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LAPLACE — Since opening The Red Carpet Boutique LLC in LaPlace a year-and-a-half ago, Iesha Taylor has heard customers express a need for plus-size women’s clothing stores in the River Region. Taylor thought of her mother, the late Mary Francis, when she considered whether her store offered clothing that could make women of all shapes and sizes feel like queens.

A photo of Mary Francis hangs on the wall of The Red Carpet Boutique XL, a new expansion in the Riverlands Shopping Center that specializes in elegant and fashionable plus-size clothing. While the original location at 1617 W. Airline Highway focuses more on everyday wear, The Red Carpet XL has an “after 5” flair with high fashion gowns and dresses for every occasion. The new store also offers shoes, accessories and children’s clothes.

“This is an extension that has more dressy attire, more formal wear, and there are more plus-size clothes. We have plus-size tops, jeans, everything,” Taylor said. “It’s a whole different ambiance here versus the first store. Over there, it’s organized different and the racks go straight across. Here, we have after 5 wear for all sizes, but all the sizes are mixed in so a person doesn’t have to feel self-conscious or singled out going to a plus-size section. It really encourages people to shop and look around.”

The Red Carpet Boutique XL offers a variety of styles in different lengths, colors and materials. Taylor said the store will specialize in custom orders for those looking for a piece perfectly matched to their style and personality in advance of a wedding or other formal event.

With two-to-three weeks’ notice, Taylor will give the customer a questionnaire to fill out to help describe her style and the color she is looking for.

“You tell me if you want a short dress or a long dress, something with stones or sequins. You tell me your color. Based on that questionnaire, I’m going to select three-to-five items for you to choose from,” Taylor said.

The special order service will require pre-payment, and the customer will be able to select the piece that best suits her.

During Thursday’s ribbon cutting, Parish President Jaclyn Hotard told Taylor that it has been a pleasure to watch her grow over the years in her business ventures, and she has no doubt that success will follow anything she puts her hands on.

After working as a schoolteacher for 13 years, Taylor carried over her love of education with the opening of Kids of Distinction Daycare in LaPlace. She has operated the daycare for the past seven years. Taylor also has experience operating a non-surgical lipo health and wellness center in addition to managing a group home and rental properties in the area. She is excited to reach a new segment of St. John the Baptist Parish through her two boutiques.

Taylor said her success would not be possible without the love, support and encouragement she’s received from her husband Derrius Taylor, son D.J. Taylor and mother-in-law Laurie Adams.

Derrius Taylor said his wife makes sure all of the clothing in her boutiques is made with high quality materials that won’t easily tear or stretch. She selects clothing styles that are fashionable, flattering and functional for women with curves. The right fit can give them a boost of confidence, whether they are going out on a first date or hitting the dance floor.

The Red Carpet Boutique XL’s business hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.