When I left the workforce to raise my son back in 2005, I traded in my suit jackets and button-down shirts for a wardrobe of T-shirts, sweatpants, and sports bras. That became my uniform for the next 6 and a half years, and in the interim I moved to suburbia, lost a huge amount of weight, gained all of it back slowly, saw the U.S. hit one of the most severe economic depressions in history, and lamented ever rejoining the workforce again. Even though in 2008 I began blogging from home about fashion and budget-shopping, my weekly roundups of must-buy clothing and accessories were more aspirational than my everyday reality.
In 2010 my son was in school full-time, so I began applying for jobs in my field locally. And applying and applying. Nothing happened, and I decided to switch tactics and go back to school to improve my skills, to network, and to hopefully land an internship.
Finally, in June of this year, I got that coveted internship at a production set and design studio. Now I’m back to suit jackets and button-downs, though this time around my jackets are flower-patterned, my button-downs accessorized with vintage rhinestone necklaces, and sometimes even a T-shirt is acceptable work attire. I now work in a very creative field, where expressing one’s personality and being on-trend is tantamount because it speaks volumes about how “current” your knowledge is, as well as your taste level.
Before: My work attire, sports bra underneath.
So now I need foundation garments that are appropriate for work – and not just for working out, as before. I’ve lost and gained enough weight since being pregnant that my bra size has fluctuated dramatically, and though I’ve gotten used to the snug feeling of sports bras, they don’t look too professional, they mash my shape, and the wide straps often show under boatneck tops.
Lily of France sent me two of their bras to try out so I could see if they worked better for my new work wardrobe: the Extreme Push-Up Underwire in black with gray dot edging, and the Extreme Options in black.
Extreme Push-Up detail shot.
The fact that they’re both convertible (and the Extreme Options is convertible 62+ different ways!) is incredibly helpful and means that they can take the place of multiple different bras in my lingerie drawer. This means either can be worn under a variety of clothing, from sleeveless dresses to boatneck tops to bustier dresses. Plus, they’re both generously padded, which gives my poor sagging chest (after baby, ahem) a much-needed boost and myself a much more feminine figure. I’ve gotten to an age where I am now embracing my figure, so I prefer to accent the little I have on top to balance out the generous amount I have on the bottom. 😉 It’s incredible how much the Extreme Push-Up lifts and boosts my A-cup into at least a cup and a half larger, which makes me feel way more feminine for date nights with my Hubby and helps me fill out all of my fitted sheath dresses properly.
After: Wearing Lily of France Extreme Pushup bra.
Style Tips for Dressing in a Creative Field:
*Even if it’s creative, a workplace where a visible bra is okay may not be too common. Always err on the side of being covered up rather than being a slave to fashion. And always wear a dark bra under a dark top, a bra matching your skin tone under a white top, and a nude camisole underneath a sheer top.
*It’s totally okay to wear undergarments that give you a “womanly” shape. Even in a male-dominated field, you are who you are, so there’s no reason to try to hide or pretend to be less. Choose undergarments that play up your assets. (Just keep the cleavage under wraps to stay appropriate!)
*If you work somewhere that has a fairly lax dress code, still try to take it to the next level and dress up a little bit: a blazer over your t-shirt, a statement necklace over a tanktop, low heels with fitted trousers, etc. Making that extra effort shows you care about that job and the image you project.
*Add something to your outfits that is your personal signature: your favorite bracelet, some nice stud earrings, even a specific color of nail polish. The more “identity” you show in what you wear, the more it will become your creative calling card!
So, to help someone out there kickstart her workwear-appropriate lingerie drawer, Lily of France has graciously partnered with Chic Steals to offer a $100 Visa gift card to one lucky reader!

How to Enter
Choose 2 of the following entry methods:
a) Visit the Lily of France website and leave a comment on this post in the comments section telling me which bra you like the most (NOT in the Facebook comments box or through Facebook)
b) Tweet about this giveaway and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this giveaway and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
Total entries allowed per person: 2
Also: No duplicate comments. Any comments left through the Facebook comments box or on Facebook will not be counted. All comments must be left on this post on my blog.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 7/18 to 8/15/2012.
Be sure to visit the Lily of France brand page on BlogHer.com, where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!
