Day 1 of the Advent Calendar: An excuse to stuff your face with chocolate

Today as I'm sure you all now is the 1st of December. Pinch and a punch for the first day of the month everybody!! It basically means that it is now acceptable to stuff your face with mince pies and watch an obscene amount of Christmas movies,even though you have already been doing that for the past month. Or is that just me?
This year has gone extremely fast and I can't believe its nearly 2012. Que loads of tourists and Sue Barker on the TV all year talking about the Olympics. Today I was awoken by Mummy Second Hand Rose with an advent calendar, very exciting! Even though I had actually chosen it online and I took the bag with them in from the Sainsbury's man, but that's not the point. I haven't had an advent calender for two years, yes people two years. Is that a good enough reason to call Childline?
So this year I made sure I got one, after Mummy Second Hand Rose asked me 'Aren't you too old for that now?'. Umm excuse me mother, you are never too old to have an advent calendar, or a stocking. My Cat even has an Advent calendar and he is twenty which is 97 in cat years!! After promising Mummy Second Hand Rose that I wouldn't eat all the chocolates in one go, which I may have accidentally done in previous years I opened the window to reveal a piece of Cadbury heaven. It actually took me a few minutes to find number one, what can I say I'm out of practise. But anyway I had chocolate before breakfast, what is better then that?
With the advent calendar I have the chocolates become bigger as you get closer to Christmas, so that's another reason I'm looking forward to Christmas, that and stuffing my face with pigs in blankets. Just to clarify I don't actually mean a pig in a blanket, I mean sausages wrapped in bacon, I don't want the RSPCA after me. Does anyone else remember when you could buy advent calendars that were 31 days? You can't find them anywhere and now they don't even have a Christmas day, it ends on the 24th? What's next just one chocolate a week? We are lucky though, advent calendars haven't always been stuffed with yummy chocolate behind the windows.

One of the 1st after the war

I am going to do an Advent Calendar on my blog, but sorry everyone I won't be giving out chocolate. I'll keep that all to me thanks. Everyday I will be hyperthetically be opening a door of an advent calendar and diving into the realm of nostalgia looking back over the years at Christmas and bringing some of it into 2011. I think I will leave Mock Goose in the past though thanks.

The advent calendar has been used for over 150 years, it started in Germany in the 19th century. It began with drawing a chalk line to mark off the days, later lighting a candle every night or putting up some religious pictures marked each day until Christmas. Yeah I think I will stick to the chocolate ones. The first calendar was printed by Gerhard Lang in Germany. It had miniature coloured pictures that were attached to a piece of cardboard each day in December. Later advent calendars were made with little doors to open on each day. Behind the window there was either a Christmas picture, a religious picture, a bible verse or sometimes a small piece of chocolate, now you're talking.

1950's

1950's

The German calendars were sold until World War 2 when production stopped. It resumed in 1946 by Richard Selmer. His company still produces them now and you can check out their Online Museum and see some of their early designs. You won't see any Ben 10 or The Incredibles though.
The first calendars were based on 24 days, but now they can be found with 25 days. Sadly not in Sainsbury's though, trust me I've looked. The traditional calender consists of two pieces of cardboard on top of each other. 24 doors are cut out in the top layer. The doors are opened each day and on the 24th holds a surprise like a larger piece of chocolate.  You can get wooden ones with draws or material ones, but I don't think you can beat one with a Father Christmas and a cartoon reindeer on the front. And of course lots of chocolate.

On to some exciting news now, in September I blogged about the  Elizabeth Taylor Auction at Christies, that is selling her gorgeous jewellery and beautiful dresses, amongst some other gems. This stunning display of nearly 2,000 items will go on display to the public for ten days till December the 12th.
There is then an auction that starts at December 13th-16th which is estimated to exceed $50 million in total. Among the highlights are a Diamond Room which has some of her iconic jewels on show including her 33.19 carat D-colour. There is a Lifetime Achievement Room with her awards and costumes from film roles and there is an also an Art Gallery displaying her great collection of Artwork, including Van Gogh and Warhol.
The bit I would sell my whole shoe collection to see is 'The Icon's Closet'- an awe inspiring walkthrough her haute couture and ready to wear fashion accessories, with over 200 designer handbags. Oh if only I could hop on a plane to New York and go there. Although its probably best I can't because I don't think I would be able to resist bidding on some of her amazing pieces. I wonder, do Wonga do $50 million loans?

