Our usual open thread: talk about anything you like — the perfume you’re wearing today, the perfume you're most looking forward to in 2011, whatever.
Or, ask a question about fragrance, then see if anyone else has asked a question that you can answer…
Note: image is pine cone2 by Muffet at flickr; some rights reserved.
I am not giving any fragrance gifts this year except to my husband. I do, however have a niece who will be 12 next year and I am thinking of giving her some fragrance next Christmas. I would be interested to get some opinions as to what might be a good choice for a young girl. I definitely do not want to give her anything skanky, but would like to give her a taste of something beyond the fruity-floral smellalike celebuscents that clog the stores these days.
Oooh, how about something like Chanel Cristalle Eau Verte or No5 Eau Premiere? Or, maybe, like L’Artisan’s La Chasse aux Papillons. All pretty but not insipid.
I’ll second Eau Premiere! That was the first thing that I thought of; it’s so sophisticated, yet easy enough for a young girl to wear without seeming too ‘mature’. 🙂
La Chasse aux Papillons is an excellent suggestion.
I like the name of that one as well (“hunting butterflies”). I will have to seek out a sample of it.
I don’t think you ‘hunt’ butterflies, you ‘chase’ them. 🙂
“Hunt” as a synonym for “seek” or “chase” is an American colloquialism, Bela.
Yep, we’re a little crazy… we hunt butterflies and chase rainbows.
My daughter (who is 16) loves “Something about Sophia” from Benefit, KM Loukhoum, Bond Chinatown and Christian Lacroix Tumulte- fyi (and she loved most of those when she was 13- the Benefit wasn’t out yet)…
I found a Lanvin My Sin (parfum I suspect) at an estate sale this morning- it is in a lipstick shaped gold screw-top- smells great! $1.50…
I’m so envious of your find! What a bargain 🙂
Wow – Helenviolette – that’s awesome. You apparently have very good perfume kharma to snag a find like that at that price. 😉
Congrats on your find!!!
Better than average, but still trendy, if you decide to go that route: Peace, Love & Juicy Couture.
Niche: Annick Goutal Eau de Charlotte or Petite Cherie.
I have heard complaints that Petite Cherie tend to “turn” in rather a short time. Have you had this experience?
Yes, it does not have a long shelf life.
I have kept mine in the fridge since I got it. It is still fine. In it’s box, in the darkest corner, I am taking no chances with my Petite Chérie!
Mine’s in the fridge too. It doesn’t have a box, but it’s been two years and it’s just fine.
I gave my niece both Peace, Love & Juicy Couture and Kate Spade Twirl in rollerballs for her birthday. She likes both, but prefers Twirl.
Yeah, Twirl is fruitier.
How about one of the Guerlain Aqua Allegorias?
Second the AAs! I love and own Herba Fresca and Mandarine Basilic. There are some more floral ones as well.
I have the Tiare Mimosa… that would be a nice one, too.
What about the Philosophy or TokyoMilk lines? Many options from which to choose. I have several great nieces who will be turning 16 in the next year or two, and I’m considering these houses for their introduction to perfume.
TokyoMilk is a brilliant suggestion!
You might check out the Pacifica line. Not terribly complex, but well-done and there are several that would be excellent choices for a young teen. I gave my 14 year old niece Malibu Lemon Blossom and Madagascar Spice last year and she liked them very much.
Oh yes! I second the entire Pacifica line. Very affordable, wide variety of scents. Just saw some adorable little boxed gift sets at JCPenny in their “Sephora” section last night (our JCP doesn’t have a Sephora in-store just yet, but they’re carrying some of the products). The sets have a small bottle of perfume, mini body butter, mini-candle & a small set of matches, all in their wonderful art-nouveu-ish packaging. I’m finding Pacifica stuff popping up in stores more often now, so you should have good luck in finding some.
I third the Pacifica idea. Perhaps Malibu Lemon Blossom? You could also look at Sonoma Scent Studio Cameo, or Philosophy Amazing Grace or Pure Grace.
I had thought of Cameo, or perhaps Lieu de Reves.
Jolie Femme may work as well. Isn’t that one a little fruity?
There are really some nice ideas here. I can see that I will have some sniffing to do next year. For some reason, I have never delved into the Aqua Allegoria line, or Pacifica or Tokyo Milk, but I will have to remedy that. Thank you to everyone for your suggestions.
Pacifica and Tokyo Milk are good ideas. Also the Lucy B line may work. They have a few good scents and the bottles are super cute.
The Pink Frangipani, Tiare Coconut and Tropical Gardenia are all nice.
I also like the AG Petite Cherie idea. Good luck.
50 Roses, that’s great! My niece is 9 and I’m probably waiting a couple years before I give her some fragrance (though I’ve thought of one of those Hello Kitty Demeters for fun).
I don’t know what the price is, but since people have mentioned butterflies (papillon), I’ll be a young lady would love something in one of the Annick Goutal round butterfly bottles.
How about Linden from Pre de Provence? It is a very clean light floral, with moderate sillage.
I’ve talked about this before but I have a fun follow up. I gave my 13 year old niece Marc Jacobs Daisy (age appropriate but ‘designer’ and hence glamorous and fashion-y but also not a dumb fragrance) for her birthday ( MJ for women was my first and longest sig scent) hoping one day years later she would be a fully functioning glamorama perfumista and recall her marvelous aunt who first gave her one. anyway my wish is coming true much faster, I went over to see her the other day and she said “you got me obsessed with perfume” and had plastered her walls with magazine fragrance print ads. She had pulled herself strips and samples from magazines and was really interested in gucci guilty and everything from theirry mugler! She’s 13! I didn’t get into Alien until I moved to London…. The Internet kids are able to learn about anything! Lucky for her I happened to have sample of both on me at the moment and now I know I can always surprise her with new ones from my own obsession.
I second Daisy by Marc Jacobs.. and although you drew the line at celeb scents, may i still recommend covet by SJP.. i personally abhor all celeb scents (as most of them are just fancy bottles with fruity water).. but covet is the sole exception..
50 roses, I’ve been sampling PdN Violette in Love, which is perfect violet with a touch of raspberry. It is far from the notorious fruity florals – light, dry and sophisticated. Patricia de Nicolaï said that she created it with young girls in mind – and it would be an extraordinary scent for a girl – but I’ll be wearing it regularly to escape the dreary side of winter.
I like those 30 ml bottles that PdN offers too. I have a sample of Violette in Love. I remember thinking that it was not “me”, but I need to try it out again with my niece in mind.
SOTD – FM Noir Epices. We got a load of snow overnight here and this seemed like a fitting choice somehow.
