I wish I could say I was on vacation or something the last few weeks and that’s why you haven’t heard much from me. Unfortunately, my absence has more to do with work being just ridiculously busy and I’ve hardly had time to breathe, let alone blog. But hey, life happens and I’ve finally made a re-appearance.

Club Monaco Top (old) / J.Crew Martie Pant / Sam Edelman Dayna Lace-up Pumps / Daniel Wellington Sheffield Watch / Banana Republic Triple Wrap Leather Bracelet / Forever21 Rings / 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel / Bauble Bar Layered Necklace (similar)

This top I actually purchased from Club Monaco years ago, and it is actually two sizes larger than my regular size. I was quite hesitant when the sales associate handed it to me, knowing full well it was going to be oversized but I actually liked it and actually works.

Now you’d never know it, but underneath these garments I’m wearing a waist-trainer. I’ve been seeing these around the internet, and while I would probably never purchased one on my own, I did find it rather intriguing since  I’m more of a straight-cut/ruler body-type. I have never had that hour-glass shape, and while I’ve accepted my body is what it is, there are some days, where I long for a more defined waistline.

When KJ Couture offered to let me try their “FAJA” (i.e., waist-trainer/girdle), I thought, hey why not? I ordered according to the size chart, which turned out to be a size S (32) in Hypoallergenic KJC Beige. My natural waist hovers around the 25-26″ depending on the day (and time of day). I opted for the beige because assuming that I was going to wear this under my outfits, I wanted to be as seamless and invisible as possible.

When I received it in the mail, I was pleasantly surprised at how pretty it was. The material as very smooth and in the inside of the waist is a very pretty aqua color. There are three rows of hooks to adjust according to your waist size. In all probability you would start on the outer most row and work your way in when your waist grows accustomed to the trainer.

The first thing you have to do, of course, is to try and get this thing on. During my first attempt, I was absolutely sure there was NO WAY this was getting on my body. It seemed way too small and I was also concerned because I am so short-waisted, I wasn’t sure it was going to fit length-wise. After about five minutes, I got one hook on and that was as far as it was going. I took it off and tried it again a few days later. Still no go. I made one more attempt the next day and it still wasn’t happening. Hrmph.Frustrated, I went to the website to see if I could find any tips on getting it on. In fact they have this great video assuring you that as long as you followed the size chart, your FAJA really does fit. The trick is either to get someone to help you, or if you are putting it on yourself, to put it on first thing in the morning before you eat. AHA!

The next morning, I proceeded to put this on before breakfast, and voila! After much tugging and pulling, sweating (it’s quite an arm workout!), I managed to get it on. And wow was it tight! So tight, my posture was impeccable. The first day, I managed to keep it on for about an hour and it was actually much easier to wear if I was standing for most of the time. I tried the Faja on again the following day and found it much easier to get on myself. Maybe it just needed that first little stretch. However, I still can’t wear it for much longer than an hour at a time.

I have to say, this thing is STURDY. Of course, given how it’s used, you would hope that it would be but all the pulling and tugging that goes on with this thing as you try to put it on, not once did I think that one of the hooks would pop open.

There a lot of articles out there either claim that these work or that they are terrible for body. Whether you try this for yourself, it’s really up to you. I’m still on the fence, though I do kind of like how it’s been helping my posture since I haven’t been doing too much yoga lately. I haven’t worn it often enough to see if this actually works to make my waist smaller, I might just keep trying this and see if it works.
If you would like to check it out, see KJ Couture and all their Faja options!
And don’t forget to shop the post!