I love, love, love, the Oscars! How about you?! I was thinking about how plus size women can take advantage of the trends that we have been seeing for special occasions.

Two things to keep in mind: outrageous and elegant mixed together.

There is a nod to trends of the past, but this spring, fashion is taking a big step in what we are being told, is quite a new direction.  This season: smart and sexy looks rule when paired with sporty and delicate styles and how about in neutral tones all serve to create an elegant, barely there look.

Look for champagne, beige and all shades of grey are in!  Take a look at this grey beaded jacket from Simply Silk.

Part of the reason why this neutral color style has emerged is because there is so much print and energy in other trends this season, which suggests that neutral will also outlive these other trends. You will see bold geometric patterns and animal prints to complement and contrast with the neutral tones.

I am wondering with great anticipation! Will we see these neutrals with a hint of the outrageous this evening for the Oscars?  What will Mo’ Nique and Sandra and Meryl be wearing?
Cannot wait! More tomorrow! We will know soon!
Jodell

Join us live on Black Cat Plus Radio on Wednesday, March 10 at 3pm EST, where host, Jodell Raymond, will talk with Kim Camarella-Khanbeigi Founder and CEO of Kiyonna Clothing.

Jodell Raymond, the Owner and CEO of Black Cat Plus and host of Black Cat Plus Radio, says about this month’s show, “I am excited and honored to talk to Kim Camarella-Khanbeigi of Kiyonna.  We have been carrying Kiyonna since we started our business and are pleased that the line has a loyal following. We love Kiyonna’s dresses and tops and we are anxious to hear what is in store for Spring ‘10. “

Also on the show, will be Tai Goodwin Career Makeover Coach who will talk about adjusting your career goals in this economy.  Jodell says about Tai, “You’ll love Tai’s energy and passion for what she does.  Tips and techniques abound with Tai who is clearly an expert in her field.  We are proud to have her on our show.”

Last week, Designer, Mark Fast, the Canadian born knitwear designer sent plus size model Crystal Renn, a size 16, out on the London catwalk wearing two clingy, knit dresses from his Fall 2010 Collection.

This red dress

And this beige-colored dress

Photos: www.Imaxtree.com/Matteo Volta

His point? Women can look good in couture at any size.  Fast said, “Modeling should be about personality and variety.  It is about beautiful women.  Size should not come into the equation.”

Last season, Fast used models in his show in a range of sizes from 0 to 14.

What to think?  I don’t know.  I have to ponder a bit.

But, I am  liking it.

The story continues.

More as it happens.   Jodell <!– /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Helvetica; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:536902279 -2147483648 8 0 511 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:”"; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-fareast-font-family:”Times New Roman”;} p {mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-fareast-font-family:”Times New Roman”;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} –>

Wanted to get this out real quick!

You can enter to win a $100 Valentines Day Gift Certificate from Black Cat Plus in honor of–yes we promised–Valentines Day and our Simply Silk Kimono Jacket making its debut in the movie, Valentines Day.

All you need to do is to comment on this blog post and state why you should be the winner! All entries will be done chosen on February 12 at 12:00 noon by random.org.  Why not? Go see the movie Valentines Day while you are at it!

Every now and then I am blown away by something and just want to share it! Enjoy!

Weeeeeelllll.  What do ya’ know?  Turning out to be quite a year already for plus size.

Let me think.   Which one is it?

A. Good business?  B. Mea culpa (now THAT would be new) from Karl Lagerfeld after he mentioned that “These are fat mummies sitting with their bags of crisps in front of the television, saying that thin models are ugly, (and, Wait it gets better) …and that the “fashion industry supports dreams and illusions, and no one wants to see round women.”   C.  A good p.r. stunt?  D. He remembered that “round women” buy Chanel perfume.  Lots of it. E. He was hungry and in a bad mood and finally got something to eat.

The January issue of V Magazine (gotta love that magazine!) features the voluptuous burlesque star Miss Dirty Martini in a lingerie-themed photo shoot by Karl Lagerfeld for V Magazine’s Size Issue.  Wearing accessories by Chanel and Lagerfeld–along with pasties, cut-out bras, garter belts and stockings–Miss Dirty Martini looks like Coco Chanel at home in Coco’s Rue Cambon apartment.  When asked why she posed for V Magazine, Miss Dirty Martini said: “Posing on the Double C’s, modeling like my life depended on it, I thought, ‘Why not? Why can’t designers make fashion that mimics the architecture of hips and busts and then choose models that wear it perfectly?’”

