Showing posts with label Miss Selfridge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Miss Selfridge. Show all posts

Thursday, 14 May 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for an apology from her father.

I didn't blog about it too much on Monday but, in normal fashion, my father had me in tears once more. This time it was worse than ever though, I have to stay. My stunningly beautiful boyfriend and my darling mother made everything better and I went from feeling like death inside to feeling like normal Hollie once more.

My father made a call to my mother today and made an apology to me via my mum. What made me sad was that he didn't have the guts to say it to me. What do I make of it all? My father is my father, he messes up and says sorry and we all go along and pretend his toxic lifestyle of women and alcohol is fine. It's not fine this time but I have some incredible friends and a wonderful family and that's all I need.

But the sad thing is is that when my dad popped by tonight to pick up some keys (don't ask!), I rushed to change from my leggings and vest to a pretty dress and cardigan. I also did my hair. Why? Because I want him to know I'm fine without his dollars, I'm fine alone.

The outfit today is set to impress. I've started with this beautiful Anna Sui floral dress, added some Valentino shoes that I'd love to get married in and finished with a Stella McCartney bag. The earrings are Forever21, the bangles are Miss Selfridge and the hair pin is Accessorize.




Monday, 11 May 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for dinner with the English Language lot.

Ah, will my Monday evenings ever be the same? No more English Language lectures, no more note taking and no more late night bus journeys. How I'll miss it.

Our last task was to review our favourite book and I did so in the allocated time. I titled my essay "A good girl comes undone: a tale of ambition, morals and mind blowing orgasms with powerful older men". I think that sneakily tells a tale of my own life, hehe.

After we finished writing, we headed into town and ignored the match evening mess to feast on Chinese food until we were all so full we could hardly move. Good night out!

The outfit I've styled today is a lot like what I'm currently wearing. Indeed, this New Look blazer is my very own boyfriend blazer that I've just taken off. I've added a Diane von Furstenberg maxi dress, a bag and hair band by Miss Selfridge and a necklace by Forever21. The look is finished with gladiators from modcloth.com and my darling Disney Couture necklace.


Sunday, 10 May 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for book reading.

Tomorrow will see my reviewing a certain book. Covered in gold card, gold leaf flowers, a slash of red for Louboutin-esque shoes and a white silhouette. Behind the cover lies "A good girl comes undone" by Polly Williams. Behind the cover you'll find me- the sensible magazine writer with high aspirations and a certain niceness which can sometimes mean one suffers in this industry. Amongst the pages you'll find a character who reminds me of the love of my life (intelligent, powerful and intriguing no matter how long time passes) and you'll find characters who remind me of my best friend, of my mother, of people I've met through work. It's simply my favourite book because it is one in which I relate to more than any other on the shelves of our libraries and book stores across the world. It may not be a classic but it's mine and I adore it.

Perhaps I should memorise that paragraph and include that in the review tomorrow? I'm sure I'll write something similar. I've been flicking through the pages again today, reading with the type of hunger I only get when I'm put in an enchanting work situation of kissing my darling boyfriend for the first time in two weeks.

What's your favourite book? It surprises me that people often think a favourite book should be "a classic"and something millions of others have enjoyed but a favourite book is simply something which touches you to the point that, by the end of several hours of reading, you feel you actually are the character.

The outfit I've styled for today would be worn for an afternoon reading in a coffee shop, looking outside at the sun and busy people. I've started with this stunning Chloé sequin vest which I've teamed with Topshop jeans and super gorgeous Rupert Sanderson t-bar sandals. Accessories are peachy and nude with a Topshop bag, Barbara Hulanicki for Topshop scarf, bracelets by Miss Selfridge and a fab straw trilby by American Eagle.

Tuesday, 5 May 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for refreshing the page.

Oh my god, I hate the Internet! I had some stuff to sort out online today and the website went down/crashed/died and I spent ages in my pajamas just wishing for the website to work. After many phone calls, a few tears and hours of stress, all was sorted and I'll reveal some information very soon.

But, for tonight, I feel low. Deadlines and idiots being the main problem but isn't that just life as a journalist? Not even chocolate could help me cope tonight but I keep clicking through the beautiful pictures of my beautiful man and I at the weekend and I grin when I'm reminded how stunning we look together and how happy we look. I think the best way to deal with stress is just to scream and cry all you want through it and then think of some beautifully happy times.

I'm going for an early night tonight as I think it'll do me some good. I'm off to Manchester tomorrow for work, a little shopping and perhaps a romantic late dinner with my love. I'll make sure I blog!

