Today we're helping Rebecca, who will be getting married next year. Some details about Rebecca and her wedding plans:
Rebecca is in her late 20s.
Her wedding will be held between mid-August and mid-October.
Rebecca describes her wedding style as "classic-with-a-twist"; the color scheme will be cranberry red, aqua blue, and chocolate brown.
Rebecca wants to find a new perfume that will remind her of her wedding day every time she smells it. She'd like to stick with something priced at $100 or less, but might be willing to stretch that figure for something really perfect. Rebecca has reasonably good access to perfume stores, and is willing to order samples online.
Rebecca's taste in perfumes gravitates towards sweet, heavy, spicy and woody. She likes Kenzo Jungle and Thierry Mugler Angel, but she doesn't think those are appropriate for her wedding day — "I feel like wearing Angel or Jungle on my wedding day would be equivalent to showing up at the altar dressed in dominatrix gear". She'd also like to find something she doesn't already wear regularly so that it will feel special. Other scents she likes: Prada For Women, Givenchy Organza Indecence, L de Lolita Lempicka, the original Lolita Lempicka, Narciso Rodriguez for Her Eau de Toilette, and her absolute favorite: Luctor et Emergo by The Peoples of the Labyrinths (although because of the cost, she's never bought a full bottle).
Rebecca is willing to try something different for her wedding scent. She says she's not usually a fan of florals (Robert Piguet Fracas is "the smell of death" to her nose), but might like to wear one for her wedding. She does like rose, and thinks she might be carrying roses for her bouquet. She uses The Body Shop Cassis Rose for a change of pace on occasion, and liked Valentino's Rock 'n Rose when it came out (although she notes it didn't seem "very me"). The Rose variation on Angel was the only Garden of Stars creation that she "found even remotely palatable". Rebecca doesn't like green or aquatic fragrances though.
Rebecca hasn't started a full-scale search yet, but here are a few fragrances she's tried recently:
Dolce & Gabbana The One (pleasant, but top notes smell vaguely of Orange-Glo wood cleaner).
Lacoste Inspiration (smells somewhat of watermelons, and she doesn't like to smell like fruit).
Tocca Stella (entirely nondescript, just smelled of skin).
What say you?
I tried to think of some rose fragrances that would be romantic enough for a wedding while still incorporating Rebecca's love for spices and woods. One of the first that came to mind was Ormonde Jayne's Taif, although it might work better for a wedding closer to October than August. Rebecca would have to order a sample online since it's only sold in the UK. With today's exchange rate, it just fits into her $100 budget if you don't count the shipping cost.
I also think Rebecca should try two rose fragrances I reviewed recently: Guaiac by Red Flower and Vintage Rose by the indie brand Sonoma Scent Studio. Both are roses grounded by the woody-spicy notes Rebecca prefers, and I think either would qualify as sexy without crossing the line into dominatrix gear.
Lastly, Rebecca might want to order a mess of samples from the niche line Les Parfums de Rosine. The line has grown rather large in recent years (so much so that I've completely fallen behind in testing) and they've got a rose for nearly everybody. I wish I could remember Rose de Feu better; I know it was spicy but that's all I can remember. Hopefully some of you will chime in if you can think of a Rosine that might work for Rebecca.
Note: image is Civitella del Tronto, postbox by pizzodisevo at flickr; some rights reserved.
I think Bond's Westside would be fab for this special occasion. Rose yummy yummy;-)
How about Une Rose by Frederic Malle? Very chic! And Nahema by Guerlain?
Those are the two roses for people who don't wear roses. And both instantly recognisable.
(this is de second time I name this couple on your blog)
And how about Le Parfum Sacre by Caron? As far as I know it is rose-less, but it's a golden scent, warm, spicy and at the same time fit for special occassions (as one might call a marriage…)
Rebecca, the brand is Bond no. 9:
https://nstperfume.com/blog/_WebPages/PerfumeHousesA.html#Bond9
I will definitely second SSS Vintage Rose as mentioned above, as well as Parfum Sacre by Caron, again mentioned above. I think either of these are very rich, sophisticated and lovely. Definitely memorable.
