The usual drill: tell us anything you like — what perfume you’re wearing today, the latest perfume you smelled and hated, whatever. Or, ask a question about fragrance, then see if anyone else has asked a question that you can answer.
I've been sick for the last week and a half and haven't worn a single perfume during that time. This puts me even more behind than usual in testing (my "to test" list is always comically long, and every so often I'm tempted to throw half of the samples out just so it won't look so daunting) but it's been a nice break in some ways. In the meantime, I'm also behind on email and snail mail, so if I owe you a response or a package, please be patient — I'll catch up over the next few days.
Note: image is Allium in Fellow's Garden by pcgn7 at flickr; some rights reserved.
I smelled A*men Pure Malt a few days ago and I liked it… but I like the original Angel for Men better (should I not admit that?)
There’s a chocolate bar that I got at the German store that smells exactly like Angel for Men btw. It was like marzipan, coffee and hazelnut then covered in chocolate.
On Monday I’m visiting my future (hopefully) school I’m having an interview with admissions and talking to the head of German so I can ask about study abroad programs and stuff. I really really want to see if I can have it arranged to go to Bremen or Hamburg, instead of Muenster.
So… what perfume should I wear?? It has to be very very impressive. It has to get me into college.
I would never wear any fragrance to an interview, ever, but I know not everybody agrees with that.
I would, but I use an extremely light hand. Krok, there’s no magic perfume… just pick something that makes *you* feel confident, because that’s what will do the trick.
Good thing I asked before I put on Kingdom D:
LOL. I did an interview in a single spray of Kingdom and got the job. Admittedly, I had meant to put the summer version into my case but threw in the wrong one. I wouldn’t recommend it though, it’s a high risk strategy! Go for something light that enhances your confidence when you smell it, and Good Luck!
I do the same as Boojum – wear something that makes you feel really good, but just a tiny bit. But if I don’t wear any, then I carry a little purse size spray or sample with me to douse myself after the interview – you need as much confidence boosting after an interview as before!!
If I say “a little dab’ll do ya”, does that give away my age? 😉
LOL Boojum! And by laughing, I’ve given away my age!
I’m pretending to have no idea what she’s talking about….
I don’t like Cristalle that much, but I find just a vague touch of it in an interview lets them know you’re classy and also made of steel.
I agree! I wore a little Cristalle in my last interview. I got the job 🙂
I rely on Cristalle, too; I wear it to conferences. It’s beautiful, but also the olfactory equivalent of elegant armor. Feminine, but take-no-prisoners.
Ooh, maybe I need a sample of that! Hopefully I will soon have an interview to dab it on for.
Femmy, yes (maybe)…. ah, but I like it too (a la Irish Spring?).
You guys are working my lemming center — I sniffed some original Cristalle edp a couple weeks ago and I’m wanting some. Must avoid Nordstrom…
yeah, that’s gonna work….NOT !
I give you one week…
krokodilgena: Best of luck to you in the interview!! I would (contrary to Robin’s advice) wear something very subtle to the interview, something that I love, that reminds me who I am, one more tool in my toolkit, so that I could put forward my very best self during the interview. In other words, in this case especially, my scent would be to empower ME, in a way sure not to offend THEM. You go, girl. Wow ’em.
Comme des Garcons, Ourzazate, Kingdom, Ambre Russe…
I might be in trouble D:
I dont think the way you smell is a criteria colleges look at. Try flaunting your riciculously high GPA or charasmatic personality.
technically my GPA is high enough for guaranteed admission, but I wanna be extra sure
Good luck, Krok, and have to say ‘better you than me.” I wouldn’t go back to those days for anything!
I wouldn’t wear frag either, but for study in Hamburg, I’d spritz on Ava Luxe Cafe Noir after the interview — it’ll be all black coffee and cigarettes from here on. Go get ’em!
Studying in Hamburg will turn me into my mom?? lololol
I need to get Cafe Noir though, I think. but I want The Noir too. Is one more recommendable than the other?
I have the Ava Luxe Moroccan Mint Tea.
A GPA that meets or exceeds the set criteria is good….depending on the school or if you are looking for scholarships competition for openings can still be fierce. How are your ACT’s or SAT’s? Do you have any extra-curricular activities like band, german club, optimist club, sports, volunteer work, tutoring or working experience? How will you look on paper next to someone else with the same GPA?
If you choose to wear fragrance—make it light, close to the skin and inoffensive. I don’t know about schools in the SE , but here in Michigan; if you are in the top 5% of your class and have a good ACT/SAT you can pretty much take your pick of schools
I also meant to say that schools are often looking for students who are not only well rounded but ones who are interested in getting involved…..clubs, activities, student government etc. Make sure you express an interest in being an active participant in the school community. ok , I’m done
I know many might not agree with me, but I would never wear fragrance to an interview. Also, many schools (at least out here on the west coast) have a “No fragrance” policy.
If I remember correctly, I think you like spicy/unique scents? Choose a scent that makes you feel comfortable and at ease, just wear sparingly, you can always spritz with mad abandon when you’re done.
but this is a Southern women’s college!
Oh, probably different situation then.
Wearing perfume in SF/Bay area doesn’t seem to be socially acceptable, especially on college campuses. When I first moved out here, I got a lecture from a friend about not wearing scent. The campus where I work has a “no scent” policy. I break it, but I wear low-sillage scents.
But when I lived in Florida and other areas on the east coast, fragrance was never an issue.
This is my two cents on the issue: I can see someone not getting a job (or getting into a school) because they overpowered the room with scent, but I can’t see anyone being rejected because they DIDN’T smell perfumey. Just my thoughts. And coming from an (unfortunate and heartbreaking) scent-free work environment, I can say, even if it seems like a small, harmless amount to you, a scent-sensitive person will notice it. (The bastards.)
How….interesting. The only time I’ve seen ‘no-scent’ policies wisely enforced was pulmonolgist offices and surgical recovery. Much as I love scent, you don’t want people going into respiratory distress on you — that’ll ruin their day! But a university? I’m sorry that just plays into that CA hypersensitivity cliche.
I bet at a Southern women’s college you’ll have to fight for sillage space! I’m on the East Coast & never encountered a wide-spread frag ban.
I have tons of samples, but only 4 bottles. So I can’t spray 90% of what I own. And it’s a 3 hour drive.
I know I won’t not get accepted if I don’t smell perfumey, I was joking. I like to match my perfumes with special occasions. I’ll just deal with scentless wrists though.
Please tell me Cal doesn’t have this policy. I’m going there in the fall . . .
SF/ Napa/Marin County is, imo, the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. I had a professor once who’d travelled all over the world and still said SF was the most beautiful city. I went there on my honeymoon and it was wonderful. The food, too, was absolutely stellar. Better even than in Paris. And the wine, of course… However, the PC Paranoia is so excessive, I found it oppressive. For example, these lovely little hotels in SF l have these big signs inside and out warning that some chemical or other they found traces of will give you CANCER. Even more absurd, in Napa the charming little B&B we stayed at had signs at every table warning that ALCOHOL CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS, ETC, ETC.
I’m not surprised the have no-scent bans. Sort of makes me glad I can’t afford to live there. A shame, really.
Krok, I know your original question was semi-tongue-in-cheek — it’ll be your grades along with your poise and persuasive responses during the interview that’ll get you in — but I think that for your own covert psychological purposes, something like Chanel Beige would be perfect. It’s impeccably “correct” — a safe scent that will still make you feel like the height of modern, restrained elegance. 🙂
Good luck.
Hey, you just never know, which is why the cautious approach is one thing. But the person(s) interviewing you may have taken a bath in too much Yatagan or Gucci Rush!
I live in Calfornia and went to university here (UCLA) and never have I encountered a university-wide ban on fragrance. That seems absurd to me.
Seems we here in the Bay Area are ruled completely by a very very very vocal and tiny minority.
I live in Southern California, and am not aware of anything like that down here, either.
I grew up in the Deep South, and thought I had seen some pretty bad things, but I have never in my life seen so much hatred and violent behavour so openly tolerated as I have seen in San Francisco.
I enjoyed my visits there very much, and the average person on the street is lovely, and I know most people there are wonderful, but mercy sakes that tiny minority………
Mmmm, I haven’t had dessert yet. Marzipan with chocolate. ..
My local supplier was victimized by the recession. 🙁 However, B&J to the rescue, they have marzipan ice cream! (haven’t tried it yet, but bought some last night)
OMG, marzipan ice cream?! Sounds full-carton worthy to me. 🙂
Does it have any chocolate mixed in???
Alas, no chocolate…but that’s why they invented toppings! 😀
… what is B&J?
is it in the US????
Ben & Jerry. US brand of ice cream, very yummy!
Mens fragrances at Crabtree & Evelyn are on sale. 100ml marked down to $15 from $40, with any purchase. Buy something for $1 and get a $25 discount. I especially like the Nomad and West Indian Lime scents.
Thanks!
Ooh, now that’s tempting. Especially the Lime. $15 is at least as good as free, right?
Better than free, because if you had gotten it for free, you’d subconsciously think there was something wrong with it (or else why would be they be so desperate to unload it?), but if you paid for it, you’ll just think you got a really, really good deal.
LOL! so, so true.
Considering that I’ve pretty much come to think of $50 as the new free….at $15 it’s almost like they’re PAYING you! lol Go for it Joe….then send me a sample (hahahahahaha)
Daisy (nice to see you finally, btw), you will get a *giant* decant of West Indian Lime if I can figure out the discount…. I’m going to the C&E website and don’t see anything about $15 men’s scents with purchase of something else.
Rictor: Please advise! Where is this deal?
🙂
It may be in store only im afraid. I was at their location in Columbia MD and there were signs posted everywhere.
Can I find a personal shopper in the house? HA! The funds will be in your paypal account by sunset! Also placing an order for the C&E cocoa butter & cardamom lip balm. Anyone? Bueller?
lol —you thinking of playing hooky to go perfume shopping?
LMAO, I’ll vouch for Joe’s SOP (speed of payment, that is). 😀
No, Daisy, I’m looking for someone with a Crabtree store in their vicinity (none within 60 miles of here I think) who will do some shopping for me and nab a $15 bottle of that West Indian Lime. LOL. I guess if it’s this much work, it wasn’t meant to be, right?
Because we haven’t had a proper taste of summer yet in my neck of the woods, I thought I would try to trick myself by wearing Bronze Goddess layered with a light spritz of Carnal Flower today. I do feel like Walking Summer even though it’s about the pour buckets!
“to pour” not “the pour” obviously. I think we have a tornado on the way.
We haven’t had a proper summer yet either!
And stay safe from that tornado…
Bronze Goddess is my SOTD too…and it’s as hot as blazes here in Florida. Will have to try it w/the Carnal Flower, sounds interesting. Don’t blow away today, AudreyMary!
Robin: glad you’re feeling better! And you know you won’t throw those sample away unsniffed…who you trying to kid?
You’re not kidding about it being scorching hot down her in So Flo! I used that as an excuse to buy Pampelmousse Rose. I gravitate toward “winter” scents so I “needed” more summer scents in my collection.
Come see me on MUA for a sample!
still trying to decide if I want a full bottle, or even a larger decant, of eau de marveilles. . . . wearing it again today . . . .i know, i know, sacrilege, but I don’t think I want it. . . .there’s something in it that goes “zing” on me . . . .
on the other hand, am lemming after Dune, as decant is nearly gone.
EdM definitely grew on me over time…wasn’t sure I cared about it at first, now I love it. Dune’s a great scent too though!
Get first whichever is the better deal. Dune is great (I used to wear it in the 90s), but it has been around and there are always good deals on it at the discounters, etc. It seems likely it would be more challenging to find a better deal of EdM.
Deals on EDM can be had at the upcoming Hermes sample sale here in NYC. It’s held in late August (and late March) at the Metropolitan Pavilion. At the last sale, you could get a large bottle of EDM for $30. I purchased Elixir de Merv for $30. They also have other scents from time to time.
Jealous!!
I just bought a used bottle of EdM and I have to say the salty drydown is the best part, because the top notes are fairly unremarkable.
Did someone say SALT? I am becoming nutty for salty fragrances, and for some reason haven’t tried Eau des Merveilles. I can see that I need to! I like many of the Hermes that I’ve tried, so crossing fingers.
You can hide in my corner. 🙂 Much as I love some of the Hermes scents, EdM is NOT one of them. Ick. *runs for cover*
I purchased my first samples the other day. “Why would i buy samples?” i asked myself. There are plenty of fragrances to smell for free at boutiques. I really must be an addict now.
Welcome to the club 🙂
Watch out, purchasing samples is a slippery slope! Enjoy!
You are so lucky to be able to ask that question – I live a million miles away from any decent beauty counters, fragrance collections, boutiques, etc….I had to buy the niche samples otherwise I would have gone insane wondering about them. It is always worth it either way just to have a chance to smell!!! Welcome to the club, 🙂
It’s not always possible to visit shops that give samples, even if you live nearby. This is how you rationalize ordering samples by mail: you charge yourself for transportation to the B & M store where you might get free samples. So, even if you live in the suburbs of Manhattan or Chicago, it will cost you $4.50 or $5.00 to go into town to visit the store, round trip, on public transportation; more if you go by car and pay to park. Then you may have to buy water or a snack to tide you over. There’s three samples right there, possibly five.
aahhh yes, come worship at the alter that is Luckyscent….bow down and click “add to basket”….
LOL. I’ve already ordered two rounds of samples from Luckyscent this month alone. I find it interesting that my inclinations have shifted from strictly florals to leathers and spices. I just tried and fell in love with L’Artisan’s L’Eau d’Ambre and Le Labo Rose 31 and Iris 39.
Just received my first ever shipment from them yesterday, lol. I’d primarily used Aedes and TPC before now. Spread the joy, I guess… 😉
I positively adore that Le Labo Rose!!! Still working on the Iris, and on Iris in general.
I adore the Labo Rose 31, am wearing it today–have to use it sparingly because I only have a 5mL sample, possibly that makes me love it more. It is alternating between bright, crisp sun and fog in the SF Bay Area today, so I layered it with a bit of CB I Hate Perfume Wild Pansy (to get a hint of fresh green in there, for when the sun peeks out).
Oooh nice. I need to get a few of the CBs. I just wish he had little sizes of the water perfumes like he does for the oil based…
i’ve mentioned this before somewhere on the site…i adore rose 31, and generally hate rose.
gah…speaking of the altar that is LuckyScent…
I REALLY want to try the entire Etat Libre d’Orange line…but there are 17 of them, and $51 can very nearly buy a bottle of one of them ($69…such a scandalous price). there is no sampler pack that includes all of them for a more reasonable price. that and its such a pain to have to add 17 things to the cart there.
i’m trying to be frugal these days…at least, until the near future becomes the recent past.
Daves: I can tell you right now that you can leave Sécrétions Magnifiques out of your basket, so that makes only 16 samples you need to buy. 😉 I want to find someone who wears and loves that thing, because to me, it’s more like an interesting experiment in gag reflex. Not kidding. Just ask Daisy. We’re passing along the same sample as a gag (literally) gift to all our perfume friends.
OMG on that Sécrétions Magnifiques . My gag reflexes activate just rememebring it. That and the L’Artisan Mure et Musc Extrait de Parfum. Lord have mercy. Both put me off perfume for a solid week.
OMG!! no words to describe that bit of nastiness! I have never ever had a perfume trigger my gag reflex like that….I couldn’t get to the sink and the dish detergent fast enough….hacking the whole way….scrubbed until my skin was red and sore….then had to dribble vanilla extract over the area to help mask any residual.
OMG!!!
hahaha….hahahahaha. i love it. a gag gift (ba dum tssh!).
i’m actually just as intrigued by it as before, despite the warning. i’ve been forewarned it has the particular scent of a particular secretion (of which i am not overly fond), and is slightly repulsive. that and the smell of iodine makes me woozy and nauseous very quickly. but i still want to smell it. morbid curiosity at this point.
i mean…i could probably narrow it down very quickly to the ones i actually want to smell…but they’re so…amusing…that i want to try them all. i could probably just order the tom of finland, jasmin et cigarette, antiheros, je suis un homme, and rien, and be done with it…but then i would feel somehow incomplete.
My SOTD…something to stand up to the dreary blah rain….Cartier So Pretty.
I just took the plunge on No 5 parfum – so beautiful!! And no matter how many times I tested the edt or edp I could never make them work for me – they just got sour in me. The parfum is amazing!
FYI that Fragrancenet has No 5 parfum (refil), No 22 parfum and No 19 parfum on sale….use the 15% off coupon BASENOTES….good deal!!
AND they
I love love love So Pretty! I need to buy a bottle of it again. (Get in line, So Pretty, there’s a hundred others ahead of you!) The last time I considered getting it, it smelled different than I remembered it. I am hoping it was just a really old tester bottle, and not that they’ve reformulated it. 🙁
I don’t have any idea if it’s been reformulated or what I would have. I do notice online that sometimes it is shown with a silver box, and sometimes with a red box. I have both the edt and edp, and find them very similar, though the edt is more diffuse and gets to the basenotes faster. It is one of my current fav roses now.
YAAAYYYY!!!!! Another convert to No. 5 parfum! I was going to wear it today, but since it’s quite hot and muggy (gonna rain later on, I just know it…) I went with Eau Premiere instead. Isn’t the parfum the smoothest thing?
Hi C – Yes – it is impossibly smooth. I find that it keeps it’s “form” for a very long time. I’ve been indulging myself in the evenings with it (still a little formal for work for me at this point), and I can still smell some of the lovely floral accord in the morning! I’m sorry I waited so long to try it as I’ve always just tested the edt /edp. Funny you mention it – b/c this morning it was a tie for the SOTD between So Pretty and Eau Premier. I went with SP, but I love wearing Eau Premier a lot too. It is so cute to see that jumbo Eau Premier bottle next to the cute little purse atomizer of 5. (You should totally check out the killer sale price of the purse atomizer at fragrancenet!!)
Glad to hear the love for No. 5. It is so elegant and lovely–that was my choice for today.
Robin, hope you’re feeling better!
I’ve been sick too, this week, and my logic was to dress way up for work, full suit and shell in Houston’s 100 degree sauna. I’ve felt so awful. I decided if I couldn’t feel good, I’d look good. . .and smell good, discreetly. My job is a scent-free zone. . .started by folks wearing sillage monsters, who could not curb their application, unfortunately.
Chanel No. 5 is an aspirational fragrance for me, as one of the bloggers described it, a scent to fit the woman I want to be.
Haven’t tried Eau Premiere, will have to spritz it, soonest. Sounds like it would do well in the heat.
Definitely try Eau Premiere….even just a decant…it’s wonderful stuff. Light yet elegant, confidence boosting but doesn’t knock anyone over the head.
Hemlock, I’m much better today & hope you are too!
Nothing yet, ‘cos I’m still in bed! but my great rediscovery this week was Pears Soap, which I hadn’t seen in years & picked up a bar when I spotted it at the dollar store. Wonderful clean herbal scent (& so different from the standard “baby powder” smell of so many American brands) & nicely refreshing in the muggy weather we’re having recently.
I bet you smell wonderful! I like to pick up Pears soap at the dollar store now and then, too – such a bargain! My father always used Pears, and smelling it reminds me so strongly of him.
I love to use it as nice handsoap esp. b/c it *does* smell different than standard US soaps. It looks pretty too.
My favourite bar soap! Pears really smells good 🙂
Hey, I’ve been a total convert to Pears for 2 years now, nothing else will do. Actually, it was my mother-in-law who got me into it. Actually, if they made a scent that smelled like that I’d buy it.
I’m feeling dorky (well, ok, that’s not any different from any other day), and am wondering if anyone else has any favorite “guilty pleasure” fragrances. You know, either it’s ridiculously cheap and you’re embarrassed to tell anyone what it is, or just one that you know everyone around you hates. I’m mortified to say this, but I love Emeraude, and it meets both of the above criteria. I try to wear it if I know I’m going to be home by myself. I’ve loved it since I was a kid (I had a teacher who wore it), and it’s one of the few that I haven’t grown out of. (Although maybe I should!) 🙂
Skin Musk, Love’s Baby Soft and Chantilly (sentimental favorite).
I’ve never smelled Emeraude. Now I will have to find some to sniff.
Just don’t hold it against me when you hate it! 😉
I like it, and better yet—it happens to be pretty darn affordable on evilbay! Be proud kitty….it’s a classic!
Now I wait for Mals to show up —she loves the stuff!
You mean there are others?? I’m NOT alone?? Oh, this is exciting. I have found them: MY PEOPLE!
They still sell Emeraude at the drug stores here -MA USA especially at Christmas. You can get a bottle, dusting powder and ususally a lotion for a song at Brooks Pharmacy or Walgreens.
I still like the original Chloe but that disappeared when they came out with the new one. Used to be able to get that everywhere too.
When I was in my teens I was in love with the original Halston and EL’s Cinnabar too. I haven’t smelled those in a long, long time though.
The very kind and generous Olfactorama sent me a sample of vintage Emeraude perfume. Oh my! It smells better, and more expensive/classier, than many niche fragrances. I have no idea how hard it would be to track down, but if you ever find it, I promise you, it would be worth it.
Oh, now I want to try it! I’ve been looking at ebay, but it’s hard to tell sometime what people mean by “vintage.” Sorry, but 1994 is not vintage to me! At my age, 1994 is yesterday. 🙁
When I’m wanting something candy sweet, I love Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom. Plus, it’s bottle is beautiful. And I second Love’s Baby Soft!
I have several, but fortunately for other people, most are long since discontinued, lol! I will admit to liking RL Polo Sport and Eau d’Issey (don’t have either currently, but would wear it if I had it)… and for cheap: Jean Nate Fresh Musk, which I’d buy again if I could find it, and Jovan Whisper of Musk. Then again…maybe I wouldn’t like them anymore. Certainly my tastes have changed in the past 2 decades…:D
Yep, and here I am… I LOVE EMERAUDE! It was the first scent I ever bought for myself – I was a teenager in the 80’s. Recently bought some vintage (probably 70’s era) parfum de toilette and have fallen in love with it again. The vintage is even nicer than I remembered. In fact, I sniffed the currently-available version at Walgreen’s recently and was appalled at the synthetic mess it is now… so sad. Anyway, I wore a dab to bed last night.
Wait a second… everybody hates Emeraude??
I guess that might be justified if all they’ve smelled is the new stuff. I hated it, too.
Ummm… Yeah, I actually wear the cheap, new drugstore stuff. Can you get the vintage stuff online? I’ve never looked.
Miss Kitty, feeling suitably shamed for wearing new Emeraude. 🙁
Hey Miss Kitty – I’m a square too – I *almost* bought some of the Emeraude dusting powder which is reasonably pretty the other year, as it is very senitmental for me too. My mom used to wear it when I was a kid in the 70s. But I went with the Chantilly instead for the same reasons. I do understand that the classic E is supposed to be insanely gorgeous, but I’ve never smelled it. We can sit next to each other wearing our drugstore frags!
!!NO SHAME!!! Nope, we don’t allow shame at loving perfume around here. Not even if you love Paris Hilton frags. (Um, that sounded meaner than I meant it to be!)
I would probably like the current version of Emeraude if I hadn’t worn it in its richer, more natural incarnations.
I think about half my fragrances are guilty pleasures but the one I seem to get the most silent disapproval about around here might be Organza. Just the regular ole’ one. I love Indecence, I love the special editions, they have a better rep, but I like the regular one and wear it quite often.
“I think about half my fragrances are guilty pleasures”–LOL! You know, I could probably say the same! Really, what’s the saying: one man’s trash is another man’s treasure? I guess there’s always going to be something you like that no one else does. I actually have always loved the Givenchy frags (started with Ysatis), even Amarige, which I know is a monster. I’m heavy-handed when it comes to applying perfume, so I do know to stay away from that one.
I have a VERY old mini of Amarige, and yeah, it’s a monster, but I like to swan around in it now and then. At home.
The best place to swan around is at home….esp. when wearing all the great perfumes you can’t wear anywhere else! I can’t believe how well No 5 perfume goes with Elmo and playing blocks!
I know what Turin and Sanchez said about Baby Doll Paris, but it smells like summer in Rhode Island to me. The “sulfuraceous grapefruit” stands in very well for seaweed and there is a definite note of cotton candy. I gave it to my niece last year for her 13th birthday. She loved it and my sister thanked me for choosing one she could stand when applied by an enthusiastic teenager, so I guess it’s not an excessively guilty pleasure.
There’s no reason to be mortified! We all love what we love. And if you’re like me, (very fickle) loves change every 5 minutes……
Funny, but the other night my husband, who is indifferent to nearly every perfume I wear, told me I smelled good. I was wearing Jean Nate!
Unfortunately, I haven’t found that many inexpensive perfumes that I liked since my perfume addiction began. So I was delighted to find Balmain Jolie Madame to be a beautiful Chypre for under $25 online! It’s gorgeous!
Has anyone else found inexpensive beauties out there?
Will put in a plug for Caron Aimez Moi, which can be found for a song!
Thank you! And I hope you feel better!
Tocade’s a pretty, inexpensive scent – all shimmery rose and smoky vanilla. I think I bought my 100ml bottle for $25.
And Robin’s right about Aimez-Moi. I had a wacked-out emotional reaction to it the first week I tested it (a very bizarre “this is so pretty and cheerful that it makes me sad I wasted my youth” reaction), but that’s gone away. Gorgeous violets/anise/vanilla.
Ines de la Fressange – a nonditzy fruity floral, very nice for summer – I found at beautyencounter at $14 for 30ml.
There was a VERY damaged box of Tocade at Marshall’s a couple weeks ago that I’m kicking myself for not buying. What was I thinking? I’ve never smelled it, but wear Bond No. 9 West Side sometimes, and have heard Tocade is actually what West Side wishes it was. (And it isn’t the greatest, so I can see where there are better out there–I kind of had buyers remorse once I wore the West Side a few times.)
I agree about Aimez-Moi — I found it for very cheap online and I just love it! Also Caron Eau de Reglisse … I got the large-size bottle for under $30, and will never finish it in my lifetime.
If you like the Balmain fragrances, have you tried Balmain’s Ivoire?
It’s at the discounters for $15, and lovely, with a biting green chypre up top (plan to give it 20-30 minutes before going public), working through floral to a powdery drydown. It sits beside No. 5 in my perfume shelf, and gets worn far more often.
Thank you for all the suggestions! I can’t wait to try them all!
Yesterday I found bottle Gucci pour home at Marshall’s for 19.99. I love it so much. It’s even better than some similar niche perfume which were on my wish list. Nice incense scent. And for little money!!!!!
I hope you are feeling better, Robin.
It is rainy and hot–the definition of sub-tropical in the summer. I haven’t been wearing anything heavy. I got a bottle of Hermes Un Jardin Apres La Mousson as a present, but I haven’t either fallen for it or sent it somewhere else. I guess I will keep trying to like or loathe it. If the period between 10 mins and 1 hour lasted for a couple of hours, I might love it.
Thanks so much — I’m much better today. It’s been a long haul!
Good luck with the Mousson. I’ve probably tried it 100 times now…dont’ think there’s any hope for me.
Melon bad! 🙂
(P.S. A friend and I were talking about scents and associations, and we both realize we love melon because (besides being in Therese et al — perfectly credible French frags!) of fond memories of travels in the south of France, where slices of sweet cured ham are draped over musky, ultra-ripe melons for the most refreshing light lunch or starter for dinner imaginable, served with a chilled glass of sweet Beaume de Venise made from muscat grapes. . .)
Wow, that sounds great… Pass the wine, please. 🙂
I haven’t tried Mousson yet – I did try Delrae Emotionelle and didn’t like it at all. The melon smelled quite garbagey to me: overripe and rotting. Bleah.
The Mousson is a nice melon, if you like melon. Fresh and juuuuuuuuuuicy, but not over ripe or rotten. To me, it was like a slice of watermelon sprinkled with enough black pepper to make me sneeze (seriously!).
Hey, if you’re not a food writer, perhaps you should be! I’m salivating just reading “sweet … draped … musky … chilled glass of Beaume de Venise …”
That sounds delicious! I love that salty-sweet combo. Mousson is one that I admire and like to sniff, but I just don’t think it’s one I would choose to wear.
