With a philosophy to design, “beautiful, comfortable clothes with your figure and respect for our environment in mind.” Diane Kennedy is the plus size woman’s answer sustainable, eco-friendly clothing that does not compromise on fashion, or quality of fit. Inspired by nature and real women’s bodies, unique details are designed specifically to flatter the curvy silhouette of the plus size woman. Diane Kennedy’s love for the environment came when she took time off to care for her son and renewed her love of gardening. She says, “My son would play in the sandbox while color schemes were planned and flowers were watered, tended, deadheaded and composted. Learning to respect the balance of nature without using chemical sprays and growing a diversity of plants brought the birds, bees and butterflies to visit and take up residence. Creating a safe, chemical free environment for my son to play in was very important to me.” Black Cat Plus is pleased to feature Diane Kennedy’s premium, quality garments. Diane Kennedy’s plus size petite pants are the best fitting petite plus pant that we have seen in the market!! From jackets to tops and pants, Diane Kennedy’s eco-friendly fabrics in Bamboo and Tencel knits are sure to be one of your wardrobe staples. Diane Kennedy fashions are produced in British Columbia, Canada. Diane Kennedy agrees with Black Cat Plus—she thinks curves are beautiful and so does Black Cat Plus!

Li Cisia (pronounced Lee Joy-a) produces plus size outwear and plus size occasion wear in flattering, up-to-date styles. Li Cisia is designed by a Chinese design team, trained in China. Exclusively for you from Black Cat Plus, Li Cisia, is our choice for well-made plus size dresses and plus size coats!

Wear-able art! Simply Silk plus size silk jackets are based on hand-painted and exclusive one-of-a-kind prints that can be paired with a dress, pants or a top of your choice. Simply Silk from China is our choice for silk jackets that can be paired with a tank dress or a pants and top. The process of creating the Simply Silk prints is as unique as the designs. All of the prints are created in a team effort. One artist paints one color, the next artist paints another color and so on, until a design is complete. The Simply Silk Jackets come in a flattering kimono style and come with or without embellishments and many of the jackets are hand-washable!

Need comfortable, easy-to-wear clothes for work, play, travel and everything in between? Black Cat Plus is pleased to feature one of the largest collections of plus size Fenini Clothing on the web. Fenini is designed and manufactured right here in the U.S.A. in California Fenini designer, Fei Yang, is joined by her sister, Barbara, who runs the business-side of the company. Ms. Yang truly understands what women want out of their clothing pieces. Every season, the Fenini collection outdoes itself! Need separates or a complete outfit in easy-to-wear cotton fabrics? You cannot go wrong with Fenini!

A jacket is one good separate that can sculpt and create or emphasize an hourglass shape, define your signature style and complete your outfit? Your mission: To choose the right plus size jacket that flatters and completes your look that is effortless. There is no doubt; there are so many variations out there this season.

Your goal with a jacket is to either create that hourglass shape or to show off your curves. Look for a jacket with sharp lines that nips in at the waist and focuses the attention on your best features.

If you carry your weight in your middle, use a jacket in a heavier material so that it is easier for you to create that curvier silhouette. A bit of flare or ruching detail with cinching in the right places will accomplish your mission to minimize, sculpt and draw attention to your best features. Remember–to identify the correct length, first decide upon the pants that you are going to pair with a particular jacket. And, don’t be afraid to get your jacket tailored. It will help make your piece a wardrobe mainstay and will look as if it was exclusively made for you!

Need to expand your jacket purchase into a coat purchase this season? The options for plus size coats are just as amazing as the offerings for plus size jackets this season. Whether in a jacket or coat–we are seeing vibrant bursts of color from reds and purples to heavenly pastel hues from pinks to blues. Invest in a coat that you can wear every single day and find one in a good fabric that has clean, simple lines. The nice thing about a coat is that it can be a complete ensemble embellished with pumps, jewelry, and a belt. Designers have suggested outerwear as one piece that you can bank on this season! So, consider adding that jacket or coat to your wardrobe

Shop for plus size jackets and coats at Blackcatplus store

Doing research for Fall and deciding what key items to include on our site, I continue to be extremely encouraged to see that there are many choices in the plus size women’s clothing category.

I like to see the designers including the curvy women in their offerings. From casual wear separates to career wear must haves to formal wear and everything in-between, the options are many.

However, deciding which trends to adopt as your own may be a bit confusing at first. But once you determine what trends you like and decide if that particular trend fits with your shape, you will be a Catwalk Headliner!

First, below are some points to consider when trying making the most of your shape:

1. Know your body shape as it will help you to dress your figure challenges
   • For larger thighs make sure your pants are cut straight and wider to take the emphasis away from the thigh and puts the focus on the entire length of your leg
   • To minimize extra weight around the middle, try a pant and jacket with a wider waistband. Also, a jacket in a heavier material will help sculpt that hourglass shape.
   • Larger on the bottom with a smaller waist? Try pants with elastic at each side and slit pockets in the back to accentuate your smaller waist and eliminate the underwear gap
   • Use a jacket to help create or emphasize an hourglass shape.
2. Just because it is a trend does not mean that you have to wear it. Some styles may not translate very well into the plus size women’s clothing category or be right for your body type.
   • Ask—Do I like this piece because it is a trend and/or because it gives me the WOW Factor?
   • I am honest with my customers. I always ask that question and say, “Do you think you can do better?”
   • If you love it and it works for you! Great!! Buy it NOW!
3. Can I adapt a part of the trend–perhaps get a key piece that I love but does not work for me in the one of the must-have colors of the season?

The key is to be inspired in the area of plus size women’s fashions this Fall 2008 season. We do have a lot to be thankful for in spite of challenging times. There is much to celebrate!

See you on the Catwalk! Jodell