The Plus Size PVC Skirt

In my teens (late 90's) I had the most awesome wardrobe (kinda wish I had photographic evidence of every single outfit). By that point my Mum was almost letting me wear what I wanted (the Scary Spice hot pants/long coat combo thing was sheepishly returned to the shop however).  There wasn't much that was off-limits; bright prints, all black or fluffy and pastel, whatever I felt like that day really. It was a standing joke at one point that if it wasn't leopard print, furry or PVC, I wouldn't wear it! So it's no surprise I've been feeling nostalgic with all the lovely pastel colours this season and especially when it comes to patent skirts!
Topshop started it last year with their soft pink PVC, pencil skirt and I can't tell you the amount of times it found it's way into my online basket. I was obsessed with it. It never reached my wardrobe though, because I'm a plus-size girl and a slim fitting Topshop 16 was unlikely to reach beyond my knees! Ever since then, I've searched high and low for a plus-size version and it's not been easy. It seemed the only places to do bigger sizes were those where the skirts had laced sides and probably came with a whip if you catch my drift! I wanted a soft pastel shade (not black) and was looking for something I could wear every day and 'dress down' with t-shirts and cardi's. The aim was not to look like an extra from Pretty Woman. Other high street shops were awash with suitable skirts by this point, in a plethora of pretty pastels, great prices, but usually stopping at a size 14 or so. Then a couple of months ago, I found a possibility on ASOS £38 (above and below). It was a little less pink and more nude than I'd have liked, but the shape was there and it was as close as I'd seen. Unfortunately it wasn't available in the Curve section, but I hoped the regular size 18 would fit. I decided to go completely tonal and order this nude unicorn print t-shirt £14 too (fyi I find a 16 fits me best in this)! The skirt does fit, but I've only tried it on quickly and rolled it away until I start wearing clothes again! It's not too tight when standing, but as there's little 'give', I'm not sure how comfortable I'll feel sitting in it (not helped by the fact I've put on weight with being inactive these past 4 months). Typical then, that some time later I find exactly what I'm looking for on Simply Be, patent pencil skirt £45. It looks to be exactly the shade of pink I wanted and in sizes 12-32. I'm sure to find a better fit than the one I have. It's got an elasticated waist, which I'm a little sceptical about. PVC is a fabric that lends itself to solid structure and isn't really fluid enough for a design like this, but I can see why they thought it a good idea.  The slightly gathered waist might not look ideal, but I'm sure it will be more comfortable and actually probably fit better than a more structured waistband. I'm not thrilled with the tops they've styled it with on the site, but I'd probably want to conceal that waistband too.  I'm just so thrilled that eventually a plus size retailer has taken on the mighty PVC!
It then got me looking at the rest of this style 'story', which is called Vanity Fair and it's really got some lovely items in it.
There's dresses in bold florals with lots of colour, which is always pleasant to see.  Below from top, floral dress with contrast waistband (pink, not orange like my promo pic below) £55, floral scuba prom dress £60 and pink jacquard prom dress £60.  All of these would fit well in my wardrobe.     
Another gorgeous skirt on the site is this lip print midi £25.  I'm a big fan of fun and funky prints on plus-size clothing.     
It's been years since I wore a leather jacket, but this one caught my eye.  Although it's not real leather, it looks buttery soft and that lovely pastel shade is so pretty.  Pink biker jacket £70.     
Not in this collection, but worth a mention is this jumpsuit, which has just landed on the site.  When you see the print up close, it's got an almost Monet like feel, with the brushstrokes. Jersey jumpsuit £45.    
 
Is there anything you like here?  Have you succumbed to the PVC obsession or is it best left in the nineties?  A little note, that Vanity Fair is no longer a featured look on Simply Be-I'm afraid my illness has meant this post has sat unfinished for months.  However everything I've written about here is still in stock (on ASOS too), so it's no biggy.

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