The second quarter of the year is over, so it's 'fess up time again: how many bottles did you buy in April, May and June?
I bought 3 bottles this quarter. First, Donna Karan Black Cashmere, which as most of you know was recently discontinued. It was a bargain at $50. Next, Hermès Un Jardin après la Mousson, an unsniffed mistake, and at $125, not so much of a bargain. Third and last, Jo Malone's newish Kohdo Wood Dark Amber & Ginger Lily. That one was also a bargain at $50, and while I said at the time that I regretted the purchase because there were things I wanted more, I've gotten quite a bit of wear out of it.
So, add that to my first quarter damage (3 bottles, $255), and we've got a total of 6 bottles for the year so far, at $480. Not outrageous, perhaps, but considering that I only bought 7 bottles in all of 2007 (for a grand total of $255), I'm not entirely pleased.
Note: image of Donatella Versace's perfume collection (originally from Allure magazine) courtesy of Blogdorf Goodman.
Not entirely pleased – that line makes me laugh.
I bought 4 partial bottles (from ebay and fishbone), and one full bottle – a backup for Eau d'Elide. So I'm counting that as 3. I am entirely pleased.
Sounds like 3 to me too — I count 2 minis as 1 bottle myself. Glad you're pleased with your haul! And gosh, I could use some Elide myself…
Ouch! This is probably a good thing to do to knock some sense into yourself! This is a new affair for me, and and I have done a lot of damage, but I had already come to screeching halt in anymore perfume spending. I have added up the year and am just under $900 for 15 bottles. Ach! A lot of those were steals at discounters/ebay for around $20 but I did pay full retail for Baghari (worth every penny!), Chanel Gardenia, Jardin Apres Mousson (you can send me your bottle, Robin!), Bronze Goddess, Azuree Soleil (I ended up buying two 1.7 ouncers – one the day I stumbled onto the discontinued treasure and one a week later, out of fear that I would never see any again). And of course the AW Silver Factory- that was ghastly expensive but it is so WONDERFUL, INTOXICATING…worth it- and if I want to gloss over my shocking behavior (which I will not)- the AWSF does account for 1/4 of what I spent…
On the minus side, I have spent WAY TO MUCH, but since perfume has taken over, I have spent much less on clothes/cosmetics and so the way I look at it, I might actually be ahead!
I guess I bought one and a half bottles then. Lacoste Pour Femme, nice, light, kind of soapy, not a new release. I'm just not in love with it and really wished I hadn't paid the full $50 for it! Also a mini of Prada Infusion d'Iris, which I was disappointed with. Thinking about trading it… Anyway, now I am on a mission to search my local TJ Maxx or Target to try Ralph Lauren Glamorous.
Oh dear — you sound like me in my first year! But you've got some great stuff — and VERY jealous of your Silver Factory, I would love to have a bottle.
Very conservative buying, good for you! I did not know the Prada even came in a mini.
Thanks! We're trying to save our pennies for rainy days!
I had to buy the Prada to sample it. Von Maur (I live in the Midwest) said they we're going to get it in March, and I have never seen it. I bought my Prada mini at fragrancenet.com.
I bought 2 and a half (Encens Mystic doesn't count as a full bottle does it?)
The full bottles I got were: Caron Aimez Moi
and yesterday I caved and ordered SL Un Lys from BH..(in my defence they were both discounted purchases..:))…Its funny but these aren't my absolute favorites from either line- ALMOST love them though. ..(These have been my only FB purchases this year…but..I have been spending $$ on scented etailer B&B) .
I need to make up my mind on the Jo Malone- I loved the beginning but the dry down was very powdery on my skin..
oooh..I really liked AW silver factory too!!! (and very suprisingly so did DH)
That's a shame, but cheaper than buying the whole thing unsniffed, I guess…
Surely EM only counts as half a bottle, right? I love both of your full bottles…
Just to clarify, I said it was funny because these are my first Caron and SL purchases (not counting numerous samples and my beloved SL TC decant) – I always thought my first SL purchase would be a bell jar of TC ..:)
Thanks!!..(I have read your reviews of both these scents a million times..lol)
You know, I think these polls are doing me good! After counting up the bottles I bought first quarter, I've only bought one this last three months – Kenzo Ca Sent Beau ($40). Plenty of decants, mind you, but even most of those were specials/discounts etc. The LT/TS Guide is surprisingly helping me as well – thinking as I'm reading, I'm saving up for expensive scents that are worth it, ones I will wear, as well as feeling more confident about bargin ones I've always liked. Fewer spontaneous purchases. Of course, part of my budgeting is related to saving up for PP Chicocoascentsation in Sept., which I'm attending.
