Shapewear can help figure sculpt your figure
Spring is busting out all over -- out of your pants, out of your shirt, maybe even out of your bra.
If the long, cruel winter has left you a little, um, lumpy, you can get help from a growing number of "shapewear" products. These girdlelike garments can help smooth and flatten your flab while you get going on that diet and exercise regimen (right!).
The leading brand of body-shaping products is Spanx, and its new "Hide and Sleek" line features a thong back. Their products also come in plus sizes, which makes sense. ($42-$54 at Nordstrom and www.spanx.com)
Dr. Rey's Shapewear is made of microfiber plus aloe vera so it's soft on the skin. Its most intriguing claim? That it can help you wear one to two dress sizes smaller. Available at Sears and on the Home Shopping Network. ($27-$60)
Va Bien has a ultra-Lift Low Plunge Body Briefer ($80) and a patented ultraLift Perfect Strapless bra, which comes with optional clear straps and can be shifted around to work with a halter top. Sized all the way up to 36G. ($55, at Von Maur)
In Glen Ellyn …
• The latest Glen Ellyn business to "go green" is Cheveaux Salon and Day Spa, 532 Pennsylvania Ave. The salon is now using environmentally friendly products and treatments that have less of an impact on the environment.
• A new gift and tabletop decor shop, The Prince's Table, recently opened at 532 Duane St. Its California store is a favorite of celebs like Rita Wilson. The store's services include a wedding registry and personal e-shopper for home accents.
Gimme some skin
Kinerase has skin products that address problems ranging from teenage blemishes to middle-aged wrinkles.
Teen star Miley Cyrus is said to be a fan of the new Kinerase Clear Skin Collection (starting at $39, www.kinerase.com).
Fashion calendar
• Girls who can't afford a prom dress can come to the 4th Annual Cinderella's Closet, sponsored by the Junior League of Kane and DuPage Counties.
The closet is actually a boutique where financially challenged high school girls can "shop" for dresses, jewelry, purses and anything else they might need for prom -- and it's all free. The dresses are in current styles -- some new with tags -- and range from petite to plus sizes.
The closet will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 19 at the Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora. For information and a list of rules, go to www.jlkd.org.
• From 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, get 20 percent off any regularly priced prom dress and a free mini-makeover from smashbox cosmetics at Bloomingdale's, 900 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago.