Your host today is Owen, and Owen wants to talk about spring, and more specifically, spring fragrances: what are you buying, or planning to buy, for the coming spring? Which upcoming launches are you interested in smelling? And which of your fall and winter favorites will you miss when spring finally gets here?
If you haven't met Owen, please say hello:
Note: top image is Narcissus by bogenfreund at flickr; some rights reserved.
Happy Weekend, Owen and NST pals. I’m looking forward to wearing perfume on *bare arms* again!! And when that day comes, I’ll be testing Traversee du Bosphore to see if it’s truly FBW. Cristalle edp and Calandre will be on my arms, too.
I’ll miss Coromandel, a recent winter addiction.
Suzy Q,
I just got a sample of Coromondel. I’ll think i”ll try it out today..The forecast is for freezing rain…ICK
Mmmm. Coromandel will keep you warm.
Coromandel is incredible. It keeps you warm when it’s cold and it keep you cool when it’s hot, with its damp cellar patch. I adore it.
Coromandel is one of my all time favourites. It is one fragrance that I don’t mind having a big vat of. I love it.
I’m wearing Coromandel today. For me it’s definitely the nicest patch out there.
Agreed. And it’s nice to know you won’t smell it on everyone when you go out. Although, if I ran into you and you were wearing it, I wouldn’t mind!
Suzy Q – I’m looking forward to Cristalle edp too – I’ve occasionally taken it out this winter to smell the nozzle as it is so fresh & green!
hi Suzy, me too
though if you’ve got a perfume strong enough, one or two sprays on the neck is enough. but it is nice to have it one your wrists in summer.
I just bought Coromadel and will miss it, too. Nice that SF has chilly times even in Summer, so I can cheat and put some one now and again.
Hope you love TdB. I drove 50 miles to sniff and wish I’d staid home.
Hello everyone!
Gosh, it’s not so long until spring now, is it? My favourite perfume for early spring is Hermes Hiris. There’s something a little melancholic about it and I find that it works really well around March time. Also this year I will be wearing L’Eau d’Hiver because I always associate the smell of mimosa with early spring.
A little later in the season, OJ Frangipani will be making an appearance. The linden is gorgeous in warmer weather. In fact, this year, I might just spring for a full bottle or, at least a travel set/split/decant. I’ll probably give AdP Magnolia Nobile another whirl and Hermesence Vanille Galante, too. And I’d also like to finally try OJ Tiare and Byredo La Tulipe.
Clearly I like me some florals for spring but if I ever feel like something a little more unisex then I’ll most likely got with AG Mandragore Pourpre, Ninfeo Mio or Hermesence Osmanthe Yunnan.
Hi Abyss!
Lovely choices – I think white florals are going to be very popular in this weekend’s poll.
Curious about Vanille Galante as I hear it’s not very strong on the vanilla? I have just got a sample of Osmanthe Yunnan, so may have to go and put some on now…
Yup, Vanille Galante is a deceptive name. Sure, you can pick out some vanilla if you concentrate really hard but to me it’s predominantly a lily fragrance.
I got very little vanilla – it was mostly aquatic melon on me. Nice, but not what I was looking for.
That’s how I feel about it too. It’s not what expected and I can’t see myself buying a bottle but it’s nice enough for me to keep my sample and use it occasionally.
Tortola (Tara?) VG on me smelled like that old candle from Yankee: Honeydew Melon. After an hour or so it was tolerable, but I kept visualizing that pale, green candle…
Hi Dee, yes Tara here!
I think I’ll give Vanille Galante a miss then as I’m not fond of lily scents or honeydew melons. I’ll stick with Vanille Tonka
I thought I recognized you
DK Gold works for me, but pretty much all other lillies (or melons, or aquatics) are dangerous territory as far as I’m concerned—I’d say skip this one for sure.
Have you tried the Rose Ikebana? I really want to try that one, but haven’t gotten around to it yet.
dee, rose ikebana is oh so gorgeous, give it a try : )
Tortola, VG is so skanky on me I can’t decide if I love it or loathe it! (Not cumin skank but indole skank.)
Hi Suzy Q,
Wow sounds like VG is causing a lot of different reactions in people. Not being able to decide if you love it or loathe it is a weird place to be – wonder what side you’ll come down on? I quite like some indole skank myself.
Wow, skank?? That’s crazy! I wish I smelled the skank…
Dee, I hear lots of good things about Gold but really want to try Black Cashmere. Isn’t one of them discontinued though? Always scared I’ll fall down that rabbit hole as I have managed to avoid it as of now.
As for the Hermessences, yes I’d like to try the Rose and the Poivre. BTW do you have your FB of Bois des Iles yet?
*sigh* no, I don’t have my BdI yet, I’ve put it off once again, and shifted Memoir to the top position. Some days, more than others, I wish I had a much larger perfume budget!
I think Gold is discontinued, but it can be bought for a steal–I paid about $5 for my 30mL bottle—send me an email with your address, and I’ll send you a little decant!
JCE creations are real hit or miss for me… although, in his defense, I really should have known better with VG!
Dee, that’s lovely of you but I’m in the UK. Thanks for the kind offer though!
The only OJ I’ve tried is Ormonde Woman and I really like it. I’m thinking of ordering the sampler set so I can try them all.
I think that their sample set is well worth it, I got mine before they launched Tiare so it’s the only one I haven’t tried. Also, right now they are offering free worldwide shipping with every order until 14 Feb (code CUPID) so it’s a great time to get one.
Abyss, Tiare is not a big deal, did not miss anything…
Thanks! Robin didn’t seem crazy about it either but Turin really raved about it in his column. So I’m curious to try it but I’m in no real hurry, I’m sure I’ll get my hands (nose?) on it at some point.
I agree about Tiare–it’s nice, but not that interesting to me.
I got mine after, and it STILL didn’t include it. I was bummed.
Oh, no! That IS a bummer.
Yes, do order it! For some reason Ormonde Jayne fragrances work so well for me that whenever I wear one, someone tells me how good I smell. I own Woman, Champaca, and Tolu (my husband’s favorite), and want to own Ta’if and Orris Noir. I feel the perfumes are very high quality and so many speak to me in a very primal way (and obviously work well with my skin chemistry).
I could sell you my only-slightly-used OJ sample set – I appreciate their inventiveness and high quality, but there’s something in their house style that doesn’t wear well on me. Contact me on MUA (same name as here) if you like.
How about Palermo by Byredo?? One of the employees of Byredo uses Palermo also when it is cold and she is right. I am a fan of Chembur and today wearing Hesperia by Sigilli. Coromandel is not so easy available in Holland. Maybe in the flagshipstore in Amsterdam.
Hi Owen,
I am actually enjoying some of this winter (ducks…please don’t throw anything). The snow has been fun, but the ice stinks!!! This winter I have really enjoyed Shalimar Ode a la Vanille and By Kilian Pure Oud. I will miss them.
As for spring, I am looking forward to some big white florals. I just received a Bruno Acampora sample set and can’t wait try several out in the warmer weather…
The description of BA Blu had me drooling… until I noticed how expensive it is.
Mals,
I just tried AC Blu and it is amazing!!! Really….Sorry, I know its expensive and and an oil, but it is really special..at least on my first try..I never thought I was a tubereuse lover but I guess I am. I adore Tubereuse Criminelle and now this…..
Dang it… now you’re making me want a sample, because I adore tuberose. Aren’t the samples something like $12 for .25 ml??
hello Tara,
I still haven’t tried Shalimar vanilla, what’s it like? is it like the original?
I forgot to look for it in House Of Fraser it completely slipped my mind. you’ve reminded me though so I’ll look for it when I’m next there.
Owen,
I really like Shalimar Ode a la Vanille. It is very lemony and vanilla-y on me, in a dry way. I don’t find it very gourmand, but it is definitely Shalimar. I find it kind of bright and I don’t find Shalimar bright.
I hope this helps..Tara
Hi Owen!
I love wearing Natori in the spring, especially on those nights that still have a bit of bite to them. I also tend to get into my violets (Violetta di Parma, Violetta di Bosco, LM Violette) and am hoping to add some Caron Violette Precieuse to the mix this year. When we had especially chilly temps in the single digits earlier this week, I wore CSP’s Tiare to combat the chill. For warm weather florals, I *love* Montale Intense Tiare and the original Monyette Paris for spring and summer. Barbara Bui is a really pretty and light incense that works well for me in the warmer months, too.
I would say I miss wearing Montale SOD or Guerlain SDV in warmer months, but have been known to put on a little spritz of them under clothing to catch hints throughout the day.
Violets for spring, absolutely! I tend to like them in the fall, too.
Caron has a lovely Violet (can’t remember the name)…I have a small decant which I may play with come spring. I also want to give The Unicorn Spell a try this spring – smelled like pickles to me last time I tried it!!
I also thought I would try out the Unicorn Spell for spring… I couldn’t get past the top note of eau de frozen (but slightly soggy) green beans. I might have to try it again to see if I get the pickle note… maybe I will actually like that.
Made me laugh!
For me, the Unicorn Spell was eau d’enchilada sauce.
KRL, is the Caron you’re thinking of Violette Precieuse?
hello absolute scentualist
the only fragrance I know from your list is Guerlain SDV and I love it.
it warmed me up this winter. have you got a full bottle? mine is just a sample.
Happy weekend to all. And Owen, thank you for hosting. My favs are CD J’Adore EdP and my all of the year scent Kenzo Amour. I probably will buy a split of FM Lipstick Rose. Chloe Love turned out to be a disaster on my skin. The top and middle notes were lovely, not too sweet, but than it turned completely. The dry down was a messy mix of pepper and soap.
hey Tulp
I quite like J’Adore, my cousin’s wife’s sister wears it. I had Miss Dior Chérie on today after I’d been in Boots and would really love a bottle for spring/summer but it’s expensive.
Kenzo Amour is just brilliant, my mum just finished the 50ml bottle I bought her for Christmas 2009 and she let me keep the empty bottle, it looks nice and there’s still a bit of dreg left
and I didn’t care much for Chloé Love either, it doesn’t last very long on me.
So, uh, when I lived in Minnesota, this was always the time of year that my father (in Oregon) would taunt me that his bulbs were poking through the soil and the light was changing, and couldn’t you just FEEL the spring coming? (As we always got that latest snow emergency and spring seemed like a long-lost dream!)
Should I not mention that I have bulbs peeking through the soil, then, because, uh, can’t you just FEEL the spring in the air? (*ducks behind Tara*)
Anyway, I tried CB I hate perfume Black March a few weeks ago and I think it’s love! It is so fresh and quirky! I brought out my sampler for Dad and told him it smelled like fresh compost. He not only agreed, but he showed great enthusiasm (consummate gardener that he is)! It might be my next bottle I buy. . .although I’m torn between the water perfume and the oil (don’t have any *quality* oils, yet).
Are you in Oregon, Marjorie Rose? Where at?
it’s been a lovely January! Certainly better than the year before when we had 31 days with no Sun at all, not even for one minute…
I am on the Coast and I am afraid to discuss our weather here
Hey, Warum!
Yeah, I live in Portland now. BUT I’m from Lincoln City, so the coast is close to my heart!
It HAS been a lovely, mild winter, hasn’t it? We’ve had some perfect “teaser” days of cold sunshine, which I just relish! (I think it’s better that we don’t mention it to the folks in the rest of the US who are digging out from blizzard #52. . .)
Oh, cool! I am a transplant to the coast. I live in Newport, and I agree on all accounts!
Warrum,
I love Newport! Being from LC, I don’t always feel like I belong in the “big city,” and when I think where I’d relocate, Newport is near the top of the list! It’s that perfect blend of stuff to do and small town community (at least seems so on the outside looking in).
BTW, ever find a *wearable* fragrance that was reminiscent of Newport Bay, along the docks there with the California sea lions? On a blustery day, I love the smell of seaweed, rain, Tillamook ice cream, and a HINT of dead fish! (Ok, maybe not so wearable, but deeply nostalgic!)
Yay Oregonians! I’m one too
Even though it’s been mild, I’m still looking forward to Spring!
Dee, hello from Newport!
Yes, if you read my long post, you’ll find that I feel the same
Hi Marjorie, I have been wondering whether to get the water or oil myself (for w1972). I’m wondering if the oil has more longevity than the water, but less sillage? Please report back if you decide!
Meg – I’ve tried both water and oil, and I much prefer the oil. The water is gone in 60 seconds. The oil lasts a nice long time…
Thanks KRL! I suspected that, I guess I am scared the sillage will be reduced by the roll on (or dab?) oil.
Well, I’m down here on the Gulf Coast and I have bulbs peeking up out of the ground. The hyacinths are starting to emerge (a little late, actually) and the Easter lilies have made an appearance. (50_Roses quickly ducks behind the other mild-winter-area residents to avoid the avalanche of snowballs hefted in her direction).
Hello Owen, have fun hosting!
Once Winter is on the way out I really want an edt of Vol de Nuit, maybe it’s the narcissus/green notes that makes me associate it with Spring. Also want a full bottle of PdN’s Vanille Tonka – I’ve realised that while I don’t get on terribly well with full-on incense fragrances, I do love it as a note in a composition, if that makes sense.