I have a question – does anyone know when Chanel Les Exclusifs will be available in smaller sizes in UK/Europe? I decided to bite the bullet and get a smaller bottle of Sycomore as a Christmas present for myself but I can’t track them down. Chanel SAs have been uncharacteristically unhelpful and uninformed and every one I spoke to gave me a different story. Of course, this makes me want it even more.
Abyss – Helg of Perfume Shrine published this:
http://perfumeshrine.blogspot.com/2010/10/chanel-les-exclusifs-size-small-for-fit.html
which basically says Feb. 2011.
Abyss, isn’t that pathetic? I asked about the small bottles in stores both in France and in Germany and they hadn’t even heart about it. It would help if they knew their own website…
Oh, Rappleyea, thanks so much! Looks like I’ll have to wait a little longer.
And, yes, kristinacologne, one of the SAs told me that he didn’t know what I was talking about either and he “never heard of these smaller sizes”. It’s incredibly frustrating.
A Chanel SA also told me February / early March 2011 here in the UK. I’m after a smaller Coromandel! She also mentioned a 31 Rue Cambon EDP and extrait is in the works.
Ooh, excellent, thanks!
Great scoop on 31RC too. I doubt I’ll need more since I own the ginormous 200ml bottle and it lasts all day on me but I’m sure this will be welcome news for many others.
Too bad not in time for your Xmas present to yourself (always nice). Consider it a Xmas “IOU” to yourself.
I now, right? Perhaps I’ll get it for Valentines or something. In the meantime, I’ll probably tie myself over with a fancy festive candle.
Does anybody know how to get the cap off a mini of Theorema? I’ve tried twisting, jiggling and prying. I cracked part of the lid when I pried. I’m afraid if I force it further something is going to break.
Sounds like yours might have a defect in the lid? Mine pops right off.
Have you tried just pulling straight up–no twisting at all? My cap just snaps in place so to remove it just pull straight up.
Success!!! I lifted straight off but it was a lot harder that I thought it would be. I ended up with it on my hands but I’m not complaining. This stuff smells so good I’m feeling all swoony! Thanks Tiara.
Yay! Would hate to think of it going to waste.
So glad you got it off….I’m wearing a bit as well because I wanted to be sure what I was telling you was right. We smell quite nice, don’t we?!
🙂
I am having problems getting the caps off of lush samples any ideas
I can’t remember exactly how they work, except that if I pulled too hard the whole top mechanism came off & then I spilled the juice. Sorry!
I’ll add to the technical questions: I won a bid on a ca1940s (1941?) Emeraude boxed gift set with a bottle of “perfume de toilette” (body powder, Coty face powder, lipstick, blush, & a kind of early bronzing powder – it is *awesome*!) but I haven’t even been able to smell the perfume as it is blocked by a clump of dark, solidified resin of the perfume at the neck. The whole set is in near-pristine condition but the bottle has been lying on its side at about a 15-20 degree angle all these years. Any recommendations on how to safely remedy this? I’ve thought about just using q-tips and rubbing alcohol and slowly working away at it, but I wanted to see if this has happened to anyone else before and if there are any more safe & secure procedures I should follow.
I would always try the freezer first…freeze it for about 15 so the glass contracts, see if you can work the cap off then.
Oh, no the cap comes off just fine (it’s a tiny screw-top thing). It’s the neck of the bottle that is clogged with a hard bit of concentrated perfume, so essentially plugging the bottle up like a cork. If I can get it to dissolve, I have a feeling this bottle of Emeraude will be pretty great smelling.
Can you dislodge the plug with a toothpick or something? If you can, just push it down into the liquid, recap the bottle, and let it sit a few days. The solids should redissolve if there has not been too much evaporation. Alternatively, you might try just placing the bottle upside-down (make sure the cap is on securely first!), so that the liquid is making full contact with the solid. Shaking it should help too. You could try warming the bottle a little by placing it in a container of hot water for a few minutes. The warm liquid will dissolve the solids better than when it is cold. I know that heat is one of the enemies of perfume, but if you do not overdo it, it should be OK. Actually, if the bottle is as old as you say, most of the volatile top notes are probably gone anyway.
You’ve got some good ideas there. I’m going to try the q-tips and alcohol first. If that doesn’t work, then I’ll try the warm water and dissolve methods. Many thanks!
Oh, totally misunderstood, sorry!! No idea what to do.
Maroc, a lot of those older bottles have a sort of rubber plug, which pulls out with the cap in most of them, but sometimes it has gotten soft and sticky and breaks off in the neck. When I find that, I use tweezers and a toothpick to work it out, then clean the neck with a Q-tip.
I’ve also gotten one or two that seemed to have something like cellophane over the top, which I punctured and removed with tweezers.
Oh! Maybe that’s what it is. I never thought it might be a stopper or some kind of sealant. Good idea.
Coty did use those little rubber plugs – I have an OLD bottle of L’Origan parfum that came with one.
Dmitri wrote a post all about removing stuck caps from vintage perfumes:
http://sorceryofscent.blogspot.com/2010/11/faq-how-do-i-remove-perfume-stopper.html
Hope that’s ok to link Robin!
Absolutely fine, but we both misunderstood — not a stuck cap.
Oops! 🙂
I would think q-tips and alcohol would be worth a try, or just pick at it with a little knife.
Q-tips and alcohol totally work, and it doesn’t affect the fragrance at all, or damage anything. It just takes patience. I’ve been there, my friend.
Yeah, definitely going to give the q-tips and alcohol a try tonight. If I start picking at anything with a knife, I’m going to be covered in band-aids by tomorrow. 😛
How about either resting it in the freezer for 15 or so minutes, then gently try to work the top off. Or also try to pour a little mineral oil over the edge of the bottle lip, it may work as a gentle solvent.
And have to say, Parfum de Toilette is my favorite concentration of vintage Emeraude! Kudos on your score!
Thanks, mals!
SOTD is Rue Cambon.
Question of the day is: Does anyone know where I can get ETRO Shaal Nur in the Toronto area? My dear dog Layla was planning on buying it for me for Xmas, but she can’t find it anywhere. The Perfume Shoppe is sold out 🙁
Any Canucks out there with any suggestions? My last FB purchase from a US website resulted in a $40 duty charge on a $100 bottle of perfume, so I’ve advised her against that. Plus times a ticking…Who can help my dog?
Ha! OK, now I need a dog so I can have my dog give me presents. 🙂
Sorry…no help with the Shaal Nur…
Can I borrow your dog?
I found this online. Have you heard of them? (I hadn’t.)
http://www.pircosmetics.com/index.php?target=products&product_id=1957
Haunani! My scent twin and new best friend, thank you! Pir Cosmetics has a store in Toronto! Layla just got off the phone and… they have 1 left. She batted her big brown lab eyes at my dear husband and he’s making the trek into the city tomorrow to pick it up. She’s been searching high and low. What a Christmas miracle!