The outfit I've picked for today is so cute just for staying at home and working in. I love this quirky McQ scarf/tee which I've paired with Miss Selfridge jeans. The pink shoes are Converse, these sweet seahorse earrings are Topshop and this gorgeously classic bag is Anya Hindmarch.


Monday, 20 April 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for getting back to normality.

The holidays are well and truly over and I landed back in education this evening with excitement. I dislike holidays, I've always been a work-a-holic and although I had masses of editing and writing to do over my break, it still didn't feel right. It was great to be feeling inspired and back in a classroom once more.

How lovely was the weather today, though? My word, it was incredible. As much as I spent four hours in a classroom, I enjoyed a skinny iced mocha from Starbucks whilst sitting in the sun and reading. I think tomorrow is supposed to be just as lovely so I'm going to take my laptop outside and write until the sun comes down. Oh, and see my father but I'll try and make that short and sweet.

So, onto the outfit. I've gone for cute and comfortable today. I've started with this gorgeous Alice + Olivia tank dress and kept the accessories light and fresh. I've added navy lace-ups from Dorothy Perkins, this stunning white bag by Fendi and a chain hairband by Miss Selfridge. The look is completed with a statement necklace from Forever21 and some gorgeous oversized sunnies by Miu Miu.


Friday, 17 April 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for a wonderful Friday.

Friday is clearly the best day of the week, or at least it certainly has been for me. Ah, I'm still in that mood from last night where I have a lot of faith in love and life. How long will that last, I wonder? It never appears to last too long for anyone but I'm enjoying it.

I woke up late this morning, sat sipping tea in bed for a while and then whipped up an incredible brunch complete with champagne cocktails! Once I was all dressed and ready, I went out for Starbucks and enjoyed the most wonderful company (as I had been all day). I ended today walking around Fenwicks and embracing myself in all things Mulberry. I hope you've also had a fabulous day!

So, the outfit. I've gone for this beautiful floral Dorothy Perkins dress, added some Faith heels, black tights and a lovely bag from Miss Selfridge. As it was cold today, I've used this incredible silk trench coat by Ossie Clark.

Saturday, 28 March 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for a day of newspapers and magazines and an early night.

As you'll all know by now, Saturday is my relaxation day if I'm at home and today has been no exception. I started off by indulging in sausage, bacon and scrambled egg for breakfast and then moved on to hours and hours of newspaper and magazine reading.

I am now sat in bed (early, I know!) pondering the delights of my BFF's evening with his new girl and dreaming of the incredible future my own love life has to offer. Once I finish daydreaming and finish blogging, I plan on getting an hour in of novel writing and then a good read over Grazia and Psychologies magazine.

I've just had a phone conversation where I recalled how I'm feeling a little low and thus perhaps indulging in it a little like a typical middle-class work-a-holic. Amidst my woes and cries of "Oh god, I'm so miserable and sodding boring- how the hell do you manage to love me?", I was reminded that comfort sometimes is relaxing like this and there's nothing to be ashamed of. What do you lot do to make yourselves feel better? I think I might have to pop downstairs for some chocolate, is anyone with me on this one?

The outfit today is so plain and generic of what I see of seventeen year olds walking around educational establishments but you've got to admit it looks comfortable. The dress and pretty corsage hairband are from Miss Selfridge whilst the pink pumps come from it's sister store, Topshop. The standard ankle skimming leggings are avalible from the American store Wet Seal. And finally, the neon bird necklace and fabulous heart ring are by the ever so wonderful ASOS. Hope you're having a great Saturday!

Magazines and newspapers sort of day.
Magazines and newspapers sort of day. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Wednesday, 18 March 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for the March sun.

Britain has bathed in glorious sunshine today, hasn't it? I expect you all enjoyed it? What did you all get up to? I made it to a lecture this afternoon, grabbed a Starbucks and met my mother for a quick glass of wine. I was, of course, posing in my sunglasses the whole time!

I love how pretty I often feel in the sunshine and I'm reminded of an August spend sub-editing and lunchtimes spent walking in the sun in North London. I feel at my happiness in the sunshine and psychology reports often suggest that those who have suffered mental illness feel much happier and more calm when the weather is better but I do believe it's just general human nature to feel such a way.

My lecture was thrilling this afternoon, as a journalist already, I always adore writing pieces that I know I'm good at and hearing the journalistic efforts of my ever so talented classmates.

Wearing sunglasses, a crisp white shirt dress and sipping on a Starbucks make me feel glowing and radiant and I listened to Leona Lewis tracks that made me think of my love and remember some beautiful times we've shared. The sun made me happy.

