FabSugar

The Surprising Billionaire: 8 Interesting Facts About the Creator of Spanx

Emily Co — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:15:07 PST

Spanx is a word that most women are familiar with. It's a type of shapewear that helps to smooth away lumps and bumps and also leaves no trace of a panty line. The creator of this product, Sara Blakely, has been inducted to this year's Forbes billionaires list, which was released yesterday. Spanx, an international undergarment company, is worth an estimated $1 billion. Here are a couple of interesting facts about her from a Forbes feature:

She learned how to write her own patent from reading a Barnes and Noble book and she saved $3,000 in legal costs.
She worked at Disney World for three months and spent eight-hour days buckling customers into a ride.
She's the youngest self-made female billionaire in the world.
She has never spent money on advertising.
She owns 100 percent of the company.
She went from just having $5,000 in savings when she was 29 to owning a billion-dollar company at the age of 41 today.
She has her eccentric moments, and her husband describes her as "50 percent Lucille Ball, 50 percent Einstein." Some of her goofiest moments include wearing a boot on one foot and a Christian Louboutin heel on the other in Bloomingdale's, and wearing stretchable candy necklaces and bracelets (bought from a nearby candy store) to the Screen Actors Guild Awards because she left her jewelry at the hotel.
She witnessed a car run over her best friend when she was only 16, and facing mortality at such a young age has driven her. "I think that when you witness death at age 16, there's a sense of urgency about life," Blakely says. "The thought of my mortality - I think about it a lot. I find it motivating. It can be any time that your number's up."

I Want This Wardrobe: Vanessa Abrams

FabSugar — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 04:00:22 PDT

Things are starting to heat up on Gossip Girl. This week, we see the romance between Vanessa and Dan unfold. Will it be a seamless transition from friends to lovers? For now, let's observe Vanessa's hot ensemb. Her Diane von Furstenberg Lele print dress - which, by the way, is on sale and available online - is undeniably hot. Swiss dot tights, metallic pumps, and a black bib necklace add the perfect funky "Vanessa touch."

Get the rest of this week's Gossip Girl outfits via CelebStyle.com.
Photo courtesy of the CW

Gossip Girls' Diet Secret - Spanx: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 04:30:44 PST

Ever wonder how the stars of Gossip Girl always look so perfectly slim? Eric Damon, costume designer for the hit TV show, reveals that when the cast needs to lose weight quickly, he hands them some "good underwear." The ladies of the Upper East Side, it seems, are on a skivvies weight loss program. As Damon puts it, "They don't [diet]. They just get some good underwear and they're fine. I say, just enjoy yourself. If you put on a couple of pounds, then great, buy some Spanx."

For those not in the know, Spanx is an undergarment line - tights, camis, panties, slips, and more - that sucks in and smooths out all those loose and jiggly parts. Curious, I tried on a pair of its Hide & Sleek Hi-Rise Body Smoother ($70), and while I did look more streamlined under my dress (I think they might have even taken an inch or two off my waist!), I also couldn't breathe. I imagine Spanx are sort of like a modern day version of corsets.

And though the actresses don't strike me as needing help hiding unwanted pounds, I'm also not donning the skin hugging dresses Serena is so fond of. Damon went on to say that Spanx are just one of the things he keeps in his arsenal to make sure the cast always looks amazing,"There is a whole architecture system that happens on the show and on TV . . . that make your boobs and a** look great," he reveals. Ah, the magic of TV.

What do you think of Spanx - is it OK to suffer a little bit to look good?

Shop Très's Fall Outfit

FabSugar — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:50:22 PST

I lean on TrèsSugar to keep me abreast of the latest trivia. She's a no-nonsense kind of gal, but she loves fashion as much as the next girl. She's gone a little J.Crazy with her Fall look, notice the layered necklaces and cool striped cardi.

