Most of us have it… that darn donut! It’s right there in the middle between our bust and our hips and it’s hard to avoid after age 40 and a baby or two, short of liposuction. How can you dress to hide that stubborn midlife tummy that annoys you to no end?
Here are our 5 top suggestions.
1. Slim down with Shapewear
If you’ve been resisting trying shapewear because you think it is like wearing an uncomfortable girdle, you need to try some on.
Shapewear is the best solution for over 40 tummy bulge. It’s stretchy and lightweight and the newest versions are ultra thin and therefore super comfy.
Whether your muffin top is big or little, shapewear will give your figure a flawless look! Here’s one from Spanx that flattens the tummy and shapes the thighs too. If your tummy bulge extends up above the belly button then you could add a shapewear camisole.
For years we’ve been asking why doesn’t someone make a high-waisted thong? Spanx has answered our call and more. Their high-waisted thong has a lace shapewear panel to hold you in at the same time.
…yes this panty is a thong!!! Don’t miss out on entering this months Contest to WIN over $200 of Scuptz hose! Make sure to sign up now!!
How do celebs over 40, like the gals from Desperate Housewives, manage to look so figure perfect on the red carpet? Diet, exercise? Yes, to some degree, but no woman is that flawless! Their real secret is something as simple as great shapewear.
The original tummy toner was the girdle. Unattractive and uncomfortable, it vanished from the scene around the 1970’s. Support pantyhose came next, but didn’t do much to solve our problems with flab. Now there’s a high-tech version that is taking the lingerie industry by storm. It’s called shapewear.
Shapewear simply holds you in and smooths you out wherever you need it, eliminating visible lines and bulges and making your clothes hang beautifully on you.
Here are a few of the problems shapewear solves:
Bra Bulges
Shapewear gets rid of those pesky bra lines that make you bulge over the sides and make your back look lumpy.
Old Lady Arms
Can’t stand the flabby bit hanging off your arm? Shapewear makes you look toned and terrific.
Panty Lines
Hate thongs and want to wear fuller panties, but worried your panty lines will show? Try shapewear to boost your bottom and conceal ugly elastic showing through.
If you haven’t tried Shapewear yet, you are in for a treat! It’s lightweight, super comfortable and works under anything from a wrap dresses to pants, an evening gown or even fitness clothes. It’s the hottest thing on the market, and you may be surprised to discover that there are dozens of different brands, styles and price points out there!
So, here are a few that we have actually TESTED on our bodies and what we thought:
Slimpressions
Would you like more shape on your top half, but worried that shapewear might actually flatten out your bust? Slimpressions is one of the only lines that we have seen so far that has a solution to this problem.
Their peek-a-boo top tones and smoothes out any lumps and bumps on your back, sides and tummy without squashing you like a pancake because you can still wear your own bra. Plus, your arms look great also with no jiggle under form-fitting sleeves.
All Slimpressions products work on women size 4 to 22. We found them very comfortable with just the right amount of support, tight but not too tight.
Also, the fabric is very comfortable and of high quality!
We find wrap dresses are often too low to feel comfortable in, so recently we wore a Slimpressions full front top with scoop neck underneath a wrap. It worked perfectly to cover up cleavage a little at the neckline.
Cass and Co.
If you want top of the line in luxury Shapewear then Cass and Co. is well worth your money. This shapewear is so fine it can be worn underneath your clothes or simply by itself, as clothing.
The high-tech fabric is extremely comfortable and has been scientifically developed for maximum support in specific targeted areas (such as tummy and back). It also has cooling ventilation under the arms!
We have found that after multiple washings it has not lost its shape or color.
Made for women size 2-16, it comes in many colors and styles such as camisoles, full dress, biker shorts, etc.
The top we show here is one of their most popular styles, since it features a wider strap (for better comfort and support), full back for maximum coverage and a nice plunging “v” so you can wear it under most tops!
I (JoJami) wore it recently on a trip to Aspen, on the plane, on the slopes and out to dinner and I didn’t need to wear a bra. I was really comfortable the entire time!
Colors include: brown, violet, cream, and white, black, nude.
Sassybax
Sassybax is another great line that is high quality, comfortable and figure enhancing.
