Last week a friend reminded me how it used to be popular to decide whether you were a "Betty" or a "Veronica" from Archie Comics. Later, the big thing was to figure out which of the Sex in the City women you were: a Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, or Charlotte. Now you can even go on Facebook and take quizzes pegging you as a certain kind of dog (curiously, I'm some kind of shaggy pooch from Madagascar that can walk on its hind legs).
Somehow, as so often happens, my thoughts drifted from quizzes to perfume. Could the great, iconic perfumes symbolize personalities? Could everyone identify as one of them? I thought about Chanel No. 5, Jean Patou Joy, and Guerlain Shalimar. Each has a distinct and different character. Toss in Thierry Mugler Angel and 4711, and we may have covered almost everyone.
To get an idea of how I see the personalities of each perfume, imagine a large room — one with solid ventilation, since it will be fragrant in there. In one corner are the No. 5s sitting on little gold banquet chairs around a table. In another corner are the Shalimars, and so on, until we get to the 4711s in the middle of the room.
The No. 5s are mostly blond, some natural, and some expensively manufactured. Their legs are perfectly shaved, even the difficult knee region, and their handbags are free of scuffs. They're drinking Champagne with their salads and talking about small dogs. Their lights sparkle off their diamond rings as they check their Blackberries (not so many iPhones here).
The Joys are brunette and smile a lot. They wear pearls and dress conservatively but femininely and are genuinely happy to see each other. They like cashmere, silk, and are more likely than the others to be allergic to wool. They order Crab Louis and chocolate mousse and hug each other and show pictures from their family reunions. The Joys make the best mothers.
The Angels are wearing pink stilettos and talking loudly and laughing, and although no one seems to be listening. They're having a great time. One of the Angels wants to go ask a No. 5 for the number of her colorist, but the No. 5 shoots her a "keep yourself and your surgically enhanced rack away from me" look. A few of the Angels are getting antsy because they want to go out for a cigarette. The waiters seem to pay an awful lot of attention to the Angels.
The Shalimars' corner is thick with smoldering glances, untold stories about ex-lovers from foreign countries, and battered but expensive handbags. The Shalimars are good eaters and tend to swap bites with other people at the table. One of the Shalimars is showing another how to read fortunes from the residue of a dirty martini. The Shalimars tend to have the highest concentration of philosophy and French majors.
The 4711s are calling over the manager because one of the Angels just lit up. Frankly, the 4711s would rather be playing golf or doing some autumn clean up in the garden instead of wasting time in this smelly room. They're eating a well balanced meal, drinking iced tea, and comparing book club choices. The 4711s are the ones you'd trust with your stock portfolio.
Few people will fit seamlessly into one of the categories. For instance, Madonna probably thinks of herself as a Shalimar, but she's really an Angel with strong 4711 tendencies (as are most drag queens, I'd guess). Angelina Jolie is a Joy with a pinch of Shalimar. Five years ago, it would have been the reverse. Instead of being a No. 5, I think Marilyn Monroe was a Joy with a strong hit of Angel.
Which perfume are you?
Note: image is Potion or Poison? by Athena's Pix (Busy again) at flickr; some rights reserved.
Oh dear God – I am a Shalimar. Definitely. It was the foreign lovers, battered handbags, and eating off other people’s plates that did it…………funnily enough, the actual juice itself hasn’t appealed to me so far. I am quite young in perfumista years though, and I admire it, but so far havn’t acquired enough of an appreciation to wear it. Although, having read this post I now feel personally identified with it and am inspired to give it another go!!!!!
Hello Shalimar! Shalimar is such a particular perfume, I can see why it would be hard to wear. It sounds like it’s made for you, though! Maybe Eau de Shalimar would be a good start.
Oh dear. It seems I fit pretty roundly into the Shalimar group. *blushes* I love sharing bites of something particularly delicious with friends, would rather pick up a fab vintage handbag from a thrift shop than a brand spanking new one from Macy’s or Bergdorf, and love the martini reference since I’ve been known to dig out a Tarot deck at parties. 🙂
Sometimes I’m really Fracas, particularly with the extent I go to when getting ready to go out on a date or night on the town. But definitely more Shalimar in muy everyday life and personality.
Thank you, Angela! What fun! I love the Myspace and Facebook quizzes. I think of them as an online version of the Cosmo quizzes we took as teens. And apparently they aren’t nearly as addictive as Farmville, which all my friends and my DH loves. 😉
I’m so out of the tech loop–I have to admit I don’t know what Farmville is. And I was on Facebook for exactly one week, before I closed down my account. Life is just too short to spend my days hearing about who needs a coffee right now, who adores French toast, etc. But I do like quizzes!
You crack me up Angela. I was persuaded to join facebook to share pix of my family. I was naive enough to think that only the 5 or 6 people I care about and a small handful of my friends would be privy to my facebook info. And then I became completely assaulted by friend requests from friends of friends of friends of friends, and many people I didn’t even know. Good lord. I’ve thought about cancelling my facebook page since about two weeks after I got it.
It’s craziness, Facebook. I know it’s a great way to keep up with friends–or that’s what people say–but I have enough trouble keeping up with my own life to worry about everyone’s else’s lunch menus and ponderings on the weather!
Oh dear! I can help you fix your privacy settings sometime. (And now I’m feeling very glad that *you* sent the friend request to *me*, or I’d be all paranoid that I was one of those unwanted unknowns, lol!)
B – you are one of the few I actually enjoy hearing from! But since I never post anything anyway, I’d rather just send you a nice email! Or a package with swaps in it.
LOL … that was my feeling about Facebook too. It feels like getting everybody you’ve ever known in your entire life together in one room to make small talk — and I can barely keep up with my email!
I’m glad to know I’m not alone!
I like facebook but have learned to skim and delete. And when I got my job I had to turn off all but a few game-ish things. No more farms. I have found long-losts as well as made new friends, so it’s been worth it. There is also facebook lite, which I guess is bare minimum.
So there are really farms on Facebook?
Wait till all your friends stop sending you emails and expect you to read all their posts on Facebook. I thought I’d find 5 people there, but it grows rather like kudzu. For all you who don’t take quizzes, consider yourselves lucky. The quizzes are run by giant marketing companies, who are busy gathering, sharing and compiling your information so you can be marketed all the more properly.
Having said that, I’m forking that piece of homemade venison sausage from your plate, hugging my beat up but nice leather bag a bit tighter, and thinking I’d like to get back to gardening. And not in Farmville.
Well hello Shalimar with 4711! And I just finished some venison stew with heritage barley and mushrooms. Delicious. Too bad you weren’t here to share.
I’m a softie Joy, through and through (although I love wool — it’s the family reunions that bring me out in hives). But oh, sweet Ganesh, how I LONG to be a No. 5. To be that pulled together and organised and assertive….. Well, at least I can spray some Chanel on and pretend, right?
Nah … who out of that lot of super-organised No. 5s will have written a great novel or moved and thrilled people with her art or photography? Or cooked meals that her guests remember for years? Actually, I wonder if some of the No. 5s aren’t glancing wistfully across at the Shalimars every now and again.
Yes! Not at the Angels, but at the Shalimars. Tantalized, and yet put off by the messy hair.
I admire the No. 5s, but I’d rather have a Joy as a friend!
I pretend I am a No 5 gal all the time thse days. In my mind, I am all together, in reality, I am frazzled with a bad haircut. But it works for me!
I can easily imagine summoning up an inner No. 5 when need be!
OMG, I believe I must have a quadruple personality. I see a bit of me in all of them, the least being 4711.
As Whitman said, “I contain multitudes”. (Little did he know he’d be quoted in a perfume post.)
No. 5 and No. 19 are my “I have it together” public persona when I NEED that to be true, even if it isn’t.
Good choices! They’re soigne scents, that’s for sure.
LOL, what a fun quiz. I like Chanel No. 5, can tolerate Shalimar, but overwhelmed by Angel (totally not me). I have never tried 4711 but from the description of the personalities it seems to fit me best, mainly because of the book club!
I’m not much of a 4711, but at one point I was in three bookclubs, so I get that part of it!
I’m not into stock portfolio at all though, but I am brunette and I do smile a lot (I’m quite easily amused). You should have a category for easy-going, outdoorsy, slightly eccentric academic 🙂
That’s the problem with these kinds of quizzes, there are never enough options!
I’m a Shalimar.
Lots of Shalimars here!
Yes but I don’t like to wear it lol. I’m a Shalimar girl that wears Fracas.
And I just have to add a little irony here – someone I know who wears Shalimar exclusively is without a doubt the most dull, cretinous woman I’ve ever come across. I always found it bizarre that Shalimar is her scent.
