We’re excited to start wearing some of our fantastic summer range of ladies clothing including our flattering cropped trousers and shorts. Our favourite Bonmarche shorts are the Pleat Detail Cotton Shorts , available in black, white, coral, khaki, blue and latte. These ladies shorts can be dressed up for a smart casual look with one of our ladies blouses or worn with one of our quality, affordable t-shirts for a more casual look. Our favourite t-shirt is the Multi Coloured Spot and Stripe T-shirt, perfect for a lazy summer weekend.

For something a little less casual, why not try one of our David Emanuel dresses, designed by the formal Royal couturier himself. Our favourite designs are the David Emanuel Peacock Print Dress and David Emanuel Elegant Pleated Dress, both elegant and flattering whilst being great value for money. These beautiful dresses are the perfect pick for a summer wedding, a holiday or for looking glamorous at a summer picnic. Wear with a shrug or cardigan to ward off summer evening chills. Our delicate Crochet Shrug in both white and ivory is a perfect compliment to any summer outfit and can be worn with linen trousers, skirts or dresses for a stylish summer look.

We’ve also got a fantastic range of swimwear and beachwear to choose from if you’re jetting off this summer. With a great selection of swimdresses, swimsuits, tankinis, bikinis and beach kaftans we’re sure to have something you’ll adore. We’ve already picked our favourites for this summer and we love the retro feel of the Spot Print Swimdress with Bow Detail but if you fancy something a little more daring, why not check out our Animal Print One Piece Swimsuit. Bonmarche swimwear is cut to flatter and suit all figures, with various cuts and styles designed with you in mind.

And of course, don’t forget to choose a summer hat; whether you’re at home or on holiday. One of our favourites is our Sun Straw Hat with Animal Print Scarf, available in both natural and black to ensure you’re co-ordinated perfectly. Our Soft Straw Hat is another perfect summer accessory and the soft flexible fabric means you can squeeze it in your suitcase no matter how full!

All our designs are available in 12-24, cut in flattering styles and at a price that you can afford and with 20% off until Saturday 12 May (in stores) and Sunday 13th May (online), now is the perfect time to stock up on all those holiday and summer essentials!

Share your summer essentials and holiday tips with us by posting your favourite Bonmarche items on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/bonmarche.

David Emanuel at Bonmarché comes to Ideal World TV on Wednesday 4th April at 8pm. Join presenter and style writer Leon Love and Bonmarche’s very own Brand Manager Steve Tearle as they showcase the sensational collection of special occasion outfits designed exclusively by David Emanuel for Bonmarché.

The collection which comprises perfect Mother of the Bride outfits and special occasion dresses. Wonderful ideas for weddings, summer parties, a day at the races or cruisewear. This range from David Emanuel is not available in any Bonmarche store, so make sure you watch tonight to get your perfect outfit.

This is a live show, and you will have the opportunity to email in your questions during the show and to get expert advice on matching up this great collection. Designed for real women like you, in sizes 12 – 24, the collection from Bonmarche makes you look good and feel great – without the huge price tag!

 Ideal World TV is part of Ideal Shopping Direct one of the UK’s leading Home Shopping companies offering customers big brands at great prices, many of which are exclusive to the channel.

TV shopping with Ideal World is an exciting, personal, informative and convenient home shopping experience and its fun! Ideal World is available live 17 hours a day on Freeview 22, Sky Digital 644, Freesat 812, and Virgin 747.

Preview the items on sale tonight with Ideal World here!

We have selected a few of our favourite David Emanuel dress designs that were featured on our TV Shopping Show with Ideal World. The videos are great to see how the dresses fit, drape and look in real life. Our models are brunette Amy who is a size 16 and rather tall at 6 feet. She is joined by Sharon, with blonde hair, who is a size 12.

Watch the video for David Emanuel Feather Trim Shrug, just press play below. Or, Buy Me Now!

