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The Monday Mail ~ help Jenny find a new fragrance

Posted by Robin on 30 June 2008 87 Comments

PostesToday's subject is Jenny:

Jenny is in her 40s but looks and feels much younger. She describes herself as blonde and curvy.

She is a former journalist and currently works in public relations.

During the day, she favors black, brown or beige basics with brightly colored tops; at night, she likes heels and a sexy black or red dress; she also "has a thing" for animal print shoes and bags.

Her favorite hobby is dancing, everything from Argentine tango to ballet.

She loves warm weather, but is "definitely not the outdoorsy type". When she isn't dancing or at the beach, she is inside reading, watching movies or visiting museums.

Jenny is looking for a sexy evening fragrance, and unfortunately, she finds many of the evening scents on the market either too obnoxious or too old-fashioned. She lives in a big city and has access to Sephora, Neiman Marcus and most other department stores. Here is what we know about her scent preferences:

She loves sophisticated fruity floral scents; she doesn't like gourmands, powdery, green or woody scents, or heavy orientals.

Her daytime rotation includes Juicy Couture and Jean Patou Enjoy, and she also owns and wears Escada Signature and Ralph Lauren Romance.

Jenny dislikes Prada ("it reminds me of dirt and you can smell it all the way across the room"), Thierry Mugler Angel ("too heavy and too gourmand"), and Guerlain Shalimar ("smells to me like smoke or incense").

Fragrances that are close-but-no-cigar include Robert Piguet Fracas ("interesting, yet somehow jarring"), Jean Patou Joy ("has that big floral glamour going for it, but too old-fashioned"), Marc Jacobs or Michael Kors ("both are too cloying"), Chanel Gardenia ("kind of nice but a bit too retro") and Badgley Mischka Fleurs de Nuit (she isn't sure why).

Jenny's current evening rotation includes two fragrances, but she isn't entirely happy with either: Calvin Klein Euphoria ("sexy but too syrupy-sweet", also "too woody and there's a slightly masculine quality that I don't like") and Bath & Body Works Sensual Amber ("too one-note for me to want to wear often").

Now, for the real kicker: Jenny would like her sexy evening perfume to cost $50 or less.

What say you? I have two recommendations, but I'm not completely satisfied with either and I hope you guys are going to do better:

Estee Lauder Sensuous is worth a shot. I'm not sure if it is sexy enough, and it might also qualify as "too woody" but it seems to fit her other requirements and it can be had for under $50. Another possibility is Guerlain L'Instant, which is sweet but not quite so sweet as the Euphoria. L'Instant, however, is going to go a little over the price limit ($60 for 30 ml unless she buys it at discount).

Filed Under: perfume talk
Tagged With: monday mail

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87 Comments

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  1. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 9:54 am

    Jenny, you glamour girl, try one of the following, all should be available at Sephora or at discounters:

    Christian Lacroix Tumulte – my Top Recommendation

    Casmir by Chopard

    Sensi by Armani

    If you're feeling really adventurous, try Le Baiser du Dragon by Cartier. Not for the faint of heart!

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  2. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 10:10 am

    Silver Rain by La Prairie – the original silver bottle is a perfect sexy fruity-floral on my skin, but a little over the price limit…

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  3. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 10:10 am

    RP's newly re-formulated Visa. It would be perfect. Available on-line at a couple of places.

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  4. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 10:24 am

    Oh, Nille Goddess, I love that Baiser…don't you think it will be too woody/incensey for Jenny? Now I need to go sniff…

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  5. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 10:35 am

    I favor Baiser du Dragon too. Jenny is bigger than life and this would fit her style! Luca Turin insists that Baiser is the same thing as Old Spice. I'm dubious. . but if so, what a savings coup!

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  6. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 10:39 am

    I'm probably not much help, since I'm not much of a fruity-floral gal myself, but since she likes fruity-florals, has she tried Baby Phat Golden Goddess or Fabulosity? Or maybe O Oui from Lancome?

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  7. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 10:55 am

    Jenny, that one is over your price limit, and don't think you can find a tester in your area. The Perfumed Court probably sells samples.

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  8. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 10:55 am

    Tumulte, I think, is discontinued, but can be found online and sometimes turns up at TJ Maxx.

