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 booking her tattoo.

Oh my god, can you believe I just typed that? Can you believe I'm getting a tattoo on Tuesday at noon? My word. But speaking of believe, that's exactly what my tattoo shall be. Perfectly inked on my wrist, the word 'believe' will sit there as a reminder of the ups and downs of life and the most treasured phrase repeated by my mother: "Believe in yourself and believe things will get better".

Now, as I sit with my happy ending in the form of the most beautiful man alive and a career I totally adore, I trust her words more than ever. I do realise I'll always have a struggle with BPD but now- several months after feeling content and calm and as if BPD never existed- I know how to deal with it. I take every single minute as a treasure- I shouldn't be sitting here today- and I adore life, even if that just means reading the newspaper on my journey home.

I think self belief and belief in those around you is the most important value in life. You give up when you stop believing and, in an evening last June, I really did give up. But with the help of my mother, best friend, my darling man and those other people around me, I am now the most content girl alive. Perhaps this entry comes across as me gushing with happiness, even being smug, but I know a lot of you who read this blog can really understand what I mean by all this.

But, as many of my friends are thinking, what is this typical middle-class girl getting a tattoo for? Surely, the girl who votes Conservative and cannot wait to get married is against inking herself up? It's surprised me too, I must say, but it was my mother who suggested it and I want to give something positive back to my body which has dealt with so much psychical abuse in the past.

Finally, before we get onto the outfit, I'd like to say a HUGE thank-you to all who read the comment and contact with such lovely words. This is the 200th entry and Dressing For is my baby. The blog means a lot to me and the best thing is hearing all your sweet comments. I'm glad a lot of you get a lot out of Dressing For, I certainly do too!

Fashion o'clock? Go on then! I've picked this sweet 3/4 length sleeve striped dress from French Connection- it would really show off my little addition to my wrist. With it, I've added an Yves Saint Laurent chunky gold necklace, a ring by Forever21 and a rope bracelet from ae.com . The red sunglasses featured here can be found at fredflare.com , the cute nautical inspired bag is by APC Madras and costs £91 and, finally, these classic sandals are designed by the wonderful Sigerson Morrison.

It's booked! by hollieanne featuring Forever21 rings

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 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. - 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 a confusing but calm day.

I'm joyous at the fact that I have not ventured outside my home today and opted for the calm of an afternoon bubble bath, a brilliant novel and pesto. Normally I'm seen as a blur within the greed of modern weekend consumerism and I'm a typical buyer who shops for the pleasure whether in need of anything or not. But this weekend (well, this Saturday) I have felt the need to stay home and clean, wish away the hours by talking to my mother, socialise with family members, do some painting, sub edit some articles and think about prominent clothing brands and their marketing tactics. Good stuff!

I shall most probably spend tomorrow back in that consumerism blur with the occasional tense moment as my football team play their closest rivals in one of the biggest games in British football. There's something to be said about opting to divulge in home life: I used to get rather low when I found myself home all weekend due to not making plans or feeling ill but now I really enjoy it. I enjoy the thrill of using up a whole pint of skimmed milk during the day from unstoppable cups of tea or lighting candles in the front room and relaxing as their mango haze soaks my senses. Very pretty afternoon.

But my evening was tinged with a worry about my father. I'm not a girl to bite my tongue, especially when it comes to this man. When he called me later this evening I found it hard not to feel exasperated at his current plans which will end in tears from all. Why does he wish upon himself such a complicated love life and why does he need one so much? My father is ten years older than my darling boyfriend but acts like a teenager. MYB and I have pretty much always managed to keep things low-key despite an eighteen year age gap, busy lives, my illness and a slight hiccup in between. So why can't my father keep things simple with any woman he dates? Why can't he accept he does things to himself and face the consequences? Why am I so wrong when I gently inform him the beauty he was with this time last year was actually too good for him? He's admitted it himself before. I never mention my relationship with MYB to my father so why does he insist on informing me of every heartbeat and affair in his? I care not for another turn around in my life. No, not again.

