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It’s officially Party Season! There are articles, posts, and advertisements everywhere for that super glam holiday makeup and those chic party outfits– there’s nothing better than feeling like a million bucks at a fab Holiday fête! But for me (like most of my fellow women), feeling great isn’t just about hair, makeup, or a designer label– but also about how flirty and fit we feel in our party dress.
Welp. I just had a baby six weeks ago. And though I’ve been working at shedding my “Baby Body” in a healthy and natural way, I still don’t feel completely like myself. If I’m honest, my clothes don’t really fit the same either. Since Major is my second child, I’m dealing a lot more with droopy skin, jigglyness, and other not-so-fabulous-feelings after this pregnancy. And like any woman, I struggle a lot with wanting to love myself with every new curve, and also wanting to feel like my pre-baby self. I want to feel empowered in my form no matter what my body is going through, but sometimes we all need a little extra help on that mission. This year I’m getting my Holiday Season mojo back with Maidenform Shapewear! I can honestly say that I’d never really worn shapewear before– I just imagined that it didn’t really work or that it would look strange underneath my clothes. Boy, was I wrong. And now I’m HOOKED. Maidenform is one of the oldest and most lauded shapewear and undergarment companies– that has been perfecting its products for decades. Not only does Maidenform know a woman’s body better than anyone, but they are creating a fabulous product that is available at a really affordable price point. And I am majorly down with that. Let’s enable all women to wear shapewear if they want to, for Pete’s sake!
My favorite Maidenform shapewear pieces are the Luxe Back Smoothing bra, Smooth Seamless Hipster, and the Endlessly Smooth Foam Cup Slip. When I first put on my Maidenform Smooth Foam Cup Slip, it’s how I imagine Wonder Woman felt when she first slipped on that cape. All of a sudden, my sass was back! In spades. I felt like I was standing taller, that my body was stronger– and that I looked MORE buxom actually, not “skinnier” per se. It’s that “Boom, Boom, POW” we are always chasing. I just felt like a Woman again– and for somebody who has been covered in spit-up and diaper cream for the past six weeks, that is a pretty big deal.
The slip is so comfy, but has enough firm pressure in its stretch to feel like it is holding you in a totally confidence-boosting embrace. No jigglyness here, fellas. More than anything, I just love that it gives me the poise to stand tall and let my personality shine at all those Holiday parties. Kind of like when you’re walking in to a work meeting and know for sure that you have perfectly minty-smelling breath, that your hair is on point– and that your biz presentation is even better. THAT feeling. The slip also has a built in underwear part that is so genius, making it impossible for the slip to ride up under your dress or skirt. Additionally (and importantly), I seriously applaud the lift and separation the top part gives my post-baby boobs (which will gladly take all the help they can get), and the straps that allow you to manipulate the top to correspond with any type of dress or blouse.
I as soon as I put on my new Foam Cup Slip, I instantly knew the dress that I wanted to pair it with: a stunning, silver body-con sparkler that I had worn to Holiday parties pre-kids– but that always looked a little “not right” ever since. I knew that this shapewear would be just the ticket for getting me back in to one of my favorite pre-baby Holiday favorites in style. I felt so retro and glamorous getting my hair and makeup ready in my sassy little slip. My husband actually walked by my Glam Room and said “Wow, that’s a sexy dress!” Ha! I’m sure if he had it his way I’d have one in every color and wear them to dinner. After applying my hair, makeup, and jewelry, it was time for the moment of truth…
…And my old dress fit! I loved feeling my new, womanly curves poured in to one of my favorite clothing pieces. I did have a little chuckle thinking about how different my life was the last time I had worn this dress. Am I old enough that I can call it vintage? Ha! I love that with Maidenform Shapewear I now have a super fabulous tool in my arsenal to help me shine through this fun, festive season– inside and out! Because when I’m feeling confident, my happiness shines out of every part of my face like high beams. And as my favorite Audrey Hepburn quote so appropriately states, “Happy girls are the prettiest girls.”
Since I’m all about hooking you guys up with perks whenever possible, I am doing a giveaway of my fave Maidenform Endlessly Smooth Foam Cup Slip right here, right now!!
TO ENTER: Comment below telling me (and the Happily Eva After community) what you love and celebrate most about your body! Say it loud and proud! I will choose a winner, and Maidenform will ship your slip straight to you– just in time for the Holidays.
I hope you love this super sleek confidence-booster as much as I do!
update:
Congratulations to Sava, who won the Maidenform Smooth Foam Cup Slip!! I wanted to say how extremely moved I was by all of the entries below. It brings tears to my eyes to hear so many women taking the time to illuminate a physical feature (or more than one!) that they are proud of and to share it loud and proud. There were so many inspiring stories, and it was impossible to just choose one. I’m brainstorming now to see if there’s a way to make this kind of sharing a more active part of the Happily Eva After community, because it really is what makes this all worth it.
