Update: the Penhaligon's boutique in New York closed in March 2008. You can still find the Penhaligon's line at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Penhaligon’s is a charming buttonhole of a boutique tucked between the sleek emporia of Madison Avenue, a diminutive shop that transports its visitors back to London in the Edwardian era. Inside, its fragrances for men and women are displayed on dark-wood shelving that sets off their decorative, old-fashioned packaging. The scents themselves range from classic (Bluebell, a favorite of many “English roses”) to sweetly quirky (Artemesia), and they are all highly wearable. Matching perfumed soaps, dusting powders, or candles are also available for many of the fragrances. All of Penhaligon’s merchandise is appropriate for gift-giving, including a carefully edited selection of lacquer trinket boxes, shaving implements for the neo-traditional gentleman, and silver picture frames suitable for any lady’s dressing table.

Best seller: Blenheim Bouquet.

Not to be missed: The tiny sterling silver scent bottles, including one that can be filled with perfume and worn as a pendant

Details: Penhaligon’s, 870 Madison Avenue (between 70th and 71st Streets), New York, NY 10021; 212-249-1771; website.

Nearby: Penhaligon’s is located near Jo Malone (946 Madison Avenue), Clyde’s Pharmacy (926 Madison Avenue), and a Bond No. 9 boutique (897 Madison Avenue). It is also situated one block from the Ralph Lauren flagship store (888 Madison Avenue) and across the street from the boutiques of Yves Saint Laurent, Asprey, Tom Ford, and Sonia Rykiel, all of which offer their own lines of perfume.

— images & report filed by Jessica.

See also: Perfume Shopping in New York City