Shall we discuss the outfit? I think so. This outfit is half similar to what I wore today, actually. I love maxi dresses but at nearly six foot I can get away with them and not have to wear heels. I love a plain maxi dress (seemingly, I wore a black one today) that I can jazz up with accessories. This blue number is from Forever21 and I've added a belt from ASOS. I've matched the colouring of the belt with a gorgeous Mulberry classic and used bronze/gold necklaces by Kenneth Jay Lane and Forever21. I'd tie my hair back in a simple side bun and add this sweet bow hair tie from Monsoon. Deep pinks are introduced with some wonderful Yves Saint Laurent flats and a flower ring by Kara Ross which is also seen here in an off-peach colour. Finally, for true casual chic, pile on the bangles like these from Topshop. And I'm calm once more...



He's annoyed my calm day. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

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 doing everything wrong!

I am going to cry. I'm actually going to cry. I keep doing everything wrong today and very little is working out.

Today didn't start off bad, I had a lazy morning and headed into town for Starbucks where I had a major flirt with a rather fit bloke who passed me his number (I love MYB, yes I do, no matter how fit he was....yes, MYB). I then skipped off to two meeting which went incredibly well, especially the latter.

I was on a major high and sat down to read some stuff about broadcasting and children. I was sitting there happily when I went to pay for a book and realised I couldn't find my bank card. I paid by cash and went and sat down to sort out my Paddington, knowing my card would be in there somewhere. But it wasn't. Thus I have no bank card and therefore no money. I went back to Starbucks (the last place I had it) and they didn't have it. A bloke in a red (red!) jumper then informed me I probably wouldn't get a new one by Xmas. Yeah, Mate, I got that. I walked out and had to stop myself crying really hard.

I text MYB to tell him about the situation and he called pretty much straight away and was all protective and sensible and reminded me to cancel my current one for fear of online use by some idiot. MYB scored some major Brownie points for being so sensible and protective today- well done, Love!

But what is it with buses? I was still close to tears when I started queuing for my bus home only to wait half a bloody hour because it decided not to turn up.

Then I slipped over on ice.

And now I've only gone and tagged MYB in some photos on Facebook for him to de-tag himself and now I'm all paranoid about whether he's mad at me or not for even doing so. I am on a major feeling sorry for myself night. I need a bath with a Lush bath bomb, perhaps a tiny cry and a call from MYB to tell me he hearts me. Yes, a cry is needed.

This outfit is mainly black, a colour I hardly wear but wear really well. I fell in love with this Topshop skirt and was actually surprised to see where it's from. On top I've gone for a pattern clash with Debenhams polkadot cardigan and the shoes are kept simple with suede flats by J-Crew. The American Eagel adds colour and another pattern mix and the Yves Saint Laurent bag just adds such a touch of luxury; I think it's defiantly in my top 5 designer bags of all time. Finally, a very sweet little Miss Selfridge snake bangle which I adore. Time to hit eBay for the aforementioned bangle, I think!



I keep doing everything wrong! by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for getting Britney Spears tickets!

Oh my gooooooood! I actually have tickets to see the wonderful Britney Spears in June 2009. OK, so a stack load of the British public are in the same position (including about 98% of my social circle) but it's still just as exciting.

Britney is such an inspiration to me and I turn into an eleven year old girl when I talk about Ms. Spears and, as much as I wouldn't go as crazy as the Britney Spears crying fan on Youtube, I won't really have a bad word said about her.

I ended up working from home today so I snapped up tickets super quick and spent the rest of the day relishing in delight and listening to Britney on repeat.

I ordered 2 tickets for Saturday 6th June but who I'm taking, I have no idea. My mother wouldn't mind going but I think it's more than likely I'll end up dragging MYB along- and like he'll complain! Seeing Britney Spears dancing around in tiny outfits? No man would turn that down- gay or straight!

I'm all colourful but warm today for working at home. I have a jumper similar to this but sadly it's not Moschino. Mix the purple with a sculpted yellow Yves Saint Laurent wool skirt and slip some black tights on for extra warmth. Finally, if you must go out in the ice for supplies of red wine and magazines, stomp around in these Topshop beauties which are sure to brighten the dullest of snowy days. Blue bangles and a blue ring provide the accessories. And in celebration of Britney Spears' comeback, I've gone for the "Save Britney" bag by Perez Hilton. Save Britney? She's back, Baby!