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  9. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 10:56 am

    Jenny, Silver Rain is at Neiman Marcus.

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  10. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 10:56 am

    The BdD is at Neiman Marcus.

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  11. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 10:56 am

    Jenny, all of those should be at Macys.

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  12. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 11:12 am

    Just popping in quickly ( boss is around :)) , how about Tom Ford Voile de Fleur or Narciso Rodriguez for Her, both EDT & EDP are worth a shot.

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  13. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 11:17 am

    How about “By Woman” by Dolce & Gabbana? The bottle has an animal print!

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  14. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 11:20 am

    I love this game! I was just thinking about D&G as well. The One is quite a nice fruity floral isn't it?

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  15. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 11:20 am

    Although $10 over the $50 limit, Missoni (Original NOT Aqua) might be a great match – the 1.7 ounce EdP is @ Sephora for $60. Also, what about a fruity-musk??? There are lots of wonderful fruit/musk combinations out there….

    Good Luck!

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  16. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 11:27 am

    This is Jenny – thanks for all the great suggestions so far!

    I have sampled Baiser du Dragon and have to say it is definitely not for me at all. To, me it's in that category of heavy, in-your-face orientals such as Obsession and Opium. I prefer something a bit more feminine and floral.

    Maybe my self-description is not complete enough – I'm actually a little shy and spent my childhood with my nose in a book! It's only recently that I have been able to bring out my fun, sexy side and I'm enjoying it.

    Tumulte, Visa and Casmir sound intriguing but I have definitely not seen them in any stores near me at all, and believe me, I've gone through every fragrance counter. So I think would have to order samples.

    Thanks for the great ideas and looking forward to more –

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  17. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 11:30 am

    I sampled this quite a while ago and vaguely remember liking it, but I'm not sure – I hope it's still available someplace to try again. I thought it may have been on the powdery side for me. But yes, I love the bottle :)

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  18. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 11:43 am

    Funny, I recommended Kiehl's Musk to the young man last week, but I have to admit it fits for a lot of her perameters too (sexy, evening-appropriate/ musk not on the no-no list)…I have to admit going through a phase of putting this on when I was feeling naughty!

    A few more thoughts:

    I second the Sensuous

    and Sensi (great call)

    Bvlgari BLV Notte (Under 30 at discounters)

    Coco Chanel (oriental but not too heavy?)

    Very Irresistable Givenchy

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  19. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 11:49 am

    I'm a wood-spices-incense gal myself, so it's difficult to recommend a fruity-floral to a fruity-floral lover.

    One thing I noticed is that if you're on the cuddly side, it's better to choose a strong fragrance that makes a statement. I remember this XXXL lady who favored Oui! by Lancome – the fresh delicate fragrance made her look like a shy elephant. She looked ridiculous. Big, bold, bright, stampeding elephant – yes. Shy wallpaper-flower elephant – no!

    Tumulte is fantastic in the sense that it's a very powerful floral, and absolutely charming and flirty and gorgeous!

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  20. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 11:51 am

    This is hard because Jenny is completely opposite of me.

    So I'm thinking EL PLeasures Delight, YSL Elle and the new Molten Brown women's perfume Intoxicating Davana Blossom Eau de Parfum mihgt be worth checking out.

    Dawn

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  21. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 11:58 am

    Also, the 4 Laura Merciers (not the gorumands) seem like they might be her speed…floral/sweet/pretty…nicely done.

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  22. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 12:01 pm

    You beat me to it. After reading the description and all the no-nos, Coco by Chanel was the first thing that came to mind. Emphatically not Coco Mademoiselle, but the original Coco, which is fantastic.

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  23. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 12:08 pm

    Jenny, the Missoni is at Nordstrom.

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  24. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 12:08 pm

    Jenny, both of those are at Neiman Marcus.

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  25. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 12:08 pm

    Nile –

    I wasn't trying to use “curvy” to mean XXXL in my case – I'm petite but with an hourglass figure if that helps describe me better. Thanks!

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  26. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 12:09 pm

    I thought about Pleasures Delight, but worried it was too gourmand. Worth a shot though!

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  27. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 12:10 pm

    Give Angel Innocent a try – a very nice fruity floral, not as in-your-face and gourmand as angel.

