As Johnny Cash famously sang at Folsom Prison, I'm busted. At the end of the month, my hours at work will be cut back a third, leaving me to scramble for freelance work to make up the gap. And I'm one of the lucky ones. Some of my coworkers have been laid off. Many of you are undoubtedly feeling the recession's pinch, too. We're eating beans and rice, turning down invitations to go out, and forgoing two-ply toilet paper for whatever's on sale. I can pass up a new pair of shoes without missing a beat, and although I enjoy eating out, I'm happy to cook at home. What really gets me down is knowing that, for now anyway, new perfume is out of the question.
Right now, I'm longing for a bottle of Hermès Bel Ami. Plus, I just know that an earthy, dry jasmine fragrance (any suggestions?) would change my life. A non-perfume lover who stumbled on this post might say, "Boo hoo, no perfume. Well, I can't pay my mortgage." I can't argue with that. But I do live an unusually thrifty life compared to that of most Americans: no cable, no cell phone, no gym membership, and my car has been paid off since 1986. (Yes, you read that right.) Nearly all my wardrobe is culled from thrift shops and vintage clothing stores, I bicycle whenever I can, and even my cat came from the Humane Society with a 30 percent discount. Perfume is my great extravagance.
And yet what a rich life I — and probably you, perfume lover — live. I've learned that it's much more rewarding to have fewer and more satisfying things. One good farm egg is worth three factory-produced eggs. My walls are lined with art that friends have made, every book on my shelves means something to me, and my bedsheets are lined-dried, thick cotton muslin. My nightly bath in the clawfoot tub that used to be a planter in my neighbor's yard is more relaxing than all the facials fancy spas around town might offer.
Many of the Now Smell This readers that I've met have rich lives, too, that have little to do with spending a lot of money. One reader makes a luxurious shea butter cream that could sell in a fancy boutique, but she gives it to friends. Another reader has a startling sense of color and beauty and creates stunning knitted wire jewelry. She also makes delicious Indian food. Yet another reader I was lucky to meet in New York has an enviable knowledge of the city. Every corner seemed to hold stories for her.
Perfume can teach us to focus, to appreciate, if we let it. In relaxing into a spritz of Christian Dior Miss Dior or Guerlain L'Heure Bleue we learn to pay attention to what is in front of us rather than flit off to the next sensation. Loving perfume has tempted me to gather as many scents as I can to enjoy. But it's also taught me to concentrate on the beauty and full development of one fragrance at a time. Or one pleasure at a time.
My perfume cabinet holds more perfume than I'll ever be able to use. It's challenging times like these that remind me to slow down and appreciate what I already have. Bel Ami isn't going away any time soon. Meanwhile, it's time to revisit those Jean Patous.
What a wonderful post Angela. Your point about perfume making one focus on the moment, just that moment, is true and profound. By some extraordinary coincidence the perfume I’m wearing is Bel Ami, reminds me of turpentine, which also reminds me of my grandmother who was an artist, which makes me thrilled to be living this moment. Had to post that.
What a coincidence! I love the smell of turpentine. I used to work at an art college and the smell permeated the studios.
Yes, turps is full of memories for me…linseed oil and turpentine!
YES! The smell of Turpentine, cigarette smoke, ganja, liquor and Linseed Oil transports me right back to the early 70’s – when I was a young girl standing at my Father’s waist, watching him paint. Ah, the 70’s were so unique! 😀
So evocative!
Very nice piece, Angela. I, too, may need to economize a bit in a couple of months when a six-percent salary reduction kicks in. Not much, I know, but perhaps enough to make a difference. The great loves of my life are perfume and good food (so, no rice and beans for me! although I *do* make a great bean stew with Spanish jamón and saffron rice…).
I was just saying to a perfume friend the other day that we can wait… the new Amouages and the Spiritueuse Double Vanille will still be there in the future. I’ve been on a buying frenzy lately even if it’s “just” decants and splits, but it’s caused a bit of anxiety and I really have wanted to ratchet back and ENJOY all the things I own. I could get so much mileage out of my sample pile it’s not even funny. Economic hard times or not, it’s good once in awhile to have a “reality check” and remember that not everything needs to be tried *right now* just because “everyone” is talking about it. There’s always something to be said for slowing down, in my opinion. Thanks for the timely reminder.
I really can’t complain, money-wise, either. I have full health insurance, and I’ve always been able to find freelance work when I’ve needed it. In fact, as you say, this is a good reminder to dig into my pile of samples, too. It’s ridiculous how many samples I have begging to be tried again!
Joe, you’re right on the slowing down and really enjoying what we already have. (I just said that to Daisy last week… and what did I go and do but order a bunch of samples at TPC this weekend?) But my PLAN… yes, I do have one!… my PLAN is to spend the rest of this month wearing what I own. Any “Ooh, I gotta have that!” items that arise out of my sampling will go on the Wait Until September list.
A Wait Until September list is a brilliant idea!
Yup, the Wait Until September List…..I’m glad I have you guys to talk me down when I get all frothing about the mouth over new perfume.
Just remember that the thing that appears on the scene after frothy-mouth is…. the straitjacket. Muwahahahaa. 😉
then I suppose it’s a really good thing that I didn’t mention my eyes rolling back in my head when I saw those lurvely green Amouage bottles, now isn’t it?
Daisy, those green bottles were a mirage. The heat just got to you — you saw nothing.
I know. Those green bottles are killing me, too.
Angela–You are an amazing woman!
Thank you for reminding us that life should be savored and that we are richest when we focus on what is truly meaningful: good friends, an understanding family, timeless books, good music, wholesome food…and a treasured perfume collection!
Hugs to you!
One of the good things to come out of the recession, I hope, is a reminder to everyone that the best things in life really don’t cost a lot of money. That is, once food, shelter, and healthcare are taken care of. For instance, the library is a marvel of free goodness. A walk with the dog, coffee with a friend–all next to free!
Hi Angela! What a wonderfully-written article.
I agree, I think there’s something about people who enjoy the pleasure of the moment, whatever it may be. I look at my my perfume bottles and think, I can make due with what I have.
By the way, how about Vento di Fiori by Bois 1920 for the dry jasmine? It’s got notes of cardamom, tarragon, jasmine, galbanum, patchouli, amber, oak moss, musk, Siberian birch?
Hey, I have a sample of that one, too! Thanks for the suggestion.
I truly enjoyed your post. Sometimes it seems that the perfume lover’s hobby is a collector’s hobby–people focus on the next acquisition, sometimes just the next interesting thing to smell, but often the next interesting bottle or sample to buy. You’ve reminded us that that may be fine for awhile, but what really brought you into the game was the moment of enjoying the scent itself. I’m sure you have a fine collection already, just waiting to be experienced.
You’re so right about the battling urges of acquiring more and enjoying what I have. I have a ridiculous amount of perfume. Really, I don’t need any more to enjoy scent as long as I live (except some Bel Ami, of course. And maybe a jasmine).
Might I suggest, with great reservation, that you hold a sale of some of your less considered purchases? I
realise this is heresy of the highest order, but, I, a self-confessed perfumaholic, managed to sell a wapping 32 bottles recently and raised, in some cases, considerably more than the cost price- eBay is a wonderful place.
I managed to raise enough to get me a bottle of Roja Dove Semi-bespoke No.5 for £1,000 and have never looked back.
I know I lost some things that were very precious to me, but if I haven’t worn them in over a year…
Bold times need bold measures….
I’ve thought about it. Plus, I have a few vintage items that could raise some $$, too (red Bonnie Cashin bag, I’m looking at you). I have a habit of giving away bottles that I don’t wear rather than swapping them, but it might be time to, at least, look at the wikisplits site. Maybe this evening I’ll fortify myself with a glass of wine and survey my perfume cabinet. Surely I can let go of a few…
Wow, congrats to you on clearing out the less-loved of your wardrobe. I have very few “mistake” full bottles, but several “mistake” mini bottles – ebay might be the place to unload most of them. Even if I don’t break even on them, they won’t be sitting around mocking my stupidity, and I won’t have to continue feeling guilty about them.
Minis are so swappable, too.
Can you remind me which one that is? I have a scent strip of No 5 but can barely detect it any more. Is it one with aldehydes?
