Ah, will my Monday evenings ever be the same? No more English Language lectures, no more note taking and no more late night bus journeys. How I'll miss it.
Our last task was to review our favourite book and I did so in the allocated time. I titled my essay "A good girl comes undone: a tale of ambition, morals and mind blowing orgasms with powerful older men". I think that sneakily tells a tale of my own life, hehe.
After we finished writing, we headed into town and ignored the match evening mess to feast on Chinese food until we were all so full we could hardly move. Good night out!
The outfit I've styled today is a lot like what I'm currently wearing. Indeed, this New Look blazer is my very own boyfriend blazer that I've just taken off. I've added a Diane von Furstenberg maxi dress, a bag and hair band by Miss Selfridge and a necklace by Forever21. The look is finished with gladiators from modcloth.com and my darling Disney Couture necklace.
Showing posts with label book. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book. Show all posts
Monday, 11 May 2009
Sunday, 10 May 2009
Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for book reading.
Tomorrow will see my reviewing a certain book. Covered in gold card, gold leaf flowers, a slash of red for Louboutin-esque shoes and a white silhouette. Behind the cover lies "A good girl comes undone" by Polly Williams. Behind the cover you'll find me- the sensible magazine writer with high aspirations and a certain niceness which can sometimes mean one suffers in this industry. Amongst the pages you'll find a character who reminds me of the love of my life (intelligent, powerful and intriguing no matter how long time passes) and you'll find characters who remind me of my best friend, of my mother, of people I've met through work. It's simply my favourite book because it is one in which I relate to more than any other on the shelves of our libraries and book stores across the world. It may not be a classic but it's mine and I adore it.
Perhaps I should memorise that paragraph and include that in the review tomorrow? I'm sure I'll write something similar. I've been flicking through the pages again today, reading with the type of hunger I only get when I'm put in an enchanting work situation of kissing my darling boyfriend for the first time in two weeks.
What's your favourite book? It surprises me that people often think a favourite book should be "a classic"and something millions of others have enjoyed but a favourite book is simply something which touches you to the point that, by the end of several hours of reading, you feel you actually are the character.
The outfit I've styled for today would be worn for an afternoon reading in a coffee shop, looking outside at the sun and busy people. I've started with this stunning Chloé sequin vest which I've teamed with Topshop jeans and super gorgeous Rupert Sanderson t-bar sandals. Accessories are peachy and nude with a Topshop bag, Barbara Hulanicki for Topshop scarf, bracelets by Miss Selfridge and a fab straw trilby by American Eagle.
Perhaps I should memorise that paragraph and include that in the review tomorrow? I'm sure I'll write something similar. I've been flicking through the pages again today, reading with the type of hunger I only get when I'm put in an enchanting work situation of kissing my darling boyfriend for the first time in two weeks.
What's your favourite book? It surprises me that people often think a favourite book should be "a classic"and something millions of others have enjoyed but a favourite book is simply something which touches you to the point that, by the end of several hours of reading, you feel you actually are the character.
The outfit I've styled for today would be worn for an afternoon reading in a coffee shop, looking outside at the sun and busy people. I've started with this stunning Chloé sequin vest which I've teamed with Topshop jeans and super gorgeous Rupert Sanderson t-bar sandals. Accessories are peachy and nude with a Topshop bag, Barbara Hulanicki for Topshop scarf, bracelets by Miss Selfridge and a fab straw trilby by American Eagle.
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for peppermint tea in the garden.
My days off are normally swarmed with freelance work, catching up with friends and planning on watching a DVD and having a nap and yet never doing it. Today was no different- editing, writing, phone calls and coffee. And I saw my father. But rather than spend the evening getting a headache from looking at my screen too much, I took time to relax outside.
Sunshine and warmth in the North of England is rare and when the opportunity arises to sit in the sun and unwind, everyone fits time in their schedule to do so. I sat in my garden, on the pink blanket used to curl up with my love on Thursday night, and lost myself in daydreams of weddings and dresses and shoes and cupcakes. I'm a girly girl, we all know this.
