New York Fashion Week Tested & Approved: Bali's Seamless Torset Top

For those of us who work in fashion, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York is a lot like a marathon. You run from backstage to show to lounge to dinner to after party, with barely a breather in between.  As such, what you're wearing when you start the day is often what you're wearing when the day ends, so it's important that outfits be stylish and flattering but also inherently functional and comfortable, if at all possible.

With that in mind, it was apropos that I began a week-long test drive of Bali Intimates product this past weekend. Thanks to a few client events, it was basically a MUST that I be in silk jersey from day to night. And since that isn't the most forgiving fabric in the free world, the shapewear that I rocked beneath was of paramount importance.

My savior? The Bali Seamless Torset Top.  This clever camisole shapes your torso, yet scoops below your bra to avoid boob-smushage (never a good look!).

I'd recommend snagging in both nude and black ($34 each here) to ensure that you're covered for any and all occasions - just be sure to size up (I'm a size Small in tops and a 29 in designer denim, and required a Large - yikes!)

For more "IRL" review of Bali Intimates, check out the new Fab U tab on their Facebook page.

FTC Disclosure: Bali supplied shapewear and intimates samples for a week-long test drive, however all opinions are my own.

Introducing OOTD (Outfit of the Day)

This blog is about a lot of things but uber-personal style isn't really one of them.  That said, my friend Sarah Conley has really inspired me as of late, as she regularly integrates Outfit of the Day posts into her amazing blog, Style It Online.

Sarah's fearless when it comes to sharing her own style with the world, so who more apropos to make me a little more comfy with the idea? She was my photographer for today's outfit of the day:

Alternative Apparel Modal Silk Cowl Neck Tunic  (gift from Pure Addiction)

Yummie Tummie Strappy (gift)

Winter Legging ($38, American Apparel)

Forever 21 Zebra Ballet Flat ($22.80)

Blue "pashmina" ($5, street vendor)

Jewelry: Various, including the Rebecca Minkoff Loop Bracelet in Flourescent Pink ($48, Luna Boston)

The Least Sexy Way (Ever) To Look Sexy

SPANX Slim Cognito Mid-Thigh Body Briefer Shapewear

Sometime this week (okay, perhaps a few times), I left my dignity on the bedroom floor.

You're probably wondering what I'm talking about, so let me just say that silk jersey is a particularly unforgiving fabric, so as I wrapped on a DVF this week, I knew drastic measures were needed.

Moments later, I was wriggling myself into the Spanx Slim Cognito body suit shown above. Putting it on was nothing if not an adventure but once I had successfully put all various body parts in the appropriate places, I was NOT taking it off (for a few reasons).

#1: It makes pounds disappear.

#2: It slims and smoothes beyond belief.

#3: It's comfortable. (Really.) In fact, if you find the Slim Cognito uncomfy, I'd argue that you probably need to size up.

Just one caveat.  Consider dehydrating yourself on the day you choose to wear this as it's a bear to get in and out of.  And while there is a crotch opening, it's very difficult to execute a successful bathroom visit.

I can't help but feel like I've already said too much, so please (for the sake of my dignity), let's leave it at that.

Fashion Savior: Assets Fantastic Firmers Cami

As you can likely deduce from my immense Blueprint Cleanse FAIL post yesterday, I have a few issues with self control. Particularly when it comes to things like fried chicken and brownies. This leads to a little extra love around the middle, which frankly needs the kind of attention that only shapewear can provide.

My latest weapon in the war against my  tummy are Assets Fantastic Firmers Camis. Created by Sara Blakely (who also created a tiny brand you may have heard of called SPANX), these chic camisoles slim your middle noticeably (which, hello - makes your clothing look better!) and stay comfy all day long - even in the 85+ degree weather I suffered through today.

They're perfect for layering and best of all, an absolute steal at just $20/piece. Compare that to a brand like Yummie Tummie (which goes for 3-4 times the price) and you can afford to stock your drawers with one of each color - right now, white, black or nude but expanding to bolds and brights next Spring!

VIDEO Designer's Choice: Heather Thomson of Yummie Tummie

I hit the Yummie Tummie Fall 2009 preview tonight at the Royalton Hotel and had the pleasure of meeting designer/celebrity stylist Heather Thomson for the first time.  Though Heather's gorgeous and slim (and nice! Did I mention...NICE!), she knows that every woman has body insecurities, thus her innovative line of shapewear was born.

I've reviewed Yummie Tummie in the past...check out the links here and here. But for some insider scoop on the Fall 2009 collection - from Heather herself - check out the first video entry in my Designer's Choice series: 

 

 

Stay tuned for more info and images!

It's 2009! Eat, Drink & Be Yummie

We've chatted about my love of Yummie Tummie shapewear before, but in case you don't recall (for shame!), this is one of the best and comfiest shapewear brands on the market.  It does exactly what it promises - visibly slimming, shaping and smoothing the midsection (I'd say I look about five lbs slimmer with wearing Yummie Tummie) with a powerful compression fabric developed by celebrity stylist Heather Thomson.

Since I (like a lot of you, I'm sure) overindulged a bit this holiday season, Yummie Tummie has been a savior thus far this January, especially with their sweet new styles like the Glamour tank above ($86), which looks fab under a cardigan.

Check out www.yummietummie.com to shop and to see Yummie Tummie in action, be sure to check out the Oprah clip below. (Hey, there's no better endorsement, right?)

Yummie Tummie Shapewear - Tested and Approved

To call my tummy a "problem area" would be a kind understatement.  To be more accurate, my tummy is the BANE OF MY EXISTENCE. In all capital letters.

Spanx have definitely been an effective solution under dresses and skirts but unlike some very tolerant women I happen to know, I absolutely cannot abide by the idea of wearing them under pants - I just don't find them comfy for long periods of time.  Yummie Tummie, a new line of shapewear by Heather Thomson (who previously worked with Sean John, House of Dereon and Sweetface by J.Lo), is the perf solution to my midsection woes.

This line of versatile shaping camisoles, tops and tees appear "normal" above and below the midsection (they're a soft cotton) but a powerful microfiber panel smooths the troublesome tummy area, from right below the bust to right below the waistband.  Best of all, all Yummie Tummie silhouettes come in two lengths - regular and long. I've been wearing the regular and they've been the perfect length for me (I'm 5'2) but I'm glad to see my taller or longer-torso-ed gals taken care of as well.

Yummie Tummie tanks and tees are a tad pricy - they range from $62 for basic silhouettes to about $140 for a full length slip dress. That said, they're a WORTHY investment in your closet as layering these babies really improves the appearance of the midsection, shaving a good inch or more and smoothing yucky bumps under wrap dresses, sweaters and more.

Get your Yummie Tummies over at www.yummietummie.com!