Very much looking forward to the release of Uncle Serge’s Jeux de Peau and hoping it really does smell like buttered toast.
Roll on Spring!
I’m with you, Tortola! I’ve just found a local store that carries some of the SL fragrances, and I intend to hound them in search of Jeux de Peau! Toast and apricots, yum!
Oh yes, hound away Marjorie Rose! Yum indeed.
Actually I just read a report that the next SL non-export exclusive this Summer is likely to be a carnation scent so I am even more excited about that *drums fingers impatiently*
Oh, yes, the carnation! I forgot about it… love carnations. Not sure I’m going to want to test it in the summer, though. I still have an untested sample of Bas de Soie that’s waiting for warmer weather.
Mals, me too!
I just mentioned that!
And I know you don’t remember me, but I was the one to whom you introduced DSH via La Rose Fleurette, and I sent you Alien samples. I hope you had a chance to test them since!
I am bringing it up because I am forever grateful for DSH. It became my favorite house!
I didn’t report back on Alien? I like it. It’s a little sweet, a little… I dunno, trashy? but I love sleeping in it. Wore it to a Red Sox-Orioles game last summer, too, and it was great with all the food smells (popcorn, hot dogs, etc.).
So glad you got on with the Rose Fleurette!
Ooooh, I love carnation fragrances. CdGCarnation, Voile d’Ete, and Oeillets Rouge are really nice. My favourite is Bellodgia, the Queen of Carnations, which has been ruined by reformulations. I have a bottle of vintage extrait and it is so beautiful and has quite a bit more vanilla than the current EdT (I haven’t tried the current extrait).
MALS86
I got a refillable gist set of Alien in the sale at Debenhams, 30ml refillable and 60ml refill though I’m having trouble using it all.
I can’t get to sleep as fast I used to when I go to bed, I used to be out like a light. Alien helps me drift off but gives me really vivid dreams, the ones you think are real. and they’re not always nice. so now I prefer sleeping without perfume on.
Oooh, carnation? I’m still searching for the perfect carnation (not an easy task, since I love carnation but hate cloves), so here’s hoping Serge puts an end to my quest! Thanks for the info…
Natalie, I’m right with you. Carnation essential oil is my favourite but haven’t found the right spicy carnation fragrance yet. Like you say, clove is not the same. BTW the SL is going to be called “Vitriol d’Oeillet” can’t wait!
I’m excited to hear about the upcoming SL carnation! I love carnation; current faves for me are Caron Poivre and Etro Dianthus. The CdG Carnation is nice, too.
So I just introduced myself to the sales assistant at the Perfume House here in Portland (where they carry Serge Lutens, among others). I came home with samples of 5 o’clock au Gingembre, Gris Clair, and Rousse. I guess the Gris Clair has lavender, but it smells spicy to me, too. Maybe not *spring* scents, but I am too ignorant to know better!
BTW, the SA said that she only just got Chene last week, and did not think that Jeux de Peau would be an international release. *sigh* Hope she’s wrong!
Oh no! Somebody hold me back! I just put Gris Clair on and I think it’s love! (It doesn’t help that it’s available at parfum 1 with a discount code for just over $90! Eeep!)
$100 is the new “free”! Just sayin….
Rappleyea! HA! You’re such an enabler! . . .
I took lessons from the Daisy, the Empress of Enabling.
LOVE Gris Clair!
Oh my, do they do samples at the Perfume House? Even though I have been up in Portland every Friday the past few weeks for class, I have been purposefully staying away because I can’t afford a full bottle right now. I just don’t want to be ‘that person’ you know?
Halimeade,
Although I read some online reviews that suggested the sales folk could be elitist, I felt very welcome despite my relative ignorance. I told her I was new to fragrance but wanted to sniff everything she had from Serge Lutens. After a polite suggestion that SL was a little “different” from other houses, and I reassured her that I was a little quirky myself, she encouraged me to “play.” She even brought out a little book of fragrance notes for me to refer to!
(PS I live in the Hawthorne neighborhood, so if you want a sniffing buddy . . .)
Oh boo-hoo Marjorie Rose – now you make me wish I could get back to the Perfume House… and then go to the Cup & Saucer for lunch. MMMmmm – grilled cheese…. The sales people at the Perfume House are anything but elitist. I had a lovely conversation the time I was there with the owner – Chris? I think – about the variations of the classic Chanel bottle for No 5 during WWII… so interesting. I also understand that they don’t always have sample vials available, so if you are going and want to make sure to get a sample, you should bring a few just in case…
Ann–How does that work? Are you reusing old sample bottles (“rinsed” in rubbing alcohol or something?) or do you buy new ones somewhere?
