Style Resolution 2011: The Perfect Shapewear Wardrobe

$62.00 by Yummie Tummie at Bare Necessities

 

After an ambitious holiday season that's included eating everything that crossed my path, and skipping one too many Physique 57 classes, there seems to be no more apropos time to chat shapewear. *insert groan here* While it's admittedly not the most glamorous fashion topic,  it's an entirely essential one as shaping gear can make any woman, regardless of her size, look THAT much better (particularly under unforgiving fabrics like silk jersey.)

Thankfully, I attended a Bare Necessities-sponsored soiree at Style Coalition headquarters a few weeks ago, and asked their style director Jenny Altman (a longtime fashion editor, and most recently the Market Editor of O, The Oprah Magazine) to outline the bare bone essentials for ANY woman's shapewear wardrobe.

Here's what she recommended:

• A shaping slip (I prefer the bustless slip style seen above, to ensure that your bra's push up power isn't going to waste. But this Spanx slip would be incredibly versatile too.)
• A shaping camisole (the Wolford 'Try a Little Slenderness' Control Camisole would do the trick.)
• A shaping short (this Sassybax style has a pretty lace trim, which helps to alleviate that "I feel like I'm wrapped in bandages" feeling)
• A shaping tight (nude and sheer black hose are definitely making a comeback, but for sheer versatility, I must vote for a nice opaque black tight.)

 

Jenny stressed that shapewear is most useful in nude or black, and I must agree. I'll be freshening up my lingerie drawer with a few select shaping goodies this January, and I'd encourage you to make the same style resolution to yourself.

If you have a shapewear question of your own, ask Bare Necessities Style Director Jenny Altman here.

FTC Disclosure: I attended a Style Coalition event sponsored by Bare Necessities, and was gifted with shapewear items to test-drive and review.

Read This: How to Never Look Fat Again

Style expert Charla Krupp has built a career out of dispensing advice to women of all ages, via magazine editorial and television appearances.  Now, she's introducing a style guide on how to look 10 pounds lighter, 10 years younger, and 10 times sexier every day, all year--in summer, winter, even at the gym. Meet How to Never Look Fat Again.

I had a chance to read an advance copy of the book - and to ask Charla herself a few questions!

Charla, congrats on the book! I loved reading it and I'm curious, what inspired you to write it? Was How to Never Look Fat Again a long time coming?

CK: Fat is always the issue I’ve cared about…not, is this chic? Or, is this cool? But, does it make me look fat?? I think that many women think the same way as me.

The book is full of really USEFUL tips for women.  But of all the advice you dole out, what's the quickest and simplest adjustment that I can make to never look fat again?

CK: Wear the right underwear! That is 50% of looking thinner by tonight.

Shapewear is a recommendation that you make over and over again in How To Never Look Fat Again.  But when I wear shapewear, I feel so UNSEXY.  How can I strike the balance between looking great in my clothing and looking - but more importantly - feeling sexy?

CK: There are two lines from Spanx you should look at: Skinny Britches –12 different colors of lighweight shapewear. So fun and fashion-forward. And, Haute Contour—very sexy shapewear you will not be embarrassed to show.

Flats are "high fat" in your book, which is just devastating to me (I love a chic flat!) What shoes do you recommend for women like me that need stylish but comfortable shoes?

CK: Find a rubber soled kitten heel….I just bought one from Prada Sport.

I'm committed to a no fat wardrobe this Spring. What are the best trends to help me get there?

CK: Dresses, cardigans and nude colored high heel pumps! Stick with solids and forgo the prints….buy yourself a new bra and a great bike short so you look fit not fat whatever you have on. Be good to yourself. You deserve it!!!

While I'm not ready to commit myself to the no fat wardrobe that Charla outlines in the book, I'm curious...do you have any no fat wardrobe tips to share? Do tell in the comments and don't forget to snag Charla's new book at a bookstore near you or online at www.amazon.com.

Old Man Winter's Got Nothing On Me (Or) Thanks, American Apparel!

As I've mentioned previously, the chubbier I get, the more I appreciate a good legging. And in my book, there's no legging in the world that's superior to American Apparel's Winter Legging.