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Awww…. this brought a little tear to my eye. Great job, H.!
That’s so terrific! So glad you’re getting your Christmas wish from your pup!
ScentRed, I’m thrilled that I helped! Now I feel like I got a Christmas present, too. Give that pup a hug from me. 🙂
Will do she’s a loving, gentle soul and an awesome gift-giver too. Not bad for a rescued stray that no one wanted 🙂
Thanks again.
Rescue dogs are soooo sweet. Mine has yet to give me perfume, but loves to give doggy kisses, protection against the (potentially) vicious UPS drivers, and sympathy when I’m sick.
Your dogs sound special. Ours was an abandoned puppy – someone dumped him and his sister on a nearby rural road. Hugo is a mix of (we think) St. Bernard and other good things. He’s now nine years old, a 95 pound bundle of love. Couldn’t ask for a better dog. The cats adore him. Oh, and he knows how to shop, too, PayPal and all. ♥
SOTD: Attrape-Coeur. Well, another Guerlain to love. It’s all violets on an ambery sandalwood base on me. Slowly on the mend from an incredibly nasty throat infection and it’s the first day I’ve really enjoyed perfume in a week. I picked a doozy – it’s lovely. Hope everyone here who celebrates, is ready for Christmas!
Rustic, that is my SOTD as well. I bought my bottle in May, so I have been waiting for cooler weather to enjoy it. I don’t really get much violet out of it, mostly rich, ambery warmth. I am really glad I managed to snag a bottle before it disappeared.
Oh, that’s right – it’s been discontinued. 🙁 That’s really too bad.
Oooh! Glad you’re enjoying it, V. Still my current favorite. Some Guerlain sellers may still have bottles…note to anyone who needs one. I got mine from Bergdorf’s a couple of months ago.
NM in the Houston Galleria still had at least one bottle when I was there in November. Don’t know if it is still there though.
Oh, and sorry about your throat!!! Glad you’re feeling better!!! XO
Sorry to hear you were feeling bad, but I’m glad you feel better and even more important (lol) can smell again! I Attrape Couer is fantastic!
I couldn’t make my mind up about Attrape Coeur last winter. Unfortunately, I only had a few mls in a spray bottle and the other week I discovered that most of the juice evaporated over the summer months. Gah! I decided that from now on, no matter how precious the juice, it’s better to use it up and at least get some enjoyment out of it.
My SOTD, too! Love it.
Gorgeous, gorgeous attrape coeur!
I recently bought 3 bottles, and am saving to buy another 2- if they’re not sold in the meanwhile, that is…
I wanted to wear it today, but then Shalimar extrait smiled at me…
…It is crazy how this scent makes me feel happy! It does make me smile every time I catch a whiff of its leathery plushness!
🙂
Scent of the day: Armani Prive Bois d’Encens, for warmth. The purest representation of frankincense smoke straight from the censer, with no other scent elements to distract the wearer. Fearsomely expensive even as a decanted sample, but worth the scrimping and saving.
That sounds wonderful! I’ve heard so much about this one. As an incense freak, it sounds right up my alley. I may have to brave the snooty SAs at my local NM to try it. Then *I’ll* likely be scrimping and saving, wanting a FB. I’ll enjoy it vicariously through you, today 😀 (BTW, my SOTD is Vero Profumo’s Rubj, and it’s the lovely reason I cannot purchase any more fragrance in 2010)
Are they really snooty at your NM? I was afraid they would be here (Houston), but was pleasantly surprised to find that they are quite friendly and helpful, at least in the fragrance/cosmetics department. I cannot speak for the rest of the store–I simply don’t have the money to buy any of their clothes, and I don’t bother torturing myself looking at merchandise I cannot possibly buy.
Too hilarious–We are in the same city, with completely different experiences at the same store. I’ve been at the counter, ready to purchase, wallet in hand, and could *not* get anyone to ring up my sale 😀 I was dressed for the office, in the same types of clothes I wear to London and Paris. . .and have lovely experiences at boutiques and shops there. . .but here at home in the galleria, my dollars won’t spend.
Glad to know you are here. We’ll have to have a mini H-town Sniffa. Better yet, a road trip early this spring to the Old Rose Emporium 😀
That is odd! Which counter were you at? I have found the Guerlain SAs to be perfectly fine, and very eager to make a sale, and the last time I was there the AG rep was wonderful. She let me sniff to my heart’s content and even offered to make up samples for me from the testers ( I chose Ninfeo Mio and Rose Absolute) without me even buying anything. The only slightly offputting SA I encountered was at the Chanel counter. She wasn’t rude exactly–just didn’t motivate me to buy anything. She didn’t know anything about the smaller sizes of the other Les Exclusives either.
RE: your comment about Rubj – what a coincidence! I too am forbidden any more perfume shopping this year! I used up several months’ worth of my perfume allowance buying Bois d’Encens and a passel of Serge Lutens decants, then swore a solemn oath to my spouse that I would abstain until March 1st. After that, I’ll resume my strict monthly budget, chastened but fragrant!
“la donna è mobile” (a woman is fickle), last week I was pretty sure that I could buy “traversée du Bosphore” and “portrait of a lady” unsniffed.. today I tried both, and well, I’ve changed my mind… nothing really negative, but la traversée is too vanilla-like for me, and POAL is a very , well, hefty lady (I might change my mind when i’ve experienced the dry-down?)
Never. Buy. Unsniffed!
I always forget this…
I was sure I’d love PoaL too, and went ahead with a decant. However, no can do (balsams in the drydown, urgh) – it’s already found a new home.
SOTD: SSS Winter Woods – We had snow here today and it seemed like the perfect scent to wear to go on a walk with my husband and daughters.
I would like to tap the collective experise here and ask for scent suggestions for a Spring Ball (mid-March)with a blackj tie dress code. It is organised by the Parents Association of my daughter’s school and it is in aid of charity. I haven’t gotten a dress yet but it will likely be a sheath or something simple and old-school glam. I should say I am not a floral person. Orientals are much more by bag – Shalimar was my first proper perfume love and is still one of my faves. Also adore Emeraude, Nu, Tabac Aurea, Winter Woods, Black Cashmere, Chaos, Diptyque Eau d’Neroli, Bvlgari Black, Calyx, Chamade….and, of course, the list goes on. Any suggestions greatly received!
What about 31, RC? Very elegant and sophisticated without scaring anyone.
Another excellent suggestion!
I second 31 RC – perfect for a dressy occasion. My other evening out go-to is Divine by Divine. Have fun.
