Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for the start of the birthday week.

My birthday is one week away. On Sunday May 3rd, I'll turn a year older and I'm welcoming a new and beautiful stage into my life. My birthday plans are unsorted at the moment but I always struggle with unhappy memories of birthdays past (hi, rubbish father running away and getting engaged to his mistress on my birthday) and therefore a huge party has never been to my taste. I think I'll go out for lunch and then stay in with some birthday cake, DVDs and an extra load of cuddles from my love. I look forward to it.

Yesterday, my mother ruined my brown rice and grilled fish healthy week by taking me out for lunch and, with my parents split and friends all over the place, this week is going to be a busy one. Tomorrow, however, I have the day alone and plan to rest and write before the formalities of birthday teas and champagne cocktails take over.

My mother took me out to purchase my birthday gift today. A shiny new iPhone. It's so pretty! I'm an e-mail addict and all my work is organised by e-mail now that I'm living in the North so having access to my inbox is a must for me. I fear the iPhone will make me even more of a work-a-holic but at the same time, I'm hearting the Elle Canada application with fashion news updates- nice one! So, for those of you who have an iPhone, what are your favourite apps and how has the iPhone changed your life so far?

This time in 48 hours I'll have my tattoo- eeek!

The outfit I've picked for today would be worn to a pre-birthday lunch followed by sitting in the garden with cups of tea and lots of gossip. All the items featured here are certainly on my birthday wish-list, MYB- take note! This stunningly simple pleated dress in a flattering shade is by Viktor and Rolf, I've added a Topshop bracelet, Juicy Couture necklace and a Roberto Cavalli ring to really give it that 'wow' factor. These beautiful shoes featured are Yves Saint Laurent and I've used this ostrich bag from one of my favourite labels of all time, Bottega Veneta.

The start of the birthday week. by hollieanne featuring Yves Saint Laurent heels

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for Easter.

Happy Easter, Everyone! How are you all? Feeling sick from too much chocolate? Luckily, I didn't start on the chocolate this morning so I'm going to indulge tonight with a few bites and a glass of wine. Yum!

I always find it interesting what people get up to at Easter. My atheist best friend sleeps all day (like any other day), my father takes to church and dives into the whole tradition, children binge on chocolate and receive money as if it were their birthday and I am but somewhere in between. I've never spoken about my religious beliefs, really, nor do I think I will to a full extent but I've found today very beautiful and very enjoyable.

However, one part of today that I didn't find lovely at all was falling over! I don't say it often but I cannot wait to move out- my brothers are driving me mad! My brother had left his bag in the front room and I went flying over the handle of it and almost hit my head on the radiator, I was crying with the shock. I now have one rather vile lump on my knee, pain in my back and bruises all over me. How lovely am I going to look on my date next week?!

OK, time for the fashion. I've gone for a Stella McCartney playsuit which is long enough to hide my lumps and bumps on my legs. I've added a tribal edge with some incredible Dries Van Noten heels, a scarf from Topshop and a Juicy Couture bag. The earrings are available from Forever21, the floral bangle is by Wet Seal and the coloured bangles are from Dorothy Perkins. Happy Easter, everyone!

Easter. by hollieanne featuring Forever21 earrings

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for the start of the end.

Lectures are few and far between now and that the Easter holiday are starting, I'm beginning to get a little overwhelmed by all of this. In a few weeks time- around seven- I'll have graduated from my course and it's been the stuff of dreams!

It's odd how one can be terrified of educated despite being a grade A student but Sixth Form never worked out for me and thus I embarked on a thrilling journalism career which took a lot of hard work but which I am still progressing to this day. When I returned to education, I wasn't sure I'd graduate (ill health being the biggest worry) but I'm starting to really realise that this is it and I'm really proud.

My outfit today symbolises my future- one of fun, success, professionalism and education. This dress is by Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti and I've toned it down with a straw bag from Juicy Couture straw bag, mustard colour platforms from Peacocks and gold jewellery. The necklace probably has been featured here before but I need to really purchase it, it's by Disney Couture. The pretty ring is American brand Wet Seal and the pink gold butterfly earrings are by Ileana MakriIleana Makri.

