Brooks Brothers Pack of 2 Blue Cotton Slim Fit Boxer Shorts. If he insists on walking around the house in them, they better at least be cute.

The Get Gifty: Our Holiday Gift Shop Boutique is now open.

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.

The reasons we love commando are endless. The elastic-free fabric that’s both comfy and flattering. The fact that we never have to worry about panty lines again. The brand’s playful personality. We sat down with the woman behind it all for her insight into the instantly successful (and celebrity-adored) line of intimates.

Rue La La: You made a gutsy move! What spurred you to leave the corporate world and start an empire of undergarments?
Kerry: I come from an entrepreneurial family and always knew at some point I wanted to work for myself. I found that my friends were interested in fashion but lingerie was often an afterthought. I felt that the industry was ready for a fresh approach – innovation and high quality product with a sense of humor. The result is our commando signature low-rise thong.

Rue La La: Tell us about the evolution of your raved-about line.
Kerry: The line has grown since we launched in 2005 to include slips with a patented weighted hem, a raw-cut cotton collection, and our new dig-free luxury legwear.

Rue La La: What inspires your designs?
Kerry: I’m inspired by the problems women face every day when they’re getting dressed. I want to create products that make women of all sizes and shapes feel more comfortable and confident in their clothes.

Rue La La: Describe your own personal sense of style.
Kerry: Classic with a twist. I wear a lot of Milly, Tibi, and DVF.

Rue La La: What items would you never dare to wear without commandos?
Kerry: Sheer dresses, white pants, form-fitting styles, wrap dresses – the list is endless. Not wearing the right underwear can ruin an otherwise fantastic outfit.

Our commando Boutique opens Tuesday, December 14th at 11AM.

10 TIPS FROM SPANX FOUNDER SARA BLAKELY

While we usually look for ways to update our wardrobe by adding from the top down, a re-thinking of basics can add life, shape, and a definite boost of confidence. SPANX founder Sara Blakely shared with us her favorite ways to work in some truly transformational base-layer updates.

1. Pencil skirts are everywhere this season. Wear one with a half slip or try a pair of sheer control top pantyhose for an extra-polished look and hourglass silhouette.

2. Try a SPANX black lace cami under a long cardigan for a cool, layered look and a little extra tummy control.

3. Pair lace tights with tougher footwear like cowboy boots for a flirty look with an edge.

4. Try a silky, wide leg pant. Footless Pantyhose help ensure a VPL-free rear view.

5. Keep summer shorts out longer by wearing a pair of tights underneath.

6. Cashmere sweaters are a cozy, classic fall staple. Layer a shaping cami underneath for a smooth, cling-free look that will never go out of style.

7. Sport a sleek turtleneck and accessorize with jewelry. Go with black for extra slimming or try another neutral like warm camel or gold.

8. Try a pair of footless tights with ballet flats and a mid-length full skirt for a casual but still stylish alternative to jeans.

9. Rock the sexy, sheer trend this season without feeling overexposed. Layer a lace full slip underneath a sheer dress for support, coverage, and an added touch of femininity.

10. Layer a high-rise body smoother underneath a curve-hugging, vintage-inspired dress to get in on the Mad Men trend and have a little extra breathing room.

Our SPANX Boutique opens Tuesday, September 28 at 11AM ET. ]]> http://www.ruelala.com/blog/2010/09/28/the-crib-sheet-fashion-undercover/feed/ 3