Secrets of a Personal Shopper | Le Hoarder
Le Hoarder

A NYC -ish* Style and Shopping Blog

Thursday, May 4, 2017

Secrets of a Personal Shopper



This post is sponsored by Kohl's. I received the included shapewear as compensation.

Is shapewear right for you? In a word, yes. No matter your shape or size, we all could use a little help. Personally, comfort is my number one concern when wearing control garments. I need it to stay in place and smooth everything. If I can't breathe it's just not for me. Lucky for you I spent over two hours at Kohl's trying on some amazing shapewear from ASSETS Red Hot Label by SPANX, Bali, and Maidenform - so now you won't have to :)




As a personal shopper my first stop is always the lingerie department. The foundation for any good look is what you're wearing underneath.  Confidence can go a long way but so can the right undergarments.  Most of my underwear is flesh toned so I decided to go a little sexier with black for all my new purchases.

To start, ask yourself - are you wearing the right size bra? There are multiple studies that indicate that most women don't. Just look around and you'll see women spilling out of their bras - and just as bad, women with their breasts unsupported and hanging low. Being in my forties and having had three kids, 'the girls' are just not what (or where) they used to be. Whereas I used to wear colorful padded, push-up bras for my B- breasts of my youth, I now look for wide straps, molded cups, and even minimizers for my now D+ size.

 I have to confess I've been wearing my favorite stretched out 32D for a little longer than I should have. Having put on a few pounds it was time for an upgrade. This was the first time I tried on Bali bras and I was VERY Impressed. I tried on dozens of styles by multiple brands but Bali offered the support and comfort I need these days.  I sized up to a 34D and the fit is perfection. The One Smooth U Ultra Light Illusion Convertible Full-Coverage Bra is pretty and did everything I could ask for out of my ideal bra.  Plus the convertable aspect is a bonus - straps sticking out where they don't belong is a huge pet peeve for me.

My sister in law wears biker shorts under everything. She even got me hooked on stealing my husband's boxer briefs to sleep in. My thighs have always met (Even when I was size tiny, I've never been blessed with that mythical thigh gap) and 'chub rub' has been a long time companion.  This might be a little TMI but I find that coating my thighs with stick deodorant makes the warmer weather so much more pleasant. For those of you like myself battling chub rub or trying to hold in your post baby belly - the right slimmer is just what you need.

The perfect shaper shorts are really hard to find. So many roll, cut in, don't breathe, or are too short in the leg. I think I tried every one in the store. No joke. For me comfort is my number one priority - and I'd rather be able to breathe than take me down several sizes. It's all about smoothing out the lumps and and clean lines. I knew I found the one when I tried on the Maidenform Shapewear SmoothTec Thigh Slimmer in size medium. I pulled it out to wear under my new floral dress on Passover. And a quick tip - yes, you can wear black undergarments under lighted toned garments as long as they aren't see-through.




For those of you who want your shapewear out, I've found the perfect solution. I'm a whole lot obsessed with my ASSETS Red Hot Label by Spanx Shaping Capri leggings. These are high waisted and don't roll down. Personally I think a capri will elongate your leg more so than a standard legging - plus it felt a little more spring-like. These suck you in all the right places and aren't too sheer (a must in a good legging)! Somehow I've always worn a medium in Spanx (even when I was lighter) and these super stretchy leggings are a perfect fit.

I wore these all day in the City last week and I'm wondering why this is my first pair of Spanx leggings. I've worn their tights for years and these are every bit as amazing.




Be sure to check out all of Kohl's amazing shapewear here and the Kohl's Shapewear Guide here.

If you wear shapewear, what do you look for in your perfect undergarment?  I've really been a fan for years. I recently dug out an old shaper slip from 20 years ago and it's so small it looks like it would fit my 10 year old daughter LOL.

My blog may contain links to other websites. I am not responsible for the privacy policies of those other websites. When you click on a link your information may be collected by those websites so I encourage you to read their privacy policies.

Affiliate links are not associated with Kohl's.

Thank you to Kohl's for kindly sponsoring this post. All opinions are 100% honest & completely my own. 

XO
Michelle in Control


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53 comments

  1. you look super elegant!
    http://highheelpoodl.blogspot.rs

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  2. A well fitted bra is everythingggg! I agree- foundation is KEY!

    http://asequinloveaffair.com

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  3. Your first outfit with the cape is so chic! And I love the florals...makes me want to add more color to my wardrobe :)

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    1. Thank you May! I wear a lot of black but I really try to add color where I can :)

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  4. Love a good shareware brand! Every girl has to have her secrets. xx

    Samantha
    http://bonjourblue.com

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  5. I have yet to find the best shaper! This sounds like a good one to try!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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    1. It can take hours! Every body is different but these are great pieces to try!