Of your list, I’d vote for the Chamade. By mid-March, you’ll probably have cabin fever and will welcome that blast of galbanum and hyacinth, but Chamade has that beautiful resinous drydown which transitions a cooler early-Spring evening perfectly. Sounds like fun!
I was going to suggest Chamade also – it is just perfect for early spring and it still gets that warm balsamic base.
I would also suggest Piguet Baghari – I don’t know if you like aldehydes or not, but Baghari is just gorgeous – a very warm aldehyde with spicy orange blossom, etc. I always imagine it’s what I’d wear to a black tie event.
Thanks Ann, I haven’t come across Baghari before but it sounds intriguing. Aldehydes and I are generally not friends but a warm aldehyde with spice sounds like a possibility!
Good luck! It’s really well done. And it gets better the longer you have it on.
Ooh, yeah, Chamade! In parfum, if possible…
Teatro Alla Scala.
I just read the review of this at Perfume Shrine and a lemming has been born! ( I used to wear K but haven’t thought of it in years.) Thanks, I think :-0
Ormonde Jayne Woman! 🙂
I finally smelled this and it is fabulous! Good suggestion, thanks. 🙂
FragrantWitch, I have a vague recollection you’re in the UK like me, if so try Mary Greenwell’s Plum which is exclusive to House of Fraser. It’s a modern fruity chypre with a lot of sophisication, which I think would be perfect for a formal ball in Spring.
Good memory Tortola! I am in the UK, yes, and the Oracle has a big H of F so I will check out your Mary Greenwell suggestion. Thanks!
I have Love at First Sniff for Plum… alas, I am not in the UK, and HoF will not ship internationally. I will have to make do with decants. Sigh.
Unless someone wants to give me an air ticket to London for Christmas? Nudge nudge wink wink…
Should have spoken up sooner… my boss left for London on Friday. I probably could have begged a favor (maybe).
Aw dangit… I even have a birthday coming up next month…
How about Shalimar Ode a la Vanille for the ball ? It is v sophisticated. My SOTD is SSS Rose Musc
I love orientals, too, and am always sad to give most of my favs in the spring. What about Alahine? You are so wise to plan ahead and allow plenty of time for sampling! 🙂
SOTD: SSS Tabac Aurea. I’m looking forward to trying the new Delrae Roth, Panache, which hasn’t arrived here yet. Not that I need another vetiver scent. 🙂 Any opinions on that one?
I haven’t smelled that one but as someone here once said to me, “You can never have too many vetivers.” 🙂
That sounds like our lovely blog mistress Robin. 😉
And it must explain why I live in the poorhouse 🙂
I just tried to hit “like” on this. 🙂 I’m such a dork.
I REALLY need to try some of the SSS fragrances. Everyone seems to rave about them.
Oh, do! I just received decants of both Winter Woods and Tabac Aurea and I am completely in love. If the rest if the line is this good, I am in trouble!
Welcome to the club! 🙂
You ARE in trouble! Of the eight (samples) that I have, I’m totally obsessed with seven! Those are dangerous odds… 😉
They ARE good. I like several, adore two: Champagne de Bois and Tabac Aurea.
They are so good—buy the 2.5ml sample set, it will change your life! 😉
Do give them a try. I’ve sampled quite a few and have FBs of Tabac Aura and Champagne de Bois. Even the ones that just weren’t me we so well-done I’m sure they’re perfect for someone whose style they do match.
A: can I just say I am SO jealous that you’ve got a full bottle of Champagne de Bois? It being un-available makes me that much more desperate to have it… yikes! 🙂
Dear Santa: All I want for Christmas is a FB of Champagne de Bois. I have been a very good girl this year, and I know that if anyone can manage to get a FB of this wonderful perfume, it is you. Thank you in advance, and say hello to Mrs. Claus and all the elves and the reindeer for me.
Roses, that would truly be a Christmas miracle!! 🙂
Party tonight – will be wearing BANDIT because that’s just how I feel today.
Sounds great! Did you see Katie Puckrik’s recent video on what to wear to holiday parties? It’s very funny and also has some great suggestions.
http://www.katiepuckriksmells.com/
SOTD: Kilian Love and Tears. Attending a festive, dressy house party tonight – wearing a little black dress. For fragrance, instead of sultry, I want light and pretty. Go figure!
Have fun at your party! And it’s nice to wear something unexpected, I think.
Oh, whatever makes you feel beautiful is good.
SOTD is de Bachmakov — perfect for ice skating!
Sounds perfect! I have a sample of this on the way; can’t wait to try it.
Yes it is!
SOTD: Tambela Rose of Cimmaron from the Outlaw Perfume Project. This is amazing-I ordered a bottle immediately. The opening had a lot of indolic jasmine, a couple hours later I’m getting that rose/patch/labdanum with a hint of jasmine.
I also tried Gypsy by Providence Perfume-spice, pepper and incense on me.
I’ve only tried 2 so far and look forward to trying the rest!
I am SO tempted to order the sample set, but I’ve already bought myself a Christmas present and really don’t need to spend any more $$$! When has that ever stopped me though?!?
I bought Mata Hari, one of the scents for the Outlaw Perfume Project and it is AMAZING! Is there a sample set of all the perfumes created for the project? If so, how did I miss that?
WAFT put together a sample set. She has a few left if interested.
Oh so tempted by that OPP set that Carol is selling. Maybe right after Christmas…if she still has some left.
Where did you find Mata Hari, B? (I’ve looked at the DSH website, but it does not seem to be on sale there.)
Mata Hari link… https://www.dshperfumes.com/search_result_product.asp?iPage=1&txtProduct=Mata+Hari
You are EXCELLENT!! I had searched high and low on that site and could not find it. Thanks so much!
SOTD = Ava Luxe Bois Exotique. I’m finally getting over a cold that has left me unable to smell almost anything. 🙁 But I’m smelling this and it smells so gooood.
Glad you’re getting better!
SOTD: SSS Champagne de Bois.
Which, love it as I do, I’m loathe to actually *wear* because I’ve only got 2.5mL… and a FB can’t be had for ANY price. 🙁
I’m really thrilled about the upcoming Jeux de Peau. Buttered toast is my husband’s favorite snack… so. 😉
Wear it and enjoy it! If you run out before Laurie gets the cart back up (she says that should be sometime mid-January to early Feb.) I can send you some of mine to tide you over. It’s more of a warm weather scent for me, but I’ve come to realize that it is absolutely one of my top 3 favorite fragrances! And the new classic style scent that she’s working on is even better if you can believe it!
You are an angel Rappleyea! 😉
I’ll be your not-so-secret Santa! 😉
I didn’t even see the second part of your comment—even better? I can’t comprehend the concept!!!!
