I had a wonderful day of perfume shopping with friends in New York City on Saturday. Here is what we saw and smelled:
Bergdorf Goodman: The JAR boutique is not yet open for business, so I was spared the agony of smelling perfumes I cannot possibly afford in this lifetime. We revisited some of the Creeds & Etros, and smelled the recently reissued 1940s classic by D’Orsay, Intoxication. It is pretty but did not captivate me. I also smelled an old favorite, Tiempe Passate by Antonia's Flowers. One of these days I will buy a bottle.
We trooped over to the Jo Malone area to smell the new Nectarine Blossom, but it is not in stock yet. In happier news, the sales associates at the Guerlain counter say that they will be getting in some of the re-issued scents from Paris. Stay tuned!
I left with a bottle of the lovely Acqua di Parma Iris Nobile, and will review that soon. Meanwhile, S. has a great review on her blog, Ombligo.
Barneys: In an effort to convert some doubters among our group, we spent some time with the Diptyques. Unfortunately I failed to convince the old-classics-are-best school that Diptyque was worthy of consideration. Barneys must agree as they keep these hidden out of sight over by the candles. Philosykos and Tam Dao are among my own favorite fragrances, and I also like L'Ombre dans L'Eau, Olene and Oyedo.
Even if you have already smelled all the Frederic Malles, it is hard to resist another test with the tall glass columns into which they pipe the fragrances. We also smelled the new soaps. The vetiver is out of this world fabulous, but priced way out of my league at $65 for 3 bars. The very friendly sales staff confirmed that we can expect a tuberose scent by Dominique Ropion later this summer, and that the Olivia Giacobetti scent might appear by the end of the year.
We spent some time huddled around the L'Artisan table, and several in our group were captivated by Bois Farine, one of the few Jean Claude Ellena scents that I cannot really say I appreciate. They did not have the Bottega Veneta candle, but the sales associate said they would have it in stock at the L'Artisan boutique in Soho. And, more happy news, a quick internet search for the candle turned up this piece at Wallpaper magazine, with the magic words "a precursor to the company's first perfume".
I gave Comme des Garçons Nomad Tea a quick sniff, and had no particularly strong opinion either way. It just smelled like iced tea. Happily I managed to leave Barneys without buying a single thing, and then we were off to...
Caron: Visiting Caron is like stepping into perfume history, and it is always a joy to smell the classic urn fragrances again. V.'s blog, Bois de Jasmin, has lovely reviews of the old Carons. I took home a sample of Alpona, which has never interested me on a test strip, but which smelled very tempting on one of our party.
By the way, Caron has an extraordinarily generous sample program for the urn fragrances, all of which are in parfum form. A 1/16 oz vial is $5, so you can try all 13 for $65. That is an amazing price for what comes to over 3/4 oz of parfum, and even better, if you then decide to purchase one of the scents, they will apply the entire cost of the samples to your purchase. You can contact Diane Haska at dhaska@alesgroup.com or call the boutique at 212-319-4888.
Hermès: One of our group wanted to purchase a bottle of Poivre Samarcande, and I took home a sample for myself as this is the only one of the Hermessences that I have not tried on skin. Will report on that later. I also tried the new limited edition L'Eau d'Orange Douce. It is nice but very light, and the sales associate explained that it is a body splash more than a fragrance and that it is not meant to be long lasting. I should add that I always expect the sales associates in Hermès to be snooty, but this was my third visit, and they have never been anything but friendly and helpful. Next stop...
Takashimaya: This is my favorite perfume floor in the city, not only because of the incredible selection, but also because the dim lighting and comfortable couches make for a restful experience after the big department stores. I succumbed to a bottle of Miller et Bertaux no. 3, and hopefully will report soon that the lasting power is better than I expected. Also picked up Gobin Daudé Sous Le Buis, which I had asked them to hold for me when I learned that the last few bottles were going for $19. This will surely be the best under-$20 perfume that I ever get my hands on. The Gobin Daudés are now sold out, but Tak has some other wonderful deals at the moment; all the Laura Tonatto Eau de Parfums are being cleared out and the remaining stock is marked down to $19.99. Creation Mathias Body Splashes are also on sale for $9.00. Call John Henry at (212) 350-0100 to see what is left.
New London Pharmacy: This was my first visit to this remarkably well stocked store in Chelsea — why doesn’t my local pharmacy carry Parfums de Nicolaï? I finally managed to smell the new Vetyver, but it was late in the day and my nose was already giving out. All that I can report is that the cumin is not heavy, and I will have to seek out a sample. The store also carries i Profumi di Firenze, Brandy, Calypso, Les Bains du Marais, Korres, Geo F. Trumper, and Kai, among others. They have a website, and it looks like they offer free shipping on many of the fragrances. I left with a box of Roger & Gallet sandalwood soap, and then we were off to...