I bought Do Son, but am using it as a room spray. Does that count? That actually put me over the limit, I'm up to five now.
I was going to buy The Pour un Ete but now must wait until I finish one before acquiring. To be quite honest, I am a little bored.
I just got PG Bois Blond in the mail today!
Oddly enough, my SL collection doesn't include either of my top favorites — TC & Iris Silver Mist. I just have decants. Keep waiting for one or the other to be the limited edition export, but it never is.
I think it helps me, at least a bit, to do public confessions as well. It's sort of like an AA meeting, LOL…
Wish I was going to Chicago with you all!
It has to count if *you're* counting it and can't buy another til you've finished something up, right? But you need that L'Artisan before the summer is gone…
Lucky you
Exactly!!..
I neeed to try a sample of ISM!! (and a whole bunch of other exclusives..ah well!)..I actually bought a whole bunch of EOs and absolutes last year to try making my own- I actually thought that would stop me from buying …*rolls eyes*
I'm in the gained over 15 category BUT I don't feel too bad since:
5 small Worth bottles were in a set and only equate 50ml in total, as were my 3 Crazysticks.
1 I share with husband.
3 I paid for with loyalty points not proper money
1 I bought by proxy, got it with a subscription.
Besides I bought 45 books last week so I'm too busy attempting to feel guilty about that.
Plus I don't shop much in the July-December period so it covers then too.
SO SAD…will be in Chicago for four days starting the 18th of September (dear friend's wedding)…would love to have Chicocoed…
I only bought one for my husband and it was Azzaro Pour Homme – unsniffed and only based on Luca Turin's words in his book.
Hahahaha. You should do a poll on how many you bought just because Turin gave it 5 starts….or something like that. =)
I totally agree with what Tania Sanchez said in the book; “my point of view on men's fragrance is simply that you should smell good or you shouldn't smell at all”.
And it turns out that the farily new Blue Mercury here in San Antonio carries (drum roll): L'artisan and Serge Lutens! I spent about 45 minutes sniffing the other day…And i was itching to buy Voluer de Roses (and I didn't b/c I had already gone on strike!)
And i found that once I walked away and put some distance b/t me and the lemming, I was happy with the sample that the sweet boy in the shop gave me. I am taking back control, and will walk away from one bottle at a time!
What, you are not pleased? Pleased that you bought so few? So many? Or not pleased with the fragrances you bought overall. I'm confused. I thought perfumistas like us lived to add new fragrances to their collections? Am I missing something here?
And, in that wild and wanton perfumista spirit, I added nine:
No. 22
Chinatown
Diorissimo
La Dolce Vita
No. 5
AG Chevrefeuille
AG Neroli
Tuberose Gardenia
Ca Sent Beau (mini)
I am very, very close to adding AG Eau de Sud and Timbuktu to my collection. Please check with me next quarter.
Hugs!
My current tally for the year – 9 bottles. Yikes! They are: Bobbi Brown Beach, Bronze Goddess, Estee Lauder Pure White Linen (small bottle online, unsniffed, so I could get the three deluxe perfume samples, including Sensuous), Maison de la Vanille Noire de Mexique ($10 on Sephora), and two orders during beautyhabit's 25% off sale – Saffron James' Le'a and Juste un Reve (small bottle) in one order, and just this past weekend, before the sale disappeared, three more PdN scents – Cococabana (small bottle), Le Temps d'une Fete (large bottle), and Eau Turquoise (small bottle). So, I'm around $450 for the year, plus a number of samples. Oh my. Wake up call!!!! Ha ha. And there are still some others that I want!!!
Well, I've been bad. My purchases since april: Tauer Incense rosé, Gucci Rush (but the 30 ml, it's nearly free), Tocade (but a bargain on Ebay), Fendi Theorema (thank God), Bulgari Black (half a gift), Dzongkha, Aqua allegoria pamplelune (the 75 ml size discounted at a Dutyfree, so also practically free…) and I finally got to visit the Ormonde Jayne boutique in London, so I couldn't keep myself and bought Ormonde woman, Frangipani and a bottle of Ormonde man (but it's for my husband so it doesn't count). Next one will be Comme des Garçons 2. A bit expensive for a quarter of a year, but I need to cheer myself up as I'm at the end of my phd project and I'm practically not sleeping.
well my dear, I am overall very pleased with what I bought! Just feeling guilty about the financial aspect!
