When I was growing up I spent a lot of time looking in the mirror.  You too?  Each time I glanced at my reflection I hoped that my appearance would improve.  Maybe it was because we had some pretty big mirrors in our house, or maybe it was because as a tween, my parents sent me to charm school at the local department store, but between there and home, I got the message that my physical appearance as well as the way I carried myself were important.

At charm school, we learned how to sit and stand and even model pretty outfits for the store’s style show.  We learned about fashion, the best name brands, how to wear our clothes, and the importance of beautiful properly fitting intimate apparel.  I even have a visual memory of a splashy floral bra and panty set with which I was totally smitten.

I still remember one brand name from that class, Vanity Fair®.  That was a few years ago, but for 100 years, Vanity Fair® lingerie has been the brand that women look to for support, and a little bit of luxury.   It’s a brand that my mom always chose and one I still look for today.

  We live for these moments - 100 Years of Vanity Fair Lingerie    

 

Do you take selfies and share them on Facebook or Instagram?  

If you do, you have a ton more image confidence than me.

Television, magazines, the internet, virtually all visual media, project images of beautiful women along with a message.  The messages we hear can be direct or overt, and often translate in our minds to thoughts of not having a perfect face and body, and the need to do something about it.

Those messages we play in our heads often have nothing to do with reality.  My husband tells me I’m beautiful, but those words don’t seem to connect with what I see in the mirror.  Instead, I hear the words of my mother: “You have heavy arms and legs like your grandmother.”

What kind of messages run through your head?

Let’s make a pact today to cover our ears and eyes to negative messages.

Instead, let’s desire to have….

  • the beauty of a loving heart.
  • the beauty of caring hands.
  • the beauty of a joyful spirit.

 

Women Who Do Campaign - Vanity Fair Image  

 

My heart resonates with the Vanity Fair® “Women Who Do”™ Campaign.  This uplifting campaign is dedicated to praising and celebrating everyday triumphs of women everywhere while highlighting the brand’s long-standing commitment to producing quality, affordable, and luxurious lingerie.

  • Take a minute and think about Women Who Do amazing things in your life and community.  The ones who are making a difference in their family, schools, neighborhood, church, and community.  The women whose beauty comes from a loving heart, caring hands, or a joyful spirit.
  • Take another minute or two and thank a few of those beautiful Women Who Do.  Leave a quick post on her Facebook page, send her an email or a handwritten note, send her a text message, or even phone her.  Let’s support and encourage those extraordinary women in our lives.

 

 Some Women Who Do make a difference in small, quiet, yet very significant ways. 

In 2009 my husband and I both lost our jobs at the same moment.   It was devastating to say the least.  But not landing that next job made it super tough.  We survived by living on what we had, selling things we owned, picking up odd work, and receiving gifts from dear friends.   During that time we did not purchase clothing and were in need of a few things.

One day, a good friend received some free money coupons in the mail from a local department store.  She insisted that we go there and spend them on something I needed.  I was down to one bra and it had been washed so many times it was barely doing its job.  I bet you can guess what we purchased.  I can’t tell you how good it felt to have two new bras.

Women Who Do are often the behind the scenes, touching lives with their loving hearts, caring hands, and joyful spirits. The memory of that experience is what made Vanity Fair®’s nationwide LiftTOUR, focusing on fit and philanthropy, resonate with me.  

 

 

 

Vanity Fair® is traveling across the country conducting bra fittings at major retail locations.  The part I love is that for every woman fit, Vanity Fair® will donate a brand-new bra to the local Dress for Success® Affiliate.

From now until the end of October, the LiftTOUR will stop at 70 different spots, conducting bra fittings at major retail locations in 12 major U.S. markets.   If you live near a stop, please tell your friends, or get a group of gals together and go for a fitting.   It’s a win/win for us and our friends and the Dress for Success Affiliates.

When I lived in the Southtowns of Buffalo my church had a clothing ministry and would provide wonderful donations to the Buffalo Dress for Success.  I enjoyed hearing stories of how women were blessed to receive a “new” outfit for that important job interview.   If you’re unfamiliar, Dress for Success is an organization dedicated to promoting the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, career development tools, and a network of support.  Vanity Fair® saw a welcome opportunity to lend its expertise, resources, and products to help replenish the lingerie of the non-profit organization. And, through this partnership, hopes to provide women with the lift they need to be successful.  

