Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for New Look.

I thought I'd made a stupid decision today to go shopping with my father and K The Bore. The fuzzy head and sniffly nose caused me to think irrationally and when I found myself staring at K The Bore's muffin top, I nearly died. Look, I have a muffin top and cellulite and lots of wobbly bits but I dress to suit my shape and don't hang my fat about like an animal trying to attract a mate. I am being a bitch, yes. Anyway, I find myself panicking when K The Bore and my father start talking about her dead daughter and how cool she was and how she knew loads of cool bands that no-one ever heard of. Oh, I don't know, I just find it odd.

We arrived at the shopping centre and I went off by myself, almost feeling like a thirteen year old being trusted for the first time to shop alone or with friends. It was odd how young and fragile I felt when listening to my father's instructions about where to meet and at what time. He was never there during those points of my teenage years when I was allowed my first bit of trust to go off and buy silk scarves from charity shops and pink lipsticks which have stayed the same tone even all these years later.

I despise Christmas so rebelled against it by shopping for myself. An amazing oversize clutch from the Limited Collection at M&S, basics from Primark and amazing bargains from New Look. The difference in regional style is something that amazes me and, I guess, a dream job would be as a street style blogger travelling major cities of the world. I admit, one of the things I loved about spending the weekend in the secret Yorkshire town was the style there- they were preened and perfect and knew how to mix vintage and high-street really well without looking too try-hard.

It then wasn't a surprise to me to see loads of the Limited Edition collection by New Look in the sale at the store in the Metro Centre, Gateshead. I guess the Limited Edition stuff can be a little less mainstream and my favourite item from the collection to date, an amazing faux-fur belted coat which was modelled by Pixie Geldof in the advertising campaigns, was actually reduced from £75 to £30 in the sale today despite there only being 400 of them and it being an amazing piece. Sadly, I'm neither a size 8 or 10. I guess I notice that up in Newcastle, despite the females having really cool style, some of the more unique or quirky pieces are left. Not that I'm complaining as I managed to bag opulent and statement necklaces for £1 reduced from £15. Chunky beads, bright jewel colours, large coloured stones and lots of beading- throw it all together and I'll wear it!

So, in honour of the store which supplied me with great joy today and took my mind away from K The Bore's muffin top, today's entire outfit is dedicated to my favourite store. Enjoy!



New Look by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for having a major cold.

It's the time of year where you can never escape the horrible bugbear that is getting a cold or flu virus. Everyone is sneezing, people are coughing all over the place and your office is littered with stack loads of new tissues. So why do we always act as if it's such a shock when the symptoms start to show?

I noticed it last night. As soon as I came through the door, the sniffles started and the sore throat began to creep up on me. Thankfully, I was fine during the weekend so could enjoy cuddles and cocktails without so much of a splutter in sight but it may well be the weekend that could have caused it.

I ventured out at the weekend, like the legend of any woman who grew up within a 50 mile radius of Newcastle states, without a coat. I wore a pretty strapless and short dress with a very thin shrug cardigan and thin black tights. I was also in the company of a certain someone with a slight sniffle. And it's November! But all the logical reasons didn't stop me cursing and practically crying when I couldn't breath through my left nostril and my muscles ached like mad. Please flu, go away!

I need to be nice and wrapped up today and, as MYB isn't near to provide me with zillions of cuddles, I'll gladly made do with this outfit. I love the draped front cardigans that I own but this Micheal Kors one pretty much beats them all- if only for the colour. Add a striped tee from American Eagle and some slim leg wool pants by Helmut Lang. To keep the chill away, add some cashmere gloves and a pretty floral scarf available from New Look. Lastly, add more colour to cheer yourself up with some dotty Converse and a bright Chloé bag. I think we're all suffering from the dreaded winter illness, aren't we?



Cold and flu. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for finding out his real name.

Have I ever told you the story of Humphries and Owner? I'm not sure I have, have I? Are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin...

