Bonmarche Blogger Swap Challenge*

I was recently contacted by the lovely Marie from Bonmarche about taking part in an exciting and unique challenge to compile an outfit for fellow blogger Sarah from Always a BlueSkyGirl. In return, Sarah would chose an outfit for me.  I have to say, I had some concerns.  I'm a funny onion and terribly fussy over what I like and few people get it right when making suggestions on my style.   I also had concerns that there would be little on Bonmarche that I like - I was steeped in the preconceptions of my Grandma shopping there and worried that the styles on offer would be a little too mature for a girl in her 20s.   I needn't have worried!

Sarah chose the David Emmanuel Rose & Lace Print Side Pleat Dress*.  

It is vibrant and bright with a versatile pattern to take you straight from winter through to spring! The dress is made for a jersey fabric and is fully lined to create a smooth silhouette.  

The size 18 was very large on me so I swapped it for a 16.  This fits better across my shoulders, hips and boobs - but is still quite large at the waist.   I would definitely suggest you size down on this dress.

Sarah  originally chose an edgy purple/blue biker jacket (in a strange twist of fate I chose the same jacket for her).  

Unfortunately, the size 18 ordered swamped me to the effect that I looked like I was wearing my husband's over sized jacket and Bonmarche was out of stock for the size 16.  

Instead, they sent me a great little jersey blazer*.

For me, the blue blazer with the blue dress is a little too matchy - but I'm a mismatched kinda girl.  I also feel that the sleeve of the dress means that I probably wouldn't feel the need to pair this with a blazer or cardigan.  

The blazer itself is great and I've been pairing it with black skinnies and a cami all week! 

I was also sent a 2 pack of 40 denier tights in Large*.

I was cynical about them fitting as I normally need a XL for my long legs and wide hips but these were great and fitted perfectly.  

I pair the opaque tights with my favourite Carvela sling backs to complete the floral winter theme of the dress but I do feel this dress would be perfect for a spring or summer wedding, so I've styled it as I would wear it ...

Pairing this vibrant blue with the popping coral of my Jimmy Choo's really made me feel full of the joys of summer in this little outfit.  

My Darling trench with Elizabethan trims really makes this look more sophisticated - throw on a hat and head to Ladies day at Ascot or put a flower in you hair before throwing rice paper petals at a blushing bride!

I really enjoyed taking part in this challenge.  It really opened my eyes to a shop that I would not normally glance twice at. 

The online store is full or beautiful, bright, floral dresses that are reasonably priced (the one I'm wearing is just £35), well made, and as versatile as they are classic.  

Please do go check out the full range as there is something for everyone. 

And don't forget to check out the outfit I styled for Sarah!