Rapple, I can’t wait to try the new one either, I’m very excited about it.
I truly want it to work for me, here’s to hoping!
Tamara – Based on what I know you like (URC, etc.) I KNOW you’ll love this one!
Dee – it’s the first fragrance since SDV that has literally “haunted” me. I’ve bought plenty of others in the interim, but nothing that has grabbed me and won’t let go like this one.
Wow, that’s quite a recommendation—I can’t wait to try it!
How the heck do you wear CdB in warm weather?! she demands to know.
I mean, I love it, but it’s def. a cold-weather fragrance for me. A clerk at the grocery store once compared it to “really good potpourri”…
I’ve come to discover that I’m in the minority on this one. But for some reason, the combination of the aldehydes, sandalwood and light floral just seem light and summery to me. I wore it almost exclusively last summer in our excessive heat.
Late to answer – but I’m right there with you on CdB being a great summer scent. Sandalwood is heavily favored in Southeast Asia, where it’s used year-round. I believe sandalwood has a “cooling” effect on the body (maybe you know about this, Rapple – in your aromatherapy reference books?).
Hi Dee, I too have some to spare, most of a 1 ml sample that I had before I bought my CdeB purse spray. I can’t remember how I picked that up; must have squeaked it in before Laurie took the cart down. Anyway, give me a shout across the ocean if you need it … would be great to return your generosity.
You’re so sweet! Thank you Anne-Marie! I think I should be okay though, especially if the cart’s back up in January. Fingers crossed 😉
the perfumed court has an 8ml spray for 23.50
Have you contacted her at SSS? She did a full bottle of Jour Ensolleile for me and sent me a link for it, but I had to ask.
Dixie, we e-mailed back and forth when I first bought my sample set, but I have not asked her to make an exception for me and a full-bottle. I didn’t want to be disrespectful of her condition, but it sounds like it might be worth trying. The worst case scenario is that she’s decline 🙂
Loving vintage Caron these days. SOTD: Caron Infini. Going for a massage shortly and wanted to wear something that wouldn’t be overpowering in close quarters. 🙂
Love Infini! Glad to hear someone mention it. I learned about it from this lovely blog:
http://yesterdaysperfume.typepad.com/yesterdays_perfume/2010/09/infini-by-caron-1972.html
and instantly got hold of a mini (a mini Infini). I wear it quite a lot now that it is summer where I live, because it is fresh and juicy and easy-wearing but does not begin with a blast of citrus, as so many summer fragrances do. I do find it very retro, though. I must have known someone who wore it when I was growing up, because it evokes the 70s very powerfully for me. In a good way, let me add.
Wow. I rarely hear this mentioned. Infini was my FIRST perfume of the adult range. I wore it for over 25 years, exclusively. But, it doesn’t smell the same anymore and that saddens me. I think it was a reformulation issue, like so many of the Carons. So glad you love it and have a vintage bottle of it. Enjoy!
SOTD: Bois des Isles My FIRST Chanel purchase! Went to the counter in Vegas and fell in love!
Happy Holidays everyone! My SOTD was Reminiscence Patchouli in the am, and then AG Vanille Exquise in the afternoon. I can’t say I’m anticipating any new fragrances this year (so far), but I am eagerly awaiting warmer weather so I can dig into my LD of Nuits de Tubereuse.
Can I just add that my toddler is totally into this PBS cartoon called WordGirl, who is this super brained superhero. It is really cute. Anyway, one of her nemisis is this old woman called Granny Mae. One of her many clever weapons is this noxious bottle of green fog “Old Lady Perfume” that she sprays at people. It is really funny – one character gasps “It smells like mothballs!”
“old lady perfume,” is hilarious!
That is funny but also I’m a tad miffed, I love smelling like a lil’ ol’ lady, whatever that means! 😉
I like smelling like an old lady too, esp. when she smells like Vol de Nuit. But everytime Granny Mae whips out this super frilly bottle with a bulb atomizer on it, and the green fog takes over, well, it’s really funny. It always makes me laugh.
You and me both!
Excellent! We only occasionally have SuperWhy here in the UK but my daughter loved it- she discovered it when visiting my mom in the US. Curious George was the hands-down winner though!
My Emily really likes George and Thomas the Tank Engine too. You can watch the WordGirl on the internet. It’s really cute.
SOTD is Lolita Lempicka, an old favorite I’m fondly rediscovering lately (brings back so many memories of when I FIRST wore it!). Even though my perfume tastes have changed quite a bit since I first discovered it (many years ago now), I still think it’s a great scent. Our weather is bitter and LL stands up to the extreme cold very nicely.
Thanks for reminding me about this one. I have some and haven’t worn it yet this season!
Scent of the day is Une Rose Chypree.
My most favorite perfume, I enjoy being in it’s depths around my neck.
I want too many perfumes ALL YEAR LONG …. and will probably not get any for Christmas cause I’ve been a baaaad girl and sneaking stuff all this time. lol!
Maybe I’ll wear URC today. I now have two sample vials, and they ought to do me for the next several months…
I doubt I will get any perfume from anyone else for Christmas, but my kitty Buster has been saving up to get me one of those small bottles of Coromandel. I think it is my last super-crave for a while (yeah, right). I have so many new fragrances, and so many samples to get through. I need to just calm the hell down.
Hmmm, I think that Cho needs to take a page from Buster’s book and get her mama something good for christmas…. (see Cho, at left).
OMG, Cho is ADORABLE!
… she’d agree with you! She thinks she’s the queen of the universe 😉
Well… isn’t she?
According to my dear Silvia, Cho is not the Queen of the Universe. Silvia herself is.
I think my cat Mimi would disagree with both of yours.
Lol. Seems many of us care for a “Queen of the Universe”. I wonder how many Universes there are? Secretly I think they are aware they are only the Queen’s of their own particular Universe (homes). But no matter how tiny the “pond”, the “Big Fish” still rules!
The Cat’s of Perfumistas: who’s going to write that article? 😉
Pretty kitty!
Mimi is definitely the queen of my husband’s lap. If I sit in his lap, she starts to get jealous and gets this look on her face that says “Hey, that’s MY spot. Get off!” She seems to regard me as a rival for his affection.
SOTM was Femme Jolie but now have put a put of Theorema on since I just HAD to be sure what I was telling SuzyQ about the cap was correct! Nice on this cold winter day!
My husband doesn’t usually buy perfume for me but I think he was feeling a bit guilty because he went overboard buying gifts for our son in college and the grandchildren. I believe I’m getting a new bottle of No.5 and a sampler set of some sort from DSH. My “real” present came quite early when my laptop began to have issues and we had to buy new one. Thought that was “all” I was getting so if perfume shows up as well, woo-hoo!