Dear Angela,
I was thinking the very same thing-that perfume is an extravagance I have a hard time curbing. It does so much for my mood and sense of pleasure. I have been contemplating buying Jo Malone White Jasmine and Mint and the new E.L. Jasmine and White Moss.
Part of my internal confusion is—do I think about summer, fall samples (I have time in the summer to try them)? I lose track of what samples I have, and which ones I’ve tried.
Your post made me reflect on what i have. Thank you.!
The new EL is nice, don’t you think? I sprayed some on the other day as I walked through Nordstrom. It’s always nice, though, to appreciate what you have.
Dear Angela,
If I had more than a tiny toy sample of Bel Ami I would give you some just for this lovely post!
As for Jasmine, have you smelled Caron’s 3rd Man, its amazing!
I haven’t tried Third Man for ages. Thanks for the recommendation!
A fabulous, insightful essay! I really enjoyed this, and I think so much pleasure / knowledge / etc. can be had from simply paying attention. Thanks for touching on that.
You’re welcome. I find that I always have to remind myself to pay attention, but that it’s always worth it.
Even though I started with a perfume hobby” only a few months ago, I already accumulated about 10 years worth of ‘juice’ (calculated using NST’s own “Perfume for Life” reference guide). I have about 3 years worth of samples alone (!)
As others said, it’s sometimes hard to slow down and stop pining for something new or what people are talking about. That said, I’ve had great fun lately trading samples on BaseNotes. Not only for the cost savings (which is considerable — these little samples do add up), but also to prevent blind buying of full bottles or even forestall bottle/decant purchases — such as in “why should I buy a bottle, if I cannot finish a 2 ml sample?”
It’s also fun to get to know people. And nothing compares to padded envelopes showing up in your mailbox!
I’ve met fabulous people thanks to perfume. Plus, trying new things and ripping open those padded envelopes sure is fun, you’re right!
I agree, Kess. It’s a pleasure trading samples and getting to know a bit about our fellow perfume lovers. That kind of networking is almost free and quite rewarding!
Hi Kess
Totally agree about the fun of swapping. I have been doing it intensively for the past three weeks and my office looks like Jiffy Bag Central. I have also met some great characters through this side of the hobby whom I would love to construct a road trip through the US to go and meet – joining the dots of all my swaps, as it were. I could even see it getting to the point where the mailing of scent became incidental! : – )
Flittersniffer / VM
Definitely stop by my house–I’d love to see you.
You bet! I have managed trips to Seattle and the NW generally in the past, but those were in my pre-perfumista days. I would have quite a different set of “must see” sighs next time round, and Angela Towers would be one of them, for sure!
Eeek! I pressed “post comment” before I could retrofit the “t”!
O.K., I’m counting on a visit, then….
Thanks for putting yourself out in the open Angela! I also have been cutting back and trying to save more, though I didn’t spend much as it is. My only luxuries have been eating out once in a while and now that I’m bringing lunch to work, colognes are my only spending habit haha. I have been trying to build a collection I will like but I seem to enjoy the hunt more then the pleasure of scent these days so I should take times like these and enjoy what I have. I’m also on the hunt for a good deal on Hermes Bel Ami! I wonder how it smells – after getting Equipage I’ve wanted to get a classic Hermes – I’ve even been selling perfumes I don’t wear anymore to clear my wardrobe haha ;0 Good luck to ya Angela 🙂
Sounds like we have a lot in common! Be sure to try a sample of Bel Ami before you buy–it’s a little bit stranger than Equipage.
Angela, your pieces always have a way of making me think. I really appreciate that about your writing. And yet… there’s a certain irony in the title, since this sounds more like a celebration than a lament. 🙂 Sorry you’re feeling the pinch of the recession, but so glad you can look on the bright side!
Hey, I’m the eternal optimist. It’s one of the best survival techniques. And really I’m pretty darn lucky.
Optimism is a great asset, isn’t it? I can recommend it as both powerful and protective. Thank you, Angela, for this article. For me, it served as an intelligent reminder to appreciate and focus on what I have now. I spend altogether too much time looking toward the future, and the “todays” go “poof” before I realize they were here. If that makes any sense, LOL!
I know just what you mean. One of my friends calls it “future tripping” and I love that term.
“Future tripping” is perfect! It’s an insidious illness, I think.
What a wonderful article!
I DO think we perfumistas know how to live, and live well, regardless of our financial circumstances at any given time.
And I drive a 1986 Toyota pick-up! I haven’t had a car payment since 1988.
We are so cool with our ancient pick up trucks! Mine actually first belonged to my brother, and I didn’t get it until 1995 or 1996. But it has served me well.
I haven’t been able to buy any perfume in a long time >_______>
There’s this jacket that BoA has that I neeeed and last night I was reading an article about GD’s ~*style*~ it tuns out he has the same jacket… and it is Galliano which means I’ll be ever to get it eveeeerr >___<. So I decided that I have to buy a bottle of perfume to make myself feel better.
but I still can't buy something too expensive.
btw, which NST-er makes delicious Indian food?
So, what perfume are you going to buy? A Gaultier? Too bad about the jacket. The Indian good cook is someone who comments here from time to time, Dewey Eyed.
Nice post Angela and sorry to hear about your job situation. I think I will soon be in the crowd that is fortunate enough to be working but will have a negative salary situation, so I am seriuosly considering a wind down. But life goes on and things are still well. Who needs all that other stuff as long as your nose can dress you up and take you out! I try not to let myself forget how happy I actually am with the wonderful collection of fragrances and samples I have. From now on it’s all about swaps. Ah, the swap. What a way to continue sniffing and utilize what you already have for leverage. I always see the swap like we (our moms in my case) used to have coupon clubs in the 70s. Show me what you have! Or maybe we’re like kids trading our Pokemon cards, lol. Either way, I am sure you’ll find a creative solution for your current perfumista quandry.
The swap is a good way to get the olfactory “fix” without having to lay out too much cash.
You know, a lot of marvelous perfume came out during the Great Depression. Maybe we should revisit them.
Kudos on the essay, Angela. No need to defend your choice(s) to us! Psychologically, fragrance is just as viable an investment as food, coffee, movies out, travel, etc. to the human soul & psyche. Some people will always choose to feed apparently hedonstic hungers over more practical ones, to no one’s detriment. It’s a victimless “crime.”
I have, in the past, had to make the choice between food or cigarettes, so walked instead of driving or taking a bus and bought both. Today, I live comfortably, drive a Corvette convertible, adopt all my animals, paint for a living, and eat in most of the time. I don’ t travel overseas as much as I’d like, but I just paid for a flacon of Creed Fleur de The’ Rose Bulgare and hope it’s a fair exchange. If I were broke again, I’d still make the decision to buy that little bottle of something special and live on a chocolate bar for a few days to pay for it. It’s no one’s business if I do. Luxury is all relative. You only live once.
Thank you! That’s a great pep talk. I guess we all have different values, and I value perfume more than fancy handbags.
Love this Angela! In fact, as someone who is only semi-employed, I think it was just what I needed to read today. I really have been looking at my mammoth perfume collection lately and trying to appreciate what’s already there since, and there’s so much — today I’m rediscovering Caron Eau de Reglisse. Sometimes it really feels good to savor what you have. 🙂
As for jasmine, how do you like Jo Malone White Jasmine & Mint? It’s not exactly earthy and dry, but I love the herbal blast in the beginning and it’s a great summer scent.
You’re the second person who has mentioned White Jasmine and Mint. I’ll have to try it!
Angela, I’ve been living the freelancer’s life for years and years — albeit with the good French social security system, which at least means I get health insurance whatever happens. My belt has thus been tightened for ages but, well, the perfume collection has grown and grown at the expense of most other material goods, excepting books, and leisure activities. Of course, I live in Paris and just walking around is a blessing I try to remind myself of daily.
I treat my perfume collection as I do my books: as things of beauty I can re-explore over and over again.
Trouble is, I’m compelled to stock on pre-reformulation fragrances now that ever more stringent restrictions are looming. Which is throwing a wrench into the whole Carpe Diem philosophy!