If you shared below THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart! Things like this are more than just winning Shapewear, they are about empowering ourselves and each other and knowing it’s OK to want to feel good about ourselves as Women and Moms! I salute each and every one of you, and I’m so appreciative to have your voice on my site.
xoxoxoxo EAM
**Many thanks to Maidenform for sponsoring this post! As always, the thoughts and opinions expressed below are entirely my own.
Silver shiny gorgeousness! If only clothes could talk, I bet they have a better memory than I have. Now hmm about celebrating body parts I guess my small waist and compact boobs and if i’m honest my big bum aswel as it’s never cold 🙂 it could réally do with a bit of a holiday season lift though.
Wonderful post putting me right into a festive mood and that on a Monday!
I had a baby on 10/24 and while I’m mostly back to my original weight, my hips and stomach are a little jiggly! I love my waistline and would love to accentuate it with some shapewear!
Love that dress!!! I’ve always liked my small waist, and decent behind along with it! 🙂
Although I’ve gained some weigh in the past few months, I love the curves it’s given me. I fill out my clothes so much better.
I’m seven weeks post baby boy myself, and as you mentioned, things are a bit different in the shape department the second time around… but I want to love and celebrate every part of me that got me to this point. With two miscarriages after my first baby, i wondered if my body was letting me down. But after bringing another big healthy baby into the world, I know my strength.
Yes! I love this! I felt the same way after Major. You go, Mama xo
I’m having my first baby in March (!) and am loving the way my body is growing to accommodate my sweet girl. 🙂 It was a bit tough to come to terms with at first, but now, I’m loving it!
I am a proud mama to 4 crazy and wonderful kiddos – 8, 7, 2 and 12 weeks. I know that postpartum feeling well, where nothing fits, and you don’t feel comfortable in your own skin, but I can honestly say that shapewear gives you that little extra boost to wear the clothes that make you feel like you. It makes me remember that I am a strong, amazing woman that brought four beautiful babies into this world.
I love my strong legs! They guide me threw all paths of life and keep me grounded. Thick thighs save lives!
I like my legs and honestly I really like my face! That’s a part of the body, right? I remember the first time I bought a piece of shapewear–there was a dress I HAD to have, but they only had it in one size, and it just a tiny bit too tight. I figured I’d give the shapewear a try, what could it hurt? I left the store with that stunning dress and the shapewear, which I called my squeezy-top. I wore it to a party and felt like a million bucks. This slip looks perfect!
I love my stretch marks! They feel different than the rest of my body and as much as I hated them when I was pregnant I now love them. Momma earned her stripes for sure 🙂
I love my legs! I played a lot of soccer when I was younger and I think I’ve still maintained my “soccer legs” just by doing housework and mom stuff 🙂
My legs have held up through my little one and I am happy with them. Everything else – probably just a little jiggly. 🙂
After turning 30, I began to appreciate my body more than ever. I no longer worry as much about staying “skinny” the way I did in my 20s and have come to enjoy the changes in my figure and some extra curves!
Skinny is overrated!!! 😉
xoxo
I, too, just had a baby! I understand that “not feeling like myself” feeling! I love to show off my arms and shoulders which are now getting even more of a defining workout carrying my 2 month old around!
Gorgeous! I was wondering what lipstick/gloss you are wearing in this post. You look beautiful!
Being Latina, I never had the Latin booty. I had a booty alright, but not the coveted J Lo junk in the trunk fabulousness.
Once I had my son I noticed the butt of my jeans and bathing suit bottoms weren’t fitting the same anymore. I was upset at first because I just blamed myself for not losing enough weight. But once I started looking at clothes that suited my new body I realized – wow! My booty looks good and I need to celebrate that.
Hi!
Well Ive had three boys, they are now 7-9-11, recently back to work after staying hoe for a few years to raise these magical creatures!!
I celebrate my ample bosom because it fed my babies well and are not in such bad shape- also the hubby still loves them 😉
Love your blog enjoy this time with your babies!
Caroline
True that every woman has their insecurities, but I have to say I love my curves. What also helps me when I’m having one of “those” days is some makeup and a great lip! Often when I’m putting on my makeup, my 2 year old daughter is right by my side. There is nothing better than hearing her little voice say, “mommy looks so pretty!” It’s enough to brighten any day!
Awww that is too cute!!!
