I Need Advice Please, Costumers!

[julianne_606]

What is your favorite brand/style bodyshaper? (Yeah, that would be girdle, in less PC terms) I'm looking for something that will take in the tummy and hips (FIRM control), but not flatten the girls up top. I've considered a straight up corset, but that may be too rigid for what I need. Any help/suggestions appreciated!!!

Thanks!!!:p

[fluffychester]

Hi Julie. I'm not a costumer. But I'll bet I've tried out more shapewear than almost anyone on the site! :)

So here are three options. I'm not ashamed to say I own all three.

The first is the most basic of corsets by Fredrick's of Hollywood. IMHO, any woman larger than a stick figure, or any woman with figure flaws, should wear one under most costumes -- especially period costumes (anything before 1965) because they give the wearer a great line. Some complain that it is more difficult to sing wearing one. I find the opposite to be true. It forcess me to stand up straight and support my breath. Also, Julie -- since I'm not as well-endowed as I believe you are, I can't advise you on how it treats "the girls." All I know is that it helps me (Prez of the I.B.T. Committee, if you know what I mean ;) ) create great cleavage.

http://www.fredericks.com/product/corsets/intimate+fashions/curve+enhancing+solutions/lace+inset+corset+set.do

Have you tried Spanx? They're among the most amazing inventions ever! Here's the one I like, and it would probably meet your needs, too. It goes all the way to just under your bra on top, and covers you down to your thighs, so no panty line problems! And for such a light-weight fabric, you'd be surprised how well it holds!

http://www.spanx.com/pls/enetrixp/!stmenu_template.main?complex_id_in=477024.479040. 695101.1046838.page

I've been known to wear my Spanx with this next item over it, because it really sucks in the waist, and the combination of the two will give you a surprisingly flat tummy!

http://www.isaacsultan.com/product_detail.asp?name=20&product_id=736

So there are my suggestions. You can get Spanx at Nordstrom (and probably other dept. stores -- but trust me -- Nordy's has the widest variety of types & sizes, and the most helpful salespeople.). Unfortunately, the other stuff, I'm afraid you'll have to buy online. And no -- none of these solutions is inexpensive. But they're well worth the investment (IMHO), and I'm sure you could write them off your taxes.

So there you have my recommendations. You can PM me if you have additional questions. I'm more than happy to offer advice. After all -- don't forget that great scene from the movie of Steel Magnolias (at the wedding reception):

Dolly Parton as Truvy (sadly observing an overweight woman jiggling mightily on the dance floor): "I never leave the house without spandex on these thighs!"

Olympia Dukakis as Clairee: "Well, that's 'cause you're mama raised you right!"

I've found very few occasions in life for which there isn't a good piece of advice from Steel Magnolias.

[julianne_606]

Thanks for the help, I may give that corset a shot! In looking on my own, I came across these Brazilian shapers called Squeem-have you ever heard of these? They sound pretty fabulous, if they do what they say (4 inches down right out of the gate). If I can find one on ebay, I may try it and share the results.

Thanks again!

[fluffychester]

Julie - Thanks. No, I hadn't heard of "Squeem," but I may give it a shot. I'm a little worried about the whole rubber thing (I'm guessing that any actual reduction in size is mostly from water loss due to sweat and won't be permanent), but it might be worth the investment. Who knows?

I just wish they would use "real size" women in their ads, rather than skinny models. Would give a more realistic view.

[agingdiva]

Only a few of us remember the exquisite torture of 'long-line' bras, with steel stays that gave even the best endowed the uplift of hydraulic whatever. Of course, sometimes the stays came out while you were dancing, and when you undressed, your body had stay-marks on the waist. But, gee, were we gorgeous! Spent the best years of my body in those contraptions, wearing a girdle to hold up my seamed stockings. Well, actually, no-seam stockings were the norm, but somebody once told me seams were sexy, so I spent many days trying to get them straight. I'll bet Victoria's secret still has them for regular sizes. By regular, I mean too small for moi.

[Adrienne Reiswerg]

Jackie, with all those whaleboned corset stays, no wonder the whales became endangered. And I think architectural fan vaulting could replace underwires if someone thought it through...
Yes, Victoria's Secret has seamed stockings, some with rhinestones at the heel, and the tags have gotten a bit more realistic with "One Size Fits Most." (bullshitbullshit)

[agingdiva]

and the tags have gotten a bit more realistic with "One Size Fits Most."[/SIZE] (bullshitbullshit)


Most of me, anyhow.