I'll add then
….a great rose – Nahema by Guerlain – drop dead richly romantic rose that goes well with the cranberry theme…Makes me think of rich folds of velvet and satin and mulled wine….
…..Chanel No. 22, a very sophisticated incense aldehydic rose
…..Chanel Coco – I think falls into the same spicy sophisticated catagory as Prada, both of which I also wear – splurge on a gorgeous smelling bottle of parfum for the big day!
…..Bal a Versailles – a trememdously romantic floral
…..Piguet Baghari, which is a lovely soft classy aldehydic orangey- chypre – sexy, sophisticated, womanly, romantic.
Parfum Sacre would be my recommendation as well. Although it actually does contain rose, its not a floral scent in the least. Actually, the rose is louder in the edt but I prefer the edp. And if Rebecca really wants to stick with something warmer, I was thinking of Costume National's 21 or Ambre Narguile by Hermes, though I think the sillage of the Hermes might knock half of the wedding guests flat, it can be very powerful. The last two are a little pricey, but there's always decants!
I also second the Baghari, its an excellent choice.
Rebecca, how about Roses Musk or Powder Flowers by Montale, both very feminine, a litle heavy and very suitable for a wedding…
Another suggestion is Caleche Eau Delicate by Hermes, also very feminine and much lighter than the fragrances of Montale.
Rebecca, Chinatown is also by Bond no. 9
I definitely second Robin's choices and MarianneW's as well – and I'd like to add Montale's White Aoud (rose, vanilla and incense) and Golden Aoud (rose and saffron) as well as Lorenzo Villoresi's Donna and Alamut.
Good Luck and Congrats Rebecca
Marko
Since Rebecca enjoys some of the Kenzo line, how about the LE Amour Indian Holi? Lovely scent – don't know if it's too much like Amour to be memorable, per se. I'm also partial to Annick Goutal's “Songes”, and I'm wondering if that could be formal-ish….
Does Rebecca like any other floral notes, beside Rose? If she's carrying fresh roses on her wedding day, a rose scent might compete with the fragrance of her bouquet.
Any idea what type(s) of roses Rebecca might have in her bouquet? Tea, Damask, Bourbon, or some sort of hybrid species? They all have very differing scents, from very delicate to very robust, so that might have some sort of influence her choice of perfume, too.
Have you tried Caberat by Gres? It is a little like the Narciso but with roses I think. I love it. It would be a good wedding scent. You can find it for a song on-line. Congratulations!
Bond No. 9 now offers the option of purchasing 6 samples for $15 from their web site (includes shipping).
I too think that Parfum Sacre would be majestic for a wedding in October, as well as Ta'if which Robin has mentioned in her post.
For a lighter rose scent, Se Soir ou Jamais by Annick Goutal is a lovely and lush rose that will be perfect at the altar. In fact, I believe it was inspired by a rose in a monastery garden.
Sorry, can't answer any of your questions!
Hello Rebecca,
I will cast a 2d (or 3d?) for: FM Une Rose and Lipstick Rose, Parfum Sacre, Nahema and I will add L'Artisan Drole de Roses (very similar to Lipstick Rose, but a little bit lighter and more festive- both would be great fun for a wedding fragrance- distinctive and memorable)- and Lyric (which I havent smelled, but my samp is on the way!) is said to be a lovely spicy rose
Moving away from rose- the new ELPC Amber Ylang Ylang has a play-doh note (like Luctor et Emergo), so I think you should smell it and see what you think. Also, I will be the voice of NON-reason and say- if Luctor et Emergo is your absolute favorite- BUY IT!
As awedding present to yourself/ a cherished fragrance for a cherished day – and if you want to justify the purchase, cut some $300 corner somewhere else in the wedding (you know, centerpieces or something…)
>:-)
Oh and also meant to 3d the Baghari!
I was thinking the same thing. Also Bond's New Haarlem – no roses, but I think you'd like it.
