Slip into Bella Bodies

It's a new year and I'm in need of new shapewear. So instead of trying various brands only to find out I've wasted my money on flimsy over priced products I've headed back to my loves Bella Bodies to try their amazing slip dress.

Runway Slip with lace in black - $85.99

 

Now this is not a boring and standard blog review about shapewear - nope, not at all. Today I wanted to focus on and share what I wear under my outfits when shooting each and every look. I tend to use 2 main shapewear items when shooting - slips or high waisted underwear. For this months shoots I've opted for the ....bella slip.

With many dresses and skirts hitting the knew or below I can wear this slip with out any issues and if by chance a little lace peaks through well that's even better. I wear the VV - Very Voluptuous and the fit is firm yet breathable, smoothing and really compliments your shape instead of squishing your hips or bust. As a H cup I can safely say that my bust works with this style as the stretchy fabric covers a fair amount of my bra but not all.

I actually like the firming effect that the bust has on my bra and this works perfectly with specific outfits like wiggle dresses or skirts. As I live in my under bust corset on photo shoots I tend to wear slip 2 ways. Over for smoothing of the panels and lines or under to give a firm base. Either way works but I tend to love it more when worn over as it really compliments my shape. Bra - corset - bella bodies : 3 layers that work in perfect harmony to give me confidence and great shape.

I'll be sharing more of these 'what's under' reviews with you over the next few months and if there is a style or item you'd like me to feature please leave a comment below.

Vedette

3 years ago I discovered  the wonderful products from Vedette and have been a hug fan of their super strong and boned waist slimming garments ever since. I originally opted for an underwear as outerwear shoot way back then and used cropped tops to show off how rocking their corseted undergarments could look when peeking through. To this day, I still wear those two garments and adore how they hold me in.

A year or so ago I shot a sneaky image of what is by far my absolute favourite garment from Vedette  but it seems to have been sold out. Below is the image we took and as you can see this waist cincher is amazing. While this garment is no longer available you can purchase the Romina for $65.00 which is the same style but in a different fabric. There is also an option to have the hook and eye closer at the back with the Gianna if it suits you more. I have both and love the shape they create but find the front closure a lot easier to work with.

This year I wanted to try a few more pieces to see what worked best in the medium/strong support range. Now I've tried a few and some worked well, others not so much. The one this I figured out rather fast was that a thicker bottomed garment much like a full set of brief seem to be best for my longer torso. I absolutely adore the styles with a lacey boyleg brief or gstring but they seem to be a little short on my body and don't flatter my shape at all. These were my two stand out favourites.

Jiselle - $72.75

I'm now officially a short convert after trying the Jiselle! I've steered clear of short shapewear for years mainly because I like to show off my legs but I adore the Jiselle suit. Here are a few of the listed specs :

Firm control open bust shapewear. Focused on slimming you down your problem areas. Smooths tummy, hips, thighs and rear. Compression garment ideal for post surgery. Bra not included. Open crotch for easy bathroom accessibility. Hook and eye front closure with zipper overlay panels. Imported Nylon, spandex/lycra, cotton, polyester

The features I love most about this garment have to be the slimming effect. The fabric mixture provides a firm and strong hold and when paired with a hook and eye closure front and a zip it's feels safe and secure all day long. This is a great winter form of shapewear and ideal under jeans, pants and skirts to the knee. The open crotch makes bathroom breaks easy and that's one thing most shapewear companies instantly fail on. Now I have huge hips and this makes me feel a whole lot smoother and not as curvy which is a good thing with some of my outfits. The waist reduction is not over the top as this garment seems to smooth rather than shape. I can't wait to pair this with my full steal corset and see what shape I can create.

I'm wearing this garment in and XL and I think with the amount of stretch and support I could have sized down once more. This is available from sizes XS to 3XL and gives you are great amount of support without showing under garments. My only issue which is very small would be the top of the zip. Now on the product shots it sits nicely but on mine there is a distinct separation. I almost need another hook and eye at the very top to fix this. This is minor though and does not show through.