SOTD = Dzongkha (it picked me when I was starting at the box o’ decants and it’s working on this gray, gray, overcast typical California “summer” morning).
Recent lemming = the amazing chypre that is Lancôme Sikkim (thanks to AnnS). A mini or 50ml bottle is in my future. Sample lemmings = Amouage Reflection, after the email announcement that LS is now carrying them.
Recent score = $10 half-full half ounce bottle of vintage Vent Vert from an antique mall.
Oh, yes, and definitely hope you’re feeling better soon!
Thanks, I’m getting there!
So sorry to hear you’ve been sick….hope you feel better now….must have been pretty sick to keep you perfume-free for so long!
Yes, Robin, what a set-back in your sampling schedule! I’m glad to hear that you’re feeling better.
Joe – let’s talk about that Sikkim…… 😉
Congrats on your terrific deal on the Vent Vert! Do you like it?
I’ve only tested a dab so far, but I plan to “wear” it soon — it’s definitely a great, very green floral with a bit of a mossy base. Has an old-fashioned vibe, but that’s not a bad thing. How could I resist $10?
Hey Joe – just thinking…you will probably also like Patou’s 1000 if you like Sikkim so much.
Sikkim is my #1 perfume forever. It was my very first bottle 25 years ago too.
Wow! I’ve never even heard of Sikkim. But if Joe likes it, I will at least have to try it. 🙂
Today I’m wearing Angel, I’m on a gourmand kick lately. I’ve also fallen in love with their body oil spray. It is very nice and quite reasonably priced too.
Reasonably priced is always good 🙂
oh no, sorry to hear you haven’t been feeling well, R 🙁
I do hope you’re already feeling much better now (((R))
I haven’t done a lot of testing lately either, because work has been hectic, so need to catch up with my sampling. Not much to report. Wearing SL Rahat Loukhoum today for comfy Friday 🙂
I’m definitely on the mend, thanks! And you smell great 🙂
Thank you ! 🙂
Finally, after many long weeks of planning and arranging, I’m getting ready to hit the PO tomorrow to send off the Lyric split. Hooray!
SOTD: testing PdN’s Fig Tea again, trying to find the love (and I’ll probably try something else on the other wrist later on). I at least like it better today than last time! It’s a hot, humid, cloudy day here in MN, where I think we’ve been hogging the summer weather so far – sorry all!
PdN Fig Tea really seems to be a love it or hate it…I love it, but know many who loathe it.
I don’t get why it’s so polarizing… I liked it, found it very refreshing and pleasant. I will happily use up my sample and then move on to other things. I didn’t get the luvvv thing (but then, it’s not really my girly-wirly style). I certainly didn’t get the “staggered away spitting curses” thing, either.
No, I don’t get the love or hate reaction either. It’s too light a scent to make me really hate it (Poison! Opium! those are hate-inducing), but I don’t feel the love, either. I think there’s one odd note in it that just makes it not work for me.
I have a feeling it’s polarizing because of the name…not really tea, not really fig. To me, it’s an osmanthus scent, although I know some people wouldn’t agree with that either.
Ha, with my luck, it’s probably the osmanthus that disagrees with me. No idea what that smells like.
Boo, now I know what samples to send you…
I’ve just gotten this one as a sample from Luckyscent. I like it but don’t love it. On the other hand, I really *love* another PdN sample I got, Eau Turquoise. I’m going to buy a full bottle. Since it’s an “eau” the price is right, just $40! It’s got a lime-y edge and some mango but spice (coriander I think) and it should be a great scent for our horrid Houston weather. (Hello to my fellow Houstonian up above! Do you shop at Kuhl-Linscomb?) I got onto a PdN kick after being lucky enough to be able to visit their (tiny) shop in London, where I bought Odalisque but continue to fantasize about all the others. Maharanih is also a nice one, but not so much for summertime.
I am also trying a lot of other osmanthus scents after buying Serge’s Nuit de Cellophane. It’s a wonderful smell, peach and apricot-y. The Keiko Mecheri Osmanthus is nice but it has a very sweet take on things, almost with a Loukhom vibe to it (almond). Anybody know any other good Osmanthus scents? I got a sample of Osmanthus Interdite but it doesn’t do much for me.
Ormonde Jayne Osmanthus, and Keiko Mecheri Bois de Santal.
I believe that Montale’s Velvet Flowers has an osmanthus type accord, along with some intereting saffron notes. It is neat – I need to revisit it for summer.
I really enjoy The Different Company Osmanthus… also I think I sampled Hermessence Osmanthe Yunnan, which you should also try.
Can’t believe I left out the Hermessence! Great scent.
Oh, R, feel better! It’s the weekend, so I hope you will have plenty of time to rest and regenerate.
I am wearing vintage Chanel No.22 today. It’s lovely.
I found a bottle of Eau de Gentiane Blanche on escentual.com for about $20. less than US retail and splurged on a bottle. I love it!
Thinking about how appealing MDCI Un Coeur en Mai is, but the price is not. Not an original fragrance, but a spring beauty nonetheless.
Hugs!
Thanks R! I’ve been napping most every day, which is really helping. I don’t normally nap, ever.
Congrats on your buy! For a minute I thought you meant you PAID $20 and I almost fainted, LOL…
That’s how I read it, and thought, Gee, nothing like that ever happens to me!
Feel better, Robin!
Ooo I love the Gentiane Blanche! Can’t wait till it really hits discounters.
today i tried thierry mugler cologne but as a soap, shower gel/shampoo, conditioner and body lotion! i was lucky enough to get these hotel samples fro a friend of mine brought it from a trip to italy, i love it. but i have a demanding nose that forced me to apply the lotion again and again till finished the whole tiny bottle.
right now am wearing insolence by guirlane, i prefer to spray it like 1 hour before i want to be smelled. it makes me feel more like a woman 🙂
and my new obsession is the new 3 perfumes by sisley, i can’t decide which one to get though so i left the shop without making my mind, but 1 is the one i liked the most!
eau de sisley 1,2,3 are ovrpriced, and i wasn’t sure how long will the last on my skin!
Sabs….the Sisley #3 is GORGEOUS ….fell in love and had to have it! Whichever you choose make sure you stop by Reirien.com to check on their sale….the sisleys are $104 ….with shipping $110.
oh, the #3 lasts for several hours on my skin, if that’s any help.
i had the chance to try #3 and it lasted on my hand till next morning! but.. it was too spicy for me that i could smell fresh ground peper on my wrist each time i sniffed! i think i would go with #1 since its the closest thing to my all time favorite Cristalle, i need something similar yet different.. i also was very lucky to find Cristalle eau de perfum 😀 hopefully it will cover the problem that the marvelous cristalle eau de toilet has.. very short lasting perfume.
thanks for the advice Daisy 🙂
you are welcome, it’s so hard to lemm after expensive fragrances! I wouldn’t want you to do it alone 😉
The #1 sounds very nice as well. Still expensive on sale but better than $165 ….egad, what were they thinking??
How nice — I’ve never tried the TM Cologne body products, but love the fragrance.
I can’t bring myself to buy any of the Sisleys — too much $ for me! But I did really like #3.
yes robbin its too expensive that i almost shouted “WHAT!” at the poor salesman. but i would either wait and save and get it or go with Versace Versense for the hot humid summer, need a serious refreshment
I went to the MAC counter at Saks after reading Kevin’s review of their two new honey scents. Disappointingly, they made me gag. They sure do smell like honey, though. When you load jasmine in there you could die from the sweetness. The other is better but still very heavy, and probably intensifies with summer heat. Maybe (like so many scents) one should use just a mere dab instead of spraying. I also tried Vol de Nuit once again: periodically I try in vain to make friends with one of the Guerlain classics. Alas, the same thing always happens – I’m intellectually impressed by the complexity and abstractness, the sheer innovation that each represents – but I don’t actually want to smell of the stuff. Puzzling, because I do love so many of the Chanels. But they are very different, those two houses.
The honeys definitely aren’t for everyone. I think I cleared a room yesterday after I tried them on at the MAC counter. (Ok, so I should know better than to wear them to the gym…the treadmills on both sides of me cleared out after I started wafting honey their way.)
Speaking of the MAC perfumes–I’m kicking myself right now because I accidentally order the wrong ones online last night! I think I got so excited about the discount that I wasn’t paying attention to what I was doing. I emailed them, hopefully they’ll be forgiving and makes changes before it all ships out. 🙁
Call them—–have the order number in hand…ask if it’s shipped yet because you clicked the wrong one…I talked to them on the phone and they were really nice and helpful.
Ok, thanks for the feedback. I’ll give them a call. They can’t be any meaner than the cable tv people I talked to yesterday–grrr! 🙁
So they had to cancel the order and I had to re-order everything. I don’t know if I trust that the first one was canceled. I don’t know whether I’m hoping they will or won’t send me two orders. 🙂
Thanks, always glad to hear another opinion — hope to get to the mall & try the new MACs next week.
I think you’re right about Chanel and Guerlain being very different. Both houses seem to create perfumes that appear “related,” like siblings. I actually do love several from each house, but I think I may be unusual.
I’m on exactly the opposite side of the fence from you – I appreciate the Chanels, and like them alright, but just don’t really feel the need to buy them. My birthday present to myself this year (okay a bit early, still time for another one!) was a bottle of Vol de Nuit extrait! I love almost all of the Guerlain classics.
Nice! I LOVE Vol de Nuit! I have a little sample of the parfum I got from the boutique in San Fransisco but have not yet broken into it because it’s so precious! I have smelled the EdT and love that…can’t imagine how good the extrait smells, but over the 4th I plan to wear it on vacation 🙂 How do you compare them?
Jared:
I’ve worn the edt since high school (a long, long time – LOL!) and never tried the extrait until last summer. It was almost a religious experience! The extrait is much smoother, not as sharp, and while still not really a floral fragrance, the florals all take turns coming and going in an extremely beautiful way. The dry down is gorgeous and goes on forever. If you decide you need a decant, you can email me, as I am a very, very slow perfume user, and at my age, 30 mls. would last me well past the grave! rappleyea11@yahoo.com I can’t wait to hear your opinion!
Today I’m trying a free sample of Clarins Par Amour EDT. Pleasant, light blend of rose and fruits, but unmemorable.
Yeah, that’s how I’d describe it.
I have to ask an off topic question…does anyone have a Master’s of Library and Information Science that would be willing to answer some of my questions? I’m seriously considering applying, but I’m kind of hung up on the letters of recommendation as I’ve been out of undergrad a few years and didn’t form any lasting relationships with professors or advisers when I was there. I suppose I could talk to anyone who has recently applied for grad school and was in a similar situation as me…it doesn’t have to be MLIS.
On the topic of perfume I’m loving all things Neil Morris right now…there are very few of his that don’t work for me, but the ones that do work are amazing. Some favorites are Hippie, Midnight Flower, Cafe, Fetish, October. I haven’t tried any of the new ones yet but I’ve heard lots of good things on MUA. Anyone else a big NM fan?
Hi. Send me an email and we’ll see if I can help.
anneroosie@hotmail.com
Just emailed you! Thanks a lot for replying so fast.
No MLIS degree, though I keep thinking about it every few years. However…how big of an undergrad school did you attend? I contacted a couple of professors long after graduation and was surprised to discover they did remember me. Then again, my school was only about 5,000. (And just for reference, while my grades were always good, I never spoke up in class, so there was no real reason they should have remembered me.)
I went to Ohio State, which is one of the largest schools in the country! And my grades are good, but I didn’t speak up much in class either. That was mostly because class sizes were so large. I doubt most profs would remember me…
Thanks for your input though!
I’d still ask…it can’t hurt to try! They seemed as surprised that I thought they *wouldn’t* remember me as I was by the fact that they *did*. They have to get those requests all the time, big school or no…they must have some system in place.
I went back to school and got a library degree after being out of school for about ten years. I did not keep in touch with professors during the interim (I don’t think they really expect you to!), but I didn’t have too much trouble finding a couple who still taught at my old school and were willing to write letters of recommendation for me.
If you just can’t find anybody from undergrad, though, I think many schools will accept letters from work supervisors and others involved in your professional life.
Speaking in broad generalizations, library school is just not the cutthroat atmosphere that, say, law or medical school is, either before you get in or after you’re there. If you have a sincere interest in the profession and you seem like you can do the work, most schools will work with students to accomodate them when exceptional circumstances occur.
Of course, the payoff for that cutthroat atmosphere at other professional schools is, literally, a payoff!! Lots of money, which is not something you’ll get with a library degree. (I’m sure you already know this, just thought I’d warn you again.)
I don’t have an MLS yet, but I just went through the application process and will start this fall–you can email me at poshnerd1@gmail.com.
This is an interesting thread. A great friend, an MLS-library director, has tried for many years to steer me in that direction and it *is* an attractive field to me. Maybe there’s a library-perfume correlation! HA!
Maybe it’s just the appreciation of beautiful things? All my dream careers were centered around books or music. Unfortunately, I don’t have the talent to be a creator of either, and anything else in those fields just doesn’t pay. Maybe when my kids have grown and moved out…..
Oh, and I have to laugh…I grew up in a small town and didn’t date all that much, maybe 3 guys in high school? And of those, 2 had parents who were school librarians. 😀
I’m always looking for a library technician who can do my network admin for me…I’ll pay you in spritzes of perfume…….
LOL –I want to come work for you and be paid in perfume spritzes! Too funny….and so many library types here at NST, I was the “student supervisor of cataloging” way back a million years ago while I was in college. I catalogued literally thousands of books…..library work is hard –thinking thinking all the time—about the only I ever read while working was publication information! So much has changed in library science since the 80’s. sigh…I’m old.
I think my job is beginning to age me in dog years….what with all the politics, budget woes, staffing issues…..And I ain’t no spring chicken either!! *Now* my fantasy job is to be the research librarian/archivist for Guerlain…or Chanel…or Givaudian…or Firminench, lol!
Off topic, but I once had a mad crush on a librarian. So hot. *sigh* He married someone else. Now he’s in law school. How weird is it that lawyers are not so hot to me?
