Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for photography in the garden.

I had a final resting day today before I prepare myself to head back into education after a week and a half at home due to illness. I have to admit that I'm a tad nervous about tomorrow for some odd reason but I guess it's like the feeling we all get about going back to school/college/Uni/work after the holidays, isn't it? My mummy sorted me out with cuddles and shakes.

My portfolio pieces are increasingly growing and I'm loving the stuff I'm producing right now. MYB asked me to e-mail some pieces over for his viewing (I heart how interested he is in my work!) and I'm waiting to hear his responses- let's hope they were a hit! I produced a few more pieces today but it makes me nervous as to how close the deadline is to have it all finished. I have by no means started on my "Suri Cruise: My Personal Style Icon" stuff and nor have I even began to pen any words regarding how I ended up in the silly world of journalism (MYB and I, Jan 6th several years ago, All Bar One, Chinese man crossing the road... it's a long but beautiful story). I'm sure I'll manage.

When I wasn't doing portfolio pieces I was out in the garden. My parents have a beautiful garden which I love discovering. I didn't embrace the outdoors and the garden over the summer due to illness so I'm really looking forward to the sun coming along and walking down towards the apple tree via the stepping stones. I've taken the opportunity over these past few days to sneak out amongst the snow and snap away with my camera. We have some beautiful plants and flowers in our garden which have allowed me to take some incredible shots. I'm hoping to venture out amongst the plants and trees more often for some photography sessions. It's my happy place right now.

This super pretty outfit is perfect for staying home and being comfortable and creative in but also warm enough for half an hour out in between the trees and flowers. I find myself in love with this cardigan which is by Oscar de la Renta; it has a major price tag but it's absolutely gorgeous! Under the cardigan I'd wear this sweet little pocket silk tank by Alexander Wang and slip on some simple True Religion jeans. Chloé have produced these simple but pretty stack wedge heels and I've added a wonderful investment buy by Bottege Veneta. Jewellery is all cheap but chic: the owl ring is Miss Selfridge, the earrings are Topshop and this statement necklace is available from ASOS.



Photographs in the garden. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for swollen glands.

The psychical illnesses keep on coming and after a disturbed sleep, I find myself with really swollen glands. I've spent today with a huge migraine that ripped across my eyes and didn't disappear even after strong pills. Tomorrow morning will see me being tested for some kidney problem. When will this end? I feel exhausted!

However, despite feeling like death, I was able to do a wee bit of shopping for art supplies and a perfect piece of fashion beauty that holds more of a sentimental value between MYB and I than you'd think. A girl can always shop, right? In sickness and in health, as they say!

Apparently, according to my sensible BFF, I need to keep my neck warm in times of pain with my glands so I took such joy in going through my two (yes, two!) pashmina drawers and selecting the right one to go with a green and purple combination I'd already pre-planned for the day.

Sunday chic inspires the outfit for today but with an added need to stay warm and well. The striped top and perfect denim skirt are both by Cath Kidston and the flats are by the legend of Louboutin. I've gone for some pretty Rebecca Norman hoops, a Vanessa Bruno bag and a very plain blue scarf. Until tomorrow...


Swollen glands. - by hollieanne on Polyvore.com

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for dressing in black!

I have become obsessed with the Fashion Darling that is a deep shade of black. This may not appear like anything major but I'm a girl who has never worn black apart from the odd cardigan, vest top or pair of tights.

My mother has already encouraged me to wear black but her lovely comments about how it looked so great on me just passed over my head as black looks great on everyone, right? Perhaps this is true and I've seen many a friend or family member wearing the shade a lot to make them look slimmer but I've never quite got it. Where's all the colour that makes you stand out?

As a bird with decent size hips (that, I can reveal, are 5lb lighter this week!) I've always stayed away from black for thinking people only thought I was wearing it to make myself look slimmer and I've always had confidence is my "hour glass with a bit of a tummy" shape. But the past few days have seen me purchasing a perfect black dress and the love of my life- a black leather jacket. Seeing myself in such a colour and adoring the way I look comes as a shock- much like that of a black-only woman loving the way she looked in bright orange.

Is my style growing up from splashes of purple, pink and yellows to a more serious look of sophisticated black shades or am I just embracing something long overdue? I think it's a mix of both things. In these credit crunch times, it's more about investment pieces and sensible tan boots, black leather jackets, patent black clutches and calf skimming black dresses all come into the equation of being long lasting and sensible. I'm wearing chic flats, dying my hair grown up shades of ginger and making use of sensible peach nail shades. Grow up style here I come! Although I do think the odd pink satin Primark hair bow might be creeping in.

