Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for the car breaking down.

What a day! Here's me expecting a simple Sunday and it turns into a nightmare. This morning I woke up late, text MYB to tell him about my nightmare (I heart how much he looks after me even when we're apart) and watched Hollyoaks with a grilled bacon sandwich. I got dressed in some comfortable Sunday clothes, made a coffee and made plans to go out for the afternoon with my family.

My mother is learning to drive so she and her partner opted to spend the afternoon having a little practise whilst my brothers and I went shopping and had lunch together. Once we were dropped off, my brothers and I walked around the shops and I enjoyed getting male opinions on shades of lipsticks, high heels and jeans. My brothers may only be twelve and eight but they know their stuff on fashion! My younger brother even declared that today was the "best day ever" as he got to "enjoy all the shops for girls". Strange but cute.

My mother was taking a while but we were happy in the knowledge she was learning her driving stuff so we went for three large Starbucks hot chocolates and a shared shortbread. Drinking hot chocolate with my two little boys is almost as good as sipping on champagne with MYB!

After a while, however, we worried. My mother wasn't answering her phone and neither was her partner. The shops were close to closing when my mother turned up looking flustered. The car had broken down a fair while away and the RAC were coming out to rescue them. As it was a long way to walk, my mother suggested I keep the boys busy and she'd come back for us once the car was fixed but she warned us that if she was longer than an hour and a half, we were to make our own way back.

Two hours passed and they hadn't turned up. Worried and cold, the boys and I walked for ages in the rain to get help. I'd forgot my bank card so we had no money on us but the lovely people at Sainsbury's garage called us a cab and we paid once we arrived back home. An hour later, my mother and her partner arrived home totally exhausted.

It's been a tiring, exhausting and stressful day but we got through it.

Style is a must in these situations, however. No cash? No transport? Not a problem if you're dressed wonderfully. I love this Topshop jacket- it is so 80s and fabulous! I'd wear the jacket left open with this brown and white striped DAY Birger et Mikkelsen tee, some jeans from New Look and mustard colour heels by Kurt Geiger. This sweet cross the body bag is vintage and all the jewellery featured is from Topshop.


Broken down. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for UPS.

My BFF and I are, quite frankly, rather crazy. We have the sort of super silly friendship that I feel is rather rare. We bond over our private jokes which have lasted years and not a single person in the world can make me laugh as much as he can. We've been through everything together: bereavement, break-ups, career heartbreaks and finance issues. I doubt there is a single thing we couldn't do together.

And so this all brings me on to the theme for today. My BFF and I have a silly argument about the UPS mail service. Is it pronounced U.P.S or is it pronounced "ups" as in up and down? My BFF is a wee bit dim and thought it was the latter but I clearly knew it was single letters. So I e-mailed UPS today and explained our little situation. I explained that, if I were correct, I'd be forcing my BFF to wear my favourite pink lipstick.

I'm sure you all know I was correct, don't you? Thanks to the lovely UPS bloke who cleared it all up (or ups, even) and proved my stupid but gorgeous BFF wrong. So, BFF, you ready to pucker up?!

My outfit for today clearly celebrates my win. Dinner in style on my BFF as seen as he got it wrong. I've used some Dorothy Perkins jeans but dressed them up with gorgeous black Brian Atwood shoes. The silk cotton cardigan is by my future wedding dress designer, Oscar de la Renta. I've added a vintage bag, Juicy Couture ring and a Forever21 necklace. Finally, some Marc Jacobs sunglasses to wear as we drive through the country roads and farms near casa de BFF.


UPS - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for being rejected for washing.

Imagine the scene: I'm watching Season 1 of Sex And The City, I've got an afternoon glass of rosé in my hand and I'm totally relaxed in the house alone. And then my father calls.

My dad and I had planned a pub lunch for tomorrow and my expectations were high: talking about Muffin Top was out, talking about my half-sister was out but chatting about our hopes for 2009 and stories about my granny were in. When my dad called I figured he was ringing to confirm our plans and see how I was. But no. He called to cancel on me.

