Natalie in the City app for iPhone and iPad

Hey, Im Natalie Craig, but you can call me Natalie, Natalie in the City, or "Natalie in the gym, park, beach, country," and any other descriptive that describes my present location—like my friends do.

I found my love for fashion in 5th grade over a pair of jeans with writing on them. My father didnt want me to leave the house wearing the edgy jeans, but my mom thought they were cute, and she would often suggest that I top off the jeans with my metallic, purple Spice Girls jacket and bright pink Dr. Marten boots before I left for school.

Although I loved fashion at an early age, I realized that the media and the fashion industry did not love me back. I grew up receiving harsh criticism for my full figured shape, and the thin standards of the fashion world made it difficult for me to embrace the trends that I loved.

Its hard out here for a plus size fashionista, but its also the most amazing feeling to be able to rock an ensemble that takes time, effort, and creativity to master, which is why I created this fashion blog.

Natalie in the City is by far my proudest accomplishment, and I really enjoy interacting with my fabulous readers, sharing style advice, and showing everyone that you can be beautiful and confident at any shape or size.

As a recent Columbia College Chicago graduate, I currently live in Chicago where I balance the life of a journalist, editor, and a fashion blogger.