Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for going off to Stoke.

Early post today. The family and I are off to Stoke today. Why? Well, I'm regaining some of my childhood and I'm off to Alton Towers! I'm rather excited. We're staying over in a hotel tonight so we're all refreshed and alive for all the child-like fun we're going to be having tomorrow. I missed out when my family went to DisneyWorld (I had too much work on) so I'm looking forward to this little treat for all five of us.

I think it'll take around three hours in the car- can I manage it? With a twelve year old and an eight year old in the back with me? Fingers crossed! I have my iPod all loaded up and ready to block out the noise of my squabbling brothers.

I'll be blogging tomorrow evening once we're back so I'm sure I'll have a story or two about some super scary ride that made me throw up/cry/lose my favourite bracelet on.

So, with all the travelling, I need a comfortable outfit today. I've gone for a fab pumpkin slouched tee from Topshop, some skinny jeans by Acne and lovely little gladiator sandals by Wet Seal. To add a little glamour, I've gone for some much needed sunglasses by Miu Miu and a large Miu Miu bag to pack all my magazines in. Finally, I've used this stunning Bottega Veneta amber ring. See you tomorrow!



Stoke. by hollieanne featuring Miu Miu shoulder bags

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for an early night.

Apologies about yesterday, everyone! My blogging assistant kindly put out a note in my absence late last night. I got caught up in some family stuff and wasn't able to hit the laptop to blog. Huge apologies!

Anyway, shall we get back to today? If you've been reading my blog for the last few weeks, you'll notice how I've swapped casual Sundays to casual Saturdays and how much I'm really enjoying having a lazy day on a Saturday. Today was no different. A lie in followed by some lovely text messages from MYB and then I made brunch for the family. I spent the afternoon writing and listening to music, chatting to MYB and doing very little else- bliss!

I've been really stressed out this past week and it's only hitting me now how tired it's making me. MYB calmed my mind this evening and I made the decision that I needed some major relaxation. I've had a candle-lit bath tonight, had an lush salad for dinner and gave myself a pedicure. I'm now blogging from my bed and I'm going to watch some silly but slushy chick-flick in a moment. Happiness all round.

Outfit time! The outfit is casual and comfortable- and why not? The printed pink tee is DKNY and I've added some super skinny jeans by Cheap Monday. For me, the highlight of this outfit has to be the wonderful Nike Liberty dunks which I have craved since they first appeared on my screen one beautiful day. Accessories are super bright with some ASOS bangles, a hairband by New Look and a retro style Gola bag. Happy weekend!



Early night. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for shopping for MYB!

This week is leading up to a very exciting end as, on Sunday, it'll be the birthday of the most delightful man I know! MYB will be opening cards and presents and suddenly feeling much closer to 40 come Sunday ;-)

As I'm not spending the weekend with MYB, I've been super organised as regards his gifts. I bought his card last weekend and I went on a lovely shopping spree this afternoon to buy pretty little gifts for him. I adore shopping for other people but shopping for MYB is something else; he has such incredible taste in everything (apart from music!) that I find myself feeling wonderful as I marvel over the geekiest and most gorgeous sections of department stores.

Clearly I cannot reveal what I ended up buying but I know, come Sunday, he'll adore them and perhaps feel that little more inclined to marry me!

I've style the outfit for comfort today. Lectures, writing, dealing with PR invites and shopping has taken it out of me today and I'm headed for an early night! I love denim dresses but this one here, by 3.1 Phillip Lim, is so simple yet so right. I've gone for red accessories with some Marc by Marc Jacobs mouse shoes, a See by Chloé bag (number 1 on my lust-list right now!) and jewellery from Lady Luck Rules OK! Finally, a pretty blue beret from Forever21.



Birthday gifts for MYB - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for being stuck in the snow.

I had a food review to write this afternoon so spent a sweet morning pottering around the house, taking a bath and sorting my outfit for the day. I listened to some really upbeat music, giggled at sweet little text messages from MYB and pinned my hair up. As I was getting ready, however, it started to snow and it did not stop.

Locking up the house and putting my umbrella up, I realised I was set for a day of bad weather and my silly purple flats were probably not going to cut it. After twenty minutes stood at the bus stand and watching cars struggle to get up the bank, I came back home and was in my comfortable socks with a copy of Elle Collections in my hand.

