Full figure shapewear can complete your look from that special party dress to your favorite pencil skirt to your jeans. Today’s technological advances make for a perfect compliment for plus size women when it comes to choosing and wearing their shapewear. Gone are those bulging seams and heavy boning with yesterday’s shapewear garments that can produce unnatural contours as well as thick nylon and power mesh layers that move unflattering inches to other parts of the body. Seamless, heat sealed technologies along with fabrics that feature feather light, breathable control panels that move with your body and feels like a second skin, is a welcome addition to any outfit.

It is possible to find full figure shapewear garments to flatter and show off your curves. After all, it is no one’s business but your own what parts of your body you don’t want to advertise! There are a variety of plus size shapewear garments that look and feel wonderful and go with your curves providing a flattering silhouette underneath dresses, skirts and jeans!

Some tips to keep in mind when selecting the shapewear garment of your choice:

• Measure: Make sure you know which areas you want to target and get accurate measurements of those areas so you can find the right size based on manufacturer specs. As with apparel, each shapewear manufacturer’s sizing is different, so do pay close attention to their size charts.

• Fit: Getting shapewear that is too big or too tight will negate the affect you are trying to create. Ever have your shapewear twisted? To ensure that your shapewear will stay in place and that the seams and panels will be straight. Step into the legs of the garment, pull up until you reach the point where you would like your shaper to begin. As you pull the garment up and over your torso, simply un-gather the shapewear. Once you have your shapewear on, sit down, bend and stretch. If you feel a binding area, readjust. Your shapewear must be comfortable while sitting as standing. And whatever you do, do not buy your shapewear one size too small. A smaller garment will not hold you in MORE or give you more control it will just make you unnecessarily uncomfortable. Instead, go up to the next level of control. (If you have moderate control go to a firm control garment). Shapewear make you hot? Look for pieces that have a cotton blend so that the garment can breathe and you can feel more comfortable. Make sure that your waist stays in place and does not move or roll over, as it may be an indication that you will need another size or that your shapewear has been broken down and needs to be replaced. Your shapewear should not have any wrinkles or bulges and make sure that you have a proper fit in the crotch as well.

• Control Level: Shapewear comes in a variety of control levels: from light to very firm. These control levels allow you to choose the amount of support that’s right for you. In some instances, control top pantyhose or a full or just a half slip can provide about the same support as light control shapewear garments. Moderate control provides extra smoothness with light control panels. You should be able to move around comfortably for the day or evening activities when wearing moderate control shapewear garments. Using current technological advances, firm and extra firm shapewear garments are comfortable and provide the most support and control. However, in some instances you may not be able to wear them all day long.

• Desired Target Area: Not all shapewear is created equal. Each shapewear piece is designed to target a specific area or areas: tummy, thigh, waist, buttocks, or all over coverage. Choosing the right garment depends upon how much control you desire and which area you want to focus on.

• Below is a synopsis of each target body area along with the corresponding shapewear pieces you can choose from. Note: Each shapewear piece depends upon what you are wearing over it and what area (s) you want support and control.
  1. Tummy- If you want to focus on your tummy and midriff area and give the illusion of flat stomach and rock hard abs, choose from a cami shaper,  panty shaper or tummy shaper.  

1. Thighs, Waist and Buttocks-If you wish to shape the thigh area, lift the buttock area, narrow your hips and minimize your waist, choose froma boxer shaper, high waist boxer shaper or legging shaper. If you are a pear shape, make sure your shapewear piece has extra support in outer thighs and buttocks.

   

1. All Over Coverage When you need all over trimming and toning consider a boxer body shaper or high waist boxer shaper if you want to or need to wear your own bra.

Finding the right full figure shapewear garment will provide the “foundation” for every item in your wardrobe and give you the opportunity to improve the way your clothes fit and feel! Shapewear gives you the option to wear your garments in the most flattering way possible! Shapewear gives you the option to wear your garments in the most flattering way possible! After all, it’s not about what size you wear it’s how you wear your size!

We have had a few inquiries about the trend of printed leggings and how they translate to plus size.  With help from our friends at WeLoveColors.com we have a few great suggestions on how to wear plus size printed leggings.

Actually, graphic eye-catching printed tights can hide problem areas.  Think of the concept of to “distract” rather than to “attract” which is what printed leggings can do when paired with the right ensemble.  Make sure you wear your printed leggings with oversized t-shirts, long belted shirts, or plain-colored simple tunic-style tops such as our Comfy USA Black Tunic.  Choose high heeled shoes to make your legs look  slender or wear leggings with simple flats and take note: this is not the time to wear your statement shoes, let your tights do the talkin’.