This thick and plush legging is almost like a ski pant without the disdainful shine. They keep legs toasty warm even in Arctic temps and perhaps best of all, the thick fabric essentially acts as Spanx Jr., keeping all flabby elements of legs, arms and lower tummy tucked in effectively.  Who could ask for more?

I have these babies in both black and charcoal gray, and frankly, that's not enough. I would wear them day and night, if that didn't raise a brow in the office.

Snag your own pair at American Apparel stores or online at American Apparel.

Shop This: Rue La La's The Gifts You Didn't Get Boutique

We've all had it happen. You make your holiday list and anxiously eye those beautifully wrapped packages only to get well intentioned gifts that are just a wee bit off... an itchy sweater, boring socks or a copy of a book you've already read. Thankfully, this New Year's Day, Rue La La makes self-indulgence easy with the one-day only "The Gifts You Didn't Get" Boutique for Women, Men and Home.

The bounty will include:

-Women's designer clothing, cozy cashmere, must-have bags, and chic accessories
-Men's watches, suits, jackets, cashmere, boots, leather and denim
-Home Accessories for the bed, bath and kitchen

To help further jump start the New Year--and even keep a resolution or two --Rue La La has even more exclusive sales on designer duds:

-Zobha: With fashionable, must-have yoga and pilates gear, you'll look forward to hitting up the gym.
-Spanx: Offers a little extra help after holiday indulging.
-Betsey Johnson: Fanciful wares from the whimsical designer.
-Calvin Klein: All-American classics from the iconic designer.

Not yet a Rue La La member? Join now via this link and mark your calendar for Friday's sales!

Shopping My Closet: Miu Miu T-Straps

In an effort to refresh my style this season, I've been revisiting some near-forgotten pieces in my closet.

Today: these silver Miu Miu T-Straps, which I coveted for approximately 100 years before finally caving when they made it to the Net-a-Porter sale. Since these shoes demand to be the undisputed star of any outfit, I've paired them with an all black look, including the sleek Spanx patterned tight (every girl needs a little Spanx in her life) that you see above.

Do you have any forgotten items in your closet? Tell me about them in the comments!

FTC Disclosure: Spanx tights provided for review.

$10 for YOU at Rue La La

If you're reading this blog, one thing is for certain. You love to shop. And if you love to shop, you'll love invite-only private sale site Rue La La.

Click on the image above to become a member and snag $10 towards your first purchase - offer valid from now through October 10.

With Spanx, Tahari, Cosabella and Cole Haan sales coming up in the next week alone, I'm not sure what you're waiting for!

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!

Full Size Freebie at Bliss Spa!

Bliss Spa is running a killer promotion on the Love Handler starting now. With amino acids and caffeine, this classic Bliss must-have relieves bloating in the abdomen area. Seriously. You can toss those Spanx. Get a FREE love handler ($36 value) with any blissworld.com purchase in February!

20% Off at Spanx

Shop Spanx bestsellers here!

 

Deals & Steals Tuesday

Free Standard Shipping with any Holiday Gift Set Purchase at Prescriptives.com through Dec. 15th.

JimmyJane, home of artfully designed sex toys and a luscious assortment of Massage Candles (left, $65), won't let you have a lonely holiday. Enter code HolidayLove at checkout for 30% off from now through December 19.

Melange for Women celebrates eight years of silk jersey and the like. Enter code great8 at checkout for 20% today only.

Everything at Pink Mascara is 40% off, also for today only. Use code 40OFF. Excludes select designers including Mike & Chris and DVF.

Shopbop has gone code-crazy all of sudden, which confirms that the retail industry is in shambles. Enter code DB40 for 40% off Designer Boutique items through Friday.

Just in time for holiday soirees and the slinky dresses that accompany, Spanx is offering free shipping online on orders of $50 or more, no code required. Expires January 6.

J.Crew is offering 25% off all full priced shoes and boots.  Enter code SHOESALE at checkout, expires tonight.

Revolve says GIVEGOODGIFT this Holiday season - that code will give you 30% off everything but handbags. Expires tomorrow at midnight.

Sephora's offering up free shipping on orders of $25 or more this week. Enter code SHIPFREE25 at checkout.