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

New competition: From brief to bra

I hate shopping for underwear - finding something pretty that I can wear smoothly under my clothes and that actually looks right is a nightmare, because I have a heavy chest but a narrow back. Wouldn't it be amazing if you could take the pattern from one bra, add it to the shape of another, and then embellish it to your own special requirements?

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Well thanks to this new competition from SimplyYours, you can!! Simply Yours, the plus size lingerie specialist (and producers of the genius Gok Wan shapewear) is running its first ever design competition "From Brief to Bra".

If men designed bras....

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They want to find out what you look for in a lingerie set - and what better way than to ask you to put your ideas to paper and submit a design? They want you to let your creativity flow and design a lingerie set perfect for curvalicious women. The winning design will feature in the Spring/Summer 2011 catalogue and be sold at SimplyYours.co.uk!
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The competition is being run through their Facebook page and I for one will be giving it a go; it would be easy to find the perfect bra if i'd designed it myself!!
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Love Tor
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PS - Don't forget to enter my fantastic Aussie competition - it ends on Friday!!

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