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  28. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 12:16 pm

    Dawn, I was just thinking of YSL Elle, too! Or maybe also try Miami Glow or Deseo by JLO or EL Bronze Goddess?

    Carlos Santana for women is very seductive & sexy fruity-floral, and it's $30. You can get it at Sephora, but I often see it at Marshall's for a discount price of $19.99.

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  29. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 12:22 pm

    I second Pleasures Delight
    Also second Givenchy Very Irresistible
    How 'bout Dior J'Adore?
    Or perhaps Hermes 24 Faubourg Eau Delicate?
    If all of the above aren't under $50 I bet Jenny could find them an online discount perfume shops.

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  30. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 12:32 pm

    I just had a few more thoughts, perhaps:
    Gucci Envy Me (not Envy but Envy ME)
    Dior Midnight Poison, Pure Poison, Tender Poison?
    YSL Cinema, easily found online for cheap
    Annick Goutal Songes, also found online for under $50
    I 2nd, 3rd and 4th Missouni, saw it mentioned above a few times
    and what about the classic EL Beautiful?

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  31. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 12:46 pm

    I thought of Cinema too, but unfortunately, Jenny would not be able to try it since they're no longer exporting. I assume she doesn't want to order unsniffed. Songes is a possibility — not quite so jarring or cloying as the other florals in her list.

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  32. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 12:46 pm

    Deseo is an interesting idea. Miami Glow is pretty hard to find now.

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  33. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 1:01 pm

    I feel compelled to insist on a decant of Iris Poudre by Frederic Malle Editions de Parfume. Or another Pierre Bourdon that you can get online: Christian Dior's Dolce Vita. I think that these are perfect for curvy blondes!

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  34. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 1:04 pm

    How about two lovely Pierre Bourdon creations: Dolce Vita by Christian Dior or (cheating) a decant of Iris Poudre by Frederic Malle. Both seem made for curvy blondes!

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  35. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 1:21 pm

    -give angel inocent a try, but wait till you smell it

    -coco was immediastely in my mind too – sexy, feminine, but do not use too much (i often do*blush* then it is one of those “in your face” stuff)

    – i agree with 24faoubourg eau delicate or even caleche eau delicate

    and: YSL in love again. fruity, floral, sexy, nice, playful, great!

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  36. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 1:27 pm

    I third Sensuous and second Songes. I would also recommend looking at Sage oils ($45) for price point. I love Pearl, but haven't sampled any others.

    And while at Sephore she should check out the Tocca line, specifically Cleopatra even though it is out of the price range. I think it can be purchased at SkincareRX and there is the MUA discount. That comes close.

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  37. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 1:28 pm

    I'm more into the fruity florals than the woody incensy so I second the Pure Poison by Dior! It is my all time favorite scent for night and can be had at $50 for a 1oz. at Sephora but you could always search the discounters.

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  38. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 1:32 pm

    Do you know was MG discontinued? Or was it just a limited edition release?

    Daisy Fuentes' DiaNoche flanker DiaNoche Ocean is new & tropical fruity-floral. That might be a similar option. It's at Kohl's for around $40.

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  39. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 1:47 pm

    The original Badgley Mischka, Missoni, and maybe Agent Provacateur Strip are all worth a sniff. And some Lauders to mtry while she is checking out Sensous: Knowing, Beyond Paradise (regular and Blue) and the two Private Collections.

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  40. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 1:53 pm

    It was a limited edition.

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  41. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 1:54 pm

    Jenny, the Frederic Malle is *way* out of your price range. It can be found at Barneys. The Dior will be at Neiman Marcus.

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  42. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 1:58 pm

    Jenny, you can find the Mercier line at Neiman Marcus too. They have an amber scent you might like.

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  43. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 1:58 pm

    Jenny, that one will be at Sephora.

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  44. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 1:59 pm

    Jenny, Sage Pearl is a sandalwood-vanilla-musk. I don't think you can find a tester — you'd have to order it unsniffed. The Perfumed Court might sell samples.

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  45. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 2:00 pm

    Jenny, Bloomingdales should have Strip, the others are at Neiman Marcus.