 

Vanity Fair Women Who Do Campaign :: Next to Nude Bra

 

One perk I received for participating in the Vanity Fair® campaign was a lovely new Vanity Fair® Women’s Beautifully Smooth™ Next To Nude® Underwire Bra. It fit like a dream! Vanity Fair® offers feminine and beautiful lingerie in styles with clean lines for a smooth look under clothes.  They really do make comfort easy for women.  You will want to stop by the Vanity Fair® website to see the sophisticated color palettes and minimalistic prints for everyday wear.  I never would have thought to go shopping for the new Steele Violet color, but I’m loving it!  

Connect with Vanity Fair®…

Website / Women Who Do / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube

 

Wishing YOU an extraordinary day!
Diane

 

How would you like to win a $100 Visa gift card? 

Yes, please!

All you need to do is answer the following question and you will be automatically entered into a random drawing for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card.

  • Who inspires you?

Tell us in the comments for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card.  

Sweepstakes Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

  1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
  2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
  3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
  4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

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. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 72 hours to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 9/8 -10/19/2014.

 

Be sure to visit the Vanity Fair brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

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Comments

  1. Suzi says

    My 86 year old beautiful mom! She has always looked put together even though her life has never been easy. Including this summer when in the ER following a car accident my sister-in-law looked at me and said even with her bangs and bruises she was STILL was better dressed than either of us were! Military wife living abroad on dad’s very small income with two small children never stopped her from being tastefully current in the fashion and hair styles of the fifties. She took me shopping for a “training” bra when a tween and a proper bra fitting as a teen to teach me the importance of proper underpinnings, like always wear a slip and clean underwear! Ha. As a single working mom in the sixties and seventies money was extra tight so she found the best consignment stores in town and looked like she shopped Park Ave. I got new clothes for school and an Easter dress each year no matter what. She spent many long nights and weekends sewing velvet prom and homecoming gowns for me and taught me how to use her Singer sewing machine early on.

  2. Mami2jcn says

    My husband inspires me because he works so hard.

  3. Mami2jcn says

    tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/509090102614560768

  4. Jessica To says

    My son has always inspired me.

  5. Elena says

    My husband inspires me

  6. Elena says
  7. nicole says

    My friends and family inspire me the most, having them in my life has brought me a lot of blessings and great things.

  8. nicole says
  9. Kelly D says

    My kids inspire me because they are always optimistic and friendly.

  10. Kelly D says
  11. Cynthia C says

    I have an inspiring friend who does a lot of volunteer work and always has lots of time for friends and family.

  12. Cynthia C says
  13. heather says

    My best friend inspires me she is so strong and I am so proud of her.

  14. Diane N says

    My husband inspires me. He encourages me when I discouraged and believes that I can do things I don’ t even think I can do. He quietly does what needs to be done and rarely complains. He makes me want to continue striving to become better than I am today.

  15. Stacy says

    What a great campaign! My college roommate inspires me – she is the mother I wish I would have been, a free spirit who has shown her kids how to be themselves and allows them to find out what that is on their own.

  16. Jann Olson says

    I have many friends that inspire me. I am loving that you went to charm school. Always thought that would be fun. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

  17. Shirlene Weber says

    People like you Diane that have persevered through the tough times and share their stories to help other’s! So thank you for the time that you give to your blog and facebook. God bless!

  18. Kim says

    My mom inspires me…suffering the effects of a terrible disease, smiling her way through it all.