This afternoon was filled with cottage cheese straight from the tub, reading magazines, discussing the concept of marriage and texting MYB whilst he was on the train back from London.

In the- rather British- attitude of giving it a go, I've dressed for braving the snow and trying to make it out. This Juicy Couture coat is so sweet, I love the little gold buttons. I've added a pretty frilly Topshop blouse, some bootcut trousers from Theory and patent pumps from Miu Miu. I've used an Alexander McQueen bag, Kenneth Jay Lane earrings and a Fendi watch.


Snow, snow, snow. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for: "Happy Birthday, BFF!"

Celebrations all round as my wonderful BFF turns 24 today! My little boy is all grown up now...well, perhaps not grown up but he's getting on a bit. We've spent some brilliant birthdays together, the best probably being when we were a couple and I threw him a surprise tea party for just the two of us; we were eating party food left overs for days after and had loads of fun popping the hundreds of balloons I'd blown up for the occasion.

Sadly, however, we spent this year apart. Clearly it was for practical reasons but not being with my BFF on his birthday today was a tiny bit painful. I'm chuffed that he spent the day out with his Love Interest at the cinema but I have to admit that I am jealous that she got to be with him today. I must have called my BFF about ten times to sing happy birthday to him and I think I began to get on his nerves a little but he appreciated it all the same.

The worst thing about today was hearing "our" song. My BFF and I once spent a thrilling and highly amusing evening together at a wedding party, we dressed up and I got rather tipsy. At the end of the evening, we went in search of cigarettes for a family member which ended up involving driving all around Essex and popping into a very creepy pub to buy- what we later found out- the wrong cigarettes. High on the happiness of the day, I clicked on my iPod as my BFF drove around and blasted this certain song. My BFF and I were so busy singing and dancing along to it that he ended up driving over a crossroads and being beeped at by about five different drivers. It might not sound much but we still laugh about it over 18 months later and the song I heard on the radio today reminds me of that very hilarious and wonderful day.

BFF, Happy 24th Birthday!

Clearly, I'd wear this outfit out to my BFF's party. I may find myself falling in love with this Paul Smith pretty floral dress. I've gone for neutral colours with some Miu Miu slingbacks, a Betsey Johnson necklace and earring set and all other jewellery by Louis Vitton. But it's the clutch that really makes this outfit for me, it's from the one and only Butler and Wilson and is a brilliant statement piece. Until tomorrow...


Happy Birthday - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for super happines.

Dear Readers, I feel I may burst with happiness. Will you forgive me if I do so? Lots of love and smooches. Your Dressing For-ista, Hol xx

Do you lot ever have days where not much has happened necessarily but you're just overwhelmed with happiness? OK, so some stuff has happened. I'd love to tell but part of the pleasure is keeping it a secret between myself and the other delicious person and being wrapped up in our own little world.

Happiness, for me, is contentment. If I experience feelings of being content then I'm happy. But sometimes something, or someone, can just induce that extra pop which makes you feel so chilled-out, so blissfully happy that you'd love to bottle feeling and keep it for the days when your hair looks rank due to the rain and you feel like having a tiny cry about it (just me? Thought so!). Today is one of those days.

Actually, the past two days have been a blur of happiness and giggles and lots and lots and lots of super fabulous love. Am I making you throw up yet? This is nice for me, though. I suffer from Borderline Personality Disorder which has, in the past, pulled me to places so low that I cannot even begin to describe. I treasure these seconds, minutes, hours and days of extreme (non-mania induced) genuine happiness like you could never imagine.

I woke up late today after a very late night last night. The past few nights have been rather late ones, to be honest, but well worth every second. I spent the morning in bed relaxing and recalling the previous few nights. I often find it shocking at how happy I am, after everything with my illness, it's just a bit odd being this content and successful and happy in a way that has ZERO to do with my BPD.

Currently listening to "All Dressed Up In Love" by Jennifer Hudson and this song fits the bill for my mood today. The following outfit would be worn out to dinner with my Love, giggling about silly things as we walked into town and kissed in the freezing cold. I mentioned a while back about how much I love wearing black these days and this outfit shoes that black doesn't have to be boring. First off is a simple silk vest by Kain which I'd wear tucked into this stunning Balenciaga tiered skirt. The black tights are standard Topshop ones but look at these Louboutin babies! How stunning are they? The huge bow detailing at the back... *sigh*- perfection! I'm also drooling over this Anthony David New York bag. Jewellery adds to the classy/cool mood of this outfit. The black chain necklace is from Monsoon and the pretty pears are Forever21. The bow brooch, which I'd wear pinned into my hair, is Chanel and the ring is unmistakably also Chanel.