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  46. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 2:00 pm

    Alright Jenny I've saved the best for last…. Delices de Cartier Eau Fruitee…. It's amazing! It's got some tart n' sexy rhubarb in the top notes but is all warm and sexy in the end. Sniff at Sephora and buy online at a discounter. Can be found for $39.99. (The matching dry body oil is to die for!)

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  47. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 2:10 pm

    Hey, very good call — I don't remember the Eau Fruitee version, but the original might even work. And, that reminded me of Jean Patou Sira des Indes, another “sophisticated” fruity floral.

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  48. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 2:56 pm

    How about Cacharel's Amor Amor – its a floral oriental, but light on the oriental side, will fit in your budget. if you like Romance, you'll probably enjoy the rose notes, & it has a nice citrus play at the top. Cute red bottle too.
    Also if Marc Jacobs is too cloying, how about Flirt's Glamourazzi – flowers, ginger & vanilla. I don't find this overly foody, the ginger works very well to bring it away from being cup-cakish or overly floral. Yes, its Kohls, but Flirt is one of the Lauder lines exclusive to the, & IMO they did a nice job at a very good price (about $35 for 1.7 oz & its on sale periodically).

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  49. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 2:59 pm

    Cleopatra is a great idea! Very sexy! I prefer Stella (Tocca) myself- not as in your face sexy as Cleopatra but still a great fruited floral.

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  50. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 3:26 pm

    2nd on YSL Elle.

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  51. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 3:35 pm

    Yea, what about J'adore? It does have that glamour. For something sexy, what about Hypnotic Poison? for orientals, D&G The One or Cacharel Amor Amor? (pardon me if I'm rubbish at this I'm not so familiar with fruity let alone florals..)

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  52. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 5:27 pm

    The original D & G, Ysatis, 24 Fauborg – any one of these could fit her requirements as to vivacity and price. Maybe Lady Stetson – your review was wonderful!

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  53. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 5:49 pm

    Hi guys, it's Jenny again. It's been so much fun checking the responses here. Just curious what you would recommend if price is no object. Although I'm on a budget, if I get a sample and really love it, I could save up or search bargain sites for a good discount. Thanks –

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  54. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 6:42 pm

    How about Il Bacio by Borghese? I found my bottle at TJ Maxx some time ago, but I see you can get it through some of the online discounters.

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  55. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 6:53 pm

    If price is no object, then maybe try Sampaquita or Champaca from the Ormonde Jayne line – some of the OJ fragrances do tend to have a green/peppery note, but they are also just stunningly pretty. You can probably get decants pretty easily.

    I would also second J'Adore by Dior. And others have advised against it, but I really like Chanel Coco Mademoiselle – just got this one and am really enjoying it. It's supposed to be an oriental fragrance but to my mind it does the apple/peach + abstract florals thing very nicely. Light but not insubstantial, and sophisticated but definitely not stodgy. The staying power is great, too.

    I tend to go for the heavy/woody/spicy/dark/green/peppery/dry fragrances, so I apologize if any of these recommendations are off the mark. Have fun! Good luck!

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  56. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 7:11 pm

    Hmm…Jenny might care for “Gold” by Donna Karen; it's a creamy floral but has a sweet, peppery edge that might fit nicely with her tastes. As another poster mentioned, Estee Lauder's private collection, Tuberose/Gardenia, might be worth a shot…although, some people might smell that combo and think of it as “old fashioned”. If you want something interesting and accesible, Crabtree & Evelyn has a nice India Hicks line—“Spiderlily” is a warm, sweet (but “dry”), beachy kind of scent. Here are some other options:

    -Lacoste pour femme (slightly powdery, but more so peppery/creamy)

    -Nanette Lepore (sweet, tropical-seeming floral that morphs into something more lipsticky and smooth.)

    -Lea St. Barths (subtle, sweet creamy vanillic with slight floral edge.)

    -Vivara by Pucci (fresh but creamy sweet in the vein of tropicals; however, morphs into something smoother and nuttier upon drydown.)

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  57. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 7:27 pm

    these aren't my favourite ones,but very popular and at least one of them should please you….
    CK escape …. very fruity and long lasting (maybe not exciting enough)
    d&g light blue…nice, light, fruity, fresh (very common)
    gucci rush…. very sexy ….sweet but still fresh (draws attention, maybe a bit too girlish)
    in case of an emergency….how about old spice ;-)

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  58. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 7:30 pm

    Perhaps this is a bit ubiquitous, but what about Vera Wang Princess? Or one of the flankers? Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche might also work. I'm not a fruity floral person myself, but these are the ones that I don't find that bad.

