Lazy polls are usually reserved for Fridays, but I'm starting off lazy this week — and I also need to test some polling software in preparation for the final voting for the Prix Eau Faux contest (which ends February 29! get your entries in!). Inspired by the Going to extremes news snippet below, which characterizes a collection of 100+ perfumes as "extreme", let's all fess up. Just how much perfume have you got? No need to include samples or decants (I can't count that high anyway), just full bottles.
And, bonus question for the comments, what will be your next full bottle purchase?
The image, which I'm pretty sure I've run here before, shows Donatella Versace's perfume collection, and is originally from Allure magazine, courtesy of Blogdorf Goodman.
Related reading: Perfume budgeting, part 3, and a "true confessions" poll
I'm thinking it will be one of the Prada Opoponax/Benjoin/Myrrhe new Artisan releases. I haven't even smelled them, but I feel that they're calling me!
I'm also lusting for the Goutal Ambre Fetiche, but as it doesn't seem to be available anywhere in London, I'm lusting in vain.
I'm not home to count, but off the top of my head it's more than 10 less than 25.
My next purchase is going to be Comptoir Sud Pacifique Aqua Motu. I almost bought it this weekend, but wanted to put a sampler of bond frags with it and was too rushed to make my choices on those, so later this week probably. (recommendations for bonds to try welcome…)
I answered honestly. It's not that bad, actually
And the next purchase will most probably be Coromandel.
Argh. I had heard about those. I still haven't tried the new-ish ones, whose names I can't remember — only tried the original 4.
Really, the new AGs aren't in London yet? I'm very surprised. And I thought there was going to be a standalone AG boutique there by the end of 2007?
My favorite Bonds, in order: Andy Warhol Silver Factory, Chinatown, Bryant Park, Eau de New York. Not sure I'd use up a bottle of any of those other than the Silver Factory though, and that one, of course, I can't afford!
M, Coromandel confirms that we are still, at heart, EFTs
There are meant to be two boutiques, but if they've actually opened them, they're keeping very quiet about it.
The new Pradas are Violette, Tubereuse and Narciso. Of these, i like the Narciso best, but they're all nice. I was disappointed to find that the Liberty website fibbed – they didn't have the new ones in the store yesterday. But they did have Mona di Orio Amyitis, which isn't advertised on the site. (And I'm not planning on saving up for that one.)
N, I've tried the Amyitis once but need to give it another shot. The Prada exlusive thingies, last I checked, were way more expensive than I was willing to pay, although the Iris is really nice and Tubereuse might be worth a trip to Prada to smell…if I ever manage to go to NY again. Haven't been in ages.
R, I searched around, and it seems the Goutal boutique in Motcombe Street, Knightsbridge is due to open this month, according to the Motcombe Street web site, and '1st quarter 2008' according to another site. According to mimifroufrou, another store is planned for Mayfair. Note that none of the references are from Goutal themselves – there's no news or press announcements on their site!
Robin, what's EFT?
I have in the neighbourhood of 150 full-size bottles. (Whew. That confession felt surprisingly good!)
My last FB purchase was PG Cuir Venenum. My next will be. . .probably. . .FM Fleur de Cassie.
Thanks to some kind, generous and willing swappers out there, my collection of nich samples and decants is expanding exponetially, which is doing wonders in slowing down FB purchases and eliminating virtually all mainstream distractions. I highly recommend the practice.
At the same time, you know something? I am still quite amazingly fond of all the bottles I own and have come to see them as part of the whole process of becoming the fragrance-lover-in-progress I am today.
Happy to share this journey with all of you.
Aha. Well, lucky you, either way! No signs of them opening a boutique in the US, nor have I heard a single peep about when the Oriental trio gets here. Of course, it could already be at Bergdorf Goodman for all I know, since as I said, haven't been there in ages!
EFT = Evil Fragrance Twin, the idea being someone who hates what you love & vice versa. Marina & I started out as EFTs some years ago, but truthfully our tastes have converged more & more. I draw the line at Coromandel though!
Very curious how swapping is eliminating all mainstream distractions for you? I find it much harder to swap for mainstream than niche. Maybe that is what you meant — you can't get them by swapping so you just ignore them?
I just ordered a large decant of 10 Corso Como, intending to decant a small amount and pass it on to a friend. (She smelled so amazing in my tiny sample that I gave it away to her.) However, after a torrid weekend affair with my bit, I think I'm going to use the rest of a Neiman Marcus gift certificate I've been hoarding to buy the bottle. Holy moly. And I thought I didn't like sandalwood. I only wish it had the sillage and staying power on me that it does on my friend.