The start of the end. by hollieanne featuring Disney Couture jewelry

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for an exhausting day.

I'm not long back home after being awake since 630am. Forgive me for the shortest post ever?

Everything featured here is Juicy Couture because I spent far too today discussing the wonderfulness of the aforementioned brand.



Juicy Couture. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for Sims2.

It's clearly Geek Sunday! I've spent this evening playing Sims2 for the first time in years and it's proven lots of fun. Perhaps that very statement makes me a big geek but I care not, Sims2 is going to provide a welcome distraction for essays and will fill the hours on days off when I really should be catching up on said essays.

Apart from being the biggest geek in the world, I've spent today shopping for anything to help me learn the beautiful Italian language and I've managed to buy a few books and a CD which should get me off to a flying start. I also had a quick peek through a lot of high street stores today and found nothing- not a thing. Surely I'm not bored of S/S09 yet?

Anyway, I hope you lot have had a great weekend and thanks to the few people who have dropped me messages and e-mails to say congratulations/well done on this week, it means a lot.

The outfit featured is geeky but chic- the type of thing I'd wear for a Saturday shopping trip with MYB or perhaps just round the house on a Sunday afternoon. The tee and printed body-con skirt are Topshop, the earrings and ring are available from Juicy Couture and the flats are by Bloch. But it's this bag that is the love for me- Yves Saint Laurent. This bag is £720 of pure love and lust- the colour, the sexiness, the simplicity....everything a girl needs in life!


Sims2. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for meeting teachers and doctors.

Busy day today that has resulted in a slight headache but I'm surviving. I've had a few worries, made a few mistakes and I nearly screamed at a computer but I think the addition of Wonder Woman underwear to my outfit today really has helped!

I spent some of today catching up with two dear friends of mine. J is a busy teacher but has recently divorced so he's moving out of the area and on to bigger and better things after Easter. D is a doctor and somehow managed to take today off. I was chuffed when I noticed my two boys had already bought me a skinny mocha in advance of my arrival. All three of us- a journalist, a doctor and a teacher- sat moaning about work in some way or another and rarely steered away from the subject of careers. Of course, we mentioned dating and I ended up dishing out stacks of advice to an eternal twenty-something singleton and a divorcee in his early thirties. The gentlemen in my company warned me though: "Make sure that man of yours takes bloody care of you, Hollie-Anne" warned J. Don't worry, he is!

It was so nice to catch up with friends that I haven't seen in a few months. Texting and phoning can feel nice but actually being there- 12 noon on a Tuesday afternoon with some expensive coffee and a couple of papers- is bliss. Thanks, you two!

I really like this outfit I've put together and I know my mother would approve- she's always trying to get me to wear more blue! The jeans a pretty belted tunic are from Dorothy Perkins whilst the bag and heels are from Topshop. The necklace featured here is by Juicy Couture and the pink gold ring is by Kimberly McDonald and is available from Brownsfashion.com for a shocking £11, 430!



A-Z of careers, - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for a rubbish Valentine's Day.

This entry will make me sound like I'm moaning and perhaps a little like a spoilt brat and I apologise in advance. But it's Valentine's Day and I'm alone! OK, so I'm in a pretty little long term relationship with MYB but the fact is that I am sat in an empty house with nothing but two sleeping guinea pigs and a glass of lemonade to keep me company.

Those who've known me a while will know I despise Valentine's Day for the fact that it's just a money making scheme but this year I began to question where I really did hate it or whether it was just because I didn't have anyone to share it with.

Last year MYB and I spent February 15th in a sweet little restaurant on New Oxford Street. It was freezing and our plans to walk to Kings Cross were scrapped and we hopped on the tube so he could be home by 1am for his two. We'd only began dating then and I don't even remember if I bought him a card, I'd known him well over a year at that point but dinner and a catch-up was more than enough.