The long leg panty lifts, rounds and separates the derrier. (Watch out J.Lo!) They also sell padded shapewear bras for those of us who would like a little extra size and shape, without having to resort to breast implants.
They also have a wonderful backless bra that Laura Dern just wore to the Golden Globes underneath her black chiffon designer gown.
One final note: Sassybax comes in plus sizes!
Spanx
a href=”http://www.spanx.com/”>Spanx was not the first company to create comfortable shapewear, but it sure was the first to put it on the map! It has most recognizable name in the business, and have the largest selection of styles to choose from.
From their famous Higher Power (high waisted mid-thigh shaper), to their Bra-lellujah (all hosiery comfort bra), to their Tight-End Tights (reversible, high waisted body shaping tights with tummy control), Spanx has had women around the world singing its praises.
We find Spanx great for those with a little extra pudge to control. However, if you need some major sucking in, this may not be the brand for you. Deborah loves the Slim Cognito Mid-Thigh Shaper and Sleek Capri Smoother, especially under white capris.
So, there you have it – Try some shapewear! You’ll fall in love with the way it makes your midlife body look and feel.
One more quick note… to put on shapewear, it’s always best to STEP INTO it! Don’t try to put the tops on over your head. Shapewear is pretty tight and can be tricky to get on and off unless you do it this way.
We love Barbra and she is an “Age-mazing woman” (amazing for her age), but nothing makes a woman look more matronly than a saggy bustline.
She needs a good bra. One of our favourites is the Victoria’s Secret- Very Sexy Secret Embrace wave bra. It’s totally seamless so it looks fantastic under whatever you wear. It’s ultra comfortable and comes in lots of pretty colors and patterns.
If you like wearing plunging necklines (and we know Barbra does) you also may want to try pushing your breasts in as well as up.
The Wonderbra Hot Push-In bra is the sexiest new shape in the lingerie department. This bra provides killer cleavage, as well as uplift.
If you are less endowed, a push-in gives the appearance of a larger, rounder cup size, and puts the emphasis where it counts! You’ll have a noticeably perkier décolletage and cleavage you never knew you possessed.
If your cups “runneth over,” this type of bra boosts height and provides support and shape in all the right places.
You know the drill, though! Before you even THINK about buying a new bra, get fitted by a professional! The push-in can do marvelous things, but only if it is comfortable and the correct size for your body!
You know when you hear about a new product and you think, “Why hasn’t anyone thought of this before?”…
Well, onGossamer (a luxurious, hip lingerie brand) has just introduced to us a brand new 
product! and we are loving it!
Luxury Liner, the very first stain-free panty! How can that be? Well someone, finally realized that it would be alot easier for us ladies, if panties would have a nice black liner in them so that they don’t stain! What a great idea!!!
Not only that, but they are made with a fabulously soft Wick-Stop fabric, so it wicks moisture and stops stains from coming through to your favorite pants.
They come in lots of styles too! (bikini, thong, and even high rise!)
We were thinking that these would be great when your out at a big event or working out, and especially traveling!
Here is there logo, “No Leaks No Stains No Problem!” This is great news, finally a pretty panty to solve an icky problem!
Women with a fuller bust line can now breathe easy, literally, thanks to new, California-based sleep & loungewear label Buxom Inc.
Tired of squeezing her fuller bust line into the industry B-cup standard sleep & loungewear labels currently on the market, attorney-turned-entrepreneur Christine Kurek took matters into her own hands and founded Buxom Inc. The products are cut specifically to fit cup sizes C-DD, the collection consists of chemises, nightshirts and camisoles with more forgiving cuts around the bust line than industry standards, as well as built-in bras in some pieces for added support.
Shop comfortably at www.buxominc.com.
We love inspiring you gals to UPDATE your wardrobes but still keep things fun and sassy…
Today Let’s talk THONGS! (no, not the sandals, ladies. We’re talking panties here!)
(JoJami) -An interesting point about thongs was brought to my attention recently by a friend of mine. She said, “Can you believe it has been 10 or 20 years ago when a lot of us started wearing thongs, and just think about it… our little tushies were a lot perkier then, than they are now!”
Honestly, I hadn’t really ever thought about it.
She went on to mention how she was in Target the other day and found some fun “boy shorts”. She got them home and tried them on and fell in love!
They’re really a compromise between a panty and a thong.