I have a list right now, about 15 scents, that you might call “I Can't Believe I Don't Own This Yet”. 10 Corso Como is near the top. I keep hearing the body lotion is just fabulous, and I think part of the reason I don't buy is I can't decide which to get — the perfume or the lotion.
Heh, my next full bottle will be Cristalle EdT, to replace the bottle that just ran out. This is the only one that I must have all the time and can't live without.
At one time, before I knew that I was a fragrance whore, and it was OK to be one :), I think I had about 15, max. My dresser top was cluttered with bottles that never ran out. One day i got sick of it all and gave most away and started over. It was a lot easier to buy indiscriminately when one was young and unaware what builds a good fragrance. I probably could afford 3 bottles of the CK a year but when one starts eyeing the good stuff like TDC, Bond, Hermessence, l'artisan, it's impractical to buy 3 a year.
I don't really have a budget, since my purchases are rare, but one bottle is enough to put a big dent in the wallet. I just bought Bel Respiro and that's probably it for this year. But I wouldn't turn down a bottle of G. Mandarine-Basilic if it's well-priced.
I am haunting the discount sites for a decent price on Mandarine Basilic! Would really like to have a bottle by summer, but so far, the discounts are paltry at best. I didn't manage to buy Anisia Bella until it finally appeared at TJ Maxx a couple years after its release, and afraid that might be true for MB too.
My next purchase will be Issey Miyake parfum; I love the carnation note. My current inventory (after giving and swapping to clean out) is just under 10 regular sized bottles. My husband has closer to 30. I have lots and lots of minis (occupational addiction) and many drammed samples.
My next full bottle purchase will be Vent Vert. It'll be a blind buy, but I've loved everything else from Balmain, so it shouldn't be a big gamble.
I've only bought 1 perfume lately (More Pink Please) as I'm going through the bottles I recieved for my b'day & crimbo.
Oh hang on; I also bought the Showtime parfum. And toilette. And does body splash count? And my back up supply of my fave fragrances?!
And I've just remembered my secret bottles of Pink Sugar & Chocolovers that I hid from my sister. Hmm, I need to change my vote.
I've given away quite a few bottles in the last year too, and so my collection is smaller than it used to be. But still quite a few more than 10 bottles — good for you!
You can get VV so cheaply too! Not a bad gamble for less than $25.
Oops nearly forgot; my next purchase is probably going to be Bulgari Black. It’s my new favourite. Oh, and I’ve finished another bottle of Paul Smith Extreme so I may replace that.
Hey Existentialist! Would you like to do a split of the VV with me? I'm interested in trying this out as well, after reading NST review here.
Thanks! Those first 3 were on my list, so far so good then!
Thanks for the enlightenment. EFTs — I know several, and am very fond of them all!! — make the BEST swap mates! My closest EFT, coincidentally, just sent me a sample of Coromandel, which she adores. Being her EFT, you know my own reaction to it! Woo!! Give me Bel Respiro any day!
Yes, R., exactly right: it's remarkably easy to ignore the well-funded allure of mainstream scents when you're swapping the likes of Bois d'Iris and 10 Corso Como.
I just purchased a big ole bottle of Teo Cabanel Alahine. If you love ylang-ylang, and I do, it is gorgeous. Very old-school, elegant and strong.
Hugs!
You bet. Send me a PM at basenotes – my username is Introvert.
i'm expecting a bottle of hermes, eau d'hermes shortly, guilty pleasure, bought it unsniffed (but than again, it's only my second bottle bought unsniffed)
My next full bottle purchase will probably be Fendi Palazzo or another bottle of Prada Infusion d'Iris
I have 23 bottles that I use and many many more that are packed away and I'll get to eventually. I'm glad someone else out there is an aquatic lover. I very seldom buy a new bottle but have been seriously considering Aqua Motu lately. If I were a man, I'd get Bulgari Aqua or the new Marine. If it were available in Canada, I'd get Michael Kors Fiji, just from the description.
My next full bottle acquisition will be Dior Fahrenheit 32, but only because I'm getting it for free with Shoppers Drug Mart Optimum points (Canadians will know what I'm talking about). Does that count as a purchase?
Other than that, I'm trying very, very hard not to buy anything until my next trip to the UK and France in late 2009 (because I answered the poll with “51-100”, which may be conservative, and doesn't include samples, and surely I have enough to last me a lifetime).
I don't think I'm that strong, but if I can last that long, I'm going to go completely nuts; Harrods and Selfridges and Liberty in London, Serge Lutens and Givenchy and Hermes in Paris, Fragonard in Grasse, and god alone knows what else. You can bring back $750 duty-free into Canada, so that's my theoretical ceiling. Theoretically.
Only your second? You're a better person than I am!
