Fashion: The Gentlewoman Spring/Summer 2012

The newest issue of fabulous women's magazine The Gentlewoman landed on my doormat yesterday, and my god is it fabulous. For me, is it one of the most exciting and directional print publications available at the moment and in an age of digital saturation, it really is keeping print alive; with it's use of coated and uncoated paperstocks throughout, this tactile magazine enforces fashion in print. Ever the layout geek, I am obsessed with the simplistic use of the Futura typeface throughout and the modern and minimal editorials.

Appropriately flocked in one of the most important colours of Spring/Summer 2012, the latest issue's cover stars 90s uber-model, Christy Turlington, shot by Inez and Vinoodh. Also in the issue is a profile of the ever intriguing Tilda Swinton, a gorgeous beauty shoot featuring one of my favourite models, Sigrid Agren, very appropriate sport and power shoot featuring Australian model Julia, Nobis and a look at fashion photography's key players including super-agent Camilla Lowther of CLM.

For a look at the Spring/Summer 2011 issue of The Gentlewoman, featuring woman of the moment (year, decade...), Adele Atkins, click here.

Lifestyle: A new home for AMB.

I'll soon be moving out of my parents house to take on the scary world of mortgages, bills and co-habiting with my boyfriend - and I absolutely cannot wait!

I've been curating my Home Style board over on Pinterest for some time now, so head over there to see which pieces of furniture and colour palettes I'm coveting for my first home.

Of course I'll be sharing more inspiration, my home buys and before & after photos of the flat so keep your eyes peeled for some interior goodies!

Fashion: Chanel Makeup Confidential

Erm, ever so slightly obsessed with writing my name and anything I can think of for that matter, in the Chanel make-up font!

Fancy Chanelifying your words? Click here!

Fashion: Vintage Vogue Covers

A few years ago, a good friend of my mother's was clearing out her house, preparing for a big move to the wilds of Cumbria. She called one evening, having discovered boxes of vintage Vogue, L'Officiel and Brides magazines in her attic and asked if I'd like them - she knew I'd give them a good home and treasure them dearly, so I jumped at the chance. Most of the issues date from the 1970s and are in impeccable condition, so I thoughr I'd share a few of my favourites covers with you - my particular favourite is the Silver Jubilee issue of British Vogue from 1976; I hope they do something equally as special for the Diamond Jubilee in June.

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!)