I also soaked myself in my favourite book (' A Good Girl Comes Undone' by Polly Williams) and flicked through Tatler as I sipped on peppermint tea and text MYB (my yummy bloke) to inform him of my rare evening delight. Needless to say, he was jealous!
The outfit I've picked for today is casual, pretty and perfect for spring walks. This stunning lemon dress is by Zac Posen and I've added a glamorous sun hat with gold trimming by Forever21. To complete the look, I've used a straw bag from ASOS, some Old Navy flip-flops and super fabulous ASOS sunnies. Hope you've had a gorgeous Tuesday, fashionistas!
Sunshine and warmth in the North of England is rare and when the opportunity arises to sit in the sun and unwind, everyone fits time in their schedule to do so. I sat in my garden, on the pink blanket used to curl up with my love on Thursday night, and lost myself in daydreams of weddings and dresses and shoes and cupcakes. I'm a girly girl, we all know this.
I also soaked myself in my favourite book (' A Good Girl Comes Undone' by Polly Williams) and flicked through Tatler as I sipped on peppermint tea and text MYB (my yummy bloke) to inform him of my rare evening delight. Needless to say, he was jealous!
The outfit I've picked for today is casual, pretty and perfect for spring walks. This stunning lemon dress is by Zac Posen and I've added a glamorous sun hat with gold trimming by Forever21. To complete the look, I've used a straw bag from ASOS, some Old Navy flip-flops and super fabulous ASOS sunnies. Hope you've had a gorgeous Tuesday, fashionistas!
Saturday, 18 April 2009
Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for being an editor.
Well, an editor of my own work. As many of you know, I'm working on my first novel and I'm finding it much harder work than I ever thought despite it being an utter pleasure. The editing of all my writing can take so long and I change my mind over things all the time so a lot of work needs to be put in. When I write, I just go and go and go and I often scribble 5,000 words in a day without taking a moment to stop and do some editing. Then it catches up with me. I've spent today just working my way through it all and doing some much needed editing of my book. My mind feels so much clearer now.
I'm exhausted today, though. I have that quite nice feeling of being sleepy and warm and needing a nap. I'll sleep well tonight!
My outfit for today is all about comfort but style- popping out to the shops for a newspaper and a sly bar of chocolate, sitting at my desk and working away with Radio 2 in the background, laughing at photographs from the past few days and scribbling down feature ideas. This top is so stunning but I sadly have no idea where it's from, I believe it's some sort of Japanese label. The jeans are Stella McCartney, I've gone for some cute Converse and added a gorgeous Prada bag. The ring featured here is Disney Couture, the watch is DKNY and the bracelet is from ASOS.
I'm exhausted today, though. I have that quite nice feeling of being sleepy and warm and needing a nap. I'll sleep well tonight!
My outfit for today is all about comfort but style- popping out to the shops for a newspaper and a sly bar of chocolate, sitting at my desk and working away with Radio 2 in the background, laughing at photographs from the past few days and scribbling down feature ideas. This top is so stunning but I sadly have no idea where it's from, I believe it's some sort of Japanese label. The jeans are Stella McCartney, I've gone for some cute Converse and added a gorgeous Prada bag. The ring featured here is Disney Couture, the watch is DKNY and the bracelet is from ASOS.
Monday, 30 March 2009
Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for lolita.
I finally bought the iconic book that is 'Lolita' by Vladimir Nabokov. I knew it would be a difficult read and I knew it would be a rather odd read but, around twenty pages in, I am also finding the book appallingly beautiful. The use of language is extraordinary and I am truly captivated.
I sat in Starbucks with the book and was surrounded by a group of yummy mothers who were having a baby group of sorts and, when I sat in the only available chair and opened up Lolita, I felt a little strange. I discussed the very matter of the slightly odd feeling of reading Lolita and my male friend, a literary lover, said he'd feel he'd be frowned up were he to read it despite it being a classic.
Personally, whether the subject matter is peculiar or not, Vladmiri Nabokov's writing is spectacular.