You will like Eau D'Hermes very much, I think. It is so sophisticated.
I answered honestly. Im over 200 bottles.
The next full bottle will probably be one of the following:
Guerlain Metalys
Guerlain Chamade Pour Homme
Malle Iris Poudre
Parfum d'Empire Cuir Ottoman
All are on my immediate needs list.
next full bottle purchase will probably be either Hermes new release in the Jardin series, or Jardin sur le Nil, or one from Ormond Jayne
Only in serious year two of this lovely passion I am nevertheless trying to follow the 'finish a decant before buying a bottle' rule. It's a hard rule since I'm also a conservative spritzer. All that said, I am working on “running out” of Chanel No. 19, Aoud Queen Roses (or Roses Petals, or White Aoud…can't decide), and Vetiver Tonka.
“Immediate needs” list!! I love it. I know just what you mean, MD. These things can feel exactly that. . .VITAL!!!!
In real life, Pyramus, are you by any chance RH?
Mitsouko in EdP has been on top of the to-buy list for a long time now, but we've been buying other fragrances instead – impulse buys in local stores, mostly. Must put aside some money for it and send away the order. Right now we are both sorely tempted by Bois d'Encens, too.
Good idea on the poll! It's interesting to see the results.
I think my next bottle will be either Ormonde Jayne Woman, Frangipani, or CdG Avignon. Or both OJs. Or all three.
My name is Molly and I'm a perfume-aholic!
*Sigh*
300 plus?! Mon Dieu! There but for the grace of a much larger income go I.
My next full bottle will probably be either Terre d'Hermes or PdN Balle de Match. I'm trying to limit myself to only one per month, and only at steep discounts.
My last two were CdG Zagorsk and Hypnôse Homme.
You two are reminding me that I recently fell under the spell of Herba Fresca. I need some, but I think I'll wait until much warmer weather (although it was in the 70s here the past few days). I was loving Pamplelune also and thought I had found my grapefruit holy grail until the late drydown on the test strip turned into the dreaded “cat pee” that Robin mentioned in a review. I may need to re-test on skin just to be sure, because the opening was heaven for me.
Ach; if I don't splurge a few francs on something I see on special… it might well be Bulgari Black. But I am really wanting a bottle of Attrape-Coeur. And I might just ask for Virgin Island Water for my birthday, after last summer's huge cravings for it.
So much perfume, only so much skin. Ah well.
Since discovering swapping, decants and bottle splits, my need to own bottles has shrunk considerably. There are several things that are soooo fbw, but I have decants, so it's not terribly immediate. Except for Chanel Cristalle, which I have fallen back in love with and would love to have a bottle of for summer. Un Jardin Sur Le Nil is in the running as a bottle purchase for summer also, since my decant is almost gone. I'll probably not buy either, though :).
I'm a fire sign, so I figure my love of water scents must be a balance issue. Fiji sounded nice to me too, I hate that I missed out on Michael Kors Hawaii, will have to look for it on ebay.
Most likely will get the Cacharel Amor Summer fragrance, and maybe the JP Gaultier Eau de Ete bottle.
Last 2 purchases were Bvlgari eau the vert extreme and Givenchy Amarige ($17 at Walmart! what a bargain!). Next on my list: L'Occitane Feu d'orange, or possibly dior j'adore or chanel coco.
Having just finished reading “The Perfect Scent” I have tried samples of scents I otherwise would not. Incense Avignon intrigues me, as does Vetiver and Habit Rouge. (I am a woman, by the way.) These are mentioned in the book. But since the book is really about the birth of two fragrances , and all that went into them, I may succumb to Un Jardin sur le Nil. I'll have to smell it again before I splurge. I'm going to Provence in the spring and I need to save $$.
Hmmm, my next full bottle purchase?
Well, I'm a bit torn between three right now. I've been considering either Quelques Fleurs (Houbigant), Spring Flowers (Creed), or Un Bois Vanille (Serge Lutens). I've already gotten a sample of Quelques Fleurs, and I'm totally and completely in love with it, but I'm still waiting on samples of the other two, and I think by that time I'll make decision then. I figure that I could use a couple of sweets in the collection *grin*
No, my initials are RM. I mean, assuming RH is someone's initials.
Ah, thankS!! You sounded verrry familiar.
My next purchase will be Ivoire by Balmain. An oldie but a goodie.
I'm impressed by the number of respondents who own 300-plus full-size bottles of fragrance!!! Makes my stash of half that number seem almost. . .inadequate!! (any excuse to buy more. . .!)
I wonder what the highest “score” is out there?? Over 400? 500? Does such a person exist?