Good call on Parfum Sacre – it does have rose, plus the woods and spices. I love Une Rose, but it might be a bit much for a bride.
http://www.yvesrocherusa.com/control/product/~category_id=M00004-USA/~pcategory=/~categoryFilterType=ByFragrance/~categoryFilterBy=Floral_Fragrances/~product_id=12080
Yves Rocher Rose absolute is a lovely, soft/spicy rose, and not expensive.
How about Stella by Stella McCartney? It's roses and a bit of the muskiness I love from Narciso Rodriguez EDT. And it can be found for less than an arm and a leg!
For that matter, she might want to try out the NR EDP. It's much sweeter and more peachy/rosey than the EDT.
If Rebecca likes Angel, maybe Tocade – a nice play on roses plus vanilla, but maybe lacking on the spice end.
For spices plus rose, Neil Morris makes some wonderful options (all easy to sample from his website & for a real splurge she could order a custom fragrance for the occasion)
Gotham: incense rose leather chypre
Taj: rose with spice and chocolate and patchouli (I think this in particular, since Rebecca likes Angel & its named after a great love story too)
Rose of Kali : Roses, patchouli, woods.
I forgot – Morris's Dervish (Ylang Ylang, Turkish Rose, Ambergris, Patchouli, Tonka and Benzoin) is also worth a shot, but there are scads of things to sample on his site that aren't well-known & something may appeal (MUA has lots of reviews).
I second Ta'if, Amour Indian Holi, Bryant Park, Drole de Rose, and would like to add my personal favourite – PG Brulure de Rose, which is a smoky gourmand rose I have seen described as an “oriental woody floral”. Also, what about Cartier's Baiser du Dragon, btw? Or SL Bois Vanille or Jo Malone Blue Agava and Cacao or Cashmere Mist. which are all woody/chocolately or otherwise comforting oriental florals!
How about Jo Malone's Pom Noir? It's in her price range, and slightly fruity with woods. It lasts well too.
sounds like a beautiful color scheme! i'd try SL chergui for a sweet late summer/fall fragrance and tauer incense rose for a dark but charming woody floral
oh, and tocca cleopatra, for a similar vibe to NR for her. also keiko mecheri paname, which i find in the same vein as organza indecence but with a lighter touch and a more sparkly opening.
The new Amouage Lyric might be just the thing she's looking for. Definitely a unique and to be remembered fragrance.
Hi Rebecca. I think you should try the new scent from Chloé. It is a powdery rose scent and very elegant. I think this could be the kind of fragrance you are looking for.
Hope you like this one, good luck!!
I'm going to take the risk of being pelted with tomatoes via the Internet and suggest Ralph Lauren Romance. I know it's a bit generic, but on me it is an ideal blend of roses and delicious woodsy notes, and I think it's perfect for a wedding. You can always lie and tell folks you it's something special you had crafted just for your big day (if you don't feel like 'fessing up to RL!)
I also think YSL's Paris would be beautiful for a wedding.
Happy hunting and early congrats on your marriage!
Jo Malon Pomegranite Noir even though it has no rose, it will complement other florals, Or Bond#9 Chinatown.
My recs in the sweet/woods/gourmand:
Ca Sent Beau
Fendi's Palazzo
Chinatown
Badgely Mischka
For roses:
Rapture from Victoria's Secret
Paris (YSL)
100% Love (rose/gourmand)
I wore Arpege on my wedding day! My husband LOVES it.
Kelly, I just threw a tomato at you. 🙂
I second Tocade, for roses and vanilla. Likewise KenzoAmour or any of its variants. Chanel's Cormandel is spicy without being too strong, and the dry down is lovely and compelling. And Lancome's Mille et Une Roses is a lovely rose scent with a warm base. Best wishes Rebecca and good luck!
I LOVE all of Robin's suggestions! I haven't tried the Guaiac by RF yet, but it sounds like I should.
Also, it might be a good idea to let your fiance smell them on you while you are at it. I know I would want to wear a scent my man detested on my wedding day.