I'm dressing for a sunny day reading! I've gone for a plain scoop neck tee from Wet Seal, a blue flower necklace by Forever21 and some (almost!) matching earrings from Topshop. The main piece to this outfit is, of course, the See by Chloé skirt which is so pretty! I'm finished off with some Puma trainers and a gorgeous leather bag from Topshop.
Lolita. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com
I sat in Starbucks with the book and was surrounded by a group of yummy mothers who were having a baby group of sorts and, when I sat in the only available chair and opened up Lolita, I felt a little strange. I discussed the very matter of the slightly odd feeling of reading Lolita and my male friend, a literary lover, said he'd feel he'd be frowned up were he to read it despite it being a classic.
Personally, whether the subject matter is peculiar or not, Vladmiri Nabokov's writing is spectacular.
I'm dressing for a sunny day reading! I've gone for a plain scoop neck tee from Wet Seal, a blue flower necklace by Forever21 and some (almost!) matching earrings from Topshop. The main piece to this outfit is, of course, the See by Chloé skirt which is so pretty! I'm finished off with some Puma trainers and a gorgeous leather bag from Topshop.
Lolita. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for her father not turning up.
I have a slight child-like relationship with my father in the sense that I am clinging to the prospect that I will gain his acceptance and admiration. I often feel like a small child who is constantly seeking approval and yet, although totally comfortable within myself and my blissful life, I will never feel accomplished.
Since my parents split when I was 13, I've had a rocky relationship with the man who disagreed with fidelity. Now, almost a decade on, my outlook of fidelity and romance is perhaps more precious than the norm. I fear I cannot do much more to please my father, and nor do I want to. Successful journalist? Check. Brilliant academic life? Check. Stable and appallingly happy love life? Check. I'm independent, successful and ambitions and yet I find myself feeling like this isn't good enough whilst my sister is able to date drug dealers and not work and yet gain more praise.
But, for months now, I've been feeling the need to cut away ties and to stop myself from hurting. When my father is around, or when he's due to be around, I turn into a shadow of myself and I'm quiet and perhaps a little nervous. I cancelled plans with a friend today so that I could stay home and prepare for my father coming. He hadn't told me what time he was visiting so I waited all day. My father called this afternoon and said he'd arrive no later than 530pm. I prepared mentally and made myself look decently pretty. 530 came and he wasn't there, I sat looking out of the window for the little red car to turn up but it didn't. And so, at 545, my phone rang and my father cancelled without reason. I sat by the window in hope for a while, kidding myself that he hadn't let me down again. After a quarter of an hour, I retired to my bed and comforted myself in my favourite book and a tiny cry.
So, all the effort I made today went out of the window but this outfit is similar to what I put together in order to impress. This pretty frill-front cardigan is 3.1 Phillip Lim and I've teamed it with some Cheap Monday jeans and Miu Miu heels. The gold oval necklace is by Philip Crangi, the earrings are Forever21 and I've finished the look off with an Alexander Wang tote.
He didn't turn up. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com
Since my parents split when I was 13, I've had a rocky relationship with the man who disagreed with fidelity. Now, almost a decade on, my outlook of fidelity and romance is perhaps more precious than the norm. I fear I cannot do much more to please my father, and nor do I want to. Successful journalist? Check. Brilliant academic life? Check. Stable and appallingly happy love life? Check. I'm independent, successful and ambitions and yet I find myself feeling like this isn't good enough whilst my sister is able to date drug dealers and not work and yet gain more praise.
But, for months now, I've been feeling the need to cut away ties and to stop myself from hurting. When my father is around, or when he's due to be around, I turn into a shadow of myself and I'm quiet and perhaps a little nervous. I cancelled plans with a friend today so that I could stay home and prepare for my father coming. He hadn't told me what time he was visiting so I waited all day. My father called this afternoon and said he'd arrive no later than 530pm. I prepared mentally and made myself look decently pretty. 530 came and he wasn't there, I sat looking out of the window for the little red car to turn up but it didn't. And so, at 545, my phone rang and my father cancelled without reason. I sat by the window in hope for a while, kidding myself that he hadn't let me down again. After a quarter of an hour, I retired to my bed and comforted myself in my favourite book and a tiny cry.
