Merkin writes that though Spanx are all the rage, they only work "if you are already in possession of a body toned and buffed from hours in the gym." She notes that during the 19th century, virtually all free-born women in the United States wore corsets. These days? Merkin finds that the girdle is virtually obsolete. But she was in search of "real help," and "looking for body armor to shield… extra rolls from scrutiny." Eventually, she discovered (and fell in love with) a black lace number by Rago (which, incidentally, turns out to be the same manufacturer of the one from the retro dress site). But, she writes, "I would be less than honest, however, if I said that it restored me to my 20-year-old body."

Of course, that's the problem with girdles and bodyshapers — they force a woman's body to conform to some sort of ideal which may not be what nature has in mind. Flat stomachs are prized in our culture, but very seldom do women — especially as they age — naturally possess such figures. Imagine if rounded tummies were considered sexy instead? Would young women pad their bellies instead of padding their bras? Would clothing be cut generously in the middle instead? Why is it, that even though women are "liberated" from other conventions, when it comes to our bodies, we're still desperate to keep things under control? In a new interview, Sara Blakely, the creator of Spanx, claims her product makes women more confident. "I don't feel it's [about] not accepting your body; I love my body. I love clothes, I just don't want panty lines."

Belt Tightening [NY Times]
Sara Blakely: The Spanx Creator Talks About Control [Times Of London]

Interesting study of the day: people who are struggling to define themselves rely on others' feedback more than those with a strong sense of self. • Conservationists find that there are nearly double the number of gorillas in the Republic of Congo than they previously thought (total number: 125,000). • Aafia Siddiqui, an American-educated Pakistani neuroscientist has been extradited to the U.S. after being accused of shooting at U.S. officers while in Afghan custody. • Read about one American stud's journey to South Korea and the disappointing backstage antics at the world's biggest male beauty pageant, Manhunt (hee!). • Are the dwindling numbers of top female staffers at the WSJ a result of Rupert Murdoch's take over? Or has a lack of women always existed at the paper? • Is Secret Diary of a Call Girl realistic about high-class escorting? Sort-of! At least about the lonely parts. • Desperate women in Afghanistan choose death-by-fire, but they don't realize how long it takes to die, resulting in hospital stays and lots of pain. • Germany's lady cops are being issues bulletproof bras, which is good news because sometimes a bullets, even when absorbed by bulletproof vests, can mess up bras and cause serious injury to the bra-wearing woman. • As Japan becomes more and more obsessed with cleanliness and scent, aging Japanese men are becoming self-concious of their smelly, aging bods.• Oh boy! Pot Psychology's Rich introduces Winston to another pet that is just as adorable and camera-ready as he is! Watch the results.

• Oprah will present Ralph Lauren with a lifetime achievement award at the upcoming CFDA Awards on June 4. [WWD, 1st item]
• The fashion world loves photographer Patrick Demarchelier. Probably because they have no idea what he's saying half the time. [WWD, last item]
• Correction: Giorgio Armani does not speak Yiddish after all, but talks sufficiently dirty in his native Italian. [WWD, 3rd item]
• The bra turned 100 this weekend with nary a peep from Gloria Steinem. [The Budget Fashionista]