Thanks for making the “sacrifice” for me, Tiara!
Tama LOL! We shall never “calm the hell down” WHY??? 😉
And tell Buster he’s a very good kitty for taking such great care of his mistresses needs. Because that’s what they are my dear..”needs”
I have to calm down and pay my credit card bills down for a while!! lol
And yes, B takes good care of me.
Two new perfumes this Winter season: Etat libre d’Orange Nombril Immense and Kenzo Amour Le Parfum. I bought the first one and my brother gave me the second.
I love both and I find them perfect for cold months.
Kenzo Amour Le Parfum has a charming incense note which lasts for hours and I’m glad that vanille is more subtle than in the original Amour.
Merry Christmas everybody 🙂
I have not yet tried Nombril Immense…I need to get on that.
I bought that Amour Parfum unsniffed and love it.
Wore Herve Leger Woman today….mistake…I don’t think I like it anymore.
What I’m reallly loooooking forward to is my Saffron James Ipo (9ml bought unsniffed!!) . Can’t wait to try it.
Am also anxiously waiting for my SIP Black Rosette decant, as well as a decant of the gorgeous J’Adore l’Or 🙂
I have no idea what’s coming out in 2011…..
Can’t wait to hear about the Ipo, Lovethescents!
I’ll let you know, friend 🙂
And I can’t wait to hear about the SIP Black Rosette! I almost jumped on that split, but didn’t need to buy myself anymore presents! 😉
If you hate the Black Rosette, I will find it a nice home, LOL…
I’ll keep you in mind 😉
Do you have to scrub your arms before putting on a different perfume, even if most of the first one wore off? Will the last traces of the old one make the new one smell funny?
I usually don’t scrub…or maybe just apply to a different area on your arm
I don’t bother trying to scrub, and I wouldn’t worry about trying to wash off the old perfume unless it is still fairly strong. If you can’t smell the previous perfume, even with your nose right up against your wrist, or if it is very faint, it probably won’t hurt anything. If you think about it, most of us have other residual scents on us anyway–soap, lotion, shampoo, deodorant–when we are applying our perfume. Then there is the matter of your own personal scent, which is always present. These things no doubt do influence the overall scent that is produced, but I would expect the influence to be subtle.
Too many FBs too soon, so no more perfumes for a while. Having said that I am sampling cuir de ottoman, (again) on one wrist, and divine enfant, (again) on the other. And I am also musing over chamade which I smelled for the first time recently…
But I am not getting ready for a new purchase. I tell you I’m not! Why does no one believe me?
LOL! Me think thou doest protest too much!
hmmmm, CdO, so nuanced, aromatic, and sexy. D.E., so gentle, uplifting, simple yet strange…
Talking yourself into it….
LOL! I was strong today, but cant really vouch for tomorrow. Maybe I will manage to distract myself with something entirely different!
SOTD is Guerlain SDV. It’s actually chilly and rainy in San Diego today and lots of little silly things are going wrong today, so I just needed some comfort. Feeling better already!
We’re going to San Diego in Feb…any niche shops worth exploring?
None that I have found – although I guess I haven’t looked all that hard! We got plenty of high end department stores though (Nieman, Nordstrom, Bloomie’s, etc.).
I just purchased little bags of Frankincense and Myrrh from a local spice shop. They smell really nice (little lumps of dried tree sap) and apparently you can burn them just like insence.
Well, it just doesnt work for me. I have been trying to light them up but they flame up and when blown out the dont really smolder like incense typically does.
As you might have figured by now, I am not catholic and have no experience with this stuff.
Does anyone know a trick to burn this properly?
The resin by itself usually won’t burn properly. You need something else to provide a steady burn. One way of doing it is to burn the resin on top of charcoal. Often the vendors that sell the “real” incense (the lumps of resin rather than the manufactured sticks and cones) will sell charcoal tablets as well. You light the charcoal and get it to smolder nicely, then you place the lumps of resin on top of the charcoal. The charcoal will smolder until it is used up (think of a charcoal grill), and provide the heat to allow the resin to smoke.
Good info, ‘Roses – thanks. Now I’ll be ready, if I ever have a chance to buy pure frankincense and myrhh resins.
OK, I’ve done this a lot. What I do is get a pair of pliers. With the pliers, I gently hold the charcoal brickette. Not too much pressure or it will break…I hold a candle or lighter to the edge of the charcoal for several seconds. It will start to sizzle and shoot off little sparks. As you continue to hold it, the line of sparks, like in an arc, will start to move across the charcoal. It’s very cool. Move the lighter around so that you can get the most of it going. The edges will turn red and then you know it’s ready. Place this on your metal incense holder and drop a couple little pieces of frank. onto it. They will smoke and melt and fill your space with its beauty. IF you have good stuff, that is. I’ve been to Yemen so I got a pile of the real thing. I will not, I might add, be going BACK to Yemen. Which is sad. I LOVED the people. The men were beautiful and sparrow- like, with long lashes and gorgeous skin. And they carried AK 47s like it was a handbag. Good luck with the burning. The cheesy crap you can tell it will have an unnatural color to it, like blue or pink…try to find good stuff. You won’t be sorry.
Another method is to get an actual metal can, like a coffee can (not plastic lined), and cut some holes into the sides with an awl or snippers. Invert the can and put a candle underneath and the resin on the bottom (now the top) of the can and the can will heat up and release the scent of the resin. We used to do it with just regular pine sap.
Although, it might be impossible to find a tin can anymore!!
Thank you all for the good information. I am pretty sure it is the real stuff since it is just pale yellow/light amber colored and looks fairly unassuming.
Since I did not have any charcoal in the house I used incense cones instead and that seems to work a bit better.
I have to try the tin can, just need to find the proper size.
The spice shop where I got it has a web site in case you are wondering. Robin I hope it is ok to mention the name..
http://www.savoryspiceshop.com/spices/frankincense.html
Oh, good to know – thanks, Antje!
I just finished ordering samples of PdN Sacrebleu, L’Artisan Safran Troublant, Montale Vanille Absolu and Intense Tiare. Can’t wait for them to arrive in the mail! 🙂
All things I have never tried and that sound marvelous. Have fun!
Intense tiaré is so easy on the nose!
Instant tropical pleasure. Very coconutty and cheerful.
I hope you enjoy it: I like it very much, though I haven’t gone FB yet!
Mmmmmm. Out of your mix, I love Sacrebleau. I haven’t sniffed the rest. But I really hope you enjoy Sacrebleau. Eeees BeeYouTiFool!
SOTD is L’ Eau d’Hiver.