Therefore, I've clearly styled an outfit today suitable for a pretty day in the warm sunshine. I've gone for a simple plain vest from Dorothy Perkins and some Miss Selfridge daisy earrings. To me, this skirt is a dream and something I'd most certainly wear on my wedding day. If you can afford $780, you can purchase this pretty little skirt from Erdem. The sunglasses, sling-back flats and tote are all by the wonderful Marc Jacobs.

March sun.
March sun. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Sunday, 15 March 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for a surprising dress find.

In 11 days time (not that I'm counting), I have one of the most important events of my life. Of course, like a few other events of late, I cannot reveal a word about the exact details as of yet but it's huge to the point that I'm already feeling the adrenaline kick in.

Every exciting event need a new outfit, right? I have to admit that I was starting to panic as to what to wear- it's one of those weird events where one doesn't know exactly what the dress code is. I'd seen a pretty orange chiffon skirt in Monsoon but my pale legs would have classed and I don't trust myself with a bottle of fake tan under any circumstances. As I have a busy week and will probably have plans this coming weekend, it was pretty much a case of finding something today or sticking with my Paul Smith-a-like rose print dress. But the high street came up brilliantly today in the form of a rather plain but super flattering dress.

My new dress is the same shape as the one featured below and, as a girl with decent size hips and not so fabulous legs (although MYB would disagree, I'm sure), it really shouldn't work on my figure but I'm not sure I've come across such a flattering dress. My boobs are reduced in size, my tummy is hidden and my legs looks rather great in it. I'm impressed and, with the plain colouring, it's going to be so much fun to style up with red tones, perhaps flashes of bright white and my favourite vintage silk scarf.

I'm sure the dress is rather recognizable to a lot of you as being the Patricia Field for M&S dress which featured in stores a little while back. Added to the dress is a simple waist belt from Miss Selfridge. I've gone for some fab Forever21 heels and a Patricia Field Barbie necklace which I am now totally lusting after. Topshop provide the super fun accessories with a heart bag, striped ring and domino earrings. Hope you've had a great weekend!

Dress shopping.
Dress shopping. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Saturday, 14 March 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for being the fat best friend.

My BFF failed to call me yesterday which is massively unusual considering we chat about five times a day. As you may have noticed, I wasn't 100% sober when blogging last night so this prompted a silly phone call to my BFF at around 1am. Well, well, well, the little minx was with his new girlfriend- never expected that!

As a lot of you know, my BFF and I split over 2 years ago after a 2.5 year relationship. My BFF has never really had a serious relationship since we split but was always happy for MYB. But now that L has come onto the scene, it's weird for me to consider how our friendship might change and how L will take to me.

This evening, once L had finally gone home, my BFF called me and we had a little chat. As I'm a typical girl, I asked all about her hair style, dress sense and the like. L had left her cardigan in my BFF's bedroom and I pushed him to look at the size so I could build up a better visual image of L. My BFF looked (rightly or wrongly) and she's a ten. Fine, OK, wonderful. But that has left me wondering if I'll always be just seen as the fat best friend to her? Will L wonder what my BFF ever saw in me?

I know I'm being insecure, my BFF and I are best friends because we're two total idiots who have such a laugh and I hope L will see that. I'm not a size out of the ordinary, but I'm certainly not a 10. And as much as I have a wonderful man who adores my curves to pieces, I'm sat here doubting whether my BFF ever fancied me. Jesus, I'm being well silly.

I've dresses for meeting L tonight. When the day comes, I'm sure she'll like me but I know she'll think of me as that slightly odd and fashion obsessed magazine writer best friend of her bloke- and I quite like that! This pretty yellow top is from Milly, I've featured skinny pants by Alexander Wang and then gone all coral with accessories. The ruched coral bag is from Dorothy Perkins, the heels are ASOS and the earrings and ring are both Miss Selfridge.

I will always be the fat best friend.
I will always be the fat best friend. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Tuesday, 17 February 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for spending time with her mother.

Some women complain about spending time with their mother. Meeting up in M&S and listening to her go on and on about how you need to settle down shortly and have some babies isn't the idea of a brilliant afternoon for most people, but it is for me.

OK, so my mother is very accepting of MYB (actually, she's thinks I'm not good enough for him- ha!) and she'd never push the issue of children because she knows I'm not maternal and never plan on getting pregnant. But listening to my mum talk about her things and her goings on is utter bliss for me. By the age of 19, my mother had lost her own mother and I find it so difficult to understand how that must have been for her. I'm an only child and my mum has always been my best friend so even if she is "gently guiding" me about marriage and children and the future, I will always love it.

