among the racks and racks of dresses my friends and I searched through. But I did end up going to prom once. I’ll never forget driving from dress store to dress store, bridal shop to bridal shop searching for my size—and I was only a size 12/XL back then. As I walked into yet another dress store, I told myself, “If it’s not here, I’m not going.” As expected, I had no luck. I walked out of the store with a hopeless look on my face when I couldn’t find my size. But then, a seamstress ran up to me and said, “Wait. I have something for you in the back that might work.” I spent what felt like an hour standing on a box as this tiny seamstress ran around me in circles, pinning the dress here and there. But finally, when she was done, I looked majestic. And because of her patience and kindness, I actually went to prom. But let’s fast forward to today, shall we? It doesn’t matter what event or gala I get invited to, I know I can go and shop for a stunning gown that will hug every curve and turn every head. That’s because the fashion industry, as a whole, has come along way when it comes to catering to the plus size woman and offering extended sizes.

This gorgeous Betsy & Adam Plus Size Soutache Godet Gown is from Macy’s. It’ caught my eye with it’s nude slip and black embroidery. You see, I’m a simple girl—well kind of—I don’t need the dramatic train or bedazzled bust that comes standard on gowns for women my age. I really just want a mono-colored dress or a two tone gown with details that flatter my figure and trace my curves. And this gown does just that. The mermaid bottom also makes me feel elegant and Cinderella-like. And what woman doesn’t want to feel that way? Whether you’ve been reading my blog for a while or you are just three posts in, you’ve probably realized that I have a relationship with the clothes I wear. These clothes are more than just garments to me. They are my shield against insecurities, and they put whole lot more than just a pep in my step. I have used clothes and fashion to express myself and build up my self esteem since I can remember—even when my size wasn’t on the rack. My relationship and dependence on clothes was the reason I started in Natalie in the City, and mostly because I wanted to share the stories that have brought me to where I am now in life, with the hopes that it would inspire you. And believe it or not, fashion—the good, the bad, and the ugly—had everything to do with the way my journey panned out—and still continues. And sometimes all I need is to slip on a fabulous, curve hugging dress like this one to remind myself of why I’m here, how I got here, and where I need to go next.

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 18W, which is one size larger than my usual size. I wasn’t sure how much stretch this gown would have, which is why I sized up, but I could have totally stuck with a 16W, as this gown is a little loose. I’m 5’2, and as you can see the dress is a little long on me, but I could walk and function in it without tripping!