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  59. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 7:37 pm

    Fruity-floral is way off my charts (Fracas & Joy, my go-to scents, should probably render my opinion moot anyway:-) but what about Diorissimo? Done right, it is completely knockout for evening. It's not for nothing that the vintage poster shows a sexy woman in a backless LBD.

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  60. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 7:43 pm

    Aha! Money no object?! By Kilian's Liaisons Dangereuses is worth sampling though you're gonna have to save up big time for it! Jammy rose with plum – yum!

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  61. Anonymous says:
    30 June 2008 at 7:44 pm

    Moi again… Cerrutti 1881 Collection maybe? Nobody is wearing it, and I'm always getting compliments from men, so that would translate sexy, non?

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  62. Anonymous says:
    1 July 2008 at 12:39 am

    FRAGILE by Jean-Paul Gaultier!!!!!!!! I mean an interesting. sexxxy floral… yes very floral, lots of beautiful tuberose. Tumulte is beautiful and I love it myself but it's too sweet for Jenny's taste. Tumulte reminds me of rose jello or rose marmalade in Polish donuts. I mean Jenny needs a sexy, youthfull floral, full of energy but also the one that stands out. Fragile is a nice one for her!

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  63. Anonymous says:
    1 July 2008 at 12:50 am

    I am sampling Estee Lauder's Pleasures Delight tonight, and it is very similar to La Prarie Silver Rain, only much more affordable. It is definitely a fruity floral!!!!

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  64. Anonymous says:
    1 July 2008 at 1:00 am

    A few I have tried which I think may work for Jenny:
    Rochas Tocade
    Chanel Coco Mademoiselle
    Guerlain L'Instant
    Kenzo Amour
    Parfums d'Empire Eau Suave
    Parfums de Rosine Ecume de Rose
    I am also over 40, and although I love the classics (Jicky, Shalimar, Coco, No. 5), I do enjoy modern fruity florals done right.

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  65. Anonymous says:
    1 July 2008 at 1:03 am

    I saw Cinema in the crappy mall perfume store yesterday–you know the kind where they take the bottle out of the bottom of the box to spray it for you? The boxes are all covered in dust.

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  66. Anonymous says:
    1 July 2008 at 1:18 am

    Now, this may not be sexy enough for night, but I really adore Lanvin's Eclat d'Arpege. With sweet lemon and jammy, sexy flowers over a light, clean wood, it's one of my favorite girly scents. (To save Robin the trouble, I tested mine at Nordstrom's; it's the only place I've found it and they only usually have two or so bottles. However, it's a steal at discounters; I think it's $28 for the 100 ml at the lowest I've found it.
    However, no matter what perfume you find, I hope you really love it. It's so nice to really fall in love with something.

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  67. Anonymous says:
    1 July 2008 at 1:41 am

    jenny have you tried any of the dior fragarences. miss dior chere is pretty nice. it does remind you of candy and its kind of friuty floral, but a very nice fragarence over all. or if you got for more or a floral thing there is dior's jadore. clinique happy is very good as well. there are three of my suggestions.

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  68. Anonymous says:
    1 July 2008 at 3:18 am

    Jenny,

    I was not implying you are XXXL, only using that example to emphasise my point. Sorry if it cam out that way.

    While we're at it, one more fragrance I've been thinking about all of last evening, and you may well find it at discounters and it's gorgeous – Poeme by Lancome.

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  69. Anonymous says:
    1 July 2008 at 7:37 am

    Yes, Sira des Indes, you have reminded me of its name now. I tried it in Harrods and would indeed call it a classy fruity floral – a sort of “luxury cruise” kind of perfume. And not a trace of civet, unlike some other Patous I could mention… DKNY Gold is another one I would also second, ditto Sensi, and D & G The One.

    (PS Today I am wearing Jicky, L'Air de Rien, Miss Dior and Amoureuse, all in the interests of a scientific inquiry into indoles and civet. I would not recommend any of them to Jenny and am very much looking forward to washing them off.)

