Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for a new hair colour.

I am the biggest fan of ginger hair. Auburn, copper, apricot, deep amber...if it's anywhere near ginger, I heart it. I'd love to look like Nicola Roberts (although I'd opt for bigger boobs and a little more padding all over, really) or have naturally flame red hair that just makes a statement of pure unique beauty. Until I can change my DNA, I'll have to stick with a lifetime worth of hairdressing bills and home dye jobs.

Today, I had my hair coloured a shade called amber and I have never been happier! With the darkest of dark brown hair, I'll never get a bright ginger shade but I can currently be seen with a lovely deep ginger shade with little flicks of my past dark brown.

There's really something about having your hair coloured, isn't there? OK, so I'd never go blonde or pink or anything or the sort but I enjoy staying safe for a really healthy look that makes me smile as my newly coloured hair bounces in the wind full of shine and softness.

Therefore, the outfit pictured is all for co-ordinating with my new shade. I've gone for a bright blue and super pretty dress from Forever21 which would create a clashing but striking look with my hair. I've added some Miu Miu sandals, a bright blue bag from Pauric Sweeney and a little white rose ring from Wet Seal. Finally, a beautiful piece from one of my favourite designers, Alex Monroe.


New hair. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

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. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for dinner with her mother.

My mother celebrates her birthday tomorrow. I'm clearly not going to reveal my mother's age but I've become more and more fascinated by her astonishing beauty and wonderful skin. As one ages, it's dictated that beauty becomes less of a focus but my mother looks better with age.

We went out for dinner tonight and then to the cinema (we saw 'He's just not that into you' and it is well worth every penny- loved it) and sat sharing ice-cream as we nodded our heads in agreement with the characters on the screen who were all going through some sort of melodramatic but realistic love issue in their lives.

Dinner with my mother is always odd, I always feel the need to impress and to shine despite seeing her everyday. Is it just me or does having dinner with mummy always signal a slight success or fail feeling? My mother is one of my best friends but I'll never stop having a certain driving force behind me to impress her.

I've selected a simple but pretty outfit this evening. I often find that the most simple outfits work best. LBD, black clutch and heels? More than fine! And that's just the look I've gone for here. To me, this Fendi dress is perfection as I adore the shape and the detailing of the belt. I've added a Louboutin clutch, some heels by Giuseppe Zanotti and an Alex Monroe 'love' necklace. Finally, it's colour o'clock with a bright Marc by Marc Jacobs cotton trench. Until tomorrow...



Dinner with my mother. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for an early night.

Apologies about yesterday, everyone! My blogging assistant kindly put out a note in my absence late last night. I got caught up in some family stuff and wasn't able to hit the laptop to blog. Huge apologies!

Anyway, shall we get back to today? If you've been reading my blog for the last few weeks, you'll notice how I've swapped casual Sundays to casual Saturdays and how much I'm really enjoying having a lazy day on a Saturday. Today was no different. A lie in followed by some lovely text messages from MYB and then I made brunch for the family. I spent the afternoon writing and listening to music, chatting to MYB and doing very little else- bliss!

I've been really stressed out this past week and it's only hitting me now how tired it's making me. MYB calmed my mind this evening and I made the decision that I needed some major relaxation. I've had a candle-lit bath tonight, had an lush salad for dinner and gave myself a pedicure. I'm now blogging from my bed and I'm going to watch some silly but slushy chick-flick in a moment. Happiness all round.

Outfit time! The outfit is casual and comfortable- and why not? The printed pink tee is DKNY and I've added some super skinny jeans by Cheap Monday. For me, the highlight of this outfit has to be the wonderful Nike Liberty dunks which I have craved since they first appeared on my screen one beautiful day. Accessories are super bright with some ASOS bangles, a hairband by New Look and a retro style Gola bag. Happy weekend!



Early night. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

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! - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for cosmetics shopping.

What a fabulous day! Don't you just love the days when you swish around town with nothing but your mother and a fringe bag on your arm? Perfect!

Today I said hello to S/S09 ("S/S09? You're such a geek!"- MYB) with a nod to new florals in coral and feather hair accessories. I'm adoring the new season stuff already with the boho look and pretty feminine shades already filtering through onto the high street. Marks and Spencer added soft grey shades and bright blues and pinks to their Limited Collection and New Look showcased a mix of ghastly patterns and pretty frills. On my high street wish list after today? A M&S patent pink tote, a M&S boyfriend blazer, a black leather jacket I spied in New Look and some Marc Jacobs-a-like satin heels from Clarks.