Watch the video for David Emanuel Strappy Maxi Dress, just press play below. Or, Buy Me Now!

Watch the video for David Emanuel Sleeveless Sequin Evening Dress, just press play below. Or, Buy Me Now!

Watch the video for David Emanuel Taffeta Dress, just press play below. Or, Buy Me Now!

Watch the video for David Emanuel Stretch Satin Dress, just press play below. Or, Buy Me Now!

Watch the video for David Emanuel Peacock Print Dress, just press play below. Or, Buy Me Now!

Watch the video for David Emanuel Beaded Evening Dress and Shrug, just press play below. Or, Buy Me Now!

 How can I leave a product review?

 Well, one of two ways.

 Option 1:

Say you have just bought a new pair of jeans or swimsuit from one of our stores. Then follow these easy steps:

1. Visit Bonmarche.co.uk
2. Type in the item code to the search box – top right on the home page
3. Click on the product image
4. Click on ‘Write a review’
5. Follow the instructions – you can tell us and other customers about how the jeans or bathing suit fits, length, your overall rating and comments about what you have worn the jeans with or suitability.

 Option 2:

If you have shopped online at Bonmarche.co.uk, we will automatically send you an email about two weeks after you have placed your order. When you receive the email asking for your feedback, simply click on the link next to the image of the item or items you bought, then leave your review and comments. Easy!

 If you are not sure what to write, you can click on the information button to help out. We also provide you with our customer service contact details should you have a query about delivery or your order.

 Why leave a review?

 We love our products and are proud what we sell, but don’t just take our word for it. At Bonmarche, we know the people who know the most about what we sell, are you – our customers. Reviews help us improve our fit, designs and range that we offer you. In addition to that, feedback from customers can help you choose what to buy. You can create an anonymous profile, include your clothing size and height to assist anyone reading your review to see if you are a similar shape and size. 

Even if you are not 100% happy with the item you have purchased, we welcome your feedback. By telling us what you, the customer thinks, we can continually improve the quality, fit and style of our products. That way, you can always be safe in the knowledge that you are buying clothing, footwear and accessories that are great value and unbeatable prices.

Lace Trim Medium Control Brief

 Try these Lace Trim Medium Control Briefs if you are seeking some support. For something a little firmer, go for our Lace Trim Firm Control Briefs – available in either natural or white.

Lace Trim Firm Control Brief

Floral Printed Padded Underwired Bra with Matching Briefs

 If you have already bought your party lingerie, then wear them when you are trying on party dresses. And if you have already got the dress then bring it with you when trying on your underwear. And it is not just a fuller figure that needs a bit of help.  Don’t forget that a lot of evening wear is made of the slinkiest material which tends to cling to the body. If your underwear fits like a second skin then you won’t have to worry about visible panty lines and falling bra straps. Think abut it. Most of our female celebrities would not step on the red carpet without some form of hidden support!

Spot Print Padded Bra and Matching Briefs

 Shown above is the Floral Print Padded Underwired Bra with Matching Briefs. The bra is available in our standard size range, from 34B – 40D and the matching high leg briefs come in sizes 12/14 up to 24/26. Or for another fun style, the gorgeous pink bra with white polka dots and matching brief set shown here fit the bill this spring.

Time for a bra check-up?   

Experts say that most women think they are a back size bigger and a bust size smaller than they actually are. If you haven’t measured yourself in the last few months then do so before you buy any more underwear. Remember that losing or gaining weight, taking certain medication, certain times of your life such as having a baby or reaching the menopause can all affect your bra size.

Measuring yourself is fairly straightforward but you need to make sure that the tape measure is not too loose or too tight and that the tape is straight across your back. The first measurement should be taken just under your bust. The second should measure the area round the fullest part of your breasts. Repeat this twice to make sure your measurements tally. Write down these two measurements.

