Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts

Friday, 15 May 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for filming.

I am so exhausted. I was up at 530 and haven't long got home. I was filming in London today for thesite.org and I'd like to thank everyone there for helping things run so smoothly.

Another lot of thanks goes out to the famed Start Boutique and I was totally blown away to meet the owner, Philip Start. I've always had an urge to own my own boutique one day and perhaps that's something I'd do once I've finished my degree. Start really is something else though and I've admired it for ever so long.

The outfit I put together today is pretty, girly and fabulous- just like today. I've started with a blazer from Fredflare.com, added a pretty Forever21 lace shift and some pearls which also come from Forever21. The look is finished with some fab Miu Miu flats and a colour pop Marni bag.

Thursday, 14 May 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for an apology from her father.

I didn't blog about it too much on Monday but, in normal fashion, my father had me in tears once more. This time it was worse than ever though, I have to stay. My stunningly beautiful boyfriend and my darling mother made everything better and I went from feeling like death inside to feeling like normal Hollie once more.

My father made a call to my mother today and made an apology to me via my mum. What made me sad was that he didn't have the guts to say it to me. What do I make of it all? My father is my father, he messes up and says sorry and we all go along and pretend his toxic lifestyle of women and alcohol is fine. It's not fine this time but I have some incredible friends and a wonderful family and that's all I need.

But the sad thing is is that when my dad popped by tonight to pick up some keys (don't ask!), I rushed to change from my leggings and vest to a pretty dress and cardigan. I also did my hair. Why? Because I want him to know I'm fine without his dollars, I'm fine alone.

The outfit today is set to impress. I've started with this beautiful Anna Sui floral dress, added some Valentino shoes that I'd love to get married in and finished with a Stella McCartney bag. The earrings are Forever21, the bangles are Miss Selfridge and the hair pin is Accessorize.




Wednesday, 13 May 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for a girly evening in with mum.

I have the best mother and boyfriend in the entire world. I'd love someone to live my life for a day and just see how kind, caring, sweet and gorgeous my two most important people are. But it's all about my yummy mummy tonight!

My mum called me this morning to make sure I was well and insisted we have a sweet little evening of cooking dinner, painting nails and just being fabulous. It's been such a simple evening of cooking chicken and pesto pizza, watching television and my mother plaiting my hair as if I was three once more. But it's what I've needed and I'm much happier than I was at the start of the day.

The outfit I've styled for today is perfect for a relaxed dinner out or a few chilled glasses of white wine in the spring heat. I've started with this pretty Topshop tunic, added some Current/Elliot jeans and beautiful sandals by Musa. Forever21 provide pretty extras in the form of a bracelet and ring and this simple but chic clutch is Stella McCartney.

Tuesday, 12 May 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for sleeping super late.

Wow, this medication is certainly taking over me. I slept until an appalling time today, curled up in a sweet white tee and pink bottoms until lunch time. Luckily, I have Tuesdays free but today feels like such a waste. Once I did wake, I snacked on rice cakes and strawberries for lunch and did a little work before soaking in a hot bath.

However, as willed as I was to be really productive with the rest of the day, I fell back to sleep this afternoon for a good two hours whilst I was in the middle of reading. And I'm ready for bed again! My word, I'm so tired of sleeping.

I've put together such a simple outfit today but it's a classic casual that always looks comfortable and chic. I've started with a tee by James Perse, added some jeans by Adili and thrown on some Dorothy Perkins bangles. Statement pieces come via this cute Chloé bag, Antik Batik sandals and this gorgeous floral bib necklace by Dorothy Perkins.


Monday, 11 May 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for dinner with the English Language lot.

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.


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.

Saturday, 9 May 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for falling asleep.

Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God. I fell asleep before I had a chance to blog last night. I feel so bad! I started a new course of medication yesterday and the side effects include extreme tiredness. After an hour and a half of taking the first pill, my head was hitting the pillow and I went to sleep straight away. I may have to start blogging during the day for the next few weeks until I get used to the medication.