I have Britney tickets- Oh my God! by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for finishing her University application.

Hooray! I am officially finished my UCAS. It's been edited within an inch of its life and I am now officially knackered!

I went against the recommendations of my personal tutor who wanted to make my personal statement really, really, really bland and dull but I know my persistence will pay off. After all, isn't a personal statement supposed to be about your personality? Yeah, I made up 98% of the statement about academic/career stuff but I also listed a final line of other stuff which inspires me. I can now reveal that the following things were amongst that list: Barry M nail paint, French pop music and MYB (although I just gave his official job title). Oh God, what have I done? I am nervous!

Dressing For today is about being stressed but celebrating the end result. We all know it's all about the brilliant end result, right? So once you've finished that UCAS form/essay/article/dumping your bloke, pull on a pretty outfit and head out for a few glasses of rosé with your girls. I like the whole girly but fierce look- you know, pretty pinks and studs, floaty dresses with biker boots and a leather jacket. I think the Olsen Twins work this look really well, as does Alexa Chung. I've started with a very pretty Forever21 dress with bow detailing- the pink colouring and strapless detail make it pretty much as feminine as you can get. However, when going for this look, accessories are key so I've used hard black and nothing else. Add a pair of Forever 21 earrings and a Yves Saint Laurent cocktail ring that is to die for. And finally, grab this studded Fendi clutch and some incredible Louboutin wedges that are to die for. Slip a large glass in hand and know that all the hours and effort will soon pay off!


UCAS. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for Teen Vogue and Cosmogirl.

I went into Smiths this afternoon to buy NYLON (although, after the Peaches Geldof column disaster, I don't know why) but found the new delivery wasn't in yet. However, amongst the choices of either Plastique or Another Magazines, I saw two titles that I'd grown up adoring but hadn't bought in ages.

I didn't dare open the front covers of the two magazines as to savor every moment for tomorrow once I'm cuddled up in Starbucks with a skinny toffee nut coffee. I spent £4.95 on Cosmogirl and Teen Vogue because, sometimes, it's nice to have a super simple read in your hand.

I haven't picked up either magazines in ages so I cannot wait to flick through the pages once more. After a rather long, tiring and- frankly- a bit rubbish day, I'll wake with a geeky excitement as to devour every word of my magazines tomorrow.

Dressing For is today about being a sensible grown-up but with that little bit of girly teen added on secretly. This outfit would be worn to dinner with MYB and his mates or out for cocktails with my girls. I love this Bill Blass flamenco backless blouse- appallingly sexy but still subtle. Team with some 7 for All Mankind jeans and a simple but effective Mulberry clutch. Next, slip this gorgeous Yves Saint Laurent cocktail ring on for ultimate sophisticated yet girly effect. And now, here comes the inner teen within you, have several spritzes of this Hilary Duff fragrance and slip on your Jessica Simpson shoes. Finally, add some sort of fizzy, pink and sparkly drink!


Cosmogirl/Teen Vogue. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for fiesty women.

I'm one of those birds who claims to dislike most women and not get on with them. 90% of you will now be thinking "She must be a flirt/man-eater/rude bitch/up herself". The other 10%, well, you're probably one of the very few females I do get along with.

Why don't girls like girls? Easy, most of them are threatened and a lot are jealous (yes, I did just go there!). So, when a girl and I clash, perhaps it is because she finds my Tory loving personality just a bit much but a lot of the time it may well be because she's jealous. Because, face it, that is the main reason women dislike each other. Hmm, so I'm circle shaped and my nose is a wee bit small and I have a really annoying giggle after several glasses of wine. I'm not saying that I am perfect and every woman should be jealous of me, but what I am saying is that I can see why some women could be. Just like I am jealous of other women (MYB's blonde, thin, intelligent ex to name but one) and just like I will continue to be of other women that I meet. My plus points? A rather decent little journalism career for being 19, a gorgeous and successful bloke, ambition and confidence in my apple shape figure (although I've lost 9lb in 3 weeks so I'm looking more Marilyn than ever before!). It takes a strong woman to admit there are reasons others may be jealous and it takes a confident woman to state her plus points- why don't women do it more often and stop being hard on themselves?