My next purchase is a very foggy issue, as there's a list waiting to be reviewed. I'd say the ones I really want are Kelly Caleche, SL Daim Blonde and SL Rousse. Still thinking, as there are virtually no discounters here in Ukraine (Eastern Europe), and all three are not exactly cheap.
BTW, the last bottle I purchased was Encre Noire, thanks to the NST review. I was intrigued by Robin's thoughts, smelled it, loved it and bought it! I can't get enough of it, even though my husband still can't decide if he likes it or not:) But I am really in love with EN! The first vetiver for me, too, so I am all into exploring this direction.
My next purchase will be something by PdN since they have the small bottles and I can justify the purchase. I just can't decide on which I would like best so I may have to get the samples first!
Herba Fresca is great. Pamplelune is great if you can wear it — I can't!
LOL — I've been in that situation! Hope you'll make it to the end of the year w/o undue damage
Not a huge ylang ylang fan myself, but those TCs are nicely done — enjoy your new bottle, R!
One a month is very good of you! I eventually made myself stick to 2, but it took me longer than you did. Now I'm closer to 1, even less. That Montale is *really* addictive, and of course I have to applaud Frangipani!
Yum on the Prada! The Fendi doesn't work for me, but I'd almost buy it for the bottle alone
No, free doesn't count! I mean, it counts in your total bottle count, but doesn't count as a purchase. You could drop $750 very quickly on your trip, I'm sure!
Well I'm afraid my answer to a dilemma like that is always — both, but get somebody to pay for one of 'em. I bet the lotion is pretty cheap on fleabay — I've been eyeing some 10CC bath pearls on there. But I don't really have a comfortable tub. Trying not to go nuts, here.
It'll be a couple of scents reviewed on this blog; Estée Lauder Pure white linen (I need a classic, clean scent for work), Guerlain (haven't decided which one yet but have found a boutique with dedicated SA's so shopping will probably be more fun from now on, yay!), will also try some L'Artisan. I figure three scents will do to begin with so I can decide what “direction” suit me best.
Thank you for inspiring me!
That reminds me that on my to purchase list was also Pure White Linen Light Breeze. I sprayed this at the dept. store and it was really nice and hubby complemented!
So I have a question….well, first, I don't have that many bottles but am feeling that I might be purchasing more in the future. I have TONS of samples that I keep in a box. Easy to store, easy to find. However, if I am buying full bottles….well, how do you categorize and store them? I want easy access and maybe some for display. Any ideas? I am at a loss and my current storage solution (not really a solution) is on my dresser but my cat keeps taking them out….thankfully she hasn't broken anything yet but really….what a snot!
Oh, hard choices! Chamade Pour Homme maybe because it's LE?
Love Bvlgari Black
Yay Philosykos! But as much as I adore it, I'd say wait for the 50 ml.
Hi Bonnie, and thanks for the nice words! I hadn't thought to layer the CB oils & waters, interesting. I'm pretty happy with the waters on their own, but I can see that might do better. Maybe he ought to sell little coffret sets, 30 ml of the water, a few ml of perfume oil.
I am a conservative spritzer too, and since I spend more time “testing” than “wearing” perfume, that rule has served me very well.
Both good choices! You'll certainly find the Mitsouko cheaper, of course
LOL — I'm with you on that. I can't afford 300 bottles. But also, even my small collection makes me guilty since it goes unused. Yay for Balle de Match, it is so rarely mentioned and I do love it so. You'll probably find a better discount on the Hermes though.
Or all 3, of course! Everybody on earth needs some Avignon, even if only as a layering agent, and everybody on earth needs at least one OJ perfume. There.
Swapping & bottle splits are both wonderful!
I think my next purchase will be L'air du Desert Marocain. My nose has been glued to my wrist since trying my decant, and I have just enough in my paypal account for a full bottle.
I have 40 bottles, btw. Went a little nuts around the holidays, and between discounters, ebay and paypalling some wonderful mua'ers, somehow bought 7 or 8 bottles. I've since cooled off, but I am plotting some discount orders, to include Bvlgari Eau Fraiche, Balmain Vent Vert, Etro Royal Pavillon, and maybe the new Ferre. I hear it's a lovely iris. Oh, and maybe Costes from beautyhabit. Somebody stop me!
Wow, that is a bargain! I'd buy that Feu d'Orange (if you love it) before the others, doubt it will stay in production as long.
There is an LE Amor out for Valentine's Day, isn't there? Can't remember its name though.
All of those you mentioned are easily worn by women. Don't know if others would agree, but of them all, I'd say Habit Rouge is the most “conventionally” masculine.
Aha, the opera. My opera scent would be Joy extrait, if I had any, which I don't.
Love “flabillion” by the way. I'm always using “kajillion” or “gajillion”. Flabillion is better.
