Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for hidden comforts.

I'm back! Have you ever found yourself feeling all warm and snuggly just at something so small? That little bit of comfort when you're least expecting it- like a memory, a smell or reading a text or e-mail from a loved one?

My day has been filled with things like that. Waking up this morning, I found myself feeling beautiful and loved more than ever in the mist of domestic bliss and a silly conversation about normality. Mid-morning was spent in Caffé Nero with a blackberry yogurt and a coffee as the rain beat heavy on the widows and I snuggled deeper in my cosy chair and pulled my newspaper closer to my body as if it losing myself deeper in the articles were like a blanket. And now it's evening and I've been wearing a simple outfit of a black vest and pj bottoms but, as I pulled the top over my head, I found myself surrounded by a beautiful smell that brought me back to a precious moment this morning. It's sad but true that I'm finding myself sniffing my top and pulling myself closer and closer to this morning despite time slipping away from me.

Sometimes, when you need reassurance or a little comforting the most, memories and pleasures sink into you without realising until you're tired at the end of the day and you realise what a simple but lovely 24 hours you've had.

The outfit today is simple, it's normal and it's nothing too special but it's the type of outfit I'd wear to go out for that coffee and watch the skies turn grey. The simple pleasures in life are the best. I love the colouring of this pretty Topshop buckle detail trench and, at £65, it's a bit of a steal. I've used a simple grey tee, some jeans by 7 For All Mankind and then added heels by Dorothy Perkins. The finishing touches come from a scarf and ring by Topshop and a Chloé bag. Hope you've had a great day!


Comfort. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for getting nervous about Uni.

I'm inpatient, this much is true. And so I called my top three universities this morning to ask about waiting times for replies and the responses terrified me.

OK, I can wait until March for replies due to the log of applications- I expected that answer- but I cannot deal with the thought of how many people are applying for my courses!

In all fairness, I have a lot going for me as far as my application goes (lots of work experience, a career as a freelance journalist and top grades on my course) so I don't have too much to worry about; I'll get into some university somewhere I'm sure. However, when you hear there are 1000 people applying for your course at a certain university, it kind of feels fine to have a little cry about it once you're put the phone down. Eeeek!

I'm still ill so today was a very scruffy jeans and t-shirt day but this outfit is a more stylish version on my Wonder Woman tee and dull jeans. I adore this incredible tee and it's by Lanvin (ahh, my one and only!). The jeans are a 7 for all Mankind bootcut pair but it's the accessories that really make this outfit so wonderful. I've used some pretty colour pop pink peep toe Louboutins, a huge hair bow from Forever21, some pretty flower studs also by Forever 21 and a brilliant bag by Longchamp. Until tomorrow...



Nerves. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for asking for an extension.

As a journalist, I've become an expert in reaching my deadlines no matter what but my standards have somewhat slipped in the mist of feeling rather low lately and so it comes as a slight disappointment to oneself to have to send off an e-mail to a lecturer tonight and ask for a deadline extension.

I hate the idea of asking for an extension but I know it has to be done to produce the best piece of work possible. If my deadline request is rejected, well, I'm sure I'll manage at a push but I really need to make sure I get top grades and I think just a few more days would help.

I admit that I'm struggling right now. The slight feelings of depression and exhaustion can become too much during the day to the point that I am deadly silent towards others and find myself unable to concentrate. I'm sure I'll snap out of it at any moment and I should really stop feeling so apologetic for it all: 'm feeling a little overwhelmed by an illness I continue to battle- why am I so sorry for it all? Asking for an extension is nothing to be ashamed of but perhaps something to be proud of in the way of being able to ask for help and not sinking.

MYB is out tonight with his two but I don't by half wish he was here to talk me through this. I love the fact that MYB has been there and done the whole education thing so he can always provide me with such wise words- and cuddles!

The outfit that I've styled for today would be a wonderful choice to step into any lecturers office, bat your eyelids and ask for a little longer to type up that essay. The outfit is smart but student-chic. This beautiful blouse is by one of my favourite labels, Antik Batik. I've added some 7 For All Mankind bootcut jeans, wonderful Grecian lace-ups by Carvela and a studded bag by Dorothy Perkins. Jewellery is in the form of a glam rock by Vera Wang and super pretty Kenneth Jay Lane feather necklace. Wish me luck!


Deadline. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for feeling really low.

My eyes are a little sore from crying. That makes me sound like an emo, right? Hope not! Haven't had the best of days, mainly induced by my father as mentioned in yesterdays blog.

I've spent today lazing on the sofa and feeling totally exhausted after a disturbing night filled with nightmares. I wore my comfort hoodie today, it's the only one I own and is about 3 sizes too big and from the mens section in H&M. I feel like a slob. Yuk. Never will I start the day by eating Marks and Spencer New York cheesecake again; it'll only make me feel fat and yucky for the rest of the day. No fun!

MYB, bless him, had the pleasure of hearing my moan at him this evening and then hear my cry as I recalled how low I've felt today. We got through it together- like we always do- by giggling and pointing out how much of a typical silly girl I actually am. I adore him.

