Giveaway: Back to Work with Lily of France

Jul 18, 2012 | Score! | 95 comments


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!

(Actual card received may differ from version shown.)

 

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!

 

xoxox
Carly
FTC Disclosure: This is a paid post with BlogHer and Lily of France. I was sent 2 bras from Lily of France to review. ONE $100 VISA gift card will be sent to the winner of this giveaway. For more information, see my Disclosure Policy.
~Share this giveaway with your friends!~

 


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95 Comments

  1. Mami2jcn
    Mami2jcn on July 18, 2012 at 11:41 am

    The LA TECHNOLOGIE® WIRE-FREE bra appeals to me most. It’s a sexy looking sports bra.

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

  2. Mami2jcn
    Mami2jcn on July 18, 2012 at 11:42 am

    tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/225661745174306816

  4. Michelle
    Michelle on July 18, 2012 at 12:21 pm

    I like the Extreme Ego Boost Lace Bra 🙂

  6. Claudia
    Claudia on July 18, 2012 at 12:32 pm

    I like the Gel Touch™Strapless Push Up the most. 🙂

  7. Kathyrine
    Kathyrine on July 18, 2012 at 12:42 pm

    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.

  12. Janine (Alternative Housewife)
    Janine (Alternative Housewife) on July 18, 2012 at 2:36 pm

    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 LoveMy Profile

  13. Stephanie
    Stephanie on July 18, 2012 at 2:59 pm

    i like the Gel Touch™ Push Up

  15. Amanda Sakovitz
    Amanda Sakovitz on July 18, 2012 at 6:27 pm

    i like the Gel Touch bra

  17. Kerry
    Kerry on July 18, 2012 at 7:17 pm

    I’d like to try the Gel Touch™ Push Up

  18. Stina
    Stina on July 18, 2012 at 7:39 pm

    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.

  19. Reema
    Reema on July 18, 2012 at 9:00 pm

    I”d have to go with the gel-touch.

  20. Lynn
    Lynn on July 18, 2012 at 9:14 pm

    The Extreme Options bra appeals to me most because I like versatility.

  21. Heather
    Heather on July 18, 2012 at 9:42 pm

    Loving that Extreme Options bra. 62 Ways??? I must know them all!

  23. Leah
    Leah on July 19, 2012 at 6:09 am

    I like the perfect push-up plunge! It looks comfortable and great to wear with low-cut shirts.

  24. courtney b
    courtney b on July 19, 2012 at 7:59 am

    i want the gel touch up!

  26. Denae
    Denae on July 19, 2012 at 8:45 am

    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.

  27. Alaine
    Alaine on July 19, 2012 at 2:45 pm

    I like the Gel Touch Push Up
    family74014 at gmail dot com

  29. cw
    cw on July 19, 2012 at 4:06 pm

    I like the gel touch push up one….the black and grey one is very cute!

  30. colleen boudreau
    colleen boudreau on July 19, 2012 at 6:01 pm

    My favorite bra from there is the GEL TOUCH™ PUSH UP.
    holliister at gmail dot com

  32. Kim D.
    Kim D. on July 19, 2012 at 8:16 pm

    I like the Extreme Ego Boost Lace…so pretty and sexy.
    mom22girlz at ymail dot com

  35. Stephanie
    Stephanie on July 20, 2012 at 8:18 am

    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!

  36. Tiffany Winner
    Tiffany Winner on July 20, 2012 at 8:56 am

    the Extreme Plunge Satin Trim Push Up looks nice

    thismomwins@gmail.com

  37. Michelle H.
    Michelle H. on July 21, 2012 at 1:36 am

    I like the Your Perfect T-Shirt Bra with Lace

  38. amy pugmire
    amy pugmire on July 21, 2012 at 8:48 am

    I love the extreme options. I love all the ways it converts.

  40. Maymay
    Maymay on July 21, 2012 at 11:52 am

    I really like the wireless tshirt bra and the ego boost.

  41. Carol Harlow
    Carol Harlow on July 22, 2012 at 2:17 pm

    I love the Perfect Lace Pushup!I to have returned to work, but put my wardrobe money into work clothes. My lingerie is old.

