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Summer Fashion: la Vie en Rose

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

It’s the unofficial end to my Summer Beauty & Fashion Guide! (I’ve got a few more giveaways set aside for mid August – need to keep the good times rolling!)

And of course I wanted it to go out with a BANG! – so what better way than to feature my favourite Canadian retailer of luxurious lingerie – it’s la Vie en Rose!

So let’s talk about ta-tas. Specifically, my ta-tas. They’ve always been just a little bit heavier than the average rack. In fact, during a fact-finding ultrasound years ago, the technician had much trouble viewing the results, as my breasts were too dense to allow for a clear picture. In other words, they’re not the perkiest buds in the garden.

Enter breastfeeding. Ugh.

Do I really need to go into detail? All former breastfeeding mamas know what nursing does to the shape, feel and, ahem, gravitational force of boobies. Combine that with naturally weighty breasts, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. Paging: Dr. Push-up!

la Vie en Rose came to my rescue by sending me two of their most popular push-up bras: the Air Pad bra and the Double Gel bra. I literally wept with relief.

Now I had planned on posting before and after pics (with a t-shirt on of course!) but after scrutinizing the photos, decided that they still looked kind of racy. Hey, what can I say, I look damn sexy in a push-up; my knockers will knock you over! So in the interest of keeping this blog G-rated, I’ll provide my take on the bras instead.

The Air Pad bra (pictured above right) is the sexier of the two, with lacy details and a pretty, scalloped cup. I opted for both bras in black because I’m all about classic elegance, but do like to have nude and white bras on hand for “t-shirt time” too. Now this bra looks like a push-up, but is surprisingly light thanks to the air filled pads. In fact, the molded pads give ultimate lift to create maximum cleavage minus the weight, unlike some other extreme push-ups which can actually sag as they lift. Its quite frankly the perfect ratio of lift:weight for me, because the last thing I need is a heavy, cumbersome bra.

The Double Gel bra, which boasts double support,  is my preferred every day bra. The seamless foam cups don’t show under clothes; discreet gel pouches and underwire create ample cleavage; and a dainty scalloped lace trim on the back and sides is both romantic and understated. I love the feel of this bra – the cushiony, soft texture feels like second skin and offers a natural shape. And while I wouldn’t necessarily classify it as an extreme push-up, it does wonders to lift the ta-tas to a sexy height and gives a soft, feminine curve to your silhouette.

Click here to view all la Vie en Rose push-up bras.

Can you believe fall is just around the corner? Check out my favourite HOT look from la Vie en Rose’s “The Colours of Fall”:

LOVE! Before reading the caption, “The Colours of Forbidden Fruit”, I had thought the collection looked sexy but inviting. I’d say the title matches up perfectly, don’t you?

Click here to view la Vie en Rose’s Fall LookBook, full of the season’s best lingerie, loungewear and swimwear!


Summer’s not over yet! And la Vie en Rose has many more gorgeous looks for the season – romantic lace bras & panties, swimwear (of course!), dressed-down casual wear and even must have accessories, including sandals, sunglasses, and hats & bags. Click here to shop online.


One lucky Listen to Lena! reader will win a $100 la Vie en Rose Gift Card! To enter, simply visit their online store and leave a comment here with your three (3) favourite looks.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment for each. You can:

(1) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena! (2 extra entries!)
(2) “Like” Listen to Lena! on Facebook
(3) NEW Follow Listen to Lena! on Twitter
(4) “Like” la Vie en Rose on Facebook
(5) Tweet daily: Please use this la Vie en Rose Giveaway Tweet.

I’ll draw for a winner on August 28th. Good luck everybody!

la Vie en Rose… Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

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As a mom, I can officially let y’all know that I don’t want a photo frame (got those, lots of ’em), chocolates (straight to my hips, no thanks) or flowers (they’ll just die anyways). I want a homemade treat – something that is unique and personal. Failing that, just go to la Vie en Rose, please.

This Mother’s Day, check out these super sweet looks (click to enlarge):

And, since I’m a HUGE fan of la Vie en Rose Aqua, you can bet I was drooling over their swimwear (shown here in the MIAMI collection):

Yes please! I’d love any of these designs.. complete with a pair of tickets to a sunny destination, of course!