HAPPINESS! - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for a beautiful day taking photographs.

Calm. Simple. Cold. Sunny. My day has been utterly wonderful. I went into college to use the arts library only to find it was closed due to teacher training- gutted. I spent the next hour in the "normal" library sending e-mails and sourcing inspiration.

This afternoon I wandered around a local park I'd never visited. It was frosted white and looked so beautiful with a mix of old age buildings and the backdrop of a modern city. I loved hearing the frost crunch under my pink leather flats and seeing my hands turn more and more red as the temperature dropped.

Walking around the park with nothing but the sounds of birds and passing traffic was so calming. Normally my iPod is plugged in constantly but not today, I wanted the quiet. There was perhaps an added comfort knowing my mother was only two minutes away as the park faces the hospital where she works. I always feel better within myself when my beautiful mother is near.

I took many photographs as I soaked up the winter sun and a load have turned out beautifully. I'm very proud. Oh, and there was the odd self portrait in there too. Vanity o'clock!

Currently talking to MYB online. Perfect way to end the day.

So, I've gone all casual and nautical today. I really like this Burberry coat, it looks really plain but there's something about it. I've selected wonderfully dark jeans by Levi and added a sweet t-shirt by Stella McCartney which induced the nautical theme. There pretty anchor earrings come from Urban Outiftters and I've picked a lovely nautical bag. Finally, some gorgeous flats by French Sole. Happy Friday, Guys!



A day taking photographs. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for the end of a rather nice weekend.

I'm a writer so I should have a problem with the word 'nice' but I do not thus I am using it to describe my weekend. My weekend was a rather divine old one with comfort being the key word. There was lots of Moloko, half drunk glasses of all sorts and cold toes as it snowed.

I ended last night in bed with a fabulous novel a la some 40something. Blissfully happy and locked in a tale of 1930s photographs turning up in library books, MYB called me and I had a decent little moan about my father. MYB and I ended up chatting and giggling for a while and I tried to go sleep but couldn't stop grinning from the previous conversation. Needless to say, I am exhausted today after several hours of early hours texting with my love. Worth it though!

My mother, brothers and I took a brief but sweet shopping trip today and had lunch together. I returned home to find snow and a decent hour on the clock so I took the Sunday newspapers and supplements and spent a while flicking through and reading whatever grabbed my attention enough. The rest of the night has been novel reading, novel writing and Stella McCartney geekiness with MYB. Sunday evening is a rather busy time at his place but I'm hoping to steal him for five minutes tonight to remind him I need his old magazine articles ASAP.

Also, have you ever shared a silly moment of "made up French" madness with your BFF which ended in laughter over the French word for 'goat'? No? Just us then...

I created the outfit for today with Sunday style very much in mind; that need to look stylish as you have lunch out and do some shopping but to also relish in the last few hours before office attire is needed. I've been in love with this Roberto Cavalli blouse for some time now and have finally used it in a set. As much as the the blouse would look great during the week with smart trousers, I've used some Kate Moss for Topshop white skinny jeans and added a flat silver sandal by Miu Miu. Keeping with the silver tones, I've gone for a large bag by See by Chloé and jewellery by Chanel. Hope you've had a great weekend!



Sunday times. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for getting back to normal.

Very productive day in my little world. Woke this morning and booked two Beyonce tickets, went back off to sleep for a little while whilst wishing MYB was there to spend a lazy morning with me and then I spent the afternoon in town catching up on the much needed feeling of contentment which has been missing due to illness these past few days.

It was nice getting back to the normality of skinny coffee, Marks and Spencer, daily newspaper buying and freshly blow-dried hair. I devilishly read pages of the book I'm currently reading as I sat in Starbucks and I lost myself in daydreams of MYB and I chain smoking in Paris. I haven't felt like this all week; illness just makes me feel stupidly depressed and I cry more than most because I feel helpless and hate not being up and about and going at a million miles an hour.

My mother finished her first week of her new job so I met her at the hospital with a card and the biggest and most expensive bouquet of flowers I could find- she really deserved it.