Um, that should be WOULDN'T want to wear a scent my man detested on my wedding day. '~)
I second “Stella” it is gentle, beautiful, and bridal, will complement your bouquet and your man is bound to like it.
Other possibilities – “Nahema” by Guelain is best suited to 40 plus in my humble opinion so avoid. On my 20 year old skin a long time ago it was eye watering, now it is perfect. Avoid Jo Malone's Red Roses unless you want to smell of drawer liner.
At the risk of a tomato – Estee Lauder's” Beautiful” does what it says on the packetl
Also try Ormonde Jayne's Ta'if
to Ann S – Darn you! I was so pleased with myself for thinking of Nahema and thought “I'll be the first one to mention THAT!” Nonetheless I really, really, recommend it. Rebecca, this is your wedding day girl! Don' t go spice. This is a day for something classic and floral that you'll smell and remember this day forever.
My recommendations are:
Guerlain's Nahema (roses and fruits, subtle, yummy and longlasting)
Montale Aoud Queen Roses (warm, rich, sexy)
Amouage Dia (not sure if it has rose, but it just smells so very special as this day will be for you)
Get lots of samples and be sure, hopefully, you'll only do this once, but twice was the charm for me!!!
Oooh, Oooh, one more, Guerlain Champs Elysee. just try it!
That would be the traditional way of thinking on your wedding day 🙂
Hi Rebecca! Your wedding colors sound stunning! I agree with the others that you might want to check out Ormonde Jayne Ta'if. It is a beautiful and unusual scent; one that I find hard to describe! Gres Cabaret and Sonoma Scent Studio's Rose Musc are two very beautiful soft and sexy rose fragrances, IMO. I also love the Rosines. Try Poussiere de Rose! Frederic Malle Une Rose is my top favorite rose, but somehow I don't see it as a wedding fragrance for a younger person. But you might not agree! IF you like incense in a fragrance, Andy Tauer's Incense Rose could make quite a statement.
Rebecca, the notes say that you like sweet and heavier fragrances. I'm just curious — have you tried Boucheron or Mauboussin? These are both beautiful, too, and I think appropriate for a bride!
It would be easy enough to get in to a store to smell EL Sensuous – might be worth a try for a non-rose scent. If you're dead-set on a rose, my absolute favorite is the plain, pedestrian Evelyn Rose from Crabtree and Evelyn. Very bright and romantic.
Evelyn Rose is lovely, IMO.
I'll add my vote for Velour de Roses by L'Artisan, though it might be just a bit too “dirty” for a wedding day.
Perhaps more suited is another terrific rose, Ungaro III. Yes, it's aimed at men, but a woman could easily carry it off. It's dark and rich without being overwhelmingly dark or dirty. It's also very elegant and would suit such a big occasion. It really only hints at the rose and is otherwise not floral.
Another men's fragrance that might work is Cacharel's Nemo. This is a dark, soft, slightly sweet but fully-rounded incense-based scent that stays close to the skin. This is another men's scent, but a woman could also easily carry off.
Finally, from the women's side, Chanel Cristale EdT. My wife wore this on our wedding day, and I will always love it.
I forgot to add CdG White – a fabulous spicy scent that always make me swoon just a little bit – if a man could swoon! In fact, if anyone swoons anymore…
hey hey hey, I am in my late 20's (okay, 30) and I loathed Nahema immediately and I even get compliments for it!
I suggest for the wedding CREED Love in White. Smelled it yesterday, it was like screaming at me “Wedding”!! Congratulations Rebecca! Try it, though it is completely not what you are looking for.
It is “wedding” put in a bottle.
I agree with Stella and Ta'if. How about the original Agent Provocateur? It might be a little too racy for the wedding day – but might work a treat for the wedding night 😉
Wonderful suggestions here! I'll definitely second Nahema, Pafum Sacre and Cabaret. I especially think Cabaret will interest her since it has that salty aspect I find in L de Lolita Lempicka. Tabac Blond from Caron has roses under that leather and tobacco – it might appeal and is certainly a classic with a twist.
