It’s that time again when we look at what is in store for Fall ‘10!

We are seeing three key trends that are flattering to the plus size woman.

Look for prints, lots of prints and soft, flattering colors like this Sienna Rose Top, easy-to-wear fabrics and clothing that is not too tight, allows for free movement and swings away from the body creating a flow,  almost ethereal look.

Check out my interview below with David Wolfe, Creative Director for The Doneger Group. (You’ve wondered where retailers get their information from? Here’s our secret!)

The Doneger Group is leading source of global market trends and David Wolfe who was so kind to give me a few minutes of his time,  is a leading authority on fashion, color and is also renown as a trend forecaster.

Good news!  We can add  Toula to the esteemed list of Sakes Fifth Avenue plus size designers.

Perhaps it signals that times are a changing?

Oh, how I wish we could add them to the list of plus size boutiques as well.  What do you think? Maybe in time?

Following other luxury labels, women’s apparel manufacturer Toula will debut its  plus size Fall 2010 collection at Saks Fifth Avenue’s New York Flagship store.   The collection is made up of  mix and match pieces in women’s sizes 14W-24W.

“We’re excited to expand our reach through this partnership and reach a much larger, cosmopolitan audience,” explained Steven Wang, co-owner of the label. “Toula has been available for decades at smaller boutiques, but this distinctive line sold at Saks will reachan entirely new market.”

The collection features forgiving wool and rayon fiber blends which lends itself  to curvier women’s shapes and can be blocked up or down a size to accommodate body fluctuations.  The pieces enhance a woman’s natural silhouette with flattering cuts and elegant, understated detailing.  The wrinkle-resistant fabrics are ideal for the traveling professional woman with refined taste.

Complete outfits from Toula will retail from $1200-$1600.

Toula joins the luxury labels which previously sold items up to a size 10.  This season, size 14’s will hit the shelves from a myriad of designer labels including: Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Akris, Armani, Carolina Herrera, Escada, Donna Karan, St. John, Oscar de la Renta, Max Mara, Valentino, Michael Kors, Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Fendi and Roberto Cavalli.  It has been reported that some designers will even go up to a size 20W, with Toula going up to a size 24W.

Toula started in 1986 in a a one-room factory in the home of owners Eddie and Ming Wang and has grown into a successful family business, now run by their son Steven Wang.

Toula has stayed true to its original mission of creating practical and sophisticated clothing.  Classic, timeless and well-made describes this fashion forward designer.  With the majority of fashion designers not making clothes for everyday people, Toula focuses on mature, professional women and has prospered as a result.

Joining the ranks of Germany’s Brigitte Magazine is Brazil’s Beleza em Curvas (Beauty and Curves), the first plus size woman’s magazine in Brazil.

On the above cover is the lovely plus size model, Fluvia Lucerda.

Catering to plus size women between the ages of 20-50, Beleza em Curves features fashion and beauty, health, welfare, gender and behavior along with celebrity interviews.  Beleza em Curves shows that having a good self esteem is the key to living well.

Well, I took German up until Sophomore year in college. Now, I gotta learn Portugese!

OK. U.S. publishers? Any takers??

More as it happens! Jodell

The count down is on here at Black Cat Plus and to our Mad Men Season 4 Premiere Party!  Yes, finally!  We are a little over 24 hours and counting to the premiere of Mad Men on AMC at 10:00 p.m. EST.

I cannot wait, how about you?

What I have noticed is the influence from Mad Men on Plus Size Fashion.

Look for these three main trends in plus size fashion this summer and fall :

1. The hourglass shape

2. Red lips with a matte finish.  Make-up artist Lana Horochowski usually reaches for NARS Red Square Velvet Matte Lip Pencil ($24).

3. Kitten heels with a pointy toe.  I am keeping my eye on these Stuart Weitzman pointed toe kitten heels from Zappos!

They come in Wide -even better!

I love the body hugging, waist minimizing, hourglass styles that show off our curves such as this Julianna cowl neck dress from Kiyonna!

Creating an hourglass shape allows you to show off your curves in all the right places! After all, if you’ve got it flaunt it!!

We are also seeing the Jackie O influence such as this Capelet from A People United.

Here’s how to work it so you don’t look as though you are going to a Halloween Party dressed as a Mad Men Character: Choose one or two of the influencing trends to wear for the day and you will be right in Mad Men Style!

Take a look at what is in store for Mad Men Fashion Style for Season 4!

The name of our site is, after all, Black Cat Plus.

And once in awhile, we find things to talk about other than plus size fashion. Gasp! I know you find it hard to believe.

So, for all of you fellow animal lovers out there here is a promotion for you. From July 30-August 30 2010, send (by email snail mail, or fax) us your movie ticket stub to Cats and Dogs 2 The Revenge of Kitty Galore, and we will send you a gift coupon for $10 off of your next order and $1 of your purchase will be donated to the WINN Feline Foundation if you have a cat or the AKC Humane Fund if you have a dog.

