May (who comments here as perfumegeek) is getting married in April. It will be an intimate morning ceremony on the beach (you can see her wedding dress after the jump) in Florida. She's thinking the temperature will probably be in the low 60s. She wants a perfect perfume — something she loves and will have as a keepsake — and is willing to pay up to $200 to get it.
Here is what we know about May:
She's a chemist (the kind that plays with lasers, strong magnets and colorful compounds) in her 20s.
She's a bookworm (she loves Jhumpa Lahiri and Neil Gaiman among others), a music lover (Chopin, Debussy, The Shins, Brandi Carlile), a museum freak (The Victoria and Albert in London, Georgia O'Keefe in Santa Fe), and an outdoorsy woodsy girl (hiking, snowshoeing, fishing).
May likes spicy notes, woods and gourmands. Some of her favorite notes include vanilla, cinnamon, anise, coriander, sandalwood, oud (in small amounts), jasmine, gardenia, ylang ylang, orange blossom, rose and bergamot. She also loves aldehydic and/or powdery fragrances, and incense notes. She thought Chanel's 31 Rue Cambon came close to what she wanted, but it lacks the effervescence that she wants for her wedding.
Some of the scents May has worn in the past include Issey Miyake L'Eau D'Issey, Kenzo Flower, Burberry Brit and Chanel Chance. Since she discovered niche lines, she's switched to fragrances like Diptyque Tam Dao, Anne Pliska, Keiko Mecheri Loukhoum Eau Poudree, L'Artisan Havana Vanille, Penhaligon's Amaranthine, Parfums de Nicolaï Vanille Intense (the perfume she wore when her fiance proposed), Ormonde Jayne Woman and Ineke Field Notes from Paris.
May dislikes notes of tuberose (if it's in a blend and not overpowering it's OK), carnation, grapefruit, apple, marine notes. Some perfumes she didn't care for include Etat Libre d’Orange Putain des Palaces and Montale White Aoud (too strong). She also dislikes celebrity scents in general.
Here is what May has tried so far in her search:
Bvlgari Jasmin Noir (too confusing)
L'Artisan Fleur de Liane (too straightforward).
Annick Goutal Songes (too sweet and strong)
Caron Bellodgia (turns into bug spray)
Christian Dior Diorissimo (too one-note)
Ormonde Jayne Frangipani (too much lime/citrus)
Chanel No. 22 (not bad, but seems too strong for a morning beach wedding)
What say you?
Note: top image is you've got mail. [cropped] by e³°°° at flickr; some rights reserved.
Oh congrats!! What a stunning dress. My thoughts:
Chanel Bois des Iles- the ethereal bergamot, the soft sandalwood & ylang, with the subtle vanilla/tonka base would be lovely. I wore it recently in Miami (weather around 75) and it was stunning.
MDCI Promesse de l’Aube- jasmine, ylang, sandalwood tonka & vanilla- wow. This stunner would be divine.
SMN Melograno- tingly aldehydes, powdery pomegranate and incense, I adore this in warm weather. Elegant.
Balmain Ivoire- this creamy woody/floral delight belies description but is so elegant and contains all of the notes May loves…
Carla Fracci Giselle- such a creamy jasmine, with a delightful vanilla/woody base, this is lovely in any weather.
I’ll second Promesse… and along those lines is Guerlain’s Chant d’Aromes for that pretty peach.
my first thought…bois de isle
Congratulations! What a beautiful dress.
The first things that came to mind were Estee Lauder Private Collection fragrances, in particular Jasmine White Moss and Tuberose Gardenia. I find the tuberose nicely tempered in the latter so it might be worth trying, it’s very pretty.
The jasmine White Moss is beautiful!
My first thought was Chanel Bois des Iles–spicy, very non linear, classic but with a bit of a sultry growl in the base that I think you’d love.
Second thought was Amouage’s Lyric Woman–dark, incense rose. Lovely and multifaceted.
A woman who chooses such an amazing dress should have a glorious perfume for her wedding day. May you have every happiness life can offer.
I’ll second Lyric Woman too…
I just sniffed Amouage for the first time yesterday at Aedes, and it was the first thing that leaped to mind. (Although I confess, my sniffing was so brief I think it was Lyric that I was sniffing but I could be wrong.)