For all you MLIS interested folks out there: I’ve worked in 8 libraries, both academic and public, of all sizes. I have a MLIS degree. I am currently a library director. I can tell you this much: it is a great profession, but be prepared for intense competition for jobs that pay reasonably well (an that is kind of poor for most professional degrees). There are plenty of good jobs in libraries that don’t pay very well at all! And please pay attention: DO NOT take out more money in your loan than you reasonably expect to make in the job you want when you graduate!! Go to the job listings and see what is out there, see what they pay. Remember the bad ecomony? That means salary freezes and staff layoffs. Just pay attention to the details. Library work is very very hard. It is not about sitting around reading books. Do yourself a favor if you have *never* worked in any library, go and volunteer at your local academic or public library and see what they do and how hard it is. I’ve hired many people who say I love books! I love reading! And then look like a deer in headlights the first month they are working. Good luck, don’t take out more loans than you ever reasonably expect to make, and pay attention to details. And if you want a good reference letter, go and volunteer for challenging tasks at your local library!!!
The competition for jobs was the biggest thing stopping me, TBH. Good to know I wasn’t mistaken!
I am a relatively new Neil Morris fan. His fragrance line is fascinating and wide-ranging. There seems to be something for everyone. I now own the gorgeous Dark Earth and the brand-new (and really wonderful, to my nose) Mariner. I also particularly like Hologram (will be my next purchase from NM), Assam, Midnight Sea, and Spirit of Water.
I’m wearing Poivre Piquant. It’s cool and overcast here, and that’s sort of a comfort scent.
Recently tried and was *sooo* disappointed I didn’t love it: Amouage Lyric Woman. I’ve been convinced it would be perfect after smelling it briefly on a paper strip, and I finally got a sample. It is gorgeous, but after an hour or so I get—along with the wonderful creamy spices and incense—a sort of hairspray scent. Heartbreaking! But I will try again…
I think you should be glad it didn’t work, lol! I’m never disappointed when the pricey ones don’t work for me…only the steals. That’s $300 saved for you!
I am *gasp* not wearing any scent today, except my conditioner that I’ve decided smells kind of like orange blossom.
I think the reason for the perfume abstinence is the fact that I’m eagerly awaiting a package from ebay containing a nearly full .5 ounce bottle of Passage D’enfer that I bought for next to nothing (about 20$ including shipping). I’m so excited to be able to spray liberally, rather than dabbing from my sample with an absurdly stingy hand. Next on the list is Tea for Two. 🙂
So you got that bottle I was eying! I too have been using a sample, but I do have a decant coming soon so I’ll be excited to spray as well.
Haha…yes. I was fairly determined to snag myself a bottle of some kind. I’m glad you have a decent coming, though. 🙂 I feel like that fragrance will be better sprayed.
I love deals! My last 2 were AG Le Chevrefeuille 100 ml for $43 (inc shipping) and a mini of vintage Eau Sauvage for $5. Fun!
Hey, what’s the conditioner?
It’s White Rain Energizing Citrus. I got it at the dollar store for under a dollar while I was at college because I was utterly broke and swimming was frying my hair. I’ve found that it’s runny, so you have to use a lot, but it’s definitely one of the best conditioners I’ve ever used, and the scent is growing on me.
Thanks so much!
Was reaching in dim light for L’air du Desert Moracain when I grabbed PdN Balkis by mistake. I figured it was fate and squirted it on! Nice choice for a gloomy dreary day.
Is it dreary there? It’s been dreary here for almost the whole month of June. Little better today though.
We don’t get full-blown summer until mid July here in Oregon (July 4 is always notoriously overcast). Little peeks and teases here and there, but lots of gray days. oh well, I guess that’s why it’s so green!
We usually have at least a few good “pool days” in June…so far, no luck. Green is good though!
SOTD—the very last dribble from my sample of People of the Labyrinths Luctor et Emergo….sigh…..I’ve got a bottle for splitting on the way….due to arrive on Tuesday….got to hang on til then…..
lol —of course I have a huge HUGE, I tell you: huge…. pile of samples calling my name so I suppose I’ll survive.
Umm yep. LOL! I just looked at my list of samples I haven’t finished testing, and it’s over 100 with more on the way. Oops. Now that the split is done, though, I can focus on working through a few a day. No sense spending *too* much time testing ones that clearly didn’t wow me…right?
Yes, we all have more samples on the way, don’t we? Always. Good grief.
Oh, I dunno… I always get this sort of evil glee while looking at my pile of samples. My “to be sampled” box is like a big stash of chocolates!
My box/dish/bag is more like a grab bag of candies from the “loose candy” store rather than a neatly-arranged sampler box. Nice to have, though 😉
I have found that I’m particularly “dragonish” about my sample pile……I have that same evil glee …..and a strong need to hoard…..I swear: one of these days I’m going to throw myself on the pile, roll around until my soft white underbelly is encrusted with sample vials and breathe fire on anyone who gets too close!! (then fly off to find a snack…something light….maybe a couple of cows…a peasant or two just for variety…)
I love samples! Just got a surprise package in the mail today!! I start to think, enough, already, you’re just confusing yourself. But the the evil Luckyscent email comes and I think, a few more can’t hurt. I did finally get a plastic box for some of them – the pile was getting out of control.
Sadly, mine are all thrown into my 4 yr old dd’s shoe boxes at random. Every time she gets a new pair of shoes, I keep the box. (She has a shoe thing…and since I’ve always hated my own feet, I go a little nuts buying cute shoes for my cute girls.)
Yep, we’ve got SCD (Sample Chaos Disorder). That’s us, all right! 😉
I finally got ziplock bags and labeled them A-D, E-H, etc. and “filed” them by house name. It does help a little bit!
LetE is so wonderful, and I keep forgetting about it. When my lungs recover I should wear some 🙂
It makes me feel like laughing….don’t know why. But it is fun to wear!
I need to try that again – I just got “ancient moldering trunk that used to have cosmetics in it”, which was okay, but rather melancholy.
ew, bummer….I’ll try to remember to stick a sample in the next time we swap, ….old costmetics trunk…although, once I put a dab on my arm having forgot that my arm had quite recently had some sisley on it….that was pretty bad smelling. Let E does not apparently want to layer with anything else. You must try it again.
I still have my sample! So you can erase that one from your memory bank.
What’s a memory bank?? don’t think I have one of those! It’s more like when we get ready for the next swap I’ll depend on you to remind me what I said I’d send. I need to keep notes…
Daisy – Luctor et Emergo has been on my “to try” list forever! What’s it like on you? I’m mainly a Guerlain and/or classic perfume sort of girl.
It is a really different kind of perfume…I get a lot of cherry/almond in the opening and some play-doh, but better …all surrounded by a soft vanilla, incense and woods …. gosh, I don’t really know how describe it. But I have a bottle on the way so if you send me an email at Daisyloo82@gmail.com I’ll get a sample to you , ok?
Latest purchase: Mitsouko EDP 🙂
Scent of the day: I’m testing the new Lancome Hypnose Senses and Kenzo Amour edt Florale. And they’re both nothing like the originals…
Is either any good?
I like the Amour, it’s not unlike the J’Adore Florale actually…
I also liked the spicy opening notes of the Hypnose on paper but on my skin it turns kind of sweet&dull&peachy… meh.
Nah, I prefer my Mitsouko 😉 …or my newest love: Histoires de Parfums (1969/1740/1876)
Thanks! Wasn’t likely either would be better than Mitsouko, LOL…
SOTD: EL Pleasures Delight.
It’s been one of the sunniest, warmest Junes in history here in Vancouver, where it’s usually a cool, rainy month, and our local strawberry crop is the sweetest in memory. (We grow a particular kind of tender, ultra-fragrant berry here that doesn’t travel well but tastes divine — almost like wild strawberry.) Our roses are knock-out gorgeous, too, because of the weather, and I thought that Pleasures Delight was a perfect reflection of late Spring, all musky strawberry and pink roses!
Jealous of your weather! We’ve had rain, rain, rain.
Hope you have a glorious summer, then! 🙂
We’ve had tons of rain in our neck of the woods too and the one bright side of it, for me, is that we planted a pink dogwood, weeping cherry, 2 spiral topiaries, another lilac and some hydrangeas, so the conditions have been quite favorable for them! We are expecting thunderstorms throughout the day today and that will make Saturday errands and date night a little challenging. I recently purchased a vintage, sealed Eau de Joy from Ebay and I would love to open that up for tonight. My husband is trying to insist that I leave it sealed – he thinks that perfectly intact package is so cool [I’m pretty sure it’s from the 60’s]. Of course, I’m chomping at the bit to open it. What’s your advice Robin? 😉
Well hey, you know I”m going to say to open it! Why waste good perfume?
hahaha exactly!
Ohmigosh! OPEN IT!
If he had a classic muscle car in the garage, wouldn’t he want to drive it?? Or would looking at it be just as good? hmmm?
Men!!
As if i didn’t know what the perfumistas here would recommend that I do. hehe I actually didn’t open it yet though – I wore White Patchouli last night instead. I may wait until a special occasion to open the vintage Joy, just to add to the excitement of it. lol
Always risky to wait to do something or have something or wear something for a special occasion. Every day that you wake up healthy is a special occasion. Trust me.
Sage advice Daisy – duly noted.
That strawberry sounds like alpine strawberry, a kind of “wild” strawberry…delicious…
Diorissimo–it’s one of my current favorites. I wish it were more widely available.
Polly-it is one of my favorites as well. Unfortunately, since the reformulation, it has changed so much! More lemon in the head, and the lasting power is poorer. I’ve been searching for another HG LOTV scent….contestant no 1 is CdG’s Lily. Have you tried it?
Yum, you smell great!
I must just be one of a lucky few–Diorissimo edt lasts a nice long time on me. I can still smell the drydown at the end of the day. I haven’t tried CdG’s Lily, but I’ll be sure to get my hands on it soon. Gucci Envy has a nice green LOTV accord, which I like, but doesn’t last nearly as well as Diorissimo on my (or maybe I just can’t smell that musk base? I’m not sure.)
I have the edp – it’s not the current formulation, but the one before it – and it, too, lasts several hours on me. Soooo pretty.
So I’m going to spend some time this summer in Park City, Utah, and in Portland, Oregon. Any perfumista destinations I should make sure to plan to visit?
Hi Fernando- I think the Perfume House in Portland is quite well known and loved. I’ve even read that they provide samples for you on request. Just in case, bring a few vials in to decant, if they permit!
Have fun!
Ditto that–the Perfume House is GREAT. They will make samples for you, don’t worry about bringing your own stuff. And while you’re in Portland, you can always come visit Maison de Miss Kitty to see my ridiculous collection! 🙂 HA! I’m kidding, of course. (Although it is obnoxiously large for someone on a non-profit salary.)
Fernando, I too recommend the Perfume House. Great little place with a friendly testing environment. My brother and parents live in Portland, and I make a point of visiting them when I fly to Portland to visit The Perfume House (grin).
LOL —if time permits, right? If not you’ll just have to send the family a card….
I’ve been itching to try some i Profumi di Firenzes lately. I have yet to place an order because they don’t get much love. Does anyone have any comments on their quality, longevity, etc?
Another lemming has been Highland Lilac of Rochester. I’ve been having trouble placing a sample order with their site. I’ve emailed them and hope to hear back soon. It sounds like the most luscious and pure soliflore. Anyone tried it?
I really love a few of the iPFs…it’s a huge line, and they make a lot of stuff so it takes some time to work through the line. They have lots of “pretty light florals” which don’t really appeal to me (not my style) but I love Ambra Nepal, Spezie de Medici & Zagara. Quite a few new ones I haven’t tried yet too, and even more that are only sold at the shop in Florence. Check the reviews at MakeupAlley too!
Haven’t tried the Highland Lilac.
Ditto Ambra Nepal-I adore it!
I have several I Profumi di Fiornze, mostly the summer scents. Last year I got the Breeza del Mare, and this year Talco Delicato (which smells almost like baby powder). Both were fairly long lasting on me.
My scent of the day is Brezza di Mare. I just got a bottle and LOVE it! It is the only one I’ve tried so far. I like the sound of that Talco Delicato.
I really like the iPdF Miele Rosa, but I do read not so many good comments about it in different blogs, including MUA. I think it is heavenly, warm, and very natural smelling rose…with a nice honey layer on it. It is a wee bit powdery. But I’m a rose lover so I’m biased. Sometimes the lasting power is very nice and sometimes not so good. It just depends. I wear it when I want a very wild rose soliflore type effect. It actually smells a lot like a wild rose bramble that is near my house in a ditch, lol. I have not tested any others from the line, though I understand their one tobacco is supposed to be really nice.
I have the IPdF Lilla —such a scrumptious lilac….causes the CEO to sniff me quite spontaneously! On me a couple of spritzes last all day. I have samples of several and they’re very nice but was only inspired to purchase Lilla. Luscious Cargo is one of the few places that carries the line….I think Beauty Habit has quite a few as well…seems like Lusc.Cargo’s sample program was better though…..that’s where I ended up getting mine.
Sorry for the string of posts, but I had to let you all know about my latest purchases:
CSP Ecume de The 150 ml bottle for 22.50 euros!!
Hermes Hiris and Payard’s Pistachio Ganache for $33!!!
Finally, a bit of advice please. I’m planning on changing workplaces so need to keep a low profile for now. What says low profile, Bois des Iles, Rosine Rose d’ete, Saveur d’artichaut, or Chanel Gardenia?
I’d say Rose D-Ete in moderation, because the others are more weighty and not for daytime IMO.
P.S. But I confess I don’t know Saveur D’Artichaut. Who makes that and what’s it smell like? (I know, artichoke, duh…but why is that a good thing?)
I work at night….
Saveur d’artichaut is by Sinfonia di Note. It’s a light, unusual, vegetaly-flowery fragrance, with a hint of woods. I love it.
Must try that, then! Vegetal-flower with woods sounds right for me.
“I work at night…”
LOL!!!!
Excellent buys, congrats!
I’d probably go w/ the Chanel Gardenia.
Chanel Gardenia – only b/c the dry down has that lovely standard classy Chanel-ade.