Zoe Torsette Dark Blue  -$43.50

Now this was a product I was very excited to try. As a corset lover I've been intrigued by the creations of super comfortable Torsettes and needed to figure out how they work and how they fit. Here is a little more information from the creators themselves :

Features Focus on the waist. Wear Vedette waist cinchers designed meticulously, that envelopes your figure, thus giving you sensual curves and a slimmer waist. It has hook-and-eye front closure for security while giving you unique compression only Vedette can give. A sweet comeback after surgery, you're armed with confidence as you make your way with your slimmer silhouette. Embrace Vedette's dual control shapewear that hugs your body and helps you get back in shape after surgery. Made with Advanced Powernet technology that gives you control where you need it. Spandex / Cotton / Nylon The Vedette Corset has been designed with the needs of today's woman in mind. It is ideal for shaping your body, correcting posture, and enhancing your figure. Consistent use will change the shape of your body, creating a new attitude, renewed self estee and increased confidence in your life. This garment was produced with the highest quality fabrics. Each size is designed only to adjust to your respective measurements (see size chart)

Now this creation is really awesome and for a girl such as myself who is at the gym weekly and trying hard to achieve all my fitness goals I love it. A product that works with our bodies and gives support, flattening and shape without the over the top normal corset feel. Now don't get me wrong I wear a corsets a lot and adore them but this is a great alternative for someone that wants a little bit of shape without the strong boning of steel.

Now I wore this over my previous suit as I personally feel it needs to be paired with another shapewear garment to work perfectly but it can be worn on it's own. I know many girls wear these kinds of corsets daily and train or work out in them. While I love that idea I don't think it will work with my gym gear and routine.



It does offer great shape and a slight waist reduction when paired with a  good bodysuit. I did photograph this after eating so the flattening is great but not the best with a full belly! I do feel really secure and comfortable when wearing this though.

So these are my two stand out products and an old favourite which I hope they bring back! I'd love to know if you have any experience with Vedette garments and if you do what are your favourite garments?

More from Bella Bodies

It's been a while since I've written up a blog post regarding my choices in shapewear because I've been wearing my old favourites for so long now. But with many washes and lots of use I've run out of my trusty undergarments. Luckily I have had the pleasure of trying out 3 brilliant new garments from Bella Bodies Shapewear - the provider of my previous items!

Over the last few weeks I've been trying out 3 different types of undergarments to help smooth, suck in and create a great foundation to layer in clothing. I've always been a huge fan of shapewear and think the right items can make any outfit fit you better! While recently I've given into the glory that is corsetry I still need my go to staples for every day and select outfits.

Featured in this blog post are my three stand out favourite items available right now at Bella Bodies Shapewear. I wear the size V for Voluptuous 16-18

CURVE CONTROL ULTIMATE FIRMING PANTY - $69.90 

Now I tried this in the Latte colour and when you first wiggle your way into the garment you notice the silky soft feeling of the material. With a 2 button opening at the gusset, detachable bra like straps and power mesh on the tummy, these high waisted panties offer great support. Why the straps? Well if you are like me, you want your bra covered and no lines or bumps to show - that's what I want from my foundation garments. This high waisted panty can be pulled right up to your bra line and the straps sit comfortably over ensuring that there is no roll down. The Silicon top also adds to the 'no roll down' effect. These are currently my second favourite pair of shapewear underwear. 

CURVE CONTROL ULTIMATE BODYSUIT - $69.99

Next is my absolute favourite from the new styles and my no.1 choice! The Curve Control Bodysuit is amazing. At first I was worried that my chest, tummy and bum would not work with this garment but once I got it on I feel in love. Usually I'd steer clear of a bodysuit/all in one item but because this garment has no cups or underwire it is perfect for my body shape. 

The Curve Control Suit has the same soft power mesh, sucks you in and hidesany bulges or bra lines! It works with all garments and can easily hide under pants, dresses and pencil skirts. I don't think it shrinks me by 2 dress sizes but it slims my annoying tummy and smooths me just they way I like. I originally tried this on without a bra and it looked great as well. 

I can't get enough of this garment and wish I had it in a whole heap of colours for every day of the week. Please Bella Bodies make this happen! 

CURVE CONTROL ULTIMATE SHAPING SHORTS $79.99

Lastly we have my 3rd favourite item from Bella Bodies! The Curve Control Shorts are a new form of shapewear for me as I'm usually not a fan of shorts for foundation garments. I find they cut in on my thigh and add a line that shows through jeans or pencil skirts. 