A few others that you might like:
Cardinal by Heeley is a sparkling incense – something I never knew was possible. It could be one way to bring your spicy sophistication to the beach.
Different Company – Sens et Bois (or Charmes et Feuilles, or the other one by Celine Ellena). It’s woodsy, spicy and yet it has that Ellena levity that would make it lovely on the beach. To me, Sens et Bois has a reisling/ gruener veltliner note that I find beautifully watery without any detectable calone.
Pretty dress! I feel you should try both Gucci fragrances:
1) Gucci by Gucci
2) Flora by Gucci
The first seems it have the underlying spice/woodsiness she likes and the second seems to have the floral femininity for a memorable day.
Since you love Debussy, museums, hiking, and powdery fragrances you have got try Guerlain’s Apres L’Ondee. To quote Robin, “It smells like a celebration of its components as they might be found in nature: a whisper of anise, then masses of violets soaked by rain, a sprig of hawthorn. There is a touch of pepper, perhaps from the carnation, and the iris lends a mild earthiness and a lightly powdered finish. There is vanilla, but it is restrained.” Not sure if it’s what you’re after for your wedding, I wouldn’t consider it efervescent and it seems more at home in the woods than on the beach, but I think you might need this one in your life.
I should have my perfumista membership revoked for not recommending Apres l’Ondee, my HG of HGs. Perfect suggestion, and Julia and Aleta are right- a perfect wedding scent
I agree with Aleta, Apres l’Ondee is definitely worth trying for you. It is ethereal.
Along the same lines, but with a litle more presence, you might consider Caron Aimez-Moi: violet, anise, vanilla, light woods. I find it youthful, joyful, optimistic and innocent – if it had been around when I got married, I would have worn it. (Robin finds it a little melancholy, so it’s not one of those entirely frilly-girly brainless things).
Another one to consider is Mariella Burani edt. I love this one very much – it has some light, sparkly aldehydes and sunny citrus, followed by a very classic rose-jasmine-ylang heart, and a creamy, woody base. It has advantages of seeming right for all kinds of weathers, and of being uplifting, beautiful, and comforting all at once. You can probably only find it at discounters, but it is well worth seeking out. It won’t be expensive, but it will smell like it is – a sunnier, happier version of Chanel No. 5.
Forgot to mention that both Aimez-Moi and Mariella Burani have a slightly powdery cast.
And my very best wishes to you on your marriage!
Of course, somebody mentioned Apres L’Ondee before me. It is my standard recommendation for weddings. The EdT is in a bee bottle with a plastic cap, but it is still very nice. What I would do is buy a bottle of the current EdT and get a little of the extrait from TPC , too. The parfum is truly gorgeous and totally worth the price of a slightly large sample.
I’ll second Aimez Moi – pretty and romantic with just a dash of interesting dark notes and a very well done powdery vanilla drydown. Romantic too. Mariella Burani is very good too!
Felicitations, May! A few things came to mind: DelRae has some beautifully done florals, Debut (aldehydic lily of the valley), Amoureuse, (springy floral), Bois de Paradis (spicy, woody vanilla) and Mythique; any of them strike a “beautiful occasion” vibe with me. Or how about Guerlain Chamade? Another possibility is L’Artisan’s Iris Pallida–more than the spending limit, but very special.
Forgot to add, they have a very nice sample program, all of their samples for $10.00 postage paid.
Ooh, yes! Chamade!
Thirding Chamade.
4thing chamade after bois de isle (extract)
Looking at the beautiful dress brings to mind Serge Lutens Bois de Violette and Bois et Fruits–both soft and lovely just like the bride will be. Lots of luck and happiness.
I don’t have much to add here May, except I HAD to comment about your beautiful dress! It’s so unique and stunning with a bit of a vintage feel to it – absolutely fabulous. I completely agree with CHANEL’s Bois des Iles and please check out CdG’s Daphne [that I told you about yesterday]. It may not have the sparkle you’re seeking for your special day, but it’s gorgeous. For me, it’s about the bitter orange, incense, and spiciness.
Best wishes, May! Great dress!