Berlioz, Stiller, Salem  (from left to right), and Massimo, our mascot and Twitter Star (below), thank you!

Now, go and get your pet and watch the preview!

Happy Fourth of July! We have the plus size fashionista’s true red, white and blue promo that we came across recently!

Kudos to Tommy Hilfiger and Co.!

Here’s your opportunity to help disadvantaged women achieve economic independence! When you purchase this limited edition scarf or tie at Tommy Hilfiger’s on line shop, 100% of the proceeds will benefit our fave charity Dress for Success! The best thing: It’s on Sale!! You know you want it!  Truly a present to yourself and a way to help other women become independent!

What a great Facebook Fan Page promotion that Mushka by Sienna Rose is having this Summer.

We are proud to be an official e-tailer of Sienna Rose.  They have the most beautiful tops, tunics and dresses such as this Plus Size  Feathered Daisy dress pictured below !

The vibrant prints and soft, flowing fabrics are to die for.  We love this plus size tank top in Python Paisley and this Vanity top below has been a big seller!

You can also click on our Black Cat Plus Radio Episode #9 interview with Sienna Rose and hear more about this wonderful line!

So, For the promotion. Here’s all you need to do!

“Like” Sienna Rose’s Facebook Fan Page and send an email telling them why you should win a closet makeover.

First Prize is $500! Second prize is $250.  All the way to Fifth Prize at $65! You have to try for it! What do you have to lose?

The summer wardrobe give-a-way starts on June 21, 2010 and ends July 15, 2010.  Winners will be notified on Sienna Rose’s Facebook Fan Page.

And tell your friends–they can win too!

More as it happens!

Jodell

Ok, Ready to Give Drop Dead Diva another shot! All of my friends liked it and told me it was a START to viewing plus size women in a different, positive light and that it became a commentary on how society views women. Rewind tape.

Last season, I just could not get past the stereotypical behavior–eating donuts–I cringed. And the show started to evolve around society’s expectations for women rather than a fat vs. thin face-off.  That theme will be interesting to see if it develops even more this season. And Jane and the actress Brooke Elliot really grew on me.  I like Brooke Elliot’s work a lot!  Gotta tune in to see–what about Jane’s hubby returning and what happens to current boyfriend. Ah, the plot thickens!

I will be there with my pen in hand taking notes today–Sunday, June 6 at 9pm EST.  Let’s see what happens this season to our gal, Jane!   Just became a Fan on Facebook!  More as it happens. Jodell

Are you as  tired as I am of not being represented in the media and fashion and beauty worlds?

Well…here is our chance to be heard!

They need our help with 10,000 signatures!

Sign the Real Bodies Unite Campaign petition to show the fashion and beauty industry that we mean business and want to be better represented.  For more info watch the video below!

June is almost here can you believe it? Almost six months into 2010.

And ’tis the season for love, love, and more love.  Wedding fever is upon us!

Here are three things to keep in mind when you are searching for that special dress to wear to a wedding:

#1:  Note the time of day, the location of the wedding and what the invitation says.  For a more formal wedding or a wedding later in the day that runs into the evening, you may want to consider a suit, a cocktail dress or a more formal dress in a longer length.  Depending upon the formality, you may want to have a dress that has a bit of beading.  Take a look at our Simply Silk Two Piece Beaded Dress for a more formal wedding.

For a less formal dress, you can consider a jacket over a pant suit or a tank dress.   Take a look at our Sienna Rose Black and Cream Feathered Daisy Dress

or our Simply Silk Jackets like this Aqua silk burnout kimono jacket or the

Simply Silk hand painted, beaded mini butterfly kimono jacket.  For the most part, anything goes—within reason.  However, club wear, too-revealing attire and wild prints are best left for another time and place.

Remember the choices are endless! You can dress in pretty floral prints or solid colors in yellow, blue, green,  or purple and certainly avoid anything that will “outshine” the bride–like all white– on her special day.

When in doubt: Call and ask– it is perfectly acceptable to do so.

#2  Consider the wear-ability and reuse-abilty factor. In other words, can I wear it again?   Many times, I have purchased “the season” dress up dress as long as I am not going to be seen by the same circle of friends and family.  Make the dress different by choosing different accessories.  I love to be able to have an item that crosses over from work to more formal wear.

#3  Consider the  fabric and detail work on the dress. Can it be removed if you want to make it your everyday dress.  Don’t forget your tailor! It always amazes me when women come into the store and find that perfect dress but it is too long here or  too big there or shows too much here…A good tailor is a must!  For a small amount, you can take the garment to the tailor and get it adjusted to you.  Very few things today fit like a glove.   Investing a little bit will save you a lot in the long run.

Most of all, share the love and have fun! Happy Wedding Season to All!