More gift ideas, this time featuring some indie brands. If you missed them, see part 1, part 2, part 3 and part 4 of this year's gift series.
From Aftelier, a vintage two-sided enamel cloisonne compact ("Exquisite enamel cloisonne compact with mirror framed with brass rope inside lid. Blue and white enamel framed in brass creating geometric pattern on lid and base. Side has floral ribbon pattern.") to be filled with 7.5 ml of the solid perfume of your choice, $325-550.
From Dawn Spencer Hurwitz, a sampler of her holiday fragrances: Winter White, Twelfth Night, Hanukah Cannelle, Lumiere, Nourouz and December, all in mini Eau de Parfum. $60.
A seasonal subscription program from MCMC Fragrances: "...let MCMC choose the fragrance that best suits the season! From light summer florals to dusky winter hues, MCMC will make sure you’re smelling your best. Seasonal subscription service includes four 30ml spray fragrances per year (first fragrance is sent upon ordering, remaining three are sent automatically every three months), plus exclusive samples and sneak peeks of soon-to-be released fragrances." $275.
From Ayala Moriel, a lapiz lazuli poison ring from Kazakhstan, containing her osmanthus-based Kinmokusei solid perfume. $120 at Ayala Moriel.
From Ophelia's Apothecary at Etsy, the White Winter Survival Kit: "...with this kit you will be ready to be snowed in! In this listing, you get 3 ounces of my special vapor blend bath salts, a headache relief serum, and a just breathe sinus balm. This is a great kit to have on hand to make your winter cold a little easier to bear...or gift it to a special someone when they are feeling a bit under~the~weather." $31.
Love the rings.
I’m puzzled by the adjective ‘vintage’ applied to the enamel compact: how many of these ‘vintage’ items does the company own at present? The point of vintage objects is that they are old and rare, isn’t it? The price would seem to indicate that the compact *is* old and rare, but the fact that there is no mention of a limited number available seems to contradict it.
They do not specify, but I had understood that all the compacts on the site, other than the brand’s “house” sterling silver compact, were one of a kind — you know what I mean, not that only 1 was made, but that Aftelier only has 1 of each. Pretty sure I read that somewhere (that they pick them up at antique markets & the like), sorry I’m not positive.
Dear Bela
Thank you for your question and thank youRobin for featuring these compacts. The one you chose is one of my all-time favorites.
Each of the vintage compacts that we sell is one of a kind and an original. I shop in antique stores and online to find them. They take a lot of time to find and I enjoy looking for them. I also work with an watch dealer who lets me know when he has a beautiful old case with no watch inside it. We list the date of the item when available.
Mandy
Thank you so much for replying to my query, Mandy. I should have researched it a little better and checked your website. Had I done so (I have now), I would have realised each compact was indeed one of a kind. Sorry.
I’d like to take this opportunity to say that your book, Essence & Alchemy, is the only book on perfume I never tire to read. So inspirational!
Does anyone know the size of the DSH EdP minis? I couldn’t find the exact info on the website, but I’m guessing each is a dram. Looks like a great gift set.
It does not say (or I could not find it) but her standard mini size seems to be 1 dram, so I think that’s a good guess.
Thanks Robin.
Love that compact and the poison rings! I have been wanting to try Ayala Moriel’s Espionage scent- leather, scotch and smoke, it’s gotta be worth a try right?? If I love it, I NEED one of those rings!
And check out her website, there are lots of other rings!
I’m with you! Poison ring, lapis lazuli and osmanthus fragrance? Must have!
My comment is awaiting moderation because I changed my gravatar? That’s weird.
Agree it is weird that it held that comment, but pretty sure it has nothing to do w/ the avatar.
These are great gift idea! My friend here on the island will love the Winter Survival Kit from Ophelia’s! Thanks Robin.
(oops, I mean the plural: ideas)
Jessica sent me that one, so we can both thank Jessica
thank you bela for your kind words about my book. it really makes me feel encouraged to hear that. i am thinking through ideas for a new book which will pick up where essence and alchemy left off
mandy
That’s great news. I look forward to it.
I love that DSH gift set! Not a bad price either.