Yup, it’s the Mitsouko syndrome…
The Mitsouko Syndrome! I know it well, and it’s a money pit. But it hurts to think of all those gorgeous chypres changing form, or disappearing, for good.
I’ve been pretty lucky piecing together a career of freelancing plus an “anchor job” part time somewhere with health insurance. The trouble is that my anchor job took enough of my schedule that I dropped some of my other work. Now I’m sorry. It’s an article on Corn Mazes, of all things, that is keeping me in groceries this month.
LOL – The Mitsouko Syndrome. Love it! And now I’ve gone and pointed out the little known mutation of that, the Vol de Nuit Syndrome!
Oh yes, that one–I know it well!
Frankly, I’m about to fall to L’Heure Bleue Syndrome.
Is that one on the reformulation block, too?
I think there may have been a Plus que Jamais reformulation recently on the QT before I could even succumb to its associated syndrome! But as old Thierry Wasser was also the nose behind Armani Diamonds, I guess we should just count ourselves lucky he didn’t put raspberries in it!
Good point.
Lovely post, Angela! And as a grad student- I completely identify with the story of the penniless perfumista..lol..
But as you so beautifully put it – lfe is soo rich..I’ve been enjoying trying my hand at blending perfume and whipping my own creams- and few things come close to these experiences. (Ofcourse- I justify my perfume, bath and body indulgences by pointing to clothes I have been wearing for god knows how long..lol)
As for earthy jasmines- I made one for my mom that I need to recreate- If I do, I will send you a sample!
*hugs* and hopefully everything will be ok!
It sounds like you know how to live! Things will turn out fine for me–they always do. Your jasmine cream sounds wonderful (lucky mom).
Thank you so much Angela for such an uplifting article,just what I needed to read today.
Now I shall go and enjoy what I already own.
I think I’m going to spend some time with my samples, tonight, too. I’m richer than I know in perfume.
Thank you very much for showing us a small corner of an all-encompassing problem. Yours is the example to be followed. I daresay your life has not changed and you are not dependent on the trends and whims of the day to be content. You are lucky and wise indeed!
I’m just lucky that I don’t need a lot to be happy. You know what I mean? Really, good friends, pets, and a decent night’s sleep are what count. And a bottle of Bel Ami (no! I didn’t say that!).
Ah, a decent night’s sleep. There is a treasure. Definitely a priority for me! And you mentioned your tub, but I derive great pleasure from a long hot shower. A bar of really good soap is a lovely and fairly small indulgence, too, come to think of it!
A bar of soap is a good one.
When in conversation with a friend a few years ago, we were talking about something, and I said something like, “I can’t afford it.” She said that her mom always told her, rather than sacrifice and cut things out, figure out ways to generate more income so you can afford the lifestyle you want. I thought, wow. What a different way of looking at things – taking control of the situation and deciding to do something about it rather than letting circumstances dictate.
Yes, it’s true that money does not equal the road to happiness, but if something costs money, and you want it, and you don’t have the $ to buy it, rather than give it up, we do have the ability to put on that entrepreneurial hat and figure out a way to get it. We are not slaves to our “jobs” and to whatever our employers throw at us! I suppose it’s a matter of willingness to think outside the box.
Believe me, I am NOT telling anyone to do something other than what they’re currently doing – just offering a different view. It made me look at things differently – made me realize, hey, I have some power here – whether or not I choose to use it is another thing.
I know just what you mean. Besides, thinking about what you can do to raise money (as well as what you can sacrifice to save it) is a good way to measure just how much you really want/need something. If you’re willing to baby sit, wash dishes, board dogs, whatever to get something, then you must really want it.
Excellent article! I have been on a slim budget forEVER and had a little extra money lately that went entirely into perfume (and my cat’s vaccines and fixing my car – lol). I am pretty happy now (except I seriously want some Balkis) and have a zillion samples and lots of fun bottles of fragrance that will get me through several seasons. I’m loving all the samples swaps (I will be mailing all soon, people) and getting to know people here. I never feel bad about spending a little money on perfume – I haven’t bought an MDCI or anything really extravagant, and am careful, but a bottle of perfume somehow brings me back to life in this awful unemployed and seemingly (but hopefully not) unemployable time. I am ever an optimist with occasional short and painful forays to the Dark Side when things look the most dire. Then I spring back and put some perfume on.
Great! I know just what you mean. I’m wearing some vintage Miss Dior right now, and it is a marvelous portal to feeling elegant and fascinating.
Mine today is Incense Rose – it makes me feel like a famous artist, with its art-studio undertones.
I have to try that one soon.
Oh, yes! Incense Extreme is a little TOO art studio for me but the Incense Rose is perfection – if you like that varnishy, turpentine, linseed smell you’ll probably like either one.
I’ll just have to repeat to myself that they will be around when my income is up to a more complete exploration…
Excellent and thoughful post! I work in the Thoroughbred industry (worker bee not a wealthy owner), and as we all know, no one NEEDS a race horse! The first horse sale of the season is next week and I’m holding my breath. I realize that if the market goes the way analysts are predicting, I may not have a job by the end of the year….
I think the thing about appreciating our perfume collections is that it is an exercise in stopping to appreciate beauty, which in its own way is as integral to life as air and water.
Best of luck to you!
Good luck to you, too! Maybe when we’re all old women we can live together and consolidate our perfume collections. That way we’ll be rich in at least one thing.
A group of my women friends (not necessarily perfumistas) has suggested this very thing – buying a huge house and all living together to cut expenses. They even suggested a name for the place – Menopause Manor!
I’m sure it will smell really nice in there!
LOL Rapple! Make that a sign for the front door and it’ll at least cut way down on the number of door to door salespeople that ring the bell…..
No kidding!
My friend used to own a house on Fire island that was going to be just that – a place where we could all retire – and she SOLD it!!! rrrrr
Traitor!
Thanks for the quiet pause, Angela. Sometimes we need to be reminded of where fragrance connection really originates from; life experience, the nuances of memories and those moments that seem so incandescent, that we search for the magic potion that can help us revisit that place, time and time again. Pinched days help us to re-set our perspectives. Also, it clears away some of the mess and leaves behind the opportunity for new dreams and new adventures. A whole new day is ahead of us– and now, I’m going to reach back into childhood and pull out a quote from one of my favorite stories:
“Tomorrow’s a new day with no mistakes in it—yet”
– from “Anne of Green Gables”
We can add “and no pointless fragrance purchases, only a clean slate and a place only for the truest creations.”
You know, perfume enthusiasts (oh, fine: “Perfumistas” 😉 ) are good for skipping over EDT options immediately to higher strengths, when some new experiences are to be had with lesser concentrations of a scent. Penny moments are good times to visit classic scents in EDT concentration; they’re often a third less than EDPs—sometimes halved—and their freshness can be very rejuvenating. Some of the luscious grande dames, like “Joy” or the Chanels, feel surprisingly youthful and intensely optimistic when worn in EDT concentration. They also smell different, so sometimes it’s like test-driving an entirely fragrance altogether. During economically “slow-moving” times like the present, I like to revisit classic fragrances and imagine how it felt to sniff “Joy” for the first time after suffering loss; the way it makes me feel–every time–like I’m experiencing a sparkling dawn…the way it quietly understands. People end-up paring down to the essentials during tight times and now’s a good time for people to really evaluate fragrance and say “who truly deserves to stay on this ship–who’s still relevant and steadfast”. “Opportunity” shouldn’t always = financial, in people’s minds. Now’s a good time for people to reconnect with that…
Marvelous! You’re so right about EdTs, too. Joy in Edt is wonderful, as you say. It’s so much more satisfying to have a manageable number of terrific fragrances than an avalanche of so-so ones. Yet sometimes the avalanche is so tempting.
Hi Angela. Great column. Very timely, beautifully written as per usual.
I LOVE being a frugalista, too!! It feels exhilaratingly resourceful — creative, even. And I love the idea that the things we find in little thrift shops are truly one-of-a-kind, with a whole interesting history to them, even if that history’s a mystery. As far as food goes, I’d rather have one perfect nectarine growing locally and organically than the fanciest slice of cake at a high-priced bakery. Chocolate and tea are the only things that I spend top dollar on.