I'd wear this outfit to take the train to MYB's place and get ready for a night of cuddles and hot chocolate. Shame it's not happening tonight, right? C'est la vie. This outfit is really different from my own personal style but I'd love to be able to dress more casually and feel really comfortable. The checked shirt is a snip from Forever21 at around £7! I'd wear the shirt a size larger and wear it with some bootcut jeans like these by 7 For All Mankind. To add a slightly more girly touch, I've gone for blue sequin Converse and a pretty bow ring by Miss Selfridge. The satchel bag is Cath Kidston, the necklace is by Juicy Couture and the pretty pink watch is by Coach.


Feeling low. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for stress.

I actually feel as if I am going to cry and never stop. But I don't even feel sad, I just feel super stressed.

I have assignments spilling out my ears, group work to co-ordinate, ideas which are not being listened to, a UCAS form to fully finish, an application to FIT in New York to sort out AND a weekend cuddle session with MYB to finalise. Do I feel sorry for myself? Yes I do!

I guess that's the thing with being stressed, isn't it? You try and take a little time out for it all to unwind but all you end up talking about is how stressed you are which makes you realise just how much there is to do. Take tonight for example, I was out for dinner with friends and although they understood my stress related rant fully, I felt bad for going on about rather depressing stuff. I know I should have a boiling hot bath with bubbles, take some magazines and a book to bed, have a square of chocolate and call MYB and have a little cry but I just can't- there's too much to do!

And I swear, if MYB can't do this weekend and help his girl relax then I shall be rather crossed. And even more stressed.

Hmm, so the outfit for today is blue. I feel blue a little but blue is also a really calming colour. My mother and I both adore this sweet Kirstin Davis for Belk blouse. It's so sweet! Pair with some skinny jeans by 7 For All Mankind and some pretty silver jewellery. Finally, add darker shades with some suede blue flats and a bag available from La Garconne. Take a deep breath. Everything will be fine...


Stress. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for Teen Vogue and Cosmogirl.

I went into Smiths this afternoon to buy NYLON (although, after the Peaches Geldof column disaster, I don't know why) but found the new delivery wasn't in yet. However, amongst the choices of either Plastique or Another Magazines, I saw two titles that I'd grown up adoring but hadn't bought in ages.

I didn't dare open the front covers of the two magazines as to savor every moment for tomorrow once I'm cuddled up in Starbucks with a skinny toffee nut coffee. I spent £4.95 on Cosmogirl and Teen Vogue because, sometimes, it's nice to have a super simple read in your hand.

I haven't picked up either magazines in ages so I cannot wait to flick through the pages once more. After a rather long, tiring and- frankly- a bit rubbish day, I'll wake with a geeky excitement as to devour every word of my magazines tomorrow.

Dressing For is today about being a sensible grown-up but with that little bit of girly teen added on secretly. This outfit would be worn to dinner with MYB and his mates or out for cocktails with my girls. I love this Bill Blass flamenco backless blouse- appallingly sexy but still subtle. Team with some 7 for All Mankind jeans and a simple but effective Mulberry clutch. Next, slip this gorgeous Yves Saint Laurent cocktail ring on for ultimate sophisticated yet girly effect. And now, here comes the inner teen within you, have several spritzes of this Hilary Duff fragrance and slip on your Jessica Simpson shoes. Finally, add some sort of fizzy, pink and sparkly drink!


Cosmogirl/Teen Vogue. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for getting very confused.

What am I like, eh? There I was, lipstick on and perfume sprayed, about to set out of the house for an appointment. I'd blagged a lift there and back which saved me three buses each way and I'd woken up especially early to get myself sorted for this meeting.

I'm about to walk out of the door when I pick up my diary. The intention was to scribble the number of the hotel MYB was in so that I could give him a call. What I saw was an appointment card slotted in at the back of my diary. At this point I'm in a bit of a rush so I quickly look at the card. Ah, no November 3rd meeting but rather a November 10th meeting. Bugger!

I hate doing that, don't you? Last time I did it I ended up getting all the way there and looking rather silly to the point that I cried a little. Thank God I didn't do that!

Apparently our household was all confused today and it wasn't just me. My mother called up the doctor to cancel an appointment for today. Turns out it's tomorrow. What's wrong with us?

Thankfully, I did get one thing right with time today. During a rather early break in my evening class I rang the hotel number I had for MYB (he's in the Isle of Man) to check to make sure I had the right place. The hotel receptionist put me through and I'm all set for it clicking off any second as I expected MYB to be working or out for dinner. By coincidence, I caught him ten minutes before he was due to go out for dinner with the BBC lot. I like how things work out like that. So, we spent a while talking about my mustard cardigan, apologising for a silly (tired) argument last night and then said general pretty and loving rubbish that made me smile and blush for the rest of the lecture.

I have been very confused today.

However, if you do manage to make all your appointments at the right time and on the right day, why not do it in style? I like this outfit a lot. Black and blue aren't colours I wear too much but, according to my mum, I should. I really love this Moschino Cheap & Chic cardigan and cami vest all in one- it's pretty and versatile and would look really sweet paired with these 7 For All Mankind jeans. Slip on some Tibi flat slingbacks and carry your (correctly updated) diary around in a smart Anya Hindmarch black bag. Finally, some cute little bits of Forever21 jewellery. Now, always remember to double check- I'm glad I did!


Confusion. by hollieanne