The outfit for today is very sweet and I love the navy shades with the clashing pinks, oranges and browns of this Forever21 dress. Over the top of the dress I'd throw on a relaxed trench like this Mike and Chris one. I've added some navy flats, a pretty glitter beret by Coach and a clashing 3.1 Phillip Lim clutch. Lastly, I've added some flower rings with the neon pink one being from Topshop and the other from Forever21. Happy Friday!


Starbucks and flowers. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for making notes.

I'm exhausted today. Really, if all had gone how I wanted it to, I should have been spending this weekend with MYB at his place but sadly it's been delayed until next weekend. Must admit I was a bit gutted but he never promised anything and he is a daddy so all is forgiven.

In absence of constant kisses and beautiful hand-in-hand countryside walks, I've kicked off my weekend by making an abundance of notes on everything from television to British history to Brixton to future political change. I need said notes for various projects and my thoughts that it would be boring were dashed after I spent about five hours listening to music and learning so many new things.

My brain has had a total workout today and I needed a physical one too so I did another hour long run and feel incredible for it. I'm doing well!

The outfit for today is clearly not designed for the gym but is designed for an entire afternoon spent sitting at my desk listening to Zero 7 with notebooks, glue and scissors for snipping at bits from newspapers and every colour pen I'd ever need for colour coding. The waistcoat is Superfine, the tee is Luella and the simple but chic skirt is Forever21. I've gone for bright blue tights from Toast, the bag is vintage and the watch is Marc by Marc Jacobs. Finally, some fabulous floral Dr Martens to finish the look!


Making notes. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for going running.

I am successfully sticking to my resolution and, although it's only 48 hours into the year, I feel brilliant! I made the decision that my ill fated Converse, which I sometimes used for the gym, were going to cause me a stupid amount of pain if I carried on using them for sport. MYB, the sensible one in our relationship, informed me of ever so many troubles that bad footwear would cause for my spine and the like so I made a trip to a sports store (a sports store!) and picked up some new footwear which I simply purchased out of my love for the silver and pink colouring.

This evening I threw on my gym wear, popped my iPod in my ears and went jogging/running for an hour with Rihanna blasting in my ears. I aim to do it around three times a week and perhaps attend some yoga classes by the end of the month.

Therefore, in the need to feel fashionable and fit, I've picked an outfit created entirely from the ADIDAS and Stella McCartney fusion rather simply because it's the most gorgeous and desirable sportswear out there. But I must add that the water bottle is by William Morris.


Running. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for seeing the crisis team.

This entry is a little different tonight. I've never kept quiet about suffering Borderline Personality Disorder (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borderline_personality_disorder) as I believe it's an illness long overlooked and defiantly misunderstood. Currently there are changes being made as to gain a name alteration for the disorder as it currently suggests something along the lines of schizophrenia when in fact it's more of an emotional condition similar to that of bi-polar disorder.

I've been struggling for about a week after not seeing my doctor for around four weeks due to holidays and the like. Late last night I ended up finding myself well and truly embraced in an "episode" which threatened to harm, not only my precious relationship with MYB but indeed my entire self.

I'm therefore taking positive steps this evening and have contacted my local NHS authority. I've been up to a local hospital for a quick assessment and am currently waiting for a hospital car to pick me up and take me to a mental health ward in the North East. It's not as bad as it sounds, my episode is well and truly over, but I do need checking out and just a little chat to help me understand my current feelings.

I'm doing it because I want to make positive steps to guarantee a secure future for MYB and I. I'd like to state that if MYB, and especially any of the participating people within his life, is/are reading this then I'd like to point out my severe apologies for any degree of disruption, upset or confusion. I'd like to personally and publicly thank MYB for his support with the past 24 hours and indeed that for the past two and a quarter year. I am deeply lucky to have people around me willing to understand and willing to learn. I hope one day that BPD won't be seen as such a thing as to fear as "emotional instability" doesn't mean lives are constantly disrupted. I live a perfectly normal and blissfully happy life which, like depression and many other illnesses, needs a little chat with a doctor every now and again.

Therefore, rather than leaving you with an outfit today I'm leaving you with a photograph of me: I'm a successful, happy and intelligent girl who you'd see every day walking down the street. But I have a condition. The latter does not define me.