[julianne_606]

I am a HUGE fan of the corset, but I only want real ones. The kind made of bone or metal that can turn your lips blue if you lace them too tight. Gives you the best rack ever, and a tiny (relatively speaking) waist. Fabulous! One of my favorite parts of "Whorehouse" at Footlite was seeing Marni's corset collection. I was very impressed! The look is worth the punctured spleen when a stay breaks.

Since were talking underwear, I will share that my new favorite leg coverings for performance are Peavey Tights. They're apparently an industry insider thing for Hooter's Girls and Vegas Cocktail Waitresses, but they're terrific, with a nice sheen, good support and tremendous durability. A little pricey, but worth it because they look amazing and generally last longer than most tights/hose.

[kries]

Spanx rule!

And that's all I'm going to say about that!:o :D

[fluffychester]

I am a HUGE fan of the corset, but I only want real ones. The kind made of bone or metal that can turn your lips blue if you lace them too tight. Gives you the best rack ever, and a tiny (relatively speaking) waist. Fabulous! One of my favorite parts of "Whorehouse" at Footlite was seeing Marni's corset collection. I was very impressed! The look is worth the punctured spleen when a stay breaks.

Since were talking underwear, I will share that my new favorite leg coverings for performance are Peavey Tights. They're apparently an industry insider thing for Hooter's Girls and Vegas Cocktail Waitresses, but they're terrific, with a nice sheen, good support and tremendous durability. A little pricey, but worth it because they look amazing and generally last longer than most tights/hose.

Thanks, Julie! I do love the corsets. I feel that if i've been poked or punctured by a stay, it's sort of a badge of courage! <lol>

I'll check out Peavey tights, too! Hadn't heard of those. And here I thought I knew so much!

[liloldlady]

Just reading some of the threads, and I think Adrienne is getting her aging actresses confused. Aging diva is the lady known as Susan Paige Freeman. Jackie Cramer is the liloldlady :)

[Adrienne Reiswerg]

Mesdames,

Thank you for the correction. Obviously, my own advanced state of
decrepitude is responsible for this egregious lapse.

And isn't a thread with gentle good humor a FUN thing today?

Cheers.

Adrienne Reiswerg
aka Adrienne Reiswerg (my secret nom de web)

[Adrienne Reiswerg]

Honey, the photo is great. You don't look a day over 7.
You're a bit grey under the chin, but your ears are still perky
and you're still smiling.

At my/our/whatever age, ANYthing perky is a real plus, speaking
of undergarments....

[dramatic images]

Well having laced most leading ladies in this city up in corsets. I have often heard the cry I won't be able to sing. The same actress after swearing she will never sing without one. Marni's first corset suggestion has always been my favorite. I have hooked Marni many a time

[agingdiva]

Mesdames,

Thank you for the correction. Obviously, my own advanced state of
decrepitude is responsible for this egregious lapse.

And isn't a thread with gentle good humor a FUN thing today?

Cheers.

Adrienne Reiswerg
aka Adrienne Reiswerg (my secret nom de web)


Thank you. I'm letting Jackie use my photo as her avatar. Well, damn! I got the wrong quote. Why didn't someone tell me?

[liloldlady]

I have really had fun tonight - I was feeling bummed out after the nasty comments on the Rod Isaac thread. That photo is my beautiful Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Molly. Les Girls took off on some silliness on the precasting thread. I needed that so much as Susan well knows. :) :) :)

[creativetalentworkshop]

Some links:

Shaper (http://shop.avon.com/shop/product.asp?newdept=&s=LSMerchprodlist&c=LSMerch&otc=LS_ibs4WvSfLtE-C5egGw*f05CP1LunO07lhw&bnd=&pf_id=31030&level1_id=300&level2_id=308&pdept_id=481)

Body Briefer (http://www.barenecessities.com/product.asp?siteID=ibs4WvSfLtE-nW3K6vQY%2AaVv3WTKR9np%2Fg&redir=product:VaBien1191&referrer=mdsr&pf_id=VaBien1191&CC=AFC-LinkshareAffiliateLink&cm_mmc=spree.com%20marketplace-_-mch-_-VaBien1191-_-NA)