Yes, I bet a lot of Shalimars would never wear it, but would wear Fracas instead. Although, I wonder if Fracas doesn’t have just a touch of Angel going on?
Too bad about the Shalimar-wearing friend you have! The perfume police should take it away from her.
That is genuinely awesome. Perfume as irony. I love it.
Yes, I too fit the Shalimar category! Funny, since I just recently discovered my affection for the fragrance in an old bottle of my mother’s that she never wears anymore. Mine now!
Lucky you!
In spite of the years I spent wearing Chanel No5, and that I’ve only recently decided that I like Joy Edt….I’m clearly hanging out with the rest of the Joy’s looking at the family photos….but sooner or later I’ll go over to chat with the shalimars for a while….giving the Angels a WIDE berth….and I might just “accidentally” let my 68lb yellow lab rush over to those “little dog” enthusiasts to shed fur all over their neat designer suits (that’ll show em) 😉
and while asking me to play golf is like inviting a thunderstorm…an uncanny coincidence, surely….I’ll stop by the 4711 group to see if anyone wants some of my spare Hostas…..
Daisy, you’re such a dilletante!
Oh, they’ll like that.
You have too much imagination to be a No. 5! I bet you have lots of Joy in you. I can see a Joy with a big, happy lab.
Yea Joy – I always think of it as a lady with *really* good stories!
But never told with malice.
Not, fair, Angela. We’re all going to be Shalimars because we spend all of our money on perfume and thus cannot afford new handbags or Blackberries.
Also, we might all be alcoholics (hmmm, martinis…).
Also, who has perfectly shaven legs these days?
A never ending battle!
i say laser ! 🙂
When my ship comes in….
There does seem to be a goodly portion of Shalimars here. I bet some of us have a splash of Angel, though, that we don’t easily admit to…
I can honestly report that I have never been an Angel in my life. 8-0
Really? With a handle like Queen Cupcake?
Sure–devil’s food! 🙂
Now I get it!
Okay Angela, because you write such great reviews and so nicely respond to all of us, I’ll admit it… sometimes I wear Angel.
I like it best when I wear a dab of the body cream or make a decant for someone. I could never, ever use the spray because it knocks me out. I spilled some one day on my hands and it was persistent through repeated hand washings. Amazing stuff and an incredible value when you consider the stubborness!
btw, my wonderful mother in law is an Angel personality through and through, but because she works for LVMH, she’s an Amarige wearer. 🙂
No need to be shy about wearing Angel. It’s a modern classic! If it suits you–and it sounds like it does–wear it with pride. Angel wearers have more fun, I bet.
Andrea D,
This is so true! I have been burdened by financial problems the last six months and didn’t buy a thing. The last 6 months I have recovered somewhat and had a little extra money. And instead of buying a piece of clothing or a household item, the first thing I bought was perfume!
I hear you, sister. I hope you’re enjoying that perfume.
Yes, I’m the same way. The second I have $40 to blow, I’m looking for decants.
Love it! Enjoy!
I’m at the 4711 table, but I visit with the Shalimar’s . . .
I’m sure they could use a little down-to-earth 4711 from time to time!
There’ll be two of us, Sacre Bleu! I’m definitely a 4711 (although I like Mediterraneo better), but I’m comfortable with the Shalimars, too.
Oh, that’s fun! Like always, it’s easier for me to start with what I’m not: I’m not Angel (no pink stilettos for me!) and I’m not No. 5 (never managed or will manage to be dressed up to the nines).
I guess I am a Yoy right now, who used to be a Shalimar once and has learnt (to her own surprise) how to temporarily morph herself into a 4711 when necessary.
Nice description! I can see it.
Oh dear! I wear No 5 a lot but I’d hate to be sitting at that table with all those severely manicured ladies. I have a feeling I’m a Joy, but I’d soon weary of the reunion photos. I wish there was a category for the loners and the dreamers. What perfume would she wear? Something by Issey Miyake maybe?
I bet a lot of Shalimars are loners and dreamers, even if Shalimar doesn’t actually suit them. Maybe something like Apres L’Ondee would be good. That’s the thing about these types of quizzes, though, there’s usually never the perfect option.
oh not to worry, we’ve moved past the photos and are about to share recipes….and we’ve told the waiter we want a big pitcher of margaritas….
Oh no! You’re quickly going to have an invasion of Angels! (But that could be a lot of fun.)
Love your descriptions! I am Shalimar all the way, though I only wear the Eau Legere version.
Sounds good to me!
I’m at the L’Air du desert marocain table, with the gals who wear khaki trousers, hiking boots, colorful neckscarfs, always carry a camera case and a moleskin notebook, and have a well-worn passport, a messy chignon, and freckles.
So there.
That’s not how the game is played, doofus.
Fun though. Reminds me of Hilary Swank in her movie about Amelia Earhart.
Is that a good movie? I’m not wild about Swank, but I’m intrigued by the movie.
FYI, I didn’t mind the movie. Didn’t absolutely love it either, but found it interesting and well done. A lot of reviews found it soulless I think.
Sounds like a “wait for DVD release” kind of film.
I’m with Joe. Great costuming tho, if you like that sort of thing. Which I do.
If the costumes are anything like The English Patient, they’ll get my box office cash.
Sounds to me like a 4711 with a strong streak of Shalimar.
This is possible – I have yet to sniff this 4711!
I’d give anything to sit at your table and pour the mint tea. You stole my heart with the talk of battered passport, messy chignon and freckles. We can be a mischievous table of (not very) grown-up Pippi Longstockings.
It does sound like a fun table. I’d like to sit there, too, but I’m swiping a martini from the Shalimars first.
Forget the Hostas….me and my dog heading over to your table…
A dog! We’ll have to set this somewhere abroad, then, where we can have pets in the room. I’ll bring my dog, too.
oh good! Roxie loves playdates with other dogs!
Everyone is welcome! I neglected to mention the booze of choice (mine’s Scotch), but it’d be an open bar anyway.
Watch out for the stampede!
Here Here! I am sitting in the Chanel No 5 section, but I have a map of the world, passport (used to have my world travellling swiss army knife) and gold card tucked away in my handbag to go gallavanting off with those L’Air gals!!
Does anyone out there remember that fun movie called High Road to China with Tom Selleck? Yes, that is me all over – plane trips around the world.
I’ve never seen that movie! It has a title like a 1940s Bong Crosby flick.
Typing too fast produces hilarious typos. I mean “Bing” Crosby of course.
maybe he had a “wild n crazy” side we all knew nothing about…
Making ‘High Road to China’ an even more appropriate title. Funny!
I’m laughing hysterically, imagining a sort of Luke Wilson buddy flick kind of thing with musical numbers.
Luke Wilson and choreography? I’d go see that!
(I wasted a good coupla hours last week watching pieces of West Side Story on youtube. The CEO hates musicals.)
It’s a post WWI romance adventure story – just my thing.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085678/
Thank you! I like those kind of movies, too.
I’m coming to your table, sawing off my heels if I have to : )
I’m sure you’ll be welcomed no matter your heel height!
Hahaha, hilarious. I said before that I’m a Joy, but I don’t really wear pearls, and although I do dress femininely but conservatively, it’s not the Jackie-O style the description brings to mind. My outfits are much more along the line of international travel/comfort. And yes, I carry my passport in my bag most of the time, and it looks like a rat chewed it up. So I guess I’m a cross between L’Air du desert Morocain and Joy 🙂
It sounds like you may have pegged it!
Too funny…I was just thinking about this on Saturday, with respect to some of the people here. Alas, I don’t seem to fit, neatly or otherwise, into any of these categories.
There’s always the exception to the rule, I guess–but it makes it more fun to have you here!
What an interesting post!
I’d say i’m Shalimar-
Another Shalimar!
I’m blonde (naturally) but certainly don’t fit in with the No. 5s. Most of my friends are probably Joys so I’d be comfortable at the table, but the 4711 group is more me. Especially considering the references to iced tea, book club, and stock portfolios. And yet, I have no idea what 4711 smells like. Guess I need to investigate!
Maybe you’re a 4711 with a minor in No. 5. 4711 is a fresh cologne–an old classic. It’s nice to have some around for hot days or to clear the palate.
Another split personality here. I’m a #5 during the work week (although I have a 35-lb border collie and no big sparkler on my significant finger) and more of a 4711 (although I only play golf if forced – I’m a tennis gal) after working hours.
I think tennis could be No. 5 or 4711. You bring up a good point, too–I bet lots of us are different at different times of the week or day.
No Fair!!!
There’s no male version!
I guess I would have to be in the boy version of Shalimar.
I need someone with more expertise in masculines to do a male version! But a boy-Shalimar sounds awfully intriguing.