OK, sure, you have to work? Or your sister is ill and you need to visit? Not that either, eh? Ah yes, you're cancelling on me because you "have loads of washing to do". Yes, my dad cancelled on me with the excuse that he had lots of clothes to wash. Pardon me but we both know that's bollocks- he cancelled on me to spend more time with that Muffin Top. Thanks, Dad, I'll be off to see the crisis team tonight.

Never mind him though, he's an idiot. I'll go out for lunch myself tomorrow and sit in a pretty coffee shop with a marketing book in hand and a bigger smile on my face than if I was seeing him. I like the outfit for today; it's really pretty, really feminine and reminds me of a summer festival. I've had my eye on this Billabong dress for a while as it's really versatile (black tights and heels on a night out, over a bikini on the beach...) and the geometric pattern is fab. I've put the dress over some skinny jeans and added a Miss Selfridge slouchy cardigan for a more casual look. Accessories are tan dull golds and I know these wedge gladiators will be a total love or hate split; personally, I ADORE them! The ring and satchel are vintage and the long chain necklace is available from Toast.


Rejection. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for sore throats.

I could feel it coming on last night as I chatted with MYB whilst snuggled up in my bed and knew this morning would only make it worse. Alas, after getting over a cold and several weeks of none stop physical illness, I'm now run down with a dreaded sore throat.

I think having a sore throat is one of the more horrible winter related illness. If you know me, you know I never shut up so losing my voice today has proved a nightmare but still hasn't stopped me chatting (in a painfully high pitched voice) to my best friend on the phone or singing along to Britney Spears.

My bed proved a welcome comforter today but sadly MYB wasn't with me to enjoy gossip magazine reading or hot chocolates. I've slept for a lot of the day although, come 11:30pm, I'm now wide awake and have to be up early for the hell that is Christmas shopping in the morning.

A girl can't let illness get to her too much though, can she? After all, I had a portfolio to put together, blogging to be done, feature ideas to be sent out and a novel to write so I bounced back as much as I could with the added help of some honey and lemon medicine.

Dressing For is all about spending the day at home poorly but still looking chic as you take calls from your editor and plan the latest twist in your future best-seller. I don't have the figure to pull off hareem pants but I wish I did as they always look so comfortable and yet so chic; I've selected these ones in a classic colour from Topshop and paired them with a Bowie tee also from the ultimate high street favourite. Add some gorgeous Lanvin pumps which would look just as good as heels on any dance floor for the Christmas party season and added a scarf by Paul Smith- the chicest way to keep your poorly throat nice and warm this winter for the true English country look. Finally, slip on a few cocktail rings and some studs. And if you must go out? Slip your Strepsils and Filofax in this vintage beauty.



Sore throat. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for panic attacks.

When I was little I was trained, by my mother, in how to take care of my father whenever he had a panic attack and I was the only person around. I remember a little sheet that gave details of the symptoms of panic attacks and how to calm a person down. I also remember the huge batch of paper bags in the cupboard which were given to my dad from the pharmacy; they were printed with a green cross and blue text in a typical chemist style.

I've never really suffered from panic attacks- perhaps I had a few in my early teens and maybe a 'light' one once every now and again but it's never something I'd say I "suffered" from or that happened to me frequently. But today, for one of the only times in my life, I had a major panic attack.

The thing that's upset me most about it is that I found myself feeling really embarrassed about it as there was nothing, that I can recall, that brought it on. The location bothers me most about the incident, however. I happened to be right in the middle of Marks and Spencer and, in the middle of shaking and being unable to breath, managed to drop my basket to the sound of a loud clatter. What started off as short breaths and sweating turned into loud crying, intense shaking, chest pains, hyperventilating and lightheadedness. Right in the middle of an immensely busy M&S!