Leggings will be everywhere this Fall and why not take a chance with this exciting fashion statement?  You can order your tights online at www.welovecolors.com or by phone at 1-800-770-3177 and soon from Black Cat Plus! We love their tights! And oooohhh U.S. shipping is only $5 and they ship internationally too! And Follow WeLoveColors on Twitter OR on their Facebook Fan Page, mention to We Love Colors that you saw this blog post or heard the promotion on bcpradio and you will receive one pair of tights for FREE when you purchase two pairs of tights at regular price.  And that’s not it! Also receive Free Shipping! Just Mention blackcatplusradio in your tweet or on their wall!  This offer is good until September 1, 2009 at 12:00 midnight EST.

Great things are happening with denim this season.  Amazing washes and interesting details are THE focal points going forward.  Colored thread, an even better fit using the latest materials and new embroidery methods are proving to be big hits with our customers. 

NYDJ has has taken their popular bootleg styles jean and used tan colored thread for detailing on back pockets, side seams and front pockets.  Because of their black color, these jeans can be taken from day to evening in an instant.  This is a perfect example of sophistication and elegance taken to the next level.  

Dark colored denim with lighter, contrast  stitching is a figure flattering must-have.  Remember, the darker the denim, the more flattering the silhouette. 

Talk about interesting details.  Check out NYDJ’s latest capris!  Crystal stone rivets at the side cuffs make these jeans a fan favorite.  We cannot brag enough about this simple, yet elegant style jean.  

And to top off those details the new styles hava an outstanding fit.  Today’s materials which include lycra and spandex are designed to make you look slimmer and feature a fit that is universally flattering to plus size women.  The jeans do not sag, bag, or lose their shape after washing.  Need a simpler style?  Check out our PK Maks Slimfitter jeans.

Need to purge your previously worn denim?  Go to http://www.kidsblogs.nationalgeographic.com/greenscene/ to find out how and where to donate your old jeans, set a Guiness World Record for the Largest Collection of Clothes to Recycle and protect the planet at the same time. 

How about some Black Magic to put the Fling in your Spring? From a sophisticated shirt dress to the versatile surplice dress for daytime dressing that easily transcends to night, to whimsical and sexy cocktail dresses that puts you at the front and center of the action, there are plenty of black dresses that appeal to every personality and occasion and sure to flatter the plus size woman this season. We love this season’s silhouettes that are borrowed from past decades and combined with a curve-conscious fit that give an up-to-date look that is picture perfect for the curvy figure.

You cannot go wrong with a dress that has simple lines and a belted waist to show off your hourglass curves. This season’s shirt dress is the perfect answer to sophistication without a lot of fuss. From daytime dressing to casual, cool and comfortable, a shirt dress offers one of the best options to easily take your look from day to evening with minimal effort. The key to choosing the right shirt dress is to find one that has the best proportion to flatter your figure. Don’t be afraid to re-adjust the belt loops to put curves where you need them. For an edgier look, choose to accent your shirt dress with an elastic band patent belt in a bold color or pair your dress with stilettos to give your look added sex appeal and that finishing touch. This shirt dress from SWAK Designs:

.. is the perfect answer to understated elegance from daytime to nighttime and everything in-between.

A classic and oh-so-reliable dress in a simple silhouette shows off your shape. You can never be too rich, too curvy or have too many basic little black dresses! Choose a dress in an easy-care and easy-wear fabric with your choice of one many clean design elements of a plunging neckline, faux wrap silhouette, kimono sleeves, empire waist ruching detail, or an unfussy surplice bodice. Pack your surplice dress for a weekend get-a-way, wear it to the office or accessorize it for a night on the town for a versatile and easy look. This surplice dress from SWAK Designs:

.. is influenced by one of this season’s most exciting fashion trends,–the Orient–with its hint of a kimono sleeve and low-cut, V-neck front, this dress helps you accentuate the positive and keeps you right on trend for a mission accomplished.

If you’ve got it, flaunt it in a glam cocktail dress that never goes out of style! Choose a dress for the cocktail hour that takes the clean design elements and adds a touch of understated sexy that makes you look and feel fabulous. Opt for Old Hollywood Style in Lace or Fifties Glam in a figure hugging cocktail dress from Kiyonna. Kiyonna’s Flaunt Cocktail dress:

.. is one cocktail dress you will never part with. Like this dress:

but need it in a different color–we have just what you need in the color Blush. Whether in black or blush, the ruching around the torso and floating bodice gives you a flattering shape.