Have to say that these choices leave out WAY too many personality types. Of the perfume choices themselves, I love no 5 (parfum, please) but I certainly don’t fit or even care for the character associated with it here.
Yes, more choices please! I’m really more a Chanel no 22 or a Divine– that’s a freckle-faced gal who loves clothes (esp vintage) and makeup but doesn’t care about other conventionally “feminine” pursuits, and who is as interested in math, sciences and music as in literature and the visual arts. (So maybe you’d call me a triple threat: 4711, no 5, and Shalimar?)
Yes! A triple threat!
And as for limited options, just be glad your choices aren’t simply Betty or Veronica.
Or Mary and Rhoda…
True!
Or Ginger or MaryAnn.
Yes, Ginger or Maryann. Too bad there wasn’t a female version of the professor. He was such a ditz. But so darned good looking.
Hahaha! According to the FB quiz, I’m the professor on GI. 😀
Oh , I had better avoid that particular quiz….I’m sure to end up being Gilligan!
Veronica. Although I like Betty.
For me, Jughead. How come there wasn’t a female Jughead?
Big Ethel!
I forgot about her!
Why, L’Heure Bleue, of course. Absolutely.
I hope we weren’t meant to restrict ourselves to your list.
However, it’s apropos that LHB isn’t even at the party. 😉
Definitely 4711 though, out of the options presented!
Sorry, just saw the stock portfolio bit… that’s SO not me! So maybe Shalimar. Er… I’ll stop now.
Maybe a Shalimar with a dose of 4711 tossed in?
Hm, I could pick up the stock portfolio, if you’d cover the golf. Ewwww. Not that I enjoy finance, but I am rather sensible about it. (And work in it, unfortunately.)
I bet all the tables could use your help! I know I’d be a failure at finance. Heck, half the time I can’t remember my own phone number.
Sounds good.
Ha, perfect! I would not be at the party myself…though if I were forced to be there, I’d be hiding in a corner until Daisy came by, then I’d tag along awkwardly in her wake until I could find an excuse to leave again. 😀
You’re shy!
oh absolutely Boo….come with me…I’m feeling like causing some trouble….let’s walk right past the Angels and I’ll say “did you see those dark roots?” you *gasp!!* in a scandalized manner … we’ll just keep walking and then watch the fallout…. 😉
Daisy – its been a loooong time since I’ve seen an episode of Happy Days. But for some reason, when I think of you, the character “Pinky Tuscadero” comes to mind. And I have no idea if I spelled that right! And of course you are wearing a satin jacket with a big D on the front!
That’s hilarious!
well, I do happen to have a satin jacket …but it’s cherry red and has a big “S” on it from waaaay back in my college sorority days….
Oh Daisy… you never fail!
I feel like that Happy Days character is totally lifted from the Rizzo character in Grease, which has made me a huge Stockard Channing fan ever since. [“Geez, some people are so touchy!”]
Oh, I love Stockard Channing! Her character in Six Degrees of Separation is amazing.
now I’m thinking in terms of movie stars rather than perfume….what movie star would I be? I might daydream about being Audrey Hepburn (who wouldn’t?) but in truth; Stockard Channing wouldn’t be far off the mark…..but I’m still thinkin’
I really love “Six Degrees,” Ann. One of the few films I could watch several times. Great dialogue and great performances, especially Channing.
So true! Of course L’Heure Bleue is at home reading poetry.
Hey, these quizzes are always painfully limited. But it’s fun to try to think of exactly the right perfume match outside of the the options, anyway.
This is just like high school, where I was a “bridge” between the sochs, the stoners, and the jocks! Only here, I’m flitting between the Shalimars and the 4711s, while keeping one ear open to family talk at the Joy table.
I can relate to this one quite a bit!
It’s true–probably the best time would be wandering around the room, sniffing and chatting.
Yeah, that would have to be me, sniffing, chatting & sipping! I’d place on the Shalimar/Chanel spectrum, but don’t diss the Angel table as a group. They can be a lot of fun and will always tell you if you have spinach in your teeth.
well, yes, there is that….it’s always good to count a few Angels amongst your friends.
Absolutely!
You’re right, a party wouldn’t be a party without an Angel or two.
What a great article Angela-and fun! I see a little of myself in all the fragrances, I’m a Joy-for sure. Family and friends are so important, pearls and cashmere are part of my regular wardrobe (from consignment shops, I’m a frugalista at heart).
The No. 5s-I like a clean well-groomed presentation-prefer bourbon to champagne, love big dogs (all animals, really).
I have and love Angel-don’t wear it often but usually wear all black and combat boots (preferable to pink stilettos) and my fave Chanel red lipstick, skip the loud part.
The Shalimars are pretty cerebral but I can appreciate a stimulating intellectual conversation and do have a few untold stories myself…. ☺
The 4711’s-I love having time to myself in the garden, have a vegetable bed, love tending my roses and fruit trees in the back yard (apple, pear and lemon trees). There is something so peaceful taking care and watching your yard grow and blossom!
A true perfumista! One of everything!
Like perfume and good food, it’s nice to appreciate variety, people included!
Never throw away a lesson or opportunity when it presents itself….
And take what the universe offers, and you’ll always have more…
Hee, I love this! I’d have to say I was about 3/4 Joy (although I have no kids, I end up taking care of people and animals), and 1/4 Shalimar (the sharing food, telling fortunes, and French major part).
That sounds like a great mix! I bet we’d be good friends.
Nice concept! I was trying to think of male counterparts but it’s a little harder to come up with since men’s fragrance seems to get stuck in that fougere category or the sport scent. Sad. Or there are the “older gentleman woods”. I was just thinking this morning of how various fragrances could match up with zodiac signs! (As a Scorpio, I think I’m claiming Black for my own.) But I think Shalimar fits very nicely, too. You know, for when I’m contemplating the Platonic forms and the shadows on the cave wall!
I know! What are the iconic male scents? Maybe Old Spice, Egoiste, Polo, and, I don’t know, something painfully masculine? These probably aren’t good choices.
Kevin needs to pick up the guy end of this quiz!
He’d be great!
I agree! I’m longing to see his picks.
hmmm I don’t fit at all lol
I have bleach-blonde hair but I do it myself on the cheap and my hair is always messy, my purse is made of heart print fun fur(lol,) no pets, I’d perfer not too much time with my extended family because I have no interest in hearing how I’m too… or don’t do… yadda yadda, my legs are a mess!!!, I wouldn’t call my dress conservative and sticking my hand in the tomato plants to retrieve fruit is almost too much gardening for me. I’d probably be sitting alone eating seafood pasta of some sort with a neon coloured rum cocktail and my purple glasses and bright coral lipstick and likely getting food on my face lol a scatterbrained girly-girl I guess.
I’m hearing some Angel with a dose of Joy tossed in…
Ever seen the photo of Marilyn Monroe eating a hot dog in New York?
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e330/BabylonBunny/marilyn_hot_dog_2.jpg
That is so me. haha
I love that photo!
I love that photo too!!
i don’t like shalimar ,but it would be me with some 4711 , i hate plastic surgery , i am a redhead , no kids at the moment and i find blonde hair dull ; sorry for all the awesome blondes out there but there are so many fake ones !!
LOL!
where is the redhead perfume , for the girls like me who go backpacking to zanzibar and speak 3 languages (spanish , italian, english !) , that dislike small dogs yet love bulldogs and collect hermes bracelets among other jewelry and my choice would be obviously , BOIS FARINE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEY!
Bois Farine is a good one! But I think you pegged it with Shalimar and 4711…
I’ll sit with you at the Bois Farine table … I adore Bois Farine!
welcome , i also love angel girls , they are a funny bunch !
but no smoking please , bulldog is optional !!!!!!
We’re going to need to move to a bigger room soon for all the tables!
What great fun, Angela! I love quizzes too, and yours is way more fun than the ones I’ve seen on Facebook. However, like Boojum and Joe and Aparatchick, I don’t fit very well into any of these. I suppose my official seat would be at the Joy table (I smile a lot, like their menu, and wool makes me itch), but when the family photos and kid talk get to be too much, I’d go hang at the Shalimar and 4711 tables because I’d have fun with those people too.
The No. 5 girls would drive me nuts with their picky eating and their Blackberries, and the Angels may as well be from a differerent planet. Besides, both groups would be talking entirely too much about fingernail polish.
I’m really more of a Shaal Nur. Well-balanced, unaffected, and multi-faceted. Yep, that’s me! 🙂
pssst! Haunani —-over here! shhhh…..me and Boo and Joe and aparatachik and a bunch of others are sneaking out the side door….meet us in the parking lot…we’re heading off to the TGIFriday’s……
Somebody better call ahead and warn them!