People crowded round me and worried people tried to ask me if I was OK but nothing came out of my mouth. Eventually members of staff made people move on and slowly took me to a back room to calm down. They gave me glass after glass of water and gave me a paper bag to breath into. Well done, M&S- you actually really helped! They were so lovely but I felt so silly and couldn't even look them in the eye. I ended up leaving my basket of wine and dessert as I was too flushed and worked-up. It wasn't good.

Dressing For is all about staying calm today. When I'm feeling ill I always opt for the floaty dress or top and skinny jeans number. There's something about a silky and floaty top that always makes me feel calm and comfortable. I love this over-sized Day Birger Et Mikkelsen shirt dress as it can be slipped on over jeans, like I've done, or worn on its own with some ribbed tights and a belt. I've added some skinny jeans by Cheap Monday and some bangles by French Connection. I've gone for browns and oranges with accessories and started with this Disney Couture pumpkin necklace- so cute! Finally, slip on some super comfortable moccasins available from Fred Flare and take advantage of Dorothy Perkins 20% off day and bag yourself this vintage looking patchwork beauty. Remember, stay calm and carry on...


Panic Attacks. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for New Look.

I thought I'd made a stupid decision today to go shopping with my father and K The Bore. The fuzzy head and sniffly nose caused me to think irrationally and when I found myself staring at K The Bore's muffin top, I nearly died. Look, I have a muffin top and cellulite and lots of wobbly bits but I dress to suit my shape and don't hang my fat about like an animal trying to attract a mate. I am being a bitch, yes. Anyway, I find myself panicking when K The Bore and my father start talking about her dead daughter and how cool she was and how she knew loads of cool bands that no-one ever heard of. Oh, I don't know, I just find it odd.

We arrived at the shopping centre and I went off by myself, almost feeling like a thirteen year old being trusted for the first time to shop alone or with friends. It was odd how young and fragile I felt when listening to my father's instructions about where to meet and at what time. He was never there during those points of my teenage years when I was allowed my first bit of trust to go off and buy silk scarves from charity shops and pink lipsticks which have stayed the same tone even all these years later.

I despise Christmas so rebelled against it by shopping for myself. An amazing oversize clutch from the Limited Collection at M&S, basics from Primark and amazing bargains from New Look. The difference in regional style is something that amazes me and, I guess, a dream job would be as a street style blogger travelling major cities of the world. I admit, one of the things I loved about spending the weekend in the secret Yorkshire town was the style there- they were preened and perfect and knew how to mix vintage and high-street really well without looking too try-hard.

It then wasn't a surprise to me to see loads of the Limited Edition collection by New Look in the sale at the store in the Metro Centre, Gateshead. I guess the Limited Edition stuff can be a little less mainstream and my favourite item from the collection to date, an amazing faux-fur belted coat which was modelled by Pixie Geldof in the advertising campaigns, was actually reduced from £75 to £30 in the sale today despite there only being 400 of them and it being an amazing piece. Sadly, I'm neither a size 8 or 10. I guess I notice that up in Newcastle, despite the females having really cool style, some of the more unique or quirky pieces are left. Not that I'm complaining as I managed to bag opulent and statement necklaces for £1 reduced from £15. Chunky beads, bright jewel colours, large coloured stones and lots of beading- throw it all together and I'll wear it!

So, in honour of the store which supplied me with great joy today and took my mind away from K The Bore's muffin top, today's entire outfit is dedicated to my favourite store. Enjoy!



New Look 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 NOT meeting his parents.

My relationship with My Yummy Bloke has always had it's problems (although details should be spare for girly chats as, if recent behaviour is anything to go by, his ex-wife will be reading this and getting herself all worked up) but for a while it's been rather gorgeously fabulous. I always fear looking further than tomorrow as regards My Yummy Bloke as he's older, a lot more successful than moi and has- without making him sound ancient- been there and done that. My silly little 19 year old fantasies about the perfect wedding or whether I think we should go on a romantic two week love-in in the Caribbean in the summer of 2015 wouldn't be unwelcome but perhaps would just feel awkward. But lately, as things settle and the honeymoon period is closed to the point that I can forgive him for not calling me because he was enjoying his cuppa too much, it's actually been nice to wonder what we'll be doing for my birthday in May next year or whether he'd ever be up for spending New Year 2010 in Times Square.

