Plus Size Fashion Blog by Black Cat Plus

Here’s to one of my New Year’s wishes! For 2009, let’s hope we see more of plus size models like Miami native Crystal Renn and Brazilian Fluvia Lacerda! Crystal Renn is a size 14. Crystal has been featured in French, Italian, and American issues of Vogue and walked the Paris runway modeling creations from Jean-Paul Gaultier. Crystal says, “I accept this is who I am. I love that I can model at this size and it’s fabulous.” Fluvia has modeled for Igigi and been featured in Figure Magazine. Here’s to both Crystal and Fluvia who inspire me to be the best I can be and who represent plus size beauty so well.

Plus size model Crystal Renn

Plus size Model Fluvia Lacerda

Plus size model Nancy Hayssen

“Happy with who I am and where I am at!” The battle cry for the ages! That sentiment expressed so well by plus size model Nancy Hayssen who bares it all to make a statement as a response to anti-anorexia billboards that shocked the fashion world. Her point and the title of her book: You Can Be Sexy at any Size! We wholeheartedly agree.

Natalie Laughlin 1st Plus Size Model

I love the model Natalie Laughlin’s message. Natalie is the face of Anne Klein II and Liz Claiborne and has her own Billboard on Times Square for Mode Magazine. She promotes the concept that size is no longer an issue. She says, “It is all about style and not about size.” Here is a plus size model making a difference in fashion and how people view plus size women.

“Beat the Stylist” plus-size challenge

What? One of the criticisms for curvy women? Never seen a wrap dress that is flattering? How about one of the wrap dresses from Kiyonna. The difference? A wrap dress that wraps at the thigh which elongates the silhouette and flatters the figure! Kiyonna’s wrap dresses are the best wrap dresses on the market. Not comfortable in a wrap? Try a dress which cinches in at the waist to create or accent curves.

YASB (You are so Beautiful) is a 3 year old company. We are known for our engineered scarf prints that are designed into tops, dresses & skirts. We are excited to have the well known designer Anna Paul on our team. Her contemporary designs with embellishments & embroidery are for the better, upscale markets in America & Japan.

For Anna Paul, Hollywood glamour is in her blood. Growing up in Beverly Hills, surrounded by some of the most dazzling women in the world, she always knew she wanted to be a designer. Anna grew up loving fashion and spent her teenage years working in local boutiques after school, selling, dressing mannequins and windows, and whatever she could do to learn the ropes. She then shopped vintage stores in her spare time educating herself. Anna has over 25 years of experience in the fashion industry.

Anna credits some of her success to her first job out of school. “I lucked out and got the most fabulous assistant designer position with a fashion designer who created one of a kind masterpieces for celebrities and socialites. I learned so much - the entire process - pattern making, draping, threads, trims. I was truly ‘an apprentice’. she took me to Dallas market - I learned what a school can’t teach - live learning - I loved it!!”

“Fabrics, trims, art…these are the things that inspire me. I love to bring together exotic elements from all over the world - beading, embroidery and fabrics to create feminine, flattering pieces that will make women feel more beautiful.”

Anna believes that curves are beautiful! “all women, no matter what height or size should feel beautiful, sexy and feminine!”

In celebration of Black Cat Plus new blog and forum—a December Give-a-Way Promotion with Uddini Handbags.

Post now to receive your FREE Uddini Handbag! A $79 Value!

Each week we will be discussing plus size fashion tips, plus size fashion trends, news from our featured plus size designers or the latest gossip in plus size celebrity style.

Got a general question or comment?

Go to Dear Jodell and speak out about what is on your mind! Join our Fashion Director’s Club and get in on the buying descions with our Chief Fashion Officer!

Simply post a comment with your email on one of our new blog categories and enter into a drawing on December 26 for a Uddini Handbag in the color of your choice from your plus size fashion resource-Black Cat Plus!

Contest we recomend:

• Favorite Things First Contest

Offering style tips, celebrity looks, and relevant product features.

A frequent customer’s club which allows participants to provide their feedback on buying and merchandising options as well as giving their input on current trends and styles.

Black Cat Plus is pleased to feature plus size tops from Sienna Rose. Founded in 2005, Mushka by Sienna Rose Inc. is a Los Angeles-based women’s clothing line that specializes in unique, sublimated prints with bold, painterly hues. Sienna Rose uses comfortable knit and woven fabrics that flatter a plus size woman’s natural curves. Mushka appeals to women of all ages from teenager to mature and we are proud to feature plus size tops that are truly inspiring.
The tops are created through a unique printing process that leave the garment’s natural folds and creases untouched by the printed color wash. The result is a truly unique garment with its own character and style. The Mushka collection translates high fashion trends and prints into everyday life for toady’s fashion-conscious plus size woman. Women are instantly drawn to the flattering, feminine looks and positive feelings that the brand inspires. Sue Halevy, the lead designer and creative force behind the Mushka collection, draws upon her artistic background to personally create every garment. Design inspirations range from organic florals and landscapes, striking graphic elements and beautiful Asian-inspired imagery.

Exclusively for Black Cat Plus, we are pleased to offer Nina Nguyen Jewerly created especially for our customers in extra long lengths. Plus size bracelets, plus size necklaces and earrings in extra long lengths using semi-precious stones and materials that flatter the plus size woman and puts the finishing touches on any outfit. Nina says, “I want my jewelry to be unique, feminine, stylish, maintain an elegant simplicity and, at the same time, be filled with expression to empower the wearer. It gives me much pleasure to contribute to the beauty of women. My hope is that every woman will enjoy wearing my jewelry as much as I enjoy designing each and every piece” .

The latest styles from Kristine Davis of Kristine Accessories. Renown for its famous flat wallets, Black Cat Plus is pleased to offer the latest designs from Kristine Accessories for the plus size woman. Voted the Best Accessory of the Year, from wallets to flat wallet clutches to handbags to jewelry–this is one item you won’t be able that will take you from career to casual with style and convenience.

Not Your Daughter’s Jeans™ cannot be held responsible for any positive consequences due to your fabulous appearance while wearing Not Your Daughter’s Jeans™ That “disclaimer” appears inside your own pair of NYDJ. What a concept! Finally! A plus size jean that fits WOMEN! We cannot sing its praises enough. NYDJ is Black Cat Plus’s best selling plus size jean! We are proud to offer NYDJ which are manufactured by people who understand that it is all about a great fit! Say good-bye to love handles. These plus size jeans slim the often problematic lower abdomen, contour the hips and lift the butt without the feeling of being stuffed in binding, tight and uncomfortable material. And there is no doubt, you’ll have a great fitting plus size jean with tummy tucking technology that flattens the stomach and lifts your rear end! Problem area solved with one great fitting pair of plus size jeans! Take the NYDJ challenge and see for yourself!! NYDJ are made proudly in the U.S.A.

As a designer and boutique owner, Phyllis Maks created her Slimfitters™ line to make women think, look and feel thinner, youngish and stylish. Phyllis was troubled by how many women were unhappy with their bodies. She observed that women wanted clothes that made them feel better about their bodies and that were stylish and fashionable. Black Cat Plus is pleased to offer Slimfitter plus size tops, plus size jeans, and plus size pants. Each P.K. Maks Slimfitter™ garment has its own built in body shaper to minimize bulges in the tummy, waistline and hips and give a smoother, slimmer and firmer figure. Take pounds off with PK Maks