The outfit styled for today is grown up but also fun too. The tee was my starting point for the outfit and it's by one of my all time favourite labels- Sonia by Sonia Rykiel. The skirt is tucked into a Topshop skirt and I've thrown a Miu Miu biker jacket over the top which has amazing pleating detail- well worth the £1,000+ price tag! I've added some black tights, Jil Sander biker boots, a gorgeous Chanel necklace and a Betsey Johnson lace detailed bag. Finally, pin hair back into a chic loose ponytail and tie in a red corsage for ultimate glam but gorgeousness!


Wearing black. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for missing blogging.

Hi, Everyone! How are you all? Ah, how I've missed you. I guess I should start with an explanation as to the absence of Dressing For for the past few days. Basically, several family members of mine have been seriously ill and I've had to focus on my family which I'm sure you can all understand. Nothing ever gets in the way of creating a daily entry- personal illness, deadlines, raging tiredness- but this just had to be put to the side for a few days due to such an emergency. I apologise for my absence and thanks to the people who have e-mailed asking if everything is fine. Dressing For resumes as from now!

I'm looking forward to getting back into the regular routine of styling and blogging every day and, despite the fact I've only been away since Thursday, I feel I'm getting withdrawal symptoms.

I have very little to do today apart from see my father (in half an hour- eeek!) and make lots of inspiration diagrams. Today's outfit is bright and pretty and perfect for wearing when working at home and needing a little boost from your outfit. I adore this Juicy Couture sunflower dress and it's defiantly being added to my "When I Am Thin" list. I've gone for browns and bronze to set off the pink with a vintage bag, a wonderful owl ring by modcloth.com and some statement wedges by Burberry Prorsum. Last night I tied three plaits across the front of my forehead like a hairband and secured them with a pretty corsage just like these pink and brown ones. And to make a final, more personal addition, to today's outfit- a Marni bracelet. MYB, darling, M-A-R-N-I, OK? But make mine a necklace. Thanks, Sweetie!


I've missed blogging. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for Christmas Eve.

Happy Holidays, Everyone. Can you believe Christmas is upon us already? It's weird for me, really, as I had Fake Christmas with MYB last week and I really don't feel festive anymore. But I need to consider the following: since when was dinner at Nandos and discussions about Sam Ronson festive? Spending time with my parents (my father not included), too much wine, glittery decorations and the current wonder of really bad Christmas songs that currently fill this gigantic house rather successfully is what Christmas really is.

And it's going OK. I actually had a hospital appointment this afternoon but have spent the rest of the time slowly sipping on rosé and wrapping pretty gifts in purple paper.

I got lost in explaining Christmas Eve traditions to MYB last night and the major one of our household will be underway soon: the huge girly bubble bath and the new pajamas. I have to open the gift my mother selects from under the tree and it's always a pair of new pajamas. Although I fear my mother selected the wrong size this year and I'll be snuggling up in MYB's favourite bedtime attire of mine, my robot pajamas.

I am missing MYB tonight. We haven't spoken today and I'm pretty sure we won't as he's so terribly busy. And indeed, Friday will symbolise a family birthday for him and I'm certainly not family. Gutted.

Moving on, how sparkly and fab is this outfit?! The outfit is perfect for pre-Christmas cocktails with your BFFs. The Anna Sui dress reminds me of a flapper girl dress and the fact that it's covered in sequins makes it even more amazing. As the dress is quite short, I've gone for total excess with DAY Birger et Mikkelsen leggings and continued the sequin theme with some really pretty heels by Marc by Marc Jacobs. Accessories are mixed textures with some ASOS earrings, a wonderful octopus ring by Kenneth Jay Lane and a total lust-have via a classic Bottega Veneta clutch.



Christmas Eve Drinks. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for wishing it was still this morning.

I really wish it was still this morning. This time 12 hours ago saw me relaxed, smiling, being hugged and drinking coffee with the man I love. Nothing beats our lie-ins!

I can hardly stop smiling as to concentrate. I have so many memories of the last few beautiful days (I'm being careful what I reveal!) that my head is spinning. MYB really is wonderful.

