Black Cat Plus has just launched its new on-line contemporary clothing boutique for plus size women wearing sizes 12 – 24, and also announces its Search for the Authentic Woman Model Search Contest.

President and owner, Jodell Raymond, is an international trainer and speaker on women’s leadership and workplace gender issues and is excited about her new site which caters to women who want to wear contemporary and stylish clothing.

Raymond is a plus size woman who spent considerable time and effort trying to find clothes that had a modern look. Out of that frustration came the inspiration to open an on-line contemporary clothing boutique so that other plus size women did not have to work so hard to find clothes that reflected current styles. Raymond’s primary objective is to find clothing that one would not see in a large department store, allowing her to provide a more distinct offering which reflects the lifestyles of her customers.

She says, “I was always disappointed at the lack of choices for the plus size professional woman. In every city where I had speaking engagements I was always on a mission to find plus size clothing stores where I could shop. Plus size women have the money to spend and we do not want to be banished to wearing baggy clothes in monochromatic tones forever. From work to play, the desire to wear trendy clothes in updated, contemporary styles does not need to stop at a size 10. The average woman wears between a size 12 and 14. We want to wear the same styles as our smaller size counterparts and we want clothing that fits, makes us look and feel terrific, and is appropriate to our lifestyle.”

As part of that mission, Raymond has designed her own line of plus size clothing to offer to customers beginning with its Spring ’08 Collection. “Visit us at our website to view our own exclusive collection of contemporary and stylish plus size fashions,” she says.

To celebrate the plus size woman and her lifestyle choices, Black Cat Plus’ Search for the Authentic Woman Model Search Contest’s was conceived. The objective of the Model Search Contest is to demonstrate that confidence comes in all shapes and sizes and from that confidence comes the power to change perceptions. Raymond has plans to use the site as a forum for dialogue and discussion of issues relevant to all women. She says, “I hope that this site delivers positive messages and allows others to look at vivacious, positive, real women whoii enjoy life.”

Models must be 21 years of age, a size 12, and must answer two questions as part of their entry submission:

1. What is the best lesson I have ever learned? and
2. How do I live an authentic life?

Entry deadline is March 15, 2008. See http://stores.blackcatplus.com/Service.bok for details.

Black Cat Plus offer contemporary and stylish selections from popular on-line retailers such as Kiyonna and Svoboda as well as Canadian Designer Linda Lundstrom, Loco Lindo, Berek, Kaktus, Pure & Co., and Black Cat Plus Private Label. Black Cat Plus also has a store-front showroom/boutique located in Rochester, NY at sister boutique, SoLia Boutique.

Contact: Jodell Raymond 585-413-1320.