So everyone enjoy your advent calendars and stuff your face with chocolate and get ready for Day 2!

Second Hand Rose
XxxX

Gucci Gala

Last week the fashion world got together to celebrate the opening of 'The Museo Gucci' the Gucci Museum in Florence,Italy. The museum didn't open to the public until last wednesday (the 28th) but some of the very lucky people including the goddess of fashion Anna Wintour had a sneek preview.

The museum was opened to celebrate Gucci's 90th Anniversary. Are you sitting comfortable? Then I will begin. Once upon a time a man from Florence called Guccio Gucci went to London. He worked as a porter in The Savoy hotel in London. While he was there spending his days transporting people's luggage,he saw the potential for luggage to be a must have for all the high and mighty guests. Guccio returned to Florence and began his own shop in 1920 that sold good quality leather goods with lots of classic styling under his surname 'Gucci'. Or as my Dad says 'Guk-ee'. Guccio employed workers that were meticulous and that maintained a traditional look to the products. When the business got bigger,sewing machines were introduced. I bet the workers were pleased,all that hand sewing does nothing for your hands.

Guccio had three sons,all with names that I had to double check three times that I had spelt right. What is it with these Italians and complicated names? So,Aldo,Vasco and Rodolfo helped their dear old dad to expand the business and opened up stores in Milan and Rome, as well as other shops in Florence. Gucci stores were popular because they supplied beautifully crafted leather items,such as handbags,shoes and his iconic ornamented loafer. They also supplied lovely silks and some knitwear in a signature pattern.

During World War II the company had to stop making leather handbags because of the shortage of leather. So instead they made handbags out of cotton canvas, which was given a signature look with a double G symbol and red and green bands. After the war a Gucci crest was designed,which included a shield and a knight in armour,surrounded by a ribbon inscribed with the family name. No sign of shoes or handbags there then. This became a symbol for Florence. By 1953 Guccio's two sons Aldo and Rodolfo expanded the business with offices in New York. The brand was so popular by this time that film stars and globetrotters were seen with Gucci bags,giving the brand a universal audience. You missed out there Phileas Fogg,you could have had some lovely luggage for your trip. Gucci expanded their brand to clothing, footwear and other accessories that celebrities were seen constantly strutting about in.

Gucci used a lot of controversial fabrics including pigskin,calf and exotic animal skins. Bamboo was first used to make handles in 1947, while waterproof canvas and satin were used for evening bags. In 1960 Gucci introduced purses made with a shoulder strap, with a snaffle-bit decoration. In 1964 they introduced luxurious patterns starting with a butterfly pattern that was put on silks, followed by lovely bright floral patterns. In 1966 they updated their iconic loafer with a snaffle-bit decoration.In 1970 the legendary and extremely popular Gucci Rolls-Royce set was introduced. Anyone who was anyone was seen with a gucci luggage set. Over the years Gucci expanded into watches,jewellery,ties,glasses and belts with the double G logos. In 1990 they hired Tom Ford to make a ready to wear line and since then Gucci has been a staple for any wardrobe. By 2009 there were two hundred and seventy eight stores around the world and Gucci is the most popular brand that is copied by the Del Boys of the world. The plastic label whores of the world revel in the fakes and love to pretend they have real designer. I'm sure you have met someone like this,everyone has. They do my head in.

Gucci has become 'The House of Gucci' and is one of the most lusted over labels. To be honest, I'd rather have a pair of Christian Louboutin heels then some luggage or a handbag that will have bitchy girls and queens around the world debating whether it is fake or not. But each to their own. So that is the Gucci story in a nutshell. Well a pretty big nutshell really.

