Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for asking for an extension.

As a journalist, I've become an expert in reaching my deadlines no matter what but my standards have somewhat slipped in the mist of feeling rather low lately and so it comes as a slight disappointment to oneself to have to send off an e-mail to a lecturer tonight and ask for a deadline extension.

I hate the idea of asking for an extension but I know it has to be done to produce the best piece of work possible. If my deadline request is rejected, well, I'm sure I'll manage at a push but I really need to make sure I get top grades and I think just a few more days would help.

I admit that I'm struggling right now. The slight feelings of depression and exhaustion can become too much during the day to the point that I am deadly silent towards others and find myself unable to concentrate. I'm sure I'll snap out of it at any moment and I should really stop feeling so apologetic for it all: 'm feeling a little overwhelmed by an illness I continue to battle- why am I so sorry for it all? Asking for an extension is nothing to be ashamed of but perhaps something to be proud of in the way of being able to ask for help and not sinking.

MYB is out tonight with his two but I don't by half wish he was here to talk me through this. I love the fact that MYB has been there and done the whole education thing so he can always provide me with such wise words- and cuddles!

The outfit that I've styled for today would be a wonderful choice to step into any lecturers office, bat your eyelids and ask for a little longer to type up that essay. The outfit is smart but student-chic. This beautiful blouse is by one of my favourite labels, Antik Batik. I've added some 7 For All Mankind bootcut jeans, wonderful Grecian lace-ups by Carvela and a studded bag by Dorothy Perkins. Jewellery is in the form of a glam rock by Vera Wang and super pretty Kenneth Jay Lane feather necklace. Wish me luck!


Deadline. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for NYE 2008!

I know you'll all be out at fabulous parties right now and not sitting in wearing your nightwear like I am but I'd like to wish you all a fabulous 2009! Creating Dressing For has been such a highlight of my year and it's been wonderful to read all your kind comments and e-mails in relation to my very first fashion blog. I hope you have a couture filled 2009!

Now, as I said above, I am at home in my nightwear after my NYE plans changed a little. I had planned to spend NYE with MYB but he's spending time with his son tonight and so I'm surrounded by my closest family and drinking lemonade. Rock and roll! I do feel a little sad as to not be spending the night with the most incredible man I have ever dated but I'm pleased he's not cancelled on me for some BBC only party or some such and knowing MYB and his son will be having a fabulous time brings a huge smile to my face. If I was at his tonight? Dinner, The Hills Season 1 on DVD and champagne in bed- pretty much like a normal evening. But I miss him. He's been the thing that has made 2008.

I wish someone could have photographed the two of us back in June: MYB was holding my hand as I was lying in a hospital bed and being told I might not pull through. And yet he still told me I was beautiful and that I was his baby. As much as it was the lowest moment of my life, I'd never felt so beautiful as I knew we could get through anything.

OK, loved-up rubbish over and onto the outfit. Dressing For is modest tonight as it's for spending the evening in with MYB and not at some club. I adore this dress by Emilio Pucci dress and it needs little more than a pair of black tights, a skinny belt and some black Louboutin heels to go with it. I've accessorised further with my dream bag by Mulberry, some cute Chanel bracelets, a Marc Jacobs hairband and a wonderful Vera Wang cocktail ring. Happy 2009 from Dressing For!


NYE with MYB. by hollieanne