Dear Empress: How can a Mommy Tummy go Spanx Free?

Dear Empress,

"The Mommy Tummy" issue, aka muffin top, aka middle figure, aka apple. Do I really have to wear spanx every day? . . .

ps I do exercise but the skin well it just does not behave!

Mommy Julie
(Adventures with Gigi)


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Mummy Julie,

Following are a quartet of ensembles cut to flatter a middle figure, no spandex shapers required:

ensemble one. empire waist & mid rise. Tie your waist a handful of inches above the mark and achieve the same narrowing effect. Then match the rise on your denim to your widest breadth. The waistband will act as a corset ensuring your soft delicious center isn't squished above into a muffin top or below into a mommy pouch.

Items in this set:
Springing Splendour Embroidered Top, $30
Old Navy Womens Rinse B The Dreamer Boot-Cut Jeans, $19
Darling Sue Chain Jersey Tie Necklace, $23
Pink Studio Women's Gypsy Flat, $79

ensemble two. ruffles & layers. Tiered ruffles shadow fleshy folds as do a-line sweaters and structured jackets.

Items in this set:
Tutu Tank, $68
Fae Blossom Gray Sweater Cardigan, $50
Joe's Jeans 'The Muse', $70
Pearly Confection Teardrop Earrings, $13
Pink Studio Hobbs Peep Toe Wedge, $96

ensemble three. gathered hems & boyfriend. If your body narrows as it descends, a gathered hem blousing across the hips will showcase it. Pairing the look with a straight cut boyfriend will ensure your ensemble doesn't fall out of balance.

Items in this set:
Barcelona Peasant Top, $23
CJ by Cookie Johnson 'Love' Boyfriend Jeans, $130
Floral Creme Vintage Button Ring, $13
Pink Studio Women's Trinity Criss Corss Low Wedge, $58

ensemble four. tunic style hems & wide waistbands. Never, never tuck additional items into your mommy pouch. Instead of expanding the bulge, find a tunic style top with a finished hem that can lay flat against your corseting wide waistband

Items in this set:
Amethyst Geode Silk Top, $39
Paige Premium Denim 'Hidden Hills' Bootcut, $190
Hasina Orange Beaded Bracelet, $17
Pink Studio Norma Leather Sandal, $44

In summary my delicious mummy tummies, find a mid rise pant and pair it with a top that falls flat over the waistband.

Thinking pretty,
Your Empress