  19. Good Morning Diane, I read your article with great interest, because as women, I really don’t understand why we punish ourselves so much. As a teenager, I didn’t believe I was attractive enough, the same through my twenties and thirties and yet when I look back at my photographs, even if I say it myself, I was pretty gorgeous…. so why did I not enjoy that feeling at the time. Why did I feel I was not attractive enough. I have a husband who loves me and always tells me I look lovely, so now that I am older, I believe him, I have come to realise that it is silly trying to compare myself with other women, it is time to be me and enjoy being me. My face is getting older, but do you know, it is really alright, I cannot be 62 years and not have lines on my face…..I like what I see when I look in the mirror…. I just wish I had realised that when I was younger.
    I agree with you, underwear is so important. I remember, Phyllis, my mother, getting me measured for a training bra and also at the age of 15 years, I had to wear a girdle, she said it was important to keep my tummy flat..
    I am sorry to hear that you have been through hard times, but with your strength of character and the love of your friends and family you have arrived in the place your are today.
    Have a wonderful weekend and thank you for such a thought provoking post..
    Before I go, I am visiting from Say G’Day.
    Best Wishes to you from England.
    Daphne

  20. I love this post! My grandmother inspired me to always look my best. Especially on days when I didn’t feel like it.

    Thanks so much for sharing on Show-Licious!
    ~ Ashley

  21. Jessie C. says

    My mom inspires me to be generous and strong.
    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

  22. Jessie C. says

    -https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/511339773705732096

  23. Kathy says

    Wonderful post – awesome campaign! I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

  24. Love your blog! Enjoyed reading your awesome posts!
    I have to say that my nine year old daughter inspires me everyday! She is creative, compassionate and so funny!!! We laugh together all the time!! She just warms my heart!

  25. Natalie says

    My mom inspires me because she survived colon cancer and then ran 2 marathons!!!

  26. Natalie says
  27. Nicole says

    My friend Leah inspires me. She is battling breast cancer, but still volunteers at the school and is a leader for her daughter’s girl scout troop. She is so strong and always has a smile on her face.

  28. anna pry says

    my family and friends of course! pryfamily5@gmail.com

  29. anna pry says
  30. Erika says

    My parents!

    chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com

  31. Lisa Brown says

    My husband always inspires me.

  32. Lisa Brown says
  33. steven weber says

    My family inspires me to be the best person I can be every single day.

  34. Elle says

    My Mother inspired me with her love for family and life and her every day strength.

  35. Elle says
  36. latanya says

    My aunt inspires me

  37. latanya says
  38. Angel Jacklyn says

    MY MOM HAS BEEN MY INSIGHT FOR INSPIRATION! THANKS! afjackly@oakland.edua

  39. Angel Jacklyn says
  40. Kristen says

    I have a good friend who inspires me.

  41. Kristen says
  42. Kimmy Ripley says

    My 4 year-old daughter, Chloe Pearl, inspires me to live life to the fullest! I don’t know what I would do without her. She brings so much happiness and joy into my life.

  43. ellen beck says

    My Aunt inspires me as she is a 3x cancer survivor.

  44. ellen beck says
  45. My mom who is the kindest woman I know.
    onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com

  46. shelly peterson says

    My Mom inspires me.
    cshell090869 at aol dot com

  47. shelly peterson says

    tweeted
    https://twitter.com/cshell202/status/515981088087212032
    cshell090869 at aol dot com

  48. Amy P. says

    All of my friends that manage to hold down full-time jobs and raise children!

  49. Gina M says

    My grandmother inspires me. She had 7 kids and a job outside the home.

    Thanks for the chance to win!
    wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

  50. Gina M says

    tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/516343386576793600

  51. Janice Cooper says

    My husband inspires me. He inspires me spiritually, a great motivator and he gives me confidence.

  52. Janice Cooper says
  53. D Schmidt says

    My Mother inspires me, she is a very unique woman who does not believe in the words ‘cannot do’.

  54. D Schmidt says
  55. i Know this sounds a bit crazy, but joan rivers really inspired me to be a better mother, friend and just overall better person!

  56. amy pugmire says

    my father who passed away a few years ago. I think about him everyday and his amazing example of selflessness and true love.

  57. amy pugmire says
  58. Deb Anderson says

    My sister. She’s so beautiful, talented, friendly and creative. She’s my inspiration!

  59. sandra says

    my mom and my sisters

  60. Barbara Montag says

    I have a good friend Bea who is going to be 80 next year.
    She is so active & interesting.
    She also is always willing to take time with people when needed.
    Bea is my biggest inspiration.
    thank you

  61. Barbara Montag says
  62. Tina M says

    My family inspires me.