That’s for sure! Maybe you could go ahead of us and reassure them, Angela.
You’re not afraid they’d barricade the doors and flip the sign to “shut”? No, wait, probably they’d want to call in more staff! It will be a night to remember.
hey, any “night out” where you DON’T get arrested is a success! 😉
I’m there!
My fingers are crossed that I’m invited to this party!!
but of course you are!!!
Nice! Well, these quizzes definitely have their limitations….
if angel would not wear pink stilettos and would not have plastic twins, i could easily do angel , although i would leave my bulldogs loose to go drooling over those chanel snobs !!!!!
always in a funny way , LOL!
Oh, I think the pink stilettos are optional. Personally, I think the Angels are a lot of fun!
You had me at chocolate mousse … I am definitely a Joy with a dash of 4711 – and those are the 2 frags I like most out of the list as well. I had a disappointing experience this weekend: I went to the duty-free at LAX (on my way back to Boston), and had a large bottle of Cristalle Eau de Parfum clutched in my sweaty hand, and then found out I couldn’t buy it because I wasn’t flying overseas! Major bummer. Especially after they confiscated my toothpaste when I went through Security.
Your TOOTHPASTE??? what, were they afraid you’d have dangerously fresh breath??? jeez.
I have friends who were flying internationally, and on the way home the drug-sniffing beagle stopped at one of their suitcases and indicated that it contained contraband. My friends, college professors traveling with their kids, definitely weren’t hauling drugs. The DEA agent said, “Did you pack Aquafresh toothpaste? The dog just loves Aquafresh.” Sure enough, that was it.
That’s cracking me up! My old dachshund once chewed up a supposedly-empty tube of Aquafresh she’d pulled from a wastebasket; her minty-fresh breath preceded her down the hall. Talk about sillage. . .
LOL!!! Better than the usual dachshund breath!
(not that there’s anything wrong with that 🙂 )
I wonder what’s in that stuff that dogs like so much?
Some friends of mine went camping years ago, to awaken to find a bear rummaging through all their stuff. It ate all the toothpaste and then left. They were too terrified to laugh until days later.
Yes, I had to toss some toothpaste once (Tom’s of Maine no less) because even though it was down to less than half full, the original SIZE of the tube was 6oz., which was over the limit. Ridiculous.
That is completely senseless. Things like that drive me crazy.
Don’t try to figure the TSA…your head will explode.
Oh, drat! Nothing should come between a gal and her Cristalle.
How about Joy in public, Shalimar in private?
I once asked for perfume suggestions on Facebook and a friend of mine wrote, “I always love Angel.” And I thought, “You would!!”
Joy in public, Shalimar in private–good one!
Ha! This is perfect! Yes, I am definitely a Shalimar: Dirty martinis, philosophy, foreign ex-lovers, and all (except I prefer to read fortunes out of Turkish coffee grounds, as my Greek great-aunt taught me). I’ll never forget the first time I tried Shalimar parfum: The smoky, golden vanilla melted into my skin and I heard angels sing.
[Teeny, tiny quibble, though: I’m not so fond of classifications by hair color, because they tend to leave those of us who are, because of our ethnic backgrounds, genetically unlikely to be blonds or redheads, out in the cold :*-( ]
You sound fascinating!
As far as the hair color/ethnic divide goes, I know a lot of blondes and redheads who weren’t born that way.
About a year ago I was utterly flabbergasted by a Guerlain SA at Saks who kept trying to dissuade me from even testing Vol de Nuit because “it is for brunettes. Blondes should wear Chamade.”
On today’s poll I am a Shalimar and I love Shalimar so that’s easy. I sometimes feel fortunate that there were no Shalimar wearers in my past so it doesn’t, for me, have associations with other women. Opium and Cristalle, that’s another story.
What a ninny! Vol de Nuit is universal, I think. Besides, even if it had a brunette vibe, all that means is that it goes with the brunette in your soul–even if it’s not growing out of your head.
Hmmm… I’m not much of a Shalimar. Not so many untold stories, I suppose. Maybe more of an “Angel of Joy” (?), with just a tiny spritz of Shalimar, just the amount needed for people to want to listen to me…
Nice mix!
oh dear, I’m another Shalimar-without Shalimar, my foody personality wins this round (and my French is quite O.K.)
Nothing wrong with being a Shalimar! I bet some great conversation happens at that table.
Aquafresh – LOL! Imagine if he were a perfumista puppy: “Do you have any Cristalle Eau de Parfum in your bag? He loves Cristalle … but just the Eau de Parfum, for some reason he doesn’t really react to the EDT”.
LOL!!!! 😀
“…and it must be vintage….”
forget law enforcement! I want to take that dog to some estate sales!!
No kidding! Let’s save a couple of his puppies and train them, too!
A Joy who sometimes dresses up as a Shalimar sometimes for the excitement, with some 4711 goody-two-shoes sentiments. Man, I am problematic. Love this story! You always have the greatest ways of turning perfumes anthropomorphic, Angela.
Nice mix! I suppose all of us really are a mix, plus a bunch of different scents, too.
I love this game and have enjoyed reading everyone’s comments.
I am a Shalimar (untold stories, philosophy, martinis, swapped bites) with a little dab of Joy (chocolate, smiley, hugs, silk & cahsmere but no children). And I wear Chanel No.5 but I am definitely not one of the ladies at the Chanel No.5 table.
Maybe I’m also a (vintage) Jolie Madame–she is outside of the hotel, briskly walking along the city streets and enjoying the sight of autumn leaves on the cold wind. Fun! Thanks, Angela.
Jolie Madame is a great one! Tough, sensitive, knows her own mind, likes a good laugh.
About those No 5’s having “Their legs are perfectly shaved, even the difficult knee region,”
That’s because they’re waxed at very expensive salons, LOL.
BTW, I have no idea who I am. Still figuring myself out I guess! 🙂
Yes, I guess waxing is the answer. Ouch.
Don’t you think you have a smattering of Joy? Plus something that goes with wicked wit…
egad! too ouchie……JEANS or LONG SKIRTS are the answer!
then, if necessary: we can LIE!
…and keep the lights dim.
…or if you’re me, go out in the brightest sunlight and hope the glare off your marshmallow-white legs give them snow blindness before they see the hair. 😉
That would work for me! Put on your sunglasses.
OK, Had to go back and read the Joys 🙂
So yes, I am allergic to wool (did I tell you that?!?) and I do love me a Crab Louis and chocolate mousse. And hopefully I’m a good mother 🙂
And what’s up with over 300 comments? You must start a fan club woman!
I thought you were a Joy–an edgy Joy.
As for the comments, it’s not me, it’s the kind of post! Perfume people like their community, I think, and love to interact.
You’re too modest 😉
You’re a gifted writer with a knack for drawing people in. Do you have a book in the works? 🙂
Why yes I do! It’s just about ready to see the world, too. It’s a trashy mystery featuring a perfume-loving vintage clothing store owner. A safe deposit box key falls out of a 1930s Lanvin coat sold to her by an elderly ex-stripper, the stripper turns up dead, and everyone is after the key…
I love this Angela – so clever! 🙂 I am definitely a hybrid. Let’s say 40% Joy [a blonde, less conservatively dressed version], 40% Shalimar [though I read Tarot cards, not martini residue], 10% Angel [for my less conservative attire and shoe addiction], and 10% 4711 [for being a gardening enthusiast].
I love that mix! Sounds like a well-rounded, interesting, and fun person.
Angela – did you even say what YOU are?! I don’t think so – and we want to know!!
I don’t know! Some Shalimar for sure, and some Joy when the Shalimar bravado gives way. And some Angel for the occasional hamminess. Just about no No. 5, and not as much 4711 as would be good for me.
Maybe someone already said this, and I didn’t read closely enough . . . but how about a comfort scent in there . . . slightly frumpy women (not dressed nearly as well as the rest of the women) sitting around eating a dish of raviolis with ricotta and nutmeg? Drinking cabernet or hot toddies? If that is a catagory then that is where I would be. I’m always under-dressed at a party and I would always rather be in bed with a book. The Kenzo Amour table, perhaps?
Oh, good point. Kenzo Amour is an iconic comfort scent. I have a feeling your table would be very popular.
yep, I’m joinin’ Minnie’s table – can I wear my jeans?
It sounds like they’d fit right in.
Oh, Minnie. Please save a seat for me with the Nutmeg Gang. Sounds like a good time!
Certainly. In fact I don’t think we would have a table. We would have big couches around a fire.
Someone found a place for me at last. 😀
Wow, that does sound mighty cosy.
