Those pre-summer diets don’t always happen and even if they do, I find there’s always a pesky pound or two that just wont budge – so a shapewear swimsuit comes in handy to synch and flatten my generous curves…

The Seaspray Plain Style firm control, shapewear swimsuit is a classic and flattering cut, with control mesh lines the front and slim foam cups to support your bust, its ruched fabric runs under the chest to draw the eye and compliment your shape. The straps also adjust which is handy for us pear shaped ladies who aren’t quite so boobylishious!

Available from Figleaves in black and cerise – get your shapewear swimsuit now!

The concept of cellulite pants does sound a little odd, however, the science behind these briefs stands up. Unique bio-crystals built into the micro-fibre yarn absorb body heat and stimulate cell metabolism increasing blood flow to the skin; thus relieving your behind of the sprouting broccoli effect!

This close to wedding season and with my bikini beckoning – I reacon I’d try anything (well, I have tried most…including exfoliating with Nescafe granules…oh the shame!) so with these Scala cellulite pants priced at a very reasonable £30 – I’ll be heading to John Lewis to grab a pair for myself!

I had intended to write about the plethora of wonderful Little Black Dresses available to buy both online and in the high street, but the more time spent perusing LBD options, the more I noticed just how many LBD’s are adhering to the current body-con trend; therefore, I thought a quick write up on Spanx and Shapewear would be quite apt!

I’ve been relying on my helpful Shapewear for the last couple of years; they’d been on my radar ever since Renee Zellweger sported a pair in Bridget Jones, but it wasn’t until I started to get castings that I invested. They are the most valuable item of clothing I own and are solely responsible for me being able to wear skinny jeans!

At first, I kept my Spanx a secret from friends – worried that I’d somehow seem lazy, relying on a pair of pants to tone me up…but after a few to many cocktails on a girls night out, I made a quip about needing help to pull down my Spanx to pee. To my delight, everyone laughed and agreed they’d require the same – we were all wearing Shapewear pants! Since then, I’ve worn my Spanx with pride, knowing that they are giving me the sort of ‘smoke and mirrors’, helping hand a woman sometimes requires.

Spanx are the original and in my opinion best Shapewear on the market, however our High Street stores are a very close second. Marks and Spencer (who I’ve always favoured for underwear) have an awesome range of affordable Shapewear. Their Firm Control Briefs start at £8 and range from light control to very firm. I’m a fan of Marks and Spencer’s Firm Control No VPL Border Thigh Slimmers; at only £18, they aren’t so tight that they create a tyre affect on my monster thighs, but suck them in nicely.

Debenhams also stock a great range, from the original Spanx to their own Trinny and Suzannah and their own Debenhams Power Pants. Currently on sale now, most range from £10 to £27.

I cannot emphasise just how much my Shapewear knickers have helped me and my attitude towards ‘fat days’, I no longer have to deny myself carbs in the run up to an event. Spanx are my pre-party pick-me-up and suck-me-in and I wouldn’t be without them.