I did buy these gems at discounters/on the cheap so the guilt is less so:
Bandit
Fracas
Black cashmere
Nuit de Noel (is it supposed to have a “tee tee” note?
Nocturnes
ELPC
Coco
Niki de st.phalle
Sort of two for me…I'm on my way to buy another.
Chanel Chance so far, and I'm going to pick up Lancome Treso- practically unsniffed, but hey. I've smelled it, but never worn it. It's such a bargian though- 40$ As for the Chance, well…I had some graduation money and I really wanted it. And I've worn it almost very day. Coco Mademoiselle is probably going to be my next victim and I may just have to order a decant of POTL Luctor et Emergo, but I just tell myself I'm bracing for the non-spending days in college in the fall. 
Discounters…That's always the way to go!
If Demeter humongous minis don't count because they're so teeny (I ordered 22 in May), and neither do those little tins of Lush solid perfume (I got Potion), then I managed to restrict myself to 9 purchases in the last three months: Guerlain Mitsouko EDT, Perry Ellis 360 Black, Arpege Pour Homme, Aqua Allegoria Anisia Bella, Mugler B*Men and A*Men Pure Coffee, Guerlain Terracotta Voile D'Ete, Sarah Jessica Parker Covet, and CSP Vanille Cannelle.
Clearly I am out of my mind. Or at least out of control.
I've been very good this year, mainly because I'm trying to watch my budget in general. Only 2 so far: L'Artisan Vanilia and CdG Kyoto, both of which I've wanted for ages.
Bellodgia, Ivoire, YSL Paris, Diorissimo (the latter I bought at Saks only because I had a $50 gift card – the rest were from eBay/discounters). I also bought Muguet des Bois, but that may have been in March. My excuse is that I'm a newbie and starting to build a collection…and I'm very pleased with all of the above.
I bought Beach Bobbi Brown and Black Vetyvier Cafe. Just was dying for Black Vetyvier after I sampled it at Nordstrom….shameful, really.
Oh, I'm so jealous of your new bottle of Black Cashmere!! – what a wonderful scent.
Karin – you've managed to buy many that are on my wish list – what a lovely collection of scents!!
and Delfina – how lucky to get your hands on a bottle of Theorema!!!
I bought two bottles this spring: Fumerie Turque at Serge Luytens (worth every scent) and Eau Savage (I needed something to wear to work in the heat). Money is tight this year with the Paris trip in April and an upcoming trip to Copenhagen in August – the dollar needs to perk up!!
But, oh how I want to buy more!!! It's been hard to keep it to only two. I MUST buy a new bottle of Bobbi Brown's Beach asap (preferably before Friday) as it's not a summer weekend without it. I have compromised by ordering large decants which should arrive in the next couple of days and should hold me over for a while as I must remain frugal through the next quarter to pay for the August trip. sigh …
Full disclosure, I got a good supply of spray samples at SL (not just the little wax ones, but I got those too) AND a friend works at Hermes (love her!!) and she gave me the full set of samples of the Hermessences, several of Kelly Caleche samples plus a full bottle (!!) of the lotion. These have kept me distracted for a while.
Thoughts on Kelly Caleche: while I don't adore it and probably wouldn't buy it — it has proven to be a leather I can wear in the heat – and in DC that matters!!
Um, I seemed to have forgotten the small 15ml Vetiver Tonka and Tabac Blonde decant – even if they only equal one bottle that puts me over 15
I really want to try that Theorema…
This quarter, only two! That's one more than my contribution last quarter, which was one.
1.) Estee Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia
2.) Geisha, by Claude Andre Hebert, a Montreal perfumer. But in what's turning out to be an increasingly irritating debacle, I was given the wrong perfume in the shop, and nearly 1 month later, they have not replaced it with the right one… I'm not terribly impressed, and in the last month, I've started using PCTB instead… so… I think I'm just going to return it.
My vote was totally wrong I think I had a little amnesia! Q208 was a bargain qtr for me 3 (1.7oz) bottles of Black Cashmere for $70, Marc Jacobs Blush from TJ Maxx for $14.99, Calyx .5oz (25% off), Island Fiji and Island Hawaii one was bought with a gift card so total out of pocket damage $169, not too shab! This is really helping me keep a budget and now I am not buying another until I finish one!
What fun, lucky you! Glad they were nice — they aren't always nice at the one near me.
