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I Ordered My First Pair Of Shapewear (Please Don’t Judge Me)

I’m a novice when it comes to the world of shapewear.  

For years, I wondered how different women I’d seen in photos had the most amazing figures that consisted of a tiny waist and curves that fell in just the right places. This past December I learned the truth: shapewear. A lot of these women have been wearing shapewear under their dresses and other outfits and that’s why they look so snatched. If you’re reading this right now and wondering if I’ve been living under a rock, that’s fine. I’m so late it’s not even funny. Or maybe it is. 

I go to the gym, workout regularly, count calories, and have been able to maintain a nice waist and keep my curves in check, but there are areas of my body that could benefit from shapewear when it comes to certain dresses I’d love to wear. Since it’s my birthday month, I’ve been able to do some retail therapy. Which led to the purchase of a gorgeous, sexy, curve-hugging, buttoned-down yellow dress from New York & Company. I love everything about this dress and how it fits, except for one thing: my waist could be a little slimmer to help complement the look. So I ordered my first pair of shapewear.

Hello Spanx.

This is a new thing for me. I know I don't need them, but I see how they can help when it comes to accentuating the positive and smoothing down the areas I want, well, slimmer. I'll admit, I was apprehensive at first after seeing jokes on social media from guys I follow who have poked fun at women who wear shapewear, however, this is a risk I'm willing to take. I love my body. And this is not a purchase I'm ashamed of. I know I'm not the only one.   

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