So excited in trying the other FM and can’t wait for my bottle of Bigarade Concentree (BC) this month-end. Tried Cologne Bigarade; excellent fragrance but fleeting. Hoping BC lasts longer (even if the smell is a little or a lot different).
You might also want to try Cartier Declaration, if you haven’t — it comes in many forms/strengths & is at least tangentially related to CB.
Thanks for the suggestion, Robin. Surely I will check that.
I’m wearing AT’s Carrillon pour un ange today, lovely moss, lily of the valley, ambergris, and leather. Sooo in love with this scent! Tomorrow I’m trying Vetiver Dance….. can’t wait.
I thought CpuA was gorgeous too, and it actually wore very well in the fall – all that earthy stuff in the drydown, I guess. Too chilly for it now, though, so I’ve put it away until spring.
I’ve been wanting to try that one, but have put off ordering samples recently bc I’m so backlogged and life has been so hectic. It sounds gorgeous.
SOTD is Diorella. And it’s snowing. I’m a walking cloud of odd today. But somehow it works! 🙂
Diorella is so wonderful…and it’s not that light. I should try it this winter.
After finally making a pilgrimage to the Guerlain store this past summer I found myself in love with 2 of their newer creations; Gourmand Coquin and Paris Moscou. They were so close yet I fely the coquin was just a smidge too sweet even for my sugar lovin’ soul. Finally I walked out of the shop with a very large bottle of the Moscou and felt confident that I chosethe right one. over the next 4 months when I tried to wear it the weather was all wrong for the scent and I lamented the fact that I hadn’t chosen the other since it probably would have “worked” better in my climate. But after a sleepy time on my vanity I sprayed it on when our temps here in Florida plumeted to 28 this past week and HOLY SHIT was this stuff good!!!! Like a dummy, as the city it’s named for Moscou performs MUCH better when it’s cold out. I think it’s the pine needle note, it just slays me every time. Also I swear I can smell cranberry in it, I know they call it a red berry note, but I really think it’s cranberry or currant mingling with the prominent plum note. It really is divine. I know I will have to put it away again in March when the temps will come back up to 90 or so, but this will be my Christmas perfume for years to come, and judging by the size of that bottle, I may run out by my 90th bday!!!
I still think of the Coquin but it seems to be sold out everywhere. And probably discontinued? If anyone knows of any I’d love to know.
Merry Xmas to all!!
Have you tried the Guerlain boutique at the Palazzo in Las Vegas? I recently found the discontinued Attrape Coeur there.
(Me Jealous!) – just sayin!
In the end, it led to a fairly complicated swap where I only kept some of it! Fun though!
You make Moscou sound wonderful enough, even I want to try it (Guerlain and I don’t usually get along). I studied Russian in college (not extensively), and even all these years later still find all things Russian fascinating.
That’s fascinating. I think I’ve had a similar experience. As the warmer weather has come on where I live (Australia) I have found myself sniffing my bottle of SSS Femme Jolie and wondering why I loved it so much. In the winter, few fragrances gave me more pleasure than this one, while in the heat, adoration turned to indifference. But then this week we have had a very cold snap and when I picked up the bottle I nearly swooned with delight, just as I used to last winter. Somehow in the warmer weather the slightly sticky fruit in Femme Jolie seems (to me) to dominate the cedar and spices, but in the cold weather it steps back into its rightful place. This is the most weather dependent fragrance I own.
Leaving for 3 days to go snowboarding! Going to be wearing SSS Fireside Intense to keep me warm on the slopes.
Have fun, be careful, and you smell fabulous! 🙂
Have fun!!
Going to visitation for my grandmother this afternoon, and not sure what scent to wear. I feel sad, but not distraught, so I don’t think I’ll ruin anything by association.
I will miss her very much, but she was 91 and had had Alzheimer’s for the past few years, so really I’ve felt that she’s been “gone” for some time. Given that we’re all going to die sometime, dying at an advanced age with your family around you is not at all a bad way to do it.
I am sorry for your loss Mals. Having family around is always a blessing. You’ll all be there to support each other.
Alzheimers is too evil. It steals your life from you while you are still living it. That just isn’t right.
I had a similar experience with my grandmother. I sympathise, because it is a very drawn out experience of losing someone. Wish you lots of comfort,
xxx M
I’m sorry, Mals. Hugs to you.
I’m very sorry for your loss, C. But you have a wonderful attitude! Wear whatever is comforting and uplifting for yourself.
Big hugs and deepest sympathy.
I’m so sorry Mals. Hugs.
Hello MALS, I lost my dad in May. He was 91, and had Alzheimer’s for the two to three years before he died also. I know exactly what you are saying, that he wasn’t really there at all, and often did not know who I was. It was difficult. I am sorry about your grandmother. I would wear a ‘respectful’ scent, which leads me to the question: Can a scent be ‘respectful’, and if so, what is a good example of this?
Maybe something that reminds you of the person or time spent with him/her?
Also thinking of lily of the valley for some reason.
I’m so sorry. And hope you found the perfect thing to wear, something that comforted you.
Ya’ll are so sweet. Thanks for all the good wishes – we had a good day with family today, lots of good memories.
I’ve decided that today I am going to wear Guerlain’s Bois D’Armenie. I love this. Since I am spending the day at home decorating, I don’t have to worry about assaulting/confusing public noses.
It is grey, damp and “old-snow” on the ground, but none in the skies out there today. For some reason it makes me just a teensie bit sad and I find this is such a comforting scent to combat that.
The Bois, my tea blend, the smell of the tree, sparkle of the tinsel, joy of the ornaments as they peek out of their wrappings bringing with them the memories of Christmasses past. Ahhhhhh. I am well on my way to changing the day to happiness.
Enjoy your day everyone!
Great scent — and hope it worked its magic!
It did!
I am wearing Bvlgari Omnia Green Jade today. I love the whole Omnia line:) Also I was wearing Montale’s Ginger Musk yesterday (my FAVORITE) musk in the world. That and The Sweet Oriental Dream are my most beloved frags:) I will be rocking anything gourmand in the colder months, that’s for sure!
It’s an exciting morning for me, fragrance-wise. I’m trying Habanita for the first time! The sample is labeled, “Molinard Habanita 1849 version”, and I’m not clear whether it’s EdP or extrait. Need to research. Either way, it’s quite a beautiful, powdery wonder. Good for winter, I think.
Habanita is so wonderful on my husband, and I agree that it’s great for the cooler weather.
Wearing Traversee du Bosphore today, still puzzling over it. I also had an exciting morning, fragrance-wise, as I received a very welcome email from Andy Tauer! A lovely bottle of Cologne du Maghreb will be making its way to me. I couldn’t ask for a better Christmas surprise. 🙂 He is so sweet and generous.
