When full-figured and fashionable Catherine Weaver opened up a small boutique in Memphis, Tennessee in 1960, she probably  couldn’t image that her little shop, Catherine’s, would turn into a style destination with over 400 locations nationwide catering to chic and sophisticated women 16W-34W and 0X-5X.

The sister brand to Lane Bryant prides itself on offering affordable high quality clothes in cuts, designs, shapes, patterns and color to flatter any figure.

I attended the media and bloggers launch of Catherine’s newest location, inside the relatively new Ritchie Station Marketplace shopping complex in Capitol Heights, Maryland last night. 

I arrived to the Thursday evening event when it was already an hour in. The store which sits on a slight hill, nestled near the Dave & Buster’s entertainment center, was brightly lit with all the crisp fall line of clothing, and it was also electrifying with popular music blaring overhead, setting the mood.

I saw very fashionable full figure bloggers milling about, greeting one another, checking out the offerings, and just generally,  looking fabulous like this gorgeous curvy woman in this very fly denim dress and fierce colorblock platform heels!

Ma’am! We’re not worthy…mkay!?! Thanks to our host, a nice display of refreshments sat nearby which was just what I needed at the end of a long day, fighting a little bit of traffic in the Uber to get there. Petite caprise sandwhiches, fruit and crackers and a cheese plate! Yum! Please and thank you!…and is that jicama?!? Owww! 

I was immediately drawn to the Breast Cancer Awareness Collection in the center aisle, where 10% of sales from the pink, black and grey athletic wear will support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. I liked the athletic gear and yoga wear section, generally, because it was bright and colorful and made of breathable swear wicking materials !

Nice!

Then my eyes wandered to the wonderfully styled mannequins which offer styling suggestions and ideas. Of course that sweater would pair perfectly with this blouse and this belt! Of course!

And then there are the Catherines’ Curvy Collection items that can be mixed and matched to create night, day, play and in between looks depending on how one accessorize, dress up or dress down the pieces. And as with each Catherine’s, the very friendly sales staff are able to assist you in hooking up an outfit and finding the perfect accessory to match.

This poncho above is to die for, right?!

Personally, I adored the ladies working this night at this location.

And they really know how to guide your selections so you leave happy and knowing you got a great deal!

I couldn’t get enough of the jewerly and I left the store purchasing a gorgeous rose gold cuff necklace, a thick rose gold rope bracelet and some whimsical earrings that look really tribal.Just in time for fall, there are loads of leather, plaid and scarves to welcome the cooler temps.  But you can still find some light and airy floral pieces that are sunny and reminiscent of Spring. The lingerie, undergarments and intimates section was fully stocked as well. And the buy 3, get 1 free sale was on point! 

Overall, I had a great time, connecting with other bloggers, influencers and fashion journalists from the area.

We got a special discount but you don’t have to be a blogger to get treated special!

For those of you who live in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area, this weekend, starting today through Sunday, stop on in the Ritchie Station store to get a chance to win a $250 shopping spree, special personal styling, goodies and gifts, $10 off a next visit and more!