I can't even begin to type for fear of causing any discomfort for MYB's two but he cannot do much wrong right now. I heart our pub lunches, giggling, walks in the freezing cold, dinners out, wine drinking and cuddles. Oh my God, I'm SO happy!

I wore something really simple and comfortable today as it was freezing cold but this outfit would have been perfect for a day filled with a lazy morning, pub lunch, goodbye cuddles and a final train journey- if only the sun was shining! I adore this coral skirt and it's a snip at around £11 from Forever21. I've paired the skirt with a grey vest and cardigan and pretty blue flats. Finally, a necklace from Urban outfitters, a ring by Fred Flare and a classic Chanel 2.55. I miss him already...


Holding hands, drinking wine... by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for getting everything finished for Christmas.

I'm in such a rush today...not enough hours at all! I successfully got one batch of work done today meaning that I can spend my Xmas relaxed with MYB.

Today's entry is short but sweet as I have to revise for a two hour exam tomorrow morning, pack my clothing to spend a few days with MYB and indeed catch up with MYB for giggling and excitement regarding tomorrow.

As I needed to be sharp and serious today, I've picked a really smart outfit. A simple belted black coat from Forever21, a gorgeous staple knit dress by Marc by Marc Jacobs and some wonderful shiny heels also by Forever21. The bag is Anya Hindmarch, tights are J-Crew and the scarf (which adds some much needed colour) is signature Missoni.


Finishing work. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for broken zips in New Look.

My Yummy Mummy took me off shopping today to clear my mind after difficult conversations with my father and feeling anxious about stuff to do with MYB. We had a girly day and I dressed in the perfect comfort combination of a dress, jeans, flats and a big chunky pashmina. We pretty much had the perfect Sunday.

As I'm seeing MYB for our Fake Christmas on Wednesday, I wanted to buy something new to get me in the festive spirit and make MYB gobble me up as soon as he saw me step off the train. I headed to my High Street favourite that is New Look and my eyes were drawn to a strapless number that came in black, red and purple...and they were in the sale! I proceeded to the changing rooms with three shades of wonderful dress and firstly tried the black on. The zip was broken. I sent the slightly silly shop assistant to grab me another but she came back and kindly informed me the zip was broken on all the black dresses. And the purple ones. And the red ones. Hence the sale. When I questioned why there was no "This item is broken blah blah blah" sign, the silly shop girl shrugged and clearly thought I was crazy to want decent customer service.

I have no new dress. Woe.

But I'm sure I'd impress MYB in a simple jeans and t-shirt number like this one for Dressing For. I'm in love with this Marc by Marc Jacobs tee- how pretty is it?! I've also used Marc by Marc Jacobs jeans, pretty peachy pink heels and gold tote. This Chanel bracelet is creeping in to the top of my Xmas list and New Look did get something right with this pretty purple flower ring. Until tomorrow...





Broken zips. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for Alexandra Burke.

How pleased am I that the North London beauty won? I actually really did think Eggnog would win and had been saying so all week but talent came through and she won!

I've been in tears all night, 90% X Factor/10% MYB being the worst boyfriend ever, and couldn't stop welling up during Alexandra's performance with Beyonce. Oh my god! And yet, what made it so emotional was that you could tell Alexandra couldn't quite believe she was singing with her idol. That girl needs to realise she's just as good, if not better, than Ms. Knowles.

So we're dressing like a true Superstar today and all in gold! I adore this Zac Posen satin mini and wish I had the figure to pull it off. If, like Alexandra Burke, you have amazing legs then really work it by wearing some killer Rupert Sanderson high heels. I've added a Fendi clutch and a necklace by one of my favourites, Alex Monroe. The stack rings are Marcia Moran and the bangles are Charmak. Well done Alexandra!


Alexandra Burke. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for having zero patience.

OK, MYB, I get that you have to work late sometimes but three nights in a row? No thanks. And it's not just that, it's the way he hardly bothers to tell me he's staying late or even considers how that might make me feel. MYB is a typical metro-sexual bloke but clearly that means he's like 99% of other men and is lacking in the consideration field.

I shouldn't complain, I know, he works really hard and does an amazing job but sometimes I can't help but get really cross when it's hitting 11pm and my boyfriend is still on his way home as I'm about to fall fast asleep. I guess the worst thing is that I've been asking him to do something for a week and he still hasn't bothered. Jesus, nag much?

I went out for dinner tonight and had the first mulled wine of the season- nothing like it! I had dinner and laughed and chatted about silly things like men and relationships and friendships. It was fun. And it involved Dime Bar cheesecake- yum!