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  70. Anonymous says:
    1 July 2008 at 8:57 am

    Hi Jenny,
    I'd like to suggest Champs-Elysées (not Champs-Elysées Too Much!) by Guerlain. Beautiful floral, it's happy, sexy, playful and smells totally modern.
    Also, maybe one of YSL Paris' flankers.

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  71. Anonymous says:
    1 July 2008 at 11:22 am

    Hi again folks! It's Jenny –

    I don't think I've seen Fragile but it sounds interesting.

    I started a list of the suggestions and went to Bloomingdale's last night where I found several.

    No clear winners yet – my comments –

    Angel Innocent: cute, powder, expresses the name well but IMO not a sexy evening scent. Is similar to the Victoria's Secret Dream Angel scents which are a lot cheaper.

    Dior Pure Poison: sort of interesting but something about it is too sharp or spicy, and the drydown is soapy (I don't like soapy).

    Tom Ford Black Orchid Voile de Fleur: this is as sexy as a floral scent can get, but I would prefer something that isn't specifically one kind of flower. Ditto goes for Donna Karan Gold, I like it, but it's too much lily.

    Delices de Cartier Eau Fruitee – totally up my alley but it's a light, refreshing daytime scent, not for nighttime. Ditto for Vera Wang Princess, another wearable, pretty scent but for daytime.

    Cacharel's Amor Amor – oddly herbal to me.

    Chanel Coco Mademoiselle – too foody and not floral enough; definitely a no.

    La Prairie Silver Rain – top note was interestingly floral but quickly dried down to smell just like Coco Mademoiselle so I didn't like it.

    Kenzo Amour: struck me very oddly – some kind of weird plasticky smell to it.

    Badgely Mischka original: beautifully done, but not for me; too woody and has an overly done, hands-off quality that reminds me of some of the Chanel scents.

    So, the only two that are maybes:

    La Prairie Midnight Rain: this wasn't suggested, but as long as I was trying the Silver Rain, I picked up Midnight Rain next to it. Crazy package – teardrop bottle, blue-black with sparkles. Rich, sexy, fruity smelling. Midnight Rain reminded me a lot of Euphoria but without the headache-inducing qualities. But it's around $100 a bottle and I don't think I love it enough to pay that much.

    Estee Lauder Sensuous: I was totally fascinated by this scent, despite it being opposite of the type I usually like. It's woody yet not masculine. Not sure the name is accurate since it's not an outright sexy scent. I would maybe call this scent Sculpture. It's cool, polished and perfectly formed. Like a Hitchcock movie heroine in a French twist and tightly tailored suit. I wish I was that woman but I'm not. It's a great scent but I'm not sure I can pull it off.

    Haven't found yet but would like to try: JPG Fragile, Agent P. Strip. Was also wondering about Dianoche from Kohl's. I'll have to stop in there.

    I do already own J'Adore and wear it once in a while. I like it, but it's definitely a light daytime scent for me, not an evening one. That's my challenge – there are dozens and dozens of light, fruity florals out there that suit my usual taste and would enjoy wearing for day, but they just aren't sexy nighttime scents.

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  72. Anonymous says:
    1 July 2008 at 11:33 am

    Hi Jenny,

    Get your Casmir at Fragrancenet.com best best price and nearly always available, layers well with other frags.

    Into the $$$$ you might consider Montale's Chypre Fruites, very soft and lovely and sexy. Consider a sample or decant from the Perfumed Court and then if you like it enough to buy check out http://www.theperfumeshoppe.com. It's in Vancouver Canada and has the Best prices on Montale that I've ever seen in North America. Montale's last and last and last.

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  73. Anonymous says:
    1 July 2008 at 12:58 pm

    I also love EnJoy! I am something of a fruity floral fiend, so my choices may be a bit unpopular here, but here they go:
    Hermes un Jardin en Medeteranee – robust juicy orange with enough herbal charachter to remain sophisticated and interesting. For something more classic and less sporty/androgenous you might like Eau de Merveilles. Hermes scents are usually available from online discounters for under $50.
    Givenchy Lovely Prism / So Givenchy / My Givenchy etc… the Givenchy Fruity Florals by Marc Buxton manage to be refreshing, sophisticated and not too sweet with a very soft incense drydown. Also available cheap from discounters.
    Givenchy Amarige Mariage and L'Interdit are also sophisticated takes on the fruity floral theme that you might like.
    I'd also suggest trying the Guerlain Aqua Allegoria line. Guerlain has mastered the dry citrus note.