Can I add a recent release that has both rose and woods? Lancome's new Magnifique. It may be mainstream, but it's very nicely done and has a balance between flowers and something rather more sensuous. Another recent release that I was knocked out by yesterday was EL Amber and Ylang Ylang – it is very classy; creamy, sweet and spicy but beautifully balanced. I think it might very well fit the bill.
Moving away from the roses and towards the orientals that Rebecca seems to like, but staying away from full-bore Opium types, what about something truly, devastatingly beautiful? Bois des Iles from Chanel or Vol de Nuit from Guerlain.
I agree with Utahfish and SFLizbeth's suggestion: Visit a Jo Malone boutique and try the Pomegranite Noir. If that doesn't suit you then sample their other fragrances. You can mix and match them to come up with your very own signature wedding scent. Happy hunting! Oh, and best wishes Rebecca!
I'll hop back in here and say — woo-hoo for Nahema — just gorgeous, and a-hem, I am not 40 yet!
I also love Dia, but it may be way out of Rebecca's price range.
I'll also suggest Miller Harris Geranium Bourbon which may work for her. And just a few 2nds…LV Donna, AG Ce Soir ou Jamais, Stella (original), Bagdley Miskcha, and anything by Montale….
Hello Haunani! —
I'll get in here and 2nd with bells and whistles SSS Rose Musc – I like this one better than Vintage Rose b/c the labdanum is just divine. But they are both very beautiful. A little personal aside – I wore SSS Velvet Rose for my wedding as I was looking for a very memorable and unique rose for my big day. You will not go wrong with SSS roses.
Crabtree & Evelyn Rosewater eau fraiche is very pretty too, but I'm not always sure if they still make it?
I'll also second Boucheron (the original in the blue faux gem cap bottle). This is a great outstanding rich oriental….very memorable. A little goes a long way….5 star in “The Guide” periodical edition. Worth a sniff anyway….
YES!!! Bois des Iles…if she wants to splurge. Wow! What a bridal statement if it works for her!
My name is Rebecca too. I think wearing a classic perfume might be the best choice, and chances are it won't be discontinued down the road… So you will always have it to remind you of your special day.
I think any of the Hermes perfumes are unique, complex and beautiful. There's my favorite Elixir de Merveilles, but if she wants something softer and more feminine there is Eau de Merveilles, then, there is 24 Faubourg (did I spell that right?)- I heard it was one of Princess Diana's favorites.
Sorry, I've tried to give the Bvlgari's (all of them) a few chances, but I think that they dry down to common, Stella is a very pretty version of a rose…….
I agree with Rebecca, you can never miss with a classic and you will, most likely, be able to find it over the years. I would stay away from scents named after movie stars and scents that you think will be here today and gone next week.
I know I am little late but I just tried on Element of Attraction by Creative Universe – it is a nice citrusy rose and I am digging it. It is only $72, too, at Luckyscent. The notes are citrus, green mandarin, vanilla, amber and rose.
Another vote for Bois des Iles – warm, woody, classic, beautiful. And I can't help but throw in a vote for Ma Dame – it's so sweet and warm and fun, and the light, spicy dry-down is great – might be just the sort of pretty/sexy/comforting scent you want to wear on the big day.
Hey Rebecca- I got my sample of Lyric from luckyscent and it is pretty Fabulous (it is way over budget, but there is always a decant…)- a nice soft incensey rose- wedding worthy, for sure
Hi Ann! I'm noticing that we share some of the same tastes in fragrance. I think Velvet Rose is a gorgeous choice for a wedding! That is the only SSS that I have a bottle of so far. However, I'm poised to buy Wood Violet and Rose Musc (I too like Rose Musc better than Vintage Rose). And yes, I meant the original Boucheron. I still love that one, and it could work for our bride if the day isn't too hot!