Shapewear (http://www.barenecessities.com/product.asp?siteID=ibs4WvSfLtE-4NJ9szqeMxF68NeNDPzWHA&redir=product:Flexees16854&referrer=mdsr&pf_id=Flexees16854&CC=AFC-LinkshareAffiliateLink&cm_mmc=spree.com%20marketplace-_-mch-_-Flexees16854-_-NA)

Capris Shapewear (http://www.barenecessities.com/product.asp?siteID=ibs4WvSfLtE-LKb4VBlayimjzhEVJZ8C%2FQ&redir=product:Miraclesuit2607&referrer=mdsr&pf_id=Miraclesuit2607&CC=AFC-LinkshareAffiliateLink&cm_mmc=spree.com%20marketplace-_-mch-_-Miraclesuit2607-_-NA)

More Help Here: Shopping Link (http://www.spree.com/default.asp?x=MJFProd)

[Lionheart]

Slow down Ladies......

I'm writing this down.....

Corset..... Spanx (No. Spanx YOU!)

Body Shapers

Squeem? (Oh! Look out! Don't step in the Squeem!
Mm.... Too late. I already did..... Darn it....)

[julianne_606]

I'm enjoying this thread! I am excited to see what new and exciting shapes I can squeeze my bod into, and I plan on sharing the dramatic results.

I also agree about singing in corsets-no problem at all. (Fastening shoes in one is a whole other thing.)

Oh, and one more question for Miss Marni . . . where did you get the gown you wore in the prom scene for Whorehouse? I LOVED that, it was spectacular. (You may be my new fashion icon!)

And briefly off topic, thanks for the backup on the other thread. I wanted to thank you publicly, but I didn't want to get involved there again. Been there, done that, burned the t-shirt. I've found that whole thing to be appalling, but you handled it very well.

Ok, back to panties and bras . . . and since boys are looking, should we stage a pillowfight?

[Lionheart]

Ok, back to panties and bras . . . and since boys are looking, should we stage a pillowfight?

Oh! Please, please, please!?!?!?!!!!!!!!:D

[fluffychester]

Oh, and one more question for Miss Marni . . . where did you get the gown you wore in the prom scene for Whorehouse? I LOVED that, it was spectacular. (You may be my new fashion icon!)

That fabulous gown is actually owned by Jeff Farley. He found it on the clearance rack at Von Maur for something like $20! But that was probably 3 years ago now. I liked it so much and got so many compliments that I wore it in Anything Goes, too! But where I wore it with a beaded shawl wrap in Whorehouse, I wore it with a little see-through crop top over it in AG. Love that dress! But seriously -- it would have looked like doo-doo without the corset. It's all about creating the line.

And briefly off topic, thanks for the backup on the other thread. I wanted to thank you publicly, but I didn't want to get involved there again. Been there, done that, burned the t-shirt. I've found that whole thing to be appalling, but you handled it very well.

Thanks. It's all been rather surreal.

But I do enjoy the sudden interest in this thread taken by Messrs. McCarty and Ferruzza. <<giggle!>> As you can see - it's a topic on which I am well-versed!

[creativetalentworkshop]

Mine is a bit self serving due to the fact that I have a cashback online shopping link my website...The fact being that I have spent more than 1/2 a lifetime trying to get women out of clothes instead of finding ways to put on more!
j/k

( c:

[JulesD]

Hi Ladies!

I'm frantically taking notes as part of my hunt for the perfect foundation garment!

By the way Julie and Adrienne, I love the new pictures.

[liloldlady]

Now you know why I love Hawaii and muumuu's. And yes, I remember my long line bras in college and for my wedding. I will have to check out maybe one good corset - I like the line idea that Marnie was talking about.

[agingdiva]

...with a crotch snap. Either do not wear false fingernails or do not try to empty the bladder until after the performance. All I'm sayin'.

[MrAntrobus]

Ladies, I'm finding this discussion of corsetry and undergarments very educational. I think I would learn more with more pictures. :-)

[Lionheart]

...with a crotch snap. Either do not wear false fingernails or do not try to empty the bladder until after the performance. All I'm sayin'.

Got one of those (crotch snap) in Gym Class once..... Hurt like hell.