Hmm… I would say that I’m mostly a Joy now, (although I’d rather be discussing the book club picks with the 4711s) but I have a Shalimar past that comes out every now and again. I’d prefer to wear No. 5 parfum, but the perfectly coiffed hair and little dogs leave me out – I’m a bedhead-brunette (no matter how I try to wrestle it into shape) with an 85 pound German shepherd. And I have an iPhone. And I would never spend a ton of money on a purse – although I would carry a battered vintage expensive purse that I found in a thrift shop.
Boy, I’m hearing a mix of them, pretty much. Definitely some Joy, definitely some Shalimar, and some 4711, too.
oh btw, our hubbies have no idea about our “Shalimar Pasts” and …um….we’d like to keep it that way! 😉
Lots of secrets, those reformed Shalimar gals.
lol – not only does he mostly not know – he prefers it that way. I chose him and that’s enough. 😉
smart man!
Perfect! The lucky devil.
I guess I am a little bit Joy and a little more Shalimar — but the biggest part of me is something else and I’m not sure what! What a fun post, thanks!
The eternal search for the fragrance that REALLY sums it all up…
Angela, clearly you resonated with many of us with your inventive game!
It’s fun to think about, even if it is kind of ridiculous.
Ergh. Well, I guess I can’t really pick because I haven’t tried two out of the five Joy and 4711 and only have a vague notion of Shalimar. Couldn’t we throw in a Gaultier Classique?
Hmm. I’d say Classique is a blend of No. 5 and Angel, maybe.
Angela, how shall I put this? I am all of those things, but I am NO Angel….. I’ll be the one circulating at the party with my pitcher of Martini’s refilling everyone’s glass…. and wearing my Chamade.
Make sure you stop by my chair! Martinis and Chamade are both on my all-time favorites list.
Sounds like my perfect birthday – Tangueray gin martinis with my favorite people and a new bottle of old Chamade for me! I’ll definitely stop by your table!
Hurray!
Angela- This is an incredibly fun post you put up today. I would say I most probably fit the description of a Shalimar, even though I can’t stand the scent, but this was not about the fragrance itself, so I put that aside and focused on your descriptions. You are very innovative.
You’re right, lots of Shalimars probably wouldn’t wear it if you gave it to them. I glad you enjoyed it!
How about a Dzongkha table: seriously underdressed, but wearing cool jewelry, each piece having a backstory. Hair of any color, but lamentably lacking in suitable “product”. Wide variety of handbags, but all are extremely large. Pets: large dogs that are heavy mouth breathers and cats that are “beefy”. The ladies (and gents) at this table are discussing if if Sherlock Holmes was gay, asexual, or just an incredibly repressed Victorian with mommy issues, but all agree it would be cool if he was their next door neighbor.
This is my table, for sure.
ooooh yes!! please, situate your table very close to Minnie’s fireplace and couches—-I’d like to join in the debate but I’m really comfy near the fire. thanx, much appreciated… 🙂
Agreed, as long as the dogs stay on the other side… 😀
oh don’t worry about Roxie—she does a great imitation of an ottoman…you’ll never know she’s here. Unless you’re hiding a doughnut somewhere on your person….in which case she’ll stare at you …HARD….until you share.
Thats what my dog does, stares FIXEDLY at me until i share. I had to give him some of my CAKE today because I got the hint with his unwavering stare. Oh, out of the categories I’m a mix of Shalimar, 4711, and Joy, but without some of the features of each.
My dog has mastered “the stare”, too! Must come with the pup handbook.
I looove the sound of the Dzongkha table. 🙂
Brilliant! May I join you even if I’m wearing Shalimar? (But love Dzongkha, too.)
Ha, ha, ha, ha! Commented below before I saw this. I wanna sit next to you guys! (Even though I can’t stand to wear Dzonghka… 🙁
Sounds marvelous! I wouldn’t be surprised if some Shalimars wander over for the discussion. I know I’d be there.
Sherlock Holmes was clearly bipolar, and probably had Asperger’s. Never mind his sexuality: he had enough trouble having a normal conversation with anyone, let alone – um, I think I’ll stop there.
Oops, hit post too soon… anyway, I wanna come sit with you guys. I’m tired of the baby pictures. And I want a Fuzzy Navel.
Fuzzy navel! I think you must have the tiniest pinch of Angel in there…
Then again, I remember reading one Sherlock Holmes story where the ‘criminal’ was a woman who managed to somehow get away with her crime through cultivating a disguise that Sherlock missed at the time. Apparently at the end of the story Sherlock asked to keep a picture of this woman for what I’m guessing was his, ah…personal use.
The embarrasing part of this whole comment is the fact that I’m revealing myself to be a total Sherlock Holmes nerd.
BTW Angela, great post and very interesting to read what categories people place themselves in. I think I’d be in the corner of the room secretly sniffing my arm to smell my latest sample acquisition and thinking, ‘I wanna go home, this party sucks, but then again those Angel girls are starting to look more and more interesting with every drink, wonder if they’re single, they’re sure acting like it…’
Ok, now I just sound like that creepy guy at the party – like the kind of guys that slather themselves in Joop! Homme and hang around the Angel girls.
Some of the Joy women would probably be mothering you, and the Shalimars would be interested in your Holmes insights! You might find it more fun than you know.
Oh, I’ll spend some time at your table, too! Love Dzongkha and Sherlock Holmes. But small handbags.
I guess it depends what’s in the handbag for me. But on the whole, I’m with you on the small handbag.
yup, the smallest handbag possible….with a long strap so I can put it over the opposite shoulder and not worry about putting it down and walking away…. I have a little black swing-purse—just big enough for a wallet, the checkbook, lip gloss, tic tacs and a 10ml decant of the SOTD. the necessities of life 🙂
Yes! The minimalist approach. Love ya, Angela and Daisy! Don’t forget, though, to make room for a little vial of your SotD. 🙂
Oops, I see that you didn’t forget the SotD. How could I have doubted YOU, of all people? 😉
yeah, I might walk out the door without keys (oops) but I’d never leave with out fragrance for touch ups! (it’s all about priorities!) 😉
I’ll join in and steal the martini from the Shalimars. Deal?
Even if my kitty is borderline underweight. Hyperactive, what can I say.
Oh boy, if kitty weight is a criteria, my cat, named Mae West (note: not Kate Moss) would win me a central seat.
Miss Kitty V and Rustic Dove come out! I’d like to read your takes on the subject.
Oh, I have no idea! I don’t think I fit in anywhere, which… sigh… seems to be the story of my life. (In Perfumista World, this would explain why I need close to 100 bottles of perfume… in the real world, it might translate to some sort of personality disorder? Eek, let’s not go there.) I think I aspire to be a No. 5, but am waaaaayyyy too socially inappropriate most of the time. I guess whatever it is that the overdressed woman who swears a lot and snorts when she laughs wears–whatever that is, it’s me!
Well, I can sit at the not quite so appropriate No 5 table with you….
I think that might be your LouLou! 😀 I’d be spending some time at your table before settling into the Nutmeg couch for the night.
LOL Miss Kitty – If one isn’t snorting while laughing – one isn’t laughing hard enough! 😉
The chameleon! You can wander table to table, catching the best conversation, nibbling on the best snacks.
Or hunkered down in a corner, waiting to find an excuse to go home. 🙂 I’m not exactly a social butterfly.
You’d have bumped into me there, then… I was hidden in the shadows, so you didn’t see me. 😀
Hey, the Angels need an audience. All you’d have to do is nod your head from time to time–and they love overdressed. (Heck, I’d be overdressed, too. Went to the dentist last week and couldn’t resist the special boots and a sparkly brooch. Now that’s going too far.)
but we’re “your people”, so you’d fit right in!!
I went to the dentist in this, Angela so I think I went even further! http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.79285541.jpg with matching teal pumps no less!
Seriously, I have a closet full of similar dresses, only vintage! If it were summer, I’d have worn one of them.
that dress is vintage, Etsy has vintage too! No modern dress has such extreme proportions lol I need to stop catching my skin in the metal zippers ouch!
Hello Dolly [I just sang that] – I put my two ‘scents’ in above. Oh please forgive me!! haha
Rustic- you are forgiven! I was waiting for someone to finally say,”Hello Dolly”. I am now complete.
I’m practically a Joy to a “T” based on your description! I’m a brunette, am a mom (hopefully a good one), and likes classic, conservative clothing. However, there is a strong streak of Shalimar running in my blood – I’ve a healthy appetite, a bit of an eclectic romance history, and though neither a philosopher nor a French major, a major in the classical performing arts may qualify me – though I don’t do martinis or fortunes… Oh, and I’ve been told that I’ve got looks that “turn heads” though I fail to see what the others see when I look in the mirror…..
a:8
Sounds like a major in Joy minor in Shalimar to me! And if that isn’t a head-turning combination of warmth and allure, what is?