Thanks for the advice everyone. I’ll go with Gardenia just by majority votes 🙂
YAY!! you finally scored the CSP Ecume de The !!! I’m so glad, every time I see a bottle online I think of you! It’s good that you finally got some. 🙂
Thanks, Daisy! And a good deal too eh? Did you finally get to try it? If you’re curious, let me know and I’ll send you some 🙂
Saveur or the rose, for sure. Have fun with the new job. 🙂
I’ve tried Miller et Bertaux Green and Nanadebary Green, and I’ve read Hampton Sun Privet Bloom is similar. Can anyone comment on how similar/different Privet Bloom is to the other two? (I found M&B Green and Nana Green very, very similar except for their drydowns.)
Just got a sample of Peau de Peche. AMAZING. I only wish it lasted longer… but then I don’t have it in an atomizer. The sandalwoody drydown is so pretty.
Hope you feel better, Robin!
To my nose, the Hampton Sun has a bigger fresh note than the other 2, but bear in mind that I found the Nanadebary too fresh for my taste as well…the MeB is the winner of those 3 for me.
And thanks!
As it stands with M&B Green, I prefer its drydown (it stays green fo sho, exactly what I wanted) but Nana Green’s fresh ending lasts longer on me. Soooo… dilemma! Oh well, since decants of M&B are easier to find, that’ll probably decide the issue for me. 😉
I’m jealous! I don’t know what it is in Peau de Peche, but I cannot smell it at all. I get a faint whiff of something peachy, and then nuthin’. I mean, I can tell that there’s *something* on my wrist, but I cannot actually smell it. Same thing happened to me with Nahema and Boucheron Jaipur, both of which are supposed to have peach/fruit notes. Gotta be a musk, I guess – wish I knew which one.
Peau de Peche reminds me a lot of AG Petite Cherie, which I think also has peach. Maybe try that one to see if it does better on you? I’m going to try it myself to compare with PdP. 🙂 (Though I think I prefer PdP’s fairy tale sandalwoodness.)
I have and love Petite Cherie, and I don’t think they’re anything alike… PC is far more pear to my nose in the opening, and then pear/peach/rose, light on the peach.
I had a cold a couple of months ago, not long after starting my perfume obsession, and I was shocked one day when I realized I couldn’t smell anything! I was in a sampling frenzy and it was depressing not being able to try anything.
Here’s a question: has anyone tried the parfum versions of Ormonde Jayne scents? How do they compare to the EDPs? I am particularly fond of Tolu, Ta’if, and Frangipani, but I’d be interested to hear about any of the parfums.
I have not, and have heard they’re only marginally nicer so have been just ignoring them given the price.
And yes, it’s horrid not to be able to smell anything!
The only thing to sniff is straight Eucalyptus Oil. It clears up your sinuses pretty efficiently!
Robin, I hope you’re back to full sniffing mode soon!
Thanks! Tomorrow, I think. Already much better yesterday & today.
I’ve only tried the Ormond Jayne Woman in the perfume and truthfully, I think the eau de parfum is just as lasting. Although on me it is a subtle scent in both forms. The Tolu is a “bigger” scent and I think the eau de parfum is strong on its own. Also, I think when you spray a perfume, rather than dab, it is long-lasting, but maybe it’s my imagination.
I have the Frangipani in both edp and parfum and really think there’s hardly anything between them, at least to this unsophisticated nose. I think the Ormonde Jayne edps are unusually long-lasting.
Thanks everyone! If the consensus is that the parfum isn’t much different, then I’ll just be grateful not to be tempted to spend the extra money. I think I’d only be tempted with Tolu, which I just love to pieces and only have a decant of so far, but it is certainly long-lasting enough as an EDP. If there’s no real difference then I really don’t need to spend another sixty pounds (yikes!) just to have a cool engraved stopper (because if I were going to have a fancy-pants engraved stopper on anything, it’d probably be Tolu).
This week I rediscovered my sample of Jo Malone White Jasmine & Mint, which hadn’t done much for me on first sniff. I’m liking it a lot now, especially the herbal beginning — it’s really nice in the warm, humid weather we’re having. Too bad the lasting power is so poor!
Hope you feel better and can go back to enjoying perfume!
I like WJM too! It reminds me a bit of AG Mandragore too, in how it behaves.
Interesting! I wish the WJM lasted longer on me. Mandragore has better lasting power, though not great.
Ugh! I love shopping on eBay, and I usually very VERY good at spotting fake anything. I love Miami Glow, but since its discontinued I can never find it. So I found it on eBay for what I thought was a good deal, but its FAKE!! Ugh… I hat dishonest sellers. It makes it very inconvenient to go though the whole claim process….
I feel your pain! Bought a bad bottle of Creed SMW…sooo disappointing, and such a nuisance! And then you’re out the cost of return shipping.
I know. It’s awful. I reported a seller yesterday that was advertising fake Ed Hardy bikinis as authentic. It’s horrible. EBay tries to control it but, they can’t regulate everybody’s merchandise. I get very excited when I’m expecting something, but to see that its fake sucks. The bracelet part in different colors and a different weave, the bottle is slightly larger than the other JLo glow bottles, and the band at the top is much wider.
It’s kind of amazing how close they get to the bottle and graphics. I got an eBay mini of Diorissimo that totally had me fooled based on the bottle – until I put it on, and got a startlingly loud, vulgar lily of the valley blast. I didn’t put a claim in, too lazy – but I’m more careful about examining feedback now – and if someone has under 100 ratings the risk is greater that they’re fake.
Yep, yep. My mother’s been wearing Poison since it came out in the 80’s, so she knows it pretty well. She bought a bottle awhile back and didn’t notice it was fake until she sprayed it too. They’re very clever when it comes to replicating frags. I would never buy out of NY (Chinatown, duh) or NJ. I’ve seen listings of Princess that are obvious fakes. The bottom is rounded rather than coming to a point. It’s all so disappointing.
The sad thing is, the person I bought from had hundreds of ratings, and all positive but maybe 3. I have no idea what they put in that bottle, but it couldn’t even *pretend* to be SMW, not even a “design imposter” version. It smelled like chalk and was super watery.
The person I bought from has 300, all positives. I thought it would be safe. Oh well. I just tested the fake on one wrist and a spray of the .25 oz bottle on my other. GROSS! I had to go wash my arm, it reeked of rubbing alcohol / cheap sunless tanning lotion!
Robin,
I am the same way when I am sick. I do not want to smell or wear perfume, nor drink coffee or wine, all of which I love when I am well.
I hope you are feeling better and will enjoy the weekend.
Thanks! I think I’ll be ready for perfume again by tomorrow…just trying to give my sinuses a nice rest 🙂
I’ve been thinking of selling a nearly-full bottle of L’Air du Marocain but everywhere I look, it seems like I need a Paypal. Is not having a Paypal a deal-breaker?
And I’m wearing Rose Ikebana today. Grabbed the wrong sample but it’s still a good choice for the awful hot weather. Wish winter would get a move on. D=
I love Rose Icky for hot weather. It never goes heavy or smutty. On the other hand, I tried a reader’s suggestion to layer it with Poivre Samarcande (which came in the travel set and I don’t know what to do with). I was fascinated at first – and then the sweat note emerged. I mean locker room, underarm, wifebeater sweat. At first I thought it was me. It could be sexy if you mixed in some pheromones…
I tried the same combination and RI completely dominated PS. Even a minute drop sends and pepper out the window.
Good thing too. I’m not sure I could stomach buying two Hermessences at the same time, even decants.
Unfortunately, yes. Ebay introduced a Paypal or pick-up only rule awhile back. Ebay owns Paypal as well, they just want to make as much $$$ as possible.
Ugh, too bad. Well, thank you for helping me out. =3
Paypal isn’t necessary is it? Can’t the buyer send a money order?
Not anymore, ebay requires Paypal or pickup. You can’t advertise that you accept money orders or cheques anymore…
Hello!! Guess what is on my “to buy” list for next quarter….contact me- maybe we can work something out, wihtout paypal!
anneroosie@hotmail.com
I’m considering to buy it. So you can contact me daoshaocsp@yahoo.com. I can send you check or money order. We can help each other. LOL
I just saw AnnS offer in front of mine. I also can consider to split it if you wish.
I am so glad I read this thread. I am 55 and out of work due to a layoff. Lots of great comments.
As far as scents I have been test driving L’Occtaine Honey and Lemon which i like( i never tried the Honey Water) and Prada d’infusion iris which I love.
I am also trying to find a bottle of EdP Mitsouko
Hi and welcome, and so sorry you’re out of work!
I love the Prada Iris too…
I’m sorry to hear you are out of work.
I love Mitsouko. It’s one of those I love, but don’t wear often. I’ve seed EDP Mitsouko online-maybe Saks.
Lizzi, I saw Miami Glow at Walmart the other day, don’t know if you ever go there. I don’t know that it was a bargain, but they had it. Good luck in your search! (Fake perfume, scary!)
My SOTD Chance eau fraiche, it’s good in this sudden humid spell we’ve had.
Really?! Thanks, I’ll check it out next time I’m there. 🙂
I have posted twice on this open thread without mentioning my perfume of the day. Today I’m wearing TDC’s un parfum, d’
Ailleurs & Fleurs. I wanted something floral and summery as it’s the first day this week that it hasn’t poured down rain.
I need to revisit that TDC trio…
I just tried it yesterday and adored it. One of the prettiest and freshest orange blossoms ever. Nearly sprang for a bottle, but decided to go for the lovely Sublime Balkiss first, as there was only one bottle left. The Ailleurs et Fleurs has been on my mind constantly, though, so I think I might have to cave. It’s reputed to last only a short time on the skin, but I was surprised by its tenacity, considering its featherweight construction.
The Ailieurs et Fleurs lasted well on me and I think is a very pretty scent. But you also made a great choice with the Sublime Balkiss.
Anyone familiar with Chanel no. 19 parfum? I got a mini bottle of it on ebay, and it smells so different than the edt, that I’m wondering if it’s a fake, or old. The sharp green opening isn’t really there, and it’s not nearly as strong as I would expect a parfum to be.
You got rooked. I bought the sealed parfum from the department store, and the green/iris opening was certainly there. I’m crazy about it – vastly prefer it to the EDT. I think maybe the rule of thumb with eBay is, if it’s massively popular the way No. 19 is, someone will make the effort to copy it to guarantee sales. The demand for niche perfumes is so much less than Chanel’s line, there’s no motivation to copy them and you’d probably get the real thing.
There is a lot of info on line with the blogs, etc – 19 has been reformuated, and the “new” version is a lot softer than the old, minus that vetiver-leather accord. Poke around and do some research, you may discover that you have some of the new which is mostly a galbanum, iris floral with a vetiver drydown.
Chances are its fake. Anything that is as popular as Chanel, Dior, etc. will have copies. The best bet when it comes to perfume on ebay, is buying from a “average Joe” that’s looking to getting rid of a bottle they decided they didn’t want after all or got as a gift. Bring it into a store if you have to, to compare. My Macy’s and Perfumaina are always happy to let you compare.
It’s possible that it’s a fake, but the various versions of No. 19 are so different, in my opinion, that it’s also possible that the parfum is just Not What You Expected. I’ve got a small vintage bottle of the parfum, and it’s quite different from the older-formulation edt. The parfum is almost not there at the top – it’s faint and not very “green” – and gets stronger and stronger the longer it’s on skin. (Did you wear it, or just sniff?)
It is true that Chanel perfume is one of the most often faked items on ebay. I’ve bought several bottles now, and the results have been generally pretty good (one mini of so-called “vintage” No. 19 was really No. 19, but the new formulation – it was hard to tell the color from the pic – and the other five Chanels I’ve bought on ebay have all, knock wood, been genuine). I don’t buy Chanel perfume from sellers that specialize in perfume; I’ve had pretty good luck with buying from individuals.
So sorry your purchase didn’t work out! It does just make you sick, doesn’t it? My general rule of thumb is to decide how much I’d be willing to lose on a particular purchase if it turns out to be a fake, and bid no more than that.
Hmmm, maybe mine isn’t fake after all, but it’s certainly not quite what I expected. I was at the mall this afternoon and spritzed a bit of 19 edt, just to remind myself what it smelled like, and what I’ve got as parfum is definitely related, though who knows in what way. I didn’t pay too much for it though, since I’m similarly disinclined to pay too much without a guarantee.
I’m hopping around by the mailbox in anticipation…I have a full bottle of Black Aoud coming my way, as well as a sample of Joy in extrait since Angela sings its praises so much here! Also, I have Encre Noir on the way as I’m in a vetiver exploration. Route de Vetiver just doesn’t work for me, even though I keep going back to smell it. I just get mosquito spray! So anyway, waiting for the mail man…..
Haha! I’m the same way. I run out and check the mailbox 2 or 3 times before it actually comes. Be patient…. 😛
Vetiver Tonka is my fave. Genius Hermessence.
Route de Vetiver is a tough one – MPG also makes Racine, which is better. Try Malle’s Vetiver Extraordinaire, Tauer Vetiver dance, Givenchy’s re-released Vetiver, Chanel Sycomore, LeLabo Veitiver and CdG Vettiveru. All a little bit different and fun to compare.
I’m picturing you now, dancing on your tiptoes with anticip-
-ation!
I was underwhelmed by Route de Vetiver, too. I was expecting it to be all ~edgy~ and ~dirty~ but found it oddly reserved.
Encre Noir is FABULOUS, though.
Well, don’t scare the poor mail carrier! Besides, a watched mailbox never boils…oh wait, that’s a watched pot….I am convinced, however, that staring at the mailbox just makes it take LONGER to make the trip…..dancing is fun for your neightbors I imagine 😉
Yes, it’s a slightly modified version of the “potty dance”. I’ll give a more refined performance when I’m smelling good; perhaps an interpretive dance to the smell of Joy extrait- we’ll see what that conjures up 🙂
I don’t suppose you’d take a couple of pictures? lol we’d all sure enjoy seeing the new improved and more excellent smelling dance!
I hope you feel well enough to start sampling again, Robin. I have a sizeable batch of samples, but no excuse other than the heat here in N.Texas. My SOTD is AG Mandragore ET, a sample from a perf buddy. I am bonding to it nicely, but it disappears after a few hours. Debating whether I should seek out a bottle of the EDP version. Love the peppery citrus bite!!!
