This season, for a change from basic black, add a little bit of pizazz to your look by combining black and brown or try shades of gray.

A universally flattering color, these shades are versatile and can stand alone or can easily be paired with basic black for a rich look.  I just love the new shades of gray this season such as this Art of Cloth Anya Vest in Gravel which also combines a hint of texture as well.

As a topper, pair your jacket such as this Neon Buddha Mya Jacket with a basic black pair of dress pants or a similar shade pant which will lengthen and slim your torso.

Festive, fun and flattering shades of gray can be a perfect addition to your wardrobe this holiday season.

Changes in manufacturing technology keeps plus size women feeling in style and on trend! Check out this interesting video!

What do you think of getting rid of the term, “plus size?”

If it is up to Queen Latifah, who is launching her own line later this summer for the Home Shopping Network, the term “plus size” wil no longer be a term used when describing clothing for sizes 14+.

Latifah told Women’s Wear Daily recently, ” ‘I wanted to make something size two and up. ‘The truth is, we all would like to wear the same clothes. We all want to wear beautiful, fly clothes no matter what size you are, and so for me it was important to match with a company that understood and respected that ideal.”

Fashion isn’t about the brand, the size or the price tag. It isn’t about being a hand-me-down vintage or a gorgeous, credit card-busting (http://www.lovemoney.com/creditcards/) pret-à-pôrter designer piece. It is about how it makes you look and feel! Everybody has known that great sensation a superb new outfit can give you. If you don’t– then you had better read this blog more often! There are so many fantastic options out there, for beautiful women of all shapes and sizes.

Now I have heard it all.

The latest on plus size models in advertisements appears to have taken a negative turn?

According to a new Arizona State University Study, plus size models have no clout in persuading women to buy certain products.

Dove’s Real Beauty campaign.Photo: Courtesy of Dove

I know you are dying to know why. Ready:

Because the ads may (may?) make them feel bad about themselves and not want to purchase the products.

The research (and I want to see this research report) report basically said that skinny women identified with skinny and heavier models because they identified with the skinny women and felt better about themselves when compared to the heavier women; heavy women with high BMI felt big when they compared themselves to the thinner models, yet they identified with the bigger models.  Average-size women felt skinny and better about themselves when faced with thin models, but heavy and bad when faced with bigger models.

Most of the women in the U.S. are a size 14 so what is the point?  Helloooo They identified with the bigger models. If the majority of the women in the U. S. identified with the bigger models wouldn’t they buy the products they represent?

So, I will be right back.  I am going to the store RIGHT NOW to buy everything that Dove has in stock. Dove Soap, Dove Liquid, whatever Dove has, I am buying it.

Here’s the uh, “good news.” The researchers found that plus size models were useful when they appeared in ads for certain things, such as weight-loss supplements and gyms.  Why? Because this type of product advertising makes women feel bad enough about themselves and motivated to purchase those products.

Seems as though there is a bit of bias in the interpretation of findings to me.

More as it happens. 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

In just a few hours, we will be debuting our new A People United line. Taken from a Chilean folk song whose lyrics proclaim that “A People United Can Never Be Defeated” this company has provided over 1,000 scholarships for Nepali children to attend private schools. We are pleased to bring you items from a socially conscious company that provides a superior product.

The Tribe Collection which we feature in our show room and on our site, offers great pieces for plus size.  Each piece offers an up-to-date style,  a comfortable, relaxed fit, without compromising style, and features breath-able cotton fabric in generous cuts.  The tag on each garment reads:  Tribe is handcrafted by village weavers in Nepal.  Spun into thread and interwoven in the cloth, you may find natural imperfections such as those inherent in our lives, our minds and our bodies.  Please appreciate the unique quality each purchase offers as you contribute to the education of 160 of our Nepalese workers children and the future they will influence.

Any question in your mind now as to why we added A People United to our collections?  Founded almost 20 years ago, by Robert Gruber, a practicing attorney who went back to school to obtain a Master’s in Public Health.  While working for the Federal Government in the Public Health field, Robert came up with the idea for A People United.  Now a family affair, Robert’s wife, Laura Emberson, is the talented in-house artist and the creator of the line’s unique prints.  Both Robert and Laura and their children are often featured in promotional pieces wearing the clothing. Robert contacted us about a year ago and we were very impressed with the story of A People United.  And, we were ecstatic when we actually saw the line in person! We know you will be delighted to wear these pieces.

We have more items shipping for Fall ’09 and cannot wait until you see how all of the pieces can mix and match.  You’ll want to get them all!

A People United’s corporate strategy depends on the partnership with their boutiques and through you, our customers, to value the workmanship inherent in each garment and the knowledge that the line is not only beautiful and value-priced, but is also helping to create a better world.

We began with the Contour Jacket as the center-piece of the line and will add several tops and jackets, including the Contour jacket in different colors, this Fall.

Join me in welcoming A People United to Black Cat Plus: A unique story, a signature collection and a company for our time.