Here's what she's wearing:

Her cardigan is this J.Crew Forever Stripe V-neck Cardigan but it's sold out. Here's an alternative: Paul & Joe Sister Grey Ferdinan Striped Cardigan ($113)
Wet Seal 28" Deep V-Neck Tee ($7)
J.Crew Vintage Cord Co-ed Mini ($30, originally $50)
J.Crew Skinny Patent-leather Belt ($30)
SPANX Reversible Tight-End Tights Panty ($34)
J.Crew Cadogan Leather Ankle Boots ($225)
Her charm necklace is this J.Crew Jeweled Garland Necklace; alas, it is unavailable. This AE Charm Bow Necklace ($16) is a cutie.
J.Crew Opera-length Pearl Necklace ($495)

Check out rundowns of all the Sugar girls' new Fall outfits!

Trend Alert: Patterned Tights

FabSugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 05:50:22 PDT

I've heard friends say they're one of those things that are fun in theory, but dicey in reality. And don't plain black tights seem so . . . boring? Exhibit A: Diane Kruger at the ELLE Women in Hollywood awards. Even though her Balenciaga dress had a marbelized print, she opted for Swiss dot hose and a hot pink clutch. Sometimes more is more, and that means you shouldn't hesitate to whip out those striped, dotted, or zigzag tights you've been jonesing to wear. Patterned tights add depth, texture, and spunk to any ensemble.

Spanx Goes Glam With Haute Contour Collection

FabSugar — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:00:22 PDT

Get ready to taste the delicious "Dessert of Shapewear" - Spanx's Haute Contour collection. Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, felt bringing fashion to shapewear was the next step for her brand. Thus, was born a collection of beautiful shapewear that incorporates lace, scallops, mesh, and sheer fabrics. Now, it won't be embarrassing if your Spanx happen to show. Actually, some of the Haute Contour pieces, like the Couture Camisole ($198), worn by the model, are meant to show. Gwyneth Paltrow already got some; now it's your turn.

To see more from Spanx's Haute Contour collection,

View 5 Photos ›

Tummy Tucking Belly Band Roundup

babysugar — Sat, 23 May 2009 05:00:00 PDT

If there were a magic pill new mommies could swallow to snap their postpartum tummies back into pre-pregnancy shape, the pharmacy lines would stretch a mile long. Without said miracle capsule, moms turn to belly shaping gadgets to help them trim down a tad faster than usual. Hey, if it worked for Rebecca Romijn, it might for me!

The Belly Bandit

Spanx

Tauts

Look of the Day: Striking Blue

FabSugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:00:22 PST

missfox is dressed to impress. Her striking blue shirt dress is stunning and sophisticated. I like how she cinched in the baggy shape with an edgy belt. Pairing it with black accessories makes for dramatic contrast.

Here's what she has on:

Dress: Sunner
Belt: Topshop
Tights: Spanx
Booties: Zara
Chanel: Gifted

Congrats to missfox!

Everyone else, submit your looks and I might feature you on FabSugar!

Celebrity Style: Olivia Palermo

FabSugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:00:22 PST

We're going to be seeing a lot more of socialite Olivia Palermo since she's part of Whitney Port's upcoming reality show The City. Last night, she attended an event hosted by Kenneth Cole in a dainty, yet slick, ensemble worth mimicking. She opted for a red ruffle skirt, a black blazer, and dressed up her neck with two unique necklaces. Fall is all about rich colors and flattering layers, and Olivia has it down.

Check out our new site CelebStyle for lots more celebrity street style!

Source

Celebrity Style: Anne Hathaway

FabSugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:00:22 PDT

Anne stopped by the David Letterman show in an ensemble that will inspire those hesitant to dabble with the moody combination of navy and black. Her pajama-style Marc Jacobs wrap dress from the Resort line looks super sophisticated against black accessories like opaque tights, patent Brian Atwood pumps, and a black Ferragamo woven bag. The oval turquoise earrings and chunky gray cocktail ring are nice, simple touches. So, does Anne have you convinced?

Source