Simple fact is though, I often don't get on with women because they don't enjoy football, a decent pint and a kebab on a night which, by the way, would be my ideal night. I date metrosexuals who come across as being gay but my mates are all football loving blokes who ask me if they can wank over my tits after 11 pints. I always say no, by the way. Anyway...

So, how did I lead with this topic for today? Well, dear Readers, I was having lunch with my Aunt today and we got talking about X Factor. It came as little surprise to me that my Aunt didn't like Ruth ("She always has her bangers out and loves herself") and Rachel ("She's got such a bad attitude"). Hmm, no comment on their singing ability but their apparent attitude. Let's start with Ruth. In truth, 99% of men would love to sleep with Ruth because she's a stunning natural beauty with a body to die for. And as far as Rachel? That woman is an inspiration to all who have been knocked down. Jesus, after what she's been through she's going to have an attitude but if anyone wants to comment on how her attitude is "rude", I'll take you to Brixton and show you what rude is.

I just find, because I'm not slagging off every bit of fat on my body or because I'll use every muscle in my body to make it in the world of journalism, some people can perceive my confidence and ambition as attitude. Women judge confident women wrongly- we're nice, really!

Dressing For could only be about a figure loving dress and some killer heels today, couldn't it? Kicking off with the shoes to give even the most feet phobic people a shoe fetish. They are, of course, Yves Saint Laurent's blue sole beauties which will set you back a total of £415. Worth it? Hell yes! I'm loving this semi-80s style Balenciaga dress- the cut, the monochrome...yum. It'd take a strong woman to pull it off but why can't that be you?! Slip a Chanel classic on your arm and load up on jewels available from Net-A-Porter that you bought yourself, of course. All set to go out and meet your model looking and successful bloke? Slip on some Destiny's Child and shake what your momma gave you because, my word, you look hot!


Woman. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for a pizza party.

Today saw the 12th birthday of my step-brother, Anthony. It almost made me sad to realise that I was only a year older than him when I was struck down with depression equal to an adults and a future which would be controlled by it. Only now, at 19, am I in control of what is now diagnosed as Borderline Personality Disorder and I almost live out my childhood losses in my two step-brothers' eyes. I enjoy their giggles, innocence and silly games knowing that I missed out on a lot of that. I feel privledged to have two such vibrant and mischeivous rascals to call my brothers.

And the giggles were at full speed today as we gorged on pizza, salad, cookie dough and stack loads of ice-cream until we were all nearly sick. We sang Happy Birthday at the top of our voices, popped the balloons which were blow-up for the birthday boy and chased each other around as if we were in a playground. Our laughing gained a few looks from fellow customers who perhaps thought the woman with the pink pout, dip-dye cardigan and smart wide-leg pants had too much sugar that morning. And what if I had? Today, I felt 12 too. And it was great!

The outfit picked for today represents the joy of being mature but young, silly but sensible, child-like but with so much life experience. I adore these La Garconne trousers which would be suitable in any editorial office or University meeting, the Topshop tee could easily slip under Yves Saint Laurent's "Le Smoking" tux for a quirky look and the Converse are commuting essentials which are swapped for killer heels on the corner of 6-8 Old Bond Street. I have a killer flu and this Topshop cable-knit scarf would be a welcome comfort. The Hello Kitty ring? Something I would have picked when I was 12 and something I'd probably still pick now, if truth were known.

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for comfort, hope and reminders of all the nice things in life.

On my way home from my lecture this afternoon, I witnessed a man sitting on the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle with police surrounding him. One cannot help but look and I felt so much sympathy for the poor man. However, what left me disgusted and shocked were the conversations of how the "man [was] being selfish for holding up the traffic". My fellow bus travellers, most of them aged around fifty, couldn't help but vent their own appalling views.

Today I'm dressing for comfort. I've selected this stunning La Garconne coat and Charlotte Russe cardigan to add a feeling of being warm, safe and wrapped up. The iconic Louboutin heels make us stand tall and stay strong and who can resist the luxury of this Gucci bracelet and YSL lipstick?

Sometimes we all need to be reminded things will be OK.