Paula Deen launches clothing line to cover ‘catfish belly’ arms and ‘front privates’

Paula Deen's line includes easy to wear separates and long dresses.

Whether you’re an apple or a pear-- or even a banana--Paula Deen wants to make sure you look your best while cooking in the kitchen or just out and about.

The southern dining diva launched a new line of clothing with digital shopping channel Evine this week. And while it make seem like an unusual next step, the move from the pantry to the runway has been a long time coming for the former Food Network star.

“I’ve been trying to do this for years,” Deen told People magazine. “ And one of my most asked questions out there — whether it’s in person, through the mail, or on Facebook — is ‘Paula, where did you get that top? Where did you get that outfit?’ So I wanted to do something like this because I understand the body that’s not perfect. You see all these things made for bananas. Well, I’m an apple. Most women are an apple or a pear. There are not many bananas.”

Deen’s line consists of tops, dresses and pants in fits that flatter all sizes of women, according to Evine’s website. Designs include ombre knits, stretchy, breathable maxis and kimono sleeve tunics.

Deen says that once women hit 30, they often don’t have “perfect bodies” anymore so she wanted a line to “accentuate your good points and try to camouflage your bad ones.”

In typical Deen fashion—pun intended—the queen of comfort cuisine had some specifics when it came to choosing patterns for her pieces. According to People, she wanted to make sure tops provided enough coverage to avoid any wardrobe malfunctions and that they hit below the hips.

“I don’t know how to say this to you in a nice way, but it has to cover my front privates,” said Deen. “I am aware of ‘catfish belly’ arms. Have you ever seen a catfish? You know how they have a smooth floppy belly on them? Well, that’s what we refer to as ‘catfish belly’ arms.”

If you, too, need to cover up your catfish belly arms, you can find several items from Deen’s collection online. Prices range from $35 for tops to $60 for longer dresses.

This is the chef's second collaboration with the digital shopping platform. Last year, Deen launched a line of hams, cake mixes and chocolate butter sticks.

Deen will appear on Evine throughout the month to promote her new clothes.