I'm a realistic girl- My Yummy Bloke and I probably won't stay together for a lifetime but, actually, the idea isn't appalling.

However, despite being super suited and very much together, we've never met each other's parents. Actually, this is a half lie in my case. When I became ill in June 2008, my mum and her partner drove down from Durham to see me in Derby City hospital. When I was well enough to leave, my mum and her bloke drove me to my Bloke's house on the way back to my place. They stayed in the car whilst I ran across the road, knocked on the white door and held the man who'd stayed up all night with me as I threw-up all over the place and cried my eyes out for hours- that night, when he looked after me and still called me Sweetpea despite me not looking so sweet, I knew more than ever that I was in love with him. Anyway, back to the point- we've never introduced each other to our parents!

My mum has spoken to my Bloke on the phone for various reasons over time so they're not strangers but I may as well be to his mummy and daddy. So, as I sit here with a poorly tummy and a craving for diet ruining chocolate, My Yummy Bloke is out for dinner with his yummy parents. I often wonder what his parents must think of me, I mean, I'm a journalist turned mature student turned soon-to-be fashion promotions student. And, of course, I'm young enough to be his daughter and swear like a trooper. Not to mention the rather chaotic family, the fact that his kids probably aren't too keen on me and the way I'm totally gone after two glasses of wine. What a catch!

Hmm, would I like to meet his parents? Hell yes! But I can see why I haven't yet. For a start, he's really independent and I think his parents are quite reserved with him regarding matters of the heart, especially after his divorce and the LTR after that that was expected to last forever but clearly didn't. I guess that I am sort of wondering what tonight would have been like had he taken me. The thing about me is that, although I am some foul-mouthed Northern lass with a big bottom and a love for Heat magazine, I am actually a rather polite bird. I can use a knife and fork, I actually know more than you'd think about politics and current affairs and I'll not mention that time Their Yummy Son and I got caught kissing like mad in Chatsworth. It's not that I think My Yummy Bloke has a problem with me or how I'd behave, I just think that-perhaps- as you become older it's less of an important thing to have your parents approval. But please, My Yummy Bloke, introduce me to them- I'll wear a nice frock!

And speaking of nice frocks, what a breathtakingly gorgeous piece this Christian Dior dress is. I want to get married in it in Paris with a small bunch of pink roses and no-one there besides my groom (either Jude Law, George Lamb or- at a push- My Yummy Bloke) and our close family... I'm getting carried away. At over £5,000 the dress is, to say the least, an investment piece. I'd slip on some pretty pink ballerina flats and add a vintage clutch bag. Curly hair would look smart and pretty clipped back with these divine Betsey Johnson hair slides and then pop in some Dorothy Perkins heart earrings and add an almost identical Mikey heart ring. An all round pretty and parent approving outfit, don't you think?


I could meet your parents. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for finding out his real name.

Have I ever told you the story of Humphries and Owner? I'm not sure I have, have I? Are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin...

Every morning, at the same time, I get on the bus into Newcastle from my home. And every morning, in the same spot, sits a pair I call Humphries and Owner. Humphries is a gorgeous shaggy dog, described in modern culture as a Dulux dog. Owner is, of course, the owner of Humphries. Owner is always dressed rather casually and sits and listens to his iPod- at around the age of 55, I wonder what he listens to as Humphries sits and attracts smiles from the crowd of commuters.

I'd tell the tale of Humphries and Owner- how they appeared, what stop they got off at and my theories as to where they might be going- to my best friend and my mother. We all rapidly became intrigued by the duo and brief mentions of them on an evening turned into immediate texting on a morning as soon as I saw them.

I came up with the name Humphries- he really suits it and I then further have discussions about the shattering of illusions about his real name. I swore I'd never find it out.

