I opened my mailbox yesterday to find something brand spankin’ new: a catalogue from Spanx.
These are the garments that basically wrap you in a jumbo sized rubber band so tight that if (God forbid!) it lets go at the wrong time, you could take someone’s eye out, or injure an entire dinner party of friends or one very surprised date.
I admit – I do have one of these little beauties. I splurged and invested in the full wrapper – from spaghetti straps at the shoulder to a maxi-grip just above the knee.
So far, I have worn it once and it wasn’t too bad. When I put it on, I was able to fit into a dress I haven’t worn since I was 28.
I also did not eat, drink, breathe or sit down for an entire evening. But hey, I felt great!
So it begs the question: To Spanx or not to Spanx?
To give up carbs, caffeine and sugar or eat what we darn well please? To wear those rockin’ high heels or slip into a pair of sexy and sensible flats? And what about plastic surgery? Do we nip and tuck or play the hand that is dealt to us?
The rebel in us might say that we should not buy into discomfort for the sake of beauty. But if looking good (by our own standards) makes us feel good and gets our endorphins cranking, then is it such a bad idea?
On the other hand, if we suffer for an ideal that is created on Madison Avenue, are we any better off than our sisters who marched for equality in the 20’s and again in the 60’s and 70’s?
Could a compromise be made?
Perhaps we could chow down on a full sized plate of pasta while wearing those rockin’ high heels. Maybe an occasional Spanx night followed by a few days of comfy sweats is the best of both worlds?
What would it be like to approach this as a game?
Wouldn’t it be great to take ourselves down a size one day without taking our self confidence down a notch the next?
I think the verdict is to Spanx… when and IF it makes us happy!
Are you with me? Come on sisters, let’s march!
Coach Me Quick Tips to Spanx When We Darn Well Please…
1. Before buying anything that is uncomfortable, ask yourself if you will have fun wearing it. You might give up comfort for fun, but don’t give up comfort for beauty if it doesn’t make you happy.
2. Let go of trying to look like anyone else. Work on looking like YOU at your absolute best.
3. Embrace the changes in you as they happen as “different” instead of “worse.” If you’ve had children, you know your waist and feet are probably not going back to their original sizes. Learn your new shape and dress for it.
4. Only subject yourself to uncomfortable procedures that make you happy. Waxing, plucking, tanning and plumping cost you money, time and comfort. If It doesn’t result in YOUR happiness, it’s not worth it.
Keeping ‘em guessing, in L.A.
Jamee
Photo credit: genibee via Compfight
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Hi! I also recently splurged and invested in a Spanx. What I wanted is to control the “skinny fat” that emerges from the top of my low-cut jeans and looks especially bad seen from behind in a snug T-shirt (I usually avoid looking at my backside in the mirror when I think I look good front view).
At my rather advanced age I have chosen not to nip, tuck or plump in the hope that someday we women who haven´t will be regarded as priceless treasures just like antiques are today.
In the meantime I am having fun working on looking like me at my best at my age: good exercise, good food, good rest, good family and friends, and loving what I do.
Ann
PS. I still haven´t worn the Spanx. I am saving it for a special occasion when I don´t need to breath, eat, or sit down. I also worry about what would happen if I have to go to the Ladies.
Dear Ann,
I gave up looking at the “rear view” many years ago— I think it has added years to my life and a spring to my step. Thank you for your great comments… and please let us know how your Spanx experience is, when you “don” those stretchy threads:)
Jamee
We should all give up looking in the rear view mirror because we all know that, “objects in the mirror are larger than than appear.” Ouch! Great, fun post, Jamee!
Oh my gosh – thank you for that Maria! You made my day – that is hilarious.
Jamee…Always love reading your articles and this one brings up two tidbits from other sources:
– one woman recently embarked on an efficiency experiment – to clean her closet by committing to wearing every clothing item in her closet at least once (if it got passed over twice, it was in the Goodwill pile) and if it “didn’t feel like who she was as a woman today” it was out
– another writer suggests that you tackle your budget by only spending money on those things you truly enjoy…such as a mani-pedi – for you or for others? (me!) gym membership (not so much – ha)
Hey Laura!
Great ideas. I love the closet idea. I have a feeling I would have quite a delivery to make to Goodwill if I took that on. One thing I do is to get rid of one thing for every new item I acquire. This has helped to maintain the status quo.. but it hasn’t forced me to take a look at those jeans I haven’t worn since 1982!
Thanks for taking the time to comment:)