They do make samples at the Perfume House. They do it for me all the time. You just have to ask. They have a lot of carded samples, too, like Amouage. They’re very nice there, don’t be intimidated.
I used new unused sample vials for swaps, testers, etc. It is really easy to get them online from a variety of different vendors. I think there is a decant section on NST? You can get them from The Perfumed Court, etc. Normally a baggie of about 25 one ml vials costs around $5.00 or so. I don’t reuse most of the vials or decanters I have b/c regardless of being able to wash off the glass parts fairly well, they all have plastic stoppers or nozzles and the plastic tends to hold scent. After a while, you will begin to go through one ml vials like tissues and you won’t even think about it. I even carry a tiny baggie of them around when I visit relatives – you never know when a family member will have a new fragrance you want to nip!!
That sounds like so much fun, MR. : ) Next time I am free in Portland, we should try to meet up!
halimeade,
You can reach me at marjoriehundtoft at yahoo dot com. I’m a teacher, so planning ahead increases my chances of being available. Looking forward to hearing from you!
hello Tortola
I can’t remember if I have a sample of Vol de Nuit but I can’t be bothered going upstairs to check.
and buttered toast sounds delightful, I often think I’d love to smell of buttered toast when I’m eating it :).
Owen, if it doesn’t turn out smelling of buttered toast it’s going to disappoint a lot of people!
Hi Owen and thanks for hosting!
I’ve never worn perfume based on seasons because there are no seasons where i live (South Florida). I miss fall. and the few cold snaps this year have been treacherous for my orchids. In this 60-70 degree weather (our winter) I’ve been wearing Sycomore, Epic, and Portrait of a Lady. I’m looking forward to trying Darkly Audacious.
I am pleased to say that I have just “gotten” Le Parfum de Therese. When I first started on this perfume obsession a couple years ago, I sniffed and didn’t care for it and couldn’t figure out what all the hype was about. I resniffed it and was still “meh”. About a month ago it clicked and it’s beauty unfolded. It was as if the clouds parted and a ray of sunshine poured forth. So that will be what I’ll be wearing a lot this spring!
Oh goodness – hope your orchids make it! This winter is a tough one for everyone. It may even screw up Superbowl for cryin out loud.
That’s why I always think that some fragrances really merit repeat testing – you just never know when magic will strike! I’m still holding out hope for Chanel No 18….
Too true, Anns! I remember trying SSS Tabac Aurea on your recommendation a while ago (18 or so months now?) and absolutely hated it the first 12 months of sporadic wear. Now I’m the proud owner of a full bottle and just try and wrestle it from my cold, dead hand! Honestly, it’s now one of my favourites. Thanks for touting it’s horn otherwise I would never have known about it.
Oh I am so glad! TA is a magnificent fragrance. I’ve not been wearing it enough lately….. I think sometimes you know right away if a fragrance is worthwhile for reconsideration, and then there are some fragrances that definitely deserve retesting. I have about 6 that I regularly retest each year with fingers crossed. I’ve noticed my nose is changing a bit this year too. It’s fun to be wrong!
YAY!! Glad Tabac Aurea finally worked its magic on you.
hi Dixie
we had a really cold spell in the UK this winter, record cold I think for such and such number of years. but the other day it was sunny and I felt the euphoria of spring
I haven’t had staple winter scents this year, so nothing to be nostalgic about. Springs starts when I take my kelly calèche out again… I will probably use quite a lot of vetiver pour elle too, since I’ve invested in the big bottle. I am curious about some scents you’re all talking about, in particular l’heure fougeuse and jeux de peau.
Hi, Owen!
I’m not planning on buying any “spring” fragrances – EXCEPT that I’m going to spending several days on Malta early next month, with a few days in Rome before I come home, and I would just love to be able to buy something on my trip that would serve as a sort of memoir of the vacation.
If anyone has any suggestions of what I might find at the Rome duty-free shop, I would be most appreciative. I would be happy if I could find something very Italian! That’s a difficult proposition, since I’m not a particular fan of citrus or of cologne-type fragrances, which Italian perfumeries seem to specialize in.
(If there were time, I’d love to do a Monday Mail, but I don’t think there is. I love white florals, rose, green notes and woods; dislike balsams in general and more than a soupcon of patchouli.)