At the beginning of my fragrance obsession, I wanted to have the newest, most talked-about niche scents and was always chasing the next Big Thing. It was frustrating and exhausting — not to mention insanely expensive.
Thanks to you, I’ve discovered the endlessly fascinating world of vintage fragrances and thrift store finds. My latest: a full 4.2 ounce bee bottle of Guerlain Acqu Allegoria Pamplelune from the nineties, in the original box, for — get ready — $4.99 at the local Sally Ann. It doesn’t work with everyone’s chemistry, but it smells like the freshest, prettiest pink grapefruit zest and honey with mine.
Swapping is also a great way to have more new fragrances to sniff, all for the cost of a few stamps and some inexpensive decant supplies. Thanks to it, I have turned a single 100ml bottle of a great niche scent into a dozen decants of other great niche scents, and still had enough left over to enjoy it myself.
A dry, delicious jasmine is TDC’s Jasmin de Nuit, Ange, although I think you already know it. For a brighter, less spicy dry jasmine, go find your sample of Miller Harris Jasmin Vert and give it another sniff!
Thanks for the terrific topic.
Great score on the Guerlain! I just love deals like that. Good thing we don’t live in the same town or I’d start to get mighty bitter….
I’d forgotten about Jasmin de Nuit. I’ll have to try it again. And Jasmin Vert, too.
Good article. I also have a 1986 Toyota – Corolla. Only cost me 500 bucks about a year ago. It has not once let me down. As for perfumes, I’ve got about five years supply using them all the time and thats a conservative guess, so I’m happy not to buy more ..at the moment, that is!
We’ll have to start a club with Jolie Fleur called “Old cars, new perfume”. Sure, our cars might smell a little musty, but it’s nothing a few well-placed cotton balls dabbed with Knize Ten won’t solve.
I forgot to say in my comment that I, too drive an old car – a 10 year old Jeep. So count me in the club!
You’re in!
well, my ‘chassis’ is pretty old…..and my fenders sag a bit….upholstrey’s a little frayed and I don’t start up so good in the mornings….does that count?
Maybe…as long as you’re at least a 1986!
I would be overjoyed to be an ’86 !! 😀
unfortunately, I’m substantially closer to being TWO ’86’s ….ack!
I’m no ’86 either. That would be–what?–23 years old. A mere babe.
Not minimizing the stress of the economic downturn we are all experiencing, I find it helpful to remember that change often brings opportunity. I am selfishly hoping that some of your newfound extra time will go to writing books I am hoping to read. You are a wonderful writer and the perfume themed mystery series you mentioned some months back sounded just great.
What you wrote today is really helpful in reminding me to appreciate not only the wonderful perfumes I’ve already discovered but also the extraordinarily nice people who have led me to them. All best wishes to you!
Perfume people are, without a doubt, some of the nicest people I’ve met.
I still chip away at the mystery just about every day. I’m about three-quarters of the way through revisions and am hoping to have a draft ready to trot by agents very soon. Thank you for remembering it!
By my using the word “youthful” in describing the freshness of EDTs, I meant it only in this way: EDTs can deliver a kick of the kind of optimism that you’d last felt looking “ahead” at life, not “behind” (like what most fragrance experience does for people) and found excitement in the great adventure of life–a feeling that reached as far as the stars and back. EDTs can sometimes provide a similar burst of enthusiasm, simplicity and lightness—all very welcomed things, during heavy times.
I know exactly what you mean. Fragrance can definitely affect emotions, and lively, piquant fragrances a great at lifting a mood.
I agree with your comments on EDTs. Insistence on EDPs and parfums creeps, or can creep, into perfume-snob territory (I think). I remember once someone saying that if you haven’t smelled Mitsouko in EDP, you haven’t smelled Mitsouko. So I got a decant of Mitsouko EDP, and have found that that while the EDP lasts very much longer – by hours and hours – the EDT is still a very faithful rendering of that wonderful fragrance. The EDP actually weighs me down a bit. I feel like I need to come up for air. The EDT is much less demanding! And buying the decant saved me about $150.
I love being able to dab parfum, but there’s something wonderful about being able to spray EdT with abandon, too. Another point in EdT’s favor.
Angela–I like the idea of a discount cat from the second-hand feline store!
I was feeling the need to buy a new bottle, but it’s not in the budget at the moment. I stopped by a second-hand store that has been a good source, and found a mini of Ondine, a bottle of Molinard Vanille Fruitee, and half a bottle of L’Air Du Temps for a whopping total 0f $9.97. Perfume jones and economizing meet!
Wow! What great scores!
I was surprised at the Humane Society when I saw on my receipt that my cat was on sale. They told me it’s because she’s six years old. She’s a fabulous cat, too–a real lover.
Hmmm–a cat past her “sell-by” date?
She’s a classic. No expiration date on that kitty!
All of my cats have been foundlings and leftovers.
Those who abandon kitties and pups will frizzle in hell!!
With NO perfume!
Yikes! That would be hell!
My cat was on sale because it was County Fair time. Turned out he was not so “on sale” because unbeknownst to me he had ringworm and it was a couple hundred more bucks to deal with that (we were both covered in it). The Humane Society branch I got from never responded to me about it, so I have bad-mouthed them forever to anyone who will listen.
I hope the kitty turned out to be worth all of that and more.
Oh, he is the one that keeps me sane. We had a rough start, but he is my Baby. Well, I took him to the vet recently and he is a not-at-all-overweight 18 pounds of gorgeousness. So not a baby any more!
That’s a lot of kitty to keep you warm at night.
Yep, in my book there is nothing more beautiful than a cat. Mine were are “bargains”, too. And their fur smells so good! Have you noticed that each cat has his/her unique fur fragrance? I have one who smells like peanuts — very Bois Farine-ish.
My dog smells like corn chips, but my cat smells like pure love.
Ahhh… that smell of pure love!
=^..^=
Another thing about perfume-lovers is we are the some of the most generous peeps you’ll ever meet, and this includes you my darlin’! So willing to share in the beauty we love so much.
I’m taking good care of the book you loaned you me BTW. 🙂
Hey, you’re back in town! It was you who got me started on this jasmine kick. Now I feel like I need a little every day.
Ha! Your mention of wanting an earthy dry jasmine has me craving one now 🙂 Please tell me when you find one and I’ll do the same!
When you need a refill of the juicy indolic body oil I gave you, you just hollah!
~T
I put a little in my bath when I wasn’t feeling well a couple of weeks ago, and it was heaven.
Terrific article, Angela. I don’t really have anything to add that has not already been said — but I just wanted to write and say THANK YOU for this wonderfully thoughtful piece.
You’re welcome, of course!
I accidentally hit the post button, pay no attention to the first one.
Thank you for letting us to Your personal life. You sound even lovlier than you already were in my mind.
I own 5 cats, all abondend or rescued. I must tell you about my latest accuisition. She was brave enough to come into my pet door. She was so thin her hip bones were bloody. She also had hardly any fur, mange, fleas, malnutrition, anemia. Someone had almost literally starved her almost to death. I got all her shots and vitamins, treatment. I could’nt even treat her mange until she gained some weight. The vet saqid she wouldn’t grow any more so she remains little. Now she has ;ong buffy hair that is so soft and she jumps up on my chest to be petted. She has a little cartoon “meow” , that is adorable. The fiirst month or so, she would eat untill she threw up. Now she’s beautiful, extremely loving and is even developing a *Miss Priss* attitude sometimes.
Really, she is beautiful. I named her Cossete from Le Mis..
Thank you for letting us to Your personal life. You sound even lovelier than you already were in my mind.
I own 5 cats, all abandoned or rescued. I must tell you about my latest acquisition.
She was brave enough to come into my pet door. She was so thin her hip bones were bloody. She also had hardly any fur, mange, fleas, malnutrition, anemia. Someone had almost literally starved her almost to death. I got all her shots and vitamins, treatment. I couldn’t even treat her mange until she gained some weight. The vet said she wouldn’t grow any more so she remains little. Now she has ;ong buffy hair that is so soft and she jumps up on my chest to be petted. She has a little cartoon “meow” , that is adorable. The first month or so, she would eat until she threw up. Now she’s beautiful, extremely loving and is even developing a *Miss Priss* attitude sometimes.