I originally sampled Mandragore in edt but ended up getting edp b/c I thought the same about longevity. It only lasts a bit longer than the edt, and is “richer” rather than more crisp for the edt. I actually prefer the edt even though I have the edp. The edp is still nice mind you……
Thank you, Ann!! That’s helpful to know!
I have a BIG bottle of Mandragore edt so it’s not that I need more, but is the edp still in production? Seems hard to find, or maybe I just haven’t looked. I’m curious about it. Maybe we need to do another swap, Ann. Heh.
I got my Mandragore edp from Nordstrom, as the SA said they were only going to carry the edp (and that there are no Mandragore body products). I didn’t have the heart to correct her on either point, as Nordstrom only sells the edt online and of course Mandragore has body products though not at Nordstrom. You may call the 18007beauty “hotline” and ask if they still have any in stock.
Swap! Swap! Hmm….I need to look at your list again! Hello Noir Epices!
Funny, I recently spent a good bit of time recently with my local Nordstrom SA and she excitedly showed me a sample-sized Mandragore shower gel and said she could order it for me if I really wanted it. Unfortunately, I’m not a high-priced shower gel type, but I may try to snag a sample from her by buying something there at some point (despite my internet/discount ways).
Is your sample spray or vial? I will say that I eventually bought a bottle of the Mandragore and it does MUCH better sprayed.
Robin, it’s a vial , not a spray sample…did you end up with EDT or EDP of Mandragore?
The EdT, & quite happy with it!
Thanks for the recommendation!
If you keep your eyes open, minis of the edt can be had for a song… I think I paid $24 including shipping for 25 ml. That’s how I rationalized buying some even though it does fade rather quickly… and as Robin points out, it does last longer when sprayed.
That’s a great idea!!! Thank upi!
Spaz typing–thank you!!
I picked up a mini of Mandragore from fragrancenet too, just for travel. It is a good deal.
Wonderful, Ann!! (off to check it out!)
SOTD- CdG Stephen Jones- such a pick-me-up!
I am lemming for a bottle of Tiempe Passate- sigh…
I am lemming both of those!
SOTD – Lempicka’s Fleur de Corail. Yesterday was No. 5 parfum and Wednesday was Chanel Chance. The No. 5 parfum was from a sample set I ordered from TPC – now, I finally understand what all of the fuss is about. Like someone said several posts up – I’ve tried the EDT and EDP through the years and never “got it”, but now I do.
Of course, maybe I needed to grow up and expand my tastes to appreciate it as well. I’m mightily tempted by the refill on Fragrancenet, but I also have several other samples to work my way through – including the Cuir de Russie and Bois des Iles parfums and a host of Guerlains and some other stuff from Sephora before I decide what to splurge on.
On another note – I’ve discovered that I don’t like either the original Lolita Lempicka or the L de Lolita Lempicka, they both have the same “oily” smell to them that My Insolence has on me. I like the far, far dry down, but that sharp, oily smell is tough to take until then. I also discovered that I had already smelled Angel (big surprise, right, everyone on the planet has probably smelled it) and it’s not for me.
YAYY!!! Somebody else enjoying No. 5 in parfum! (I only like the parfum and Eau Premiere on me, although my mother, lucky woman, can wear just about any of the concentrations and smell wonderful.)
Angel, Lolita, L, and My Insolence… oy. My reactions were the same as yours. Congrats on your “classics” samples from TPC. Arent’ they great? Don’t you just want to set up one of those little air tubes from your bank straight to TPC??? NO??? Just kidding.
I’m trying to resist setting up an automatic withdrawal and order on payday – they could probably make a killing by letting you set up a wishlist and selling subscriptions. It would seem less painful if I never saw the money and perfume just magically appeared in my mailbox.
It does seem like Christmas every time an order appears – and I feel like a real grown-up now that I’m learning to appreciate the classics.
SOTD – testing AG Songes and I smell really good. I have had to re-apply already, though. I am thinking that my EL Tuberose and Gardenia might fill this bill for now but I have also been longing for an AG for so long that this might be the one (thanks, Ann!). Eventually.
This week I was so longing for something new and comforting that I got some Old Spice After Shave to put on at night. I would have rather had cologne but the market didn’t have any and my car is broken, so I had to get what I could. This works for now and makes me feel good – I have hag a very stressful month! Time for treats! My bills are paid and I have some left over and more money on the way to catch me up on all the unemployment checks I am behind on due to a filing snafu. However, I am still in “must save every penny” thought mode and need an enabler to tell me to go ahead and get that new sample pack and a bottle of Vetiverru!!! Please? lol
Oooh … I adore EL’s Tuberose and Gardenia. I feel like a broken record – whenever anyone asks for a scent recommendation, it’s the first thing that I think of to say(on this board only, I’m trying to keep it to myself in person -lol).
Speaking of cheap and fun treats – I’ve been bummed out because, after reading the great review of Stetson in The Guide, I’ve been unable to find it in stock anywhere. 🙁
Of course, I did hit the Bath and Body Works sale – they had the Signature Scent edt on sale for $4.99. I’ve wanted to try a few of them, but wasn’t willing to shell out $18.50 for what is basically a splash cologne that I might not like – but I picked up three on sale. I think that the sale is still going on, too.
Go back to fragrancenet and buy Stetson for a steal with that BASENOTES coupon…and then throw the No 5 refil in the bag too! he he he….sorry, can’t help. Congrats on your discovery!!
I know, right? It’s like the Stetson is soooo cheap, the No. 5 is practically free…. and it’s not like I can go wrong with No. 5 parfum. Even if I decide that I must have Mitsouko or Jicky or Apres l’Ondee later, I won’t regret the No. 5.
Those Guerlain’s are an investment in your fragrance wardrobe. Buy cheap when you can and then spend $$$ when you must.
For some reason, there wasn’t a button to respond to you post below – I left one out L’Heure Bleu. I just sampled it a few hours ago and it might be the most beautiful thing I’ve ever smelled – that definitely goes on the “to buy” list.
The one that is getting longer and longer …
Hey! you’re spozed to enable ME, not Cynthia! lol. anyway, I caved and bought the samples and the Vetiverru, which I have wanted for a year. I feel MUCH better now.
I’m really trying to resist hitting the “purchase” button right now – I’ve spent a lot this quarter (about half of which my better half knows about because I’ve been dealing in cash for some of it) and I’ve spent $230 of it in the last two weeks alone.
I at least want to avoid having more than is humanly possible to wear in my lifetime – though there is a little voice in the back of my head screaming “It’s No.5 parfum with refillable case for $57, you idiot” and it’s getting harder to ignore her.
Yeah, if you’ve wanted it that long, it’s probably safe to go ahead with the purchase!
SOTD is Bond No 9 Saks 5th Ave for her. I know a lot of people hate it but I can’t get enough. It’s big sweet, strong jasmine and tuberose and I adore it!
I recently ordered the sample pack from Neil Morris and was disappointed that none were absolute loves. I really liked Zephyr but it didn’t last long at all on me. I am still contemplating Gotham. It’s definitely an interesting and complex scent, but it’s so hot here in South Carolina that I just don’t want to wear it right now. I think I’ll pull it out this fall.
A recent love is MDCI Peche Cardinal (can you tell I like sweet??:)) I am completely infatuated with this one. Anyone tried it?
Mandy: The Péché Cardinal is a nice one. Teetering on too sweet for me, but very well done and I love sniffing dabs from my sample. You should probably try Rivage des Syrtes as well, if you like Péché.
I tried the Neil Morris Midnight Sea which was kind of interesting for something with an ozone note which I normally don’t care for, and also one of the deserts, which was a bit too strong for me, but made excellent room scent from just a little dab on paper! I don’t know much more about the line.
I’m wearing L’Occitane Bergamot Tea. It is SO sweet (but not sickeningly so) and refreshing on this HOT day. Really perfect summer scent, and I love the smell of tea.
I still need to try that one! Sounds like it might be too sweet for me…
Hm, and see, I don’t really get “sweet” at all. (This coming from someone on whom anything vaguely sweet turns sickly.) But I know Joe didn’t care for it, so I guess you’ll just have to try it and see.
It’s not that I “disliked” Bergamot Tea per se, just that it was barely there for me. Sort of a nice sweet tea scent… for about seventeen seconds. My skin eats fragrance, but never this bad. I was ready to walk right into L’Occitane and buy one of those 20ml bottles too. Oh well, I have my giant bottle of LO Green Tea, and also still like Eau d’Iparie… and I discovered that I enjoy their Honey & Lemon that day, so the visit wasn’t wasted.
Robin–First, hi Robin! I’m a new poster but a long time lurker! I don’t like sweet scents either, but I absolutely did not find this overwhelmingly so. For me, this is so incredibly close to the scent of black tea leaves that if you like that scent, there’s not really a way for you to not like this one.
Joe–I thought this would be a light whisper of a scent and actually bought the 20 ml because I figured I would be toting it around and reapplying. On me, however, this lasts and lasts, albeit close to the skin. Shame it doesn’t do the same for everyone else, as I wouldn’t mind smelling this around town!
Joe, it seemed to vanish on me at first, but then kept resurfacing. Might just need heavier application? Ah well, never hurts to cut a few off the list anyway…there are plenty of tea scents to be had!
Valentine, hi and welcome! I will definitely give the L’Occitane a shot.
I hope you feel better, Robin — naps are definitely an excellent cure for whatever ails you!
SOTD: Philosykos, only because I feel rotten and headache-y and frazzled and need something sweet and undemanding and nice to me, unlike everything else today.
First item of news: I got a sheet of those French chocolate stamps from eBay! I actually got them for my father, who wrote a book about the history of chocolate and wants to mention them in the next edition (thank you so much, Robin — he never would have known about them if I hadn’t forwarded the NST newsflash!). They look great, but the smell is a bit disappointing — very faint, synthetic milk chocolate smell.
Second item: Am I the only one who was unaware of the fragrance graveyards at TJ Maxx and Marshalls? The shelves way at the back with the opened boxes and serious rejects, all DIRT CHEAP? I got a bottle of Bal a Versailles the other day for $3, all because the box was drenched in some nasty coconutty greasy stuff. It’s the EDC, which I realize isn’t the optimum formulation, but 3 bucks was too good to pass up. Has anyone tried the EDC?
I usually scour the fragrance sections at both place, but are you telling me that there is another, hidden area of clearance scent?
Ditto…if there’s another spot, do tell! Not that there’s usually anything at mine anyway, but maybe some day..
Yes! I don’t think all of them have them, but at the ones that do, there’s an area — sometimes tucked away in back of the fragrance/beauty section, sometimes somewhere else — with reject perfumes, leaking body lotions, smushed eye shadows, etc. etc. Sounds unappetizing (and it mostly is), but there are some serious bargains if you’re not too squeamish.
I never have any luck at TJ Maxx. It’s all Liz Claiborne and Britney Spears at MY local store (pouts). I have heard that even the edc of Bal is nice, but I haven’t tried it myself. I have a parfum de toilette mini, and that’s some potent stuff… I have not yet broken out the bottle of parfum I won in a drawing. Of course, it’s been a little too warm lately.
I did find a heavily-discounted gift set of Covet once, but it’s not really in the same class as finding $3 Bal, is it? Yet, hope springs eternal and I always look for something amazing when I go.
After seeing other people’s luck at estate sales and thrift shops, I’m almost tempted to turn into my grandma and start haunting them again.
You’re welcome to shop at the TJMaxx here….it’s loaded with Paris Hilton.
gagging yet?
Ewwww… sounds like the JCPenney’s here. Even more bizarre – I stopped into Ross today and did you know that there is a Bratz EDT? True story.
Mine is all Liz Claiborne (how many variations on Curve can there be??), Liz Taylor, Paris Hilton and Britney, with the occasional Demeter find. Nothing to write home about at all.
Sounds like mine, and then there’s a bunch of stuff thrown in that I’ve never smelled before (nor seen where I *could* smell it). Gres Cabotine (and several other varieties), and nearly always some Bal a Versailles…but never cheap enough to risk unsniffed.
Haha, it’s so funny you mentioned TJMAXX. I just recently started working there. I’m 18 so this makes a nice summer job. But, I had to have “shoplifting spotter lessons” A TJMAXX loses about 1 grand a day due to shoplifters. And the end of the night I found no less than 9 empty boxes of perfume.
I’ve found some great finds there though. I got a bottle of Angel La Rose on clearance for $13
That wouldn’t surprise me at all – you see the gift sets on clearance with items missing all of the time because shoplifters steal pieces of them. The TJ Maxx by my work keeps of the perfume boxes locked up in little plastic prisons and they remove them at the check out. The Ross by the house now locks up all fragrances, which makes it hard to dig through them looking for bargains.
When I bought my Chance gift set the other day, the girl opened the box to check and make sure that I had all of the pieces and noted that they were there on the receipt – apparently, not only to be people steal the fragrances in the store, they buy gift sets and take out the perfume, then return the gift sets and claim that the perfume was missing. She also had to inform me that if I returned the perfume, I also had to return the free gift that came with it – apparently, some yahoos don’t realize this.
Oh my gosh, you mean each single TJ Maxx loses $1,000 a day to shoplifting? Perfume is probably an easy target, since it’s so portable. Sounds like a great summer job, though — you’ll get first dibs on all the good stuff!
Yep, yep. Every TJMAXX loses 1k a day. The company lost 42 million just in handbags last year. 42 MILLION!!! It’s sickening. The best part is first dibs on everything. I love it!
Thank you!
And so glad you got the stamps, and so very sorry to hear they don’t smell wonderful…what a shame!
Thanks Natalie, I have definitely rediscovered naps this past week!
Every TJ Maxx and the like has been a bust for me, but I do have a suggestion for discounted perfume. If you have any outlet malls near you, see if they have an Off Saks Fifth Avenue outlet. Mine always has a ton of perfumes, and while there aren’t any super-gems I think I got my Brit Gold for $15 with their discount plus their weekly coupons. Mine also carries a lot of Caroline Herrera, Escada, Armani, YSL (Baby Doll by the truckload!), etc., but I’m sure with persistence something truly lovely will turn up.
Cool! thanks for the tip….we have one of those not too far away. I’ve never even been in it. But our TJMaxx is sort of a dump and never has anything worthwhile. There might be a Crabtree & Evelyn there too….so I can check for Joe’s Lime….