Aedes: This is surely the prettiest perfume boutique in the city, and the selection is superb, so it is a shame that because it is in the Village, it is usually one of the last stops of the day on my New York perfume tours. I am promising myself that when Serge Lutens releases Cedre, I will head directly to Aedes from the train station so that for once I will be there before I have run out of energy (and money).
We played with the Rosines, including the new Rose d'Homme, and Karl very kindly let us smell all the Jalaines. This was not a favorite line of mine back when it was under Bagutta Life, and so perhaps it is no surprise that I didn't swoon over any of the new fragrances. The Vetiver is still the standout for me, but I do not love it enough to buy.
We did a quick spin through Bigelow Chemists, but by that time my nose was quite finished so I have nothing to report. Total damage for the day: 3 bottles and a box of soaps. That is more than I usually buy in a month, much less in one day. Since I also just purchased Ormonde Jayne Isfahan, I will be on a no-buy moratorium for some time to come (please don't ask me how long).
Apologies for this much longer than usual post — and for anyone still reading, I will add that the only thing better than perfume shopping in New York is perfume shopping in Paris. Check out the pictures of the new Guerlain boutique on N.'s blog, Life in Paris.
A perfect NYC shopping day R! I regret not purchasing one of those GB's. I was with Chattykathy when she purchased one. Now I have fallen deeply in love with one and I could have had it for $19. I am a fool.
I never get around to Aedes. We are usually so pooped by the time we finish TAK. How is dear Mr John Henry? Mr Tyler?
One my list for my next NYC trip: A stop at Caron. I plan to make get an urn fragrance and a bumpy lay down bottle. Maybe a powder puff too….
What a great time you had! I loved experiencing it vicariously.
What a delightful day! I was picturing every counter and every store as I read your report! I cannot wait to be back at Caron! I am already planning my purchases there.
A, I am still shocked at the price of the GDs.
John Henry was in fine form as always. We did not see Tyler, and in fact, other than the L'Artisan & FM reps, the Barneys staff was not particularly friendly on Saturday.
Those powder puffs are so lovely, and it is a sad commentary on my hausfrau lifestyle that I have absolutely no need for one.
L, It was a great day, although I left out the part that it was stinking hot when it wasn't pouring rain! Still admiring my pretty bottles 😉
Caron is such a wonderful boutique. I am seriously considering ordering the whole set of samples, but that will have to wait until my wallet recovers.
Why, why, why doesn't Guerlain open a flagship in New York?
Hi R – what a lovely post. I am thinking the new Guerlain and Jars will be reason enough to plan another trip to NYC. I am LOVING the Eau de Grace by Creation Mathias. Perfect for this horrible heat. My sample of Un The pour Ete spilled out so alas I will not be able sample this one until I get back to L'artisan counter. Hmmm…the diptyque experience sounds interesting. I think your friend should give L'Ombre dans L'eau another sniff. Perhaps next time 🙂 Thank you for your perspective on what was a beautiful day!
Hello dear R! Fantastic shopping spree I say! Love your report as usual! Hope all is well and that the weather cools down for you. Had a super morning testing some fragrances at Senteurs D'Ailleurs in Brusslels. We are staying almost opposite. That is my idea of a perfect perfume boutique – very friendly staff who are fascinating to talk to and they know a lot about the perfume houses. This was my second visit this year and I loved every minute there. Will be heading back tomorrow. Their website is http://www.senteursdailleurs.com
PS Missed seeing Bono by a day – U2 were staying in the same place in Brussels. THAT would have been such a treat as I could not get tickets for his concerts.
:(((((
xoxo
Aw, wish I could have been there. Will and I were in Connecticut, standing around in his parents' kitchen, looking at each other desperately, saying, “What do we do today?” The answer was, as always, that there is nothing to do in Connecticut but 1) go to the mall, 2) eat some boring food, 3) stand outside and look at trees. It was too hot to look at trees (and the horseflies and wasps were gathering forces), and the mall is a hellhole, so we ended up having sandwiches at a diner and then going home. He's a nice boy to want to visit his mother, but it sure does eat up some perfectly good weekend time.
Great post! I liked reliving through the day again by reading it. I am surrounded by my samples, and I am enjoying trying them. I cannot believe how quickly the day ended, and we have not had a chance to explore Soho! I have never been to L'Artisan boutique there. There are many small interesting places tucked away in Soho and Nolita. Well, that is something for the next time.