Now if you’re shopping today, la Vie en Rose members can grab 35% off your entire purchase with this coupon. (Regular priced items only.) I normally would direct you to sign up for their mailing list, but sadly, it looks like the site has been up and down the entire weekend. So I’m crossing my fingers that you’ll be able to print it off and/or shop online, but if not, here’s a screen shot – simply click, print and present.

Happy Shopping!

la Vie en Rose… Winner!

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Thanks to everyone who entered the Lena Loves… la Vie en Rose giveaway. With so many sensational Spring looks, I’ll bet it was hard to pick just three!

As a reminder, up for grabs is a $50 Gift Card. And the winner is… Kendra!

Kendra said: I love The New York Floral Tankini, Pull-on Dress and Body Rose Padded Underwire Bra.

Please send me an e-mail so that I may have the prize sent to you right away. Thanks again to everyone who participated, and to la Vie en Rose!

Lena Loves… la Vie en Rose

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LAST CHANCE! Drawing for a Winner tomorrow!

*Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadian residents only*

Years ago, when I just a little girl, I remember walking by la Vie en Rose and blushing.

“That’s a bra store!” I whispered to my mom.

Years later, la Vie en Rose would become my favourite store for romantic lingerie, gorgeous loungewear and the hottest bathing suits for sunny destinations. In fact, at one point I owned close to 20 mix and match pieces (which is ridiculous seeing that I’ve vacationed down south exactly twice – still, the halter tops are simply fabulous under a thin white tee).

This Spring, la Vie en Rose offers a collection in three moods – Elegant & Natural, Refined & Romantic and Fascinating & Glamourous pieces – in addition to their famous Mix & Match tops and bottoms which are a girl’s best friend. They’ve also done one-better than the competition by staying affordable – no $80 bras in sight. (Why any woman would spend major $$$ on a basic push-up is beyond me. You either have ta-tas or you don’t; there’s no such thing as a “Miracle Bra.”)

They’re also channeling retro-pretty with one of my favourite prints: polka dots! Many of their most sought-after pieces are covered in the über-girly pattern, including my picks:

Polka-Dot Mesh Cami with Boyleg Panties – Spot on! Slip on our polka dot and lace cami and briefs set for a sophisticated look. Available in 3 fun spring colours.

I LOVE how this combo is sexy without being over the top; its not something you’d blush to put on, but you’ll still look sultry and smokin’ hot. And can you spot the sweet little bow accents? (Click to enlarge picture.) It’s both naughty and nice! Although the set is also available in yellow and black, I prefer the pretty-in-pink combination. If you prefer one piece, the print is also available in a Mesh Chemise.


Medium Polka-Dot Mix-and-Match Bandeau Bikini – Drift into a Riviera reverie in our twist-front bandeau bikini with halter straps. 

Now you just know I had to include a pick from la Vie en Rose’s swimwear collection; I love the bandeau bikini top for its versatility – it can be worn strapless or with halter straps for more support. And how adorable are the little dots of colour? It turns the basic black bikini into a playful piece. The sweet pattern is also available in push-up, tankini and halter tops; for bottoms, choose from bikini, string or skirted bikini.

Polka-Dot Cami with Boxer Shorts – Accentuate your back and shoulders in this gorgeous strappy camisole. Comes in two playful spring prints. Pair with matching boxers.

I adore this look! More casual than the mesh set pictured above, this combination would be appropriate for younger gals too – and the perfect birthday gift for girlfriends of all ages. The boxers accentuate sexy hips and also look wonderful teamed up with a simple black tank top or tiny tee. (Those sweet little bow accents make another cameo appearance – this time on the legs of the boxer shorts.) Tie the entire look together with a matching Kimono.


la Vie en Rose has many more gorgeous looks for Spring – including romantic lace bras & panties, dressed-down casual wear and even must have accessories, including sandals, sunglasses, and hats & bags. Click here to shop online.


la Vie en Rose has generously offered one Listen to Lena! reader the chance to win a $50 Gift Card! To enter, simply visit their online store and leave a comment here with your three (3) favourite looks.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment for each. You can:

(1) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena!
(2) “Like” Listen to Lena! on Facebook
(3) “Like” la Vie en Rose on Facebook
(4) Tweet about this giveaway (tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/5wktnbs)
(5) You may Tweet daily.

I’ll draw for a winner on April 1st. Special thanks to la Vie en Rose, and good luck!