I’ve recently gained a bit of weight (I’m blaming my boyfriend), so it’s been hard recently to find body parts that I’m proud of. If I have to choose, I would say my small waist! Even with a little weight gain, it’s something I can always count on 🙂
P.S. I’ve LOVED following your posts over the past few years — congrats on your new addition 🙂 he is adorable!!
I just had a baby also, and, if I’m honest, there’s not much I’m loving lately about my jiggly, stretch-mark-y, post-baby body. However, even when I’m feeling less at home in my skin, I still appreciate my delicate hands (tiny and fine-boned) and my incredible flexibility. I may have lost a lot of core strength due to my c-section, which makes getting back into my old yoga practice difficult, but while I’m building my core back up, I’m grateful for the space I can still find in my joints, especially my hips (I’ve always been super flexible). That space reassures me and helps me realize that, even if I never get my pre-baby strength back, I still have a lot to love about my physical form. Creating that flexibility and space mentally is good for my soul too!
I use to count calories and be at the gym for hours, but after I had my son I stopped all that! I found a routine that works for me and my family, andathiuhh my body has changed I’m stronger then I have ever been before. I may be jiggly, but I can lift all 30lbs of him easily and I’m proud of that! Shapewear would be a godsend for a little extra confidence around the holidays when I know I will be indulging!
*I found a routine that works for me and my family, and although my body has changed I’m stronger then I have ever been before.
*typo!! Sorry!!
I have always enjoyed my curves, especially my bust but I will say after breastfeeding my first daughter and with my second on the way in January with the same plan to nurse, I and they will need a boost! I think it’s incredibly important to celebrate the female form in all its beauty and a little help can most certainly go along way with feeling confident and sexy! You look incredible by the way!
I’m currently pregnant with my first child and what I love and feel most confident about still is showing off my legs! Especially during my pregnancy and into my second trimester, I’m finding that I am embracing the changes and beautiful curves my body is contouring to during this amazing experience of a first time pregnancy!
I felt the same way about my legs while pregnant! Only part that stayed pretty much the same! Hahah. Enjoy your pregnancy, everyone will tell you this, but it goes by so fast… 🙂
xo
Thank you! I am always checking your website out every day. It’s become my bible for pregnancy, fashion, and your amazing anecdotes!
You are so inspiring and beautiful!
Much Love 🙂
My arms! They were my struggle spot for years… and then I gave birth to a 100th percentile child who loves to be held and voila! Ha! Now I just need some shape wear to help me embrace (pun intended) the other parts ?
For a long time I absolutely adored my belly. Firm, flat, muscles veyt visible… But, it’s not what it used to be (which sound very strange to me to say this at my age of 24 years :D), so now it’s my lips. I have vety big, juicy lips, kinda what every girl now feels like must have cause of Kylie. It not all fun, I use a lot of lip balms and other creams, peelings and stuff, but it’s all worth it when I pit on ted lipstick and go collect all the looks from all the men(I exxagerate of course). 😀 All in all i’m trying to love my body and feel good inside. 😉
This amazing Maidenform Slip would do wonders on my post-first-two years of marriage curves. I’m hispanic, so I have always had a bit more in the hip/butt area.. Not that I’m complaining, but it would be great to have something to hold it all in place and really put that extra WOW factor in my holiday outfits.
I have a really hard time being confident about my body. I have an hourglass shape, but like REALLY hourglass. Big boobs (you know the ones that Hollywood makes cool but are a pain in the back side in real life) and hips galore, and a big booty to top it off. It all sounds really great but I have had so much unwanted attention from it all that I have spent many a year trying to cover up my body rather than show it off; I’m afraid and a little ashamed of the body I’ve been given. I got my curves at a very young age, too young to be hit on in the grocery store and not take it to heart and develop a fear of the power of my body. Now I’m happily married to a wonderful man who thinks I’m the sexiest woman alive and I really wish I could feel the same way he does about my whole body. Maybe someday I will, I’m slowly starting to want to show off a little more and finding ways to be cool with my body, but it’s a slow process. I think right now my favorite thing about myself would have to be my eyes or my lips; both of them show off my inner happiness (and most of my sass) better than anything else about me.
OMG your body type sounds HOT!! Rock it Mama!!!
First Eva, I just have to say…you are amazing and beautiful!