Buffy, have you tried QF Royale? That is pretty too, but it's been so long since I tried either I can't remember them very well.
Oh, I am quite sure there are people w/ more than 500. Not many, maybe, but they're out there.
That is an oldie but goodie
Funny, my husband dislikes the EN too, although he loves Guerlain Vetiver & Hermes Vetiver Tonka. More for me, I say
If you don't mind losing the “display” aspect, a closed cupboard of some kind is best, to keep them out of light. The bathroom, however, is bad (too warm & humid). So, you want some kind of decorative cupboard that you could hang in your bedroom, or maybe a shelf inside an armoire of some sort? Mine are in a cupboard in my home office, and they're terribly disorganized.
Sounds like you're going to have 50+ before you know it! I can't stop you, sadly, and have to say that most of the “no buy” groups on MUA seem to fall apart rather quickly.
That's the problem, my answer is also always “both”. But then I buy neither
I love those little bottles! Wish they'd had them in the US before I bought all my PdNs.
Oh, I think Stella is lovely. Actually very surprised she hasn't done another scent, given how well Stella sells.
Oh, huge congrats on the Guerlain boutique, wish I had access to one. Do try some L'Artisan, they're so lovely. I understand they're selling samples now directly on their website.
Interesting poll – glad to see some folks are far more extreme than I am.
Have about 80 FB's more or less, not counting back-ups.
Am exploring Balenciaga's – contemplating a purchase of Rumba (created by Ron Winnegrad and Jean-Claude Elléna) but also considering Cristobal and Prelude. Having a hard time finding anyone who can compare Eau de Cristobal and Cristobal. Maybe I'll just get them all and shoot my budget for the next 3 months.
Rose: I too am a fire sign. Guess you're right. We need the balance of a watery fragrance. Tara, further on down the list of comments, has reminded me to buy Pure White Linen Light Breeze too. I do always replenish my White Linen Breeze, but this newer one is good too.
I think I have about 30 perfumes total, but some have been relegated to my perfume graveyard in my bottom dresser drawer.
Most recent purchases are not sophisticated or high-end, but I wound up being pleased by them: Covet by Sarah Jessica Parker – which I got for a steal. Couldn't pass that one up and I'm glad I didn't, 'cause I really love the way it smells on me.
I also just bought a new ltd. edition fragrance by The Body Shop which surprised me since I'm not usually fond of their products. This is a spring Cherry Blossom fragrance, and it smells the way I hoped Guerlain & L'Occitane's versions would be: fresh, light, not overly fruity, not almondy or bitter, just a nice soft springy fragrance. I guess lots of people agreed, because it is pretty much sold out completely after only a couple of weeks!
I am really trying to limit myself to 1 perfume every 3 or 4 months. I must truly love it to purchase!
OMG Celestia, I wear Bulgari Aqua at times and adore it on my skin! Gender specifications to blazes! Try it, my dear, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Damie (who apparently 'goes to extremes')
My next full-bottle purchase will be Profumum's Aqua di Sale, which to me smells like a walk on a beach, picking up shells as I go and smelling a hint of pine trees from afar.
My next purchase will probably be Santa Maria Novella Lavanda Ambrata–I love this stuff. I unsuccessfully looked for it as a decant, but in any case this fragrance is very fleeting on me; I will probably need a full bottle to soak myself with…
Althought the number is not too horribly high, I cannot bring myself to come up with the actually number.
?
This was my hobby, and it has become my work. But I adore it. So do I have to count…ugh.
I don't know maybe 20ish of the normal size things (25 ml and up), lots and lots of minis, not going to even try to count the samples.
It is something like that. I think.
But I use them all and I give them to friends, too, even full bottles if I think I will not use them. So this is nothing to be ashamed of right?
OMG, do we need therapy
Next Full Bottle?
sigh, Tom Ford Black Orchid?
or I am almost out of Musc Ravageur
Creed Fleur de The Bulgare (am I spelling this right)
or I also found the wonderful Lancome Rose, oh Robin, that is nice!, you were right
or Fahrenheit 32
orrr NO NO Bond number 9 Hamptons I think
I don't know
All the ones I want are very expensive. I will decide in April (Sniffala..help me..I am not bring my VISA to the events. It stays in the hotel room, I will bring cash, enough for ONE niche and that is all!)
I will look for these in Germany if you like and see if I can get you a sample. ok?
LOL
can you please host a sniffing party? I will bring the wine!
Cheeze, I do this, too. I do not want to have so many go unused. Hey, what is in your graveyard, want to trade some things?
OK! I do not need therapy, this IS my therapy! I do have this dream of having 100s. I love bottles. They are art with art inside.