Really, she is beautiful. I named her Cossette from Le Mis..
Kindness pays off, and it’s almost free.
In my poverty, I even watch and admire bugs. And a friend from this blog even sent me a ton of perfume samples and some of her famous cream. There are so many worse things than poverty.
How could someone starve a kitten? Luckily God puts people like us in their path.
-Joy in the little things
Becca
Bless you for being a Kitty Benefactor! All our family pets have been rescued from abandonment as well, and what joys they are.
I love a good story about a rescued animal! All of my pets have been rescues, either from the Humane Society or from people knowing I’m a sucker for an animal and bringing me a stray. They add so much to life.
I’m so glad you took in that kitty! I think they know how to find the “cat people.” 🙂
Cats are tricky that way.
Indeed they are.
What a beautiful story! I’ve got tears in my eyes….
I’ve got two males from the Humane Society – one just a year old and the other is two. They’ve about destroyed my condo, but I love them.
I’ve given up on the idea of having a proper couch with upholstered arms. Instead I have a day bed with a wooden frame and a lot of cushions. It’s cat-scratch-proof and lends a certain harem-like air to the living room.
Great idea! My two will dutifully use the various scratching posts and toys, but when the older of the two wants my attention or wants me to feed him, he scratches on the sofa or a chair and then pauses and looks over at me to see if I’m going to jump up and cater to him!
That’s so funny. I used to know a cat who would just pretend to scratch the sofa because he knew it would freak his owner out.
Becca,
Thank you for sharing about your little Cosette. Your name is much more creative than mine for the wayward wonder that adopted me-Black Kitty. These kitties seem to know where to go for love/help/ I’m so glad Cosette found you.
I bet that “Kitty” or “Miss Kitty” is the number one name for cats.
Goodness knows, it’s always the skinniest, sickest one in the room that catches my eye! All of my furry babies are rescues…The CEO calls them “the Lotto Winners”
I’m so glad you saved Cossette….I bet you started crying the minute the poor thing dragged herself inside. Made me tear up just reading about her!
Yep, kind of the animal version of the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree.
Promise me that this Friday you will dab some Joy behind each knee and then you will perch yourself on a fabulous barstool in one of New York’s oldest and most established bars. Order something your haven’t drunk in a really, really long time – something NOT trendy – and wait for an experience. Then blog about it next week. I bet it will be a good story. Denise
Great idea! Of course, I’m not in New York. But hey, they have bars here, too, and bar stools, too. It’s been a while since I’ve had a good Pimm’s Cup.
I love Pimm’s Cup. I haven’t had one since I was at Napoleon House in my home town years ago (pre-Katrina).
Doesn’t it sound good? Now, if it were only a little more warm outside. By Friday it will be.
Thanks very much for an insightful article, Angela. I can’t add anything that hasn’t already been said above..
You’re welcome!
What a thoughtful article, Angela. Thank you for it. I’ve been bad lately with the perfume shopping: a couple of great deals but even they add up. I’m seriously thinking of buying an expensive decant from TPC because I’ve been longing for it for ages and no one seems to have any available for swapping or selling: the gorgeous Guerlain Plus que Jamais. TPC is painfully pricey though! Oh the struggle and the torment!
As for your dry jasmine, have you tried the new EL Jasmine White Moss? I’d be curious to know your thoughts on that.
I have a sample of Plus Que Jamais, and it is nice to have around (yet another one for me to dig out and enjoy!).
I tried the new EL in passing and it reminded me more of a green chypre than a jasmine fragrance. In fact, it reminded me a lot of the classic Private Collection, although I haven’t tried them side by side. It’s a genre I really like.
I find the original Private Collection much more citrusy in the opening with a lovely citrus and leathery chypre drydown. Jasmine White Moss is more jasmine —minus the indols—in the opening, no?
I hope you find what you’re looking for!
I’m looking forward to trying them together. Thanks for the preview.
Angela–
Sorry to hear times are so tough for your organization! Such a good cause, too. It’s terrible for all nonprofits out there.
finally found something, but it means leaving Portland and my husband here for the academic year. I’m off to LA this Thursday. I’ll be back, though, and I’d love to catch up when I’m back in town.
Having been broke basically all summer has forced me to spend more quality time with my sample box, too, and I think I’m better for it. I’ve also been spending a lot more time cooking at home, which has been delicious and delightful. All in all, not a bad way to spend a summer.
Los Angeles! (So close to the Scent Bar!) We must talk when you get back in town and catch up.
I’m sorry–did you say Portland as in Portland, Oregon? Oh, we need to talk! Angela, I may not be able to help you with the Hermes, but I have a ton of other stuff I’m willing to pass on. I haven’t yet been affected by the recession (knock on wood), and would be more than happy to share.
My gosh! Send me an email. My email address is angela at nstperfume dot com. I love it that there are so many perfume lovers hiding here and there.
Awesome, will do. Glad I am not alone here in Pdx. 🙂 Dianawr, when you’re back here I’d also love to get in touch. I’m under the same name at MUA, just all one word.
Another beautifully written and thought-provoking post, Angela. Thank you so much!
I happen to be in a slightly different financial position than many Americans these days: after fifteen years of sacrifice and *extremely* frugal living, my husband took a teaching position at a university nearby a few years ago. We now have really good health insurance in place of the bare-minimum individual policy we had for years. Instead of pouring all the farm earnings back into the farm and living mostly on my pitiful part-time salary, we now have Enough for a Few Extras – like vacations, repairs to the house, and (ahem) perfume. The house is paid for, the farm/personal vehicles are paid for, the cows are paid for, and we have saved more than enough to cover our purchase of the land from a retiring family member.
Lest that sound like bragging to anyone, I’ll point out that it was the result of years of old-fashioned Living Within Our Means – and it was HARD. There was very little leisure spending. I got very accustomed to not buying anything “just for fun.” We bought what we needed and not much else – and now, I am really struggling with guilt over spending money on perfume, because I don’t really need it.
So I needed this post, Angela, for the other side of the “enjoy what you have” issue: taking pleasure in that which gives me joy. I have indeed spent a lot of money on this new hobby over the last six months, but it’s been the opening of the floodgates. I need not spend more at this point, but I also need not feel guilty about my spending. What’s important is that my life is enriched by my perfume experiences – which is what I really wanted in the first place. So I’m off to enjoy some vintage Emeraude today. Thank you, thank you.
Congratulations on having made it past the hardest part, financially, for you! I’d say you certainly deserve some perfume. Sometimes I think that being on a budget is like dieting. When the budget or diet is over, the smallest things feel forbidden. Enjoy them.
Heartily endorse all the comment about ebay for bargains and samples– (buying and selling) but a quick search has shown just one Hermes Bel Ami on offer — for 45 quid (plus another fiver in postage – from Latvia!) so about 80+ dollars… eek…. or is that a good price? But I’m adding it to my search list and perhaps some samples might come up. Longing to try it after all the wonderful recommendations.
It’s a hard one to find on discount. Let me know how you like it if you get a sample!
Angela,
Thank you for the wonderful post. It was just what I needed. I have been in such a funk because my financial situation has slowly been deteriorating to where it has now crashed and I have to take drastic measures. Although I did a lot of perfume buying during the last quarter of 2008 and most of this year, it will be some time before I can purchase another full bottle of anything. I have not been able to go out with my friends, nor purchase anything for the last month and it will be like this until at least the end of this year. I do take solace in the bottles I already have and enjoy them every day. What perfume I will be wearing takes precedence over what I will wear every day of the week and brings me much joy as does listening to my music collection while drinking a glass of wine. These tough times have made me appreciate the things I do have. Good luck to you–we’ll all get through this somehow.
We’re definitely not alone, either. But it really does make a person appreciate what matters most. Listening to music is another wonderful way to pass the time.
It’s wonderfully reassuring to know that others are struggling as I am. It helps me feel braver, somehow. As Elizabeth Taylor said, “Happiness isn’t getting what you want; it’s wanting what you’ve got.” 🙂
Who knew Elizabeth Taylor was such a philosopher?