Second/third the Aimez-Moi and Bois des Iles. Also thought of Malle Parfum de Therese (just some spice there in the drydown) or Angelique sous la Pluie. But I hope it doesn’t “pluie” on your day!
I really think May should try a sample of Les Nez Manoumalia! It’s a rich and earthy floral (ylang, tiare)but without being overly sweet or strong. It reminds me of lush tropical undergrowth. Best wishes May!
Seconding the Manoumalia.
Thirding Manoumalia!!
It is the first scent that came into my mind when I read about the location, and your likes and dislikes. Manoumalia sparkles and yet is sensual and exotic, but never too much. It is utterly gorgeous!
Read Abiligail’s review of it, which echoes my own impressions of it:
http://ismellthereforeiam.blogspot.com/2009/01/lesnez-manoumalia-review.html
And this other review:
http://1000fragrances.blogspot.com/2009/01/manoumalia-les-nez.html
For some reason, I am also thinking of Vero Profumo’s Rubj for you… and as luck would have it, she has just, just formulated a lighter EDP version of all 3 of her perfumes; Nathan Branch just wrote about it yesterday, as luck would have it! (which makes it both more affordable, and also, a more sparkling version more appropriate for a wedding).
http://www.nathanbranch.com/2010/01/vero-profumo-new-edp-versions.html
Another suggestion I have (completely different from what you said you were looking for) is — have you thought of an orange blossom scent? Orange blossoms are wedding classics as well as inextricably linked with Florida. My break-the-bank suggestion would be L’Artisan’s Fleurs d’Oranger. Ethereal, exuberant, sparkling and indescribably beautiful.
Fleurs d’Oranger is so extraordinary, as is Iris Pallida, which Bergere mentioned. As if sheer beauty were not enough, the idea of the unique harvests is celebratory. Perhaps decants are a possibility….
Best wishes for your wedding May!
Since you’ll be getting married on the beach I thought of some salty, beachy but non-marine fragrances you may like.
In reverse order:
Hermes Eau des Merveilles – sparkly and salty and lovely
Lolita Lempicka Fleur de Corail – musky salty and intimate
Les Parfums de Rosine Ecume de Rose – beach rose – need I say more?
You may also try Sarrasins from Serge Lutens, it is citrusy and lovely and somehow festive enough.
Do let us know which ones you try – and like!
How about Ormonde Jayne Tiare? I tried it yesterday and it surprised me! Quite different from the mostly tropical floral I thought it would be. I could picture it for a beach wedding. Seems like a seasonless one, too.
And if I had Amaranthine, I’d be considering it too!
Congratulations to you and the groom, the dress is lovely.
I’ll second Tiare, I think it will be great at a beach wedding..
Congratulations – your wedding sounds lovely.
Since you’re going for something more bubbly than 31 Rue Cambon, have you tried Chanel No. 5 Eau Premiere? It has that classic Chanel aldehyde open and is much brighter than No. 5 by itself.
I see you don’t like tuberose, but I agree that Estee Lauder’s Tuberose Gardenia is really all about the gardenia so it might be a possibility. Of course, if you hate tuberose, that might be all you will pick up – isn’t it funny how that works?
How about Le Labo’s Fleur d’Oranger 27 or Aldehydes 44 – although the Aldehydes 44 is the Dallas exclusive and might move out of your stated price range, you could get a decant of it.
Hermes Vanille Galante is another lovely scent for an outdoor wedding – although it may be too ephemeral to compete with the beach scents.
Every0ne makes such good recommendations above.
I love rich orientals and powdery fragrances too, so here are my rec’s….
Annick Goutal Heure Exquise edt – it is just stunning galbanum, rose & iris accentuated by beautiful, classic aldehydes and a gorgous dry powdery sandalwood drydown. It is just wonderful stuff. It is very romantic, very beautiful, and would be a great wedding fragrance.
No 5 Eau Premier would be really pretty classy sunny adlehyde for a beach wedding, and I agree with Mals above about Mariella Burani – a really pretty alternative in the same style. I’ve worn it off and on for years and it always makes me think sunny, happy thoughts- an aldehyde in an Italian style (Think No 5 in Italy…). It performs well, would certainly be able to withstand windy beach weather… Both N0 5 EP & Mariella Burani are very much the same.