Hmmm.  Well said!  And Well done, Miss. Martini! A beautiful fashion piece that captures the imagination and yes, captures even dreams and illusions.

Wait, not done yet.  Can’t resist!

Yoo hoo! Mr. Lagerfeld….Just a reminder…Nevah say Nevah!

More as it happens…Jodell

Look!! Our plus size Simply Silk Jacket is worn by Shirley MacLaine in the upcoming movie, Valentines Day! This is a wonderful kimono style silk jacket in a light shade of pastel pink with butterflies in shades of pink, purple and yellow! A must-have item for - you got it-Valentines Day! Exclusively on line, at Black Cat Plus, the “Valentines Day Butterfly Kimono” comes in One Size Regular and One Size Plus, is hand-washable silk, and retails for $105.00.

From Director Garry Marshall,  this film debuts February 12, 2010, and boasts an all-star studded cast including Julia Roberts, Anne Hathaway, Shirley MacLaine, Hector Elizondo, Jennifer Garner, Ashton Kutcher, Jamie Foxx, Patrick Dempsey, and more! The movie is about intertwining couples that break up and make up due to the pressures that come with Valentine’s Day.

Want a chance to see the movie with your closest friends?  Our friends over at Pop Sugar just let us know about their upcoming promotion to win a private screening of Valentines Day on Valentines Day with your friends!  Go sign up and take a quiz and identify cast members in photos. We got 5 out of 5!

Here’s a preview!  And stay tuned for our Valentines Day promotions!

Interesting story on CNN by Breeanna Hare.

Could it be?

Is 2010 the year for plus size models to get more work and continue the trend of placing plus size models in editorial campaigns-or- is it the same old cycle that we have seen before with a burst of activity that slowly fades away to be resurrected at a later time for the cycle to start again?

I am encouraged that there has been a number of recent high fashion editorial campaigns from V Magazine, Glamour, and Germany’s Brigitte Magazines with plus size models featured along side high fashion, Size 0 models or with models who represent women of all shapes and sizes.

Will it be enough to keep the momentum moving forward?

We know that the plus size models like Crystal Renn can hold their own against their straight-sized counterparts? Now, will the fashion industry and the public allow it, no…demand that it happens?  Finally.

Hmmmn. Remains to be seen.

More as it happens. Jodell

In this month’s podcast scheduled for Wednesday, January 13, 2009 at 3:00-3:45 p.m. EST. Black Cat Plus Radio will feature Sarah Maria, body image expert and Author of “Love Your Body, Love Your Life.”

Listeners can log onto the show live at on Wedensday, January 13, at 3:00 p.m. EST.  Shows are also archived for easy access.

Sarah Maria, a reknown body-image expert who helps people love their bodies no matter how they look, shows people how to discover the beauty that is already inside of them, right now, in this moment. Once people lconnect with this beauty, they will discover that anything is possible - that they can create a body and a life that they truly love. Sarah Maria’s mission is to create a world where every person sees the beauty in themselves and in others. Sarah Maria has trained with well-known teachers and physicians, including Deepak Chopra, Dr. David Simon, Wayne Dyer, and Jack Canfield, among others. Her work has been endorsed by Deepak Chopra, Dr. David Simon, and NY Times best-selling author Marci Shimoff, as well as many other notable physicians, psychologists, and educators. Before writing her first book, she received a law degree from Stanford and a Master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University.

We Love Colors has a New Plus Size Modeling Contest!  The contest runs all month long! All you need to do is to submit a headshot and body shot and one paragraph that talks about why you would look good wearing a pair of We Love Colors tights.  The Winner will receive three pair of tights FREE!

We’ve got all the details below! Check it out!

We Love Colors is a hosiery company that offers a large selection of sizes, including plus size, and colors for women, men and children.  They carry dancewear, tights, leggings, fishnet hosiery, socks and much more.  And, the colors range from solids to wild prints and everything in between! Baby, it’s cold outside! and with temperatures in the single digits, this is a perfect time to wear tights with your favorite outfit! So stock up now with all of your faves from We Love Colors!

Photo: We Love Colors.

We Love Colors has been featured in such magazines as Italian Vogue, Teen Vogue, Sportswear International, and W.  They also carry custom tights by Caroline Geys.  Ordering is easy! You can order on-line or by phone at 800-770-3177.  They ship domestic and internationally.  For the U.S., Shipping is only $5. For more fashion info, visit their blog!