Genteel poverty, I like to call it! What a great post, Angela… I’m struggling financially, and I really have to fight against getting swept up in the occasional frenzy over the latest perfume. Perfume and fabulous food are about my only indulgences; the fabulous food I can cook myself, but for the former, I’ve been relying on all the free samples I can possibly cadge (not many, these days) as well as revisiting what I already own and appreciating all the wonderful “real world” smells around me. I definitely need to get into swapping, but it seems like so much work (yeah, poor AND lazy!).
Perfume is such a wonderful vehicle for transporting one’s self elsewhere, though; I haven’t had the money to travel anywhere in 5 years, but it allows me to visit Moroccan deserts, Japanese tea gardens, ferny forest groves, and even smoky biker bars. Not to mention deluding me into feeling rich and glamorous for a few hours (thank you, Une Rose Chyprée!). I truly think that poverty imbues such little luxuries with extra meaning — a spritz of perfume helps me forget all the grime and mire of life and makes me feel human again.
I forgot to add that I’m sorry to hear about your work situation — I hope you can make up the difference with freelance work (if your freelance clients haven’t gone bust like mine). Oh, and I’ve got a great recipe for Cuban rice and beans if anyone’s interested! Living in Cuba was no picnic, but it did teach me such frugal-living gems as how to convert a ’55 Buick to run on kerosene, how to make “steak” from grapefruit peel (don’t ask), and how to bathe head to toe (including conditioning hair) with a single bucket of water.
I admire your prowess! And I’d love your input on how to make good Cuban beans and rice.
It’s called “arroz congri,” and it’s basically rice and black beans cooked together, with some seasoning. This recipe is pretty close to mine, although I don’t use a pressure cooker — I soak the black beans overnight, then cook them in vegetable stock with some garlic and cumin. I also use olive oil, and I’ve never put in peppers, but they might be good too. http://cookeatshare.com/recipes/arroz-congr-32011
Thanks! I’ll check it out.
This will sound silly — or like a Romantic view of poverty — but I loved bathing with a single bucket of water when I lived in Africa for nine months. It made it so much more of a luxury when the water was running and you could just let the tap run for a few minutes. Thanks for the reminder of such a simple pleasure, Natalie.
And don’t forget flushing the toilet! Sheer bliss…
I’ve blocked all memories of toilets. I don’t know what you’re talking about. Bwahaha.
Foodwise, summer is a good time to be poor, especially if you have room for vegetables in the garden. A simple tomato and fresh green bean pasta sauce with a little cream and basil on homemade fettuccine (found an old Imperia pasta machine at a thrift store) is so good.
Homemade pasta? I make a terrific pizza, but you’ve got me beat by a mile!
It’s a cinch, really, and so satisfying. All you need is flour and an egg and a pasta maker (that’s the hard part). If you ever stumble across one at a yard sale, be sure to pick it up. You won’t be sorry.
If there were a public bulletin entitled “Everything You Need to Understand about a Perfumista,” Angela’s eloquent reflection should be amongst its articles. Thank you for speaking richly on the behalf of those of us who’ve been spending poorly.
I bet you write a kick-butt blurb, Q. Thanks!
Thank you for a wonderful article, Angela. As a new perfumista it is terribly easy to get caught up in the fervor of finding and having the next new and wonderful thing. You and so many here have reminded me to appreciate not only the fragrances I already have but so many of the enriching things that surround me every day. The recession is pinching almost everyone here in some way (lost hours, lost jobs, lost benefits, pay cuts) and I have given up things and I’ll be giving up more things, but I’m eternally grateful that this blog is free. I really am glad for all you. *hugs*
ps. You ALL smell wonderful!
And you’re one of the great things about the blog! You smell pretty good yourself.
…and : when your perfume mysteries do get published, you can bet that every person here is going to be beating a path to the bookstore for a copy! Hurry! I think I’m switching my lemming from Spiritueuse Double Vanille to a “perfume mystery”! 🙂
Yeah right. Unless it’s a scratch-n-sniff book, I’m not believing you…
LOL fabulous idea….add a scratch and sniff feature to the cover art on your book! Make it a clue!
Why not have both? Thanks for your encouragement!
Oh Angela,
Thank you for reminding me to be thankful for what I have instead of lamenting what I don’t have. You remind me how truly blessed I am.
It’s always nice to look around and realize how good we really have it. I know I need a good reminder from time to time.
this was such a wonderful post! you’re right about the recession, and even more right about appreciating what we have in life, and what we have in our perfume! Brava 🙂
Thank you! Once the recession ends I can go back to my materialistic ways (yeah, right–I have a feeling I’ll always be the type to value free time and the chance to do what I want over dollars).
AMEN to that!
Angela: You mentioned above about depression era fragrances. And after reading everyone’s responses above about life and fragrance, well it just put me to mind about the original marketing for Joy perfume – how it was intended to make women feel glamorous and sophisticated at a time when they had little money to spend on other fashions. It seems like one way or the other, we all agree! And one way or the other, we’ve all found our own “Joy” fragrance that cheers us up and reminds us of better times and more sophisticated situations!
You’re right! I’m glad you remembered that about Joy. Another type of fragrance that found its market during the Depression was the fragrance based on travel, freedom, and escape: Vol de Nuit and En Avion among them.
I love VdN! And, after dancing around it for a few years now (along with No 5), I finally fell head over heels for Joy. It’s a good year for classics anyway! Wowy- what a rose. And hello jasmine! I always believe that hard times squeezes the best out of people, things, whatever, and thank god for Joy – so different from VdN for sure for a depression fragrance….I sometimes entertain myself wondering what of today will be classic 100 years from now. And then our classics now will be like ancient history!
Anyway, go find this book “The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl ” by Timothy Egan. It is riveting about how these amazing people lived through the dust bowl. It’s one of the best books I ever read. Talk about hard stuff. Puts things into perspective.
I’ve had my eye on that book for a while now. I guess it’s time to put it on hold at the library.
I’m sorry that you’ll be facing leaner times, but delighted to know more about you. I, too, have no cell phone, an old car, no cable or satellite tv, or most of the things I assume most Americans have, and am told that I need. I am barely employed right now, and am “poor” by most people’s standards, but live a rich life indeed. I was pondering the other day if I’d appreciate my perfumes as much if I had enough money to buy whatever I wanted and whether I’d become focused on collecting, instead of savoring. Thanks for sharing. And btw, I find shopping at the Goodwill and other thrift shops to be wonderful. I often find fantastic things or not-so-wonderful things that become transformed by sewing, using the fabric, hand-dying, or felting. If I had lots of money, maybe I wouldn’t be as creative, too!
Nice to know I’m not he only one here without a cell phone!! People give me really pitiful looks sometimes, and it’s not just because it’s expensive – I don’t talk that much, I don’t have a family to track, or a zillion friends to keep up with. I told someone – I’m either at home or at work and if I’m not at one of those places then I’m someplace I don’t want you to be calling me.
Sometimes people seem mad that I don’t have a cell phone. Usually because they’re going to be late and think it’s o.k. if they can call and tell me so. Be on time, I say.
I feel the same way. There’s time I do NOT want to be accessible. This really bothers people.
We are clearly kindred spirits. Mall dressing and living feels so dead to me. I love my 1908 Heywood Bros mahogany table with Redwing plates for dinner and food leaning heavily on what comes from the garden and my niece’s prowess during hunting season. I live well and wouldn’t have it any other way. And yet I’m sure a lot of people pity me.
I’ve been the proud owner of rabbit ears (now digital!) for over ten years now – ka-ching! And could care less about cable tv for the love of fragrance blogs! It’s all more money for perfumes….Which leads to my next rant:
Here is my best advice to anyone seeking some funds for fragrance (or anything else for that matter): ditch your high speed internet service at home. GO to your local public library and use high speed there. We use dial up at home (yes – it still works and is an exercise in patience!), and high speed at the library. That $60 plus each month in savings can go to a lot of sniffing! Oh, and go ahead and donate $60 to your library too, just to make the library gods happy…. 😉
Then drop your Netflix account and check out your DVDs from the same library!! Ka-ching…more $$$ for fragrances!
All great tips. I definitely check out DVDs at the library, and I sent away for my digital converter box coupon and have that going on. I did, however, spring for an upgrade from dial up last fall. I was doing some freelance PR work and found out that I couldn’t open some of the websites I needed b/c my connection was too slow. Alas.