But mummy and I left the clothing behind for all of a few minutes and headed to the cosmetics counter. As I'm sure I've documented on my blog before, my Yummy Mummy has never been one for designer items and favoured cheap alternatives which would never last as long but today I convinced her, in lure of her new career, to really splash out. With thanks to the usual amazing service at the Chanel cosmetics counter, we purchased mascaras, blushers from the new season collection and lipsticks all to give her a boost on her first day. And me? Well, Mummy and I always share but I think I'll be keeping my classic Miami Peach Chanel nail polish all for me.

As I adore Chanel cosmetics so much (the quality, the shades available and the wonderful service and advice), I've added three Chanel pieces to the outfit selected for today. Firstly, we have this timeless yet colourful tweed jacket which is mixed with a curved 2.55 black bag and a pretty flower ring. Coming in a little closer to most price bands, I've used some Acne skinny jeans, a Topshop tee and some quilted French Sole flats. Happy Saturday, Guys!


Cosmetics. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for the Primark menswear section.

I was dragged out Christmas shopping today and with my sore throat still roaring and bags under my eyes after chatting with MYB into the small hours, it was pretty much the last thing I wanted.

After a wake-up call in the form of soft cheese and bread sticks for breakfast, I blow dried my ginger mop and added a pop of red lipstick on and was finally ready to face the havoc inducing high streets. My mother and I stepped out together for a men-free shopping day (although several yummy creatures caught my eye so it wasn't totally men-free) and indulged in every make-up counter that Boots has to offer. My selections? A wonderful orange lipstick, Marc Jacobs 'Daisy' fragrance and a smokey eye collection for the festive season.

We had fun selecting gifts for my brothers and I managed to pick up a few things for MYB (not from the Primark menswear section if you're reading this MYB, you don't have to worry!). My pleasure came in the surprisingly cool Primark menswear section. My mother was picking out a few bits for her tracksuit bottoms and trainers excuse for a partner and a cardigan caught my eye. I'm a major fan of the boyfriend cardigan and wore one recently when out for dinner with MYB over a smart purple dress, stockings and heels. The latest addition to my expanding cardigan wardrobe is a grey with "neon" pink stripe cardigan from Primark menswear. I opted for the XL size for a baggy and comfortable feel and I'm currently wrapped in it over the top of some pretty pink pajamas. I also came across a rather large tartan scarf that will go fab on jeans and Topshop basic vest days. Who would have guessed, eh?

I'd wear this outfit out for dinner with MYB or perhaps just to the cinema and for a cocktail. I'm a little bit in love with Primark today so both the peep toes and the gorgeous orange dress are from the flea market on the High Street that is Primarni. And we love it! I've used jewellery from Betsey Johnson and an established "it" bag in the form of this Balenciaga teal number. Finally, as I am championing men's clothing, add a Topman teal cardigan and wear with the buttons left open.



Menswear. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for lunch after lectures.

I'm in such a brilliant mood today despite only a few hours sleep and many a looming deadline. Today saw me feeling confident and smiley on a freezing cold North East morning; my trench was back on, the peep toes I wore were freezing my feet off and my over sized clutch was like a comforting daytime teddy bear.

I attended my philosophy lecture this morning and successfully pointed argument out, debated and pouted my way to such respect from my fellow classmates. On my way out of campus, Pussycat Dolls on my iPod and lipstick freshly applied, I bumped into an old classmate who I hadn't seen in ages due to timetable changes and we exchanged chats and smiles that kept me grinning for the rest of the day. Finally, I waltzed into town and met my darling mummy for lunch and a catch-up. As a friend said to me today: "Lunches with mums are the best" and she is so right. I can always trust my mum to tell me I look nice, make a few corrections when I don't and generally amuse me.

After the entry yesterday about surprise contact from MYB, I thought it couldn't get too much better in terms of loved-up, romantic and flirty mid-day messages but clearly I was wrong. MYB and I exchanged text messages all day that made me feel all beautiful and safe despite MYB working in the capital today and your darling blogger being Up North.

Lunch with mummy was fabulous, MYB has pretty much made me the happiest girl in the world today and nothing beats a decent philosophical debate. So, to express my happiness but a need to still dress smartly for lunch with mummy, Dressing For is colourful but chic. I'm a major Oscar de la Renta fan and have been spying on this silk bow blouse for a while. I've paired the aforementioned blouse with some simple wide-leg jeans available from Warehouse and some wonderful heels by the fabulous Georgina Goodman. Now, you'll have to forgive me for yet more purple but I cannot resist and have therefore gone for a purple flower ring, a Fiorelli laptop bag and some bangles available from ASOS. Got your glass of wine in your hand, mother opposite you and smile on your face? Your look is complete!



Lunch after lectures. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for being a little low.

I sounded happy in the entry from yesterday, right? Yeah. Chuffed with shopping purchases and looking forward to flashing my new ginger hair to a crowd of philosophy students (although I failed to mention that...). But yes, I was calm and happy and still feeling amazing from the weekend.