Your back size

Now – if your under bust measurement is an ODD number add 5 inches; if it is an EVEN number add 4 inches. This will be your back size. That means that successive even and odd numbers might well have the same final back measurement. For example – if your under bust is 31 inches your back size will be 36 inches and if your under bust is 32 inches your back size will also be 36 inches.

 Your cup size

To get your cup size subtract your back size from your bust measurement. If the difference is +1 your cup size is a B; + 2 is a C and + 3 is a D and so on.

 Of course like clothes sizes, bra sizes can vary between brands and styles so you should always try a new bra on. It will be worth it in the end.

A correctly fitting bra should feel so comfortable you are not aware of it -  so if the back rides up, the shoulder straps dig into you or you have marks when you take your bra off it’s time for a refit!

 At bonmarche.co.uk, we stock bra’s in 2 ranges of band sizes so you are safe in the knowledge that there is something right for you. Our standard bra size range comes in sizes 34B – 40D, while our larger band size starts at 38DD up to 44DD. For everyday wear, try our Lace Cup Underwired Bra or the Two Colour Lace Non-Wire Bra, a really pretty non-wire bra. Both are available in our larger band size.

Lace Cup Underwired Bra Two Colour Lace Non-Wire Bra

Two Colour Lace Non-Wire Bra

So, here is our choice of the Sale….

The blouse for every occasion
For a versatile top, perfect for wearing with a skirt or smart trousers as work wear or to dress up a pair of smart bootcut jeans, this Printed Layered Frill Blouse is just the ticket.

Sizzling lingrie

Or, how about something to spark up your lingerie drawer! This gorgeous Leopard Print Bra is now only £5! So why not complete the entire look and add the matching briefs, for only £3. The bra is amazing, it gives you shape, comfort and a bit of added va va voom with padded cups and a lace trim. The bra is available in 34B cup up to a 40D cup, while stocks last. But at this price, there is no time like the present to grab a bargain! With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, a coordinated lingerie set for under £10 means you can buy more than one treat!

Essentials for your winter sun escape

January is a popular time of year for booking holidays. It is also favoured by many to get away from it all and jet off for some sun, sea and sand on a winter sun escape. Bonmarche.co.uk is great for ladies seeking plus size bathing suits, swimdresses and beach wear, with stock available all year round.

We have many items in our winter sale; this lovely Leopard Print Swimwear Kaftan is in a gorgeous sheer black and dark pink printed fabric. With a gathered, tie drop waist it is ideal to wear over a strappy vest top with a pair of smart black shorts or skirt as an evening top as well as over your swimsuit on the beach.

For a summer top with a difference, try this Jewelled Vest Top. Really comfortable to wear, it is longer in length so sits nicely over your summer trousers or city shorts. Also available in purple, this wide strap ladies vest top is great to wear day or night. The best bit is that you don’t need to wear a necklace; the neckline is embellished with diamantes and beads on a satin ribbon trim.

Year round essential

This Ribbed Velour Gilet is just what you need to keep you warm when its’ chilly outside. Ideal for casual wear, out for walks or just round the house this gilet is in a beautifully soft, velour fabric and has a full zip. Available in grey marl and navy blue, it is great for wearing over a long sleeve t-shirt, lightweight sweatshirt or under a jacket.

There are still plenty of bargains to be had, but sizes and styles sell out fast so be quick when you see the item you love!

Get together with friends  

Whether it’s to a pub or a wine bar, smart casual is the look here but you still want to stand out in the crowd this Christmas. How about a pair of well cut ladies jeans with sparkly evening top?

Try these for size:

Round neck sequin panel jumper in red worn with a fabulous pair of funky leopard print, bootcut stretch jeans.

The Posh Dinner Party

The look should be classically elegant. You will be sitting down quite a bit and your top half will be on show. Make the most of it with a dress featuring a detailed neckline or if you’d rather cover up then choose an evening top with a bit of shimmer.

