Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for being cross.

I've been having a bit of a rough few days- bit low, tired, flu- and I was positive I'd pick myself up today and feel refreshed for the coming week but apparently that wasn't to happen. MYB and I spent all last night chatting and trying to ease our stressed minds and, at a silly hour this morning, we said goodbye and went to sleep happy.

But MYB (My Yummy Bloke) text me and was insistent he spoke to me ASAP. Anyway, we ended up having a little falling out over some information he's been keeping from me (he'll not be around for five whole days as of tomorrow) and I've had to stop myself from crying in public all day because he just added to my stress. Silly, MYB. I adore him, I just wish he'd have had a little more belief in me.

We've made up (and bloody enjoyed it!) and we're swapping texts but my mind still feels busy and cloudy with all the work I have to do this week. I need a holiday.

However, on a positive note, I've gone for a kiss print dress from Dorothy Perkins for all those silly little misunderstandings that couples have that end up in romance and beautifulness. I've added some pink Forever21 flats, a necklace by ASOS and a ring by Betsey Johnson. Finally, I've added the gift which I hope I'll be getting as an "I'm sorry" gift, a beautiful navy Chanel bag. Hope you lot have had a fab weekend!



I was cross. by hollieanne featuring Forever21 flat shoes

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for mornings and evenings in the sunshine.

I beat the clock today. Rather than feeling gutted that I had- in effect- lost an hour of sleep, I woke two hours earlier than normal and jumped into some lounge wear and headed for the garden. I spent an hour drinking a few cups of herbal tea and reading my book as my toes touched the morning dew and my legs stretched out onto the cool grass.



I had to depart from my literary bliss to go out shopping for the afternoon but this only resulted in a chance to purchase more things for my reading pleasure. In the case of today, I bought a Sunday paper and Psychologies magazine.



When I returned home this evening, around 630pm, I put on my favourite H&M hoodie and ventured out into the garden once more with my new stack of reading material, a glass of wine and another mug of herbal tea. Sitting on the bench and watching the sun go down, it made me think of how I need to pull myself out of this little low spell I've been feeling for a few days. I hope it goes away soon.

The floral maxi dress featured here (perfect for sunny afternoons) is by Charlotte Russe and I've added some gladiator heels by Nine West and a Topshop straw clutch. The two necklace here are also by Topshop, the earrings are ASOS and the bangles come from French Connection. Finally, you all know I love a floral ring and this Betsey Johnson one is so cute!



Newspapers in the garden. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for wishing it was sunny.

Spring is my favourite time of year for all things fashion. Not only do we get the A/W fashion weeks (Erdem and Preen have proved to be my favourites so far) but we get that slight bit of sun which is enough to whip out those Escada/Primark sunnies even for the slightest few minutes.

I love dressing in spring because I'm such a girly girl and nothing is better than the feel of a slight breeze against my bare legs or walking around Hyde Park with no shoes on. I love the excitement that summer is round the corner and that I have no plans but to spend several hours a day in an office somewhere in London being paid to write features. Spring, for me, means jeans and flat sandals, cardigans wore unbuttoned with dresses and bare legs, homemade cotton tote bags with painted slogans and more corsages than ever.

But I'm feeling a bit sluggish of late and a bit ill so I've had a need for sun and spring more than ever. This afternoon, in the cold of the late February sky, I wore flat gold sandals with my jeans and silk top and it felt wonderful to feel the cold on my toes. I was rather freezing but there's something about the air on your toes that just feels summery and fresh and clean. I'm craving just a little more sunshine so that I can get away with plain tops, statement necklaces, jeans, flip-flops and huge sunnies more than I can currently.

So I've dressed for spring today! That mix-match feeling of open toe shoes and comfortable winter friendly trousers. This chain detail top by Balmain would be such a staple in my wardrobe and mainly worn dressed down with dark denim jeans for Sunday coffee and newspaper mornings with MYB. I've used some biker style Chloé pants but added some brown Steve Madden platforms to give less of a heavy feel and more light and summery. This incredible bag is the new love of my life and is designed by the ever wonderful Miu Miu who have also designed this super pretty pink hairband. To soften the look and make it really girly, I've used a necklace from Betsey Johnson and a ring available from Evans. Finally, to tie in with the animal print of the bag, I've selected a ring by Just Cavalli. Hope the sun turns up soon...