This year, however, we're super happy together so I was excited to wait for the postman this morning with my sweet little card. I'd already sent MYB a little gift and gorgeous card and was so excited for it arriving in the post. Come 12:30 this afternoon, I'd given up hope. MYB "forgot" we'd agreed to do Valentine's Day this year despite knowing I was sending him a little something tiny.

OK, so the man is *the* sweetest and most romantic man I have ever met; he makes me feel so beautiful every day with the sweet little texts he sends me to remind me he thinks I'm beautiful or when he holds my hand over the dinner table so I really shouldn't complain and he has apologised lots and promised to make it up to me next week. But I feel a bit left out, to be honest. I'm a super silly girl and adore everything the man does for me but a tiny card would have been nice.

I'm sure we'll be giggling into the early hours tonight though and I'll soon forget about it. MYB, as I now realise you most probably read this most days, I heart you!

Outfit time? Think so! OK, so I'm not going out tonight and rather I'll soon be snuggled on the sofa with Sex And The City The Movie on DVD but why not dress up anyway? I've seen this Topshop dress everywhere- in magazines, on style blogs and on girls in the street- but I do think it's incredibly gorgeous. I've gone for green pop colours with Topshop heels and a Juicy Couture bag. Jewellery is delicate with a Disney Couture necklace, Forever21 floral earrings, a ring by Yves Saint Laurent and a super pretty hair comb from Monsoon. Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!



Valentine's Day. - 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 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 shockingly cold.

It's official, if it wasn't bad enough that I'm going to be prodded by docs on Monday morning, I have a really bad chill. Sore throat? Check. Aching muscles? Super check. Headache? Yup, I've got it. And being so cold you feel like an ice cube? Oh yes!

The last time I was this cold was when I caught the winter sickness bug and spent the day hugging the radiator. I am layered up beyond belief- blankets, socks...the works- but my body is shivering so much. Make me warm up, please!

Despite feeling rather ill, I still managed the usual Saturday high street love-in but purchased little more than flat shoes in shades of pinks and yellow (hi, Banana Feet!) and a pretty flower ring. I did manage to pick up a grand (and heavy) total of six books- all chick lit minus one media theory book for good measure. Call me a geek if you will...

I do realise how chavtastic this outfit it but surely, when you're this cold, style is passed on for a dose of Victoria's Secret and Ugg boots? OK, forgive me this once. Yes? Good! I think I may have mentioned my guilty fashion pleasure of Victoria's Secret so that's why I've used a fab Victoria's Secret hoodie and bubblegum pink tee. Juicy Couture, my ultimate guilty fashion pleasure, comes in the form of some pale pink bottoms and the pink theme is carried on with socks from J Crew and Ugg boots. Now, the next two items will show you how cold I am- mittens from Lacoste and a woolly hat by Republic...to wear indoors!



Freezing cold. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for a lazy day.

Woken up by a text from an old friend this morning, I was reluctant to leave the comfort of my blankets and bed socks but I may as well not have as today was spent in such a relaxing way. I should really have popped into campus to do some work but I was in appalling pain so opted for daytime television, Richard Dawkins and Elle magazine.

A hospital visit awaits me on Monday morning but we found out today that my Yummy Mummy will be starting her new job that same day so I'll be smiling no matter how many needles are pinned into me. Urgh, horrible idea.

OK, a pile of trashy gossip magazines are calling me so onto the outfit. The outfit is rather summery but with lovely blue winter tones and a sweet little outfit for doing little more than pottering about the house in and grabbing some groceries. This gorgeous floral dress is by 3.1 Phillip Lim and I'd pull the waist in a little with a Fendi belt. I've added a gorgeous Juicy Couture snowflake necklace, a ring by Monica Vinader, a beret available from Urban Outfitters and a wonderful soft leather tote by Miu Miu. Finally, some love/hate shoes that I think I'm rather in lust with.


Skimmed milk. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for missing blogging.

Hi, Everyone! How are you all? Ah, how I've missed you. I guess I should start with an explanation as to the absence of Dressing For for the past few days. Basically, several family members of mine have been seriously ill and I've had to focus on my family which I'm sure you can all understand. Nothing ever gets in the way of creating a daily entry- personal illness, deadlines, raging tiredness- but this just had to be put to the side for a few days due to such an emergency. I apologise for my absence and thanks to the people who have e-mailed asking if everything is fine. Dressing For resumes as from now!