What a wonderful post! A neighbor once said something rather disparaging about the fact that I hang out my laundry most of the year — but I, too, think the sweetness of clothes and linens that dried in the sun is a luxury (not to mention the fact that it makes sense in terms of energy use). I feel lucky to live in a time when someone like me (= person with basically no money) has access to great books, music, etc. It may seem incredibly inconsistent, but I generally don’t care much about what I’m wearing — except for perfume. Of course, I live in the country, on a horse farm — fashion would be irrelevant! Lately, I have been so deliriously happy in Ormonde Jayne Woman that it has actually cooled my lust for endless sampling. A good thing, since my income has also been cut by a big chunk. Sorry it has happened to you and so many others. And Angela, we are looking forward to the publication of that mystery!
Honestly, line-dried laundry is one of the great luxuries of life! I love love love a pillowcase crisp and sweet scented from the sun and wind off the honeysuckle.
And Ormonde Woman is in my top ten favorite fragrances. I adore it. It’s the perfect blend of warmth, intimacy, and art.
I’m gonna have to probably have a full bottle free month, I had to buy some summer clothing (damn why do my dimensions keep changing!) I did get some nice vintage though 😉 … and I need another fitted sheet for the bed, this one’s on it’s last legs. I have no cell phone but I will not cheap out on toilet paper! Give me Majesta or give me death! lol It’s ok I clipped coupons!
Majesta? That’s a brand I don’t know. Scot has been my go-to bargain roll these days.
http://www.majesta.com/Flash.aspx?id=56
It’s a Canadian brand, I guess… I’ve been using it so long I’m not tough enough for the others lol
I guess Cottonelle is my luxury brand.
This was such a lovely post, Angela – although I’m sorry that it was prompted by hard times. Although we are secure (for now), my husband’s company is in the process of reorganizing, so it is a constant cloud on the horizon. It’s nice to remember how fortunate we truly are – while there won’t be money for luxuries if his job goes, we will still have the money for the things that matter most.
It also reminded me of a conversation that I had with my folks the other day – I definitely grew up hovering between poor and the lower side of middle class, although my dad worked hard a being upwardly mobile, he didn’t really achieve financial security until I was an adult. However, I have marvelous memories of the great fun we had as children – playing outside, catching fireflies, playing board games, etc. We were constantly moving as he was promoted, but we rented the whole time I was growing up and I’m sure that they weren’t the biggest or most fashionable houses around, but every time they brought up one of the little places we lived in, my response was the same “I loved that house!” and then I would reminisce about what made it so special to me – the railroad tracks that ran behind one, the awesome patch of woods behind another, the field across the street, the creek out back, the neighborhood with a ton of kids, etc. My dad finally laughed and said “see, kids don’t care, they don’t even know that they’re poor” – which wasn’t strictly true because there were times that I was very aware of our lack of money, but it was true enough. We always had what we needed – food to eat, clothes to wear, a roof over our heads and parents who loved us. We also learned how to have a great time with whatever we had on hand, plus a little imagination. As hard as things were sometimes, I still wouldn’t trade my childhood for anyone else’s.
What a great reminder of what real priorities are. I grew up without a lot of money, too, but I loved swimming in the creek and looking for arrowheads on the road down to meet the school bus. I wouldn’t have been any happier had I been at some chi chi prep school, I’m sure of it. Thanks for your story!
Angela, my former partner and I love Bel Ami (Beautiful Friend) as well. It reminds us of the time we were on holiday in Singapore many years ago and the fragrance brings back memories of the sights and smells of my former country of birth.
I’m so glad you mentioned Bel Ami in this blog!
Hopefully I’ll be able to do more than write about it at some point!
Many thanks to Angela and all other “perfumistas”-turned-frugalistas” for their posts and what makes for a very positive, soothing and uplifting thread for a compulsive fragrance collector such as I am, always focusing and hunting about for the fragrances I do not yet know and/or own.
Time for me to take a deep breath, relax and relish the lovely scents tucked away at home and perhaps tidy up a bit, perhaps making a few pounds in the process.
As to the scent “du jour”: I am not a floral or Jasmine specialist, but I remember being terribly impressed by two interpretations around that flower, in completely different ways: one of the Elves in Attendance at the Salons du Palais Royal once talked me into trying “Sarrasins” on my skin, and what a beautiful idea this was as I discovered something that defies description, a smokey-dry floral tinted of animalistic notes that intrigues and beguiles as it reveals its successive facets.
On a completely different note, I will never forget how, after a comprehensive “sniff-around” of the Etat Libre d’Orange just incorporated in the Harvey Nicks offering, I found myself on a train back home, reviewing the fragrant paper strips, until one of them caused me to actually laugh aloud: this was “Jasmin et Cigarettes”.
That might just be the perfect celebratory fragrance to put on the “September” list: one that puts a huge grin of your face, managing as it does to mix talent with irreverence, sprinkled with a generous dose of humour and light-heartedness.
All the best ♥
I definitely want to try some Sarrasins–thanks for the reminder. The description is so alluring. And Jasmin et Cigarette is a funny scent, I agree! It’s not all that expensive, either.
As I said before, I have an old car. Actually its just run out of the warrent of fitness and registration so thats another tedious expense. I have no cellphone and don’t want one. I have no dishwasher, no cable or satellite tv, no dryer for clothes so I’m hanging them out all year round. I’m sure my neighbours must feel sorry for me when they see me struggle down to the clothesline in the middle of winter. Its been sometimes hard getting things dry. Especially with three teenaged sons. I actually had to string up a line in the house a couple of weeks ago to get anything dry. It looked very rustic. But I have a roof over my head, a job, a car, my three darling pets (all “rescued”) another thing in common with a lot of the above. Love and hugs to you all!
Hanging out laundry over winter–now, that’s got to be difficult. And with three teenagers, too! I always line dry when it’s warm, but I do have a dryer. Keep living the good life.
I agree with everything you say, Angela. In fact, in these harsh economic times, people are spending more time at home with their friends and families, which is not a bad thing. We in the West have grown to believe that we can have/do whatever we want, when we want and get a big fat loan to pay for it if necessary. Scaling down, rediscovering the ethos that hard work and patient effort over time eventually pays-off, isn’t a bad thing!!
I’ve ruthlessly scaled down my perfume collection – sold a few bottles on Ebay becoz i hadn’t worn them for ages. I now own three full bottles, which I adore and wear frequently, and samples from a select group of perfume houses. I quite enjoy being ruthlessly frugal, as it forces me to be extra selective. I wait patiently until a scent emerges from the masses to become something i truly LOVE. So, when purchase finally occurs, i take great pleasure in it. My next trip to Ormonde Jayne will be to purchase Ta’if and Frangipani – they’re releasing smaller travel sized bottles soon! Which means I can own more for less! That’s frugal, right?!?!?!?!?
Of course! Travel sizes are very frugal. So are board games, playing music at home with friends, going for walks, and, as my maternal grandmother might say, “housework is free”. Sigh.
I am lucky these days, Angela. I have two freelance gigs on top of a steady .75FTE job. It is ironic. A year ago income did not equal outgo. So these days I get to play with fragrance to a most unexpected degree. And to think that I, myself, just discovered Bel Ami (vintage) via Crystal Flacon. (I’m probably appealing to your weaker side, but there’s a 3.3 oz. vintage bottle available for $50–which I would be happy to host/split.) Here’s hoping that your many contacts come through for you in a time of need.
Congratulations on having ironed out your job situation. You’re killing me with the Bel Ami offer. That is such a great deal. My email is angela at nstperfume dot com–maybe we should discuss further…
Hi Angela, what an excellent and timely article! I very much sympathise with your work situation and hope that things improve for you sooner rather than later.
I too am on a very tight budget and have actually taken to collecting all the spare change around my house and car (it’s an 87 Honda so do I still qualify?) to put in a little plastic money bag dedicated solely to fragrance purchases. At the rate I’m going at now I may be able to afford a bottle around the year 2030.
But one thing I can’t give up is the cable, how does anyone live without it?!