Every morning, at the same time, I get on the bus into Newcastle from my home. And every morning, in the same spot, sits a pair I call Humphries and Owner. Humphries is a gorgeous shaggy dog, described in modern culture as a Dulux dog. Owner is, of course, the owner of Humphries. Owner is always dressed rather casually and sits and listens to his iPod- at around the age of 55, I wonder what he listens to as Humphries sits and attracts smiles from the crowd of commuters.

I'd tell the tale of Humphries and Owner- how they appeared, what stop they got off at and my theories as to where they might be going- to my best friend and my mother. We all rapidly became intrigued by the duo and brief mentions of them on an evening turned into immediate texting on a morning as soon as I saw them.

I came up with the name Humphries- he really suits it and I then further have discussions about the shattering of illusions about his real name. I swore I'd never find it out.

Then today, as I left campus at a different time to normal, I found myself sat in the station with Humphries' head on my lap. Humphries and Owner were waiting for the same bus as I was and I was rather elated inside to find that Owner said hello to me. As I stroked Humphries, Owner smiled and I just had to do it!

"What's his name?" I asked, terrified of a response such as "Shaggy" or "Cuddles".
"Shepard" replied Owner with a smile.

Shepard? Humphries is called Shepard?! You know what, the illusion isn't ruined and so the reality is a million times better. I never did quite find out where they were going though...

Dressing For is today inspired by a park walk with Humphries/Shepard. It's been freezing outside so one needs to start with a snuggly and smart looking Topshop coat. Next, the focus piece- a fabulous print skirt by Erdem Laverna skirt that I'd sell my boyfriend for (that is, if he were not so damn gorgeous and super intelligent!). It is such a beautiful skirt though, isn't it? Dressed down with cashmere t-shirts and perfect for the office with a tailored white shirt. Then go navy mad with a Dorothy Perkins shopper, some vintage leather gloves and super cute shoes- a slight 50s look that I heart. Is it true that loads of people meet their partner whilst walking their dogs? I have no doubt you would in this super sweet outfit. Happy dog walking!



Finding out his real name. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for a new found love of evening classes.

I am exhausted today- essays, UCAS, working on my novel, doing some painting and reading stack loads of material on new media advertising.

However, my tiredness has nothing to do with not returning home until 11ish last night. I attended my evening class with a dash of anticipation and a venti caramel latte with an extra shot from Starbucks. Having been up since 6am yesterday morning, I was worried that I'd feel exhausted during my English Language evening class and not make too much of a good impression. But my word was I alive!

I loved the fact that there was hardly anyone standing in the corridors or waiting for the lift on campus come 5pm and the fact that it felt less of a chore as I was giving up my Hollyoaks time to be there out of choice.

From 5-9pm we actually studied the English language. I gained knowledge and wrote three sides of A4, unlike attending the morning lectures which I found unstructured and ill of interest. Hurray- long live feeling nervous as I walk through pitch black back streets on a Monday evening to catch my bus.

I've created Dressing For with the idea of attending an evening class and then meeting your bloke and his colleagues for a glass or two of red wine. My other half was out with friends last night and, I admit, I was daydreaming about joining him- full of zest, inspiration and ambition after my lecture. Sadly, by the time the train took the journey from Newcastle to Birmingham New Street, I feel he may have finished dinner (plus, his friend is also his super clever and super thin ex that scares me a little!). Anyway...

The look is casual, comfy and yet smart enough to make a decent impression. I like the fact that this Vanessa Bruno dress looks like something I might wear for bed, it looks so comfy! Add a pair of Converse for slightly nervous walking through town in the dark and a polkadot full skirt Topshop coat to brave the cold in style. Next, to add a little glam, use Chanel necklaces and a brooch to make your accessories do the talking and then a Marc by Marc Jacobs tote to store all your notes and a small bottle of perfume to freshen up. Ahh, the English language and wine- what a perfect dream.


Lecture. Wine bar. by hollieanne