So, all the effort I made today went out of the window but this outfit is similar to what I put together in order to impress. This pretty frill-front cardigan is 3.1 Phillip Lim and I've teamed it with some Cheap Monday jeans and Miu Miu heels. The gold oval necklace is by Philip Crangi, the earrings are Forever21 and I've finished the look off with an Alexander Wang tote.
He didn't turn up. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com
Thursday, 30 October 2008
Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for novel writing.
I hadn't touched my novel in a few weeks, I admit. Perhaps just being busy with college work, selecting a University, worrying about my father acting like a teenager and resisting the temptations of a Starbucks or a cupcake is what did it.
I used to set aside an hour or two most evenings to write down ideas, read everything over, edit and actually scribble down a few lines but I've been shy with it of late. It was nice to trap myself in the South London antics of my characters and become a different character for a few hours. I researched my characters more and visualised myself in their shoes and in their outfits. I adore writing this book as it's not standard chick-lit but it has a whole other side to it which adds a certain stand-out aspect to it- or at least I hope! I'm not saying the novel will be a number one best seller but I do know that it's the most enjoyable thing to do on a rather dull Thursday where the hailstones won't stop.
I often dream of what my book launch will be like and come up with images of Bridget Jones and disastrous speeches, which will probably be the reality of it all. Hmm, I'm thinking some pretty satin black dress, a chic little up-do, too much red wine and my boyfriend on my arm telling me that I buggered the speech up and had red wine down my dress but he couldn't wait to take me home. Ha! Perhaps wishful thinking? When I reach the age of my first book being published, I'll either be some 28 year old singleton with cats or a 67 year old woman who looks like Vivienne Westwood but has to be wheeled round in a wheelchair after a skiing accident or some such. Hmm...
Today is a pretty but comfortable day. Starting with a Marc by Marc Jacobs tea dress which is perfect for the weekend, the office, a party and for a date- it's a brilliant purchase! Pair with a Topshop People Tree green cable knit scarf and a bright Mulberry poppy tote for some major colour. Slip on some simple Miu Miu flats and a purple rose ring. Next, curl up in a coffee shop with a large cappuccino and write away!
Novel writing. by hollieanne
I used to set aside an hour or two most evenings to write down ideas, read everything over, edit and actually scribble down a few lines but I've been shy with it of late. It was nice to trap myself in the South London antics of my characters and become a different character for a few hours. I researched my characters more and visualised myself in their shoes and in their outfits. I adore writing this book as it's not standard chick-lit but it has a whole other side to it which adds a certain stand-out aspect to it- or at least I hope! I'm not saying the novel will be a number one best seller but I do know that it's the most enjoyable thing to do on a rather dull Thursday where the hailstones won't stop.
I often dream of what my book launch will be like and come up with images of Bridget Jones and disastrous speeches, which will probably be the reality of it all. Hmm, I'm thinking some pretty satin black dress, a chic little up-do, too much red wine and my boyfriend on my arm telling me that I buggered the speech up and had red wine down my dress but he couldn't wait to take me home. Ha! Perhaps wishful thinking? When I reach the age of my first book being published, I'll either be some 28 year old singleton with cats or a 67 year old woman who looks like Vivienne Westwood but has to be wheeled round in a wheelchair after a skiing accident or some such. Hmm...
Today is a pretty but comfortable day. Starting with a Marc by Marc Jacobs tea dress which is perfect for the weekend, the office, a party and for a date- it's a brilliant purchase! Pair with a Topshop People Tree green cable knit scarf and a bright Mulberry poppy tote for some major colour. Slip on some simple Miu Miu flats and a purple rose ring. Next, curl up in a coffee shop with a large cappuccino and write away!
Novel writing. by hollieanne
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