Kenzo Flower Essentielle – a more classy and refined powdery floral than the original Flower. It is really fresh (not ozone) b/c of the green sappy accords and yet classy powdery floral. The vanilla dry down is very good, and it lasts for many hours – again, good for standing up to windy weather on the beach. It would compliment the salty air too.
Perfumes de Rosine Zest de Rose. It is so fresh, sparkly, pretty, and the rose is very well done. It would be great on the beach!
And if you want to stick with some rich oriental- I think the vintage Ysatis is fantastically gorgeous stuff. There is so much going on there with the aldehydes, orientals, woods, dash of incense, florals, etc… it is really beautiful, stunning and actually does get to a powdery woody base.
Congrats on your beautiful wedding plans too! And don’t forget to enjoy yourself during all the planning!
And I have to add, after further reflection, they may be a bit wussy for someone who loves those rich orientals, but Le Dix is a gorgeous aldehyde, orange blossom, lactone-y fragrance and Caron’s Nocturnes always makes me think of Florida – the fresh, green, orange blossom and aldehydes just smell like Florida! Also, the Bagdley Mischka Fleurs de Nuit’s pretty soft green jasmine would also be a pretty bridal fragrance – and it also makes me think of the natural growing jasmine all over Florida….
No.5 Eau Premiere is lovely, it’s sparkling and sunny where Apres L’Ondee is a bit of an April shower. It might be a better fit for your wedding location, on my skin I get warm bursts of vanilla and citrus in a mist of aldehydes. I’m in my 20s too and I find this infinitely more wearable than the original No.5.
Yes! I get the citrus in Eau Premiere, too and I thought that I might be imagining things. I would have recommended Cristalle Eau Verte just for the opening, but it doesn’t last on me. I’m probably anosmic to something in the drydown though because others have reported getting hours and hours from it.
Congrats!
Adding to the growing list of recs:
Estee Lauder Private Collection Jasmine White Moss
Ajne Fleur Blanche (stunning ) From ajne’s website:
**Fleur Blanche (White Flower) is Jane’s handcrafted scent rendition of sultry, white gardenia. Jane combined rich, powerful florals, woods and fruits to replicate its intoxicating scent.
**
The Different Company Jasmin de Nuit
~Dawn
I second the white moss…
And I might add.. Acca Kappa White Moss Eau de Cologne …
You can get it through amazon, though I believe there is no way of sampling
Congrats on the wedding!
Now THAT’s a dress! Love it!
I’ll third/fourth Aimez Moi, was wearing it this weekend, and second Les Nez Manomalia.
If you like annis, Lolita Lempika the orginal or Gautier Classique, and even (dare I say) Coco Mademoiselle for a more flirty take on Chanel.
Keiko’s Genie De Bois is my favorite spicy.
Would any of the Bond 9s work?
I was sort of thinking West Side…
I was thinking West Side, too. Even though it might be a bit much for morning, Broadway Nite is certainly sparkly, and one of my favorites.
Congratulations and I love your dress! This is something that we can over think for sure. I wonder if there is a scent you already love and adore but think there is a “perfect” scent for your wedding. If I had to pick from what I have now with a wedding like yours, I would say Deseo or Jovan Musk Oil or Stella. All the niche scents do require some nose work and not everyone smelling them will appreciate them like a perfumista would. I would think simple and something that blends with you because you are the 1/2 of the highlight of the day and your perfume is really just background after all.
Congratulations!!
This is definately a special occasion and you want a scent to remember of course, my personal suggestion would be “PRADA Infusion d’iris”, it’s powdery, fresh and gentle. Its also elegant and subtle, when i wear it i feel elegently dressed already and the scent lingers all day:)
Congratulations Again!
Tracey S
How about Caron’s Parfum Sacre? On me it’s hits many of the things you like, spicy, woody, vanilla, orange blossom, powder.
Notes according to TPC are vanilla, myrrh, civet, cedarwood, lemon, pepper, mace, cardamom, orange blossom, rose, jasmine, and rosewood.
Congratulations and best wishes!