1987 Honda? You’re definitely in the club!
I think cable is one of those things that you have to have never had in order to get along without it. That’s what people say about cell phones, dishwashers, and garbage disposals, anyway.
Oh, I don’t know. I had cable in college (or rather, my roommate did, lol…same thing), and I’ve never had it since. But I vastly prefer books to tv anyway, and honestly only own a television for watching videos/DVDs. Still getting by on a 27″ analog purchased in 1998 (have a converter box, but only bc my dad insisted his grandchildren needed it, even though I told him they don’t watch television). Alas, I haven’t had the fabulous luck with cars that some of you have had, but my husband is still driving my ’96 Altima. I have a cell phone, but barely use it…I got it for emergencies, and really find it more annoying than anything. I couldn’t give up my high speed internet at home, though; it’s my research tool, shopping assistant, and social network all in one. I was a single mom for so long, and even now have an opposite schedule from my husband, so I don’t get out all that much.
With kids, a cell phone makes a lot of sense. And, hey, a 96 Altima is pretty good!
I have cable, but my TV was bought new in 1975. I have to have gizmos to attach the cable and DVD player but it’s fine. Someone offered me a newer one and I had to turn it down.
I got my TV off of craigslist, and although it’s not new enough to have built in digital, it does have DVD hook-ups. My old one didn’t, so I had a bunch of Radio Shack contraptions to make it work. I know just how you feel!
Hello Angela and all you lovely, delicious smelling readers,
Wonderful article as always.
I’m just a lowly student and so adding heartbreakers to my wee perfume collection solely occurs in my head at this point, and the list has grown ridiculously out of proportion.
I especially feel for you re: the jasmin-longing … I just got back from traveling in India (not too shabby! got to have priorities, eh?) where I went mad with desire after smelling green and white jasmin perfume oils … I’ve even converted to a rose lover thanks to the gorgeous rose scented facial water used in ayurvedic tradition.
So far the only jasmin that satisfies me is A La Nuit by SL, though you surely know it and it certainly isn’t earthy …
Have you tried Oiro by Mona di Orio? It features cedar, musk and amber as well as jasmin.
As far as Bel Ami goes, I think it’s quite wondrous too, but maybe even nicer for the fall, no? Seems like an autumn scent to me, anyway. 🙂
Many good wishes from Berlin (sexiest poor capital of the Western world, according to the mayor),
Nadine
India! Sounds marvelous. Did you get to smell any real sandalwood?
You’re right about Bel Ami being more of a fall/winter fragrance. Who knows what will happen by then?
Wow, Enidan, that must have been a marvellous trip. I’m intrigued by the mention of green and white jasmine oils. Could you elaborate at all? Presuming one is very ‘green’ and the other more floral? Pray tell…
Yes, it was a true romance with India. Really one of the most moving and strangely beautiful places I’ve ever been. But there’s so much to see, I’m hoping I’ll be able to go back soon!
So you’re right, green jasmin oils seem fresher and more zingy to me while the white ones are soapier and prettier. I’m afraid I can’t tell you how the two are made, and the qualities of the oils differ quite a bit (different shops, different smells).
I did smell sandalwood a few times, but I’m not a huge fan of it when it’s too overwhelming. I used a Chinese opera fan made of sandalwood one summer and think I overdosed on it. I did find some really nice sandalwood scented soaps, though.
I’ve been bootstrapping it for the last 6 months (started my own business) and have had to ‘make do’ with my own stash of bottles. I’ve swapped for a few pieces here and there, but find myself re-appreciating what I already have. Thankfully, my business is growing and I’m looking forward to being able to shop again with a new sense of appreciation.
Thank you for the lovely article, Angela.
Congratulations on your business! I’m glad it’s doing well. You’ll have to let me know what your celebratory bottle of perfume will be.
Thank you, Angela! I *think* my next purchase will be the new Estee Lauder PC, or a re-stock of David Yurman, or possibly something completely unexpected – it’s really hard to walk past Aedes and Bond in NYC and not get googly-eyed. 😀
I adore Aedes. I love the decor, the dogs, the handsome guys, and, of course, the perfume. Have fun choosing one!
Angela, what a lovely post! For the past year I’ve been trying to focus on what I have, and slowing down my purchases, and not only because of the economy. I’ve actually decided to limit my full bottle purchases to 25, so that I can really appreciate my scents, and wear them all at least once a month. This may sound a little crazy, but I want to have a real relationship with the scents I love. Putting a limit on my collection really makes me focus on possible purchases and I’ve slowed down to only getting things for my birthday, anniversary, Xmas, etc.
And I have to comment on all the posters who have mentioned taking in shelter or abandoned cats. I love you all so much! My son and I volunteer at an animal shelter here in Chicago, PAWS, and we also foster kittens for them. When I return the foster kittens it always breaks my heart a little and I worry about what kind of home they will go to. In the future I think I’m going to imagine them going to all of you!
Another perfume lover who loves animals, too!
Paring down to 25 bottles makes a lot of sense really. Although I can’t imagine doing it (scary), I think I’ll pretend I’m doing it, as an exercise.
Angela, I don’t know if anyone else has offered, but I actually just bought a new bottle of Bon Ami from Nordstroms and would be happy to gift you some. I don’t know much about decanting , but I could fill a Sephora purse spray and send it to you wrapped in a padded envelope. Your article has made me determined to enjoy the perfumes i have. Let me know and also let me know how I would go about getting it to you.
You are so nice! I will only accept if you’ll accept a decant of something from me. If you’re truly interested, send me an email at angela at nstperfume dot com and we can work it out.
Thanks Angela!!
You always write one of my favorite posts 😀
I always agree with how you describe about us (perfumista).
I feel better and lifted up about myself now. haha 😀
Thank you so much! Perfume people are truly the nicest people.
Another sub-theme in these comments, apart from cats, is cars. Yesterday I bought a new one. Well, a 2006 model, and that is straight out of the factory as far as I am concerned. It was a fearfuly stressful day b/c there were aspects of the puchase I hadn’t taken into consideration, so I went home feeling very anxious and had a very restless night last night, thinking I had over-stretched myself. AND that my next perfume purchase would have to scheduled in for the year 2012.
However this morning, with a clear head, I sat down and looked again at the figures and did a new household budget. A proper budget, not the rackety-budget-in-my-head- effort of previous days. And – it turns out that not only can I afford the car, but even after all the other bills and expenses are paid, I have more left over per fortnight than I had expected. The car purchase has really forced me to think about and justify all my spending, and now I’m properly in control. I can pick up the car today and really enjoy it! And the occasional full bottle of perfume is not out of the question at all.
As so many other people have said in this thread, it teaches me to value what I have.
Congratulations! You know, of course, that a new car is a very wise purchase, especially if you plan on taking care of it and driving it for years to come. It sounds like a good move, indeed. And I’m so glad you’ll be able to squeeze in the occasional bottle of perfume, too.
Thanks, that’s nice of you. As a single mother with a couple of kids, I count my self lucky to be able to afford a reliable car. We have named the car Stella, not of McCartney fame, just cos we like it. (I tried one of SM’s fragrances recently – a rose thing? – loved it for about five minutes.)
I agree so much as the recession is and will affect our lives for the next decade or so! your post reminded me of the good values i had been reading about in the guernsey literary potato peel pie society! perfume does release an ability to gaige the inner epths and true vamues, it is so rich for all of us who love it!! keep smelling!
Yes, keep smelling! (I like that!)
Beans – rice – perfume. I love it! Who could ask for anything more?
Can’t tell you how much the things you said resonated with me. At least perfume is a small luxury, nowhere near the cost of a Mercedes or a plasma TV, thank goodness. But while I can live very happily without a fancy car or TV, life would seem diminished without an evocative fragrance. That said, looking in my perfume cabinet I realize I have plenty to keep me busy, and happy, for a while.
In a few sentences, you summed up my feelings on the subject exactly!
Sounds like this is less of a lament than a vignette of your (very enviable) daily life. I know this post is way late, but I just wanted to say: good for you! By the way, I applaud your lack of cell phone. I don’t have one either- life’s more peaceful without 🙂
We must be two of the last without cell phones! You’re right, it’s more peaceful. A few months of low funds have been good, really. I’ve had plenty to get by, and I can’t complain at all.