  63. Tina M says
  64. Denise L says

    My coworker and good friend, Karen, inspires me. She is constantly thinking of ways she can help someone else.

  65. Denise L says
  66. Susan Smith says

    My mom inspires me because she survived cancer and has such a positive outlook on life.

  67. Susan Smith says
  68. Kayte CookWatts says

    My mom! She made it through my dad’s illness & death with courage & grace.

  69. Ashley H says

    Strong, independent women like my Mom!

  70. rachel says

    David from the Bible — he wasn’t perfect but acknowledged his faults and sought forgiveness

  71. Stephanie Phelps says

    I admire my Aunt who is a strong independent woman who gives of herself unselfishly!

  72. Stephanie Phelps says
  73. Erica Best says

    i love the Cece Olisa – The Plus Size Princess i follow her blog and being a plus size gal my self i love her style

  74. Erica Best says
  75. Robin says

    My husband and kids.

  76. Amy S says

    My mom inspires me!

  77. maria cantu says

    My sister-in-law who is a breast cancer survivor.

  78. Samantha Daleo says

    Depending on what the inspiration is for..the Lord inspires me to be a good example, my Mom inspires me to be selfless and love my children unconditionally, My kids inspire me to be the best example I can be for them and to always learn and never quit, my husband inspires me in regards to hard work, sacrifice and determination (and cooking)..ladies like Pam Anderson inspire me to look my best for my husband regardless of age and being a Mom, she also inspires me in regards to animal rights and doing all that I can to help. My pets also inspire me to take time to stop and snuggle and again, to do what I can to help other animals in need that aren’t fortunate enough to be spoiled like mine 🙂

  79. Samantha Daleo says
  80. Kerry says

    Both of my grandmothers have inspired me. They are both passed now, but I still think of them every day!

  81. Kerry says
  82. Rebecca says

    Mutt husband inspires me!

  83. Aurelie Red says

    My mum inspires me everyday ♥

  84. Aurelie Red says
  85. My boss inspires me to be me! she’s great! thanks for a chance to win! kmassman gmail

  86. Neiddy says

    My pastor is a good woman of God who inspires me to grow in Faith

  87. Neiddy says

    tweeted -https://twitter.com/neiddy_ruiz/status/521773549900427265

  88. Debbie B says

    i am inspired by my family!

  89. Debbie B says
  90. My mom, a two time cancer survivor, and my Godmother, even though she lost her battle she never lost her Faith. Whenever I think I am having a hard day, thinking of them always helps me put things in perspective!

  91. angie says

    I am inspired by my ex sis-in-law. After many years in a failed marriage to my bro-in-law, she finally threw in the towel, even though both families were against it for religious reasons. She basically told them that if they had a problem with her wanting to have a happy life, then that was THEIR problem and not hers. She had done her best but the marriage was broken beyond repair and she wanted a chance to be happy after 19 years of being unhappy. If you knew our families, you would understand how hard this was for her and how inspiring it was to witness. I miss her but I am happy for her.

  92. angie says
  93. Betty C says

    I’m inspired by the young moms I know who are single, not by choice. They work so hard for their families.

  94. Betty C says
  95. Sarah L says

    My friend Sherrie has many health problems but she is always upbeat and makes me smile.
    Thanks for the contest.

  96. Sarah L says
  97. kjasus says

    an older, wiser friend of mine inspires me.

  98. kjasus says
  99. Amanda Sakovitz says

    My mom inspires me because she is a wonderful person

  100. Amanda Sakovitz says
  101. Thomas Murphy says

    My mom inspires me.

  102. Thomas Murphy says
  103. Tabathia B says

    My mother inspires me

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

  104. Tabathia B says

    tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/523945122107375617

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

  105. Birdiebee says

    My 80 year old mother inspires me everyday for her tenacity to continue forging forward even in the face of adversity.

  106. Birdiebee says
  107. WHITNEY says

    My family inspires me

  108. WHITNEY says
  109. Ellie Wright says

    My husband inspires me. He works so hard to support our family. And it makes me proud to see our sons do the same now for their own families. Their dad has always been a shining example to follow.

  110. Ellie Wright says

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