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Monday, February 3, 2014

The Corset: It's a Cinch




The latest weight loss craze is attributed to the corset, an undergarment that literally was responsible for sweeping women off their feet hundreds of years ago. Today, women are going back to the history books by wearing corsets for a long-lasting figure-shaping power punch. Before I proceed further, I must explain that I am referring to corsets which by design and purpose are similar to corsets worn by women during the Elizabethan and Victorian era. I am not referencing corsets that are prescribed by doctors for medical reasons such as back support. Note: The header photo is courtesy of Chanel News.

I have always thought of corsets worn in the 16th and 17th centuries as torture devices; mainly because they were notorious for causing women to faint from a lack of oxygen. Now, corsets are being hailed by many as the diet that’s not a diet which is rather incredulous since the “corset diet” does not in any way promote the inclusion of healthy eating habits and exercise. In my opinion, healthy eating habits and exercise must combine to create an effective daily diet. Wearing a corset can not in any way compare to the efficacy of healthy living; however, to each her own. The corset diet, in my opinion, is just going too far to achieve a fashionable appearance. I am just grateful that women no longer have to wear corsets for fashion’s sake. I have enough to deal with in the morning than wondering about how I am going to get my corset laced-up even if it looks as glamorous as the corsets below.

Corsets Designed by Hubert Barrere; Source

My reason for not being a big fan of the ‘corset diet’ is because it does not really address the importance of a healthy diet and exercise. It is in some ways a shortcut to achieve a desired figure that at first seems great because it is a quick way to re-shape the torso and reduce the waist. When I discovered that women reportedly lose an estimated six pounds per week while on the ‘corset diet’ I was really impressed; however, there are other implications that must be considered. Waist-binders that replicate the purpose of corsets from hundreds of years ago will surely cause the same side effects: damaged organs and skin and restricted breathing. Those are not minor side effects, in my opinion.

Chanel Corset Top; Source

Why can’t there be a bustier trend instead of a corset trend? I consider bustiers to be the much more appealing distant cousin to corsets. I know they won’t make your waist shrink but who cares when they’ll enhance your cleavage. I’ll take the cleavage-enhancer over the waist-clincher any day. Bustiers are comfortable, they enhance the bust, they are chic and they serve a dual purpose. They can be paired with trousers or skirts to glam effect or worn as lingerie. Why couldn’t Karl Lagerfeld have made bustiers a centerpiece of the Chanel Pre-Spring 2014 runway show instead of corset dresses? I can not deny, however, that Mr. Lagerfeld knows how to design the types of corsets and corset dresses that have a higher level type of appeal. As a consequence, I am two-faced when it comes to certain types of corsets. The corsets worn by models and celebrities at major events are simply irresistible. I think you will agree that the corset dresses below are magnificent.

Rita Ora in a Corset Dress with Karl Lagerfeld; Source
Rihanna in a Corset Dress: Source

Actress Jessica Alba reported that she wore a doublet corset for about three months to achieve her desired post-pregnancy shape after delivering her baby. She also exercised, focused on healthy eating and drank lots of water so I will give kudos to her for placing value on a healthy lifestyle. I suspect that a portion of her weight loss was attributed to a feeling of fullness which is natural if wearing a tight corset. There would not be much of an inclination to eat a heavy meal if your stomach is going to be compressed against stiff material. It gives a new meaning to the phrase, ”I have a stomach ache.” I don’t know about you but to me wearing a corset 10 to 12 hours a day does not seem like a fashion-worthy endeavor.

What do you think? Is it worthwhile to wear a waist-cincher for a good portion of the day in order to achieve an hourglass figure?


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47 comments:

  1. Great and interesting article...I own one custom made corset ---it automatically gives you straight posture and a perfect waist, but I cannot imagine being more than a couple of hours in it...so I truly admire all those poor women who had to wore it whole day..

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful !!!!!
    thanks
    Ann'so M
    http://annsom.blogspot.fr/

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  3. Wow amazing what lengths girls will go to. I actually watched a short documentary on youTube of the girl who is trying to get the world's tiniest waist - if you have a weak stomach, I wouldn't watch it. She looks absolutely abnormal and the waist cinching has had a affect to the point she has digestive problems and her ribs are crushed. So I agree with you, this is NOT the answer - healthy diet and exercise are key!

    http://littlemacbook.blogspot.ca/

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  4. Very interesting, that's something new for me! I didn't know a corset diet existed and, in my opinion, it's insane!
    Kisses
    Oriana

    www.stylexis.blogspot.com

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  5. The history of the corset is incredible.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great post! The corset looks so painful! Would love if we could follow each other?

    XoXo
    Teresa
    www.chicaffordable.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Teresa:

      I would love to follow each other. Thanks for reading my post.

