I’ll let you in on a little secret. The success or not of my wardrobe lies not with clothes and accessories alone.
It lies with little wardrobe helpers. Things that help me look cool on the outside when things might be quite the opposite underneath.
Here are five things that never see the light of day but help me give the illusion that I’ve got it all going on. If you get my drift.
Now by rights – what with my size 16E sideways boobs and all – I shouldn’t be wearing this bra. But I do. This Nearly Nude strapless bandeau is tops for under summer dresses that require something that doesn’t show straps. I wouldn’t go jogging in it (who, am I kidding, I don’t go jogging full stop) but it gives me enough support for the odd day, plus it’s cool and comfortable to wear when the heat is on and sweat is coming from places sweat shouldn’t come from.
Speaking of sweat … the nature of the job I do means that I often have to speak in public. I’m fine with that it’s just that my body behaves otherwise and I start dripping like a tap from my pits. Not attractive. Not one bit. These Garment Guards attach to my shirt and keep me cool – and protect my clothes. Winning.
See that middle bit around this tank top? That’s ridgy didge sucker-inner material. I wear this Yummie Boyfriend Tank to minimise and disperse any muffin top that may sneak up over the waistband of my jeans. I layer another top over it and no-one is the wiser.
These are the undies that I pull out of my drawer most days. They’re not sucker-inners. They’re made from a smooth microfibre and sit smoothly on, so work to minimise any VPL under most garments. I usually stock up during Myer/Berlei sales.
Yes, the Calvary has arrived. No, I don’t wear these every day. Not even every other day. But they sit there. Lurking in my undies drawer ready to do battle with a garment of mine that may or may not need a little help in the sucker-inner department. I go the bike short length as opposed to briefs because I find I still get a line on the butt with a brief. And the high waist? Designed to prevent any up top spillage. Only downside? Husband feeling your leg when you’re out somewhere swish … only to discover way more fabric than he had been hoping for.
Do you have any wardrobe helpers that you couldn’t live without? Share them below. These are sisterhood secrets we shouldn’t keep.
PS. Thank-you SO much for de-lurking yesterday. You completely made my day.
Comments 49
I have not tried the guard things but I do recommend the clinical protection deodorants u can buy at supermarkets or there is a stronger product available at pharmacies. You use it at night and your underarms stay dry all day long. With regular use u can get away with using it every couple of days. Rexona and dove are the brands I buy at Coles.
Author
Oh, I didn’t know about the super strength stuff. Thanks Shaz!
I love my bra’s from Intimo with the water bags in them:). They can get a bit warm during Summer but I put up with it, beauty is pain sometimes:0. They give me just the boost I need. When I can’t be bothered having a cleavage I go back to my old regular bras.
Author
Good call Leanne – and yes those bras are gold!
I’ve been looking at getting a strapless bandeau, as a b-cup, I can get away without a bra, but I don’t like doing it. Thanks for the link, i’m going to check the brand out.
The underarm guards are amazing, I don’t have that problem, but it’s such a good idea!
I don’t have any nifty tricks, but I’m going to steal a few of yours!
Author
Steal away Natalie! And I’m sure you’ll find that bandeau bra perfect for you. It’s super comfy!
I loooove the Ambra abshaper, they are a brief (not too low legged)but come up really high, just under the bust. They DO NOT roll down at all! I can’t stand the rolling down bit, those ones start to feel like you have a rubber band around you! Hubby says it looks like I have my swimmers on, lol.
I also have a couple of berlei ones that I am sure I bought at big w a few years ago and they are fab too.
My belly area is my downfall, having split during pregnancies and I am told I will need surgery to repair the divided muscles if I want, I am so not going there, those muscles are the least of my appearance worries! Shapewear will do me just fine thanks!
Author
Ah, good tip on the Ambra abshaper! And yes, lots of stuff happens with our pregnancies – shapewear is our friend!
Have to disagree with you on the Berlie undies….I bought a pair (although not the high waisted ones) for a particular dress so I didn’t have any VPL and well, I guess they did the job…..cause they were so far up my *huh hum* that you couldn’t see any panty line……too much information?? Other brand suggestions would be appreciated cause I am never wearing them again!
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One person’s bottom is not the same as another’s, Kerri 😉 Karla on my Facebook page has this recommendation: “Kmart home brand ones and they have a high cotton content so they don’t make me hot and sweaty even in summer!” Otherwise Bendon has a new range out called Weightless. I haven’t tried it as yet so can’t vouch for it.
Have recently discovered you via Sarah @abeachcottage and am your new follower.
Can I just say that you are the fairy godmother of undergarments and I am so grateful for this timely post.
I have my 40th cocktail style party in two months and have a fab, long black halter neck dress to wear.
However after 4 children and bowel surgery, my tummy looks a bit potty and no amount of exercise is going to shift it.
Enter your solution in the Nancy Ganz highwaisted bike short!
Thank you for saving me time in hunting down the best undergarment to smooth out my not so smooth bits!!!
Author
Oh, Kat … thanks for coming over. Love Sarah @abeachcottage! And congrats on celebrating your 40th in style! Depending on the dress, a fitted slip might also work, like this one: http://www.nancyganz.com.au/sleek-slip-dress/ Have fun!!!
Love the slip, but with not at that price.
Is there a cheaper version that may work just as well please Nikki?
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Try something from the Hold Me Tight range: http://www.holdmetight.com.au/w1/i2/
Oh you are a gem!!
I will be skipping along to my local Big W tomorrow with dress in hand to try on the slip and the high waisted body sculptor thingy.