They’re comfy because they have the wide sides, but the back actually comes up and a bit and shows a little tushy! So, its a nice compromise between a thong and a panty.
Another great line of shapewear is TC Shapewear. Image Consultant and Hollywood Stylist, Lori Ann Robinson was quoted recently by the LA Times on these, and she said they are the original shapers, before Spanks, and are much better. What makes them unique is their silicon edge that keeps them from riding up. They’re also a good option if you want a more serious, action-oriented type of underwear.
This line also has a support thong that comes up to smooth the waist. These little numbers are said to be the secret to looking good on the red carpet!
Bottom line….thongs are great, but a boy panty is other option worth checking into!
Feeling more than a little self conscious about your heading south boomer body?
Worried that your honey might come home on Valentine’s Day with something like this? Then start pointing him in the direction of these luxurious lingerie choices that tastefully cover, while still looking sexy.
Luxurious Lingerie
Sizzle this Feb 14th in this fiery red 2 piece peignoir set guaranteed to look hot on any boomer babe. Passionate pink lace peeks out from underneath. Sizes start at size at M and go all the way up to 5x.
If you read past posts, you know we advise grown-up gals to be careful of spaghetti straps, plunging necklines, miniskirts and clothes that show too much skin!
However, in the bedroom, it’s a whole different story! With the lights turned low, you can dare to bare and peel to reveal.
Like cupid’s arrow, this pretty 2 piece Jezebel camisole and boy short hit’s the mark when it comes to sexy. If you want something different try this cheeky, lacy Hollywood sex kitten look.
If you want to be a little more demure, then we suggest you try this enticing black empire waist nightie with feminine lace top. The wider straps give you nice support and black is always a seductive choice.
For more playful, casual look, try this pretty in polka dots, 2 piece cami p.j. set. Lace cuffs and bra add feminine softness. Coverage where you want it without looking matronly!
You’ll look baby soft in the bedroom in this pretty, Victoria’s Secret Knit Chemise. It’s easy to wear, because it is not tight, but still sexy because it is short and plunging. Notice how the peek -a -boo eyelet whispers “come hither.” Especially fabulous if your legs are long and lean.
Romantic roses and sweet details will make you feel like the Queen of hearts on Valentine’s Day. Matching print chemise completes this timeless elegant look.
Sinful Chocolates
Tired of receiving the same old heart shaped box of drug store milk chocolates every Valentine’s Day? Then it’s time to drop your sweetheart a hint about these delicious handmade bonbons. Check out these artisan chocolate sites for a sugar high, that’s worth the splurge!
L.A. Burdicks makes beautiful chocolates that are wonderful sweet treats in more ways than one. We love these cute penguins especially packaged for Valentine’s Day, but JoJami’s favorite is their mini wooden crate full of chocolate mice.
DeBrands Chocolates ~ These decadent handcrafted chocolates are the same ones you’ll find in Donald Trumps Apprentice Suite. Nibble until your heart’s content with this fun chocolate bar for your favorite chocoholic or even yourself.
Saucy Reads
To get you in the mood we suggest Mamma Gena’s book, The Art of Womanly Ways. This over 40 dynamo’s full time job is teaching other women how to find their inner sensuality. She even has classes on womanly ways that friends tell us are not to be missed!
Another new book about the art of seduction is Ellen T. Whites, Simply Irresistible: Unleash Your Inner Siren and Mesmerize Men with the help from the most famous and infamous women in history. The title says it all, but for more details visit our blog post on this.
Don’t you hate those pesky under arm stains?
If you have a gorgeous knit suit or cashmere sweater, after one or two wears, you’re tempted to take it to the dry cleaners. Well, we found a great new item to save your clothes and keep you feeling fresh! It’s called a Cami Crop. Its like a little thin, mini- t-shirt you can wear under your sweater to keep it cleaner longer!
If you really have a problem gunking up your clothes with with deodorant or perspiration, you can take it one step further. These tops come with a little pocket that holds a washable sweat shield that will wick away moisture, if a hot flash comes on!
Advantagewear has a full line of undergarments that can be worn with or without washable or disposable dress shield that you can wear under all your blouses, shirts, and suits.
These might not be one of the most glamorous items, but we think these are one of the best kept secret out there!