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  6. This post has really caught my attention with the title 'personal shopper'. Who doesn't like a personal shopper!!!

    Great outfit, love that floral dress.

    xx,Jessie
    http://4evajessie.com/being-blanc/

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  7. Thank you for this post and trying out all the different brands of shapewear from Kohl's for us! You did the hard part and your detail review is so helpful. I haven't tried any brand of shapewear yet but definitely see the need especially with summer coming around and all the light and airy dresses or wedding season when I have to suck it all in. I will definitely go check out the selection at Kohl's! xoxo, Christine
    http://dailykongfidence.com/

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    1. Thanks Christine! I was super impressed with the selection - you should totally check it out :)

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  8. I think I need some shape wear shorts in my life- the thigh gap has always been a mystery to me too! I totally agree that great underwear is the foundation to looking awesome. Even the prettiest dress can be ruined by the dreaded 'double boob' haha!

    And you look so so lovely in this flowy floral dress :)

    Rachel xx
    The Daily Luxe, Latest post: How To Get Designer Clothes For Less

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  9. Okay I keep hearing how amazing Spanx leggings are. I literally live in leggings. Well I have been for the last six months! They look so comfy! I seriously need to get my hands on a pair! And I love a good sports bra too

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    1. Then you need a pair in your life! And sports bras are so hard to find too!

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  10. omg, I never ever thought that you can coating tights, helps, what a great idea. I have to try it very soon. Due having a small breast, I never can find a right bra. I wish, I could wear sport bras all the time. I love leggings, because they are soooo comfortable. Love the floral dress on you, Michelle!

    http://www.queenhorsfall.com/

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    1. When I was smaller I looked for a padded demi cup - but you may need to take yours to a seamstress to take it in because you're so tiny! My niece couldn't find anything until she was sized and found she needs a 28/30 band size and it's hard to find anything in-store under 32!

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  11. Hey Darling Michelle,
    To be honest I never Tried Shape Wear, But I am very Curious now after Reading your Detailed post.
    Totally agree with you, What we wear under our Clothes is super Important and For example I never know what is my correct Bra Size. I think i need some Help in this:)
    I am just in Loce with Your Summery Light Dress:) How Beautiful Print and Fits you just Perfect:)
    Love Open Kloset By Karina
    Happy Monday

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    1. Thanks Karina! Once you try the right one you're gonna wish you tried sooner LOL

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  12. Thanks for sharing! This was such a great and insightful blog post! Love it
    xx
    Ray
    www.yourbaeray.com

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  13. I always wanted to try some shapewear, but was not sure if it suits me in any way. I've tried only some leggings one, but they were too tight for me despite my extra small size. But I totally agree, the foundation of any good look is definitely something that you're wearing underneath. So this should be something comfy and classy at the same time. I'm definitely interested in ASSET Capri leggings, just because they're high waisted and don't roll down, as you mentioned. And I bet they are super comfy too! I love the way you styled them!

    Thanks for your recommendations, I'll definitely check the Kohl's website and try to find something suitable for myself.

    Cheers, Eliza | www.fashion-confession.com

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    1. So comfortable! Other shapewear can be restrictive which I hate - but these work well for me. Good luck!

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  14. OMG Michelle you look amazing! This shape wear sounds amazing! I'm particularly loving the leggings!
    I've never worn shape wear before, but maybe I should! I don't know what a thigh gap is either lol
    I'm loving both looks and the photos. That floral dress is a dream and the sleeves on your floral top are so feminine and chic!
    Thanks for sharing gorgeous!
    XO
    Aimara
    www.waysofstyle.com

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    1. Thank you Aimara! Shapewear can be tricky but it's a wardrobe essential!

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  15. You look great, Michelle! I need that vest from the first pic.

    EstherSanter.com | Instagram | Bloglovin

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    1. Thanks Esther! It's a Vince Camuto cape that I scored for $25 at Clothingline a while back :)

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  16. I have tried a few times some shapewear when I wanted to wear a gown or fitted dress but no matter what size, design or brand I tried it made me feel uncomfortable. I am in my 40's but and I been wearing the same size bra since I had my son which is 21 years ago. Actually I don't know if I am wearing the correct size :) You look amazing for your age. Great post, thanks for sharing your tips.
    Aurela x
    www.aurelafashionista.com

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    1. Thanks - I'm guessing you probably aren't the same size because bodies change over time. Keep trying with shapewear - the right one is out there for you!