If you pay with loyalty points and not proper money, they don't count at all, and if you share with your husband, that one is his. So if one came with a subscription, and you count the mini Worths at .5 each, you only bought 7.5, right?
LOL, presumably that should apply to women too? Anyway, hope he liked the Azzaro.
R, I am not pleased that I've spent more than I have in the last 2 years, and 2008 is only halfway done. I would say I live to smell everything, but I sort of thought my acquisitive stage was over. Apparently I was wrong!
If I do not manage to buy either Joy or Diorissimo in parfum before the year is ought though, I'm going to be *really* not pleased!
You bought great stuff, and everyone needs Sud & Timbuktu — hugs back!
Helenviolette, great picks! I am going to run out of Fracas soon myself.
Hey, you got some good bargains though — I spent more this year and got less. Love those little PdN bottles!
Oooh, I want that Tauer! And the Incense Extreme, too, which is probably why I have neither. And congrats on the Theorema score, I'm going to be very depressed when mine runs out. And 3 Ormonde Jaynes! You have been bad, but hey, if you're almost done with your doctorate, you deserve it.
All of those are bargains except the POTL though — or at least, you can get them at discount. Not too bad!
I like your maths! I'm practically virtuous, yay.
Wow, you got some great stuff though! And the Demeter minis are such a huge bargain — once you're ordering, you might as well get 22, LOL…
At the rate I'm going, it's clear that my acquisitive stage is far from over…
Lovely picks, congrats on your bottles and on sticking to your budget!
They add up when you start counting, don't they? How soon we forget… Other than several minis & samples, my damage is as follows (all but the first at very discounted eBay prices):
– CdG Grapefruit
– CSP Aqua Motu
– Jardin sur le Nil
– Blu Mediterraneo Fico di Amalfi
And today is payday and I'm plotting my next full bottle purchase. Lotus Blossom & Water Lily 30ml may be a contender.
I have long loved it (My tres chic 90+ year old grandmother has worn it as long as I can remember and her room and dressing areas smell like it when you walk in. I am going to find out if she wore it “back in the day” next time I see her and if so – find out if she detects much difference)
But I digress, I was able to get a 1 oz. bottle w/ a small body lotion at Sephora for $45…thought you might like the 411 and I know how you like the smalller bottles!
my number is purely based on a technicalityi chose 10-15, but 4 of those were la maison de la vanille bottles that were on sale for 5 bucks each at sephora, and all but one were on sale/from marshall's and the remaining one was a gift. so really i didnt spend all that much, monetarily speaking
thanks! Just the words I needed to hear
And I am almost done: my deadline is in two days. So it turns out you are, hands down, my favourite cigarette break.
It is very hard in the beginning not to buy like mad — I certainly did! Sounds like you've got the start of a great collection.
Lucky indeed! (Restraining panic mode…that's one less chance for me to get another…)
Glad to be a worthy break, and seriously, buy another bottle. I say that as a drop-out (I gave up w/ my MA after 2 years).
Meant, I guess, I gave up and left with only an MA instead of a PhD.
I love BVC! Wish it lasted longer on me. Might give up & buy it someday anyway.
Well, exactly. There's a horrendous duty charge on stuff coming into Canada; the actual duty on a $100 purchase is only eight or ten dollars, but then there's a $30 brokerage fee. Every time I order from the U.S., I always make sure it's worth my while; the duty fee divided over twenty-odd items is bearable. I'm not going place a $15 order and have to pay a total of $50 to get it.
Lucky you, I've always wanted to go to Copenhagen! That would be worth doing without a few bottles. And of course, congrats on your FT — and how nice that they gave you spray samples too
I voted not to tell, but I will fess up. This is going to hurt.
Ebay:
Ivoire parfum
Eau d'Italie
Cristalle (2 bottles – don't ask. it's a long story)
Fresh Sugar
Fresh Geranium Pepper (husband)
Apres l'Ondee
Vintage Lubin Eau Neuve
Beautyhabit:
Iskander
Costes
Eau de Lierre
Ava Luxe:
China Rain
Egyptian Musk
Ingenue
Discounters:
SJP Lovely
Monsieur Balmain (husband)
Vent Vert
Balmain de Balmain
Ferre for women
Balmya
Eau d'Ete
Diorella
Cabochard
Hermes Mousson (unsniffed!)
Vetiver Frozen (husband)
I didn't tally up the first quarter, but here's an estimate:
Timbuktu
Goutal Duel
Fresh V-Tonic
Coriandre
L'Air Desert Marocain
Ava Luxe Palisander
HA — that is why I've started writing them down, it is really easy to forget how much damage you've done. But wow, 3 bottles of BC for $70! Now I'm really jealous. And that's a great deal on the Blush too, congrats!
