Shapewear from Gok Wan and Simply Yours

Hi guys,

I've been singing the praises of Gok Wan's shapewear for years (I first reviewed it back in 2009). So I was delighted when I was invited to check out Gok's latest shapewear collection, and him in person.

This is Gok's 8th collection for Simply Yours, which consists of six pieces: the multi-way Banger Booster bra, the Pull Me in Pants, the Curve Controller body, the Slicker Knicker, the Sassy Slip and the Divine Outline multi-way slip. All six styles are available in 3 gorgeous colours: Crush, Sweet Slate and Blush.

I asked the man himself what his inspiration for the collection was. Gok said he'd gone back to basics with this range (which definitely oozed old-school Hollywood glamour). He also said he'd tailored it to real women's needs: and with the seamless panels, boning, and amazing structure that was easy to see.

When asked why he decided to design his shape wear collection, Gok said: "I just think it's really important that every woman deserves to look and feel truly fabulous, regardless of her budget, size and shape."

I think Gok probably has the best job in the world, so curiosity led me to ask him what he loved most about it. He said:"It probably sounds a bit cheesy but it's about helping others and inspiring them. I think the main obvious point is making women feel wonderful and fabulous about themselves. Seeing them transform from a very shy, insecure person to being vibrant, and confident and happy just because they have a brand new look! "

And for all you mummies out there (inspired by my sisters, who are both new mums) I also asked Gok for his thoughts on shapewear for mums. He said: "Over the last nine months your body has changed, because you've made a beautiful baby. You need to embrace your new body because there's a reason why it has changed. But if you want to create a silhouette that you are used to then maybe try shape wear instead of beating yourself up about your changed body and the way you look." Frankly that's not just advice for mums, that's advice for everyone!

I really loved the collection. And I think now is the perfect time to launch it: spring/summer is fast approaching, and if you're going to reveal a hint of bra under a strapping summer dress, you want it to be as pretty as these! Why should shape wear just come in black, white, or that horrible flesh colour anyway?

Just 10 minutes with Gok left me smitten. I can't decide what I love more: Gok or his shapewear. But he can rifle through my knicker drawer anytime!

Love Tor xx

Fab Frocks reviews: Gok Wan shapewear

When Simply Yours got in touch and told me that they were releasing their Gok Wan shapewear in hot pink I knew I had to give it a try, because although I am a big fan of shapewear (you have to be when you have my lumpy hips and pot belly!!) the black and beige stuff spilling out of my drawers is the very opposite of attractive (a complete passion killer in fact!) The idea of hot pink shapewear appealed because you wouldn't be embarrassed if a hint of pink bra strap was revealed; in fact, it might add a little something to your outfit!!

My first thought when I opened the package was "scary!!" With it's double layered fabric and hooks and eyes everywhere, I had no idea how I was going to get it on without doing myself an injury (just putting them on my lap to inspect laddered my tights!) but once on, the hooks and eyes become almost invisible, and what you are left with is a sleek silohuette that is suprisingly sexy!

The thing that most impressed me about the two pieces I tried (the sassy slip and the curve controller) was the attention to detail. Both had a silk gok wan print trim to the bra cups and removable pads, so that you could control how much cleavage was on display. The double layered detail actually added to the control and the sassy slip was built from panels to further cinch in the hips and waist. Oh, and both came with removable multiway straps, and clear straps too.The sassy slip was by far the sexiest of the two pieces and also the most restrictive: although I could still breathe, I was very aware that I was wearing it.
Rest assured that unfortunately I look nothing like this sexy lady in this one-piece, but it certainly is this sexy!!

One aspect of the detailing I didnt like was the little bell between the cups: it looks and sounds like a cat bell, and people can hear you coming from yards away; not an attractive look! The bell was only secured with one stitch though, so it was very easy to remove. Unless the tinkly cat thing is for you: each to their own, as my mum always says!

Overall I was impressed by the look and feel of the shapewear (on the body, if not off!)

Good work SimplyYours, and good work Gok Wan!

Love, Tor xx

We've been Goked!

Hey readers,

I love Gok Wan (like the majority of the TV watching female public) But it seems that lately, where ever you go, a picture of Gok Wan is never more than a heartbeat away! The presenter of 'How to look good naked' has been popular with the ladies since the very first series of the show. But now he's everywhere! He's totally saturated the fashion market!

How to look good naked (A show I really loved 90% of the time) has been replaced with Gok's fashion fix: A show I enjoy in spite of myself and its inaccurate mission statement. I even went to New Look on Friday to look for a dress i'd seen on the show on Thursday night (sadly, I couldn't find it). What I love about Gok is that unlike Trinny and Susannah and NHJ (God I hate her, and who thought it was a good idea to contract her name?) he actually seems to like women: he makes them look good by building their confidence, not humiliating them.

But i'm beginning to wonder if Gok has gone too far. Gok has been on every single chat show, he even had the honour of presenting the Friday Night Project. You can buy underwear endorsed by Gok on simplyyours.co.uk, he has his own fashion tip section and endorses certain products for Dorothy Perkins, and I just heard on the olde telebox that this week he has been given his own column in Look magazine. All good for Goks bank balance. But is it good for us? How many of his endorsements are genuine? And how much Gok is too much Gok?

Call me cynical, but my love (and it is a genuine love) of the Gokster declined dramatically when I saw the tripe they were putting his name on in the Norwich branch of Dorothy Perkins. He let them do that! Gok is a super stylist: he knows that polyester doesn't look good on anyone. So why is his grinning face hanging to the hangers of this stuff? Dear God why?!

I'm heading out to buy my weekly Look fix this afternoon. I just hope this column avoids the "if your boyish wear this, if your curvey wear this" cliches and brings something new to the table.

Or my remaining strands of respect for the man who "brought fashion to British women" will be gone. All gone.

Love

Tor xx