Congratulations on the Cologne du Maghreb! Be sure to let us know what it is like.
Congrats! I was also lucky to win a bottle last week and it arrived a few days ago. It’s so lovely of him 😀
Congrats, Boo!!!
Congrats on winning that Maghreb! Awesome!
Great stuff! I thought I saw another familiar name there – enjoy!
Traversee is strange on me too. Abhor the opening but adore the heart and base 🙂
Today I was thinking about one of my favorite floral notes… The calming lavender. When it comes to Serge Lutens I like both of his fragrances: Gris Clair and Ecens et Lavande, however sorry to say this, but the second one wins! Gris Clair is very nicely done, to me a very clean and rather musculine (which is not a bad thing)lavender, but Ecens et Lavande no wonder is an HG for many perfumistas. Smoky incense and gorgeous, mysterious lavender. Also Lavandula is a nice one. Very natural smelling with a touch of green and some herbs. Now Brin de Reglisse… What a gorgeous lavender! I had a hard time with this one though… And now I know why!! I used to complain that the scent is blended to an absolute perfection, but it wouldn’t last for more than 5 mins! And now I know why… I have many Hermessence straight from Hermes, and first of all you have to dab em. Secondly I bought a body lotion that’s almost scentless, so I can still use it after my shower to moisturise my skin, and still not ruin the scent of my favorite perfumes. Well I just realised every time I use my perfumes after that lotion, its so greasy it eats up my scent! The few times I tried Brin de Reglisse, was after using that lotion:( today being in a lavender mood, I tried BdR again on my dry skin without any products on it, and it stayed!! I consider Brin de Reglisse just as beautiful as Ecens et Lavande, with a beautiful licorice twist to it. Its got so much “ooomph” and the drydown is almost chocolate-y, but like a dark, bitter chocolate. Ummm just so beautiful, wow, and I almost dismissed it for zero staying power. What a retard I am:)
What do you think of Tauer’s Reverie au Jardin?
Thats interesting cos I sometimes use scent free cream in the hope that it will prevent the perfume disappearing into my dry skin. I actually have no idea whether it is really effective.
Lavandula, I’d encourage you to sample PdN Nicolaï pour Homme someday. It’s a lovely lavender.
I should definitely give it a try… I will lookup what the notes are right now:)
SOTD – well, seems to be a bit of an Andy Tauer appreciation society today! I’m wearing my sample of Orange Star, which havn’t worn since the summer. It started to feel a little too brash and linear on me, so I stashed it away……….cracking it out again for the cold, snowy winter in London has been an inspired idea! I’m loving it!
I shall be purchasing a few L’Artisan’s in the coming 2011. After many years as a perfumista, and many samplings (!), I have pared my perfume collection down 3 scents that I know must always be within easy reach……..Musc Ravageur, Ormonde Woman and Bandit. After much deliberation, I find myself yearning for some good ol’ L’Artisan to flesh out my exclusive ‘club’! I’ve never owned one, but have sampled numerous many, and have recently been craving Mechant Loup and Dzonghka! All I need afterwards, is a bell jar of Tubereuse Criminelle and my 2011 will be ready to go! (it’s the only floral that interests me – apart from Champaca from OJ, which sadly fades on my skin so quickly…….)
Which L’Artisans would people recommend I consider to flesh out my fragrance wardrobe?
I lie! Chamade is a floral that interests me infinitely!
Hard to say. Based on Bandit and OJW, I’d think you’d like Timbuktu… but flesh it out in what way? Something drastically different, or just more things to choose from?
Good question! I guess it would be more things to choose from – so things in a similar category to what I have now, bearing in mind I’m not a floral bearer but I do like unusual scents………I could go for more spicy as well. I’ll definitely give Timbuktu another go – i tried it a while ago and loved it, but clearly some revisiting is in order!
Dzonka is great, and it’s also worth trying Nuit de Tubereuse, Timbuktu, Dzing! and those three limited edition special harvest florals – expensive but so yummy! Actually, it’s probably worth sampling all the L’Artisans. Oh, and how could I forget Traversee du Bosphore?
Haven’t had a chance to try Traversee yet! I’m a huge Duchafour fan, so I’m looking forward to it…… and I will def try the Nuit. I’d completely forgotten about that release! Again, didn’t get around to trying it when first came out…….
Saw my favorite fragrance SA today who told me about a new Un Jardin by Hermes which will be released in 2011–anyone know anything about it???
Also, she said Serge Lutens will be coming out with a new fragrance, possibly called Bege….I hesitate to spell it in the same way as the Chanel Beige for obvious reasons. Anyone know anything about that??
Well looking forward to seeing the Hermes, if only cos the un jardin bottles are so beautiful – and I am strictly a non-bottle type person!
SOTD is Terre D’hermes which I gave myself the other day as a graduation present. I’m in the deep south of New Zealand and its blazing hot, the fragrance smells perfect for the weather.
Congrats on grad! Perfect reason to reward yourself.
Chiming in at the end of a long series of comments to say: have returned from lovely but exhausting holiday weekend, oil-based scents I took with me did NOT travel enough to my nose (I had such faith in you, my Bois du Chocolat!) and I can’t wear anything with sillage in the car because the husband hates it, and we drove for almost 8 hours this weekend.
So now I am recovering in bed with my T-shirt pulled up over my face just so I can smell the Ode a la Vanille on my decolleté. I’m not even sure I LIKE OalV but I just WANTED. SOME. PERFUME. And OalV definitely smells like perfume.
This is fairly restorative.
“This is fairly restorative.”
So matter-of-fact and made me chuckle.
Olfactive starvation – I know the feeling!
I am dying to buy me that bottle of Montale’s Jasmin Full…. Ahhhhh!! By the way jasmine is not just one of my favorite florals… it is my favorite floral note ever! I fell in love with perfume because of my love for the jasmine flower…. But jasmine is not an easy one for me. It has to be the perfect one and done just right. I also really love Nuits de Noho… it’s a veryv interesting take on jasmine, so dark and intryguing. Love it!!
Are you a fan of a la nuit?
Yes, I am!! And how did You know? 🙂
Can anyone tell me if Chanel uses natural animal products like civet or musk, as opposed to synthesised equivalents? I want to give some Chanel to someone, but she’d never use it if she thought it contained products that had been obtained in such a cruel manner.
The Chanel web site FAQs have a question about use of animal products, but the answer they give is about animal testing, which doesn’t answer the question at all. I tried emailing Chanel, but there was no response.
This has come up before, and I’m sorry to say I don’t remember the answer. I don’t see how, price-wise, they could be using animal ingredients in anything but extrait, but I really don’t know.