But, although I tried to remain upbeat about spending time with my father, something always gets me. My father is quite toxic for me but I always kid myself that he's changed and perhaps he isn't as bad as I make him out to be in my head. Yes, perhaps my father is just an old romantic and not a man who makes a mess and leaves everyone else to pick up the pieces. Maybe he's not as disinterested in me as I thought he was and maybe- just maybe- he does totally understand what I go through with Borderline Personality Disorder.

I need to stop pretending things can be stars and glitter with my father. I don't mind him but I always come away from seeing him feeling so low for no real reason and then the mood carries on into my life for about a week. My father made a few comments that upset me yesterday. But the thing is, he says things so lightly as if they're total fact when, actually, they're the most offensive things you've ever heard.

And so I felt fragile today. My hair looked limp. My outfit wasn't a bad choice but I just wasn't smiley and upbeat and looking like someone very excited about hearing back from any of her selected University choices.

I had a cry to MYB last night. I'm not sure he could understand me as one minute I was crying about deadlines and stress, the next I was going on about having a cold and at some point I cried my eyes out at how rubbish my father makes me feel. After a long day, I'm not sure a 19 year old bird crying "And now my Chanel mascara is aaaaaaaallllllll down my face!" was exactly what he wanted but he did correctly remind me that it's always sensible to take my make-up off before bedtime. Did MYB make me feel better? A little but I'm starting to think that the only way to feel better regarding my father is to slowly distance myself from him until I feel healthy enough to take on his issues and criticisms.

Onwards and upwards, eh? Slip on this outfit and take a cab to your bloke's house for ice-cream, cuddles and a tiny- mascara free- cry on his shoulder. You know it makes sense! The outfit is simple but cosy and the Chloé bag is big enough to pack a pair of pajama bottoms in case you fall asleep on your bloke's sofa and decide to stay the night. This mohair McQ looks so cosy and would be cute paired with Ugg boots on lazy weekend days. But today I've added a pair of KG tan shoe-boots to help you stand tall and walk confidently no matter how teary you feel. Finish with a simple pink beret and pretty Chanel necklace. Now, cry and moan all you like but know you'll be doing it whilst looking amazing!


Feeling low. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for weekends away.

I can't say much about this weekend, really. I want to, but perhaps it's best not to for fear of complications. A weekend away is just what I need and I want to talk about plans, my company and all in between but I've been asked to keep it low-key. And before you question it, no, I am not off for an illicit affair/filthy weekend with some woman's husband/to sleep around behind MYB's back/to undergo some secret boob job. Quite the opposite, actually. You can probably guess where and who with but not so much why the secrets. I'm not too sure, either.

But anyway, my weekend bag is packed and I raided the Chanel and Lancome beauty counter in House of Fraser this morning for a quick pick me up. I'm all set to go and meet my date for the weekend at 9pm tonight somewhere in Yorkshire (or at least I think it's Yorkshire...).

I spent several hours at the salon this morning having my hair done. I am now a really natural looking shade of ginger and I adore it! Oh my god! I feel like Nicola Roberts but without the size 6 figure, cash and string of "hard-men" boyfriends. I hope it goes down well tonight- I don't see why not!

So, as I'm going to be away until Sunday evening, my lovely Readers get 2 outfits: one for train travel and late evening drinks and the other for a fabulous cocktail drinking and shoe shopping Saturday in a (probably) Yorkshire city.

Friday evening: I need something comfortable to travel in but I also want to look stupidly hot. This DKNY dress is sort of fugly but that's why I love it. It's so fussy so doesn't need much in the need of accessorising so I've picked some simple gold jewellery and some Sigerson Morrison boots that I'd sell MYB to own. All that's needed is a weekend bag in the form of this Balenciaga number and you're done!

Saturday: Saturday calls for a lie-in and a big bubble bath before going out for a light lunch and to raid the Topshop sale. I've gone on a bit of a Sonia Rykiel love-fest with this. The gorgeous coat, sweater dress and killer shoes are all by the lady herself and the tights and bag are Topshop. Grab about 10 shopping bags and a glass of wine to complete the look.

Have a fun weekend!



Friday travels. 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 Sunderland.

My mummy is an absolute star! We took her for a job assessment at a hospital in Sunderland today and she bloody well passed it with flying colours. She'll have an interview within the next week or so. I have very little to say but "Go Meme! Go Meme!".

Whilst my mummy sat her exams, the boys and I went off into town to do a little early morning shopping. I'd frequent Sunderland as a little girl most Saturdays- my football shirt and pigtails swinging in the breeze coming from the sea. My father and I would take long walks around the football ground before the match started and if I wasn't feeling too scared, I'd pet the police horses.