      Sharon

      Delete
  7. I love the corset :)

    http://fashionimperfect.blogspot.it/

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  8. I like corset tops but wearing it as an undergarment to look slimmer, I don't like it. I feel heavy when I wear such a thing and breathing is literally hard.

    WWW.STYLEVANITY.COM

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  9. hi sharon , the corset is so femenine
    kisses

    www.thechicmode.com
    new post

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    2. They sure are. I don't understand the appeal of wearing weight loss corsets for 10 hours a day but the fashion corsets are so beautiful. I love them.

      Delete
  10. Me encantan los corset!!
    Son geniales.
    Bss bonita
    http://unvestidorconideas.blogspot.com.es/

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    Replies
    1. They are charming and a definite symbol of femininity.

      Sharon

      Delete
  11. I'm not sure I'll able to wear a corset throughout the whole day. I seriously think I'll die. Plus with me, I have such weakness for wood. Great post =)

    Hazel
    www.theskimplelife.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Hazel: I know I wouldn't last long in a corset for 10 hours. What some will do to lose weight? It is not for me. I do like the fashion corsets though. They are so glamorous. Since I would only wear them for a few hours that's more like it.:)

      Sharon

      Delete
  12. I love corsets!!

    The Cutielicious
    http://www.thecutielicious.com
    Federica

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your comment, Federica. They are sensual and make a statement for sure.

      Sharon

      Delete
  13. I love that Chanel corset the most.

    Brittney
    http://www.beautifullyabstract.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too, Brittney. I also love the corset dresses. Thanks so much for your comment.

      Sharon

      Delete
  14. Thanks so much for your visit to my blog, Dario.

    Sharon

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  15. Great post, how do they breath when its too tight..lol. Anything to look slim!
    effortlesslady.blogspot.ca

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for your comment, Diana. I would not last long in a weight loss corset. They are too constricting not to mention all of the sweating that would result.

      Sharon

      Delete
  16. What an interesting post. I would absolutely wear a corset but not on a regular basis to lose weight. I'm so glad that, now, we get to choose whether or not we want to wear one.

    thechicdream.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi, Melissa:

      Thanks for the comment. Me too. Women didn't wear the most comfortable undergarments back then. Thank goodness, we now have many comfortable options.

      Sharon

      Delete
  17. You have very nice blog
    Maybe you won't follow each other?
    please just let me know
    http://indiesan.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I absolutely would love to follow each other on GFC and Bloglovin.

      Sharon

      Delete
  18. I have and keep a corset for my wedding dress. Actually it made me great figure for wearing mermaid design! BUT I don't want to wear it everyday! I could control myself for special day;) but...i could eat full-course French dishes with corset...hahaha.
    xo
    Miho

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  19. I could definitely understand wearing a corset for a special day. I am happy we don't have to wear them all the time. It must have been unbearable for women hundreds of years ago to wear them every day.

    Sharon

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  20. Hi Sharon,
    Thanks for stopping by http://www.atothechic.com
    I am following you on bloglovin. Please follow back ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Lois:

      Thanks for visiting my blog. I will definitely follow you back.

      Sharon

      Delete
  21. corsets are great in outfit! love it

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for your comment, Iveta. I love them as a layering piece under a sheer blouse.

      Sharon

      Delete
  22. These are gorgeous! Doubt I can wear one for longer than 30 mins but would love to try!!!! :)

    Secret little Stars
    www.secretlittlestars.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your comment. They certainly are beautiful. I could probably lasts in them for a few hours but certainly not a whole day.

      Delete
  23. Thanks, Zara:

    I enjoyed your Disney post. You provided an in-depth analysis of several of the movies which really made me consider the morals each particular story sought to emphasize. My favorite Disney character is Belle. She is such a strong female character. I always felt she had more emotional depth than the other characters.

    I am following you back.:)

    Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  24. I own a couple of the fashionable corsets. I love how they give me a straight posture and a perfect waist. I don't find them to be uncomfortable or tight. I feel fine whenever I wear them, which has been a while.

    http://fabulousperks.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your comment. There are corsets specifically made for weight loss purposes. Those tend to be uncomfortable if worn 10 to 12 hours a day.

      Sharon
      http://www.afashioncrowd.blogspot.com

      Delete
  25. Hello dear, beautiful blog and great post :) i follow you with pleasure on GFC, if you want to pass by me :)

    www.teanonsolomoda.com

    kiss Tea

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much. I would love to follow you back.

      Sharon
      http://www.afashioncrowd.blogspot.com

      Delete
  26. Awesome! I have to wear them for medical reasons (fractured back), but went for Style as well! your Blog is FIERCE!!! Thank you for this!! :)

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  27. Me encantan los corsés y sobretodo son preciosos los de ballet

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  28. Nice post I liked the collection and the way you described it. Buy Corstes in Dubai in lowest price.

    ReplyDelete