As if the hectic life of a corporate trainer and consultant were not enough, plus size entrepreneur Jodell Raymond decided the world of plus size fashion was calling her. In October 2007 she opened her walk-in store Lil Black Cat Designer Plus, a boutique in Rochester, New York; then in December she entered the international world of the internet with Black Cat Plus an on-line boutique offering contemporary plus size fashions. They are now her "full time passion and mission". Black Cat Plus carries fashions from a number of plus size designers (listed below) as well as Black Cat Plus's signature selection which Jodell designs. Their goal "is to provide the best of the best of what is out there" for "the various lifestyle choices of the plus size woman".

Selection: Black Cat Plus has an assorted selection of products including denim, dresses, eco-friendly, handbags, jackets, lingerie, pants, pet accessories, shapewear, skirts, sweaters, tops, vests, wraps. Each category has any where from one to ten or more items to browse through. They hope to add jewelry and accessories over the next year.

Sizing: Clothing ranges in size from 12 - 24 or 1x - 3x.

Styling: Black Cat Plus carries such designers as: Adrianna Papell, Banana Blue, Berek, Black Cat Plus Signature, Kaktus, Kiyonna, Linda Lundstrom, Loco Lindo, Origami, Pure & Co. Handknit, Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit, Rising Phoenix, Svoboda, Three Sisters, and Y.A.S.B. The styles are conservative with a lot of patterns.

Pricing: $45 - $159 depending on selection.

Availability: They offer free shipping in the U.S. on regular priced items totaling $100+. Average shipping costs range from $4.95 - $8.95. They will ship internationally beginning at $14.95 for the first $75 and upwards from there.

Overall Impression: It's a cute site with a cute concept. They offer personal shopping service and gift wrapping which is a nice convenient touch. There is an informative and easy to read guide on desired fabrics and cuts for different body types for anyone who wants to look their best but isn't sure where they should start. One of the best features of this website is their alliance with Dress for Success, a charity that collects suits for disadvantaged women to help them look their best when they are looking for work. Black Cat Plus offers a 10% discount off orders for making a monetary or clothing donation to Dress for Success (see website for details and directions). I look forward to watching the growth of this online plus size boutique.

Visit Black Cat Plus for contemporary plus size clothing.
Read more from Jodell in the Large and Lovely forum.