But because these are very similar to the Firming Panty I first mentioned they give the same amount of support and slim down the hip and upper thigh areas as well. The extra addition of the bra straps once again helps eliminate roll down and you won't have roll up from the legs either. 

I'm rather loving this style but also wish it was a little shorter as I love wearing over the knee dresses and skirts and sometimes a form of shapewear at this length can pop on through. 

So go forth and see what amazing goodies are waiting for you at Bella Bodies Shapewear and get yourself some great foundation garments. 

Retro Tease

While browsing online I came across some very flattering shapewear from Marisota in a very retro pin up style and I wanted to share my stand out favorites.

There is nothing better than having some core shapewear garments in your wardrobe. It's even better when they are that cute you can't wait to show them off to your partner. Usually shapewear can be ugly, beige and boring. These items are worth being admired once you slip your outfit off.

Arlene Phillips Underwired Plunge Slip - £27.00

Such a glorious shade of almost cobalt blue and perfect for wearing underneath any pinup style wiggle dress. 

Playtex 18 Hour Pull-On Girdle - £36.00

The original and brilliant vintage girdle shape and design.This paired with thigh high back seemed stockings under any garment will make you feel like an absolute bombshell. 

Berlei Free Lace Control Brief - £35.00

Super easy to wear no fuss shapewear. I'm swooning over the art deco print on these high waisted kickers. 

Arlene Phillips Underwired Bodyshaper - £27.00 

How adorable are these two fabrics/prints paired together? This kind of undergarment works with dresses, jeans, skirts and pretty much every outfit you will wear. Just be sure to get the right fit and measure your torso as the bust might be a little tricky to match up.

Gossard Retrolution Waist Cincher - £40.00

Get on my body NOW! Words can not express just how much I want to be wearing this Waist Cincher. The fabric, the garters and panels - so yummy! I need this in my Christmas stocking please santa. 

Vedette Review & Giveaway! - CLOSED!!!

Recently I was contacted by the amazing people at Vedette and asked to participate in a unique challenge - wearing underwear as outwear!

Now when I first read this a scratched my head and though how on earth can I rock this look without feeling like a super hero? Not that it's such a bad thing considering I secretly wish to be batman. But with a little styling inspiration and some out of the box thinking I've come up with a two looks I really love featuring my new found perfect shapewear!

For me personally picking items for this feature was limited. I'm a G cup so I could not wear a built in bra or cupped item and I could only show a certain amount of any item really without just posing for you in my underwear. I would wear every item I could possibly get my hands on from their webstore but for this I needed something striking, something bold and something that would pop from beneath my layers.

So here is what I created :

Vedette Giana Braless Bodysuit - $60.00

Landlocked Apparel Widow to the Soul Crop Tee - Sold Out

Torrid Purple Sophia Skinny Jeans - Sold Out

Alternative top - Portmans Blazer - Sold Out

For this bodysuit I wanted to show two looks. These are both very sexy and pinup styled undergarments but I wanted to work them into a more modern funky set of outfits. With the jeans and crop styles you you get a hint of patter or colour and your curves just pop. This style has a busk at the back. 

They are almost a half corset, half shapewear creation. It looks divine and sculpts you into that brilliant hourglass figure. When I first wore this out I made everyone fell my waist and the boning. Even showed a few of my girlfriends just how brilliant it looked privately! 

Vedette Contessa Braless Bodysuit - $46.00

Asos Crop Top - $12.72

Moto Jacket - Jay Jays Sold Out 

Torrid Purple Sophia Skinny Jeans - Sold Out

I feel so amazingly sexy and even more curvy in these bodysuits. This style has a busk at the front which is much easier to get into. They are both brilliantly crafted and arrive packed in the most amazing gift boxes. Invest in these now while they are on sale.

I wear the Large in both of these items and I have a 33 inch waist and 42 inch hips. I will be trying more of the selection available from Vedette so I will be sure to update you as I go.

But wait there's more!

The amazingly generous people at Vedette are giving 3 of my lucky readers a chance to own a brilliant item of shapewear from the webstore!

To WIN just follow the following my rules and the Vedette Guidelines.