But to truly stress having lost my patience with MYB and starting to become quite furious, I've gone all red. Red symbolises my anger but also my passion at knowing that as soon as he calls me sweetheart tonight, I'll fall into his arms and realise I'm actually with the hottest bloke I have ever met. Double yum! I've gone for a double dose of Fendi love with this beautiful red dress and amazingly high heels. Next is the Bottega Veneta quilted clutch which pretty much proves why I love the label so much. Finally, jewellery comes in the form of an amazing cocktail ring, some pretty earrings and a fab Marc by Marc Jacobs bangle.


Cross. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for being stood up.

I wasn't stood up, really, but it sort of felt like that. Why does it feel like my boyfriend is dating Mark Thompson and not me? If you're reading this Mr. Thompson, can I have my boyfriend back please?

OK, so I'm deeply proud of what MYB does and how much work he puts in but I miss him sometimes. Christmas is always mad with work, everything has to be finished before MYB can even think of snuggling up with me on Christmas Eve, and there's been some big project or something but it doesn't stop me missing him.

Last night was no exception and I hadn't heard from MYB all day to the point that I got worried. Eventually he text at 10:30 and was only just on his way home from the office. Cue me being gutted. I'd had a bit of a rubbish day and there's nothing like a gossip with my man to cheer me up. I was cross at MYB but I've been known to be still in the office come 8pm so I can't complain. I love what MYB does, I'm proud beyond belief but tonight is now another night where I'm left alone in bed whilst he's at the desk.

Mark Thompson owes me one, I think.

So as I'm feeling a little blue and lonely today, the theme for Dressing For is just that. I'd wear this to spend the day in lectures and the evening out with friends trying to forget about MYB and Mark Thompson running away together and getting married. This 3.1 Phillip Lim top is a fabulous comfortable staple and is paired with skinny jeans. On top I've selected this amazing Topshop jacket with a wonderful neckline and plenty of room for a brooch or two if you like. Accessories are blue and yellow with some Marni flats and a lust worthy Marc Jacobs bag. Finally, a yellow colour-pop with a Forever21 ring and some pretty earrings.



Stood up. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for feeling better than expected.

I was nervous, I admit. When I arrived home and walked in to find my father already there, I found myself having to stay calm and bite my tongue. After a day of mixed emotions I thought that the last person I'd want to see would be my father but I was proved wrong.

I really do think my mum has had a word with my dad about his lack of interest in me and the like. My dad was interested in me tonight! My dad asked me how I was and what I was up to and everything like that! He didn't mention love once and only asked about MYB once rather than the usual six million times. What's happening to the man? He's usually self-obsessed and not interested in me one bit. If my mum really has had a word with him then I'm grateful- she's a star!

Like I mentioned above, today really has been a day of mixed emotions and I feel it'll only end on a low note as MYB are perhaps having a slight argument. He's not answering my calls (although I'm sure he's just busy) and I'm well annoyed at him. I hate this. I wish we could be calm and cuddly all the time.

But I'd wear this outfit to keep my upbeat. How can you not be happy when wearing orange tights?! And how amazing is this dress by Catherine Malandrino. It's crazy but actually really wearable for both day and night. For a day look, I've slipped a polo neck underneath and added flat studded boots but replaced with some patent shoe-boots and left without the bottom layer, this would be fab for a hot date! Finally, a simple teal bow bag to keep in with the colouring of the dress.


It wasn't that bad... by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for preparing to feel sad.

My father lands tomorrow. No, he isn't flying in from some small island near South America but he is coming to visit me and I must say that I've spent all of today worrying. Still shockingly ill, I spent today working on some visual pieces and jotting down an idea for my book but it was all so overshadowed by the thought of how many jelly stings my father will force on me tomorrow.

You've seen Bridget Jones' Diary: The Edge of Reason, right? Bridget Jones et al have a friend, married and smug which is always the case, who just has to sting you. We all have one. The friend who tells you just how many degrees your new boyfriend's assistant has and that his ex-wife was a model for Gucci (zero chance in the case of MYB and I!) or that you're looking well...considering you have put on weight since your last bloke left you. Well, the jellyfish in my life happens to be my father but rather than picking at the small things with me, he throws out one big net and I'm the only one that is caught up in it. I have to listen to him go on for hours about his latest love conquest and how my life will change endlessly once I'm in love myself and that careers and friends appear dismal once faced with love. I always want to bite back and tell him I am in love but actually, my career is equally delightful!