Wow, that is really irritating. You're waiting for them to send you a replacement and they haven't?
Love the PCTB, great scent.
They really do! Nice mix you picked up, though, and oddly enough I've been wanting that Lotus Blossom too, even though I thought I didn't love it. It really does layer nicely w/ the Dark Amber. Hmmm.
Those MdlV scents were a steal, congrats!
*faints*
But I probably did worse a few years back.
Wow, seriously, $30? Plus the shipping and the duty? That really is horrendous.
What is a loyalty point?! I want some!
I have a little mini of the parfum, and a lovely vintage solid that has held up incredibly well. I'd like to get a bigger bottle of the parfum, but your deal sounds more economical.
OK, I have mustered up some courage after reading Sarah's list! I am VERY new, and BTW, didn't purchase ANY fragrances in the first quarter of the year (and almost nothing in 2007). So here's my list:
About a billion 1 ml. samples
Diptyque Do Son
Diptyque Philosykos
Napa Valley Cielo
Jo Malone Vintage Gardenia (30 ml.)
Parfums de Rosine Ecume de Rose
Saffron James, gulp, all three
The Different Company Bergamote
Stephanie de Saint-Aignan Le Pot Aux Roses
Keiko Mecheri Hanae Mori
I love them all, except the last one. Having trouble with the sweetness, but still like the drydown.
I vow to control myself until birthday time in October.
Thanks for the therapy session.
P.S. Just realized I lied in the poll. Said 6-9 bottles.
Yes. I went to his boutique, and he was so nice, giving me a tour of the chem lab in the back and showing me all these not yet released fragrances he'd been working on. He sent me off with a few samples, encouraging me to live with them for a week and come back when I had made up my mind. I came back a week later, but Claude Andre wasn't in the shop, and his SA (who I think is more of a partner) rang up my purchase, but put another frag called Debutante into my bag instead. I went home to the US the next day, so I've been in contact with Claude Andre via email. He always replies, but it's always “I've been so busy, I'll mail it to you tomorrow for sure! So sorry!”
… he's said this three times, and it's been a month.
I'm just going to return it and keep using PCTG instead. I've gotten too used to it to change now (I'm not a rotation kind of girl… it's one fragrance for a few months at a time), and let's face it: Tuberose Gardenia is divine. He's a sweet man, and I hate to do that, but the window of opportunity to switch frags has closed. Maybe next time.
A month is too long — that is not good customer service. Hope you'll get your bottle soon!
Love “about a billion 1 ml samples” — luckily for me, I don't count samples at all! You've got the start of a great collection though, so hopefully you'll be able to slow down.
I'm sure you're not the only one!
I bought Bond Andy Warhol Union square, Bond Broadway, Fracas( because of Luca Turin's book), Badgley Mischka( turin again), Chanel No 5 edp, Pleasures exotic, SJP Covet. I was trying not to go pass 3 this year…. but alas I read the books and blogs and I just have to get them!!! But I must admit the Badgley is really too strong for me it was bought unsniffed as a gift set, but i love the lotion so it has to be a keeper.
If you don't want to buy anything more, it is best to stay away from the books & blogs, LOL…
Just curious, what subject did you write your master's thesis in?
The program I was in did not require a thesis, only an oral exam. I was doing Latin American history, and had already done more coursework than was required for an MA anyway. The old story: thought I'd go back & finish later, never did.
Only one for me so far I'm afraid, Prada Man, but at least I kept my promise, didn't I? To myself, of course.
Guerlain's Vetiver is calling out my name, heck, dozens are at this moment. But – need to save up for my Corfu vacation end of July. But I so want a bottle of SL La Myrrhe! And Encens et Lavande. And Fleurs d'Oranger… *runs off weeping*
Refuse to weep for you…who needs fragrance when you're going to Corfu? I'll give you a bottle of La Myrrhe if you give me your vacation on Corfu, LOL!
It was actually more of a miscalculation. Hadn't actually counted them. Scary!
Whew! So glad that samples don't count. I think I can make it through the next quarter with what I have. And lots of beans and rice for dinner, LOL.
I got only Ferragamo F for Fascination, Agent Provocateur Maitresse, Very Irresistible Summer Cocktail (a gift, so maybe it doesn;t count) and Jardin Sur Le Nil
None at all.
But have spent so much on samples and decants that it proably equals a couple of drug store priced bottles….