MYB (my yummy bloke) called me around 830 last night and I can hardly remember our conversation because the medication had made me so sleepy, dizzy and drowsy. Apparently we barely had a conversation because I was that zonked out!

So, I do super apologise to you lovely lot.

The outfit I've made up for today would be worn for a pretty walk around the park and dinner eaten in the garden. I've started with this beautiful red animal print dress by Just Cavalli, added some heels by Kors by Micheal Kors and a bag from Accessorize. The gorgeous tribal necklace is By Malene Birger, the ring is- again- Accessorize and the sunnies are from Topshop. Hope you all had a fab Friday.


Thursday, 7 May 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for an early morning in Manchester.

I'm back. Indeed, I was back twelve hours ago. My plan to stay wriggling in bed and enjoy several more hours of sleep whilst my love got an early morning train kind of changed. Once he woke up, the idea of a hot bubble bath was too tempting and I threw my outfit together and was holding hands with my love on the streets of Manchester by 0610am.

Early mornings are nice sometimes, aren't they? I enjoyed the crisp air hitting my face as I snuggled into my love as we walked to the station. By 0630, I was alone as MYB went off for a train to work and I used my spare half hour to grab an iced mocha and a granola bar from Starbucks.

I had such a lovely morning. I like normality best so silly things like morning walks to the train station and waving goodbye to the man I am in love with make me a very happy girl indeed. It's similar to the smell of library books, seeing a man in a tuxedo, wearing my hair in plaits or drinking hot chocolate. Y'all know I'm a simple country girl!

I have to admit, my darling and I looked rather stunning together this morning- perfectly styled clothes, shiny hair, shiny shoes and loving smiles- and I felt beautiful despite the early hour. I've styled up a really sharp outfit for today, starting with this Rebecca Taylor ruffle front sweater. I've added some fab purple A.P.C cotton shorts and Fendi strappy heels and finished the look with a white Celine frame bag. Jewellery comes in the form of these crest earrings by ModCloth and a cute little turtle necklace by Accessorize.


Tuesday, 5 May 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for refreshing the page.

Oh my god, I hate the Internet! I had some stuff to sort out online today and the website went down/crashed/died and I spent ages in my pajamas just wishing for the website to work. After many phone calls, a few tears and hours of stress, all was sorted and I'll reveal some information very soon.

But, for tonight, I feel low. Deadlines and idiots being the main problem but isn't that just life as a journalist? Not even chocolate could help me cope tonight but I keep clicking through the beautiful pictures of my beautiful man and I at the weekend and I grin when I'm reminded how stunning we look together and how happy we look. I think the best way to deal with stress is just to scream and cry all you want through it and then think of some beautifully happy times.

I'm going for an early night tonight as I think it'll do me some good. I'm off to Manchester tomorrow for work, a little shopping and perhaps a romantic late dinner with my love. I'll make sure I blog!

The outfit I've picked for today is so cute just for staying at home and working in. I love this quirky McQ scarf/tee which I've paired with Miss Selfridge jeans. The pink shoes are Converse, these sweet seahorse earrings are Topshop and this gorgeously classic bag is Anya Hindmarch.


Monday, 4 May 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for being so sorry she missed an entry.

Yesterday was my birthday and, in the evening, I was rather too drunk for words- literally. My birthday was a little stressful (the whole weekend didn't go to plan by far) so when I finally went out in the evening with my love, we were stressed and in the mood for one too many cocktails.

We sat sipping on AMAZING cocktails and it didn't occour to me that I hadn't blogged. And the more cocktails I had, the less I thought about the real world and the more I thought about tramp food, swine flu and penguins. The conversation got silly, we got giggly and we had a legendary night out.

Thanks to my lovely family and friends, my birthday was wonderful. I have the most incredible people around me who know my taste so well and know just what to say at the right times. I treasured every second of this weekend, even in the really low points, I was happy just to be Hollie-Anne and I'm never going to change that, people love me for it and that makes me happy.