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  17. I wore a 34A bra for years and years before realizing I was actually a 32C. Yeah, tell me about it and go o and laugh haha. Nothing wrong with EVENTUALLY getting properly measured I guess! In other news, this shape wear from Kohl's seems very high quality. With a lot of my clothes, they're very sheer and/or tight, so the proper garments underneath is important. I'll be sure to check out Kohl's for some new pieces!

    http://www.thebeautybeau.com

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    1. Hahaha I know so many people like that. I'm realizing that when I was a 34B back in the day I was probably a 32 if not smaller LOL.

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  18. That is such a great idea. I'd love to be a personal shopper. I'm sure it is so fun and such a rewarding job. I think these products look wonderful too. I don't really wear shaper but I can see how they can be helpful. I need to start wearing more bras. I usually wear them out and never have a variety. I feel that you are so right about being confident and wearing something that is the perfect fit.

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    1. I also wear my bras out and I almost always grab for the same one over and over LOL. But yeah, a little confidence goes a long way :)

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  19. You look so great and these shape wears from Kohl's sound amazing. It's one of those things that can be hard to find and you need to keep trying different styles and brands to finally finding the right one. But since you've done the hard work already, I will be just taking your advice:) I will definitely check out Kohl's collection.

    xo, Maryam
    www.glamandposh.com

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  20. You are so right! Everyone can wear shape wear - and yes, they totally curl or ride up if you don't find the right ones. I am so happy your wrote this story so honestly too, because I like wearing Spanx sometimes just to cover VPL or feel more put together...the Mom in me still is working on it! Lol! xo, Jessica

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    1. Haha sometimes these little details can transform a look. Most people don't realize how valuable the right undergarment can be!

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  21. Thank you for sharing this with us! I agree, any good look starts with what you're wearing underneath it. I think all women can benefit from wearing shapewear, whether big or small. I will definitely check Kohls out. The leggings sound amazing! I would love to shape my legs. :)

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  22. I completely agree that to look great, you must start with the shape wear. A good, breathable one can be a total game changer that works magic underneath any outfits. Those leggings sounds like a great piece to have in any closet.

    ~ xo Sheree
    Posh Classy Mom
    Instagram

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  23. This was so informative, I have always wanted to learn more about shape wear. It is something I need to invest in for myself, as I still have my mummy tummy. The leggings sound so amazing, I would love to shape my lower half too. I wish I lived in the States so I could go to Kohls. But i'll definitely check them out whenever I make my next visit. And sleeping in your husband's boxers is so comfortable, I used to wear them so often too :).

    xxx
    Sarah
    http://sarahatiq.com/

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  24. Oh girl, talking about not knowing our bra size, you're totally right about it! I've been wearing the wrong size for years, but it's really hard figuring out which one fits best :(. I'm happy to hear you upgraded yours with a Bali bra which sounds kinda amazing! As for the shape wear, I've never tried those, but I was always curious if they are actually comfortable to wear.You do look comfy and totally confident in those Spanx leggings :).

    Wishing you a lovely day!
    Andreea,
    http://couturezilla.com/

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    1. Thanks Andreea! So many women don't realize how easy it is to get sized professionally for free so they guesstimate.

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  25. I have never tried shape wear before but from what I have learnt from this post, shape wear sounds like something worth my investments. Will definitely look into it and find a right one for myself.

    Xx Jessie

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  26. Gosh I didnt know you're a personal shopper? Now wonder you know where to get great deals and your wardrobe is something I aspire. I always have problems buying shapers. It's either they fall or get bulky. I seem to have no luck when buying any . I'll give this brand a try!

    Thank you

    xxxx
    www.thenewgirl.me

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  27. Hey, I'm a personal shopper too. And I always recommend to my cients to pay special attention about the bra they are wearing. You can see a huge different when choosing a bra that fits. I have tried the shapewear when I wear a gown or a bodycon dress, sometimes it's kind of difficult for me to breath with it, hahaha! I will take a look at Kohl's website, I know they always have great pieces.
    You look amazing on that beautiful dress, perfect for the season.

    Thanks for sharing!

    Vanessa

    http://thefashionstatement.net

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  28. You see when a woman is fine and feels good as it changes. As a result, your photos look more cheerful and you are happier. I'm glad you found the best way to show what you are wearing. I also met thing woman's to wear things to tighten the waistline a bit. I'm glad you showed this brand!
    Xx
    Eva
    www.themermaidfashion.com

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  29. Absolutely agreed babe the foundation of a great look starts with the underwear. Sometimes we wear the wrong underwear in size or fit according to our body shape. Absolutely loved reading about your secrets and the different look you pull together here. Absolutely love your style!

    xoxo
    Marcy

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