I'm looking forward to getting back into the regular routine of styling and blogging every day and, despite the fact I've only been away since Thursday, I feel I'm getting withdrawal symptoms.

I have very little to do today apart from see my father (in half an hour- eeek!) and make lots of inspiration diagrams. Today's outfit is bright and pretty and perfect for wearing when working at home and needing a little boost from your outfit. I adore this Juicy Couture sunflower dress and it's defiantly being added to my "When I Am Thin" list. I've gone for browns and bronze to set off the pink with a vintage bag, a wonderful owl ring by modcloth.com and some statement wedges by Burberry Prorsum. Last night I tied three plaits across the front of my forehead like a hairband and secured them with a pretty corsage just like these pink and brown ones. And to make a final, more personal addition, to today's outfit- a Marni bracelet. MYB, darling, M-A-R-N-I, OK? But make mine a necklace. Thanks, Sweetie!


I've missed blogging. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for missing the bus.

It's a lame subject, I know. But I did miss the bus today and it did really upset me. It's odd but a tiny event such as missing the bus would normally set my BPD into overdrive and I'd become a bit manic and cry my eyes out but not today- thank you hormones!

I guess the worst thing about missing the bus is having to stand out in the freezing cold until the next one and today has been especially cold but I was aided by an immense H&M scarf which more than kept the chill out.

On a side note, yesterday marked 100 really successful days of Dressing For! I'd like to thank everyone who has e-mailed me such kind words in relation to the blog and I look forward to reaching the next 100 posts.

The outfit today is everyday glamour with some pretty heels for me to stomp about in in anger after the bus incident. The double breasted coat is by Alice + Olivia and I love the colouring of it. Tibi, one of my favourite labels, have created this wondrous bow dress and I've added some white tights and pretty peach heels by Sonia Rykiel. The bag is Urban Outfitters, the earrings are Juicy Couture and I've added a pretty little bow ring to finish off the look.


Missing the bus. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for tears in class.

I've felt really close to tears all day today over a number of things but thought my tiny cry in the bath would have been it for the day. Apparently not. I felt brilliant during my usual pre-lecture Monday Starbucks but once I arrived at my lecture and realised it would be a group oral assignment, I began to get nervous.

My lecturer knows I haven't felt brilliant over the festive period so when my eyes were kept to the ground during the group chat and when I had to leave mid-sentence to go the bathroom to cry, it didn't come as a shock. I just now feel like an idiot.

MYB and I were both exhausted last night and incredibly stressed so our conversation ended up with me snapping at him and then feeling really guilty. And I guess that's why I cried today because I do feel terribly bad for snapping, even though I apologised a million times. Once more? OK, then: sorry, MYB!

My outfit for today represents that happy/sad feeling I've had with a lovely pink colour and a dark tone. I adore this shirt and wish I could feel more confident in a plaid shirt and I think this one might give me that boost. The jeans are Sass & Bide, the bag is a steal from Republic for only £14.99 and the incredible heels are Yves Saint Laurent. Finally, the earrings can be bought from Forever21, the watch is Juicy Couture and the darling ring is by Louis Vitton.


Tears. 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 nightmare sale shopping.

Might just be a short post tonight as I'm having to head up to the hospital for a little chat with the doctor. It's nothing too serious, I'm certainly not ill, but today has been full of slight triggers and I need to be reminded how to cope with them.

But seriously: why is it that when you think you've forgotton all about a bad person in your life, they crop up again when you don't need them to? It was so random tonight, or perhaps not so, and I saw her huge face glaring at me. I need MYB to hug me. This girl, a stupid ex-friend of ours, has probably been snopping around at my online stuff and catching glipses at photos of my love and I laughing like silly idiot and exchanging gifts. I don't mind, per say, but what I do mind is her silly little need to just crop up in my life all the time. MYB is certainly true in his descriptions of her and he's certainly right that I need to wipe her out of my mind all together.