JAR simply cracks me up. Do you recall the SA mentioning that the reason the boutique is still closed is because JAR wanted the ceiling to be redone. On the other hand, I miss Guerlain boutique in that area. It was by far the coziest place for it.
R: Are you glowing in the dark after
smelling all those scents? HA!
I read the latest Luca Turin post
re: perfume POISONS (he gave some
hair-raising email links). After
reading how artificial musks revive
and nourish cancer cells…how
one's hormones can be thrown off
(is that why I feel butch one day…
like Joan Crawford the next?…PERFUME?),
I felt like I needed detox: a bath in glacier
water and (at MOST) a fresh
organic rose in my button hole! Anyway,
I'm glad you got MB No. 3 (green)…I'm SURE
the lasting power will please you.
Also thanks for the tips on the Caron
sample package. Victoria found a boutique
in Seattle that carries some Caron urn
fragrances (merci again V) but no samples
are to be had there. Funny too about
Bois Farine…it's the one scent I wear
that people come up to me in the street,
in the museum, as I saunter down the sidewalks,
and rave about. My own “perfume tour” will
be most prosaic compared to yours…a quick trip
to duty-free in Vancouver BC to pick up
Guerlain's Vetiver pour Elle…HA! G's Vetiver is
one of my always-on-tap scents…and I can
only imagine a shot of jasmine will make things
even better, Kevin
What a lovely description of our sniffing adventures on Saturday! It was so much fun meeting you. The MetB #3 was a delight on your skin, and hopefully you'll find the lasting power satisfactory (it was about average, 5-6 hours, on me). I confess that while I appreciate the weirdness of Bois Farine, it's nothing I'd want to put on my skin. As for Diptyque, Tam Dao is one of my holy grails, and I adore the opening notes of Philosykos (alas, I'm not as fond of the heavily coconut drydown…I'd prefer more fig). I am looking forward to reading your thoughts on Alpona!
Hey there!
Sounds like you had a wonderful day (except for the rain & heat!). Thanks for the virtual tour of these great places that I can never quite get to as much as I would like!
I look forward to your review on AdP Iris Nobile; I really liked the way they composed this iris-based scent.
By the way you forgot to mention our brief stop at the Bond No.9 store on Madison Avenue! Did you try The Hamptons while we were there? I had previously tried it at Saks…pleasant and very marine, but so not me. Chinatown is still my favorite from the line.
It sounds like a perfect fragrance day, with lovely friends and, shock of shocks, competent SA's! You all have a lot of energy, running around NYC in that heat, so my hat is off to you!
Did you have a chance to sample Truly at Barney's? If so, what did you think? I liked it, but for the price, I want to see what Madly and Deeply smell like before I decide to splurge!
Hugs, darling!
What a fabulous shopping experience! Your feet must be like lumps of meat – I know mine are after a day in London. I am SO envious of all the scents you have access to over there…I am currently trying to work out how to get hold of iPdF Ambra del Nepal without having to pay to get it shipped back from the US – after it's been shipped over from Europe in the first place! Bois Farine is an odd one – it is probably my favourite of all my scents, yet draws such mixed reviews from testers. And what a joyous bargain on Sous le Buis! I received a sample set of all the GDs today, and have to say that I'm glad it's SlB I bought a full bottle of – I like it much more than the others. You are WONDERFUL to tell us all about your trip, when you must just want to lock yourself in a room and sniff your treasures!
Which one is Eau de Grace, is that the lilac? Un Te Pour Un Ete is not hard to come by so I'm sure you'll get some soon.
And some people just don't know a good thing when they see it 😉
Oh, I would so love to visit that store, their selection is incredible and it looks so beautiful on the website. Any thing new & wonderful there? They have the IUNX scents too if I remember correctly.
Yes, would love to see pictures of your meeting with Bono on Life in Paris!!
LOL — hope your MIL doesn't read perfume blogs. Next time I get to NYC I really want to do Brooklyn. Can you believe I have never been there? And want to check out CB I Hate Perfume.
Yes, Guerlain does not have a very special place in BG now. All the more reason why they should open their own boutique in NY — it is crazy that they don't have one.
You know, I was aware of that site LT linked to on toxins, and I do my best to ignore it. What can you do? Those chemicals are in almost every body & hair product you buy anyway. Whatever, I'm not going to worry about it.
And seriously, did you find a source for Vetiver Pour Elle?? I thought it was only in a couple of airports in France. I got a little sample and it is a great scent although I still need to do a side-by-side comparison to see if I like it any better than the regular.