The museum walls and ceillings are covered in 15th century Vasari murals telling the history of Florence. The museum contains some iconic pieces including a Gucci upholstered-car from the 1970s,early edition symbolic luggage and some monogramed scuba diving slippers. A wide range of things are on display including pigskin luggage ,bamboo handbags,sports equipment, trademark accessories and some beautiful clothes.Celebrities have donated some pieces, such as Naomi Watt's evening gown,Sophia Loren's handbag and Hilary Swank's Oscar gown. There are some beautiful black and white photographs lining the staircases,one of Sophia Loren in a crowd outside a Gucci store and another one of Liz Taylor in a white fur. The museum has had some mixed reviews, with people saying there was not enough information on the family,the history of the brand and information about the pieces.That's what Wikipedia is for.
The museum was opened with a black carpet with ivory candles,leading to the Palazzo della Mercanzia-some great words for Scrabble there. Celebrities were treated to cocktails,dinner and Blondie taking to the stage. Like all museums there is a shop.But this isnt the normal museum shop with bookmarks and badges. It contains a huge mix of designer handbags,accessories, Iphone and Ipad cases and 95euro t-shirts.

So if you need an excuse to go to Italy and gorge on pizza and pasta,this is a good reason to go and go crazy over all the beautiful items. Guccio Gucci was one clever man. I'm sure he never ran out of suitcases to take on holiday with him.

Second Hand Rose
XxxX

Father Christmas if you're listening

I have officially been a bad blogger. Or is that bloggerer? But I do have a reason for leaving you all and doing just two measly posts lasts week. Not doing anything about London Fashion Week or doing a round up of New York or doing anything about the start of Milan!! If I worked for Vogue, I'd definitely have a big red cross against my name. I've had horrible and very mean case of tonsillitis for two weeks! It started with a bad throat and then turned into full blown tonsillitis with me sounding like a very croaky Marge Simpson and going through possibly gallons of ice cream. Any excuse! But after pestering my GP for some antibiotics, I am now on the road to recovery,but sadly I can't get away with just eating ice cream anymore, so it does have its downsides. I know a bad throat and looking like a hamster does not affect my ability to type,but the only thing I felt like doing was lying in bed watching old movies and reruns of Sex and the City all day long. Anyway, due to the fact I have like a million things that I want to blog about,I suggest you all check out these fabulous websites to find out about the Fashion Weeks,because by the time I've finished telling all you lovelies about them,the clothes will be in the sale and Primark would have made several knock-offs.

For New York Fashion Week check out: Vogue,Mercedes-Benz, Youtube NY Fashion Week Videos

London Fashion Week: Vogue, London Fashion Week Official Site, The LOOK Show

Milan Fashion Week:Vogue, Fashionising

Something that I thought that I mush share with you all is the Elizabeth Taylor Collection unveiled at Christies. It is phenonemal and I'm sure would make the most unmaterialistic person go a bit green. The collection is being shown all over the world including in Dubai,Paris and London with a portion of the admission price going to the Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation that was founded in 1991.It is being shown in eight places before it starts to be sold in Christie's,New York in December. Perfect timing for Christmas I think *hint hint* You better be listening Mr.Boyfriend. The collection is worth a staggering and slightly scary £20 million pounds. That's two thousand Jimmy Choo bags!! A lot of the pieces were designed by the lovely lady herself in partnership with the prestigious jewellers,Cartier and many given to her by her husbands. I can see why she had so many husbands now, I mean wouldn't you if you got a piece of amazing jewellery out of each one!?!?

After the beauty passed away in March this year,the entire collection of 300 pieces is going on sale. The chairman of Christie's America said the sale promised to 'captivate the auction world.' This is without a doubt the greatest private collection of jewellery assembled in one place.' It certainly is. You can why they didn't put it all on eBay. The Auction Fees would cost a bomb! The collection is full of Emerald's,Ruby's,Sapphire's and a hell of a lot of diamonds. It's a magpie's idea of heaven. The collection include's necklaces,earrings,rings,bracelets and some gorgeous brooches, which she also wore in her hair. Good recycling there Liz. 

The iconic and legendary Bulgari emerald suite which was bought by Elizabeth and Richard Burton while filming Cleopatra in Italy,(seen in picture) is being sold and just the necklace alone is set to fetch around £1million($1.5m). 