Yes.... Pictures would be most helpful....:)

[MrAntrobus]

Well, actually, maybe I'd better reconsider that. I'm still recovering from some of those pictures you emailed to me and the Posse a few weeks ago, Julie. But then again, I've never seen a more inspired use of peacock feathers.

[julianne_606]

Seriously. Now THERE is a topic of conversation! And my first question would be . . . WTF????

For the rest of you, the images to which Mr. Hartz is referring can be found here:http://stefanemonzon.com/monzoen_html/first.html (http://stefanemonzon.com/monzoen_html/first.html)

As this man is debuting a line of designer merkins (a "fashion" item I've not really heard of being in use since the 1600s), it should probably not be viewed at work.

[julianne_606]

PS- Thanks Julie D! I like Adrienne's new pic, too! Delighted to hear all the good buzz on your show!

[dramatic images]

Seriously. Now THERE is a topic of conversation! And my first question would be . . . WTF????

For the rest of you, the images to which Mr. Hartz is referring can be found here:http://stefanemonzon.com/monzoen_html/first.html (http://stefanemonzon.com/monzoen_html/first.html)

As this man is debuting a line of designer merkins (a "fashion" item I've not really heard of being in use since the 1600s), it should probably not be viewed at work.Ok many summer has the swan sung her song. but I have never been able to hold a peacock beween my legs and walk down a runway. I am pea green with jealousy

[julianne_606]

I promised followup! I ordered a corset from Orchard Corset, and have been really happy with them! It was just under $50 including the shipping, got here in 2 days, and worked really well as far as shaping.

The second time I wore it, the stop at the bottom stop of the zipper came off. (I could still use it, because it has hook/eye fastners down the front, under the zipper) I emailed the company, and they are sending a replacement today, with a postage paid envelope for me to return the original corset, no questions asked.

AWESOME!!! They carry a huge line of corsets, girdles, bras, compression/post-surgical garments, etc . . . and the customer service is superb. I am in the process of getting a Squeem shaper, and will report back!

[fluffychester]

I'm reporting back, too.

I looked into the Squeem shapers, but found something on Ebay that is probably a cheap knock-off. But I figured I'd give it a shot (and it was only between $25 and $30 with shipping - about half the price of the real Squeem!).

I LOVE IT! Seriously - probably takes 3 - 4 inches off my waist! It's also really flexible and easy to move in. The rubber makes it warm (and there is a bit of a rubber smell -- it wears off), but no metal stays and I like it!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSAA:US:11&Item=130165487351

Thanks for the tip, Julie. Now I need to check out this Orchard corset thing -- especially if they replace the bad one no questions asked!

[julianne_606]

Fantastic!!! Thanks for sharing-I'm on my way to order one right now! I had seen the knock-off brands, and considered giving it a shot, great to know that it works as well as it says. My newest shaper purchase was a corset slip-again from orchard corset (and $9 to boot!)-but the same as the one in the Fredericks catalog. I plan on trying it out at work tomorrow, I'll let you know how it goes!

[dramatic images]

Fantastic!!! Thanks for sharing-I'm on my way to order one right now! I had seen the knock-off brands, and considered giving it a shot, great to know that it works as well as it says. My newest shaper purchase was a corset slip-again from orchard corset (and $9 to boot!)-but the same as the one in the Fredericks catalog. I plan on trying it out at work tomorrow, I'll let you know how it goes!
need help hooking it?

[julianne_606]

need help hooking it?
Lord, what I wouldn't give . . . !

In other news the corset slip thing just didn't work for me, so I will probably re-ebay it. I bought it in the size that was supposed to fit me, but it's waaaayyy to big. Might work if it were the right size, but a complete bust (no pun intended!) as is.

[Debby]

Hmmm. I hesitate to even share this but like Ron Paul, it has me horrified and fascinated all at the same time. Googling around for forties fashions, I came across a blog with video (http://www.kontraband.com/show/show.asp?ID=4535&rtn=index-topten&nsfwfs=yes) of Stephane Monzon's fashion show, the aforementioned designer of merkins (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merkin). Definitely not work-safe! But hilarious, and fascinating and "you did what?!" Favorite quote: "This is something that they'll have to cherish forever." Really? And the question remains, where do you wear these things? (Where on a global/societal scale, not an anatomical one, thankyouverymuch.)