I dont know about you, but whenever I go out somewhere which involves making a bit of an effort dressing up wise, like a meal out in the evening or a wedding or such like, I struggle to find something to wear. I have plenty of clothes but with my new post baby body shape I dont really know what suits me really. Therefore, I spend ages trying everything on and taking everything off again and then I end up wearing the same dress or skirt because I feel comfortable in those particular items.
When I was asked by Bonmarche if I would like to review an item of clothing from their new arrivals collection, I thought I would have a look as I am desperate to update my wardrobe. Now I have to be honest, Bon Marche is not a shop I would normally visit to buy clothes for myself, but I decided to take up the offer of reviewing something because maybe by looking somewhere I would not usually I might find something really nice!
I had no idea that the designer David Emanuelle (he who designed Princess Diana’s wedding dress) had created a collection for Bonmarche among them some maxi dresses and a plain mock wrap jersey dress. The dress comes in a colour that I would never and indeed have never bought for myself – blue. However, I decided to take the plunge and go for it and hoped I had made the right choice both in style of dress and colour.
The dress is available from size 10 up to a size 24 and is gathered at the waist which I always think is flattering as it covers up any lumps or bumps that you would prefer hidden (eg. mummy tummy!). It has 3/4 length sleeves which again I think are flattering and the dress falls just below my knees which is about as short as I like to go nowadays! It is a comfy dress and does not cling and has a v-neck cross over style stop which again I find helps with my frame as I have broad shoulders.
It only costs £22 which I think is very reasonable for a dress like this, I would expect to pay more like £30 in a shop where I would normally buy clothes from. It is also machine washable.
I have worn it once so far, as I was invited out for a meal the other weekend and thought it would be an ideal opportunity to wear it and see how it looked and felt. My OH, ever the payer of compliments (not!) said “yeah, it looks alright” hummph! I have to be honest, even looking at the photos of myself for this review, it does not look like it is me wearing the dress. I think it looks ok actually (I am not good at complimenting myself!), and certainly I think it flatters my shape (I was wearing my ‘Bridget Jones’ hold it all in underwear to ensure a smoother figure!). As for the colour? Well, again it is not one I am used to seeing myself in but as the OH said, I think it looks alright actually.
What do you think?
For more information about the Bonmarche new arrivals please visit their website
I was sent this dress for the purpose of this review. All comments made are honest and my own.
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Thank you xx
Thank you xx
I think you look amazing, I really would never think its a 22 quid dress. Now, what is this Bridget Jones underwear you speak of? I need to get myself some to hold my mummy bits in but have no idea where to start, could you breathe?? 😉
thank you, i was almost embarrassed to post this post because i had to show me wearing the dress!!! its just a pair of spandex cycling short type pants from M & I think! uhm i can breathe until i eat and then it is not as comfy hee hee
and i agree it is a good price for a dress x x
Love the colour of that dress – especially paired with the red shoes
thank you it is a lovely colour and such a different one from whiat I would normally choose x
I think the dress is gorgeous, absolutely love the colour and it looks fantastic on you! Really fantastic! Hope you wear it lots because it really does suit you x
I think you look beautiful. The dress is flattering and the colour is stunming xx
Jen you look stunning, the colour suits you and the accessories complete the look, really bright and beautiful. You yummy mummy. Mwah! Love you, Kxxx
It’s very flattering and emphasises your cleavage and chest, giving a focal point above your tummy (which doesn’t need distraction from as it’s good anyway!). This is the type of dress that the TK Maxx lady told you to wear, isn’t it? Looks good. The colour isn’t one that you normally wear, but it looks good on you!
You look gorgeous Jenny & love the shoes too. A bright sunny colour, I love it xx