My whole life I’ve suffered with weight. I remember parties as an eleven year old, (yes, that young, boo hoo!) not daring to partake of the festivities (food) and joy because of my size. It dominated my teenage years until I finally starve-dieted myself thin. Time went by, and I gained it back. Then I had babies, and gained more weight. I’ve been through alot of ups and downs, and literally I’ve hated my body my whole life. But over the past two years, I came to realize how much my body has taken care of me, and how blessed I’ve been to be healthy and strong. It’s grown 4 babies, lost and gained weight 5 different times, and now that I’m 29, I can truthfully say that I love my body. Not because it’s perfect. I know I’ll never be “perfect “. But I can take this amazing gift and make it as perfect as is humanly possible. I’m no runway model, just an ordinary girl trying to accept myself as who I am, and making myself the best “me” possible. And I’m happy to say I’m currently 5 lbs away from being my ideal weight! I’m so excited! Now to tone…
(Really it’s my husband who has been my cheerleader. He’s always loved me, no matter what size I was. But there was a moment one day when I was beating myself up over weight. I had lost 24 lbs of the 35 lb goal I had. He looked me in the eyes and said “babe, 3 months ago you would have given anything to be the weight you are right now. And now you’re here, and you’re not happy. Keep going, if thats what makes you happy, but you’re perfect to me, so realize that!” I was stunned. I really never had thought of it that way. So I’m embracing loving my imperfect self! So here’s to the future!)
I love your story, Sava! I’m so moved by your husband’s constant support of you, and the revelation he helped inspire– and so glad that you have finally come to enjoy yourself just as your are!
I can definitely relate to the idea that we sometimes forget to honor where we are in the process, whether that be with weight struggles, parenting, or just life issues. I am very inspired by you!
I would love for Maidenform to gift you this slip as a little reminder that you are beautiful TODAY!
I will have them contact you directly. And as always, thank you so much for being a part of the Happily Eva After community!!!
xoxo
EAM
Omg, wow! I’m not sure what to say….so I’ll just say thank you! (I shed a few happy tears:)
Definitely my waist, this is the perf ft post in time for those holiday parties and their indulgences!
Hi Eva,
thank you so much for inspiring articles and beautiful pics that are always so uplifting. I haven’t had a baby, but I love reading about your experiences.
The body part I love the most is my breasts and I love to celebrate with a bra from Dita von Teese collection. But I love them braless too:-)
There are a couple of things I love about my body! Both are things I used to feel uncomfortable with, but have grown to appreciate. The first is my hips–they are large and shapely, but the way I can rest my hands on them makes me feel so womanly. The second is my gray hair — I’m only 29, and have had at least one silver hair since I was 12. It has become more widespread in the last few years, so now I like to refer to myself as a #silverfox! I have never died my hair, and never plan on it, because I love it so much!
Whoops! *dyed (I always do that!)
That is so awesome! I actually saw a young woman with silver hair the other day and it looked so sexy! Rock it!!!! xo
After having 3 kids my body is not the same as it was when I was 20–but I love it even more knowing that I birthed and nursed 3 children. I wish my tummy was flatter and breasts perkier–but that’s what shape wear is for, right?
I love my tata’s in the right bra. For a long time I didn’t want to wear shapewear because it’s something my mom wore, but I’ve totally embraced it in recent years. It just smooths and holds me in in the right spots and totally boosts ,y confidence in any outfit!
Just had my second baby in September and I’m right there with you on the loose skin. 🙂
I love my legs, but am really in awe of my entire body, (most days). I’ve grown two amazing humans, it blows me away.
Hi Eva! I’ve been wanting to try some shapewear too, but haven’t yet, for the same reasons you had explained.
What I celebrate and love most about my body is that I was capable of growing and delivering two healthy beautiful babies as well as nourishing them within their first years of life.
They are my most precious gifts and I am forever blessed to be their momma!! 🙂
Oh man! I love this challenge! I am also obsessed with that dress. When it comes to celebrating my body, I have definitely been struggling with that the past few weeks, what with being 38 weeks pregnant and all. If you asked me 9 months ago what I love the most I would have told you my abs – I worked hard at them – but now that my stomach is carrying what feels like a baby dinosaur I think I have to say my curvy womanly features! I have a new found love for my hips and breasts – actually understanding their true purpose in life probably helps – but oh man, these babies can make a dress go from “meh” to “DAMN!”. So, thank you baby boy Drum for helping mama feel so good 🙂
My favorite body part are my long legs. They could certainly be more toned but they allow me to walk and hike.
First want to say love reading your blog. You are so honest and real. You are also stunning. I have two children. A 11 year old son and after trying for 10 years (two miscarriages) a now 1 year old daughter! I do love my body for carrying two full term health babies. I even embrace the stretch marks and shaggy skin. However when i am dressing I don’t particularly like to see all the pregnacy gifts 🙂
I would love to have shapewear that I can wear in confidence. I want to look in the mirror and not want to just wear a plastic bag. I am working hard to get my body back to where I feel confident to show off my shape. I would to wear shapewear that makes everything look smooth.