Anyway, that wasn't the point of this post. The point is that I went sale shopping. And what a nightmare! Town was SO packed and I didn't have the £399 I needed to purchase a Mulberry bag in the Fenwicks sale. Gutted! I managed to pick up a few things including some Juicy Couture perfume, a skirt, a beautifully cut dress and some underwear- that will do me.

My back is now killing from carrying all those bags, though. Glad cross-body bags are going to be in next year, it'll take some of the pain away from carrying my Paddington on my arm.

The outfit is very simple today but I think it's safe to say that seven inch platform and couture dresses are out of the question when one is fighting to grab the last £25 MYLA bra, right? This Topshop coat is really pretty and rather Victorian-esque. Under the coat you'll find a rather cute Sonia by Sonia Rykiel t-shirt dress and I've finished the look with black flats, black knee high socks, a Marc Jacobs cross-body purple bag and some Topshop swallow studs. Happy sale shopping!


Sale shopping. 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 an entire weekend of being ill.

As you can tell from my last two entries (or lack of, as the case may be), I've spent the entire weekend really ill. I was fine on Friday afternoon as I spoke to MYB whilst he was waiting in the departure lounge of an airport in the Isle of Man but between his flight taking off and landing, I was struck down with an awful sickness bug.

To be honest, my days have all blurred into one and I've had about six hours sleep in three days. I came down with the illness so suddenly but it lasted all weekend and I ended up throwing up all through the night. I've been totally weak for the past day or two and hardly have the energy to even type this out.

Looks like I'm going to have to cancel my morning meeting tomorrow as to try and make sure I'm fine for my evening lecture. I haven't been out the house all weekend and would kill for some fresh air hence the perfect Sunday afternoon walk outfit for Dressing For today.

How sweet is this Marc by Marc Jacobs knit? It's a perfect office to weekend piece and well worth the approximate price tag of £140. Pair with some simple dark jeans with white stitching, a Miss Selfridge sequin beret and some hoops from Nine West. This anchor necklace by Juicy Couture is going on my Christmas list but it's the shoes and handbag that are the real stars of the show. I'd kill to own some Louis Vuitton luggage but I think given the choice of any of their wonderful pieces of arm candy, I might have to opt for this shiny red number. What a beauty! Finally, a pair of Chanel flats. The pattern and gloss mix of the iconic leather two tone flats look stunning and as classy as any pair of high heels.


Weekend of being ill. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for having the plasterers in.

Note, that title says plasterers and not painters! Hello, Readers. Short time no speak. Why on earth am I in such a good mood? In all fairness, I shouldn't be writing this having just come off the phone from MYB as I've had a stupidly awful day.

Picture the scene, it's Saturday night and you're wiping away the tears after seeing your inspiration that is Britney Spears perform on X Factor. As you're about to curl into bed you think of the day ahead; caramel coffee, cashmere cardigans and pj bottoms, Heat Magazine and some styling. You drift off to sleep with MYB on your mind and all is well...

Until you're woken up at silly o'clock by men in your kitchen. Yes, I forgot the platerers were coming and that they thought it would be great to hammer down walls or whatever they do early on a Sunday morning. I tumbled downstairs to find my mother et al happily sipping tea which has been made in a makeshift tea room in the front room after said plastering men have taken over your kitchen. My Hollyoaks sessions was ruined by banging, workmen singing along to Leona Lewis, constant cried for cups of tea and the scraping of plaster hitting the kitchen walls. They didn't leave until 6pm after which I headed down the pub for half a bottle of wine and a rather fancy dinner with friends.

Dressing For is about lost Sunday comfort. It's slouchy but, after being covered in dust, it's glam enough to make you feel all pretty again. I love this Donna Karan sequin vest- it's perfect for the party season if you don't fancy wearing a dress. I'm wearing some Diane von Furstenberg tuxedo jersey pants on my legs and silver Converse on my feet to dress the whole look down. For accessories, I've picked a Juicy Couture bag and jewellery from Forever21. Thank God I get a lie in tomorrow!


Plasterers. 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