Based on her budget and tastes, I'd suggest:
1. “Amarige mariage” by Givenchy
2. ” Par Amour” by Clarins
3. “Lovely” by Sarah Jessica Parker
4. “Coco Mademoiselle” by Chanel
5. “Shalimar” by Guerlain
6. “Joy” by Jean Patou
Apologies for this very swift and late reply – and I've not read any other responses – Annick Goutal Grand Amour. Downright gorgeous wedding fume.
Glad to hear you're going to pick up a bottle of Rose Musc! I like Voile de Violette, but Wood Violet is very pretty as well. SSS Velvet Rose is the be-all, end-all of rose soliflores – just heavenly!! Velvet Rose layers really well with Rose Musc if you want to brighten it up a bit. I used to wear Boucheron a lot in the mid 90s. I think it is really different from other florals, even other orientals. I always have a bottle just for those sophisticated feeling days. You don't hear too much about it in the blogs. I like it also b/c it lasts a long time and you don't need much! You should check out the Luca Turin review of it in the online guide Fall 2008 ed. (p. 4).
http://www.perfumestheguide.com/newsletter.html
Heartily second the Une Rose. If that isn't classic with a twist (albeit a huge one), then idk what is.
Btw, congrats, Rebecca! Wish you all the best for your big day!
Kelly, RL Romance is the American classic! It's even listed as such.
I will through roses at your feet. It's as commercial as Angel and she loves that.
I say Stella by Stella McCartney, and Peony in Two by the same. Peony has, duh, peony and rose, with amber and patchouli to contrast the women. Barneys NY carries it online.
Agree with Drole De Rose and Lipstick Rose too.
Congratulations and Beau Regards Rebecca.
Joy, Becca
oops, there is also a place online that will make a fragrance to remind you and others of your day. It's meant to give as favors, but why not where it? You just give them the names of the flowers in your bouquet and they make it into a keepsake fragrance. Don't know how good they are, but it's fun to check out. Just enter wedding bouquets into your search engine and the company will be a choice. Sorry I didn't bookmark the name.
oops, double post kind.
I meant wear it not where it. Dang spell checker.
I totally agree with Parfum Sacre, Une Rose, and Taif, and would like to suggest Paestum Rose by Eau D'Italie. Spice, woods, rose… and definitely not dominatrix, fruity, nor overly sweet. A full bottle isn't too far beyond budget, and a decant would definitely be affordable.
A looonnnnng time ago on this thread, Robin had asked about any more Rosines that might do the trick. My very fave is Poussiere, but what might work best for Rebecca on the Big Day is Rose Kashmiri. I little lighter than SSS Vintage Rose, a little fresher, a little more wedding-belle-ish, but with those delicious spice and incense notes to keep it from being too yawnsville-rosy. . .
A gorgeous, ephemeral rose is Hermessence Rose Ikebana. Becky, you'd blow your budget with a bottle, but you could track down a decant and then hubby could give you a bottle for your one-year anniversary. . .??!!!
Rose Kashmirie is perfect – it feels weddingy and pretty and mysterious and uplifting and spicy and “light dusting of icing sugary” all in one! And such a cute bottle for your dressing table for after the wedding.
Happy to hear another vote for RK, vanessa!
Just looking back to Rebecca's likes and dislikes, I realize that Rose Ikebana is going to be just too light and floral for her, so forget I ever mentioned it, Becks! (You know, Brulure de Rose was mentioned, and given your sweet tooth, that one might turn out to be your very favourite of all.) Happy sleuthing!
And gosh, how could I forget: Juliet Has a Gun's newest, Citizen Queen?? (Heavens, I think that's the name. . .) It's designed to have one foot in the vintage-femme-fatale camp and the other in the oh-so- edgy-and-young-and-hip camp, and that might suit you to a T. I tried a spritz last week and it's tres, tres chic.
Sorry, Rebecca, just to explain, it's a rose-based scent like the two originals, Lady Vengeance and Miss Charming. I love those ones, too, so if you're getting samples, you might want to check all three JHAGs and see what you think. Miss Charming is the prettiest and most youthful — I seem to remember it has raspberries and pink roses — so that prove to be the winner.
. . .”so that may prove”. . .sorry for the hasty post!