Many of the gems have a lot of history behind them as well as the six figure price tag. One of them,the La Pérégrina pearl is widely considered to be one of the most important pearls in the world. The piece dates back to the 16th century and once belonged to King Phillip II of Spain and his daughters,Elizabeth and Margaret. Elizabeth's husband Richard Burton,won it in an auction and worked with Cartier to have it included in a diamond and ruby necklace as a gift for her. That takes gifts from your man to a whole new level,most of us just get some garage flowers and an on sale box of chocolates,if that. 

Elizabeth has a gorgeous ruby suite as well, which was given to her by her third husband,Mike Todd. Mike also gave her a unique antique diamond tiara expected to fetch £60,000. There is a gorgeous angular long sapphire and diamond necklace by Bulgari, estimated to go for £450,000 to £600,000($600,000 to $800,000). There is also a gorgeous sapphire and diamond ring also by Bulgari set to fetch £100,000 to £150,000($150,000-$200,000.) And I thought the £10 rings in Dorothy Perkins were expensive.

The collection doesn't just contain her jewellery though. Yes it gets better people! Along with a total of 269 jewellery pieces being auctioned,there are rare works of art and over 400 fashion items that have been collected over the last 50 years,including dresses from Versace,Chanel and one of THE coolest dresses I think I have ever seen. But I will save the best till last.

Elizabeth had a pretty cool art collection to go along with her jewellery too, with an 1889 Vincent Van Gogh painting which is expected to reach seven million,yes million pounds. Along with a rare self portrait by Edgar Degas with an estimate of £450,000. Is it just me or does it look a bit like Michael Jackson!?!?

What I would do to have an unlimited amount of money right now. Fashion collectors and Elizabeth's fan's have the chance to buy a part of her magnificent wardrobe. For example, a beaded Versace evening jacket with portraits of her in many of her roles, is expected to fetch up to £13,000 and her wedding dress created by Irene Sharaff that she wore to her wedding to Richard Burton has an estimate of £26,000 to £39,000. Elizabeth seems to have been a fan of arty beaded jackets.She also had a Versace rhinestone and beadwork Bolero with portraits of Elizabeth I on, which is expected to reach $15,000 to $20,000.

One of the most amazing and elaborate pieces of the collection is a headpiece that she wore along with a gorgeous kimono,in the 1968 film Boom with Richard Burton and Noel Coward.
Around sixty eight of her most memorable looks that she had worn to galas,award ceremonies, AIDS benefits and two of her wedding dresses from her weddings to Richard Burton, are on show including capes,handbags,hats and shoes. They will all be auctioned at a gala evening,which will then be followed by a three day series of sales featuring hundreds more fashion accessories and items.It would be a total injustice not to show you some of the beautiful gowns from the collection, so here is a little sneak peek into the wardrobe of one of the most glamourous women to ever grace our screen. You won't find any Primark here. It is best to check these out at Auction Photos because you can see the dresses on a bigger scale,along with more of the jewellery collection, instead of me trying to squish them all into one blog post.

In my opinion the most amazing item of the collection is a simply breathtaking structured metallic dress with leaf detailing, that Elizabeth wore in 1992. I think this dress is completely and utterly stunning but I wouldn't advise wearing it through airport security. The metal detectors would have a field day.
So we all have till December to lust over her jewellery and clothes and till February to admire her art. An early estimate values the whole collect at around £94 million, but it is thought the final total will be much higher then that.The lower priced items will be part of an online auction featuring 'moderately valued' pieces that you have to register for to bid and starts on December the 3rd. I'm sure there will be some very lucky girls all over the world who will be getting something even if it's tiny, as part of their Christmas present. Men if you are reading,that would seriously put you in your girlfriends/wives good books for another year. So unless I win the euromillions,become a gold digger and marry a rich 80 year old man who conveniently has a heart attack or become a WAG pretty quickly, the only way I can enjoy these pieces like most of you, is to spend even more time ogling over them, like I have been doing for the past week.But we can all dream. I think some serious sweet talking in a letter to Father Christmas has to be done this year.

Second Hand Rose
XxxX