The outfit styled for tonight would be worn for more celebrations- perhaps a tea party with my family or a pub lunch just like I had earlier today? I've kept it simple with shades of blue and yellow- a colour combination that spells happiness and fun. This Marc by Marc Jacobs dress looks like it would be so flattering and the colour is gorgeous with a tan. I've added a Monsoon bracelet, a gorgeous daisy ring by modcloth.com and a clutch by Dorothy Perkins who are my current fave. Finally, some gorgeous as gorgeous can be heels by Brian Atwood which are perfect for dancing the night away. Hope you've had a lovely holiday weekend.


Thursday, 30 April 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for cancelling her birthday dinner.

Today has just been a big load of fail from the start and it's got worse. I'm just exhausted and tired. I got very little sleep last night and had an unproductive day of work. When I got home this evening, I took my mother to one side and explained how tired and low I felt. I cancelled dinner with my family tonight despite looking forward to it. I've been in bed since 4:30pm and I just plan on sleeping through the next few days. I'm sorry this entry isn't very happy and smiley, things aren't great tonight.

Anyway, this is the outfit I would have put together for a relaxed dinner with the people I love the most. I've used a vest by Splendid which I'd wear tucked into this stunning Dorothy Perkins skirt. I've added Chanel-a-like shoes from Topshop, an ASOS bangle and an Alexander McQueen scarf. To finish off the look, I've gone for a Marc B envelope stud bag.

Wednesday, 29 April 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for birthday tea with her father.

I'm heading off to the land of love for my birthday thus I'm catching up with friends and family this week. Tonight, it was the turn of my father. I rushed home from lectures, dismissing the pleasure of drinks with friends, and made sure I looked fabulous and had something equally as fabulous in the oven.

My father didn't offer to take me out tonight. My father asked me if I'd make him tea, I said yes because I hate to argue. I popped a quick dinner in the oven and slipped into a pretty dress, my tattoo looking beautiful as it sat on my arm and reminded me how proud I should be of myself.

When my father arrived, we sat down and drank tea and he looked appalled at my quirk on my arm (although later got used to it and loved it). I served dinner at the table and we continued talking- but that was the problem.

My dad drained me tonight. All he went on about was Muffin Top, booking an expensive holiday with Muffin Top and er...Muffin Top! He went on and on about getting in trouble at work, almost being proud of the fact. My father always has been a mess, he has nothing to his name but a car and half a dozen items of clothing. I don't feel sorry for him, he doesn't put himself across as a sad man, but I do feel cross. Why do people feel they can mumble through life without any stability and normality? Call me middle-class if you will.

I'm off to bed soon, happy in the knowledge that tomorrow night is my birthday dinner with my mother and step-family. My father gave me cash and a card, both of wish I don't need.

I've made up a stunning outfit for today. If my father has to put me down, I may as well look stylish as he does so. I've picked this stunning dress by Thurley which is a clear show stopper wherever worn. I've colour clashed the outfit with a turquoise Pucci clutch and jewellery by Bijoux. The pretty hair comb is designed by Salcome, the sandals are by Azzedine Alaia and the look is finished with a Topshop ring.


Monday, 27 April 2009

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.



Sunday, 26 April 2009

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.

Saturday, 25 April 2009

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.


Friday, 24 April 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for a headache.

My psychical health hasn't been great lately. I feel all I've done is blog about how ill I've been feeling this week, sorry. I've had a headache all day which probably wasn't helped by a late night last night and getting involved in a silly argument. I'm hoping, really hoping, to have a calm night tonight.

When I get psychically ill, it's normal due to stress so I've promised myself an ultimate weekend of relaxing and trying to apologise to those around me who I've annoyed with my silly hormones and grumpy attitude. Wish me luck!

What have you lot been up to this week? I hope you've had a great one and that you have a brilliant weekend lined up.

The outfit I've made up for today would be worn out to dinner with friends or my love. I've selected a Marc by Marc Jacobs tunic, some white Topshop jeans and earrings from Forever21. I've gone all multi-coloured with accessories and used some Antik Batik sandals, Topshop bangles and a fab bag Fendi.

