I've spent most of the last few weeks living in my PJs, curled up in bed like a burrito, but I actually managed to dress on Wednesday; look- proper clothes, and everything! I even pushed the boat out and did my hair and make up, too! (Miracles do happen...) Since I got that far, I just had to get out in to the garden and snap a few photos to mark the occasion. And more importantly, so I could show you all the pretty Bon Marché dress I was wearing.
Bon Marché recently got in touch and invited me to pick out a piece to review. I had never shopped with Bon Marché before, and in all honesty, I had been under the impression that their clothes were aimed at the older lady. And while I suppose that is some what true, when I popped on over for a browse, I was pleasantly surprised to find so many beautiful clothes in gorgeous colours and patterns, and even a plus size range up to a UK size 32! They've seriously upped their game over the last few years.
I was particularly drawn to the dresses in their David Emanuel collection. If you're not familiar with the name, David Emanuel is the man who designed Princess Diana's wedding dress; one of the most iconic dresses in history. I figured, if his designs were good enough for a princess, then there must be something special about the clothes he makes, so I asked to review the rose and lace print side pleat dress. And, oh, is it a beauty!
When the dress arrived on my doorstep a couple of weeks ago, I was surprised to see how pretty the dress was; it's far prettier than I'd imagined. It's made from the most beautiful cobalt blue and turquoise rose-print fabric, and has a monochrome background with leaves, lace, and more flowers filling the gaps in between. I love the combination of monochrome and bold pops of colour; it's so eye-catching.
The fabric itself is surprisingly thick and high-quality. The website describes it as stretch-jersey, but it feels more like viscose, and thankfully, doesn't cling against the skin like jersey often does. I presumed it was going to cling to my shape, so I made the mistake of sizing up to avoid that from happening; I definitely didn't need to. As you can probably see, the dress is far too big on me, especially around the arms and waist, so I'd suggest sticking to your usual size or even sizing down. It's generously cut.
I've been wearing a skinny belt on the waist to cinch in the excess fabric and get a bit more definition, and it solves the problem with zero effort. I didn't wear a belt in the photos, though, because I wanted to show you the true shape and sizing of the dress.
It sits a couple of inches below the knee on me (I'm 5'6''), so it is a long knee-length dress, and will obviously be longer on you shorter ladies. I'd wear a pair of (blue) heels to balance the length and flatter the legs, although the black studded pumps I'm wearing are only about an inch high because I can't wear heels right now with my bad back.
The good thing about this dress is that it has half length sleeves, so there's no need to wear a cardi or jacket over the top if you prefer to cover up your arms. It also has a flattering, pleated drape on the left hip.
It's so different to the fit and flare dresses I usually wear, but I love trying out new styles, and I felt very lady-like in this frock. I think it would be a great dress to wear for work, weddings, and other smart and formal social functions, as well as for looking glamorous every day.
The dress is available in sizes 10 to 24 here, and is reasonably priced at just £30.
What I Wore
Have you shopped with Bon Marché recently?
*Bon Marché provided me with this dress in exchange for a review. As always, all words, thoughts, opinions, and photos are my own.
The dress is beautiful and you look wonderful in it. xx
ReplyDeleteIt's such a pretty dress, and it looks amazing on you, I like how you've styled it too x x x
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you so much, Sandra! xx
DeleteSo lovely it really suits you you look beautiful xx
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, hun! xx
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