Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for television and tea.

I'm bored! I cannot take illness. I cannot take days off. And I certainly cannot take this exhaustion. And yet I have at least 3 more days of it. Kill me now!

This morning was odd; I woke up but kept drifting in and out on a super deep sleep that only lasted 10 minutes at a time. In the end, I went back to bed for several hours and only forced myself to wake up because my father was popping round for tea.

The guinea pigs and I sat watching mindless television pretty much all day. Reading hurt my eyes too much so that was, rather sadly, out of the question. How am I going to manage several more days? Shame MYB can't get away from work this week to come and spend some time listening to BBC World Service and reading the papers with me. One must remember it's the boyfriend that's middle aged and not self. Thus, note to self: have more fun! Anyway...

I looked horrid when my father came over earlier today but scrubbed up OK to pop out for a bit of fresh air. This pretty cardigan is Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, the jeans are True Religion and these stunning heels are Jimmy Choo. I've used some Banana Republic earrings, a Dorothy Perkins ring and an incredible Topshop bag. Finally, some vintage sunglasses to wear when my migraine becomes too much.


Television and tea with my father. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for tonsillitis.

"You got the tonsils" joked my darling BFF as I struggled not to cry this morning after a diagnosis of tonsillitis. I've been advised to spend at least five days indoors and relaxing but lectures, essays and freelance pieces are calling and I can't ignore them, can I? Anyway, I've seen a gorgeous bag from River Island that I must own so if that's not worth a trip out then I'm not sure what is.

I hardly slept last night and woke up freezing cold despite several blankets. I found myself sending MYB a text around 5am telling him how scared I was because I was in that much pain- sorry if it woke you, MYB. Luckily, early morning sympathy came from my other Boy that is my BFF. He's odd and has irregular sleeping patterns so I wasn't surprised to find him wide awake at 6am. We giggled for well over half an hour and it did add some comfort to what has been a dismal day.

MYB did call me to offer so major comfort during a break from his desk (a super rare opportunity, or so it appears of late) but I'd just drifted off into my first load of decent sleep in about 36 hours so was well mardy with him. Feel bad now but all I have to do is pout and he'll forgive me...or at least I hope!

Onto the outfit, however. It sounds vile but the primary colour of this look is the colour of my tongue and throat- a wonderful shade of white! The outfit is the definitive way to look gorgeous whilst being practical for keeping my fever down. This beautiful dress is See by Chloé and I've added some Jimmy Choo sandals in case one needs to pop out for jelly or chocolate custard (all I can swallow at the moment). The accessories are the main delight for this outfit with the stack rings by Chanel, a gorgeous Grecian style hairband, a Roberto Cavalli flower necklace and a total lust-worth Miu Miu bag.


Tonsillitis chic. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for leopard print coats.

The piggies are doing very well. Horatio has stated himself as a bit of a bully and appears to love biting the bottom of Gordon and chasing him around until he does a tiny piggy cry- poor thing. Once we can handle them in the next few days, I think Gordon will get a few more cuddles to make up for mean Horatio's chasing.

Anyway, onto fashion! I've never been a coat person, really. Perhaps it's a Newcastle thing as Newcastle girls as known for never wearing a coat on a night out. Or perhaps I just don't mind the cold. But this A/W I've acquired four lovely coats of all colours and styles.

My first purchase was a beautiful khaki full circle skirt mac from the M&S. It's become a very envy induced coat with stack loads of compliments and many people not realising Marks and Spencer could be so fashion forward (It can! You just have to search a bit!). My second purchase would again be from Marks and Spencers. A beautifully smart and amazingly cut bright pink number with the most amazing over sized collar and a wonderful cocoon shape. This coat would set me back a small fortune but it's a beauty. The third buy of this A/W was my beloved cape from Primark with military style buttons. Yummy! And then, my latest purchase would be a dream. Searching Primark amongst size 8 bow print tea dresses reduced to a fiver, I'd find a fabulous and rather divine faux fur leopard print coat. Slightly cropped sleeves, finishes at the waist and with a high collar- I couldn't ask for more for £25! And it was the last one in my size- total shopping fate!

So, today we are dressing just for that coat! The boyfriend is being indecisive and making you feel a bit rubbish, your brothers are home for half term and driving you mad and your best mate is too busy swooning over his cricket trophy. So, what do you do? Grab an amazingly stand-out outfit and go off for a cocktail. I've started with a New Look jacket- double breasted so perhaps for the smaller girls in life but still super cute and yet super smart. Underneath we have a fab Alice in Wonderland vest by Topshop and then (wait for it...) some PVC leggings. Yup, this is an outfit for the super skinny but if you can work it, then bloody well work it! Slip on super high Jimmy Choo shoe-boots and hold this bright blue feather Topshop clutch in the hand wearing the red cocktail ring- clashing colours but oh so good! I'll have a martini...


Leopard Print Jacket. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for being proud of her best friend.

My best friend is fabulous! I know everyone is bound to say that about their best boy or girl but my cute little button of a best mate deserves all the XBox games, takeaway pizzas and snuggles in the world!

My Weepsie never fails to surprise me- from waking me up on a morning with phone calls to tell me I smell, to serenading me with made up songs and writing me stories about snails named George. If you're ever in need of a creative and rather gorgeous Essex boy, give him a call!

I honest would be lost without him. Most friends are lucky if they speak once a week but Paul and I are never off the phone to one another and tend to speak about five times a day. My boyfriend doesn't mind one bit and has often been around when Paul and I have been having a good old gossip about birds and er...seals.

So, how chuffed was I today to be told that my darling one-time boyfriend of two and a half years had won an award? Hurrah! My best friend, the shy and timid bloke with a love for dumplings and darts, was tonight awarded the "Best Fielder" prize within his local cricket team at a fancy do. Well, Mr. Weepsie, I love you! I can't wait to see him soon and smother his face with loads of kisses. I am proud!

Dressing For is today for having fun and spinning round in circles with your best one. Sure, it's a little silly and out there but it's perfect for a tea party on the living room carpet for 2. We'd make sure we had dumplings at ours. I adore this t-shirt, I'm not sure where it's from to be honest but it is well cute! Slip on a La Garçonne twirly skirt, some Minnie Mouse ears (why not?!) and a graphic bangle. If you have to be sensible, I'd suggest removing the Disney ears and slipping on some Jimmy Choo flats and a Chloé bag.

PS/ Have just rocketed into the "best girlfriend in the world" league. Get in!!!


Cricket. by hollieanne