Wow, you’ve received such wonderful suggestions already!
I know you didn’t say you liked iris, but when I thought of a morning wedding, I thought of Frederic Malle Iris Poudre. It’s a lush flower, certainly memorable (and, thus, appropriate for such a big event), beautifully done, and slightly powdery in the base. (It’s also the only iris fragrance I like).
Also, you may like Amouage Epic Woman–it even has this touch of oud, along with incense and rose…
If you like oud and roses, please try Montale Aoud Queen Roses. It starts off as slightly pungent, but it quickly turns into a gorgeous chypre rose, almost sparkling…
Congratulations on your wedding and best wishes!
Congratulations!
I have to 2nd Dawn’s suggestions of TDC Jasmin de Nuit. I think its jasmine and soft spices would complement that stunning dress!
Thank you so much everyone! I really appreciate the best wishes and wonderful suggestions
Looks like I’m gonna have to start ordering some samples right away. The other half of the equation also needs to approve so it makes things a tad more difficult 
For instance, I sampled Ormonde Jayne Tiare, loved it but the fiance said I smelled “too flowery”…LOL
I’ll definitely keep you all updated. It’s the least I can do for all the helpful recommendations.
By the way, where can I buy a FB of Guerlain’s Apres l’ondee online?
Not online, but I ordered by phone from the Guerlain boutique at Bergdorf’s in NYC (212-872-2734). You’re in the US, yes? Or you can order from someplace like escentual.com that will deliver internationally (when I priced it months ago, that was only about two dollars cheaper once you factored in shipping, but it could be different now).
I got my bottle through Neiman-Marcus. I called the one in my town and they found a bottle in their system which they shipped to me free of charge. It is not listed on their website. Also, N-M only takes American Express and their own charge accounts when buying something in store. They take cash of course.
May, you sound like a fascinating woman. Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials.
I love the idea of a morning beach wedding. I can just imagine how fresh and new your wedding day will feel.
I love this Monday Mail features, and often I’ll end up suggesting a whole long list of scents.
This time, I used my intuition (and a little scientific deductive reasoning) and have only two scents I want to recommend, neither of which has been suggested yet. I’ve kept in mind that this is a very special day AND that husband-to-be doesn’t like things too flowery, and yet you want to keep it soft and pretty to suit the time of day.
First, I hope you’ll have a chance to try The Different Company’s Ailleurs et Fleurs. Top quality stuff, just beautifully-done by Celine Ellena and very spring-like, blossom-y, ethereal and original. It has lots of orange and neroli, which seems just perfectly fitting for a wedding in Florida, and there’s a little spice, too, so it’s not just another ho-hum, forgettable floral. Notes are:
Neroli, petitgrain, hazelnut-and elder-flowers, mandarin, star anise, bigarade orange, soft musk and prune
Going in a completely different direction, I hope you’ll get a chance to sample Serge Luten’s Douce Amere. It’s so hard to describe, but I’d say it reminds me of sweet nougat and anise with some powdery-creamy-woody undertones. It’s a gentle, feminine comfort scent, with enough sophistication to make it a Serge. (This is just SO pillowy soft, May, and wedding-y without being a cliche.) Notes are:
Cinnamon, artemisia absinthium, anise, lily, jasmine, tiare flower, tagette, cedar, musk.
i love the aliiers et fleurs (my favourate from the dc
and l’herbelarion have the best neroli eau de parfum
I agree with everyone that Bois des Iles (if it’s still any good–I haven’t sampled a new bottle for a couple of years) would be ideal. And I also agree that if you liked 31 Rue Cambon but wanted a bit more sparkle, No. 5 Eau Première might work as well, as might Kenzo Flower Essentielle. Ormonde Jayne’s new Tiaré (in parfum) has a lot in common with 31 Rue Cambon (both modern floral chypres) and I personally felt that it was the direction I’d hoped Chanel would go if they ever did an extrait concentration of 31RC. Both Promesse de l’Aube and Enlèvement au Sérail would be up your alley, but they are prohibitively expensive. At Guerlain certainly try Chamade, possibly L’Heure Bleue and Nahema. In fact, given your propensity for orange blossom, incense, and powdery notes, even try Habit Rouge! (If wearing a man’s fragrance is too odd for you, Etro’s Shaal Nur is very close.) And very best wishes on your wedding!