Definitely a Shalimar – though I’d probably be holding one hand over my eye to help me focus on the residue at the bottom of my martini glass.
When I read the Chanel No 5 description I saw a table of Patsy’s from Ab Fab, and it made me laugh.
Oh yes totally Patsy! Except it would be the “Designer Imposters” No 5!
Just like Patsy’s a designer imposter herself.
Oh, poor Pats! Maybe I’ve isolated my problem: I wouldn’t mind being Patsy when I grow up. 🙂 She’s really just a dork in Chanel clothing.
Yes! But a grossly medicated dork. I need to put all the Ab Fabs on hold at the library. I watched volume 4 last week and laughed until I cried.
Hilarious! I was just watching some of these last week. Those women are geniuses.
This is so much fun and so creative! I’m an Angel (minus the smoking and cosmetic surgery!) with strong Joy tendencies….I wouldn’t call myself conservative, either, though.
A Joy in Angel’s clothing?
welcome to the table , so much fun !
With all that Angel, how could you be conservative? Sounds like a great mix!
I am a hybrid Joy and Shalimar though both perfumes contain civet – ugh!!!!
I am brunette and wear cashmere and do own pearls, though I rarely wear them. My style is semi-conservative, though I usually try to incorporate a slightly quirky element.
On the other hand I do have the foreign ex-lovers and the ones in foreign countries who may not themselves be foreign. And the degree in French (with philosophy!) and if you substitute G & T instead of martinis there you go. But Shalimar? Shudder…!
If you had given me free rein I would have said I was Vanille Galante with a dash of Ta’if. : – )
Oh, Vanille Galante with Ta’if sounds irresistible! Makes me want to put some on each wrist right now. Don’t feel bad about being a Shalimar/Joy, though. You’ve some great company.
I want to say that I am one and just one perfume… And It’s Serge Lutens Mandarine-Mandarin!!! From all of the perfumes I ever smelled, this is the most beautiful fragrance in the world to me. Also every time I smell it, I keep thinking… this is so me, this is just sooo me. It evokes my childhood memoeries, it hypnotizes my sences with it’s dark-tea side. It just smells so perfect on my skin, like the perfect scent I have been searching for, for a long a time!
You are so lucky to have found a scent you love so much.
Oh yes and I am a good eater. I do the bite-swapping thing too, especially trying everyone’s puddings. : – )
So much delicious food in the world to taste–I’m with you there for sure.
Oh, honey. As a Shalimar with strong hits of Joy and Angel I can tell you we need more catgories! But I bet the Shalimars always think that. Can’t bear to think of themselves as part of a group of anything…
(Love that you put Madonna in with drag queens BTW!)
I think you’re right on about the Shalimars! I love the idea of Shalimar with a little Angel sass and show mixed in, and enough Joy to have lots of real friends.
Definitely Shalimar (minus the fortune telling) with a dose of Joy (because I adore the love of family I like to wear pearls with jeans).
No fortune telling? Well, the Shalimar-Joy mix portends well for the future, I think.
Angela,
This was absolutely great! And so much fun as well…
I’m glad you had fun!
What a fun post, Angela! Of course, there’s no strictly “me” table here… I’m probably sitting at the Joys’ table in classic clothing and my pearls, having eaten my broccoli before devouring that mousse, figuring out the tip and giving out investment recommendations for everyone’s nieces, 4711 style, and all the while glancing wistfully toward the Angels.
But if you look at the actual perfumes, the only ones I’d wear are No. 5 (vintage parfum, please), or a very very tiny dab of Shalimar…
These comments have been really enjoyable reading!
You have class! (Whenever I hear something like that I think of Rodney Dangerfield in “Back to School” saying, “I’ll see you when I have no class”.
I’m a Shalimar. I bet most perfume fans who come to these forums are. I wish I could be a little Chanel, but just have never been able to pull that off. A string is always hanging or I have food between my teeth or something. Not maternal enough to be a Joy, and just, well, not an Angel.
Well at least I don’t have to choose between Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha! Always had a hard time with that one.
You’re right. I think we attract a fair number of Shalimars because perfume is so sensual.
So much fun! Like so many others, I am a Shalimar with a dose of Joy thrown in. I love the most exotic of foods and nothing makes me happier than sharing with friends. My clothes are a mix of tasteful, semi-expensive, consignment store and a bit of who knows what.
I am a mother, and my tastes have been passed on to my son. Nothing makes him happier than an impulsive weekend trip to Manhattan with me to eat good food and find interesting clothing. Both of us like cashmere and we find wool to be too itchy. And he never goes out without wearing fragrance!
Oh, and about small dogs. I have a smallish shiba inu (clearly a Shalimar dog) and a yorkie with a large terrier personality. He would chew his way right out of one of those dog purses and scale the display counters if a No 5 woman ever tried to parade him through Saks or Neimans.
I love it that your son shares your tastes! You’re so lucky.
It’s funny because I have always been attracted to Shalimar, and probably fit the Shalimar group best, but of all those it is the only one I don’t have at least a sample of!
I have definitely been a blowsy Angel to a degree, and an occasional Joy and now and again a 4711, but I think Shalimar is probably the closest match. Maybe it’s time to try it again, although a spritz of the parfum on a card almost made me barf after a while not long ago. I think I need a lighter version.
Maybe the light version would work for you. It’s such a nice scent–mouthwatering, really. But even if you fit the Shalimar mold, it doesn’t mean you’d actually wear it. Face it, Shalimar is tough to pull off these days. It’s so–well, so Shalimar.
a perfume version of my personality probably isn’t what I’d actually wear, to be honest D: D:
I don’t think i fit any of those.
Well, these things are limited, that’s for sure. Do you fit Betty or Veronica? Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, or Charlotte? Maryann or Ginger? It’s not easy.
I don’t know who any of those people are D:
I have long wavy hair that I part to the side (dark brown) and I don’t wear makeup but I probably would if I wasn’t ~*naturally perfect*~
I wear all black except for the occasionally grey, and I wear mini skirts and motojackets. Except I got this for my birthday so its my new fav jacket: http://tinyurl.com/yj8hota
I really really love Bohemian/Russian type clothing, like what Gucci does: http://tinyurl.com/yeqshbr I would dress like that if I could afford it. I also love Rick Owens.
In my free time I like studying ~*German*~.
I just got a bunch of books about fin de siècle Vienna and Weimar era German films so I will be an ~*expert*~ on those soon.
I like art especially Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele and Marc Chagall.
I like German literature like Kafka (everyone says that >__>) and my favorite American author is Flannery O’Connor.
But I usually think other people who like these things are annoying (hence why Ghost World is one of my favorite movies ^___^)
OK WHAT AM I?????????
A *future* Shalimar. 😀
I love your style Krok. [I hope you don’t mind the abbreviated name!]
I hear some nascent Shalimar, too. Maybe the tiniest drop of Angel with it.
I’m coming to terms with the fact that I’m a Joy and so are all my girlfriends. In fact, that description made me smile in recognition. 🙂
Fly the Joy flag with pride! Joys are wonderful (as is the fragrance).
I personally love Joy, but upon further consideration, I don’t wear pearls, swear by Birkenstocks, have a tattered passport, and am an environmental researcher… so maybe 50% Joy, 30% organic Ylang Ylang essential oil (haha, seriously), and 20% Old Spice deodorant (least toxic one I could find that still works).
But bring on the lunches with girlfriends, hugs and chocolate mousse!
I think you’re right–you’re not 100% Joy. Maybe Joy in spirit in some ways, but the L’Air table or Dzonkgas might be a better fit. You sound very intriguing, though! I hope your environmental researcher coworkers don’t give you grief about wearing scent.
I just got in from work and am so late to this great party. 🙁
As I read this and thought about myself, I immediately felt the categories as decades of my life: An Angel in my 20’s (although I never smoked, and even though petite, the twins did well enough without extra help). 4711 in my 30’s (replace the golf with salt water fishing though, and I’d have you invest in horses rather than the market). Definitely Shalimar in my 40’s (with a good bourbon rather than a martini), and Vol de Nuit extrait in my 50’s – reclusive, meditative, but with an inner peace.
Marvelous! I feel like we could write a wonderful story mirroring those changes. I especially love the Vol de Nuit stage.
Yeah, thanks, Angela. It takes a lot of work to get there, but it is worth it!
Forgot to add – it is definitely a story! 🙂
Someday we’ll have to meet, and I’d love to hear your story then…
I’d love it!
