*Wink* it's a secret {Review of Wink Shapewear and Giveaway of Oka B Harper from Dara Loft}

I might not have big eyes, skinny thighs or perfect complexion. But the one thing I was most proud of my body was the tummy. There were the days when I could easily slip into 25" jeans and feel confident to buy 'S' size pants without even trying them on.

Yes, those were the days and they are long gone. After my university graduation, I went from thrice a week to once a month workout before gradually reducing to nearly zero. Then when the kids came along, I traded in a flat tummy for a muffin top. It's kind of depressing but from loving to wear skin-tight dresses, now I have to look for clothes which have a little leeway in front just so I can hide those unsightly bulges, especially when seated or after a meal.

At our beach ROM ceremony in 2008 when I could easily fit into that body hugging dress

Well, I did try using girdles after giving birth in the hope of regaining that figure. However, after a while, the bands usually started to roll down, become loose or feel too suffocating for comfort that I ended up ditching them shortly. I have to tell you, even though some friends commented that I seemed to slim down pretty quickly, just ask the hubby and you will know the truth. Those flabs, arrghh, they drive me nuts and sometimes he even pats my tummy, jokes and says "I thought you have given birth already?" So not funny.
 
When Dara Loft offered to send over the Wink Shapewear - Ultimate Postpartum Ultra Bikini for review, I thought why not give it a try? Even though it has been nearly a year since I gave birth to my second child, I read testimonials on how women who have grown up kids still wear and swear to the effectiveness of the bikini. So, I guess perhaps there is still hope.

Images from Dara Loft. These can't be my thighs.

Besides providing compression and support during postpartum and post abdominal surgeries recovery, the Ultimate Postpartum Ultra Bikini can also be worn as a shapewear and is ideal for anyone looking for a strong but yet soft compression garment to smooth out the belly pooch and love handles.

It features three layers of hook and eye closures at the side to adjust for different waistline and three layers of eye and hook closures at crotch area to adjust for different torso height. That means you don't have to take off the entire piece when you go to the loo. I personally like the thick band at the top which prevents the garment from rolling down the stomach when sitting, which happened to my previous girdle and that can be quite tricky and at times, embarrassing.

Yeap, this is me telling the world "Yes, I have a belly flab!"

Can you see the difference?

Initially, I was worried that it would be unfeasible for our weather in Singapore, but ends up the material is lightweight, comfortable and breathable so I can wear it the whole time when I am out without feeling overly hot or itchy. I find it especially useful when I attend functions like weddings and birthday parties and seriously, it just makes you feel more confident of yourself and being a mum doesn't mean you can't still look graceful and slender.

In addition, the band helps the garment stay in place under the breasts and this means that I can still nurse my child in comfort any time when I am out. When I get home, I like to take it off and let my skin hang loose because the eye and hook closures can feel a little stiff after too long. While I am hoping that wearing the bikini long term will help to rid those flabs, I strongly believe that eating a balance diet and exercising regularly, especially doing abdominal crunches, remain the key to staying in shape.

Note: For the shapewear to work and achieve permanent slimming results, it is recommended that you wear it daily for 8-12 hours across 12-16 weeks. However, there is no need to starve yourself, instead just make sure you eat healthy, abstain from pigging out and drink lots of water.

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Dara Loft is an online boutique for women who love life and style. In addition to Wink shapewear, which includes booty shapers, tummy tuckers and belly blasters, Dara Loft also offers trendy apparel including tank tops and sports bras. Also, be sure to check out their beautiful range of vibrant flats and flip flops. For more information, visit their website or Facebook page.

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Good news! Here's a giveaway for any of you out there who wishes to win a pair of stylish looking OKA b Harper flip flops from Dara Loft. Simply leave a comment in this post and follow the steps below to increase your chances of winning.
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms and conditions
1) This giveaway is open to readers residing in Singapore only.
2) The winner can select her desired colour and size based on availability.

That's not all! For all readers of A Happy Mum, from now till 31 Dec 2013, you get to enjoy a 10% discount on all orders on www.daraloft.com. All you have to do is to enter the code DARASUMMER10 when you checkout.

Time to get in shape for the festive season!

Disclosure: I received a complimentary Ultimate Postpartum Ultra Bikini and a range of items from Dara Loft in writing this review. No monetary compensation was received and all opinions are my own.