Wishing for sun. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for needing so much sleep!

This past week has been filled with a major lack of sleep and my plans for an early night last night quickly vanished when I locked myself in a conversation that went on for hours and hours and hours. It was rather pretty and it's nice to feel butterflies about love and life once more after a tiny period of the spark dying in rather a few aspects of life.

But, despite my rather youthful age, I am not one who is able to stay up all night and manage a perfect day of work the next (or should that be same) day. I went to sleep about 530 this morning and woke two hours later to prepare for my day. Plans for today were supposed to including spending the whole time on campus and shopping for jeans but once I snuggled up on the sofa with BBC Breakfast, I couldn't pull myself away. Duvet, herbal tea and the comfort of my hoodie was enough to keep me there all day in a mist of sleep and yawning.

MYB and I exchanged sweet little text messages all day that were a wonder to wake up to in between naps. Now, however, I have to be up early in the morning and don't feel sleepy at all. Bugger.

The outfit I've styled for today is clearly all about comfort but there's tones of the S/S trend of- in more casual terms- pajamas as day wear. Jessica Alba eat your heart out! OK, so not quite but I like this outfit for casual indoor wear. This pretty cardigan is Moschino Cheap & Chic; I love the neck tie. I've added some love/hate leopard print harem pants by Temperly London and selected some grey flats by Tibi. The super soft scarf seen here is available from La Garconne, the ring is Forever21, earrings are Betsey Johnson and the cross over bag is from Dorothy Perkins. Back to bed? Think so!



Sleep is needed! - 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 needing a hug.

I'm exhausted! I had a silly day which resulted in me fighting back tears as I walked to the station on my way home. Why am I never happy? The thing is, I've had a really successful day but I'm just way too competitive for my own liking.

I could really do with an MYB shaped hug, especially as seen as he was too busy to have a gossip with me last night. I had to curl up in bed with zero MYB giggles to send me off to sleep- bad times. And he hasn't text/e-mailed/called me all day! Where for art thou, MYB? Why am I suddenly in Ye Olde English times? I am cracking up with the tiredness.

I'd wear this outfit to hop in a cab over to MYB and make him hug me all night! The beautiful dress and heels are by the one and only Fendi and I've added a lust worthy Marc B bag. The feather hair clip, available from Modcloth.com, would be gently pinned into twisted hair and I'd add these Pippa Small to set the look off. Finally, a wonderful Betsey Johnson tea party ring.


I need hugs. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for dressing in black!

I have become obsessed with the Fashion Darling that is a deep shade of black. This may not appear like anything major but I'm a girl who has never worn black apart from the odd cardigan, vest top or pair of tights.

My mother has already encouraged me to wear black but her lovely comments about how it looked so great on me just passed over my head as black looks great on everyone, right? Perhaps this is true and I've seen many a friend or family member wearing the shade a lot to make them look slimmer but I've never quite got it. Where's all the colour that makes you stand out?

As a bird with decent size hips (that, I can reveal, are 5lb lighter this week!) I've always stayed away from black for thinking people only thought I was wearing it to make myself look slimmer and I've always had confidence is my "hour glass with a bit of a tummy" shape. But the past few days have seen me purchasing a perfect black dress and the love of my life- a black leather jacket. Seeing myself in such a colour and adoring the way I look comes as a shock- much like that of a black-only woman loving the way she looked in bright orange.

Is my style growing up from splashes of purple, pink and yellows to a more serious look of sophisticated black shades or am I just embracing something long overdue? I think it's a mix of both things. In these credit crunch times, it's more about investment pieces and sensible tan boots, black leather jackets, patent black clutches and calf skimming black dresses all come into the equation of being long lasting and sensible. I'm wearing chic flats, dying my hair grown up shades of ginger and making use of sensible peach nail shades. Grow up style here I come! Although I do think the odd pink satin Primark hair bow might be creeping in.

