WINNER: Great Shapes Body Shapers, by Kayser-Roth

No nonsense, one of Kayser-Roth's brands, expanded its reach this year beyond the traditional hosiery category with the introduction of Great Shapes Body Shapers into the mass market last November.  The body shapers offer comfortable waistbands, no-bulge leg openings and comfortable seams to ensure a smooth-no-panty finish to keep users looking trim.  The shapers also include So Cool & Fresh technology, a first in the shaping category.  So Cool technology wicks away moisture to keep the user dry, while So Fresh antibacterial treatment keeps the user fresh and clean.  The shapers come in three styles, opaque footless, sheer footless and a waist to mid-thigh power shaper, to accomodate any outfit. 

No nonsense has been expanding its product selection lately, adding sleepwear, socks, bras, panties and shoe solutions, among others, in recent years, allowing easy one-stop shopping for consumers.

Mary's Favorites for Women

It has been years since I have been excited about fashion, but there is good news out there for fit.  Keep your eyes open. We are going to see a better fit in clothes soon.

Fit:  I hear the same frustrations from men and women of all sizes and shapes.  There are stores out there that do it right.  Von Maur department store has free alterations for full and sale priced items throughout the store.  Banana Republic also has free alterations but only on non-sale trend items.  Please send me the places that you have found that offer this time honored trend.

Fitlogic^TM:  Someone has finally come up with a standardization of fit.  Fitlogic^TM is a universal sizing system so precise that once you learn your size and body shape symbol, you can purchase any brand of clothes anywhere and get the same fit every time.  Watch this summer for the launch of the sizing system with a few companies like Jones New York and LL Bean.

eSHAKTI.com:  There are a great number of web-based clothing stores.  This one is unique:  fine fabrics, beautiful designs, and custom sizing at no additional cost.  Make sure to open the pictures in the largest view to see the hand embroidery and beading.  Also these clothes are basically cut and sewed for you - so you need to be patient.

My Virtual Model.com check it out. Create your own model based on your size and shape and then try on popular brand names to see how they look on you.  I was convinced as soon as I saw a cardigan that i though would make look fat - it didn't, and I now love the new look.

Tummy control panels are large pockets that are sewn into the zipper placket. This gives you just the tiniest bit of control under your slacks.  I can use all the help that I can get.