Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for the night before.

It's the evening before my first tattoo. I sit here nervous and knowing that in 12 hours time, I'll have the numbing cream on and be ready to leave the house. The more people I tell, the more shocked people are that I'm getting inked up but when I explain the motives behind it, it all makes sense to people.

So, what is it that I'm afraid of? Well, the answer is simple- the pain! I've been scared on needles ever since I was a tiny little girl and had to get an operation. I've asked a few friends who already have little inked drawings on their bodies and I'm told to grit my teeth through it, remember why I'm getting it down and take lots of deep breaths. I'm planning on taking my iPod to drown out the sound but I think chatting away might help more and take my mind off things. I keep telling myself it'll be over in no more than half an hour. Wish me luck, eh?

I plan on trying to take a few pics (before, during and after) so I'll let you know where you can find them if it's to your taste.

The outfit I've selected today would be worn out for cocktails with friends- a few drinks to get my courage going. I have a love/hate relationship with this green suede jacket by Acne which I've paired with some Sass & Bide jeans. I love a bit of colour clashing so I've added a pochette clutch by Proenza Schouler, a ring from ASOS and some friendship bracelets by Monsoon. Finally, to finish this fierce look, some show-stopping 5.5 inch heeled sandals by Christian Louboutin.

The night before. by hollieanne featuring Christian Louboutin heels

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for stripes and florals.

What a lovely day! Did you all enjoy the sunshine? I hope you managed to get out of the office, even if it was just to M&S for a sandwhich during your lunch hour.

I started the day off oddly, not wanting to drag myself out of bed come 10am after not getting to sleep until 4 this morning after romantic discussions and pretty daydreams. When I did manage to pull myself up and out of my slumber, I drank coffee and washed the exhaustion from my eyes with a bubble bath and BBC World Service.

When it came to getting dressed, I was in a bit of a rush after managing to lose the hairdryer for a bit and running around the house like mad. I had semi pre-planned an outfit last night though so pulled on a striped tee, a floral dress and some black tights and flats. My mid-morning rush caused me just to grab the nearest accessories and the result was rather fab with a Topshop corsage pinned at shoulder level and pretty pearls.

I spent my day completing one of my HEFC courses (hurrah!) and then went into Starbucks for an iced mocha, cookie and the latest copy of Instyle magazine. Simple pleasures are always the best and the sun is giving everyone a major boost.

The outfit today is inspired by my outfit. Should I post a pic of it? Hmm, perhaps tomorrow. The stripped tee is from Topshop, this beautiful skirt is by H&M and the pretty pink flats are by Miu Miu. Today, I grabbed my satchel and threw all my junk it; surprisingly, it really finished off my look. This satchel here to perfect to me and is by Proenza Schouler for a crazy $14,500. Do you think it's worth adding to my birthday wish list? Cheaper accessories are this Dorothy Perkins ring and Forever21 pearls.



Stripes and florals. by hollieanne featuring Proenza Schouler shoulder bags

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for the perfect trench coat.

Why was my lazy Heat magazine reading Sunday spoiled when I was informed I'd be dragged around yet more shops Christmas shopping? There I was, plain vest and nice jeans, all snuggled up on the sofa with the papers and some magazines and ready to spend the day lipstick and care free. But my mother had other ideas.



Again, it wasn't bad. I tried to ignore the impending loom of Christmas Day and the current credit crunch by purchasing a few items for myself: an amazing statement necklace from New Look, frilly pants with purple flamingos on, a bath bomb from Lush... simple things. Toys R Us nearly killed me with the load of screaming children and whizzing lights from flashy toys but I got through.



The surprise smile of the day came from an early Christmas gift, however. Shopping in a favourite high street store of ours, my mother and I came across a beautiful looking trench coat- the buckle style detailing on the sleeves, the amazing neckline cut and the lenght all made it look appallingly pricey on the hanger and I was worried that once it was on my tall but apple figure, it wouldn't look like the dream it had hanging up in the store. But it did! Hell, I'd even go as far as saying it looked better. The neckline sat perfectly on me to give that super smart but sexy look and the belt around my waist made me look more Marilyn Monroe than Space Hopper. My mother very kindly offered to purchase it for me and took delight in seeing me twirl around in ultimate happiness in the trench I'd be craving for several years. I can't quite afford a Burberry just yet so this will come second best. I can't wait to wear it for my lecture tomorrow evening with my new plum colour corsage pinned to it that I'd purchases from H&M several days ago.



But, as much as I love my new high street one, I'm going for the perfect trench today in my blog. And it is, of course, the Burberry London Windsor trench. Oh, if only! Underneath I've gone for a glam look in the form of a pretty little Diane von Furstenberg lace top and some True Religion skinny jeans. Accessories are kept simple with a nude and grey theme to compliment the top and trench so I've used some stupidly beautiful nude Louboutin heels and Proenza Schouler grey and nude clutch. I'd wear this out for dinner with MYB or perhaps to a work event; thing is, I'd never want to take the coat off even if the underneath did look that good!