Eshellmoyer, Coco Mademoiselle smells so different on different people! Just buy and enjoy it.
Which propably means that my next full bottle will not be Philosykos.
Further candidates are either Feu d'Orange or AA Mandarine Basilic.
Acqua di Sale is *the* best sea-scent ever; you've got excellent taste.
Hi Denise — I'm not going to be any help as I can't compare Eau de Cristobal & Cristobal either. So I'll have to say: do get them all
Cheez, Kevin uses “the perfume graveyard” scents as room sprays, in case that appeals to you. My personal feeling is that if I don't want it on my body, I probably don't want to smell it at all.
I'm not usually an aquatic fan, but that sounds great & I'll have to give it another sniff.
And those SMN bottles are so nice!
Yes, completely agree, & it's cheaper than regular therapy anyway. Too bad we don't get insurance coverage! Of all the scents you listed, the ones I'd get first are the Fahrenheit 32 & the Lancome Rose, because those are the 2 likely to disappear from counters first (both LE).
I want MB too, but hate to buy it now when I know I'll see it marked down eventually. Which leaves you FdO!
I just received an order the other day – Paris EDT, and waiting on bottles of Yvresse, Magie Noire and Blue Grass. Clearly on an old-school kick!
NowSmellThis: There is nothing metallic or artificial or spiky about Acqua di Sale, which contrasts it with 99.9% of the other attempts at marine fragrances out there. It's just sunshine and salt and translucent blue sea, gentle and beautiful even for and on a non-aquatic fan.
It's a stunning scent, which seems to get negatively reviewed for some reason. I love it – there's nothing that makes me 'feel' the sea more than this one.
Kim, that's really kind of you. Actually, I already have samples (thank goodness for The Perfumed Court); now I'm greedy for a great big bottle! I'm sure it will be available once the AG boutique opens.
And now I'm wondering if you were referring to the Pradas? Ooh, I'd LOVE samples of those!
MB is still listed on the Guerlain page – I don't think it will be discontinued, at least not as soon.
Oh, entirely agree — I wasn't clear. I meant I'm counting on it being available at substantial discount within the next 3-8 months, so I refuse to buy it now.
Good luck!
Giving away / selling bottles is a good idea – at least for me. I made the resolution to use up or give away one bottle for each new one I buy. At the moment I am the proud owner of 16 bottles, which is the absolute maximum for me. 12 would be just fine.
Ouch! Just what I need – encouragement to indulge
“Flabillion” is great but “kajillion” is just as cool!
In my perfect parallel universe, I win the lottery and buy the entire SL line, most L'Artisans and Guerlains and have a bespoke scent made for me by Sheldrake, Kurkdjian and Andy Tauer. Course, I'd need a much bigger flat to store the darn thingies. Back here in the cruel budget reality, my next FB purchase might be Eau de Cartier which would round off the number of bottles I own to 30.
One last utopian wish – this world would be a much better place if all fragrance companies produced 15 and 30ml bottles!
Yes, you are! Great choices.
All the same I didn't care for it on the first try, and now I see I gave away my sample. Will certainly give it another go if another sample comes my way!
The only scent that really makes me feel the sea is CSP's Aqua Motu, which admittedly is spiky and entirely synthetic smelling. Also love CB I Hate Perfume Mr Hulot's Holiday. But this is not my favorite genre
Oh dear — one for one is more than I could stand to give away, LOL — you're good!
LOL — it is sort of like when people go on the fragrance board at MUA and ask “should i buy X?” It is just not the right place to go if you're looking to exercise restraint
I love Ivoire – you might want to check your local TJ Maxx or Marshall's; I see it in mine every so often.
The world would be a much better place if we both won the lottery, D. And then we wouldn't care what size bottles, LOL…
Oh, I haven't seen the bottles–that will be a nice bonus.
While I am here, I want to thank you for this blog…You are helping me discover perfume after years of wearing the same few fragrances I found pleasant, but not much more. Now I am finding fragrances I am practically obsessed with! We don't have the same taste–for instance, I love Monyette–but I find your commentary very helpful and also lots of fun. Thanks again!
LOL, so true!
Yeah I know, but I can get the Bond no 9 SO much cheaper in NYC with the euro to dollar things going on.
I will for sure get the Lancomes (all of them, the limited ones), and the 32 I adore, I think I am getting this as a thank you next week. You said gifts don't count though, right?
I think I can arrange for most of those as gifts this year, and buy Tom for myself! Robin, I recounted, and I have about 10 more bottles than I thought. I am sick. I can see myself move to the near 100 mark in a year or so. And you know 200 bottles are easy to get to if you have 100, right? BUT I only own 2 pairs of shoes and two pairs of boots and one pair of tennis shoes (sport shoes). And I do not buy expensive handbags (my mother gives me one each year). So I can do this. WIth NO guilt.
