(SF)

By Meg Hemphill

(InStyle.com) -- Every woman could use a little help when it comes to enhancing her god-given assets.

Now's the time to breathe a big sigh of relief: These confections of spandex, nylon and Lycra will cinch, slim, smooth and boost you wherever you need it.

And how serendipitous: Fall's hourglass shapes, revealing cuts and origami folds demand a sleek line and no-bulge curves.

On Top

Sure, these bras pump up the décolletage, but that's not all they do. Rely on them to assuredly keep everything in place no matter how revealing the cut of your dress. You might well want to snag all four of them. Photo Take a look at what Hollywood's stars wear under their gowns »

Plunging

This dipper's padded cups add lift. Straps can be worn as a halter and crisscross. Comes in 32B to 36D.

Backless

Allover adhesive that doesn't lose its grip (even after washing) allows you to flaunt a toned back.

Low Front

Clear straps that you can easily convert make this bra ideal for plunging or wide necklines.

Convertible

The three sets of straps that come with this ultra-versatile bra offer endless ways to transform it.

These comfortable, lightweight basics for everyday wear smooth away bumps, plus support and firm you under formfitting clothes.

Minimizing

The impressive firm control on this camisole reduces the bust size up to 1½ inches and streamlines the stomach area. The no-slip technology means you never have to worry about stray straps. Sizes 34C to 40DD.

Smoothing

Think of this seamless equalizer as your basic undershirt with extras: It eliminates bulges under tight tops and sweaters, and provides bust support with underwire and adjustable straps. Remember that beige looks best under a fitted white shirt.

Down Low

Sometimes squats and lunges are not enough. These leg and bottom shapers will instantly provide your lower half with the sleek definition you'll require underneath fall's most daring dresses and slinkiest skirts.

Bootylicious

Like a push-up bra, these ingenious padded panties provide serious amplification. Wear them with jeans if your posterior looks saggy, or under a dress or skirt to add shapely curves. The foam pads are contoured to resemble the actual shape of the behind.

Waist Control

Wear this half-slip under a pencil skirt or jersey wrap dress to taper the appearance of the tummy, thighs and bottom. Also, the fabric won't cling to your clothes and it breathes, which means a cool, dry feel. There is no waistband, so the slip won't cut in.

Tummy Tuck

Relax, already! The day of the binding shaper is long behind us. The latest waist whittlers are aimed at your comfort zone.

Tummy Tuck

No need to nip when you can pull on a pair of these satin capris to flatten the belly and thighs. Consider them a pair of footless super-tights, and pair them with a sweaterdress or pencil skirt and slim-fitting boots. Slip them under a dress for a night out.

Long 'n' Lean

Create an unimpeded line from the torso to the thigh with this stellar shaper that won't ride up. These bike shorts eliminate visible panty lines and work just as well under pants as they do with a knee-length skirt or a long, flowing dress.

Total Body

Turn to one of these extraordinary shapers to give you a full-body makeover faster than you could pump out a couple of jumping jacks. These slim your entire core.

King of Cling

Achieve a completely smooth silhouette underneath a knit frock or a blouse-and-skirt ensemble. The three-quarter sleeves on this dress slip ensure your arms will look svelte underneath tight tops. Or simply incorporate the sleeves as a layer in your outfit.

Lighten Up

Makers of this Miracle Suit claim you'll look 10 pounds lighter when you put it on. While the fabric has extra-firm control, it is not stiff or rigid but comfortable and wearable beneath dresses, skirts and pants alike. Cup sizes go from 36B to 42DD.

__________________
Put me on wheels and I'll turn tricks.

Clever? Nah, I ran out of that years ago. But if you find this, let me know, k?
"The road goes ever on..." ~ Tolkien

In memory of my friend skip...
Go then, there are other worlds than these

that's one helluvaneffing list of stuff that women can buy so that they "look better". too bad crap like "Every woman could use a little help when it comes to enhancing her god-given assets" makes them feel shitty.






hey pretty lady, don't believe it.

__________________
Trees give peace to the souls of men * Nora Waln

The forest would be very quiet if no other birds sang than those who sing the best * Henry van Dyke

some fairly sordid tales, rambles, and anecdotes
Hypothetically Speaking * Something More * Cammy Interrupted * An Experimental Vacation * Masked * so..damn..hot * Thank You * My toy, his idea * no.19 Maple Lane * I Have A Surprise For You * Yesterday * In a Quiet Kitchen * help me decide * untitled prose * more untitled prose

Ice cream is much cheaper than all of that stuff, and it's my personal opinion that it makes ladies look a hell of a lot better.

__________________
Though I am different from you,
We were born involved in one another.

For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.

Complete surrender should not just come at moments in which one faces overwhelming odds, but in the calm when it seems one is personally in complete control of one's life.

If a woman doesn't feel at least a little inadequate, 90% of the women's stuff bought is not attractive to them.

__________________
Calm, quiet, smooth, devastating

true, but what is it that makes a woman feel at least a little inadequate, what plants that idea in her head in the first place? and why do so many women feel that way?

__________________
Trees give peace to the souls of men * Nora Waln

The forest would be very quiet if no other birds sang than those who sing the best * Henry van Dyke

some fairly sordid tales, rambles, and anecdotes
Hypothetically Speaking * Something More * Cammy Interrupted * An Experimental Vacation * Masked * so..damn..hot * Thank You * My toy, his idea * no.19 Maple Lane * I Have A Surprise For You * Yesterday * In a Quiet Kitchen * help me decide * untitled prose * more untitled prose

In my humble opinion, it's not restricted solely to women.