Hi, sorry to be nosy but I have a friend going to Paris at the end of the month and I need to supply her with some money to buy me a bell jar. Can I ask an approximate price? (tell me if it is too nosy) I would LOVE to have a bottle of Fumerie Turque or Churgui.
Hm. Much as it has pained me, I'm glad you asked this question, since I finally sat down and tallied up the damage from the insane acquisition binge I've been on. I count 28 full bottles in the last three months, most of them not inexpensive or discounted.
I seem to have a full bottle fetish, and to be unsatisfied with just a decant (although I got plenty of samples and decants in the last 3 months as well).
The good news is that I pretty much love everything I acquired. The bad news is I might have to go to rehab, if Perfumista Rehab exists!
OMG Delifina, super purchase overlap here: Tocade (check), Theorema (check), Bulgari Black (check), CdG2 (check). Add Pdn Le Temps d'une Fete and Eau du Lude + MH Fleur de Sel. Not counting the pennies if the bank manager doesn't.
Hey, we're perfume sisters!
Just curious. What do you think will come next in your purchase list? I'm fantasizing about Santa Maria Novell Città di Kyoto, Comme des Garçons 2 man, lipstick rose and Musc ravageur, not counting what will happen when I'll finally et to enter the Lutens shop in Paris…
Good thing we only have to be held accountable for this last quarter at the moment
Hermes: Kelly Caleche, Elixir des Merveilles,Un Jardin en
Méditerranée
Bond No. 9: Nuits de Noho, Chinatown, Saks5fth Ave, New York
Fling
Badgley Mischka Fleurs de Nuit
Kai
EL Azuree Soleil, Bronze Goddess oil spray, Sensuous
Fracas
And because 13 is an unlucky number, I had to buy ONE MORE to override that so I bought Boucheron!
I've only purchased 2 this year – EL Sensuous and Guerlain Champs Elysees. But I work in Fragrance and get a lot of gratis. My 2 best gratis bottles for this quarter are AG's Vanille Exquise and a 3.4 Kate Spade (for collection purposes).
I think you may be at the far end of the bell curve, JTC, while I will probably be just the wrong side of the hump! Though I could oh so easily slide down to your end…I have a hunch about Sensuous for example, which isn't over here yet.
I bought Balenciaga Le Dix (unsniffed!), Jasper Conran Woman (a fiver on Ebay – very pleased with that! – maybe not many people know what it is), The Different Company Bergamote (sigh!), Acqua di Parma Iris Nobile edt, L'Artisan Parfumer L'Ete en Douce, Chanel Cristalle (somewhat cheaper on Ebay). My anosmic bloke reimbursed me for Bergamote and Iris Nobile as it was my birthday – can I take these off? : ) There was also a £3.99 purchase of Tesco Fig Almond & Cassis edt (unsniffed – was curious as another poster mentioned it). Why, it was practically groceries!
I don't care for the Tesco one especially, but am happy with the others. Le Dix is growing on me – I have developed a special knack of spraying it to encourage the aldehydes to subdue the powder and then it has a gloriously perfumey base you want to bury your nose in.
Hi Haunani,
Fellow poster Farah drew my attention to the similarity in our tastes (over on the thread about which perfumes we would be), so I am eyeing your full bottle purchases with great interest!
I've only bought 2 bottles; and they're both 30ml.
What did you think of the Bronze Goddess oil? I've been trying to hunt this down.
I like it alot actually. I'm a nurse and I have to wear more subtle scents to work out of respect for those patients who may have fragrance sensitivities. The oil provides you with the wonderful Bronze Godess scent, but keeps it a little more subtle. It's cheaper too than the EDP. When I am off work and want a bit more kick I layer it with my Azuree Soleil (identical in smell with the BG IMO)
Not bad!
Scentsappeal, nice mix! And good thinking on avoiding 13, LOL…
The bell jars run around $140-150, depending on the exchange rate.
No no, gifts don't count! You can't be blamed for gifts!
Still, you've been very good
Wish you were coming, too, R. We will miss you.
Jtc, there is actually a fragrance abuse clinic over at basenotes, if you decide that's what you need, LOL…
Oooh, Vanille Exquise as a freebie! Lucky you.
Have to agree, if it is £3.99 and you buy it at the supermarket, it is groceries and does not count. And that's quite a deal on the Jasper Conran, congrats!
What great additions, R. I particularly covet your Chinatown (as I own some of the others), but love Chevrefeuille, too. And you need to buy EdS and Timbuktu – two more faves!