Good luck to everyone!
Carly
The LA TECHNOLOGIE® WIRE-FREE bra appeals to me most. It’s a sexy looking sports bra.
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/225661745174306816
My favorite bra on their site is the Perfect T-shirt Bra With Lace (even though I’m only an A/B cup, I’m not a fan of padding, and that was one of the few without any). Here’s my tweet about it: https://twitter.com/transientexp/status/225670082922156033
Thanks for this giveaway, and congrats on the job!
Rachel recently posted…Outfit Post: Minty
I like the Extreme Ego Boost Lace Bra 🙂
I tweeted https://twitter.com/mbernasconi14/status/225671915514236929
I like the Gel Touch™Strapless Push Up the most. 🙂
It’s a bit funny because I was actually looking for to buy a new bra from there! I like the Gel Touch™ Push Up mostly for the design.
Oh and my tweet: https://twitter.com/simplyai/status/225676731674140672
Kathyrine recently posted…Hello
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/katskull
Kat Skull recently posted…DIY – Valentino Studded Flip Flops
I think I like the look of GEL TOUCH™STRAPLESS PUSH UP the best. Looks comfy in the pictures!
Kat Skull recently posted…DIY – Valentino Studded Flip Flops
Tweet tweet – https://twitter.com/althousewife/status/225704764078428160
Janine (Alternative Housewife) recently posted…Sunday Link Love
I love the look of the Gel Touch push-up. I’m still nursing but he’s older enough that I don’t have to be accessible every moment of the day. And they could use a lift! Plus, cute! (And I think would hide my nipples well. Breastfeeding mom problems.)
Janine (Alternative Housewife) recently posted…Sunday Link Love
i like the Gel Touch™ Push Up
tweet: https://twitter.com/akronugurl/status/225711168252166144 ..
i like the Gel Touch bra
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/225763942490841088
I’d like to try the Gel Touch™ Push Up
I really like the convertible series. I’ve been hooked on sports bras for quite a while myself. Unfortunately none of the lily of france bras come in my size :-(. Being “blessed” has its drawbacks.
I”d have to go with the gel-touch.
The Extreme Options bra appeals to me most because I like versatility.
Loving that Extreme Options bra. 62 Ways??? I must know them all!
Congratulations on getting the internship! So excited for you.
xx
maya
Soccer Mom Style recently posted…Different Concept. Similar Output…
I like the perfect push-up plunge! It looks comfortable and great to wear with low-cut shirts.
i want the gel touch up!
tweet
https://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/225967943475924992
Your Perfect T-Shirt Bra is the one I would choose. A bra that makes everything look better and can be worn with sheer and snug tops is exactly what I need.
I like the Gel Touch Push Up
family74014 at gmail dot com
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/Alaine888/status/226070550081052672
family74014 at gmail dot com
I like the gel touch push up one….the black and grey one is very cute!
My favorite bra from there is the GEL TOUCH™ PUSH UP.
holliister at gmail dot com
Tweet: https://twitter.com/collifornia/status/226119704098529283
holliister at gmail dot com
I like the Extreme Ego Boost Lace…so pretty and sexy.
mom22girlz at ymail dot com
tweeted https://twitter.com/mom22girlz/status/226153419579224064
mom22girlz at ymail dot com
Love the EXTREME PLUNGE SATIN TRIM PUSH UP!
chambanachik@gmail.com
Erika recently posted…30
I love the versatility of the extreme options bra! It’s hard to find a low back convertible bra, and while I could go without, I just prefer to wear something. 🙂 I went to the lily of france website and used the alternate entry method suggested. Thanks!
the Extreme Plunge Satin Trim Push Up looks nice
thismomwins@gmail.com
I like the Your Perfect T-Shirt Bra with Lace
I love the extreme options. I love all the ways it converts.
i tweeted
https://twitter.com/1amypugmire/status/226705261375676417
I really like the wireless tshirt bra and the ego boost.
I love the Perfect Lace Pushup!I to have returned to work, but put my wardrobe money into work clothes. My lingerie is old.
