To Be Adored...and adored...and adored

 

Dazed girl in a sweet shop would be an apt description of my state at the HPR press day, except for the fact I cannot eat sweets. Oh, please shed no tears over having to return all the Laduree giftboxes you ordered for me: what I cannot eat I make up for amply in clothing! To Be Adored (also known as TBA) is a label I would describe as my kind of sweet - Brighton-based designer Binbin McNiven's dreamlike designs have captivated my mind since I first laid eyes on her mushroom print skirts and dresses (still available in her archive sale). I belong in a world far removed from reality, occasionally drifting down to earth but mostly I'm contained in my own little microchosm - To Be Adored takes me there. Many designers try to get away with overcharging for items that are made of Crappyester, Tack-rylic and Die-lon (whatever "special properties" they have, it's still synthetic and makes my skin crawl), but To Be Adored is not one of them - everything is made of natural fibres, mostly silk (I could stroke that peach maxi dress all day long). For next season, the label is moving away from ASOS and Urban Outfitters towards the likes of Acne and Carven, with slightly more "grown-up" pieces. I am desperately, desperately hoping "grown-up" does not mean "mushroom-print free".

 

 Paul & Joe/Paul & Joe Sister

I usually stick to labels I know and love, but I made two lovely discoveries at HPR which were Shellys Shoes and Kyle Hopkins jewellery. Because what I wear is usually delicate and "girly", I wear jewellery that contrasts and has a darker edge. My photos do not to the pieces justice, but my favourites were the "green man" face rings and exquisite necklaces compiled of tiny people!

Polka dot platforms by Miss L Fire