Shapewear advice? (Xposted to RNY forum)

Hello, WLS friends!  Can you offer advice on a couple of shapewear questions?

1.  Good places to purchase, for a reasonable price?

2.  What type of shapewear to buy to have a sleek look under a fitted dress.

I have never worn compression shapewear before, except for athletic compression shorts, and control top pantyhose.  I did try on some once, and I felt so claustrophobic.  This might have been from trying on sizes that are too small.

I just bought a lovely black dress for the holidays.  (On a great sale, too!)  It has a slightly shirred waist.  The fabric drapes well, but it tends to show every bump.  I want to avoid waistband lines if possible.  I would also like to be comfortable moving, sitting, etc.  My goal is not to look thinner, but to look smooth.

Here is a link to a photo of the dress. 

http://www.landsend.com/products/womens-34-sleeve-ponte-surp lice-dress/id_293898_59?cm_mmc=139971612&source=GS&003=56492 216&010=4334589

Thanks!

I have that same dress.  I wear it to work sometimes.

I am no expert on shape wear -- but I have had the best luck at Kohl's at the clearance racks.  I have gotten Spanx that were originally over $70 bucks for less than $15 -- and several Maidenform brand for less than ten.  I have found that it pays to try it on -- I have a pretty small waist (I am a pear shape) but I also desire it for smoothing -- not really "shaping" -- my favorite for dresses has been Spanx open bust slip -- it sells for around $85, but I got it for $14.99.  I have never liked "cheap" brands from Target or Walmart -- they didn't work so well for me.

Here's what it looks like:

That model looks way too happy to be wearing compression garments and her bra!

That's because she is already so thin that the garment likely isn't compressing her.  It's like a baggy sweatshirt for her...LOL... She's happy because after the photo shoot, she gets to eat her monthly allotment of black coffee and a lettuce leaf...

Maybe it is compressing her empty tummy...helping her not have hunger pangs until the lettuce.

:: snicker ::

OK Kat W......I just died!

Excellent advice, Kat.  Thx for the helpful pricing detail.  At first speedy glance, I saw your comment that said you had that dress, and saw the model photo--at the same time--and thought it was you modeling.  A good little laugh for me.  You look so happy! But I bet you don't wear THAT outfit to work.  ;-)

I have a slip similar to what Kat posted but I got it from Dressbarn. I am sure the Spanx one is heavier duty but I love it. Smoothes without killing you.

Thanks.  A while new world awaits me at the mall.  The underworld.