The outfit styled for today is grown up but also fun too. The tee was my starting point for the outfit and it's by one of my all time favourite labels- Sonia by Sonia Rykiel. The skirt is tucked into a Topshop skirt and I've thrown a Miu Miu biker jacket over the top which has amazing pleating detail- well worth the £1,000+ price tag! I've added some black tights, Jil Sander biker boots, a gorgeous Chanel necklace and a Betsey Johnson lace detailed bag. Finally, pin hair back into a chic loose ponytail and tie in a red corsage for ultimate glam but gorgeousness!


Wearing black. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for Boxing Day.

The last three Dressing For topics have been pretty straight forward. Sorry. But what else is there but Christmas? I could write about a personal event happening today which is making me feel a wee bit rubbish but it's probably too personal (or too related to MYB) to blog.

Chin up, eh? It's Boxing Day. A day of sale shopping, binging on more food and enjoying all the gifts of yesterday. I made a last minute decision to hit the sales today but didn't have too much time so mainly went to New Look. Must say, I was slightly disappointed. I managed to buy a fabulous gold/cream colour swishy skirt that was reduced to £7 from £28 in the New Look sale and a few little bits of jewellery but nothing substantial.

I think I'll go back tomorrow and try and seek out bargains in the likes of M&S, H&M and any other store which I didn't have a chance to raid.

The best purchase of today was my Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd! My mum and her bloke bought it for me much to my delight. It's pretty and takes snappy snaps. I'm happy enough.

On with the outfit! I've picked something stylish but comfortable today; an outfit which is easily slipped on and off in changing rooms to try on that ugly but cheap dress from Topshop. The boy-fit blazer should be a wardrobe staple and this one is by Stella McCartney. Under the blazer I've added an ACDC tee and the jeans are Republic. Keeping with the navy and black theme, the flats are Debenhams, the ring is by ASOS and the guitar watch is Marc by Marc Jacobs. A splash of colour is added with some adorable Betsey Johnson earrings and a Marni bag. Happy Boxing Day!



Boxing Day. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for being let down by her father. Again.

Avid followers of my blog clearly know I have a certain cliche in the form of "issues with my father" and they have sadly crept up again today. I can't be bothered to go into detail but I suppose Christmas is always a weird time of year when you have parents who are separated, right?

I guess my father just doesn't know me and hasn't done for a while. We were best friends when we were younger, before he left my mum, and now I struggle with the concept of my mother selecting my Christmas gift from my father and him just handing over some cash for it. Because of that reason, because it wasn't really from him and because he couldn't even be bothered to browse the Juicy Couture section in Fenwicks or know me well enough to pick something I'd really adore, I'll be taking it back and the cash going towards a Mulberry bag. It's weird accepting a gift from my father that's actually from my mother.

MYB will be home from the office soon so, as he's requested, I'll be telling him all about it and having a little cry. Until then? Fighting back the tears whilst munching on an M&S mince pie and slurping on a calorie filled glass of milkshake.

This outfit is exactly the sort of thing I wear every day (minus most of the expensive labels) and thus a clear representation of my personality of which my father would not know. I've had a slight Dolce and Gabbana day (secrets, secrets!) hence the Bowie tee and pretty pink metallic bag from the Italian label. The "throw on with most things" purple skirt is Miu Miu and the belt I've added is Dorothy Perkins. The flats shoes are Marc Jacobs and the silly watch is indeed by the same designer but under the collective of Marc by Marc Jacobs. I'd wear this Johnny Loves Rosie sequin bow in my hair and this Miss Selfridge bracelet could perhaps be turned into a hair feature, too. Finally, cute little Betsey Johnson stud earrings.


Issues with my father. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for the Primark menswear section.

I was dragged out Christmas shopping today and with my sore throat still roaring and bags under my eyes after chatting with MYB into the small hours, it was pretty much the last thing I wanted.

