Still holding on to a few post-holiday pounds? Yeah, me too. Luckily, when armed with these slimming saviors, I know I can take my time getting back to the gym. With tanks, tights, and even swimsuits that lift and smooth, what’s a few more days in front of the fire with family and a plate full of leftovers?

For the Post-Holiday Vacation
No one likes to brave the beach when they’re feeling bloated, but with this black and white number – part of the “Whittle Waistline” collection – cover-ups might just become a thing of the past.

For the Return to the Office
Worn under a blazer, this simple, slimming tank hides last weekend’s fruitcake consumption in a flash.

For Getting Back to the Dating Scene
With this seamless, smoothing underwear, you’ll walk into any dinner date feeling as confident as can be.

Our SPANX Boutique opens Thursday, December 27, at 11AM ET.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

Heather Thomson is the mind behind the figure-flattering unmentionables. Her revolutionary designs have become must-wears for many women. Here, the innovative designer dishes on her Yummie Tummie favorites, her own style rules, and insider shapewear tricks.

Rue La La: What are three intimate essentials every woman should have?
Heather: If I had to pick a few, it would definitely be one of our tank tops, the Briefie bottom, and a good shaping slip (the Peek-A-Boo is one of my favorites).

Rue La La: Yummie Tummie items are all about versatility – tell us about a few wear-every-which-way favorites.
Heather: The Original Tank is the essential layering piece – perfect for under your favorite top, blazer, sweater, or dress. It’s also amazing to wear to a yoga or workout class. Another favorite is our Emilie Pantie – it fits and looks great and is super comfortable. Plus, the lace trim brings a sense of luxury, so you’ll forget you are wearing shapewear.

Rue La La: These past few seasons have highlighted lingerie on the runway. What traditionally not-seen pieces can become an outer element of an outfit?
Heather: Our black Peek-A-Boo slip paired with a great heel and a chunky necklace is an ultra sexy piece that can be worn as a dress for a night on the town or under a sheer dress as the perfect foundation. Another pick is our Teddie – it can be worn under a great jacket with a skirt or jeans. As I like to say, “the Teddie will take you from the boardroom to the bedroom!”

Rue La La: Shapewear should be snug. But how snug are we talking here?
Heather: It should fit true to size. You want it to be snug but not suffocating. If you are looking for extra slimming, I recommend sizing down, but for everyday dressing, get the same size you wear in tops and bottoms.

Rue La La: Give us your top five can’t-live-without items.
Heather: My Yummie Tummie tanks, a great pair of sunglasses, TOM FORD lipstick, tall black boots, and a great cashmere sweater.

Rue La La: What’s a style rule all women should live by?
Heather: Be honest with yourself and know yourself. Spend time understanding your best features and how to work with them, and understand what you deem your less-than-perfect areas and learn how to work with them. If you are comfortable and believe in yourself and what you’re wearing, it will show and you will always look great – clothes should enhance you, not make you unsure or uncomfortable.

Rue La La: For the big reveal – how many days a week do you usually wear a Yummie Tummie piece?
Heather: Every day, can’t leave home without one! We have a fun challenge we ask people to do: Wear a Yummie Tummie for seven days straight, and then don’t wear one and see how you feel. The common conclusion is that once you go Yummie, you can’t go back! It just changes the way you get dressed in the morning. It not only makes you look great, but it makes you feel great.

Our Yummie Tummie Boutique is open March 1-2, 2011.