Oh LOVE the Vol de Nuit stage. I feel like that’s why I bought my bottle–I don’t wear it all the time right now, but I know I want to grow old with it…
Oh, I like this concept too!
and look! we saved you a spot on the couch by the fireplace and the margaritas will be here any minute! 😉
Ahh thanks, Daisy! I knew I could count on you. I wore a special necklace just for you too! **helps herself to a marguarita, and squeezes in next to Daisy and Boo**
see? you even know how to spell Marguarita correctly—just another reason we need you! 😉
LOL! I thought I had misspelled it when I posted and re-read your comment. 😀
LOL —I just ASSUMED you were right! I spell it like that because I use a swarovski flower shaped crystal called a ‘margarita’ —on the other hand I really have no idea at all about alcoholic beverages…for me a bacardi Mojito is “a walk on the wild side’!!! After 2, I’d have to go lie down! And bookclub cured me of wine…..I know, we had a kind of wild bookclub for a while.
I’m an Angel and proud of it! I’d rather like to strangle one of those No. 5 snobs… Pretty smelling snobs though they are (arpege is better though!). I always judge people on their perfumes, thus being in high school, I have quite a low view of most. Vera Wang princess and fantasy by britney spears, everyone smells like a cupcake. Then again, I wear angel so I guess I do too… LOL
Are you kidding? Angel has class–especially if it is artfully balanced with clothes you don’t expect. Vera Wang, Juicy Couture, Axe–who needs them?
Well, I’d probably be more Joy with a smattering of Shalimar. Which is funny because, at the writing of this post, I strongly dislike Joy and LOVE Shalimar. I want some extrait for Christmas but if Mr. Claus doesn’t deliver, I’ll get it before I need it next summer.
Also, if you haven’t answered already, what do you fancy yourself?
I’d like to be more Shalimar than I am, and there’s definitely some Joy mixed in, with the occasional streak of Angel.
That’s funny! Well, you’d better get yourself some Shalimar, then.
Ooohhh… I’ll be the girl at the Chanel table with her left foot in a Tonka truck, right foot in the 4711 party and an ear open to all the gorgeous Shalimars. (Which I smurfed an excellent Baccarat bottle of that juice and the more I look at it the more I want to peel open its little onion skin and enjoy. Such is the folly of historical temptations.) As for those Angels… I will admire from afar as they fall into ‘trendy’ still and I am waiting to see how they stand the test of time. Still kinda fun to claim a fragrance from my generation which has managed to catch the hearts of so many and it not be a rip-off drive-by of the lovechild of bubbleyum and a pina colada… maybe if they did an Angel X, I’d be sold?
Angel X. O.K., I’d be intrigued, too! I think Angel will be around, though. I think it’s more solid, say, than Opium. But I could be wrong.
Of all the quizzes I fill on Facebook this one is a must because its
about my favorite topic – thanks to you Angela (fantastic job btw) I too have been debating, analyzing, deducting percentages and I am truly a mongrel like many of you.. So, here goes…
I absolutely adore my little yorkie, Ziggy. He travels with me to Canada and to my daughters on the East Coast. I find my Blackberry indispensible – and have the best hair-stylist that I am very devoted to….. I am very friendly and affectionate – family is everything to me. If fragrance is my first love then chocolate comes extremely close to it…. I am told that I have a great belly-laugh and can keep up with the best of them. I have quite a collection of shoes/boots/purses. I have had no plastic surgery – but would seriously undergo a little nip and tuck – if finances would allow it……. I was an Art History/Interior Design major but grew up with French classes through high school. I have a handsome foreign husband – as well as some spicy long-ago secrets…. And then, I adore my Book Clubs, am obsessed with gardening, but haven’t a clue about the stock market. I think by first impressions I might come off as an Angel with a Joy-ful heart but once you get to know me you’d smell the Shalimar wafting as I’m outside in my garden reading.
Oh boy, you’re a little of everything! I hope you have room in your cabinet for a few bottles of perfume.
It’s true I have them stashed all over the place.including Joy, Angel(violet), Shalimar but sorry no 4711.(I do love it however.) In fact I am asking for a “perfume cabinet” for Christmas. Hoping to find one in an antique shop.
I am thoroughly enjoying NST! I have been off and on for the past year and just decided I need to become more involved. I love all the different responses – what an eclectic.group of fabulous individuals. Wouldn’t it be great to actually have a gigantic party for all of us! Let’s make it a New Year’s Eve Bash….. now where should we have it…..?
That would be a fun party! It had better be a big room with topnotch caterers and a good ventilation system. We’d have a fabulous time, no doubt.
Hmmm. I’m definitely not a 4711, I don’t think I’m a Joy although they sound absolutely lovely and I’m smoldering enough to be a Shalimar which leaves me with No 5 or Angel.
I think, if possible, I’m a cross between these two. I can be shallow, I can be high-maintenance (these are me on bad days!) but I can also be well-mannered and I can be boisterous.
It really depends on my mood.
Fun quiz. Thanks Angela!
I meant I’m *not* smoldering enough.
I think the No. 5/Angel mix is one of the most intriguing! Correct, but fun. Elegant, but trashy enough for good conversation.
haha i thoroughly enjoyed this one, i think i am definitely a shalimar but would like to be a 4711, lol, i once made a perfume quiz on facebook “the perfume personality quiz” but it ended up not being utilized enough so they tossed it out the application list. 🙁
Oh, too bad about your quiz! I would have liked to see it.
I know what you mean about needing a little more 4711 sometimes. I feel that way, too!
Oh, Angela this quiz is spot on, do you have a FB page, because if you do you need to make a quiz out of this, if you won’t, may I?
I bailed on Facebook a while ago (see discussion up near the top of the comments), but if you want to do a perfume quiz, you should for sure! If you want to lift from this post, you have my blessing. You might want to shoot Robin an email, though, since this is her blog (Robin at nstperfume dot com).
Bit of Chanel and Joy, and I don’t like Joy for me, but it smells nice on others. Oh well.
I feel that way about a lot of perfumes!
I want to be a No.5 (I would be the expensively manufactured type) but I think my personality is more 4711 with a 1/4 cup of of Angel, a tablespoon of Joy and a sprinkling of Shalimar on top.
…And roast at 350 for an hour. Let cool, and enjoy!
I am 1/2 Joy, 1/4 Shalimar (minus the food sharing fetiche) and 1/4 4711.
No 5’s I get along with at work but not on holiday. Angels I can just about tolerate occasionally at a party but could not bear to work with.
Now what does that say about me? 🙂
It sounds like you know yourself!
Come to think of it, do No 5’s and Angels actually do any work?
I think the No. 5s are mostly high end real estate agents, and the Angels are hairdressers, movie stars, and trophy wives.
always late to the party..ah well..that what comes with living in the east of the world
a few years ago, mostly joy, with a good dose of shalimar, and dabs of angel and 4711
then the third kid started his teenage years and….well shalimar overtook and the rest is history!!! now i try really hard to balance back the joy…but heck, i’me close to 50 and after this third kid..i have a 5 yr old still… so…besides..the creativity is not only in french..it is in the kids too!
i have a touch of 4711…but your trust in me can only be with your words….forget the stocks…i live in the clouds somewhere… I would loose all ur stocks but keep your words forever safe!Thank G-d for the dh is is so 4711(both in words and stocks!!!
I love it that you’re getting more and more Shalimar! Yes, you must be creative to pretty much, it sounds, be spending your adult life raising children and making a happy family. With a 4711 as a husband, you can be as creative as you need to be!
I’ll steal food off anyone’s plate, had more than my share of foreign lovers, but will flirt with the waiter and be generally obnoxious when the mood calls for it.
The noxious offspring of Shalimar and Angel doesn’t bear thinking about, but there I am. 😀
Shalimar and Angel! I bet your best friends love love love you, and your enemies–well, let’s not go there. You’re welcome at my table any time.
her enemies are JEALOUS!
Perfect response! You’re good.
Sorry, but you missed a big bunch of us. We’re outside wearing Bulgari Black, Bandit and Feminite du Bois. There’s a fair amount of leather and sheepskin being worn out here and a few of the gals are smoking. One even has a cigar. 🙂
Sounds like a fun group! A smart one, too. Maybe a little vintage Tabac Blond mixed in? Well, these quizzes have their limitations. At first I was only going to do three perfumes, if you can believe it.
You read my mind. I was going to say that I think a lot of us are Shalimar/Joys, perhaps it is the same type at a different stage.
But what I REALLY think I am is a Bandit.
I think the Bandits would do well with that crowd in the alley…
Yes, the Bandit crowd suits me, too. Though I think I’d also fit in with the Chanel girls, or could play it off with those b*tches the best… a bit of the good-girl-gone-to-the-bad.
Leather & lace!
It’s going to be rowdy out in the alley! And I’m sure the Chanels could use you to keep them in line.