I don't know, my father just drains me and I cannot even cope with the thought. I was hoping to rant to MYB about it all but he's two hours late in calling me and I'm too stubborn to call him. Onwards and upwards, eh?

I'd wear this outfit for a day writing at home. What would start out as feature ideas would end up in lists on how much my father annoys me and then finally a list in ways to keep calm around him tomorrow. OK, so it's freezing outside so perhaps a playsuit isn't the best option but it's fine for spending afternoons with the fire on. Throw this burnt orange cardigan on from Toast for a snuggly feeling and slip on some fringed flats if you must wear something on your feet. And if the mood takes you and you just have to pop out to the Starbucks across the road for a 4 shot mocha, throw your notebooks in this Jil Sander number. Finally, a sweet little elephant necklace from Forever21.



Preparing. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for Diet Coke.

Mid-afternoon on a Monday symbolises Starbucks and some sort of fashion marketing book. Like clockwork, I'll take the bus to town and then pop into Fenwicks for a glossy magazine to occupy me at some point within the following 24 hours. I then skip off to Starbucks, usually chatting to my best friend on the phone as I go, and make my order. I sit down on one of the comfortable sofas, always facing outwards as to people watch, and reading whichever enchanting book I've opted for.

But this week was different. The situation was the same but it didn't taste as sweet. I was probably too ill to attend my lecture tonight, I was emotional and exhausted and I've barely eaten all weekend. Against the advice of MYB, I got ready and went along to my class. But my ritual Starbucks probably proved I was still ill. I sat back and my coffee tasted vile. It wasn't the coffee but the weird illness spawned taste in my mouth and I just couldn't relaxed.

I managed to mumble my way through tonight, breaking off for a chat with MYB. It went fine, nothing spectacular, but I became distressed at my huge lack of energy and severe lack of appetite.

Having returned home tonight I did find my taste buds had arrived back but for only one thing. I'm currently sipping on a glass of Diet Coke and it actually tastes wonderful. Apart from coffee, it's the only thing I've consumed since Friday night and, although not the most nutritious of things, I plan on drinking glasses and glasses until it's time for bed. Clearly a trip to the bathroom is going to be needed but I'm chuffed I can finally taste something other than vomit!

As I'm needed lots of energy today, I've gone for bright colours and have started with this Tory Burch long sleeved yellow cardigan. Underneath I've selected an amazing All Saints t-shirt which is heading right to the top of my Christmas list and I've paired it with some pretty skinny off-white jeans by McQ. Accessories are kept simple with some Gap silver flats and Chanel earrings and silver chain bag. I'm sure this outfit, and the Diet Coke, would keep me energised!


Diet Coke. by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for an entire weekend of being ill.

As you can tell from my last two entries (or lack of, as the case may be), I've spent the entire weekend really ill. I was fine on Friday afternoon as I spoke to MYB whilst he was waiting in the departure lounge of an airport in the Isle of Man but between his flight taking off and landing, I was struck down with an awful sickness bug.

To be honest, my days have all blurred into one and I've had about six hours sleep in three days. I came down with the illness so suddenly but it lasted all weekend and I ended up throwing up all through the night. I've been totally weak for the past day or two and hardly have the energy to even type this out.

Looks like I'm going to have to cancel my morning meeting tomorrow as to try and make sure I'm fine for my evening lecture. I haven't been out the house all weekend and would kill for some fresh air hence the perfect Sunday afternoon walk outfit for Dressing For today.

How sweet is this Marc by Marc Jacobs knit? It's a perfect office to weekend piece and well worth the approximate price tag of £140. Pair with some simple dark jeans with white stitching, a Miss Selfridge sequin beret and some hoops from Nine West. This anchor necklace by Juicy Couture is going on my Christmas list but it's the shoes and handbag that are the real stars of the show. I'd kill to own some Louis Vuitton luggage but I think given the choice of any of their wonderful pieces of arm candy, I might have to opt for this shiny red number. What a beauty! Finally, a pair of Chanel flats. The pattern and gloss mix of the iconic leather two tone flats look stunning and as classy as any pair of high heels.


Weekend of being ill. 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 snow.