If you love to wear a dress, our suggestion is the wonderful diamante trim velour dress that is calf length, and is finished with beautiful chiffon sleeves and neck tie detail. In a gorgeous peacock green, it gives you an alternative to the safe black.

Or, if you prefer a smart evening top to wear with a skirt or ladies evening trousers, this  printed blouse with layered frills is ideal.

Christmas Day Lunch

Wear something that is eye catching, yet comfortable so you look amazing and can fully enjoy your Christmas meal! Try one of our gorgeous ladies dresses or a beautiful velvet top with a long length, pleated skirt.

Try this beautiful velour 2 in 1 top with chiffon frill worn with a pull-on, pleated skirt in stretch velour finished with chiffon insterts.

Or, for a more festive feel wear this lovely stretch jersey, wrap front dress in a stunning red and black print. With 3/4 length sleeves and a v-neckline, this dress finishes below the knee so gives you enough cover with flattering detail around the neck and waist.

The Office Party

Bring out your wilder side with lots of sparkle and bold prints to get you noticed on the dance floor or wear lose flowing dress that will show off all your best moves!

This stunning multi-colour, peacock feather print dress by David Emanuel shown below fits the bill perfectly. With wider straps and a beautiful shaped bodice, this evening dress is finished with beading at the waist and a full, gathered skirt.

For something to make you dazzle, try this sparkly mesh layered evening dress with purple underlay.

New Year’s Eve Black Tie Event: This is a time to pull out all the stops and dress to turn heads. It’s a chance to wear all that bling jewellery you have been saving for special occasions too.

If you want to dazzle like your favourites on Strictly, choose a dress style that moves beautifully. Add a shrug to camouflage less then perfect arms which will be on show when you are whisking round the floor.

If your plan is more to stun everyone into silent awe – a full length evening dress with a great neckline and eye catching colour will get some admiring glances. Our online exclusive chiffon, bias cut dress finished with bugle beads designed by David Emanuel is the perfect dress for you. It comes with a matching bolero, so you have an elegant cover-up to create a complete outfit.

What type of girl are you?

Sophia

Sophia Loren – Voluptuous and proud of it. Then wear our Velour Chiffon Dress (shown above) that skims and drapes in a way that is most flattering and elegant.

Joanna Lumley – Who is tall and willowy. Give this Short Sleeve Diamante Trim Dress (shown above) a go. Sophisticated and shapely, with diamante trim, this is the dress for any would be glamour pusses, day or night time!

Audrey Hepburn – The sophisti–cat. You can’t beat our David Emanuel Beaded Dress (shown above). This little black dress with its beaded trim, pleated skirt and ruched bodice is the ultimate in understated chic.

Jessie Wallace – Bold, beautiful and just a touch brassy? This Leopard Print Dress with Knot Front Dress above is perfect to bring out the animal in you (or him) and show off that hour glass figure in style. An exclusive design that is only available on www.bonmarche.co.uk

Catherine Zeta Jones - Greek Goddess – For eye catching and elegant glamour, in this David Emanuel Sequinned Mesh Evening Dress  (shown above) you’ll feel llike a Hollywood star.

Holly Willoughby – Sensuous and feminine. For a glamorous, flattering fit, and perfect for showing off a fabulous cleavage our online exclusive Chiffon Evening Dress above is just for you.

Helen Mirren – Endlessly alluring. The ultimate statement dress, our Corsage Detail Chiffon Dress (shown above) is seductive and just a little secretive – like Dame H Herself.

My Christmas 2011 collection is homage to the 1970’s when glamour received a generous mix of the bright, the brave and the bold, reflecting the mood of the era.  (And yes, I do remember it – just!).

Look out for my Vintage Treasures range with its strong retro prints, berry colours and a plethora of ruffles, feathers and embellishments. A must-have is definitely the dramatic maxi dress which simply oozes femininity. Think also of evening tops and gorgeous shrugs with beads and sequins.