I'm surprised the 1-10 range got so many votes. In awe of such self-control. I stopped counting two years ago, and I think I'm in the 51-100 range.
My last purchase was Estee Lauder Tuberose Gardenia. I never guessed I would like the combo of tuberose and gardenia so much. Next one? Coromandel after I finish my decant. However, I dread buying such a huge bottle. In my fantasy, Chanel releases a coffret of Les Exclusifs, which includes Coromandel, Rue Cambon and No. 22.
Hrmm, er, I was going to answer this yesterday and then I went out and bought a bottle (expensive, too!) that was not on my list: Eau d'Hermes. *sigh* I'm going to blame March for that one. But next will be either Kenzo Jungle Tigre or PdN Odalisque (why no 30 ml bottle, Beautyhabit?!?) Or perhaps, CdG Calamus? I'm suprised to be under 100 FB total. Did I lose some in the move or something?
as I try Coco Madmoiselle, I find out that it even smells really different on me from day to day. I like it on cool wet days because it smells like a warm house to me.
The bottles have a wonderful old apothecary look — very old-fashioned. I love them. With a few exceptions (Eva, Kyoto) they're all the same, so you don't need a zillion of them, but it's nice to have one.
And thank you for the very kind words! It would be very dull if we all had the same taste.
Stop with the euro to dollar, you're killing me!
I skip shoes & handbags too.
Maybe they will release a coffret when Sycomore launches?? If so, my budget is in trouble.
LOL! Well, it's a piece of perfume history, look at it that way.
The next FB I want is Frederic Malle Carnal Flower – not sure when, but I can hardly bear to wear the small decant I have, I don't want it to be gone! It's just “me” in a big way. I have MANY others on the list though, including Caron Tubereuse, which is neck-and-neck with the FM. Somehow I cannot justify them both….but I try.
Ex-act-ly!:)
Mine will be the entire Comme des Garcons red range. Sigh, where o where will I get it – I'm a South Aftican living in Kenya!
Ida
Mine is around 20 FBs. This is such a lovely blog – it's like AA, sharing this burden.
I am feeling very guilty after purchasing bottle of L'AP Bois Farine and La Chasse over the weekend. I really cannot afford this habit. They were my first L'AP purchases. The shop had the entire line, and I staggered out of there after about an hour, all sniffed out and with an incipient migraine.
Is it awful to plan a trip to Paris largely with scent boutiques in mind, I wonder?
Well, I'd like to share this burden with you, so I will confess that until last year I'd plan a trip to paris for museums, exhibits and, of course, wandering around the city. Now, after months of perfume mania, which I think will last forever, I'm planning a trip there for october and – ok, I still love art, it's my job – but all I can think of at the moment is: how do I get to sniff all that stuff in a few days and which is the best itinerary to fit in all those gorgeous perfume shops?
Anyway, you are right: this blog thankfully exists and this means we're not alone!
Bye
Flora, a very worthy choice! I'd like a bottle of CF too.
Oh dear, guessing you can't find CdG in Nairobi?
Elinoraddict, but those are 2 lovely scents (and 2 of my own favorites). A worthy start to a L'Artisan collection! And if I had the $$, I'd be in Paris tomorrow, shopping for perfume (and tea!) and skipping everything else.
Delfina, it is shocking how many times I've been to NYC and skipped everything but perfume shopping. Hope you'll manage to fit in all the stores you want!
have to admit that Sur le Nil is definitely on the list, so it's the battle between the new Jardin and OJs, which, may have more than one winner…lol..( and i have forgotten to mention Prada's Iris one!)
re-read your OJs review and am very interested in Champaca, Frangipani and Ormonde Woman, if i like green lightly floral (I love Sur le Nil and Kelly Caleche) and can only pick one, what would you say?
I would say Champaca, except that it's also very unusual. You're either going to love the rice notes or not. Frangipani is a bit more than “lightly” floral, and only very lightly greenish. Ormonde Woman is a heavier, darker scent, and not at all like the others you're liking (Sur Le Nil & Kelly Caleche).
Seriously, you *need* a sample set from OJ! They are all worth trying.
Nope – though Jomo Kenyatta Airport's duty free shops have some gems – found Guerlain's L'Heure Bleue there and Patou's “1000”.
I think a trip to Paris is in order – there is a smallish shop on Rue de Lafayette. I've only been there twice,and both times left after hours, smelling of too many wafts mixed together. I once had a 12hr stopover in Paris on an international connection – went straight there and pitied the poor person seated next to me on the next leg. Taking perfume appreciation to the next level should probably involve more restraint – too many mixed scents on wrists and arms can't be 'the right way' – but what else to do if one feels deprived!?