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  74. Anonymous says:
    1 July 2008 at 6:14 pm

    Jenny i think you if you are branching out pricewise a bit….you might enjoy doing some sniffing at a Jo Malone counter. noticed you are not fond of “fake” or “plastic-y” scents and Jo Malone has a fairly natural, yet elegant & unmistakeable line of scents from fresh to dark & sensual, something for everyone (almost!)

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  75. Anonymous says:
    1 July 2008 at 11:31 pm

    longtime lurker, first time posting.. ok.. I am also a Jen.. who is curvy and blonde and loves fruity florals.. my absolute all time number one favourite that started me on the path to becoming a perfume junky is Maybe Baby by Benefit.. my only complaint about it is it doesn't have a lot of lasting power.. but the full bottle is about $48 for you guys in the US. I would drink it I love it so much.. it's my daily scent..

    So I've been on a quest for something similar but with more staying power and maybe a bit more sophisticated.. so I'll just list the things I've ended up with (some of which may be surprising haha.. ) but might work for you too :)

    Peau De Peche – keiko mecheri sort of a spicy sweet peach smell?

    Sa Majeste la rose – Serge Lutens green, rose smell.. try it on.. it smells different on me every time

    Datura Noir – Serge Lutens (I know.. totally not fruity and floral, but it turns sort of sweet on me and smells completely different on than it does in the bottle.. … uber sexy)

    I'm also loving my samples of

    Rose by Comme des garcon which to me smells like a berry rose sort of thing.. delish.. and I need to save some money to buy a full bottle! ha..

    Red Aoud – Montale (again.. I know not really a fruity floral.. it just smells so interesting! and sexy.. I'm saving up for a bottle)

    and I also liked Velvet Flowers by Montale..

    I love the Serge Lutens fragrances because they're amazing.. but also because you can get the purse size bottles for pretty cheap.. and a little goes a long way so it's good value if you don't have a lot of money to invest..

    good luck!

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  76. Anonymous says:
    2 July 2008 at 3:21 pm

    Been away from online…looks like plenty of ground covered…and how fun to see our “mystery guest” interspersing suggestions with her own remarks! Hi, Jenny!

    Okay, here's one from the down-and-dirty inexpensive column: Coty Exclamation. You can pick that one up at Walgreen's, and save your pennies until you decide which extravagant decant tickles your fancy.

    (I'm not particularly a fruity person myself–though I enjoy a heap big white floral like Amarige, Poeme, Songes, or Fracas–so today's recommendation is more a thought than an endorsement. I have a bottle of Exclamation, and it is definitely sweet, with musk to “sexy” it up. It has its fans…)

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  77. Anonymous says:
    2 July 2008 at 4:46 pm

    How about Lanvin Arpège 'Éclat d’Arpège?

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  78. Anonymous says:
    2 July 2008 at 5:49 pm

    A few worth a snif and easy to find:

    YSL Baby Doll . Cinema

    Lauder Pleasures Tropical, Bronze Goddess

    Loccitane Amber/ Honey Lemon

    various Burberry Brits

    original Badgley Mishka

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  79. Anonymous says:
    2 July 2008 at 6:09 pm

    Monkeytoe, I second you with Beyond Paradise.

    I never tried the Blue version, but I think the Regular version will certainly do the trick.

    R: By the way, I enjoy a challenge, but this are really picky customers! :-D I hope they enjoy the effort, although I might say that solving the riddle is a joy unto itself.