I've never felt that I measure up to the stereotypical image of what a man should look like. I'm very comfortable with myself, and I understand that outward appearances don't make a person (despite the obvious advantages those who look good in a suit have), but nevertheless...I remain somewhat insecure about my body when it's compared to others.


^^^

That's the politically correct version of "I know that I'm skinny and I can't change that. And I am jealous of those guys that are ripped & buff."

__________________
Though I am different from you,
We were born involved in one another.

For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.

Complete surrender should not just come at moments in which one faces overwhelming odds, but in the calm when it seems one is personally in complete control of one's life.

absolutely true. when you think about it, there's the body image ideal plus that whole pornstar cock thing. i do think there's more pressure put on women to present the whole package to the world - be the ten, and manage to stay there til you're 60 - but, in general, there isn't nearly as much insecurity about the clit, labia, vagina and all those other bits down there among women as there is among men. in some ways - with that visual, tangible, sexual summary just hanging out there, waiting to be judged at a glance - the pressure would be even harder to deal with.

hey stud, don't buy any of it.

__________________
Trees give peace to the souls of men * Nora Waln

The forest would be very quiet if no other birds sang than those who sing the best * Henry van Dyke

some fairly sordid tales, rambles, and anecdotes
Hypothetically Speaking * Something More * Cammy Interrupted * An Experimental Vacation * Masked * so..damn..hot * Thank You * My toy, his idea * no.19 Maple Lane * I Have A Surprise For You * Yesterday * In a Quiet Kitchen * help me decide * untitled prose * more untitled prose

I used to buy slimming undies (what in the old days they called "girdles") and the control top pantyhose and that whole deal. I gave up on it because it was uncomfortable, and started buying clothes that fit, though the sense of defeat took awhile to get over and still haunts me sometimes. However, it is mostly overcome by the fact that I'm wearing comfortable (physically and mentally) clothes.

I just tried on last year's jeans because I'm heading north next weekend and needed to make sure I have clothes to wear--these shorts I've got on now aren't going to do it in Wisconsin, methinks. The jeans fit, and they're close to acceptable, but they're not totally flattering. I've put on a few pounds the last couple of months because I haven't been getting my normal exercise because of various physical problems. So I ordered two pairs in the next size up from Old Navy and put a rush on the order so I won't be nekkid in Milwaukee, and am trying not to make it a self-judgment. I'll be getting back to my normal routine now as the aches and pains are subsiding, the old jeans will be fine, and in the meantime, I won't feel like a sausage.

I think I'll look at this site for awhile, too. It ALWAYS makes me feel better. And I think WI will like it, too.

__________________
OTP, siempre

My photo threads...

Latest: Cool April Morning

XXXII XXXIII XXXIV XXXV XXXVI XXXVII XXXVIII XXXIX

Stories
Thank You, Come Again / Robyn's Roommate / Seamus, Charlotte, and the Showgirl / God, It's Good to Be Queen

"I walk with my head held high and naked in the sun, claiming these streets for myself."--Jonatha Brooke

Darn, and I was going to offer you a sausage to snack on...

__________________
Plug me into somethin'

If the theory does not conform to the facts, then the facts must be discarded.

No good deed ever goes unpunished

Never argue with an idiot. He'll drag you down to his level, & beat you with experience.

Sausages are best when stuffed before eating. Just sayin.


And I'm glad you're going to be wearing pants. It is not a good thing to be naked up North except in CT.

__________________
Though I am different from you,
We were born involved in one another.

For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.

Complete surrender should not just come at moments in which one faces overwhelming odds, but in the calm when it seems one is personally in complete control of one's life.

Maybe there'd be someone in CT to keep me warm, then. A girl can dream.

__________________
OTP, siempre

My photo threads...

Latest: Cool April Morning

XXXII XXXIII XXXIV XXXV XXXVI XXXVII XXXVIII XXXIX

Stories
Thank You, Come Again / Robyn's Roommate / Seamus, Charlotte, and the Showgirl / God, It's Good to Be Queen

"I walk with my head held high and naked in the sun, claiming these streets for myself."--Jonatha Brooke

You missed pool season. The water is WAY too cold for your thin blood! lol

__________________
Though I am different from you,
We were born involved in one another.

For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.

Complete surrender should not just come at moments in which one faces overwhelming odds, but in the calm when it seems one is personally in complete control of one's life.

Apparently, about a million years of instinct...

That nagging feeling inside that you, as a woman, are in a life-or-death competition with every other woman to secure the ideal mate, & even when you've accomplished that, you still have to make yourself appealing as possible to keep him from looking elsewhere. Even though that instinct is not really needed in modern society, it takes a while for those primal urges to work their way out of the system...

__________________
Plug me into somethin'

If the theory does not conform to the facts, then the facts must be discarded.

No good deed ever goes unpunished

Never argue with an idiot. He'll drag you down to his level, & beat you with experience.

True, true, but I AM well insulated.

__________________
OTP, siempre

My photo threads...

Latest: Cool April Morning

XXXII XXXIII XXXIV XXXV XXXVI XXXVII XXXVIII XXXIX

Stories
Thank You, Come Again / Robyn's Roommate / Seamus, Charlotte, and the Showgirl / God, It's Good to Be Queen

"I walk with my head held high and naked in the sun, claiming these streets for myself."--Jonatha Brooke

Na!

About 75 years of "mens magazines".

Before then, a woman appears to be a woman, to the taste of some but not others. A woman met a man of her type, then married.

__________________
Calm, quiet, smooth, devastating