Ida
thanks…. oh so tempting… will definitely linger around the shop (am in UK hehe) once I gather enough amount of courage and cash…. I know I don't have much will power so I tried to narrow down my choices before visiting the shop… now looks like I'll end up testing all of them… oh can't wait!
No, you've little choice when your time is that limited. Good luck getting the next trip to Paris!
Hello. This AA style confession has tempted me to come out from lurking. . .and enter the fray.
As for FB, I have 30. Samples and flanking lotions and potions are innumerable! I purchased my newest addition today, the Chanel No. 5 Elixir Sensuel as a valentine for myself. My next purchase will hopefully be in Paris, on a much anticipated first visit. I cannot wait to try SL's MKK and Chergui. . .and will be hard pressed not to bring back at least one of those beloved bell jars.
BTW–Robin, Angela, Kevin, you have unknowingly been my enablers on my slide into full fledged perfumista territory. I love your wonderfully crafted posts. My first unsniffed purchase was “Y” after reading its review with my mother. All the posts at NST are my day's bright spot, a reward I allow myself at the end of a long day.
Hi Kim,
I don't really have anything terribly interesting in my graveyard. Mostly department store fragrances that I first bought when I was first exploring perfume: Alfred Sung Shi, Elizabeth Arden Woman, Christian Dior J'Adore, Maybe Baby by Benefit (I actually still wear this one sometimes), Purple Orchid by Calvin Klein. Interestingly I noticed that Shi and J'Adore have something similar going on in them that does not appeal to me anymore.
They are lovely, and work very well layered also. I'm conservative about layering, being new to the concept (talk about paradigm shifts
) – less risk with perfumes from a single line, a la Jo Malone, maybe.
I would stop in to the Louvre still, of course. Ahem. But I think a trip to the Caron, Guerlain, Malle and Lutens boutiques would be high on my list next trip to Paris. I have never sniffed anything by Caron and after reading so much about these scents on this and other wonderful blogs my curiosity is well and truly piqued!
Good to know I'm not alone
I'd still visit as many galleries as possible, but Paris has new attractions for me now! I just wish my credit card was more resilient.
I live in Ireland, so a trip to Paris is inexpensive enough these days. At least, that's how I'll justify the black hole in my credit card!!
Hi and welcome, and many thanks for the very kind words! 30 isn't bad, and we don't count samples or lotions or potions, so you've a very reasonable number. But do bring back a bell jar! I can't stand that I don't own a single one.
Yes, yes, a trip to Caron is in order! Do try the men's too, some of them are brilliant. And Annick Goutal, you must visit Annick Goutal! And Nicolai…and…
Thank you for sharing that. I am a die hard online shopper and am out of touch with the live store experience but it would worth getting out to find it there. I usually avoid leaving the house at all cost when not working. I enjoyed hearing that you like Ivoire too. I like it particualarly in the winter. I do not know much about the technical aspects of perfune but I love it and have been known as a “smell freak” by my friends. I love this site!! I did not know there was “others” out there.
If you're going to Provence in the Spring, you may find a fragrance over there that you fall in love with.
I once smelled a bottle of Grasse Jasmine that was so heady & voluptous, I swooned. The subtle notes and complexity were amazing.
I was in a bit of denial before counting. But, it wasn't as bad as I'd originally thought. All told, I had 33 bottles.
I'm in the mood for lighter summery frags. My next fragrance purchase might be either AG Petite Cherie, the 10th edition bottle and perhaps Hampton Sun Privet Bloom. I was surprised I liked it (Hamptons SPB) given my ultimate faves are Fendi (the original) and Magie Noire.
Have you tried Coney Island? I disliked it on paper, and initially on the skin. Several hours later I smelled it and was pleasantly surprised. It developed very well.
At present, I mix Gramercy Park with Hamptons, really nice combo. The line's prices are pretty steep, makes gathering a wardrobe a bit difficult.
Hey, 33 isn't bad at all. And ooooh, lucky you if you get that PC 10th anniv. bottle, it is gorgeous!
Coney Island didn't work for me. Agree on the prices, although you can by them by the oz in the Bond Stores, and spend a wee bit less that way. I understand they'll mix them for you too, in case you prefer 2 together.
Much cheaper, I'm afraid.
I brought home a paper strip with Bois d'Encens on it a couple of weeks ago, and the SO is planning on buying it as soon as he gets his paycheck. I'll probably have my hands full just getting him to try it on skin and wait for the drydown before coughing up the cash – and he knows what it costs. It really hit home with him.
Well, if he has to have it…and that bottle is awfully nice