Our model in the image above is wearing the lovely David Emanuel Sequin Top with David Emanuel Black Chiffon Trousers and has accessorised the outfit with a Black Bow Trim Evening Bag.

In the shot above, our model is wearing the gorgeously flattering David Emanuel Maxi Dress which is full length, with a draping empire line detail.

This lovely David Emanuel Stretch Satin Ruffle Dress (shown above) is ideal to wear for any special occassion, be it a Christmas party, New Year’s Eve celebration or even to a wedding.

The beautiful David Emanuel Kimono Style Shrug is worn over the David Emanuel Beaded Top and teamed with the David Emanuel Sunray Pleated Skirt to complete the look.

And do dip into my Cocktail Hour collection – a sophisticated range of occasion wear in vibrant colours and slinky satins. You don’t need to tell a designer that women come in all shapes and sizes and thank goodness they do! So my collections embrace all figures and all tastes. Come on ladies – It’s time to bring glamour back with a capital G. And you won’t need to dig deep into your pockets to find an outfit guaranteed to bring out the sensational you. In fact why don’t you buy one party wear outfit from each collection!

 To really sparkle this Christmas, our David Emanuel Jewel Neck Dress in vibrant purple is finished with contrasting beaded jewels in jade green around the neckline.

This David Emanuel Dress with Diamante Belt (shown above) in turquoise blue is a wonderful way to make a colourful statement this party season.

‘I have had a few knocks to my confidence over the years.’ says Cath ‘and I suppose I just felt safer in black – and then you get used to certain colours and styles.  I am the ultimate little black dress girl!’

Little black dresses certainly have a place in the party scheme of things but we wanted to show Cath that colour can make a terrific impact and you can feel just as elegant in it.

Without too much persuasion she picked out an ultra violet David Emanuel Strappy Evening Dress (dress shown in bottom image) and agreed that the colour was fantastic. ‘But I am not sure it would suit me,’ she said. ‘It’s too bright!’

In fact it turned out to be perfect for her colouring and even she was convinced in the end.  Intricately pleated at the bust with a full skirt the style was both flattering and sexy.

‘I love the sequins under the bust line too.’ Cath said. There is so much detail! Yes you have convinced me. I can wear colours!’

And it was just as well she felt like that because we moved her on to another David Emanuel number – a Satin Bow Top in a vibrant jade.

Cath hardly noticed the colour this time as it was the as style that intrigued her.  ‘I love the bow detail on this satin top – it’s very unusual and it is a good shape for me. And I get to wear black wide leg trousers!’ she laughed. Try these lovely David Emanuel Chiffon Trousers.

The satin top also comes in pink:

Sister Angela’s loyalty to black had a different history.

‘I am very tall and thin and worry that too much colour and too many patterns would look totally over the top on me! ‘, she explained. She looked at the Rose Print Satin Shift Dress we were holding up hopefully with a look of mild anxiety.

‘I would never have picked this up in a million years,’ she said nervously. ‘I’ll look like I am wearing the curtains!’

‘Humour us,’ we said. So she did.

‘Wow, this dress is gorgeous,’ she twirled.

‘You can get away with bold prints and shiny fabric exactly because you are tall and thin,’ we explained. The shift dress is made in a luxurious satin fabric with stretch for comfort was tailored to fit her perfectly.

‘I am going to have to get this,’ she said. ‘Whoever would have thought it? Me in shocking pink! ‘

If you like the dress shape, but are not sure about the colour, it also comes in plum:

Both dresses look amazing with our coordinating Satin Occasionwear Jacket with Corsage:

Exit two satisfied customers ready for a round of parties to last all winter. Our moto – try something different today!

It is true to say that ultimately we probably know what suits us better than any one else. But we can also get stuck in a safe fashion rut. So every now and again it is a good idea to break from your fashion blinkers. While you’re clothes shopping try on a shape of dress, blouse or skirt you would never normally wear or a colour you a colour you usually avoid. You never know – you might be pleasantly surprised.