  43. Saundra Bowers
    Saundra Bowers on July 22, 2012 at 6:32 pm

    I like the gel touch push up bra.

  45. Tina M
    Tina M on July 22, 2012 at 7:09 pm

    PERFECT LACE PUSH UP

  47. Vivian
    Vivian on July 22, 2012 at 10:56 pm

    I love the EXTREME OPTIONS™ 62+ WAYS TO WOW!
    It really does wow!

  48. Jessie C.
    Jessie C. on July 22, 2012 at 11:16 pm

    I like YOUR PERFECT T-SHIRT BRA WIRELESS, looks so comfy and clean.
    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

  51. steph
    steph on July 23, 2012 at 10:24 am

    id like the Keep Her Cool Sport Wire-Free bra

  53. Kimberly B.
    Kimberly B. on July 24, 2012 at 4:44 pm

    I visited their site and like the GEL TOUCH™ PUSH UP bra in the Black Steel Violet

  55. anash
    anash on July 24, 2012 at 7:11 pm

    GEL TOUCH™STRAPLESS PUSH UP looks like a good fit for me! Thanks for a super giveaway!

  60. Migdalia
    Migdalia on July 27, 2012 at 8:30 am

    The Extreme Options sounds great!!!! What an amazing wonder bra!!! Thanks for the opportunuity!!!

  62. sy
    sy on July 29, 2012 at 3:56 am

    I like the gel touch strapless pushup bra and perfect t-shirt bra.
    songyueyu at gmail

  64. Kelly D
    Kelly D on July 29, 2012 at 5:42 pm

    I like Your Perfect Lace Push Up in black/steel violet.

  66. Debbie B
    Debbie B on July 29, 2012 at 5:56 pm

    i like the Perfect T Shirt Bra – wireless

  69. laura ari
    laura ari on August 2, 2012 at 12:17 pm

    I like Your perfect t-shirt bra

  70. ANGEL JACKLYN
    ANGEL JACKLYN on August 6, 2012 at 9:15 am

    THE YOGA BRA! (CROSSING MY FINGERS =)

  72. tracy
    tracy on August 6, 2012 at 3:13 pm

    I love the perfect t-shirt bra

  73. Laura Jacobson
    Laura Jacobson on August 6, 2012 at 3:28 pm

    Oh I love the KEEP HER COOL SPORT WIRE-FREE!

  75. Gina M
    Gina M on August 10, 2012 at 8:26 am

    tweet–https://twitter.com/CrazyItalian0/status/233947156564807680

    gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com

  76. Gina M
    Gina M on August 10, 2012 at 8:26 am

    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

  77. Judith
    Judith on August 10, 2012 at 8:48 pm

    I’d like Pro shaper wire free sports bra

  79. Ellie W
    Ellie W on August 13, 2012 at 7:07 pm

    I like the Your Perfect T-Shirt Bra Wireless Style Number: 2172100

    Thanks for the giveaway!
    eswright18 at gmail dot com

  81. Betty C
    Betty C on August 14, 2012 at 1:06 am

    The Your Perfect T-Shirt Bra Wireless looks like a bra that would fit my lifestyle perfectly.

  82. Mel
    Mel on August 14, 2012 at 11:27 am

    GEL TOUCH™STRAPLESS PUSH UP

  84. angie lilly
    angie lilly on August 14, 2012 at 11:44 am

    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 FotoMacroMy Profile

  86. Erica Best
    Erica Best on August 14, 2012 at 9:01 pm

    I love the Smooth Lace Push-Up

  89. Sarah L
    Sarah L on August 14, 2012 at 11:56 pm

    I like the Extreme Push Up Wireless.
    Thanks for the contest.

  91. maria cantu
    maria cantu on August 15, 2012 at 2:07 pm

    I like the keep her cool sport wire-free bra.

  92. Mari
    Mari on August 15, 2012 at 4:18 pm

    I’d get the KEEP HER COOL SPORT WIRE-FREE bra.

    runningmatey at hotmail dot com

  94. Allisha Gold
    Allisha Gold on August 15, 2012 at 8:55 pm

    I love their Extreme Push Up wireless bra! Thanks!
    allishagold at volcano dot net

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