Afternoon Tea at Jesmond Dene House

Today marked the start of my 3-day birthday weekend, so Joe and myself headed to the beautiful Jesmond Dene House in Newcastle, for a spot of Champagne Afternoon Tea to kick-start the weekend in style.

Such an occasion demanded a special piece of clothing, so I opted to give my Topshop Navy Spot Ankle Grazer Trousers their debut. I teamed them with black suede ASOS pumps, my faithful ASOS Navy Crombie coat, plain black H&M jumper and my treasured Mulberry Alexa.

The Afternoon Tea in itself was a grand affair - we started with Champagne, and then a selection of the most delicious finger sandwiches, scones and pastries. My favourites were the Roast Red Pepper sandwiches and the Chocolate and Mint Macaron - Joe dived straight in for his favourite Ham and Pease Pudding sandwiches (a lovely, Geordie touch for this Afternoon Tea).

I really cannot recommend Jesmond Dene House enough - not only do they do the wonderful Afternoon Teas, but they serve some exquisite food in their Restaurant (I had a mean steak for my birthday there last year).

Today, I also received something in the post which I've been waiting for patiently - my silver, Vega ring from new jewellery label Paper & Chain. The jewellery duo, based in Worcester, have created my dream jewellery - very simple, sophisticated designs, all with a subtle edge. I can't wait to add more to my collection.

Above: Vega ring by Paper & Chain on middle finger; Knot ring by unknown (I've had it ever since I can remember!)

Fashion: Prada Uomo Autumn/Winter 2012/13

Only Miuccia Prada could bring us such an inspired collection and cast for Prada Uomo Autumn/Winter 2012/13.

Jamie Bell,  Emile Hirsch, Tim Roth, Willem Defoe, Adrien Brody and Gary Oldman? Bloody brilliant casting by Russell Marsh and Adam Hindle.

See Style.com's review here

AMB on Wearing It Today in Topshop

Moi - 2nd from right 

You may have seen my post on the Topshop Navy Spotted Trousers which I purchased shortly after Christmas. Well, I have been featured wearing them on one of favourite blogs - the brilliant Wearing It Today. If this isn't on your favourite blogs list already, then it should be!

Thanks to Laura for including me and giving me the heads up about the trousers on Twitter. I love them!

Fashion: Urban Outfitters open in Newcastle upon Tyne - Part 2

Those lovely boys over at the North East's daily arts and culture dispatch, KYEO (Keep Your Eyes Open), have written about Urban Outfitter's new Newcastle upon Tyne store, including some thoughts from yours truly. There's also a thoroughly hilarious video to watch of the boys in-store, surveying UO's retail landscape. You can see my original post about Urban Outfitter's Newcastle's store here.

2012 Fashion: Topshop Spot Ankle Grazer Trousers

This week, I have serious 'back to school' syndrome, following a lengthy festive break. Stores may be filling up with Spring/Summer 2012 collections, but there is still a chill in the air and I'm not done with my chunky knits and cashmere just yet! This back to school feeling got me thinking; a fashion pick-me-up was much needed for the first week back after Christmas and New Year to get me back into the swing of things.

I lusted after Laura from Wearing It Today's Topshop green, polka dot trousers for months and never managed to find them in store. So, you can imagine my delight when she tweeted about a new, navy version of the design, which are available in-store and online now.

These chic, polka dot trousers are damn sure to beat the January blues. I'll be teaming mine with dark grey Uniqlo cashmere for their their first official outing in a couple of weeks - my birthday Afternoon Tea at
Jesmond Dene House.

Spot Ankle Grazer Trousers
£38.00
Topshop