Vedette Shapewear Guidelines


1. You must follow my blog - You have to be a follower of my blog! Via  Google Friend Connect - this is a must as its the only way i can check! If you have a blogger page or an open id that will work too.

2. You must write ENTER ME and leave you email address.

3. You must like the blog fan page on facebook!

4. You must like VEDETTE'S facebook page or Twitter Account - We will check this!

5. I will pick 3 winners. Each winner will score 1 item shapewear of their choice. You can choose any item buy nothing from the SENSUALE line (so sadly these styles are not available.)

6. Returns and size exchanges due to sizing will occur a fee so you will have to give me your exact measurements so I can provide Vedette customer support with the appropriate information.

7. Giveaway is open to international readers aside from the Philippines.

Giveaway closes Thursday the 25th of October.


Good lucky girls!!!

P.S So many thanks to my awesome team on this shoot from Lucky and Rice! You guys were amazing!

Bodywrap Shapewear

I've been on a mission lately to test shapewear from around the globe and give you the low down on fit, shaping abilities and more.

It's a private test drive that I do for a full week to give you girls my honest opinion and personal experiences and this week I'm excited to talk about Body Wrap Shapewear.

Body Wrap are a Canadian based shapewear company that offer a great variety of standard and plus size styles. Here is a little snip-it from their website : 

'Body Wrap shapewear are seamless undergarments that are designed to slim, tone and enhance any woman's figure. Through innovative design and seamless construction, Body Wrap shapewear is soft, comfortable and breathable enough to be part of a woman’s everyday wardrobe.  Unlike other shapewear, Body Wrap is both complimentary to a woman’s figure yet has the design appeal that allows each woman to not only look her best, but feel her best. 



There are 4 different types of Body Wrap shapewear to suit every size and style, including Regular Body Wrap, Body Wrap Full Figure, Body Wrap Lites and Iridesscent by Body Wrap.  Body Wrap has been featured in many magazines including People, US Weekly, InStyle, Brides, Oprah, Elle, Shape, Fitness, Best Health, Woman's World and many more.



Body Wrap is a division of Christina America, Inc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Trimera Group Inc. Christina America Inc. was founded in 1952 as designer and manufacturer of women’s swimwear and continues today to provide women of all shapes and sizes with swimwear and shapewear'

Now I tried 3 styles from their standard fitting range based on my measurements. I turned out to be an XL and I looked for garments that fitted my needs right now. 

All 3 styles are in my opinion great for every day wear and fit into what I consider the medium control level. They smooth your shape out but not flatten 100% and don't make you feel like your stuffed into anything or like a sausage. 

                                            

The Pin Thin - $38.00

A seemless high waist thong that I ordered specifically for high wasited skirt and skin tight high waist pants such as my disco pants. The thong design is perfect for those skirts or pant what show the VPL. With this Pin Thing worrying about your panty line showing is a thing of the past. 

They sit mid rib and the fabric is super stretchy and soft. I did not feel lots of slimming in this garment but it did create a nice and non visible base for my AA Disco Pants. 

Seamless Underbust Bodysuit - $74.00

The creation I've been looking for in all forms and brands of shapewear is a bust less bodysuit that is both comfortable and visually appealing. This seamless suit is perfectly designed and works under dresses, skirts and pants. The thick straps are very comfortable, adjustable and never dig in to your skin. I found this suit came up to my bra ling perfectly when adjusted and was a pleasure to wear all day. 

As I mentioned earlier this is only a light form of shaping so there was no huge reduction just a slight flattening. The gusset was set rather far back though which made taking this off in a rush interesting but the gusset has 3 sections of clips depending on how much allowance you need.

As it's still cold down here I found this item perfect to wear over my stockings and tights as it added extra slimming and kept everything secure. 

The Pinup with Underwire - $86.00

And finally a full bodysuit with an underwire bra built into the garment. I personally found my chest too large for this underwire (I'm a G cup) but the suit itself is brilliant. The same fit and shape of the previously show garment but if you have the right size chest this would be a perfect fit.

Made from breathable, smooth and stretchy fabric (all are 75% Polyamide and 25% Elastane) without any seems so they won't pop through and show their nasty lines. They lift, shape and support your where it counts. I find with my back issues that shapewear actually keeps me sitting up straight and helps me with my posture.