Thank you for sharing your stories with us. Xo
Robin
Hi Eva!! As a mother of two beautiful boys (2 and 5) who works full time and does not always have a lot of time to work out, I can relate to not looking like I did pre kiddos! I would not change it for the world! My favorite part of my body is that it created my two children, every stretch mark and still lingering roll tells the journey of what my body went through. I am proud of it all, even my csection scar! I love my body more now than I did pre-baby.
I’d have to say my legs! I was in an accident a few years ago that left me with a large scar on my left leg. I spent a long time wearing pants and hiding what I now view as my biggest imperfection. I still feel self conscious from time to time, but I have come to appreciate my legs and their strength!!
Since the birth of my second boy 8 weeks ago my body is definitely not the best shape it’s been in. I ended up on bedrest for 4 months and an unplanned c-section! ☹️ However, For some reason this pregnancy has decided to grace me with a very nice round butt! I have to say, if I’m going to be stuck with some extra weight I am happy that it’s in some places I don’t mind it being ?
Oh my gosh, I’m jealous. I would do anything for a nice round butt!!!!! Enjoy it!!!
xoxo
I’m two and a half months pregnant and am totally adjusting to my new body! I love my curves and my legs!
I had my son 16 months ago and my weight loss journey has been less of a journey and more of a lumpy, bumpy road to no where! I’ve never had to work at my body but I’ve realised now I’m going to have to and finding the motivation for that is really hard! One thing I have realised is the thing I love most about my body is that it created, grew, protected, fed and nourished by gorgeous boy and whilst it may not be ‘my easy to maintain’ pre-pregnancy, ‘everything sits where it should sit’ body, it’s the only one I’ll get and it’s done some pretty amazing things already!! So whilst it’s not the body I’m used to seeing in the mirror, I can look at it everyday and think- that is really something to be proud of!
This Maidenform Shapewear slip is incredible! I am very petite so while I do not have long, yogi limbs I do have strong, feminine curves! I love to accentuate them in fitted clothing, they are beautiful! I have never tried shapewear and feel this would make them look even better!
Happy girls are the prettiest!
Xoxo
Loud and proud: I’ve birthed 2 children! I celebrate my mommy body. Through 2 miscarriages and 2 baby girls, my body has amazed me. Physically, mentally, emotionally, my body is capable of things that I never thought possible. I celebrate me in my new form, and embrace all the changes that have come with being called “mommy”.
I’ve ALWAYS had curves that I loved to embrace and I have always been confident about. I also had three children and since then, I’m less and less confident about showing them off with the skin sagging. Date nights now consist of me wearing a tunic and leggings much to my husband’s dismay. 🙁 I have so many beautiful dresses I’d love to wear, but not with the skin jigglin! Date nights are few in far between, as two of my children suffer epilepsy and my oldest was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I’ve lived in sweat pants and t shirts the last few weeks and I could use the confidence boost. <3
I have always had a booty and thick thighs. Ever since turning 30 earlier this year I have embraced their strength and their addition to my curves even more.
I used to love my boobs pre-baby, but now they aren’t my favorite due to saggy skin. But now I love my stomach and weirdly enough my C-section scar!
You look amazing Eva,i wish i had your body,you have gorgeous skin also 🙂
I had my first baby in September, and ever since then, I’ve felt my formerly full and perky breasts have become slightly sagging chew toys for baby girl. It’s been a bit hard to get used to not seeing them the way they were before baby, but at the same time, it’s been wonderful to be able to nurse my baby and develop that bond with her. However, given it’s her first Christmas this year, it would be so nice to have some extra help and support in that area of my body, so that when I look back at pictures of this season, I can smile and know I was feeling somewhat back to my old self.
My curves, particularly my booty!!
I love that even though I’m not the most fit I’ve ever been, I have more love for my body post-baby than I’ve ever had before!
My favorite part of my body? My heart. It’s an amazing muscle – which survived an open heart surgery at 8 months old and two vaginal deliveries of my boys. No matter what I look like on the outside, I am always most proud of my heart for staying strong.
I am almost 10 months out from having my first baby and I still am struggling to feel like my pre-baby self! I would love a little help this holiday season. I would say there is a lot to celebrate about my body, although I don’t always do a good job at it. Growing my son for 9 months and now being able to care for him, provide him with food, and give him tons of snuggles all day long, has been an incredible journey and has taught me how incredibly strong and powerful my body can be!
I love that my body is able to make another human being. I look forward to meeting my Baby.
I’m also struggling with my post partum body, but even though my belly has some flab, I’m so proud of what it accomplished!