After a wake-up call in the form of soft cheese and bread sticks for breakfast, I blow dried my ginger mop and added a pop of red lipstick on and was finally ready to face the havoc inducing high streets. My mother and I stepped out together for a men-free shopping day (although several yummy creatures caught my eye so it wasn't totally men-free) and indulged in every make-up counter that Boots has to offer. My selections? A wonderful orange lipstick, Marc Jacobs 'Daisy' fragrance and a smokey eye collection for the festive season.

We had fun selecting gifts for my brothers and I managed to pick up a few things for MYB (not from the Primark menswear section if you're reading this MYB, you don't have to worry!). My pleasure came in the surprisingly cool Primark menswear section. My mother was picking out a few bits for her tracksuit bottoms and trainers excuse for a partner and a cardigan caught my eye. I'm a major fan of the boyfriend cardigan and wore one recently when out for dinner with MYB over a smart purple dress, stockings and heels. The latest addition to my expanding cardigan wardrobe is a grey with "neon" pink stripe cardigan from Primark menswear. I opted for the XL size for a baggy and comfortable feel and I'm currently wrapped in it over the top of some pretty pink pajamas. I also came across a rather large tartan scarf that will go fab on jeans and Topshop basic vest days. Who would have guessed, eh?

I'd wear this outfit out for dinner with MYB or perhaps just to the cinema and for a cocktail. I'm a little bit in love with Primark today so both the peep toes and the gorgeous orange dress are from the flea market on the High Street that is Primarni. And we love it! I've used jewellery from Betsey Johnson and an established "it" bag in the form of this Balenciaga teal number. Finally, as I am championing men's clothing, add a Topman teal cardigan and wear with the buttons left open.



Menswear. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for the last day of half term.

Jesus, how long has this week been? Half term, or the more maturely known "reading week", has to be the most boring time of year. Highlights included the cute act of taking my little brother out for Halloween, all my long lie-ins and, of course, the purchase of Gordon and Horatio the Guinea Pigs!

I struggle with holidays. I'd happily work all year without a single break. I'm just like that, I get addicted to work and thrive on long working hours and spending extra time in the classroom or office. It's not a bad thing by any standards but I have found myself in tears at times because I had a whole week off work or something similar. No matter how much work I have to do at home, how many plans I have with friends or how generally busy I am during my week off, I just cannot cope very well.

I wish I could swap with My Yummy Bloke. MYB works long hours sometimes and has to travel for work a lot when he'd much rather take time off and be with his kids. We should have swapped this week. I could have been sat in the office in Birmingham and doing whatever fancy media stuff that he does and he could have been at home baking cupcakes, shopping for shoes and spending time with the little ones (although his aren't so little anymore).

So, I'm so glad to be back tomorrow. My class doesn't start until 5 but I have loads to do beforehand so no doubt I'll be sat in a chair on the eighth floor before I know it. I enjoy work, what can I say? It may be a little sad but it excites me like no other and-fingers crossed- it'll equal mass success.

On the last day of half term I found myself doing yet more shopping. T K Maxx provided me with stacks of Betsey Johnson treats and Borders provided me with the latest Belle de Jour book and a few minutes of flirting with the cashier. Good times!

But, despite the mass loads of piggie cuddles and clothing shopping, I can't wait to spend the next few weeks getting stressed out with work. It's odd, for me, stress actually feels rather fabulous as it means I'm going to learn, progress and succeed. Perhaps I'm just odd?

So, with excitement about getting various essays and grades back and the joy of finding the Betsey Johnson treasure trove, Dressing For is all colour today! And how could you miss this Forever21 bright striped cardigan? I love it! Add a pretty teal skirt and throw on a Topshop beret. I love these sexy as Hell Roberto Cavalli suede boots- wear with trousers for work, skirts at the weekend, dresses for parties...everything! Add a soft Vivienne Westwood bag and a Betsey Johnson necklace and you're done. Until tomorrow...



End of reading week. 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