Smart & Sexy Back To School Blogger Bonanza Review And #GIVEAWAY! 9/03

Back to school is fast approaching. I am actually counting down the days! At the time I am writing this, only 8 more days, to be exact. My 11 year old has decided he doesn't want to act like a normal kid and play outside this summer. I can't really blame him, as it has been scorching hot here in Virginia this summer. But for some odd reason, he just wants to sit around the house all day, follow me around, and watch TV. Yes, I love spending time with my son, but at the same time, like many, many parents, I am more than ready for school to start. Part of the reason I am so ready for back-to-school is because my son having an earlier bed time will allow for more romance between my husband and I. With 2 babies, a home to take care of, and a preteen around us constantly, sometimes it's difficult to find quality couple time. I have to keep reminding myself that even though we're busy parents, we are still a couple. An US. And that is something that shouldn't be neglected.

That's why I was so excited to be selected to participate in Smart & Sexy's Back To School Blogger Bonanza! I couldn't wait to get some of their gorgeous lingerie, undergarments and swimwear to review. I have drooled over the items on their website many, many times, and have always been struck by the pretty yet modern feel to these garments. I couldn't wait to see what the expert staff at Smart & Sexy hand-selected for me!

When my package from Smart & Sexy arrived, I felt like a kid at Christmas. Their items were beautifully wrapped, which only enhanced my anticipation. As I opened my surprise grab bag, I immediately felt as though the Smart & Sexy staff were mind-readers. They somehow tapped into my sense of style and sent items that fit my taste and personality perfectly! Take a look at what I received!

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This gorgeous chemise features underwire AND padded cups for that Va-Va-Voom figure! Yes, I am a 36D and need that extra lift at times!

I also received these cute bra and panty sets as well as (gasp) a bikini! I have never owned a bikini before!

I was absolutely thrilled with the selection of items I received for review. These items are based on bra size, and seemed to fit perfectly! Speaking of bras, I would love to tell you about their amazing bras! I wear a 36 D, and often find that I have to buy "granny bras" since some companies don't offer many sexier options for bustier gals. With Smart & Sexy, I can have the support I need for my bigger-than-average tatas as well as the sexy appearance I desire.The fit of these bras is superb, and enhances my curves just right. They also provide a great deal of lift and support, all while remaining comfortable to wear. Plus, since these bras are padded, they also create killer cleavage, much to my husband's delight! These bras are also very well constructed and are made of soft, comfortable materials that feel wonderful against the skin. They are also very durable and hold their shape perfectly in the wash. As far as a bra goes, I really couldn't ask for more! And with coordinating panties in fun, vibrant colors and prints, I feel really put together, even under my clothing! I am a firm believer that an attractive set of matching undergarments can help you feel more confident and feminine, even though they aren't visible to the rest of the world.

I also loved my chemise style sleepwear from Smart & Sexy. Red and black just happens to be my favorite color combo for lingerie and sleepwear, and I adore the fun, heart print on this item. If this nightie can't get my husband's attention, I will definitely have to check him for a pulse! This garment is soft, flirty, and offers amazing support in the boobage department. The cups are padded and feature underwire, so bustier gals can get away with wearing this with total confidence. I have noticed that a lot of chemises do not offer this type of support, so this was a welcomed treat! Since Smart & Sexy bases their sleepwear on bra size, I found that this item fit me fabulously. It is also incredibly comfortable to wear. This has quickly become one of my absolute favorite lingerie items!

Last but certainly not least is the Smart & Sexy bikini. When I first realized I was sent a bikini, I went into panic mode and actually started crying. You see, I have struggled with my weight and body image for YEARS. I was never really told I was pretty growing up and my first marriage was incredibly abusive. When you're told for years you're not good enough, you begin to believe it. So needless to say, I have very low self-esteem. (My husband claims it's non-existent.) After 3 children, all born via cesarean, I definitely have certain body issues that I am learning to deal with and accept. Yes, I have stretch marks. Yes, I have the dreaded belly pooch. But in the past 7 months I have lost 45lbs and I currently weigh less than I did at the age of 13. So now that I am at a relatively healthy weight at 136 lbs, I mustered up my courage and tried on the bikini. I was SHOCKED. It actually looked okay on me! No, I don't look like a super-model. Sure, I will more than likely wear a sarong style cover-up with it. But still...I can actually get away with wearing a bikini without looking too freakishly ridiculous.

Why am I going into so much detail here? Isn't this a little on the personal side? Yes. And it's even hard for me to type. But I know I am not the only woman who has these issues with their body, and I believe in keeping it real with my readers. Getting a bikini for review was a bit traumatic for me. It took a lot to actually put it on and face the mirror.  Thanks to Smart & Sexy sending me a darn bikini, I feel a good bit more confident than I did before. The bikini is gorgeous for one, and it also features the padding and underwire found in their bras and sleepwear. My point is this: Smart & Sexy makes beautiful, flattering garments that cater to REAL women with REAL bodies. Even bodies that have gone through 3 pregnancies. Smart & Sexy wants women to feel just that: Smart AND Sexy. Who says beauty comes in one size or shape? Being a mom IS beautiful, stretch marks and all. Sexy doesn't have to end because motherhood begins.

Overall, I would definitely recommend Smart & Sexy products to anyone who wants to renew their love life once the kids go back to school. Take advantage of the earlier bedtimes, ladies! And even if you don't want to wow your hubby, Smart & Sexy offers superior quality products for prices that won't break the bank. Let's face it: We all want pretty bras and undies right? After all, moms always say to make sure you're wearing nice, clean underwear! You never know where the day might take you!

BUY IT:

Smart & Sexy products can be purchased on their website. You can also use their handy retail locator to find Smart & Sexy products near you!

Until September 30, 2011 Use the following code on the Smart & Sexy website to receive free shipping on your order:

BTSBLOG

You can also follow Smart & Sexy on Facebook and on twitter to stay on top of their latest products and promotions.

WIN IT:

One very lucky follower will receive a Smart & Sexy grab bag, filled with a wonderful variety of their amazing products! These items will be based on the winner's size and will be hand-selected by the expert staff at Smart & Sexy! How cool is that?!

Please use this handy Rafflecopter form to enter!

This giveaway is open to US Residents 18+ and will be open until 12:01AM EST on 9/03/2011. Winners will be chosen at random and will be announced here, tweeted, shared on Facebook, and contacted via e-mail. The winners will have 48 hours to reply and claim their prize. If I receive no response, I will be forced to draw a new winner.

***Disclosure: I received a complimentary product to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided, and all opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***