Prince Charming

There has been a flood of images and stories about the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge this past year. The media follows with much enthusiasm the style of Kate; and images of her latest dress, shoes, and hairstyle fill the pages of glossy magazines on every news stand.

But let's not forget how we came to know Kate in the first place, long before she became the Duchess of Cambridge.  William captured many hearts when he flashed his dimple smile as a little Prince, and now it is Kate's heart that has melted for her Prince Charming.

I thought it was time to feature a handsome man; one who has a killer smile that would make any girl sing, 'Someday My Prince Will Come'. Snow White isn't the only girl batting her eyelashes at this dashing Prince Charming.

The Duke of Cambridge, William

Young, sophisticated, and stylish......................and an active sportsman.

 

William has worn many uniforms throughout his service career.

 

William is blessed with his Mother's generous smile. He is at ease with a crowd and warmly welcomes the general public, never shying away from the tough task of small talk.

 

No - this is not William, it's Paul Newman. When I look at this image,I can picture William in his mature years. I think he will evoke the same easy charm.

Hello Handsome.

If there is one man who could steal some of the glances away from the beautiful Duchess of Cambridge, it is her husband William . William is handsome and stately in his presentation, a winning combination. There is one lady who enhances his already generous smile........ his lovely bride, Kate. They both shine when they look at each other.

 Cheers to all the Handsome and Glamourous Men!

A Little Change is Good

Well, at least I'm hoping that you will agree with the little change in my blog header.

The image in the header is one that I took three years ago while in France. This is the entrance to Hotel Particulier in Arles; a pretty boutique hotel that remains one of my favourite places. The hotel felt so much like 'home' to me when we were there, so it is appropriate that it takes center stage.

I hope you like the changes ...... your opinions matter, so do leave a comment or email me.

Here is more of the pretty spot - Hotel Particulier, Arles, France.

 

Holiday Shopping Early

Christie's Auction House is preparing for the sale of Elizabeth Taylor's complete jewellery collection. The auction proceeds will go the Taylor estate with some of the proceeds from the exhibition and publications about the vast array of gems going to the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

The star's haute couture and ready-to-wear fashions, accessories, 20th Century decorative arts and memorabilia will also be auctioned. 

The treasured collection of extravagant jewels are estimated to raise $30 Million according to the worldwide auction house. But before the bidding begins in New York on December 13th & 14th, the collection will be on tour to Moscow, London, Los Angeles, Dubai, Paris, Hong Kong and Geneva.

 

"I never thought of my jewellery as trophies. I'm here to take care of them and to love them. When I die they go off to auction, I hope who ever buys them gives them a real good home."

                       
                                                                                   Elizabeth Taylor from the book My Love Affair with Jewelry.


Elizabeth Taylor wore the lavish jewellery items with an easy elegance. The size of the individual pieces and the extraordinary collection requires a woman with sophistication and presence to wear the gems. Elizabeth Taylor evoked a dazzling beauty and glamourous style that highlighted everything she wore. 

Elizabeth Taylor wears the 33.19 carat diamond ring while she feeds 

her Daughter Liza.

The sales begins at Christie's in New York on December 13th at 7 PM; and just in case you need to help Santa with the details from your Christmas Wish List....... here are some images to assist with his shopping.

Emerald Ring estimated at $600,000 to $800,000.

The Granny Suite - A gift from Burton to Taylor upon her becoming a GrandMother. Estimated at $120 K to $180 K.

Charm bracelet with 20 charms. Estimated $25,000 to $35,000.

Bvlgari necklace, bracelet and earring set from Richard Burton.

Taj Mahal diamond necklace - circa 1627. Burton said 'I would have like to buy her the Taj Mahal'. It is inscribed 'to my beloved Mahal'.

Mike Todd Tiara - estimated at $60,000 to $80,000

The famous Elizabeth Taylor Diamond Ring.

 A gift from Burton, the diamond ring is 33.19 carats and estimated at $2.5 to $3.5 Million.

The Amethyst & Diamond piece was created by Van Cleef & Arpels. Estimated at $70,000 to $100,000.

Another incredible gift from Burton - by Bvlgari.

Prince of Wales Brooch is estimated at $400,000 to $600,000.

La Peregrina - an early 16th century pearl, ruby & diamond necklace by Cartier. A gift from Richard Burton, currently estimated at $2 to $3 Million. The pear shaped natural pearl was once owned by Queen Mary Tudor of England.

Elizabeth Taylor's fascination with jewellery began as a young girl when she bought a costume brooch as a gift for her Mother.
As the men and loves of her life showered Elizabeth in priceless gems, her maturity of the gift of jewels drew a much deeper meaning. She saw the jewels as an expression of 'God's Workmanship' and said that 'they're all from the ground. We didn't die them. This red is from God'.

With or without the sparkle of her world famous jewellery collection, Elizabeth Taylor was beautiful and elegant.

Elizabeth Taylor without her jewels. Image by Richard Avedon.