So these are just a small selection of what Body Wrap has to offer. You can find more styles and information via their website, facebook, twitter and they even have their own blog!

They are really great every day shapwear options that won't make you uncomfortable which I think every woman needs.

Have you tried this brand yet? If so I'd love to hear your opinions as well! Maybe you've tried some different items other than these listed, if so just leave be a comment bellow.

Bella Bodies - Online Store!!!

My favorite shapewear brand now have their own online store! So swing by and check out their amazing products.

Bella Bodies Webstore

I'm far too addicted to their Body Definer I wear them every day! I really need to get a few more colours though maybe a Red, Pink and the always trusty Black!

This website has made my day!!

Bella Body Definer - New Colours!

Bella Bodies has released my favorite style Body Definer in two new colours Pink and Red! These are perfect for summer while you wear more sheer garments and low cut tops/tanks. They pop a little colour to any outfit and hold you in perfectly.

After all the Christmas and New Years fun i think we all need some bella bodies in our life! I'm wearing this pink Definer today under jeans with a simply tee, you can't see it at all! It just slims down my hips, waist and makes my curves even better!


Where can you get Bella Bodies? Check out their Stockist pages for links to online shops and stores in Australia

For my other post and an image of me in my favorite Bella Body suits please view the first entry I wrote about these amazing pieces - A Bella Body

A Bella Body

I recently wrote about just how vital foundation garments are when your styling an outfit, in my mind they are needed for smooth lines and great shape.

Recently I've been testing Bella Bodies fantastic range and I have to say they are brilliant! Michel Schuhmacher - Creator has designed the most perfect range to cover any outfit and any size.

I've always owned a pair or two of what i tend to call 'suck me in' knickers but until I tried these styles I've never really found my perfect garment. They come in black, white and cream so you can find the perfect one to match whatever you are wearing.


The products I've been testing are the :

The Body Definer - With convertible straps, comes in black/latte/white up to a size 22




The High Control Panty - In S M V and VV. The security bands that attach to the side of your bra is fantastic it does not roll and he bottom has no VPL!

The Body Slip - Perfect for Dresses! In S M V and VV

These are an absolute pleasure to wear and I felt completely comfortable in them after a long day. I have a real hour glass figure and they shrink my waist even more which is great! I love the little features and just how much they hold everything in. The hight of the items really smooths out any bumps as well with some styles covering your bra.

With the warm days we have been having they are really living up to their high standard and are still comfortable and breathable. To buy Bella Bodies click here to see your closest stockist or online retailer - Stockists.

So what do I look like in Bella Bodies? Well please excuse the blurry image but here is a peak. I usually would not show my undergarments but hey I love this product. I am wearing the The Body Definer. I'm wearing a bra in this shot, please not it does not have cups and i need lots of support. I am wearing a size V.

Great Shape

Now it might just be my opinion but if your are game enough to wear skin tight clothing the best thing to do is invest in some fantastic shape wear to go under it.

I have a fit if i can see muffin top over my jeans, if a roll is visible and my outfit is not smooth and well fitted.

Your undergarments the the ability to ruin your outfit or make it perfect. They can make the perfect base for a dress, pants or skirt to slide onto or the wrong undergarments can make your faults ever more apparent.

Recently when i uploaded one of my shots onto facebook people started asking me what corset I wear under my dresses. I don't its just a good pair of shapewear knickers and the ability to pose correctly that gives that impression.

So here are some good options for all your shape wear needs both in Australia, the UK and the US. Each tittle link goes to the shapewear location of their website so be sure to click it if you want to see more.

Bras'n'Things - Australia

Ultimate Body - Slim High Waist Control Brief - $39.99 AUS
My stand out favorite which I own and love!

Hips & Curves



The Captivating Corset Slip - $49.95USD


Heavenly Curves


Bella Bodies New Body Definer - $65.50


Evans


Purple Lace Waist Cincher - £22.00

I also have a great pair of high waist briefs that I got at Target. They are the best fit and only cost around $19.99.

If you want more of a reduction or shape then invest in a steal boned corset. I love the shape they give you but I don't like to wear them under clothing as I dislike the visible lines they can show.