Joe, thanks for the rec. I’ll definitely give it a try!
Hope you feel better soon Robin. 🙂
Thanks Carlos! I really think I will be 100% by tomorrow.
I was weak, so weak… went to DSH and ordered seven samples! The website is just like a treasure box. Does it count in my favor that I WANTED a bunch of stuff and restrained myself?
I ordered Tobacco Absolute, Mysore Sandalwood (supposed to be a sample of the Real Deal – I want to know if that gorgeous smell I get from the drydown of No. 5 parfum and vintage Arpege extrait is really sandalwood), Hyacinth, and some of her “Designer Duplicate” scents. Now I’m wondering why, oh why, did I order the tobacco one now without waiting for fall… I can always put it away.
More goodies for the To Be Sampled Box!!! Exciting!
I feel like a goober–what’s DSH?
Not a goober! Dawn Spencer Hurwitz http://www.dshperfumes.com/index.asp
Oh, no! More samples to add to The List! Well, at least I get paid soon… Goodbye, money!!
I am testing Jitterbug today, supplied by Lovethescents and recommended for me by Memechose – and am liking it loads. Some DSHs have this weird “house skank note” – Arome d’Egypte” and “Cafe Noir” being two of the worst offenders, but others are totally transporting – Tamarind Paprika, Cimabue, and this one! I can best describe it as having a dreamy, retro feel, like a super light, non-powdery chypre.
My long time wish I had…SL Iris Silver Mist.
My long time wish as well (the bell jar).
Completely off topic. I have just recently returned from a wonderful holiday in Bretagne, Brittany I think it’s called in English. As Dinard wasn’t that far away from where I was staying, I went to visit the Divine shop. It’s very lovely. Quite small. I was, very ably, helped by ( I think) the wife of the founder of the line. I spent over an hour there, discussing perfume and sniffing.
Needless to say I bought three of their perfumes, and actually wouldn’t mind owning all of them. Al in all a memorable experience.
If ever you are in the area, I can highly recommend a visit. They actually sell other perfumes beside their own in the Dinard shop.
I love Divine! I’m so envious you got to go to the shop.
Oh, I love L’Infante. How wonderful that you were able to go! Thanks for sharing that.
Jealous!!! I love L’ame soeur! Probably going to have to order a bottle this fall….it’s on the list. I wanted to host a split but no one else was interested (drat!)
I need to order a sample of this…..jasmine doesn’t always work for me, but if it does, would a split among just the two of us work for you, Daisy?
Absolutely! get a sample and keep in touch! Here’s the contact again…..Daisyloo82@gmail.com 🙂
sometimes I wish we had contact info right up there next to the gravatars…we all clearly need to be able to contact each other!
Some day! That would be great.
really? that’s a possibility? that’d be great!
It was so incredibly nice to be in that shop. She described how they started the line. Dinard is a very pleasant place, but I can understand that people would be surprised that they used it as their ” base”.
The Divine’s I got were: L’homme de coeur, L’être aimé au féminin and L’inspiratrice.
Drooling….drooling….
Oooooh. Haven’t tried any Divines yet.
Back! Back, I say! (cracks whip and brandishes chair) Down, you foolish lemming-beast!
Lemming beastie be not afraid of leetle wooden chair….eatsies chairs for snacking and whippsies only tickles mine furs….
Daisy, clearly we share the same lemming beastie. The threat of Divorce Court is the only thing that keeps mine even remotely tamed! :o)
Oh no!!!! Lemming beastie not likey the sound of Divorce Court….Lemming beastie prefer gentle rustle noisies made by dollars in beeg perfume-dollar-bucket…
Jolie, another NSTer and I are now talking about splitting a bottle of L’ame soeur….possibly in July or August….so get your sample and be really nice to the hubby for a while….bake a pie….I am so not above bribery…and think about splitting a bottle.
If anyone else is interested in getting in on a split of Divine L’ame Soeur….email me…see above
“And bake a pie.” Excellent advice!
Hey, I’m telling ya, pie goes a long ways with the CEO around here….put some ice cream on it and I can ask for ANYTHING
Just perused the comments-interesting and fun to read! I agree with Robin about never wearing fragrance to an interview. Freshly bathed is the best scent in that situation! A candidate who chooses to wear a fragrance takes a risk-the interviewer ends up with a positive or negative impression-why take the chance? My fragrance today is Kelly Caleche, and I enjoyed it all day. A couple of my favorite “cheap” fragrances are Love’s Fresh Lemon and Miss Fenjal. Speaking of fragrances by Love, does anyone out there know of a source where I could find vintage Eau de Love?
I am completely warming up to Kelly Caleche – it has gone from a meh to I think I need a bottle in about 3 tries. Fun when that happens!
Yeah – glad it found a good home!
Wow !! I haven’t worn Love’s Fresh Lemon for about 40 years–but I do remember it fondly. My current fave for low cost scent is Pacifica’s Blood Orange and a Caudelie scent that was 75% off at my B&BW (I think I paid about six bucks for it !)))–love it !
Anyone with a weakness for the old Love’s Fresh Lemon should try the C.O. Bigelow Lemon. I’ve been layering the lemon cream body wash, lotion & eau de parfum. Summery bright refreshing citrus. It’s a nice awakener in the shower & sometimes when it’s 100 degrees or close to it for three or four months on end something light is a nice change.
SOTD = on my right wrist Les Nez Turtle Vetiver and on my left wrist Chanel Sycomore – both from YESTERDAY!! And no matter what I do, I can’t get rid of them, so needless to say, I didn’t apply anything else today. Both are very straight up vetiver and nothing else on me. The Sycomore did have a little dead, rotting flower going on yesterday before going back to the straight vetiver drydown.
It is amazing how long vetiver can last. Lucky for me, I love it. And love both of those fragrances…sounds like you did not!
I love vetiver essential oil (use it in massage and energy work), but just can’t see paying these prices to get it in a fragrance! What I’m looking for in the “perfect” vetiver for me is something a bit more floral than these two (can’t figure out the dead flower smell in Sycomore as there are no floral notes listed), but not as floral (or as sharp) as Guerlain’s Vetiver Pour Elle.
Well, there may well be floral notes in Sycomore…they don’t always list everything. But trying to think of a vetiver with noticeable floral but less so than in Guerlain’s Vetiver Pour Elle & coming up blank…hope someone else will chime in!
Geez, I’m late to this party. That’s what happens when work gets in the way of perfume.
Robin, I hope you’re feeling better soon.
I became a Homer Simpson drooling idiot at the Ava Luxe sale and bought a number of things (including a few that are cold weather things, which means I won’t get to wear them until November!).
All you lucky TJMaxx shoppers! The one near me has what look like Kohl’s leftovers. I’ve given up on them. But I really want to try the L’Occitane tea frag, so must drive to the big city one weekend soon. Also craving Pacifica Lotus Garden which is a blast of lovely mango.
Do you have a Marshalls? Sometimes I have better luck there than at TJ Maxx. I’ve found some good deals at Stein Mart, too – but you do have to check fairly frequently and the awesome finds are few and far between.
I’ll have to check that out – thanks!
Thank you! And cracked up at “Kohl leftovers” 🙂
WHAT?! Ava Luxe had or is having a sale??? My wallet is hoping past tense but my nose is hoping present tense. Now Ava Luxe is a GREAT value for the quality. And a sale…. Oh la la! Such a great range too. Navigating my browser over there right this minute…
and you were laughing at me……
Joe, do sign up on Serena’s email list. She never bothers you with email junk, just lets you know when products are back in stock and when she’s having a sale! This one was only for 2 or 3 days.
Thanks, A. I just did so last night… sometimes I forget to sign up for emailing lists, and since I just ordered from her at Xmas I assumed I might be on her mailing list. Ah well, next time. But I love Ava Luxe and encourage everyone to explore her range.
Marshall’s and TJ Maxx are hit or miss. It depends on the store. There was one near where I used to work that always had an AMAZING selection (one that I didn’t fully appreciate at the time). The one ten minutes from my house? Nothing. On a good day, they have lots of second-rate flankers that I’ve never even heard of. I don’t know if some of them get better stock, or if it’s just the ones in bigger cities sell out faster.
It definitely depends on the store — I have four TJMs near me, and only one of them ever has anything interesting. Even then, you have to hit it on the right day (somehow Tuesdays have always been lucky for me — forget weekends).
Oh, and mourning what appears to be the discontinuance of PdN Eau Exotique. Lee over at Perfume Posse had mentioned a few weeks ago that he thought it was disappearing. It’s gone from the PdN website, and I think I bought the last bottle beautyhabit had, because it’s vanished from there too. Sad.
Oh, I was afraid of that. Shame, I adore it.
Hi, I was wondering if anyone knows where to find Andy Tauer in the NYC area. They stopped carrying his line at Aedes 🙁 Thanks!
They stopped carrying it, or they’re out of it? I was just there a couple of weeks ago and … OK, I was so distracted by all the yummy stuff I hadn’t yet tried that I can’t remember for the life of me if I saw any Tauers!
As far as I know, the only other place in the U.S. that carries his line is Luckyscent, or you could order directly from him in Switzerland (often just as quick and can work out comparably on the price, although you won’t get Luckyscent’s free sample selection!). I think Perfume Shoppe in Canada also carries it.
Nasrin at The Perfume Shoppe has the full range of Tauers now and her prices are wonderful. She’s just got in a bunch of the new 15ml Rose Chyprees too: wheeeeeeeee!!!!!!!
She mails out around the world and provides wonderful personal service to her loyal customers. I wish I had frequent flyer points there. Oh, she’s got The Different Company in, now, too, as well as Amouage, Parfumerie Generale, biehl, Montale. . .I really need to win the lottery/learn how to rob banks. . . 🙂
Rose Chypree is one drop dead gorgeous scent!
Love the Une Rose Chypree! And Naz is the dearest, isn’t she? I need a direct line to her shop….and direct deposit too…sigh
I hear you on the sigh. . .Sigh. . . 🙂
Hope you feel better soon, Robin. I had the same problem early on when I was expecting in both cases, foolishly dabbing on a huge swipe of BPAL’s Strawberry Moon before I knew of the most recent one. I still cringe at the memory and couldn’t go near any of my perfumes for weeks. Sleep always seems to help, and I hope you’re back to sampling and sniffing soon!
FOTD is Angel, after reading the Avril review, and yes, the body oil is beautiful. Sometimes I just wear that, spritzing a bit in my hair, when it’s really hot outside but I’m still craving Angel and don’t want to commit perfume warfare against those around me. 🙂
For guilty pleasures, I have a fondness for Vanilla Fields since it came out when I was in high school and it reminds me of spending time with friends who also wore it. I do have a few Escadas as well. They’re a lovely little summer pick-me-up when I don’t want anything too heavy… or lasting. DH happened by someone wearing Ciara and he loved it, and when he first bought me a bottle, I couldn’t stand it and left it behind when we moved. I’ve since bought a stronger strength and have discovered if sprayed very lightly, it’s a gorgeous spice and vanilla fragrance perfect to wear right before bed. I also like the memories of my mother wearing Charlie. It was a pretty and rather quiet floral on her since she never overdid it. I just can’t wear it myself.
Daisy, I’d love to go in for a split of Divine’s L’ame soeur. It’s reminiscent of No. 5 and just stunningly classy and beautiful. Without a doubt it’s my second favorite in the line next to L’Inspiratrice, though I adore each and every one. I bought L’homme de Coeur as a Father’s Day gift for DH and probably wear it as often as he does. 🙂
My last fb purchase was C. O. Bigelow’s Lemon EDP, which is lovely but has pretty poor staying power. But for the buy two, get two half off sale they were having, and for a 3.5 ounce bottle, I can apply as needed and it is a pretty lovely straight lemon scent with just a hint of musk in the dry-down. I also managed to score a 1.7 bottle of Eclix off Evilbay around the same time, and have been drooling over the following, only now I’m worried about getting scammed again (my scam bottle was Escada Ibiza Hippie), and I don’t know enough about NR’s history to know if the set’s legit.
http://cgi.ebay.com/NARCISO-RODRIGUEZ-MUSC-OIL-HER-PURSE-PERFUME-SET-3-PCS-_W0QQitemZ320352437199QQcmdZViewItem
Does anyone know if this actually existed or if it is, in fact, way too good to be true? I’ve recently fallen hard for NR for Her, and this looks like an ideal set…
The No. 5 looks great. I’ve worn both the edt and edp, and adored the edp. I can only imagine what the parfum must be like…
It sure looks legit to me…
I visited Scent Bar (Lucky Scent) in person this week. Of course, I had great sniffing experience. And of course, brought at home new bottle – PdE Aziyade and few new lemmings. Now I can wait Perfume Expo in 2 weeks.
Oh, what fun, and congrats on your new bottle!
Horrible thought: second quarter is almost over, and I don’t think I’ve kept up with my “how much I’ve spent” excel file… I’d better recheck it. I’m doing better than first quarter, but not substantially better. I DID get stuff that was more fab this go-round, though, and some of it was super deals… some not so super.
I think that I’m terrified of keeping a spreadsheet to track perfume purchases … although maybe if I tracked the free samples too, it would make me feel better. Of course, I also usually spend something to get the “free” samples, so maybe not.
I just started keeping a perfume journal today so I can keep track of what I’ve tried and what I think of it during the top note, heart, and dry down phases – including sillage and lasting power. My first entry is about Mitsouko – I had to make it good, I’m not making my first entry about Heiress or something else heinous.
Does this mean that I’ve entered the full-blown perfumania stage? Is there a 12-step program that I’ll have to enter at some point?
Well, I think we decided at some point that step 1 is that we are powerless over our perfume addiction and step 2 is we don’t care and we’re not going to try to get better.
I have 2 Excel sheets – one for perfume I am trying and one for perfume I want to try. It’s always a bit exciting to erase one from the want and add it to the have. Unfortunately most of the samples I actually end up with have nothing to do with what is on the want list. Too much outside interference! I don’t have one for keeping track of FB purchases and hopefully I’ll be able to figure that out when the time comes.
Whew – I just decanted a bunch of samples and is my poor nose ever confused! Blech.