Today we did some lovely high street shopping and then came home to make dinner. I love cooking with my mum, she's an incredible cook. Tonight we had fresh baguettes with humus and Italian meat followed by grilled chicken and ploughman's salad. Yum! We've been painting our nails tonight and sitting watching TV. I love these times.

If my mum and I are meeting for a shopping trip or lunch, I always make sure I look really nice as I want to make her super proud. This outfit is more than mum worthy! The pretty floral dress is by Forever21 and I've added some purple heels from H&M and a corsage (which I own) also from H&M. The clashing colour earrings come from Miss Selfridge, the daisy watch is none other than Marc by Marc Jacobs and this incredibly beautiful necklaces is Yves Saint Laurent. Finally, a Topshop suede clutch to match in with the colour scheme.

Just a final note, the blog will be up tomorrow but early on in the morning. Thursday and Friday will see the blog (most probably) not up and running due to being away with work and not being able to access the Internet. I'll try my best but I'm 90% sure the blog will be down for a few days. Apologies.


Spending time with mum.
Spending time with mum. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Tuesday, 3 February 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for a bit of a rubbish day.

I woke this morning to notice that my glands were the size of Paris Hilton's breasts. The tonsillitis has returned, I fear. I had to cancel the lunch I had planned and the rest of the day was a bit of a blur, to be honest. Tonight ended with a slight sadness. MYB will be calling to rescue me from such a miserable day soon- giggles, private jokes and plans for this weekend (perhaps) will make me smile.

How bad is the snow and ice still? I went out tonight and, after missing the bloody bus, walked through thick snow and black ice for twenty minutes. I managed to fall on the ice only twice.

Hopefully the plans MYB and I have for this weekend will come off: I really need a weekend where I don't have to watch the clock and can stay in bed getting cuddles until mid-day. I miss MYB a lot. Perhaps I'm just being a silly girl with silly emotions but I could do with a little cry and a cuddle from my man.

The outfit for today is pretty much an indoor outfit, something to be worn just to cook dinner in and do some writing. This grey cardigan is by Dorothy Perkins- I love the sleeve detail. I've added a cami from Vero Moda and a wonderful skirt by Topshop. I adore this Marc Jacobs heart bag; it's a real investment piece that you'll love for a long time to come. Continuing with the blue, I've gone for navy tights and blue satin pumps from H&M. Jewellery is big and bold; this necklace is Banana Republic and the ring is by Miss Selfridge.


Ice.
Ice. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Monday, 2 February 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for a snow day.

Snow, snow, snow! It won't stop, will it? I couldn't make it to my evening class as all buses were called off and I've had many a friend not even make it into work or places of education. I worried about MYB this morning but apparently all is fine as regards snow at his end and he went on being a busy and gorgeous little worker bee at BBC.

My day was rather lovely despite the snow. There's something quite romantic about it all, isn't there? It's a shame I was alone today and didn't have MYB to join me as I locked myself in my home and watched the snow fall outside. I took a huge bubble bath and loved hearing the sound of the hailstones hit my window as I soaked in boiling hot water. I did sneak out into the garden to take some photographs but didn't brave the cold for too long.

I have pencilled in lunch tomorrow with a very dear friend but I shall have to perhaps cancel unless the weather changes for the better overnight but I fear it's going to get worse.

I've therefore dressed for the weather with layers and Ugg boots. I lovelovelove this coat and was shocked to see it's actually from Miss Selfridge- it looks designer! I've gone for a grey Crumpet cashmere cardigan to help stay warm and there's a pretty grey bow top underneath that which is available from Fredflare.com. The jeans are Sass & Bide and I've already mentioned the Ugg boots. These pretty earrings are a steal from Forever21 but the ring is a little more expensive as it's by Gucci. Finally, a gorgeous emerald colour bag by Chloé. Hope you're all safe in the snow!

Snow day!
Snow day! - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Thursday, 22 January 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for being confused.

I've been suffering some silly psychical illness for a while which has been on/off; nothing serious but enough to kind of worry me. Last time it cropped up I had tests and hospital visits and it eventually went away after some medication. And that should have been that but now it's flared up again and I find myself in a load of pain. Ouch!



Tests were taken earlier in the week but they've come back totally fine. I'm confused!

I'm booked in for more tests on Monday but my tummy feels stupidly swollen, I'm exhausted and I could really do with a hug. I'm no expert in terms of science and medicine but I know something is up.

MYB, your cuddling duties are needed ASAP! I miss you.