But since my parents split, the football stopped and I'd paid one or two visits to Sunderland to see friends. But today brought back nice memories and I got to enjoy the girly shopping side of it.

Not bad! H&M, Monsoon, River Island, New Look, Superdrug... decent little high-street shops for me to meander around for a few hours. A few purchases of jewellery bits from H&M, stack loads of cosmetics and a bundle of "good luck" gifts for my mother.

Dressing For is inspired by the need to look smart to sit a test and then casual and comfortable enough to try on dresses and capes in H&M and Monsoon. Start with a simple but chic Mike & Chris Mongomery jacket and add some jeans by Dorothy Perkins and slip into some fabulous platform heels by Wet Seal. On top, I've used a slouched tee by French Connection and then accessorised with various beads and pearls. Finally, an American Eagle blue and white bucket bag to stash all those buys! Until tomorrow...



Sunderland. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for using watercolours.

It's so nice to spend only an hour of my day in a lecture and then come home and enjoy the finer things in life such as my slippers, Coke Zero in a mug, Hawaiian Tropic body butter, Jeremy Kyle and painting.

I haven't touched a paintbrush in weeks. I am ashamed.

I'm no artist in the typical sense. Picasso isn't my father and my mother would probably switch the lights off in some modern lighting exhibition show but I give it a go! And it was nice, it was nice to paint and feel so calm whilst doing it and create pretty images on a pretty page inspired by pretty days out with my best friend, my mother and my boyfriend (ahh, Chatsworth...).

Not even the disruption of my two younger brothers arriving home from school could annoy me as I painted Persian blue and emerald green onto grease-proof paper (yup, the stuff you put in the oven!) and sang along to random Amy Winehouse lyrics that kept cropping up in my head.

Sadly, the day didn't stay as calm. Brothers should not be allowed near laptops, put it that way!

The outfit I've made up for today is a very "Hollie-Anne" outfit. I tend to go for the chic and feminine look day to day and hardly ever wear trousers or jeans but opt for pretty pink colours and wonderfully constructed or floaty skirts. I love this rather dressy printed skirt from Forever21 and it speaks for itself so only needs a Topshop vest and a Forever21 grey cardigan over the top for understated elegance. I'm slipped on some pretty Topshop salmon coloured gladiators (make sure you've got your pedicure!) and I'd use a pretty pink satin hairband to keep hair tamed and classy. Finally, there's always time for a touch for timeless designer and that's why I've selected this Tiffany and Co silver necklace and Miu Miu leather tote to carry around everything from books to paints and, of course, lipstick. I love it!


Watercolours. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for loving the end of the honeymoon period.

When you're in a relationship it can often feel like all your plans and thoughts revolve around your other half. You select times to call one another and everything else is off limits, you make plans for dinner and not even a night out with the girls will make you cancel it and you plan romantic mini breaks months in advance and make all other plans around that.

But am I right in thinking it can often feel too much? Sure, planning stuff with my bloke is great and we do get all loved-up to the point of it being sickly to others but it can sometimes feel odd, especially after being single and independent for a while.

Recently this transcended into a slight distance between my other half and I. Nothing bad, really, just a feeling of needing to make plans/call each other 45 times before we go to sleep/talk for hours. I'm still madly in love but I quite fancy slouching in my Ugg boots and having a really early night.

When you're not in a relationship you dress to attract men, when you're in a relationship you dress to impress him- so what happens when you're really comfortable in a relationship and can slob about in your M&S grey PJs? Who do you dress for then? You, of course!

I discovered that wonderful point once more where I really do just dress for me. I went to the salon today and spent 2 hours having my nails done for no other reason than wanting them done to make me happy. I wore my Ugg boots (in public!) and allowed my bloke to see me in them. I got a stain on my white top and didn't care one bit! I'm finally in that moment of comfortable and sexy and it's all for me!

So, whilst my bloke has flown off on business until tomorrow morning, I'm more than happy spending a night with lots of Ben&Jerry's, Sex And The City: The Movie and a slice of chocolate cheesecake (hips o'clock!). Maybe boring is, well, boring but it's the comfort of the secure relationship mixed with the elation of knowing your appallingly hot boyfriend finds you rather sexy in your hoodie and pajama bottoms (well, maybe cute rather than sexy!).

Today's outfit might be comfortable, it might not be the most fashion forward outfit ever seen and it may well contain two of my guilty fashion loves (Ugg boots and Louis Vuitton bags) but it isn't by half rather cute. The Proenza Schouler long sleeved tee should be a staple in every one's wardrobe (although an M&S version is clearly more affordable), a simple denim mini skirt and waistcoat add an autumn feel and the Fred Flare nerd glasses necklace is pure geek-chic.

He loves me- whatever I wear! by hollieanne

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.