Yoga? Yes, but Gwyneth is also a fan of Spanx.

I have a deep and abiding love of shapewear. Like a perfectly fitted bra, a great pair of what Laura Bennett calls “power panties” can completely change the fit of an outfit. There are a variety of options out there for shapers, but I prefer the ones that look like bike shorts, because they do the most work — they hold in your stomach and lift up your backside, all at once. Miraculous.

My “problem area” (I hate that phrase, but you know what I mean) is my derriere; no matter how many miles I run or how many donuts I say no to, my tush just isn’t as firm as it was 20 years ago (go figure). Certain pieces in my closet — a jersey dress, a fitted pair of trousers — look that much better when I’ve got a little extra help underneath. I’m also not a fan of VPL, but I’m not a thong girl, so for pieces that require a smooth back view, a shaper is my go-to undergarment.

Which shaper is the best? It depends on what you need it to do, how long you’re planning to wear it, and how much you want to spend. Here are my three favorites.

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Tracey has a question: “We are heading down to Phoenix for two weeks and since I intend on doing some serious damage at the Outlet mall, I am hoping to pack PRACTICALLY NOTHING, so I have more room in my suitcase to bring all my new finds (and for the boys back to school clothes!) home…I am SO excited to shop at J. Crew, Ann Taylor Loft, etc, places that do not exist here in Canada!!! So ANY tips on packing extremely light (US Air charges by the bag, boo!), would be very appreciated.”

Before I answer Tracey’s question, I have a confession. Remember when I wrote about what to pack for vacation? And then I actually packed and went on vacation? Well, I took all the wrong things.

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I’ve mentioned before that I’m photographing what I’m wearing (almost) every day in 2010. Six months in, it’s hard to escape the fact that I have a pretty specific look, and while I would like to say that this is entirely by design, it often has more to do with what’s clean when I get dressed.

Sad, but true.

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I’m on vacation this week, which means that I’m pretty much just wearing a swimsuit all day long. Not bad, really.

My kids are finally old enough that the idea of a “family vacation” isn’t as much of an eye-roller any more. You know what I mean — when they’re wee and tiny, any journey with them isn’t a vacation in the purest sense but a road trip, one that necessitates hauling the entire nursery to the beach or the mountains or wherever it is that you will be “vacationing.” And then, once you’re there, doing all the parent things you do at home, but on the fly in a strange place.

I do not miss those days.

Regatta-stripe knit dress, Talbot’s, $79.50 currently $62.99

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