PS/ It's the lighting that is odd and not my eyebrows- they are perfectly neat.
PPS/ The scarf, vest and cardigan are all Primark, the headphones are HMV (avec Jessica Simpson blasting from them) and the soft Russian doll was a gift from MYB for Christmas.

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for seeking inspiration and researching.

Last night I had a little cry before bedtime. Yesterday was a massive day of reflection due to it being six months since a major (sad) event in my life. I found myself sitting on the sofa alone and knowing MYB (My Yummy Bloke) was out with his work lot. I got a slightly drunken text about 1230am saying he hoped I was "basically very happy"- thanks, MYB. But that was the point, I was crying because I was so happy but at the same time I was sad because I knew that I wouldn't be getting the MYB cuddles in bed of the previous night. Never mind, they'll happen again before I know it.

So, because of all the reflection and the need to make MYB shockingly proud of me, I did a stack load of research and have started to get my portfolio together. I don't come from an art/design background and I take snap-shots that always turn out really nice but it's never something I'd do professionally. I can't draw to save my life. I can't sew (and neither can MYB so if he marries me, we're hiring a tailor). But I can write. And style. And do a bit of pouting which all ends up inspiring me.

Today I am inspired by the following: MYB and I disagreeing on whether Nick Lacey is an idiot or not, Carina Round, MYB's blog post about Sheffield inspiring him, girls from Norway asking my advice, the end of Woolworths' Pick and Mix, sitting on MYB's bed in a long silk nightdress and a cardigan. The latter especially. "It's very decedent, I know" he says as he sips champagne in bed with me. We disagree on Nick Lacey but decadence is never out of the question.

I am a simple things girl. Cupcakes, a new nail paint, digital radios- they do it for me. I am the girl who complies a guinea pig squeak, cookie dough, "Music is Power" by Richard Ashcroft, MYB's love of Zara, walks in the cold and an insatiable need to pop out ideas for selling a brand and turns them into her world. The idea of creating a massive portfolio to impress some of the top universities in the country sort of terrifies me; how do I take the tiny things and turn them into one big thing? I'm sure I'll do it. Tiny steps and all...

With spending most of the day at my desk (laptop, blogs, books, magazines...) I need a sweet little outfit that'll be comfortable but inspire me to create and I think I've managed it here. This Forever21 tee is so cute and I can well imagine my best friend popping it in my stocking this Christmas. The beige Chloé skirt is an office staple, as are the Louboutin flats. Accessories wise I've gone for a sweet bobble hat from Topshop, a vintage bag, a brooch from Urban Outfitters and the most wonderful tea bracelet by Hannah Zakari.



Inspire and research. by hollieanne



Finally, a picture of one of my Christmas gifts from MYB because it is simply the love of my life:

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for getting Britney Spears tickets!

Oh my gooooooood! I actually have tickets to see the wonderful Britney Spears in June 2009. OK, so a stack load of the British public are in the same position (including about 98% of my social circle) but it's still just as exciting.

Britney is such an inspiration to me and I turn into an eleven year old girl when I talk about Ms. Spears and, as much as I wouldn't go as crazy as the Britney Spears crying fan on Youtube, I won't really have a bad word said about her.

I ended up working from home today so I snapped up tickets super quick and spent the rest of the day relishing in delight and listening to Britney on repeat.

I ordered 2 tickets for Saturday 6th June but who I'm taking, I have no idea. My mother wouldn't mind going but I think it's more than likely I'll end up dragging MYB along- and like he'll complain! Seeing Britney Spears dancing around in tiny outfits? No man would turn that down- gay or straight!

I'm all colourful but warm today for working at home. I have a jumper similar to this but sadly it's not Moschino. Mix the purple with a sculpted yellow Yves Saint Laurent wool skirt and slip some black tights on for extra warmth. Finally, if you must go out in the ice for supplies of red wine and magazines, stomp around in these Topshop beauties which are sure to brighten the dullest of snowy days. Blue bangles and a blue ring provide the accessories. And in celebration of Britney Spears' comeback, I've gone for the "Save Britney" bag by Perez Hilton. Save Britney? She's back, Baby!


I have Britney tickets- Oh my God! by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for a not quite gig in Italy.

As I was scribbling away ideas for my novel, working on my UCAS form and getting some very exciting news from across the pond, I had my Last.fm radio playing. I like Last.fm. Not only does it record all that I listen to (actually, that can be a bad thing when I'm listening to bad pop music such as Rachel Stevens and Billie Piper- eeek!) but it has a brilliant feature which allows me to listen to the "radio" made up of artists and songs that I adore.