*giggles* !
Hi Vanessa. Excellent! We will have to trade recommendations!
P.S. to all: I made an error on my purchase list. Keiko Mecheri doesn't make Hanae Mori! Silly me – I have a Keiko Mecheri fragrance sample and put the two Japanese-sounding names together. I'm hoping to trade away the Hanae Mori – I thought I loved it, but don't.
You know, I was ready to buy and searched online yesterday for the 30ml Lotus Blossom and it's not even available on Jo Malone's US site. “Out of stock” = manufactured scarcity? I may call my local Saks to see if they have it, but I'm doubtful. Any ideas? I may jus be FORCED to buy something else… ha!
I have just ordered samples of Do Son, Cielo, all three Saffron Jameses (!), Vintage Gardenia and Ecume de Rose (which Farah had earlier tipped me off about). I already had a full bottle of Bergamote, and a sample of Philosoykos. So it will be fun to see if I consider any more to be FBW beyond the absolutely Divine Bergamote! Well not fun for my credit card. Are we nearly into next quarter?
O.k. Here's my fess-list:
EL Sensuous ( Will probably swap or sell this one)
Sira Des Indes
Sienna Musk (sonoma scent studio) **my favorite thus far**
Champagne de Bois (sonoma scent studio)
Ume by Saffron James
I think that's it.
~~ Dawn
No idea. It was a limited edition — hope it is not selling out already. Although if it is, perhaps it will get added to the regular line?
Not too shabby! I don't think I've tried the Sienna Musk, will have to look for it.
Glad I could help in advancing your therapy!
I bought a whole bunch of Serge Lutens. . . and still want more! Also, I LOVE Bois de Paradis by Delrae and that is first on my future purchases list. But I'm going to have to be Spartan and deny myself for awhile. However, I am guilt free. . Because life is short and this is relatively speaking, a small indulgence. Also, my husband shares all my fragrances!
History's always been one of my fav subjects, so much so I actually took a uni course in it, but dropped out in my 2nd year for lack of motivation. Granted, that was also back in the turbulent 90s here in Serbia when studying history didn't exactly open up good job opportunities. Still, now as a double major undergraduate (yes, I'm the world's worst procrastinator!), I miss those days when I used to lose myself in the vast literature on the Ancient East, Greece and Rome… *sighs*
Fair enough, LOL!
Your selections sound yummy. 'Ume is my favorite of the Saffron Jameses. Just got some samples from Sonoma Scent Studio – looking forward to trying that Sienna Musk. Tried her Opal the other day and loved it.
“This is way too much fun!”, said the starry-eyed newbie.
Sorry guys – I'll get the hang of the thread thing!
You were in the right place!
It helps if your husband shares…mine only likes a few of my selections.
I don't think it opens up good job opportunities here either, unless you want to teach. And part of the reason I dropped out is that I was no longer sure if I wanted to teach…
I'm a newbie and I have fallen in love with Guerlain – Mitsouko EDP (Costco) Shalimar small perfume, L'Heure Bleu EDP, Chamade EDP. How can one live without these? And I will snap up the parfum of any of those if I come across it!! And then I came across Parure edt and Feminite du Bois in Canada and bought both, then went back for another FdB since it is sooooo hard to get in the US. And paritals of La Casse aux Papillons, Winter Delice, and Roja Dove Scandal. Hmm, better stop before I embarrass even myself!
Kim
Re: The Damage…
As a perfume culture newbie, I HAD to catch up a bit, since all I've used for years are Angel, bought in Paris when it was first released (teeny, teeny spritzes please), Diorissimo, Shalimar, Laura Ashley no 1, and for the summer heat, Eau de Cartier and Bulgari Perfumee au The Vert.
I think these are all wonderful, but I have discovered that I am absolutely transported by complex, woody scents. When I first tried Mitsouko, it was a revelation.
So here it is…
20 sample decants from The Perfumed Court, (using NST and The Guide for reference)
Mitsouko EDP
L'Heure Bleue EDP
Serge Lutens Bois de Violettes
I also picked up Lolita Lempicka, Tocade, Ivoire, Habanita,and Calandre very inexpensively online, Stetson for $5 at Walmart, and a few Maison De Vanille treats at Sephora for pennies.
I now use perfume day and night; it's as essential as brushing my teeth. Even my dog gets her morning spritz. My husband loves it, and the rest is between me and American Express.
Margot
Costco! That still amazes me, that you can buy Guerlain at Costco, LOL…but congrats on all your buys, you got some lovely things.