I plan to rest for the next few days and perhaps, if he's free and is prepared to be my company for the day, have a light Sunday lunch with MYB. I've picked the outfit for today due to one thing- comfort! The outfit wouldn't look half bad on at all but it's something I'd wear to pop out for a pint of skimmed milk rather than lunch with friends. Another guilty fashion secret of mine is Victoria's Secret and that's where this lovable tee is from. I've paired it with silk trousers by Vanessa Bruno and some satin sneakers by Lanvin. Accessories come in the form of a cream Miss Selfridge chain bag, a fab but tacky ring by Forever21 and some super cosy earmuffs available from Monsoon. Happy Thursday, Everyone!


The tests were fine but I feel ill.
The tests were fine but I feel ill. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Sunday, 4 January 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for preparing to go back to college.

Tomorrow evening will see me have my first class of 2009 and I'm very much looking forward to it. Being out of the college routine and not getting on the bus every morning and seeing my regular people has really displeased me- I am a routine addict.

The next few months will be rather odd as in both English language and media we'll focus on journalism. I feel zero excitement towards it as you'd expect but I am in fact dreading it and feel a certain pressure on myself from both my peers and my tutors. Whereas English language will be more focused on the wording and structure of articles, media will see me doing out and about reporting. Of course I'll have a clear advantage but it's a worry to me that my tutors or peers just won't "get" my style; it's a natural worry and I have exactly the same worry when meeting new editors and fellow journalists so I need to remember that I've been successful before and can be again.

Today saw me having a raging argument with my father and then doing lots of work to make sure I'm all prepared for tomorrow and the coming week. I'm spending the weekend with MYB so want to make sure I have enough work done this week so I can spend the entire weekend snuggled up and eating toast with my love.

Dressing For is super bright today! I've been feeling quite low so wanted an outfit that would cheer me up and I'd probably wear this for an evening lecture so the colour could keep me wide awake! The cute tee is by Wet Seal, the pretty pink skater skirt is Topshop and the bag is vintage. The gorgeous pink Mary-Jane shoes are from Faith and are matched to the colour theme with some yellow tights. Finally, we have a beret by Miss Selfridge and some pretty jewellery.


Preparing. by hollieanne

Thursday, 1 January 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for the new year.

Happy New Year! What are your plans for 2009? I'm sure we've all made resolutions, most of them ones we make and break each year, and promised ourselves a better year than the last but I really do think I'll stick to mine. I've been meaning to make a few life changes for a while, mainly involving the size of my hips, so now appears like the perfect time. With Christmas and New Year food and drink pretty much out of the window, I'll be replacing my large glass of wine on an evening for a small one once a week and my chocolate breaks during Monday evening lectures will soon turn into fruit breaks- small changes but they'll do.

Apart from the weight issue, I have the follow plans/resolutions:

1) Go for a mini-break with MYB outside the UK: this is a major one for me (and MYB, of course) as we're both long overdue a holiday. Sadly, we need to straighten things out a little to make sure everyone is fine with us jetting off but that should be sorted by the end of the month and we can then look forward to a little European boutique hotel break. Fun times!

2) Read more: I adore reading, especially media/fashion/marketing/self-help books and need to set time aside each evening to do an hour or so of it. Rather than browsing Facebook for half an hour, I need to pick up that marketing book and learn, learn, learn!

3) Cut down phone calls to the BBF: 5 times a day isn't good for my finances and I could be reading and the like during that time. Shall aim to make it only twice a day from now on!

4) Take more photographs: now that I have my beloved new camera, it shouldn't be a problem. And I've started a Project 365 on Flickr!

5) Make sure my nails are always painted nicely: I currently have a weird grey and pink polka dot thing going on but at least they look perfect. No more chipped nails!

It looks a lot but they're small life changes I've already began to make and look forward to the affect.

I spent today at a hospital appointment and then came home to spend a while cuddling the guinea pigs and taking photos of them: New Year's Day is always dull, right? Therefore, the outfit I've picked for today is casual and will do perfectly for meeting Your Boy for a pub lunch. The Topshop tee is a perfect way to start the year as I aim to be Wonder Woman all year through! The wide leg trousers, a definite staple in any wardrobe, are by Luella Ike and the earrings are, again, Topshop. Keeping with two main colours, I've gone for blue heels from Forever21 and this beauty by Chloé. Red is represented by a Miss Selfridge beret and some pretty gloves by Mulberry. Hope you keep your resolutions!


01/01/2009. by hollieanne

Tuesday, 30 December 2008

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

Monday, 29 December 2008

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

Tuesday, 23 December 2008

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

Sunday, 7 December 2008

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