Shape Up

I am sure many of you are now on your post Christmas diets. But while you are trying to shed those extras pounds, shape wear can help to hide those wobbly bits. There are many different types that will hold in your stomach, lift your bottom or shape your thighs, so whatever you want help with there is something for you.

If you want to hide your stomach then try the Trinny and Susannah tummy flattener control thong (£30.00 TheMagicKnickershop.co.uk), or the Spanx slim cognito control brief (£35.00 from figleaves.com) which also lifts your bottom. If you want to create a perfect silhouette then try Spanx higher power high waisted power brief (£26.00 figleaves.com).

If you are wearing a strapless dress or one of this seasons knitted dresses you could try Plie slimming body tube (£30.00 TheMagicKnickershop.co.uk), or Trinny and Susannah high waist body smoother skirt (£30.00 mytights.com). For those of you who want light support you could try tights with added control like Aristoc body toners 10 denier hourglass toner tights (£11.99 Debenhams) or Boots body shaping 15 denier tights (£5.00). Shape wear could be worn every day to make all your clothes look good, and not just for those special occasions.

Are you one of the many women who feel especially self conscious about their figure on holiday? At Figleaves.com they have a lovely range of shapewear swimsuits called Magicsuit and start around £110.00.

When it comes to underwear nothing is more important than a well fitting bra, 85% of women are wearing the wrong size. Either they have never been measured or have only been measured once. Every time you buy a new bra you should always be measured, or visit your local lingerie shop as they will give you advice on the best bra for you and check the fit. A well fitting bra will make you look slimmer and your clothes will fit better. If your bra rides up your back throughout the day then your band is too big. If you spill out over the top then your cup is too small. Your straps should not fall off your shoulders or be so tight that they pinch. Everyone should own a balconette bra for clothes with wider neck lines, a plunge bra for showing off a bit of cleavage and an every day full cup bra for wearing under t-shirts, fine knitwear and blouses.

You should own two types of underwear, practical that does a job and sexy for that special someone.

Prices correct as at February 2008.
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