I know what it's like to play catch-up in the beginning. I don't think I would have even admitted publicly what I bought in my first year!
Oh you're not alone, trust me! My wallet mourns at the accumulated losses over the years over many scents which I now deem unwearable due to either scent preference changes and/or body chemistry changes. Most have been subsequently given away to new homes *sighs* Were I required to list each one…well, lets just say a HUGE portion of your blogspace would be filled, lol. Nothing beats the endorphin rush of longing for, and detecting that new lemming…and acquiring a bottle to sit proudly amongst one's other treasured finds. Until that is, a new lemming comes along!
It took a little digging through my various order histories, but the damage in Q2: 436.30. Mr. Wonderful would have preferred to put that money towards an ipod touch, but I got a lot for my money, honest!
12 minis (highs: ambra del nepal, infusion d'iris. lows: paul smith extreme, roberto cavalli oro)
15 full bottles (highs: bvlgari black, vintage calandre. lows: contradiction, hiris (I wanted to love it, sigh) honorable mention: 2 of those fulls (and one of the following partials) are black cashmere. y'know, to hoard.)
8 partial bottles (best: philosykos. worst: talco delicato (IPDF))
9 extraits (best: three way tie – all vintage: fleurs de rocaille, my sin, and nuit de noel. No worsts here!)
and a TON of samples.
Wow, you got an awful lot for your money though! I want an iPod Touch too. Not getting one 'til my current iPod dies…
Robin, now you have me laughing! I am only 3 bottles along so far this year but my other expenses far outweigh the cost of scent…I am addicted to all things beautiful and/or practical and/or new and exciting. Expensive; yes. You're on a fragrant diet?
I love Glamorous too. I'm so angry they d.c.ed it. They are coming out with a new Glamorous though. It's in the same, but frosted bottle. Have you tried a google search? ..what the hell was wrong with the original!?
joy, Becca
But you have found your calling as a teacher here. I am pleased to say you have actually made me want to give Fracas another go. I smelled my sample again and waited a bit…wow! Now I can smell the complexities and the dry down. It's not cloying if you don't splash it on-so it's on order…does that count?
My damage: AG Le Chevrefeuille, D&G Light Blue, Ungaro's Fleur de Diva, and Narcisso Rodregeous(?) EDT NOT the parfum…way different.
I'm sending back the L.B. because I only smell Granny Smiths in the opening and I feel like I'm rotting in a orchard some place.
and professor Robin, how do you pronounce Chevrefeuille?
joy, apprentice Becca
Has anyone ever done what I just did yesterday – buy the wrong bottle by mistake? I picked up what I thought was a bottle of Jasper Conran Mistress for the bargain price of £13, but it was in fact Mister. When I got it home I thought: “This smells like fly spray, no wonder it was on offer!”, only to realise it was the wrong bottle. Turns out that Mistress was full price (£32), so I wouldn't have bought it anyway. At least my nose knows the difference, even if my eyes were playing tricks!
Get out of town! Costco?!? All my years of resisting paying a membership fee in order to buy more than I need are about to go out the window.
*walks away talking to self…Guerlain? Costco? How could I not have sniffed that out???*
LOL — didn't think of it as a diet, but maybe it is. 3 bottles is not bad at all! You don't have to confess *other* addictions here
Oh dear! Is there someone you can give it to?
Joy, thank you! But I'm afraid I can't pronounce anything in French
My brother will have first refusal – he recently caught perfume mania from me, and is also in mad collecting mode. But “Mister” appears to be a rather distinctive woody number, whereas my bro is more Eau d'Orange Verte. It may get passed around his office till a taker is found!
Delfina! Congratulations! I wish you all the best for your defense! — Been there, done that!
OK, I'll have a try at spelling the pronunciation:
“shev-re-FOY-e” (the ending “e” to be pronounced as the “e” in “le”. Example: “Le Dix”) …
check it out online – I don't know what they have in the stores. But online there is a decent choice with very good prices on a few Guerlain parfums.
Hope somebody will love it!
Hello Namita,
My name is Claude André Hébert.I can't beleive what i have been reading here…Like i already told you that we were sorry about that mistake but we are all human!!!You forgot to write that you moved to New-York right after you bought the product.
Also,i told you to keep the first bottle…$90 value…FOR FREE.
I also inform you that UPS gave me a confirmation # that they delivered the product to you!
I think it's a really good service!
CLAUDE ANDRÉ HÉBERT