Oh I’m definitely Bandit! And Cabochard. Often, though, I’m Cabaret, because one cannot evade real life. But when I’m me and don’t need to fit into society… I’m definitely Cabochard and Bandit.
Oh, Angela, this article is so you! I love you <3
Cabochard and Bandit! Hmm. You must be intelligent, stubborn, independent, and a little bit wild.
Very entertaining post, and comments! I think I’m yet another Shalimar, battered, but well-made leather handbag and all, with tendencies in several other directions. Some of Angel’s vulgarity (I’m often overdressed, and in clothes that tend to be slightly to very theatrical, and I do still love Angel, as trashy as it is), some of the cashmere and chocolate mousse from the Joy table (yes please – and I do an awful lot of cooking for friends!), even a hint of 4711 – I might just be the one asking the Angels to put out their cigarettes, although I’m more likely to do it myself than call for the manager.
From all the descriptions, your definitely included, perfume lovers sound like a terrific group of people. I bet we’re more fascinating than, say, the coy pond bloggers or the gramophone enthusiasts.
“Coy pond bloggers” — they sound so much more flirtatious than koi pond bloggers.
I swear, I used to be a champion speller, then–as I figure it–I turned into more of an auditory writer instead of a visual writer, and my spelling has gone right down the toilet.
Fun piece Angela. Please may I sit on the Shalimar table!
Absolutely! I’d love to hear more about George Sand, too. She must have been a Shalimar.
Agree.
Joy (brunette, pearsl and silk/cashemre addict) and Angel (loud, pink) 🙂 but also A LOT of Shalimar. Hm, I guess mostly Shalimar.
Well, this is a great article. This is a great idea!
A “what is your style/life/perfume” restaurant to go to.
Guess the NST ladies and gents will be mostly sitting at the Shalimar table it seems!
I am going to read you from the coffee-cup. This works, honestly!
But only if I can eat a tiny bit from all plates 😉
I’d love to have you read from my coffee cup, and will happily share from my plate! (I’m looking at the dregs of my coffee right now and can’t make heads or tails of it). I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
I am almost 50/50 Joy and Shalimar. 🙂 Love it! I’m a happy mom and wife in a small town and could be considered bubbly and kind, but I majored in literature and my past (and imagination) is filled with intrigue. I read philosophy for fun–after making Christmas ornaments with my daughter.
You make it sound like the perfect mix! I bet you’ll have a few stories for your daughter when the time comes.
This has been really fun. I’m chiming in late to declare myself a Joy (2 kids, a dog, allergic to wool – me, not the dog) with a good dose of Shalimar (martini in hand, worn leather handbag, eating and laughing) with a tiny pinch of 4711 (book and garden lover, occasionally officious). I ‘m a little off the dress code though. I did wear Joy parfum on my wedding day. It was a gift from my Mom. Here let me show you some photos… 😉
Nice mix, and a great description of yourself!
This is fun! I don’t think I fit into any of these categories though. I’d put myself in the Aliage category. 🙂
Fascinating! What is the Aliage category like? Feminine, always has vases of flowers from her own garden around, takes long walks in the country by herself, maybe?
Outdoorsy & sporty. Fishing, boating, tennis (plays to win!) swimming, baseball, etc. I remember that Aliage was advertised as a Sports fragrance (still is). These are some old EL Aliage ads with Karen Graham, and I think they really capture the spirit of what EL wanted Aliage to be.
http://www.okadi.com/agr_uk.php?ref=pf-el-al-1975-4-us-d-b&fond=parfums&prod=Aliage+%2F+parfum+Est%E9e+Lauder&annee=1975&pays=US&prix=C&taille=b&bloc=double+page&dispo=ok&abus=&id=
http://www.okadi.com/agr_uk.php?ref=pf-el-al-1973-i-d-b&fond=parfums&prod=Aliage+%2F+parfum+Est%E9e+Lauder&annee=1973&pays=It&prix=C&taille=b&bloc=double+page&dispo=ok&abus=&id=
http://www.okadi.com/agr_uk.php?ref=pf-el-al-1975-2-us-d-b&fond=parfums&prod=Aliage+%2F+parfum+Est%E9e+Lauder&annee=1975&pays=France&prix=D&taille=b&bloc=double+page&dispo=ok&abus=&id=
I always think this ad would be a great modern campaign for Aliage, even though it’s for PWL.
http://www.okadi.com/agr_uk.php?ref=pf-el-pw-2007-us-d-b&fond=parfums&prod=Pure+white+linen+%2F+parfum+Est%E9e+Lauder&annee=2007&pays=USA&prix=B&taille=b&bloc=double+page&dispo=ok&abus=&id=
It looks so fresh and open. Nice! I’m so cold right now, though, that I shiver seeing the wind blowing around her. But I love the sense of freedom.
I guess I wasn’t aware it was so sporty! I’m going to have to get out my sample again. I’ll be looking at it in a whole new light.
Loaded with galbanum– not girly at all. Aliage was an early signature fragrance for me (back when I thought a sig frag was a necessity). Great for hot weather.
Good to know! Thanks.
Angela,
Great Article! I’m definitely a “Joy/Angel” – it’s in the genes. Come Thursday all the “Joy’s” will gather flashing pearly whites & giving crushing hugs, but round midnite they can be spotted in pink stilettos heading for “Harry’s Bar” with cigarette smoke trailing…
Hey, I think there’s a movie in that!
Brava Angela! I love personality “quizzes” and this one is the best yet. The two women I know who wear Angel compulsively would fit in perfectly with the others in your Angel group!
Me, I’m a Shalimar with a light misting of Joy. 🙂
Sounds similar to my mix. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Angela
Thanks for the article! I am a Joy/Chanel No 5! Yes, I know it’s a strange mixture but…
😀
Oh, I can see the mix! Warm, friendly, but elegant and pulled together. Sounds great!
I absolutely adore Angel as a fragrance but I don’t fit the character at all, apparently! I’m really kind of shy, to the point where people think I’m just really arrogant for not wanting to talk to them, when I’m actually just too scared. I love music and languages and dancing, so I can’t seem to figure out which category I’d fall into at all. As you pointed out though, it’s not all black and white so I may just be missing it 🙂
(Long-time reader, first-time commenter, by the way. This was such a fantastic post, I couldn’t resist!)
Welcome! I’m glad you liked the post.
Maybe you have a secret inner life as an Angel, but the outer life of something else! Your good friends see your friendly, fun-loving side, and the rest of the world pegs you as someone quieter and distracted.
Great article 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Shalimar but with strong Joy tendencies.
…or a Bandit!
Shalimar…. and at times Parfum Sacre
Nice blend! You remind me that I haven’t worn Parfum Sacre in a while. I’ll have to move that one to the front of the cabinet.
100% Joy. Definitively.
Very nice post.
That’s nice! Everyone needs at least a few Joys in her life.
I’m a Joy with a hint of Angel and a dash of No. 5. I’m a brunette who smiles alot, I own pearls though they’re rarely worn and I adore chocolate, silk and cashmere. The legs might not always be perfectly shaven but for an occasion such as this, I’d make the effort and maybe even pull out the pink stillettos though I’d much more likely go for a pair of black patent louboutins as I’m more of a shoe girl than a bag girl. I’d knock back a glass of champagne with the impossibly coiffed No. 5s and maybe a cosmo or 2 with the Angels but I’d more than likely start and end the night sipping a glass of sauvignon blanc with the Joys and checking out their photos. Strangely, I’ve never tried Joy, No. 5 Eau Premiere suits me much better than the original and Angel is absolutely dreadful on my skin.
You sound like fun! And you’d probably get along with just about everyone in the room, which is a plus.
Eau Premiere is really nice and probably bridges Joy and No. 5 in some ways.
I must try and get my hands on a sample of Joy, though I am a little wary as I’ve just checked out the review of it and it seems to be based around rose and rose doesn’t very strange and hideous things to my skin….case in point, Chloe is like a dish of very strong smelling pot pourri on me, which is a great pity as I soooo loved the cute like bottle with the ribbon, it would have looked so dainty on my dressing table.
Joy definitely has rose in it, but it’s more than that, too. It’s worth trying, I think, just to have the olfactory listing in your brain. But I hope it doesn’t turn nasty on you!
Late to the party, but I loved reading your descriptions of perfumes as personality types. I’d say I’m about 90% Shalimar, 6% Angel, and 4% Joy. No traces of No. 5 or 4711, unfortunately – my life would be much simpler if I had some of those put-together, clean-living, no-nonsense tendencies!
You sound like someone who knows how to have fun! The Shalimar-Angel bit makes me think you’d have a good sense of humor.