Oh my word, what happened to the UK today? Whether you were in the Scottish Highlands or "daaaawn soufff", I'm sure you'll have experienced some sort of snow blizzard or at least patches of ice. In my part of the world it was defiantly a day for wrapping up warm and trying not to slip on all the black ice. I'm shocked to say that I didn't slip once. What's happening to me? I'm normally the first on my rather rounded bottom!

Tomorrow is supposed to be worse so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that travel will be OK. MYB appeared the manage yesterday and I'm guessing he was fine today but this weather isn't doing anything for his cold nor mine.

I'm more of a fan of summer fashion, I admit. Winter is fine, I like coats and scarves but I also love my peep toes and thin dresses too much. MYB, I recall, once sent me a photograph of him all wrapped up in his scarf and coat (probably from Zara!) and he looked amazing- the man can pull off the whole ten layers of clothing thing really well. His other half cannot. Perhaps it's something to do with my not size 10 figure and already having extra padding thus feeling even more self conscious in a thick coat? Yes, that's probably it.

Anyway, I couldn't get away with today's outfit but I'm sure someone else jolly well could and here we are. We're fighting against the bitter cold today so I've picked an amazing Graeme Black cashmere coat with a fabulous colour. If the coat wasn't warm enough, underneath is a simple black cashmere vest which is paired with some skinny jeans and boots by Acne. Final touches come in the form of some gloves by Principles, a long Monsoon necklace and this amazing Louboutin flannel tote bag. Stay warm!


Freezing cold! by hollieanne

Hollie-Anne Brooks dresses for McDonalds.

My lecture this evening was rather dull, a simple reading and then answering questions about said reading. It didn't work for me so I spent the time gossiping with a friend about the male species, doodling flowers and writing love notes to my love.

I left campus feeling slightly deflated and not full of the buzz that I normally have on a Monday evening. Never mind, eh? The chatting and drawing was nice and I did learn something, I guess.

What made me evening was how hungry I was. M&S provided the muesli this morning and I grabbed a Starbucks coffee but, come 8:30pm, I was really hungry. In came the wonder that is McDonalds. Walking through town and trying to contact MYB (I think he was playing Dad Taxi at the time), I heard a rumble from my stomach and opted for the close to hand branch of McDonalds. I opted for a still Fanta, fried and some fab chicken burger with cheese and nachos on. Nice!

So I'm dressing for the guilty pleasure that is a McDonalds on a freezing cold winter night. You need comfort, you need warmth and a little style. But who is really going to see you? You can afford to be a bit slouchy. And why not? Wrap up warm in this beige cardigan from Republic and pashmina from Forever21. I've gone for a simple jeans a t-shirt look with a cute tee which is also a Forever21 number and jeans by True Religion. Finally, for a tiny bit of glamour just in case anyone does see you, slip on some orange Pedro Garcia flats and a classic quilted Chanel bag on your arm. Until tomorrow...



McDonalds. 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 sore throats.

I could feel it coming on last night as I chatted with MYB whilst snuggled up in my bed and knew this morning would only make it worse. Alas, after getting over a cold and several weeks of none stop physical illness, I'm now run down with a dreaded sore throat.

I think having a sore throat is one of the more horrible winter related illness. If you know me, you know I never shut up so losing my voice today has proved a nightmare but still hasn't stopped me chatting (in a painfully high pitched voice) to my best friend on the phone or singing along to Britney Spears.

My bed proved a welcome comforter today but sadly MYB wasn't with me to enjoy gossip magazine reading or hot chocolates. I've slept for a lot of the day although, come 11:30pm, I'm now wide awake and have to be up early for the hell that is Christmas shopping in the morning.

A girl can't let illness get to her too much though, can she? After all, I had a portfolio to put together, blogging to be done, feature ideas to be sent out and a novel to write so I bounced back as much as I could with the added help of some honey and lemon medicine.

Dressing For is all about spending the day at home poorly but still looking chic as you take calls from your editor and plan the latest twist in your future best-seller. I don't have the figure to pull off hareem pants but I wish I did as they always look so comfortable and yet so chic; I've selected these ones in a classic colour from Topshop and paired them with a Bowie tee also from the ultimate high street favourite. Add some gorgeous Lanvin pumps which would look just as good as heels on any dance floor for the Christmas party season and added a scarf by Paul Smith- the chicest way to keep your poorly throat nice and warm this winter for the true English country look. Finally, slip on a few cocktail rings and some studs. And if you must go out? Slip your Strepsils and Filofax in this vintage beauty.



Sore throat. by hollieanne