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  80. Anonymous says:
    3 July 2008 at 1:06 am

    Hey ya all! The reason I'm going to say FRAGILE, FRAGILE, FRAGILE by J P Gultier is because it is sooo Jenny by reading the descritpion of her taste. I MEAN SERIOUSLY JENNY IF YOU ARE READING THIS, PLEASE GIVE IT A TRY! It is floral, yes, and so is Jadore mentioned by someone. But You see Jadore is sooo ligtly-floral, so proper and not edgy at all that it kind of is boring. Fragile is very floral, but I mean sexy-floral. Fragile has it's own, little deeper drydown to make it an interesting fragrance. It just has the right hint of woods and powdery notes in it's base, nothing that will overwhelm Jenny. But at the same it time, it is no where as heavy as any of the Angels whether it's the regular one, or innocent one. Fragile is youthful, however it is sophisticated and aware of it's sexiness. Fragile is floral but with it's unique base that makes it just stand out from all other ones on the market, but it still manages to stay nice and very feminine, just perfect. It's that kind of fragrance that can accompany a woman wherever she goes. You can wear it for an office job, with a nice, elegant suit. You can also wear it for a date with a nice guy, just put on a feminine dress. Whatever You do Jenny, please try Fragile, nothing can beat that tuberose!!!!!

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  81. Anonymous says:
    3 July 2008 at 1:25 am

    As far as “WHERE” to get JPG Fragile, yeah it's not the kind of a fragrance that You'll find everywhere around ya. It has not been discontinued but as I know JPG tends to put more selling energy into his beloved Classique, which I don't see why. Well If You live in a big city, I'm sure there is quite a few perfume shops that You can visit and some of them have to, yeah, they have to have fragile. Macy's and Bloomingdales probably won't have them because they like to stick to “best sellers” and all that's more popular. But like I said when you go perfume shopping, You come across those little, “no-big-brand-name” pefume shops. i am sure You can find it, if not, You can easily get it on the internet. I'm sure You wouldn't want to risk buying unsniffed… eh, I am just so positive about Fragile for You it's ridiculous. Just please do try when You have a chance!

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  82. Anonymous says:
    3 July 2008 at 2:37 pm

    Thanks for the suggestion – I'll look around for it or order a sample. Sounds intriguing!

    p.s. I tried out some cheaper scents at Kohl's, pretty disappointing. I'm on a budget so I am willing to try everything but I have to admit I have expensive tastes. :) Here's what I found:

    Daisy Fuentes Dianoche (this is two bottles of fragrance that fit together) – Dia is just okay, pleasant and light. Noche was promising at first, with a blast of sexy nighttime tropical flowers such as orchid. However, lost strength quickly and went to a cheap, musky dry down that I didn't like and which reminded me of J. Lo Glow (which I also don't like).

    Candie's Luxe – I think this is a new one. Dark fruit. Like a lighter, sweeter version of Euphoria. Call it Teenage Euphoria. Not terrible but too fruity and one-dimensional for me; I'd like more floral notes.

    Baby Phat Seductive Goddess – new flanker is in-your-face sexy all right, but the heavy patchouli veers too close to Prada territory for my taste.

    I'm heading out to Neiman Marcus and should be able to try some of the other suggestions. This is fun!

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  83. Anonymous says:
    3 July 2008 at 8:02 pm

    A few more( All are in your price limit):

    Origins Ginger/Lime Ginger- sexy but simple

    Kors by Michael Kors — may have at perfumemania type stores, it smells of red wine, roses and a little spice

    Christian Dior's Dune- not fruity, but an earthy,sensual floral

    and should've specified before — when I mentioned the Burberry Brits, the Gold and Red a more sophisticated than the

    original- they should also be at a perfumemania type store.

    Cartier?( The floral one) one of the purely floral perfumes I can stand! It may be a bit over your price limit but not by too much.

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  84. Anonymous says:
    4 July 2008 at 10:35 am

    I am now out of affordable ideas but… Armani Remix for Her? Just give it some 15mins on the skin?

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  85. Anonymous says:
    6 July 2008 at 11:54 am

    jessamy's suggestion re Origin's, Kors, Dune and Cartier ( is it So Pretty?) are all great!!! Kors can be found well priced, and Origin's is also not expensive..

    if u r at NM, please sniff Jo Malone tho….

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  86. Chicago Belle13 says:
    19 November 2013 at 12:05 am

    If Jenny lives in a city, she must have Marshalls close by. She can find JImmy Choo for $45 plus tax.

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  87. Chicago Belle13 says:
    19 November 2013 at 12:08 am

    Forgot to add: Jessica Simpson’s Vintage Bloom. I know, the name probably makes a lot of people cringe here, but give it a try please.

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