.: Put the Squeeze On

A minimizing bra may be just what the doctor ordered for fitting into a sleek dress. We love the Bali Lace Desire Minimizer Bra. It's pretty, functional, and very lacy, yet keeps you in up to an inch and three-quarters. Best of all, it's under twenty bucks. The Wacoal Seamless Slimline is a sleek and modern minimizer bra, with comfortable styling that reduces size not shape. The unlined, molded underwire cups are constructed of seamless, stretch microfiber. The center gore does not stretch, so it keeps its shape and stays in place.

Another item for your boudoir is the Bali Lace 'N Smooth All-In-One. This bodysuit is made of stretch lace so it fits well without being tight. The bra cups are double-layered, so there's little show-through. It has a sexy Victorian feel that is uncommon in shapewear.

Avenue Shapewear has some great choices for women sizes 14 and up. A full skirt with a tighter top calls for the Hi-Waist Control Brief. The Hi-Waist Bike Short is perfect for an outfit that's tighter in the rear and looser up top.

To get your legs in those skinny jeans try Ames Walker Compression Hoseiry. Not only do they slim and energize, but they are great to wear on airplanes because the compression helps prevent deep vein thrombosis. Compression hosiery also helps fight varicose veins (pregnant ladies, listen) and a list of other veinous problems. If you're a regular reader of SheFinds you know that Spanx footless hose reduce you one whole size. If you want to spice up that little black dress, slip into Spanx fishnet hose. These control top hose provide support around the thighs, waist, and tummy and won't give you the dreaded waffle-but.

Be sure you check out our Shapewear Guide for more slimming advice. Shop our holiday dress guide for what to wear over all this fab shapewear.

Wacoal Seamless Slimline Minimizer Bra, $62 @ BareNecessities.com.	Bali Lace 'N Smooth All-In-One, $28 @ OneHanesPlace.	Avenue Shaping Hi-Waist Control Brief, $20 @ Avenue.com.
Ames Walker Compression Hoseiry , $20 - $30 @ AmesWalker.com.	Spanx Super Footless Body Shaping Pantyhose, $24 @ BareNecessities.com.	Spanx Fishnet control top hose, $26 @ figleaves.com.

.: Look Festive, Not Fat

We love shapewear, but we really love clothes with shapewear features built in. While you may be holding out on spending major bucks on clothes until you've reached your goal size, the affordable Spanx Bod-a-Bing collection can help you sparkle at holiday gatherings. Try the Bod-a-Bing Skirt or Bod-a-Bing Pants. There's also a Spanx Bod-a-Bing Mesh Tank to smooth out those love handles you don't love so much. The secret liner minimizes bulges and blemishes in the tummy, rear and thighs. Pumpkin pie doesn't stand a chance when faced with spandex.

The most slimming blouses are those with a V or scoop neckline. This Anne Klein New York V-Neck Sweater has a very deep V. Cosabella's stretchy Agadir Camisole also has a deep V and is long and loose enough to hide a tummy pooch and protect your decency when you bend over in your low-rise pants.

Wrap tops are always winners on a rounder body, especially with cap or three-quarter sleeves. Try the flowing Anthropologie Incandescent Wrap Blouse Don't like your arms? Try this silk Geren Ford Kimono Top - it offers the trifecta of flattering tops, deep V, 3/4 " sleeve, and empire waist.

Tailored and A-line skirts are usually the most slimming. The polished Dana Buchman Granita Skirt is perfect for holiday soirees. Prepare to receive compliments when you wear the Drama Taffeta Pocket Skirt.

Spanx Bod-a-Bing Pants, $72 @ Nordstrom.com.	Anne Klein New York V-Neck Sweater, $225 @ Nordstrom.com.	Cosabella Agadir Camisole, $79 @ BareNecessities.com.
Anthropologie Incandescent Wrap Blouse, $178 @ Anthropologie.com.	Geren Ford Kimono Top, $268 @ PinkMascara.	Drama Taffeta Pocket Skirt, $178 @ Nordstrom.com.

.: Eat, Drink, Be Merry and Exercise a Little

As we've been told but often choose to ignore, drinks can pack on the pounds. This year skip the eggnog and make yourself and your guests a delicious holiday cocktail or punch using Baja Bob's mixers. There's nine flavors and most have Zero calories per serving. Of course that's before you add the alcohol, but it's still a great way to get a little boozy without the holiday bloat.

Want more low-cal ideas? Hungry Girl is a website loaded with foods finds for dieters to suit every taste. Plus there are lists of foods to steer clear of. Developed by someone who has struggled with weight for years, this site offers "tips and tricks for hungry chicks."

We really like the straight forward approach to weight loss that the Calorie King Nutrition and Exercise Manager offers. The program (which can run on a Palm or a desktop) is a food diary that also charts your exercise and progress. It includes an over 50,000 item food database with nutritional info from brands like Trader Joe's, Amy's, Starbucks, and the Costco food court. The program is a bargain - much less than the $10 to $15 a month of some popular online programs.

It's always hard to fit in exercise, and during the holiday season it just gets tougher. The Sane Fitness exercise plan will help you find the time (and motivation). Designed by a busy woman with the guidance of her trainer, the program is a series of cards depicting specific exercises in three different workouts. You start off with twenty minutes of aerobic exercise then do weights, stretching or abs. It's simple to follow and transport for a workout when and where you need it.

You're more likely to take that spin around the block if you look good. Check-out our workout wear guide for fall weather friendly and stylish gear.