Fashion, Shopping

Summer Shape Up

Summer Shape Up

Slim down and look trim without hitting the gym

By Carla Canedo Cartier

For countless women, the thought of the skin-baring summer season sends a chill down their spines. But what happens when you live in sunny Florida where swimsuit weather is all year? Luckily, nowadays, fashion affords every option under the sun for functional shape-saving slimmers and boosters. Mind you, these are not your grandmother’s girdles. The innovative companies of today are offering a variety of stylish “unmentionables” that work hard without constricting. And many of these successful companies boast innovative, talented women at the helm, who started their companies based on their own needs. Take for instance Spanx, started by Sara Blakely and her desire to look great in a cream pair of pants. By literally cutting the bottoms off her panty hose in her quest for a fabulous look, Spanx was born. Now a staple on the lingerie and shape wear scene, Spanx sets the bar for many shapewear companies to follow. New to the scene, owner and creator of Tweakerz, Mandy Krammel, founded her idea for the perfect bra accessory on her own desire for a little lift. Even creator of Yummie Tummie, Heather Thomson, who began her career as a fashion designer and celebrity stylist, designed her line based on the needs of her celebrity clients to find shapewear that was comfortable and fashionable. So, go ahead, sexy up your summer by slimming your silhouette, raising bothers you most, there is an option for you. Here are just a few of our favorites to help you look shapely and sleek this summer. V

BOOTY-LICIOUS                                                                                                                                        Move over Kim Kardashian. Thanks to Booty Pop Panties, now anyone can have a dynamic derriere. This innovative panty can transform the look of your tush in your favorite jeans or shorts thanks to its strategically placed padding. (Think padded bra for your tiny hiney.) A favorite among stylists and celebrities including Ashley Tinsdale, these sweet and sassy panties are sure to bring a smile to your face and lift to your tush, promising a higher, rounder rear. Now that’s bringing sexy back. Available in a variety of fun styles and colors from lovely lace to candy-colored boy shorts, find Booty Pop Panties at Alene Too, Boca Raton or bootypoppanties.com. $28.

MIDDLE MANAGEMENT

Say sionara to the dreaded “muffin top” and banish the bulge in your favorite summer stunner with the help of Yummie Tummie. Comfortable and stylish, this chic shaper is meant to be seen peeking out from under your favorite tanks and tops. The comfortable collection of camis comes in a host of styles and colors from tube tops, scoops and v-necks to lace trimmed and even animal print. The super soft, lightweight, patent-pending dual fabric technology makes it perfect for layering. But it is the firm control midsection panel that slims and gives you a discreet girlish shape. It even provides core stability without constriction, making it comfortable to wear all day. Available in regular or long, you’re sure to find your favorite style. Find Yummie Tummie at Celis, Coral Gables or yummietummie.com. $72.

SWIMSICAL

If there is anywhere a gal could use a little support, it’s poolside. Now, you too, can welcome swimsuit season with open arms, thanks to the stylish swimwear of Miraclesuit. This unique and fashionable line of swimwear slims, contours, shapes and firms the body via it’s “magic fabric,” Miratex. Boasting three times as much spandex as traditional swimwear, Miraclesuit will have your looking 10 pounds lighter in seconds. So even if you need a few more months to get bikini ready, there’s no need to hide under caftans and cover-ups. The silhouettes are modern and figure-flattering and only you will know it’s a Miraclesuit. Find the Miraclesuit collection at Macy’s and Nordstrom stores statewide. $150.

SUPPORT GROUP

Uplift your confidence and your breasts this summer with the little “bra miracle” you never know you needed. Tweakerz will perk up your bust and your attitude, in one easy minute. This fashionable bra accessory that slides right under your bra strap is discreet and comfortable, yet completely functional. Hypoallergenic, FDA approved and fully customizable, Tweakerz is invisible under clothing. It even reduces neck strain, encourages a more natural shoulder position and improves posture. One small accessory; one big impact. The perfect addition to any savvy woman’s bra wardrobe, Tweakerz not only allows you to convert your favorite bra to a raceback style, but it also lifts, supports and creates cleavage. Find Tweakers online at Tweakerz.com or Alene Too, Boca Raton. $14.95.