Seconding the Shaal Nur. It is possibly my favorite incense of all time. It is a supremely happy incense, never brooding, but not twee or overly sweet. I think it would be perfect for a wedding!
Ditto this! Shaal Nur would take me happily through all of life’s celebrations. It’s a beaut!
Besides, it’s named for a mysterious princess.
I’d suggest Creed Love in White, YSL Rive Gauche, Annick Goutal Eau de Ciel or Annick Goutal Un Matin d’Orage.
Oh, I just thought of another one – one way to combine your love of spicy, woodsy and gourmande notes with the beach is in swashbuckling scent that makes me think of Pirates : Idole de Lubin.
Luckyscent lists the notes as: Rum absolute, saffron, bitter orange peel, black cumin, Doum palm, smoked ebony, sugar cane, leather, red sandalwood
It’s fragrant and delicious, but because it’s Olivia Giacobetti it has a translucence and levity that would let it shine on a wedding day.
How about Sonoma Scent Studio’s Femme Jolie? It’s got fruit, floral, spices, woods and musk. Absolutely lovely soft and memorable! I also second the Guerlain Apres L’Ondee rec.
Best wishes to you!
Congratulations May!! Beautiful dress.
I Suggest
EL Private Collection Jasmine White Moss
Creative Scentualization Perfect Veil
Serge Lutens Un Lys
So many great ideas! And love the dress—you’re going to be gorgeous!
Bois des Iles , Amouage Lyric and Ormonde Jayne Tolu were the first three that popped into my mind…. and then when you mentioned “sparkle” and that you like aldehydes —I thought maybe some Divine L’Ame Soeur since to me that seems to have loads of sparkle. I also like Cynthia’s recommendation of Chanel no5 Eau Premiere .
Let’s see, I know we’ve emailed….do I have your current address? I remember you said you were moving….anyhow drop me an email and I can send you samples of all 5 of the above. Your friends here will keep you busy testing until April !
Hey Daisy – I can’t believe you didn’t recommend Sonoma Scent Studio’s Champagne de Bois! It’s got the same beautiful woody vibe as BdI with a beautiful sparkling aldehyde top and just a touch of jasmine in the heart. Exquisite!
May, I’d also recommend vintage Samsara – a gorgeous jasmine/sandalwood oriental. But it must be the older version in the red box with the black square at the top. It can still be found very reasonably on eBay.
Joy and best wishes to you!
mmmmm….true, I do luvs me some Champagne de Bois…has that aldehydic sparkley, woodsy, teetering on the brink of gourmandishness….yup, it’s a good one.
daisy…i am so tempted to buy this blind…just because of your love for it!
HKM – I think we are scent twins. I’ve also been known to buy full bottles of things just because Daisy likes them. I have three FB from SSS, one purchased unsniffed and the others after just opening the samples that Laurie included with my bottle. I think you are totally safe ordering anything from her. You do live in HK, right? Since you are already paying international shipping, I would recommend getting more than one because they are so reasonably priced. I have Femme Jolie, Tabac Aurea, and Winter Woods. I am going to order Vintage Rose, Rose Musk, Sienna Musk, and another that I can’t remember off the top of my head. The SSS fragrances all have a very rich, complex base that feels like vintage perfume and Laurie is super nice. Go for it!
HKMom – I totally agree with Julia, and I’d like to add Encens Tranquille to the list. Laurie is in the process of reformulating it (it should be finished quite soon) and it is rapidly becoming my favorite. A wonderful incense!
SOLD!!! thanks julia and raps…this will fall into next months damage…yep i live in HK. julia, glad to have a twin
SHALIMAR rules!!
and i love that they will have vintage feel…any 2nd and 3rd choice ideas before I go online?
Beutiful by Este Lauder, Amouage Lyric, Annick Songs, ELPC Tuberose and Gardenia, Chanel No.5 Eau Premier-layered with the Chanel No.5 Body Cream, Congratulations!
Congratulations! Your dress is stunning!