I am guessing I can wear a bra under that fitted slip?
Thanks so much for your styling guidance.
Ps loving your keeping it real fashion posts too!
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Some of them you won’t need a bra underneath as the bra is built it – try and see!
Ooooh – I’m gonna get me one of those strapless bras! I’m a 14DD and can’t find a strapless bra that works for love nor money – so this one looks like a winner! 😀
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Worth a try Kel!
I have some slips and tanks from Ambra that are great under jersey tops and dresses, but they are only available in black and beige.
This is very practical, but I’ve been catching up on Mad Men lately and loved Joan’s (Christina Hendricks) beautiful slinky slips: I’d love a slinky shape wear tank or slip or two, in say royal blue or red. How great would that look if someone caught a flash?
Any suggestions for a source?
I actually bought a couple of beautiful vintage slips from
vintage and second hand stores last year and dyed one of them. They’re gorgeous & usually really cheap, too. They look like something Elizabeth Taylor would have worn in A Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
Ooohh thank you. I think Liz Taylor in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Joan Hollaway on Mad Men were separated a birth.
However, I’m not crazy about vintage and surely someone makes them in slinky shape wear type fabric?
I reluctantly decided to enter the world of shapewear this year and was pleasantly surprised by the not-so-ugly options available. I went into a Mary Holland lingerie store where there was a very friendly assistant who suggested I try a Triumph bodysuit with a Nancy Ganz hip slip on top. It was fantastic! I feel all sucked in, smooth and just a little sexy.
Author
Thanks for the tip-off – and yes, smooth can be very sexy!
GARMENT GUARDS. You have no idea how much I needed these. (Or maybe you DID have an idea, you were just too polite to tell me.)
XX
Author
HeeHee … I have some other types of guards for Mrs Woog – will bring to DPCon x
I’m so excited about that Yummie tank! Need to put that on my wish list for sure.
Also, I just bought my first pair of Nancy Ganz high waisted bike shorts at the end of last year to go under a gorgeous, but very tight, dress to wear to a friends wedding. Best investment ever!! I loved it (although my husband would agree with your comment re touching your leg!)and it did an amazing job and made me feel comfortable and confident all afternoon and night.
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Kerri, that’s my point – the husband’s can wait – you want to look and feel great. Especially at a wedding when there are sneaky photographers lurking everywhere 😉
Hi Nikki
Love the look of these items. I have always been curious about the Nancy Gantz highwasted job – does the top bit roll down on you at all? I agree that it should only be pulled out in extreme cases but it certainly looks very useful.
Author
When you buy the right size and it’s a brand of this quality, you should be ok. I do find that I’ve been sitting down a long time then I will get a little roll at the top. Certainly nothing major.
sold
all of them
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Don’t think you need the full nanas, Sarah!
I am taking any help I can get lol x
Why do they always show slimware on skinny women? I like the boyfriend tank. I wore slimware once in my life (AusBlogCon!) and the one I picked up was way to big, so it did nothing. I might have to give it another go.
Author
Everyone needs a smooth line – but I get what you’re saying! Yes, if you buy too big, it won’t do anything. Buy your normal underwear size and then stretch it on so it can do its thing!
zomg the garment guards… GENIUS! Thanks Nikki 🙂
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Aren’t they!?
Where do we buy these items? That bandeau looks awesome as I’m
Yet to find a comfy strapless bra. Also the tank do you still wear a bra and is it too hit for Qld weather
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There are links to buy online (and some of these sites will have store stockists too) highlighted in red under each image. Yes, I still wear a bra with the tank – it doesn’t offer any support for the girls. And not too hot for QLD weather.
Thanks will click the links when I’m at home and not on iPhone. I love your blogs by the way
I’m definitely going to get me one of those boyfriend tanks and the bandeau looks pretty good too but I have always given them a miss as thought my 12DD would just be too bouncy for that kinda thing! I did buy a pair of briefs with a suck it in band across the top years ago but they are pretty hideous and the first time I ever wore them for some reason was the day my hubbie decided to playfully lift my skirt in the air and well he almost had a coronary and yelled “WTF are those things” needless to say they don’t get out much and I just stick to my G’s. Thanks for sharing your tips 🙂
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Caz – my husband HATES it when I wear the nana pants but there are times when it’s just a necessity for me 😉
Where do you buy the Yummie tank top? From that website, or is there somewhere in Aus? Thanks.
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Hi Ang – I’m sorry – accidentally put in the US website link. Here is the Australian one: http://www.yummielife.com.au/body-slimmer.html – can buy online or there is a stockist locater page.
The tank top! That is genius!! I’ll be n the look out for that!
My wardrobe helper is the strapless sucker-inner mini slip, that Had me in hysterics when I tried it on. I looked in the mirror, and thought omg, 20 years and three children ago, I used to wear THIS out. It’s great to smooth all those bits and gives the illusion that I have no bits! Great under stretchy figure hugging dresses.
Author
Yes, it’s best not to look in the mirror as you’re maneuvering into these things 😉 Too funny.
Hi Nikki,
“running NOT walking” to get one of those nude bandeau’s hope they have black too.
x loulou
Author
Yes I have in black and a very pale almost white pink!
With my barely-C-cup cleavage that has just finished feeding my third baby, the push up bra is my secret weapon! I’ve also been known to pop on a maternity belly band to hide or smooth a bit of muffin toppage. Oh, and party feet to make it look like I walk in heels *all the time*.
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Tam – that is genius on all counts. Thanks for sharing.