Thursday, 23 April 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for being sick.

What was wrong with me today? I was perfectly fine this morning (apart from sleeping in) and enjoyed a philosophy lecture before getting ready to go and sort my sprained hand out. But then, just as I'd finished applying my lip balm and buttoning up my cardigan, I went all faint and nearly passed out. And then I was sick. I'm lush, right? Yuck!

I came home this afternoon, drank lots of green tea water and felt a little better. I've been yawning all day and I'm looking forward to a lie-in tomorrow. I kept myself busy by sorting out University stuff, doing a little writing and relaxing on the sofa with the paper. Tomorrow will be a much better day, I'm sure.

On a slightly cute note, my mother came home from work today with a little parcel for me. My mum bought me some anchor print pjs and jelly sandals! Isn't she sweet? She wanted to make me feel lots better and she has.

This outfit cheers me up! A bright pink sleeveless ADAM silk jumpsuit is worn with a lilac Topshop belt and a Marc by Marc Jacobs bag. To keep this look casual and fresh for daytime wear, I've added a boyfriend cardigan from Forever21 and some lace-ups from Wet Seal. The bangles featured here and from the wonderful ASOS and I've added a lust worthy watch by Toy Watch.

Wednesday, 22 April 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for art and philosophy.

My day was always going to be a little tough when a smelly bloke into trains sat next to me on the bus and insisted on talking to me about his house near a windmill. I tried to apply my bronzer, tried to put my iPod in, tried to call MYB... nothing worked! He got off after a few stops though, I was so thankful.

Then, with the sun blazing outside and begging me to sit my maxi skirt covered bottom on the grass and read Grazia, I had to endure a long philosophy lecture. Normally, I adore my philosophy lectures but I felt a little lost today. We were looking into art and philosophy in the 1600s. The subject really interested me but the more my lecturer went on and on and on, the less intelligent I felt and I started to feel sad when I was thinking more about lip gloss as my other students were taking notes. I'm intelligent, don't get me wrong, but sometimes I feel others in the class look down on me for writing the articles I do and going off to Uni to study the subject I'll be doing. But sod 'em, right? I shouldn't let it get to me.

I've also managed to sprain my hand in the last few days which now means I'll be spending a while in the walk in centre getting it fixed up tomorrow. I've had my arm bandaged up before. I added a corsage to make it look nice.

Oh and finally, I argued with my twelve year old brother. Woe is moi? Not really, I have an appointment with MYB in half an hour.

Fashion always cheers me up so I'm moving on to the pretty outfit I've made up for today. I love girls who can pull off this casual look of a shirt and jeans. The shirt used here is by Steven Alan, I've gone for bleach jeans from Topshop and a pair of fabulous sunglasses also from Topshop. These super cute flip-flop come from Marc by Marc Jacobs, this sweet little necklace is by Hannah Zakari and the gorgeous soft pink bag is available from http://www.luxeaccessories.com/ . Hope you enjoyed the sunshine!


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!


Monday, 20 April 2009

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for getting back to normality.

The holidays are well and truly over and I landed back in education this evening with excitement. I dislike holidays, I've always been a work-a-holic and although I had masses of editing and writing to do over my break, it still didn't feel right. It was great to be feeling inspired and back in a classroom once more.

How lovely was the weather today, though? My word, it was incredible. As much as I spent four hours in a classroom, I enjoyed a skinny iced mocha from Starbucks whilst sitting in the sun and reading. I think tomorrow is supposed to be just as lovely so I'm going to take my laptop outside and write until the sun comes down. Oh, and see my father but I'll try and make that short and sweet.

So, onto the outfit. I've gone for cute and comfortable today. I've started with this gorgeous Alice + Olivia tank dress and kept the accessories light and fresh. I've added navy lace-ups from Dorothy Perkins, this stunning white bag by Fendi and a chain hairband by Miss Selfridge. The look is completed with a statement necklace from Forever21 and some gorgeous oversized sunnies by Miu Miu.