One timeless classic reminiscent of Old Hollywood Glamour that is very popular at BCP is our Kiyonna Lace Dress:

This dress is cut to flatter with fabric that is romantic and shows off your features in a positive way.
The Kiyonna Lace Dress was one of the season’s hits at the Gilda’s Club Surviving In Style Fashion Show here in Rochester, NY, which we were proud to be a part of!

As you can see with a little help from our friends at S.W.A.K Designs, The little black dresses this season are excellent examples of easy-to-wear styles in feminine fabrics that allow you to show off your personality for any special event.

Black Cat Plus is proud to feature designs from Linda Lundstrom. Deeply committed to social and environmental causes, Linda Lundstrom’s goal from its very beginnings in 1974 in her two bedroom apartment was to head, the most environmentally responsible clothing brand possible – while producing fabulous Canadian fashions for authentic women everywhere! This pioneer of the green movement has done just that! You will be proud to wear clothes that are breath takingly beautiful and are flattering to the plus size silhouette. Linda’s focus is to create fashions for real women, authentic women with real lives and real bodies! That focus definitely includes the plus size woman!! Linda Lundstrom is truly a personal and professional inspiration! We love wearing her clothes and offering her life inspiring and life changing fashions to our customers.

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

I always use this part of the year as a time to re-define my personal and business goals and to re-new my sense of personal style. This Fall is a time for renewal as we look to fashion to help us reaffirm our sense of style and give us stability as we manage through uncertain times.

This season, you will take your front row seat on our Catwalk at a Fashion Show designed just for you. You will be able to see firsthand what our CFO (Chief Fashion Officer) and buying team believes is the best of the best for Plus Size Fashion for Fall 2008.

We have tried to eliminate S.A. S. or Shopping Anxiety Syndrome to save you time and money (and gas) and help you decide which key pieces are best to add to your wardrobe.

The curtain is about to open and the show is about to begin. What can you expect? Bohemian Chic, Floral prints (although much more subdued than in previous seasons), Active-wear influences, Animal Prints, Menswear and Retro Glam influence, Environmentally conscious fabrics, Metallic’s representing Mother Nature and Earth and a touch of Artistry, Exploding Brights, and Mysterious Darks with the color purple taking center stage.

All of these items combine with a sense of taste and elegance that can easily transcend from season to season and allow you to get more wear from your wardrobe. You will also see many of these silhouettes, patterns, textures, colors, and hues carried over into a renewed love of separates from coats to tops and skirts to handbags and accessories.

What are excited that our designers have successfully and tastefully translated these elements into plus size fashion and it is perfection personified. Having a Shape is IN! And, we have Shape and we know how to use it!

So, sit back, relax and enjoy the show in your front row seats!

See You On the Catwalk! Jodell

I was reading in Women’s Wear Daily that sports apparel is not just for doing yoga anymore! How true! I think I spend at least one or two days a week running around town in my yoga clothes.

Today’s cultural norms dictate a more relaxed style of dressing. Going from a yoga class to lunch to run errands is quite the norm these days and there is not a better time to find stylish yoga and active wear separate for plus size women.

According to the Lifestyle Monitor, 82% of the women surveyed said that they wear their sports apparel around the house; 65% wear it to run errands, 40% wear it while shopping, 20% wear it to lunch and 9% wear it to work!

At BCP, we have just the outfit with our Neon Buddha separates in easy-to-wear and up-to-date style jackets, pants, and t-shirts that can be layered and mixed and matched. We love the details on the yoga pants with the coconut shell buttons. Cute touch! What more can a girl ask for?? Great Style, Great Value, Great Fit, and a Multi-occasion item! Off to Magic in Vegas to see what is new! More as it happens! Jodell

Welcome to the NEW and improved Black Cat Plus Web Boutique! We have been busy for the past few months dreaming and designing and making it all become a reality!!! Thank you to all of our customers for your suggestions and comments–we heard you!!

And, we will continue to do our best to provide you with the latest in plus size contemporary fashion!

We hope you love our new look as much as we do!

Celebration Special! Free Shipping on All Domestic Orders for the Month of August! Don’t forget…we still have our Plus Size Model Search Contest Going On Right Now!!