Yes, you worded it perfectly: Bois Farine is weird. That isn't my objection, since I wear far weirder things, but I just don't love it.
AdP Iris Nobile is lovely! I was not so taken with it the first few times I tried it from a little splash mini, but once I got a spray sample I was hooked.
I did leave out Bond, simply because all I really accomplished was to smell Hamptons, and since I don't really like marine scents (other than CSP Aqua Motu for nostalgic reasons) it seemed churlish to criticize it. Agree that Chinatown is the best done, although Eau de New York is probably the only one I would wear. Still a few I haven't tried yet though!
R, It was hot!!! Then it stormed and got a bit better.
I didn't even notice Truly at Barneys, but scored a sample of it at Tak so will hopefully try it soon. A quick sniff on a test card did nothing for me, but test cards are so misleading. Pretty bottles!
Did you look for Ambra del Nepal at Harvey Nicks? I thought they were going to get the line? Short of that, you need to beg someone on their way to Florence to pick it up from you 😉
No need to lock myself up to sniff…when I smell that many perfumes in one day, my nose seizes up entirely and needs a couple days of rest. I have sprayed a few things on my husband but nothing on myself since I got back. I could not do this for a living, LOL!
Wow, fabulous news, maybe that means that it will go into wider distribution soon. I swapped for my sample, and can't remember its original origin now. Will try them both together and do a post by the end of next week, will that be soon enough?
Yes they have most IUNX – including many of the candles. They also have VIP Room – which has such an unimpressive package. The service is just so wonderful that I could spend a long time there….
They have a huge home section as well – so many names….
PS No luck with Bono – missed meeting him – what a shame.
yes, thank you…looking forward to it!
What a great post Robin. I wsh I could have been with you. Well, one day we might make it.
😀
I hope so L, I would love to meet!
Hi T and R – as a former Brooklyn girl, now living in CT, I totally related to that post. CT is tres boring – the mail is the hilight of my day, especially if a fragrance package is expected (today, it was Lusciouscargo!). The food is not boring, it is TERRIBLE! The worst place in Brooklyn is better than the best place here (ok, I exaggerate.. but almost) R, please go to Brooklyn and have a slice of pizza at DiFara's on Ave J for me.
Thanks so much for your lovely report of a perfect day. I had a wonderful vicarious scent tour reading it. Nothing more to say that hasn't already been written. Love the post, love the photo!
What is JAR? I'd love to learn more. Thanks for your post about your perfume day. Sounds wonderful!
Here are 2 links for info on JAR:
https://nstperfume.com/blog/_archives/2005/2/17/325919.html
https://nstperfume.com/blog/_archives/2005/6/3/906217.html
You can also find a link to their website under “Perfume Houses” on the navbar above, but there isn't much info there.
Hey, the food in my town can't be much worse than yours! Our choices are basically pizza & burritos. I do hear the pizza in Brooklyn is wonderful.
What a blast! Thanks for the report I enjoyed it vicariously. I wish Iris Nobile worked on me because it smells really great in the bottle but so bad on my skin – darn that orange blossom!
Happily, I love orange blossom! And love the AdP packaging…I am a happy camper with all my new bottles 😉
It sounds like a lovely, lovely fragrance field trip! =) Thank you for writing about your wonderful experience! I've never been to NYC and the more the ladies of MUA speak of the lovely fragrance outings they have, the more I can't wait to visit!
I'm wondering… with the addition of new FM scents… will there be a new tester kit which will incorporate these scents? And any word on what the Giacobetti scent will be based on? =)
How wonderful to come home to this wonderful recap of our fantastic day! I was thrilled beyond words to meet you and the others, and the shopping made my head spin! Next time I'll take your advice and bring a written list of fragrances to sniff. I completely forgot that I wanted to try the Armani Privé line!
Good question M, and I don't know the answer. If I remember correctly, Hiver is not in the current tester kit either.
All I know about the Giacobetti scent is that it is rumored to be leather based.
K, I didn't even see the Armani Prive line, though I would think Bergdorf would have it. Loved reading your recap on MUA too 😉
Hmm… wouldn't it be nice if they eventually made a “tester kit add-on” with all the new fragrances so we could just buy that (and it wouldn't be too pricey!) so we could still have the “complete” FM collection if we already bought the original tester kit? for some reason, i just need to feel “complete!”
i guess a girl can dream!
thank you for the heads up on the Giacobetti scent! i was so curious! =)
For that matter, I wish they would just sell them individually!! And sadly, Barneys no longer lets you mix the scents in the travel trio set of 10 mls — you can only do that through the Paris store now. Drat.