Yup, I’m completely down with the 2-step program.
“Step 2 is we don’t care.” I love it!
SOTD = Cacharel Eden; purchased on LT&TS high recommendation unsniffed. I love it so — esp. to wear to bed with the windows open when it rains. It’s got some sillage which is interesting in a “green.”
Lucky that you turn out to love it! I don’t do so well buying unsniffed usually.
Just wanted to say that I think I’ve converted my friends and family to some of these “niche” type fragrances I’ve started getting into (mostly from this blog, so thank-you to everyone or maybe not looking at my bank balance). Some months ago the first comment I posted was on an open thread where I was lamenting the fact that no-one liked the new scents I was getting into. I remember Robin responding with something like “well if you want compliments wear Aqua Di Gio!”. But that wasn’t really my point – I think I was just disappointed that no-one seemed to recognize how unique and amazing these fragrances were. But I still wore them anyway and now, strangely enough, people in close proximity always comment on how nice I smell and I’ll be wearing SL Borneo or 5 o’clock au Gingembre or CdG Kyoto or something like that and these were the ones that absolutely hated months ago! Once again, it’s not about the compliments, for me it’s just cool that people around me are starting to appreciate them almost as much as I am.
Whew anyway, that was a rather long, boring and completely irrelevant comment, so feel free to ignore it!
Hey, nice that your persistence paid off. I hope I wasn’t too flippant originally…I think getting compliments just isn’t something I worry about much.
“Wear it for you.” 🙂 The best advice I ever got. Life’s too short to care what others think.
Agreed Kitty! And that’s why I continued to wear them regardless and probably due largely to this online community which gave me the confidence to do so.
Not too flippant at all, Robin, I think the only thing I was peeved about was being perceived as some sort of desperate compliment monger, where that is far from the case. I think I was just a little surprised at the negative and revolted responses I was getting from those around me (those up close who happened to get a waft) – the screwed up noses, the “eww what’s THAT you’re wearing” type of thing. So I think I was just trying to understand why people were so repulsed by them when I wasn’t. Anyway…
Gotcha. Still, very sorry if I didn’t respond reasonably to a reasonable comment….and even if all you were after was compliments, I still wouldn’t think you were desperate. The reason most people wear fragrance, after all, is to smell good to others.
No, please there’s no need to apologize even if I was slightly miffed at the time I got over it in about 2 seconds. At the end of the day, I really love this site and appreciate and applaud you for all the work and dedication you give to it (even when you’re sick!).
See, you have to learn to use that to your advantage… For instance, just today I took my son to a crowded kiddie event at the library, so I doused myself with Bandit, and voilà — plenty of room around us!
LOL Lilydale – that’s a great idea! I’ve heard/read alot about Bandit but have yet to sample it. I have to tell you I’m becoming very intrigued by the whole thing.
LOL! Now *that* is sheer brilliance! Taking notes…
HA! you are educating and converting them without them even being aware of your evil plan! I love it!
Oh, btw, you smell fantastic!
LOL Daisy – I love being evil.
Good for you! A lot of it has to do with retraining the nose and brain. If you ate really boring food or drink your whole life, you probably would find great and challening food strange at first too. I know this makes me a total robo-nerd, but the whole thing about developing the nose and coming around to more complex and interesting fragrances — seeing the light! — reminds me of Plato and the cave analogy.
That’s my theory too AnnS (well I’m not sure about the Plato analogy because I’m pretty dumb and have never read/heard about it but I’m very curious to hear it!) and even my wife commented to me the other day, “I think my nose is changing” then demanded I get her a bottle of SL Ambre Sultan (I had a sample).
I think that Ann hit the nail on the head with her food analogy – there are a lot of foods that I didn’t like as a child or younger woman, but I’ve grown to love them as my palate developed. The exact same thing has happened to me with perfume in that some of the things that I used to like (My Insolence and Pink Sugar, I’m talking to you), I now find absolutely repulsive. On the other hand, some things that I didn’t like or dismissed as being “old lady” scents, I really love. I figure that in another six months, I’m going to try Bvlgari Black again and see if I can finally smell something besides burnt rubber.
I’m with you Cynthia, I gave away my bottle of black (got it for $20 at Target would you believe) cause I found it strangely unwearable but still a bit interesting. My brother in law liked it at least, he wore it to death.
And yes, I find Ann’s theory to be very true too. I think many people are simply used to smelling more mainstream scents and are at first a bit taken back by the “uniqueness” of more niche ones. Seriously some people’s reactions I’ve witnessed almost looked as if I’d slapped them in the face! And this from a brief sniff of L’air du desert morocain! Seriously it’s not like I just rubbed a piece of poo on my neck is it?
Anyway, I’m rambling, I know to stop typing when the word ‘poo’ appears.
I just tried some new samples from Luckyscent and fell in love with Parfumie Generale’s Eau de Circe. I may have to get a full bottle. Reviews on Makeup Alley have compared it to Gucci Rush, which I’ve never tried. That’s a bit disappointing… anybody know about these?
My lemming is for the full bottle of Bois 1920’s Come la Luna… I’ve gone through about 3 sample vials from Luckyscent and am about ready to break down and get the whole thing. (Plus, I love their bottles.)
Sorry, I do not remember Circe well at all. But on the Comme la Luna, if you’ve gone through 3 samples it might be time to break down!
I have bottles of Rush and Eau de Circe, and they are very, very close. I find Eau de Circe a little fresher and prettier, but it’s uncanny how similar they are; even in a side-by-side, wrist-to-wrist comparison, it’s hard to tell one from the other. Of course, I’d rather put my money on PG than Gucci. . . 🙂
Robin – sorry to hear you’ve been illin’. Being sick in the summer seems so much worse than in the winter.
I was testing Bond No. 9 Fire Island on one wrist and Coney Island on the other yesterday and kind of liked how they went together. It was a summer uber-fragrance in a good way… suntan lotion, sand, surf, and margaritas.
It does seem worse, doesn’t it? Like being ripped off, LOL…
Sounds like a great summer mix!
Ms, Daisy, saw your replies below; the sample is on the way!
Somehow, several other samples jumped in to my shopping cart…vintage Mitsouko, Coco Parfum, Feminite de Bois, Attrape-Couer, a few Carons…how does this HAPPEN????
I went in for a dadgum three and one-half dollar sample, which is a not unreasonable purchase, even by DH’s standards, and somehow I am right around one hundred dollars in the red before I check out. My husband will no doubt cite TPC and Posh Peasant in the divorce proceedings……
Has any one in the history of online perfume purchasing ever gotten just the one sample they in went for??
The Lemming Beastie has a wicked, wicked cousin named Shopping Cart Siren, methinks.
LOL —-samples are like chips—who can stop with just one? I am proud of myself if I can keep it under $50…..have you ever gotten samples from Aedes? They have a nice sample program.
Did you get the L’ame soeur sample?
oh, duh ….first line: I see you did order your sample—open threads are great but I have trouble keeping up reading fast, typing fast, backtracking to follow up on previous conversations…
Jolie—if you want to email me , I have some info. about splitting L’ame Soeur….but I can tell you here that we can do a split 50ml for $65….66.75 with insurance. Just something to keep in mind while sampling.
One sample??? hahahahahahahahahahaha
I have to buy enough to justify the shipping costs, at least!
I am the same way at quilt shops – I tell people about my pack of needles that wound up costing $75.
Well, now…you have to make the shipping cost worthwhile, don’t you? I’ve never set out to buy just one sample. I’ve really liked Aedes’s sample program, and there have been a few other really good deals. As far as TPC…I go a little nuts, but end up taking things back out of the cart, bc once I hit a certain $ level, I realize it would almost buy me a FB of something.
What does anyone here feel about Gucci Envy. I had some time to kill in Sephora and tried it and was shocked how much I liked it. But sometimes when I go back a second time I’m over it. Any fans of this out there?
I have a sample of it, and so far, I really like it. In fact, I nearly suggested it to Krok above as a good interview scent. To me, it has a sort of business-like crispness, but feminine too. On me, at least, it’s very green…and I like green! I also liked Gucci by Gucci.
Sniffed it on a strip last weekend — somehow thought it was going to be very loud, but instead it was pleasant and summery. Not quite right for me, but still…
i forgot to spray myself on the way out the door yesterday…and felt naked not smelling like anything but body wash and hair product.
i’m so bored with my collection…but i’m trying to be frugal for the time being.
the plan is to be utterly tacky, and douse myself with the A*Men Pure Malt at Dillard’s at the mall i work at. ever since i checked it out a few weeks ago I’ve been thinking about it.
on a final note…as i was drying my hair, i noticed that somehow i’d gotten Parfum d’Empire Cuir Ottoman on my towel…and was delighted…and mashed my face into the towel like a Febreeze commercial for a good 5 minutes. lol
Good luck being frugal! I’ve done very well the last month, but have the urge to buy something.
And sounds like you’re not totally bored with your collection given your reaction to the Cuir Ottoman 😉
perhaps bored is too strong a word…i’m just not inspired to wear anything i have currently.
but Cuir Ottoman will always have a special place in my heart, even if i’m tired of it for the moment. 😛
good luck back at ya on being frugal, robin. it’s difficult, and temptation is strong. i’m really itching to buy several fragrances (wode, escentric 02, musc ravageur, black orchid…and some sort of reasonable-to-wear-for-a-man tuberose, or white floral…and my to-sample list is ever-growing. what’s a boy to do?).
I love that image of you mashing your face into the towel! I’ve done that before when picking up a shirt from the day before (probably off the middle of the floor where I tossed it just prior to diving into bed—who can be neat at midnight?) I swear, some perfumes almost smell better the next day! Sometimes I’m tempted to put that shirt right back on!
I saw there were 471 comments and assumed everyone was wishing Robin better health! Hope you feel better soon.
I always laugh because her so-called “lazy” day polls surely end up being more work than any of the other posts — no “laziness” involved! So many comments to slog through!
LOL…yeah, but you guys have lots of conversations as well — I don’t have to answer all 471!
I just finished watching “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” with my sisters. What do think Jessica Rabbit would wear? It has to reek of sex appeal.
L’Artisan’s Fleur de Carotte!
LOL! That made my day! Or night really…. 😛
And of course these were the first things that came to mind for me:
https://nstperfume.com/2009/06/15/brooklyn-bunny-lettuce-apple-new-fragrances/
Not much sex appeal though, IMO.
Well, maybe not to you, but you’re not a RABBIT….might have worked wonders for Roger.
here’s something worth smelling and writing about: IN RED by Armand Basi. Unfortunatelly I don’t have the skill to define the notes but I found myself sniffing the piece of paper all night. Tried to look for the perfume online but found that the bottle looks different than the one I tried, I have to go to the shops and check again.
Armand Basi is very hard to find in the US, unfortunately…sounds nice though!
I’m enjoying my new sample of Sonoma Scent Studios’ Tabac Aurea. I like the clarity of the notes, and the staying power. Usually woods don’t work on me, and I start to smell like a musty cedar closet, but the cedar and sandlewood in this are just enough and not overwhelming.
I was wondering if someone who is familiar with the original Caron Tabac Blond has also smelled it, and can comment on the similarity or difference between the two.
Hope someone else will chime in…I haven’t gotten to the SSS yet.
I just saw that Lolita Lempicka sells her limited edition of the first fragrance called Transcendent Sin and also of the L de Lolita Lempicka called The Heart Catcher at 760 euros! She also started her own gourmand eshop .For now you can buy teas,cookies,and chocolate,and soon some teapots.
I saw that gourmet shop — looks interesting!
My SOTD is Graisse du Bacon… I just got done making father’s day brunch. 😉 Think I’m going to head back downstairs and drink a mimosa, then it will be shower time and then L de Lolita Lempicka. Smells like summer to me.
My first post here, so hello everyone! I look forward to getting to know everyone better.
Hi and welcome, and hey — bacon works! Have a great Father’s Day 🙂
Well your Graisse du Bacon will certainly make you popular with the menfolk….in fact according to The Guide, it is the one fragrance guaranteed to drive men wild.
It’s true….I’ve heard “do I smell bacon?” many many more times than I’ve heard “do I smell rose?” and with more eagerness as well!
Well, Robin, I hope our hundreds of comments did not give you a relapse! I just went through that sickness myself – no fun and hope you are 100% SOON!
I am 98% today, thanks!
Wow Robin —over 500 comments, is that a record? My goodness but sometimes we’re a chatty group! btw, I adore the open threads–so much fun ! And especially nice to tide us over on the weekends.
I think it’s a record, yes!
It’s monday. Nevertheless, I’m wearing L’Artisan’s “L’Eau de Jatamansi” – my most summery fragrance, I love it!
Last one I tried and hated… I think it must have been Hermés’ “Un jardin apres….” (forget the name). Sharp, unpleasant, hard, bah!
I really enjoy reading this blog, and registered today 🙂
Hi Bibitry, and welcome!
Guessing that was Apres La Mousson.
Thank you 🙂
I’m guessing you’re guessing correctly 😀
I am still struggling to find decanting supplies in Europe. The last time I mentioned the subject, someone recommended a site in Holland, but they turned out only to have bottles of 25ml, and you had to place a humungous order. Even finding somewhere this side of the pond that sells glass vials with dippers is a challenge. I get my gear from the US, but have to pay duty on it that is nearly as much as the value of the order, plus it languishes at the customs office for weeks. If I knew how big the European market was ie perfumistas who do a bit of decanting over here, I would know if it is a business I should be getting into myself! If there are 12000 people who look at NST (I saw somewhere, and 2000 of those were in Europe, maybe only a hundred of us actually decant. Who knows. I lobbed in a question to the European sub forum of Basenotes, but never got a reply, possibly because there are too few people in Europe, period!
Wish I could help but I’ve no idea. Your best bet would be to post this query again at the beginning of an open thread when more people are reading though…
i have been sick too, but for some reason i have been wearing ‘sweet’ non woody scents like profumum aqua di zucchero, anne pliska. the chicken soup of fragrance? at least i can smell them
Hope you’re better by now!
I have been using Chanel Eau Premiere and i have to say, it’s been my favorite for the last 2 weeks:)
Nothing but compliments and my husband loves it!
It’s so well done. I don’t love it but I can see why many people do.