I wanted to suggest Chanel Beige-its worth a sniff and Creed Love in White (heavily dissed here, but I love it). I agree with the L’Heure Bleu suggestion-it does have an effervescent opening. Passage D’Enfer is a soft incense. And you can’t go wrong with Bois de Violette which is just beautiful!
Good Luck!
i just smelled beige on a saleslady yesterday and really enjoyed it..pwdery/flowery/ethereal
We have a lot of similar tastes! Best wishes for your wedding day!
I would recommend Karl Lagerfeld KL, a soft oriental with aldehydes. The notes include a lot of your favorites: aldehydes, orange, bergamot, spicy notes, clove bud, pimento, cinnamon, ylang-ylang, labdanum, vanilla, patchouli, and civet. I haven’t tried a lot of the other recommendatios yet, so there may be one better suited for weddings, but I think you will really love this one!
there is a 3 set of KL pure perfume on e-bay for VERY cheap
Congratulations and best wishes, May! After the excellent suggestions above, I only have one to add: Kenzo Unidentified Frangrance Object. The notes are orange blossom, rose, frankincense and vanilla, along with a “marble accord,” which is meant to recreate the smell of marble dust on a woman’s skin (the perfumer’s mother was a sculptor). Now, I don’t know from marble dust, but this stuff smells HEAVENLY! I get mostly orange blossom on the opening, which then moves quickly into incense with a bit of vanilla for smoothness. This scent just makes me happy!
Also, for the museum freak in all of us, the bottle was created by artist/designer Ron Arad and was displayed at MOMA in New York in 2009. It would make a great keepsake after the fragrance is gone.
This is a limited edition by Kenzo, so it’s only available in the U.S. on the Kenzo website. I believe samples may be available at the Perfumed Court, but if this sounds appealing to you, I can send you a sample. Just let me know.
Also, as a long-time lurker, first-time poster, I’d like to thank Angela, Robin, and everyone who writes and comments here. I’ve learned so much in the past year from NST. Reading this blog is truly one of the high points of my day!
Just wanted to add that the Kenzo UFO is also at Bergdorfs, and yes, the bottle is really fantastic (and I’m no bottle freak).
Also, I know it didn’t work for you, but I’m perverse enough to love the notion of wearing Putain des Palaces on your wedding day!
I second Montale Aoud Queen Roses – I wore this to my friend’s wedding – it has a real old fashioned glamour about it – plus, you could just buy a sample from The Perfumed Court as a little goes a long way (I’m a terrible topper upper and still couldn’t finish the sample across a very long day!)
For something completely different, I would also recommend Van Cleef & Arpels Collection Extraordinaire Orchide Vanille – soft, sexy, delicious:
“A floral, gourmand fragrance with asubtle blend of fruity notes (mandarin orange and litchi), combined with tasty bitter almond and dark chocolate, and accented with sensual European flourishes of Bulgarian rose and violet notes. The vanilla pod is faceted with woody cedar and balsamic tonka bean and notes of transparent white musk.”
Try and get your hands on a sample set of the full collection – they are all beautifully done.
today i sprayed jean patou sublime…and that’s what it is…sublime
Congratulations !
Robert Piguet Baghari
Guerlain Liu
Miller Harris Fleur Oriental
Lubin Nuit de Longchamp
All favorites of mine ( I live in Florida )
And also TDC Jasmine de Nuit is a great suggestion . If you like I can send samples of all of these for you to try…
Again, many many thanks everyone! I’ve already ordered some samples online and will go through the first batch pretty soon. Daisy is absolutely right…I’ll be busy sampling till April, although I do hope to decide by March.
Oh, by the way…for those of you who are so very kind and would like to send me samples we can chat via e-mail: chemstgeek@gmail.com
I vote for Osmanthe Yunan (Hermes) and Envy for something discrete and Coco Mademoiselle for something loud. Best wishes with some drops of rain. It brings good luck!!!!
Wow, congrats on the Day, the Dress and hopefully a Dream Scent! I second Parfum Sacre, because the “sacre” in it has sparkle, which seems sacred, like wedding vows. I also suggest Patou’s “1000”, because of it’s delightful paradoxical combination of depth/centredness and sparkle! Good luck.