I'm proud of MYB in lots of ways, sometimes his past career choices make me giggle but mostly I find it fascinating. Not only is MYB a rather brilliant media bloke *Insert "I Wish He Was My Boss" fantasies here* but the man also happens to be a successful musician (although I use the term "successful" rather loosely. I'm joking!). I guess you could insert musician/groupie fantasies right now too, couldn't you? Anyway, so away spins my radio filled with the likes of The Cure, Emiliana Torrini and Damien Rice. My mind, at this point, was focused on my main character's latest love affair so I pay little attention when MYB's music turns up on my radio and am humming along. For some reason, I click onto my Last.fm page and read the short brief about the artist and then notice a gig date. A gig? Sure, MYB is working on the new album but I didn't realise he'd be playing any gigs right now. And it's in Italy? With New Young Pony Club? And some others? Whaaaaaaaaa?

November 20th apparently sees MYB take the stage at some Nokia music event. Was I happy? Hell No! Excuse me, Monsieur, but you do not go off to Italy and not tell your girlfriend. And where's my invite? Jesus, if anyone is going to be pulling the lead singer then it'll be me, Love!

I e-mailed MYB at his workplace. I knew it would be a weird situation to bring up because I knew that he knew that I'd go ballistic about it without some other explanation apart from that the trip was a surprise and he was taking me to Milan to go on a shopping spree after the gig. I panicked. Italy? Really? And he didn't think to tell me? Bugger. Would it all be over? I mean, we tell each other everything, right? But Italy? Playing a gig?

Eventually, I text MYB and asked him what on earth was going on. He pretty much replied straight away. He had zero clue what I was talking about. Was he telling the truth? Of course he was! We sent giggly text messages back and forth about Last.fm's silly mistake. Alas, no trip to Italy for either of us. Gutted.

However, there's zero reason I can't Dress For Italy today. You lot get the outfit I would have worn had I been sipping on a cocktail as he played. And it's a colour pop today to match my (imaginary) tan. Starting with this Juicy Couture lace and silk dress. I heart yellow- why don't people wear it too often? Add a Topshop pink belt around the waist and carry on the love theme with a necklace from Dolly Dagger. Slip on some sequin Topshop bracelets and a Marc by Marc Jacobs ring for extra colour fantastic. I've added a gorgeous pair of sandals by Steve Madden and then a vintage blue clutch from Rokit. Finally, check your lippie in this fab little Dolly Dagger compact mirror- after all, a musician's girlfriend must look sweet at all times. Ahh, to be summer again.


Italy. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for fancy dress outfit shopping.

Tomorrow evening I'll be in fancy dress for the first time ever- yay! I've never been to a fancy dress party before (sad, I know) so I am so excited.

My mother and I spent a hurried afternoon rushing around the shopping centre and trying to source inspiration. Despite tomorrow evening being planned for months, we didn't quite get our act together so have had to settle for what we could grab today. But what we found wasn't bad at all!

So, when I go off and see The Hoosiers tomorrow evening, I'll be dressed as a 1950s house-wife. Not very inventive, I know, but I have a lecture in the morning and then a hospital appointment with very little time to change in between. So unless I wanted to meet my doctor tomorrow dressed as Superwoman/Amy Winehouse/a naughty nurse, I'll have to work with my own clothing.

My style is quite 50s feminine anyway so my favourite mustard and purple floral dress will come in perfect, teamed with my cupcake apron, rollers in my hair and all the added accessories of a duster, rubber gloves and a feather boa for good measure. I can't wait!

As the shopping was quite hurried today, I've picked an outfit that's perfect for a slouchy morning with magazines, pastries and Hollyoaks followed by a Sunday lunch and glass of wine with your bloke and then trying on wigs quickly in fancy dress stores.

I love this Charles Nolan silk blouse- it's the perfect piece for work and for weekend. I've paired it up with a pale pink cotton Miu Miu skirt, Topshop knee high grey socks and amazing geometric style Chloé leather flats. Finally, as well as the Topshop bag, I've gone for cupcake jewellery- hooray! I heart cupcakes and The Humming Bird Bakery in South Kensington is the place of my dreams. Oh how I miss it...



Fancy dress shopping. by hollieanne