Then today, as I left campus at a different time to normal, I found myself sat in the station with Humphries' head on my lap. Humphries and Owner were waiting for the same bus as I was and I was rather elated inside to find that Owner said hello to me. As I stroked Humphries, Owner smiled and I just had to do it!

"What's his name?" I asked, terrified of a response such as "Shaggy" or "Cuddles".
"Shepard" replied Owner with a smile.

Shepard? Humphries is called Shepard?! You know what, the illusion isn't ruined and so the reality is a million times better. I never did quite find out where they were going though...

Dressing For is today inspired by a park walk with Humphries/Shepard. It's been freezing outside so one needs to start with a snuggly and smart looking Topshop coat. Next, the focus piece- a fabulous print skirt by Erdem Laverna skirt that I'd sell my boyfriend for (that is, if he were not so damn gorgeous and super intelligent!). It is such a beautiful skirt though, isn't it? Dressed down with cashmere t-shirts and perfect for the office with a tailored white shirt. Then go navy mad with a Dorothy Perkins shopper, some vintage leather gloves and super cute shoes- a slight 50s look that I heart. Is it true that loads of people meet their partner whilst walking their dogs? I have no doubt you would in this super sweet outfit. Happy dog walking!



Finding out his real name. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dreses for sudden flights out of the country.

Dating someone with children has really helped me understand that my parents do have lives too and they're often more fun than my own! I guess something clicked when I first fell in love with my other half and I suddenly had such a new outlook on my parents, their divorce and their current situation. I think this is probably the greatest lesson my boyfriend has ever taught me, although I'm not sure how aware he is of it.

But even though I understand my father needs a life and a relationship, I've never approved of his teenage like behaviour and his need to gallivant, for one of a better word. I've never understood my father's need to be in relationship after relationship and for, well, all his life to overlap. He's never been single since he was about 16. A need to feel constant love after an appalling childhood? Maybe so but in this instance, it hurts.

As I sat doodling teacups and kittens this morning, my father called. He always has a habit of talking around the main point (the man was a massive success in the retail world, I shouldn't be surprised at this!) so he started asking how I was, what I was up to and what times I was in college for the following week. Then he got to the main point. Himself and K The Bore are off to Turkey for a week as of Monday afternoon. No time to see me between now and then, he's afraid so er...bye. Bye, Dad! You know, I haven't seen you in a few weeks and you're off once more spending cash you told me you didn't have when I asked for £10 for two research journals. It's not the money, it's just the madness of it all and the way he just appears to dump me the whole time.

Perhaps some people reading this will think I'm being a little selfish and my father is just living his life but he's irrational, unstable and falls in love constantly with new women because he likes the feeling of being in love. After I moved back in with my parents, it took weeks for my father and I to even speak but then we build up this amazing relationship and once I meet K The Bore and lie and say she's great, he drops me like a hat and doesn't call as much and hasn't visited or invited me over. Well, Mr. Brooks, do what you please because I do not care. Nope, not one bit. But doesn't ever girl need her daddy in fragile times?

So with a slight annoyed expression about me all day, I've created Dressing For with a pink stroppy stomp! This pink prom style dress would come in at around £12.40 if Forever21 existed in the UK; sometimes I hate living in Britain (this is a lie- I loooooooooove being British!). The shoes, however, not so cheap but aren't they a work of art? I actually want these Prada babies just to cuddle at night. Again, you'd be spending mega bucks on the Chanel bag but if you're daddy's little princess perhaps you could just flutter your eyelashes? Hey, it might work! Add this Juicy Couture belted trench for the autumn nights. See, people laugh at me for my love of Juicy Couture but how could you not love the label when they produce items like the sweet little trench? Finally, clip back hair in some Claire's vintage style slides and grab this Urban Outfitters watch necklace before they're all snapped up. A perfect outfit for pouting and sipping on a skinny mocha in Starbucks.

PS/ Promise I'll try and stop with the pink overload!


Sudden flights. by hollieanne