What Lies Beneath

Fall's femininity calls for form liquid leggings and hip-hugging pencil skirts. So let's be honest, we all want "a body like a coke bottle"...think Marilyn Monroe, Tyra Banks, or Beyonce. These women represent femininity all around. With the right undergarments, we can achieve the look too. "Underwear creates form, control and sensuality." (June Ambrose/"The Right Fit"). Subtle sensuality? That's a good look.

GET SIZED UP...A bra that fits well will lift your breasts, create the perfect cleavage and eliminate back fat! Remember, our bodies change over time. Spillage, discomfort or a gap between the cups are clues that we have an incorrect fit. For a bra makeover, go to http://www.myintimacy.com/ to reserve a FREE in store fitting. You can also ask a fitting consulting for assistance in the lingerie department or at the ever popular, VICTORIA'S SECRET. Whether you choose a push up or wire-free style, remember to replace your bras every six months to always look your best.

NOTE: It's important to see a bra fitting consultant particularly after breast surgeries for a better fit and to aid healing.

A LITTLE CONTROL..Over the years, women (and men) have gotten bigger while our clothing has become skimpier, tighter, and sheerer. Shapewear undergarments are designed to lift, smooth, contour, and minimize undesirable bulges. This is not the panty girdle of yesteryear. These items create the illusion of a tighter torso, lift the booty, and slim the thighs. Looking beyond Spanx, Assets' Sensational Shaper ($20), provides tummy control and eliminates bulges while Maidenform's Control It! Waistnipper Brief ($26) promises to cinch the waist. When shopping for body shapers, have in mind level of comfort as well as convenience...we do not want to have an issue when nature calls!

OPTIONS INCLUDE: Camisoles: Camis or shapewear bras such as the SassyBax Torso Trim ($68) comes with a built-in bra. It smooths back fat and trims the waist under thin fabric with compression. Try Maidenform's Ultimate Instant Slimmer Torsette ($42) "with 360 degree shaping." Full & Half Slips: Shapewear slips pull in the tummy and rear to keep clothes in place under sheer dresses and skirts. High-waisted versions eliminate the dreaded muffin top. New technology promises to keep the hem from riding up as well. Try Calvin Klein's Half-Slip with Lycra. The Shaper Thong: Similar to a standard thong with a high-rise control panel which is ideal for low-rise pants and jeans. Check out Maidenform's Control-it Thong ($20). For an instant hourglass figure, try Luleh's Retro Chic Waist Nipper @ Macy's for $34/sized up to 2XL. For sexier stylish intimates, view the look book @ Haute Contour by Spanx @ http://www.spanx.com/ where fashion, technology and shapewear unite.

BEST KEPT SECRET: Yes, men wear them too! Male shapewear includes "mirdles" or man girdles, also known as support boxers. Go Softwear's Waist Eliminator brief ($26) @ http://www.gosoftwear.com/ has a waistband that extends up the midsection to minimize love handles. Also check out Calvin Klein's Pro Stretch shapewear available at Bloomingdales for a sexy take on "tighty whities." Ript Fusion's Firm Control Shapewear V-Neck T-Shirt has a firming control panel in the midsection to sculpt and smooth from chest to hips. The moisture-wicking fabric stays cool and dry and it's perfect for layering at http://www.barenecessities.com/ for $58!

Even if you don't have the perfect figure, shapewear has the perfect solution for every body. Remember, it all begins with what lies beneath. For tips on purchasing shapewear or an in-house fitting with a shapewear consultant, please contact me directly at blackswanbeauty101@gmail.com.