Hi! It’s Fashion Flash February as Black Cat Plus plays host to the latest and greatest from our favorite bloggers.  Read what’s in the news this week!

Female Fat Loss Over 40, Shawna K, loves ‘workout finishers‘, you can read all about this cool way to drop fat quickly in a super short amount of time.

The Spring Beauty Collections have popped up everywhere and vibrant shades of pink and coral are the focus.  Fab Over Forty shares with us some of the most wearable beauty Spring Collections for women over 40.

What do you wear to a casual sporting event to look like a stylish spectator? The Glam Gals have the perfect fashion solution at Fabulous after 40.

“Déjà Pseu observes that denim at the office isn’t just for Fridays anymore…”

Staness talks about women’s health.  ”This is a dangerous time for women’s health. The last year has seen unprecedented attacks on women’s access to care and on the fundamental right of every woman to make her own medical decisions.  YOU can make a difference, so your daughter has the same health rights as you. Support women’s health today.”

History has shown us that the quest for ultimate beauty is nothing new – it’s just gotten more high tech. Even in antiquity, dating back many thousands of years, famous beauties – including Cleopatra – searched the world over for the best beauty “treatments.” Jackie Silver from AgingBackwards.com shows you that great skin is as close as your doctor’s office with today’s cutting-edge lasers.

Deb of No-Nonsense Beauty Blog  takes a close look at anti-aging  properties of yogurt.

And, over at Black Cat Plus, we are getting ready to go to our trade shows in Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada for MAGIC, WINN, MODA, and more so we can bring you the latest in plus size Spring Fashions for 2012 and give you a sneak peek at Fall 2012, stay tuned!

This season we are seeing some really great trends with a nod to the 70′s with a color, texture, and animal print focus.

You can take advantage of color blocking and use it as an economic way to keep your costs in check and not look as though you are dressing in costume.

Color blocking as pop art is not what you want.  Think understated and the use of solids such as a solid knit top such as this Neon Buddha
Olivia pullover paired with your fave black pencil skirt.

This outfit makes for an easy color block that provides the right amount of balance without going over-the-top.  Afraid that it is too much? Use the darker color on the bottom and the brighter color on top.

Want more bold? Pair texture and print but be sure to stay within the same color family and never mix two of the same prints.

Animal print pieces are still going strong this season. Remember with animal prints to wear one print at a time as well so as not to look to busy.

We love this Simply Silk jacket with its animal-like pattern and a tad bit of beading for texture in the most appropriate fall shades. 

Both pieces are $109 and $110.  Cost-conscious, appropriate and on trend for Fall ’11~

Also, Need help with your wardrobe but on a budget? Then check out Fabulous After 40′s ebook Chic on the Cheap!

More as it happens!

Jodell

Check out this week’s Fashion Flash from Fabulous After 40!

And while you are there, don’t forget to sign up for their Fabulous After 40 Starter Kit and for a chance to win Artisan Design Gallery Cuff Bracelets!

Check out what the gals over at Fabulous After 40 have to say!

As hosts of this week’s fashion flash, they bring the best of the best of this week’s tips for looking and feeling your best!

While you are there, claim your Fabulous After 40 Starter Kit which includes a subscription to their newsletter, special report and give-a-way!

Get a great start to your week and check out the Fabulous After 40 site today!

We were so excited to hear that we were in the top FIVE, out of

the top 40 plus size fashion blogs on the web for 2010.

What do you think of that?  As you know, I love writing about all things related to plus size fashion and trends–it is one of the fun things that I do as owner of Black Cat Plus.  We have worked hard to bring you on the spot video interviews with designers and key fashion experts this season and it is good that others have noticed!

The review says,

“The Black Cat Plus blog is actually part of the bigger Black Cat Plus online shop. The shop has tons of great plus size clothing in many of the biggest brands, all of which are available to purchase through the site – which is something that sets it apart from many of the other plus size fashion blogs on the web. The blog itself is written by Jodell Raymond and has a vast amount of information on plus size fashion & fashion trends in general. Taking cues from pop culture and fashion sources alike, this blog puts together great posts that give good tips to its readers.”

Isn’t that great!?  It is an honor to be on that list with fellow  bloggers, Glen Johnson of Full Figure Plus, Marie Denee of The Curvy Fashionista, M. E. Wood of  PlusShe (look for a give-a-way on there soon!) and Sara of Pazazz, who have inspired me  to keep on bloggin’. When you get a minute, please check out these talented bloggers as they dish on all things plus!  The top 40 also has a few new and established blogs to check out.  It is a great resource for all things plus size!

Need a Halloween costume? The top 40 list is a part of the Halloween costumes site. When you get a minute,  check it out!  Yes, there are even a few cat costumes in the mix!