Twitteed~
https://twitter.com/Songberries/status/227150904611205120
I like the gel touch push up bra.
https://twitter.com/Wistroll/status/227213838867644417
PERFECT LACE PUSH UP
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/227223988064108544
I love the EXTREME OPTIONS™ 62+ WAYS TO WOW!
It really does wow!
I like YOUR PERFECT T-SHIRT BRA WIRELESS, looks so comfy and clean.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/227286010273353728
smkao@hotmail.com
id like the Keep Her Cool Sport Wire-Free bra
https://twitter.com/DesMoinesDealin/status/227453921369681920
I visited their site and like the GEL TOUCH™ PUSH UP bra in the Black Steel Violet
tweeted
https://twitter.com/winsome6/status/227912239217262593
GEL TOUCH™STRAPLESS PUSH UP looks like a good fit for me! Thanks for a super giveaway!
Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/anashct3/status/227951374388830208
Thanks for the chance to win!
email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com
Your Perfect Lace Push Up
Cinny recently posted…#NYC #Foodie Experiences -Peter Luger #Steakhouse #PeterLuger
https://twitter.com/CinnyBBS/status/228216873240645632
whirlwindofsurprises(at)yahoo(dot)ca
Whirlwind of Surprises
Cinny recently posted…#NYC #Foodie Experiences -Peter Luger #Steakhouse #PeterLuger
Very informative post that inspired me to blog about bras at http://www.fatdocslimdoc.com/post/27959580182/lace-lily-love.
The Extreme Options sounds great!!!! What an amazing wonder bra!!! Thanks for the opportunuity!!!
I’d go for the Gel Touch™ Push Up.
alittlenosh AT gmail.com
Amy @ A Little Nosh recently posted…Pattypan Squash Casserole
I like the gel touch strapless pushup bra and perfect t-shirt bra.
songyueyu at gmail
tweet: https://twitter.com/syytta/status/229530909550981120
songyueyu at gmail
I like Your Perfect Lace Push Up in black/steel violet.
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydinpa/status/229738862816153600
i like the Perfect T Shirt Bra – wireless
i tweeted here:
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/229742120230088705
I love the gel touch push up!
Brittany recently posted…How-To: Ombre Dip-Dye
I like Your perfect t-shirt bra
THE YOGA BRA! (CROSSING MY FINGERS =)
2ND ENTRY TWEET! https://twitter.com/kytah00/status/232509944618950656
I love the perfect t-shirt bra
Oh I love the KEEP HER COOL SPORT WIRE-FREE!
I also tweeted
https://twitter.com/Ilovemybeagle2/status/232604187077263360
tweet–https://twitter.com/CrazyItalian0/status/233947156564807680
gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com
I would love to get the Smooth Lace Push-Up 2-Pack
Thanks for the chance to win!
gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com
I’d like Pro shaper wire free sports bra
I like the Extreme U Plunge!
Danielle Meek recently posted…Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax Blu-ray Review
I like the Your Perfect T-Shirt Bra Wireless Style Number: 2172100
Thanks for the giveaway!
eswright18 at gmail dot com
tweet
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/235195757483933696
eswright18 at gmail dot com
The Your Perfect T-Shirt Bra Wireless looks like a bra that would fit my lifestyle perfectly.
GEL TOUCH™STRAPLESS PUSH UP
tweeted https://twitter.com/MelindaJoy926/status/235444773597634562
I love the
Jacquard Stripe 2-Pack
Style Number: 2179760
in that bright blue color! So flirty and fun!
angie lilly recently posted…Tagetes patula by FotoMacro
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/235446483099455489
angie lilly recently posted…Tagetes patula by FotoMacro
I love the Smooth Lace Push-Up
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/235586801702670337
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/235619763139801089
I like the Extreme Push Up Wireless.
Thanks for the contest.
blogged:
http://slehan.blogspot.com/2012/08/win-100-gc-from-lily-of-france-and.html
I like the keep her cool sport wire-free bra.
I’d get the KEEP HER COOL SPORT WIRE-FREE bra.
runningmatey at hotmail dot com
https://twitter.com/LuckyDuckyToo/status/235876187224805376
I love their Extreme Push Up wireless bra! Thanks!
allishagold at volcano dot net
I tweeted your giveaway https://twitter.com/tank_on_A1r/status/235948014328487936