Mals, someone sent me a sample of Carthusia Aria di Capri recently, which I liked immediately. I can’t remember if you like Calandre. It reminded me somewhat of Calandre parfum (back in the day). That’s my only suggestion. You’ve got time to sample a few things beforehand, right?
I haven’t tried Calandre! I did pick up a vintage mini on ebay, but it was one of the few that was absolutely ruined by age, so I still don’t know what it smells like.
Mals, I’ve got lots. Let me know if you want me to make you a little sample: smaakest at yahoo dot com.
Just get some more Mariella Burani,
I understand some of the iPdF line is only available in Italy, or not distributed in the US, etc. Try and track down one that you can brag about!
Agree with Ann – if you see i Profumi di Firenze, consider one of those! You can read about the ones available here on the Beautyhabit website. There is Etro, too. Do you like any of those, Mals?
hi Mals,
Malta and Rome sounds exciting. I don’t to wear fragrances specifically for the weather either.
the main perfumes that come in to my head when you Italian are Mocshino, Armani and Versace. I don’t know if Valentino is Italian. so I’m no help for that. but there is usually some good stuff in the duty free of foreign aiports. I found Madagasca by Kenzo in Tenerife airport coming home.
Perfume Posse’s post of January 23 reviews scents by Bruno Acampora – maybe some of them will appeal to you.
Well, Blu really appealed to me, and then I saw the cost. I know, I KNOW, they’re super-concentrated perfume oils, but I am just not putting that much into a vacation scent…
Sigh.
Continuing on with the other topics… not planning to buy spring scents because I’m pretty stocked up on them. I have lots of “greenies” that I’m looking forward to wearing (Chamade, Le Temps d’une Fete, Silences, Crown Bouquet, No. 19) when the weather warms up. Also looking forward to my spring florals – DSH White Lilac, Diorissimo – and my many samples of violet scents. Will also get out my generous sample of Tauer Carillon pour un Ange and sigh with pleasure over it.
Cold weather scents I’ll miss: Alahine, Parfum Sacre, Champagne de Bois, Lyric Woman, Vanille Tonka.
Not excited about any new releases, except the ones that Laurie of Sonoma Scent Studio is working on: the white floral and the classic-inspired scent. They’re not out yet, but as soon as they are, I’ll manage to get my hot little hands on some samples.
Ooooh, the SSS “classic.” I’m pretty sure that it was you Mals that told me I was going to love it… and yeah, it’s awesome! My little tester came with all sorts of caveats, but based on what I smelled, the finished product is going to be freaking awesome.
She’s sending out preview samples already?? Maybe she’d send me one if I asked. ( I don’t think it was me that mentioned it, except in the sense of “I know she’s working on it, I want to smell it.”)
I think that I actually begged… but now I wonder who it was that told me? Goodness, maybe it was Rappleyea?
Anyway, you should ask for sure. It has a… spiritual (?) resemblance to Citizen Queen, and a distinct familial resemblance to Lieu de Reves… which for some reason I think you like. Am I totally off base here?
Hi Dee and Mals – I know I’ve mentioned the new classic fragrance of Laurie’s as I’m head over heels for it. The familial reference for me was to CdB, but I also sensed a feel of my other recent discovery (and love) – Solange Cosmic. I. Can. Not. Wait.
Mals – Laurie’s just sending out testers right now, although I think she’s getting pretty close. The variation on Reves is also very, VERY nice.
Of course, Diorissimo! How could I forget about Diorissimo!
Hi, Owen, nice to “meet” you!
My only Spring FB is brand new DSH White Magnolia (New Years’ gift, yay!). I am looking forward to spray with abandon in Spring.
In the beginning of Spring I always wear Mimosa. I own a mini of Mimosa Estrel by L’Occitane. It is the smell of the beginning of Spring to me. The smell of March. Maybe, I’ll need a FB of it. To determine that, I will do a Mimosa test this Spring. I already stashed away two Mimosas into my Spring sample box, Mimosa by DSH and AA Mimosa Tiare. I will try to lay my hands on a sample of Mimosa Pour Moi by L’Artisan and I will chase down La Mimosa by Annickk Goutal, my most-anticipated new release for this Spring!
Then there’s a sample of SL Bas de Soie. I tried it in October and my first thought was “this should be tested in Spring!” So I stashed the sample in the Spring box, but I will try it next warm and sunny day, not even waiting until the Spring starts officially.
What else is in my Spring sample box? I love wearing linden in Spring, though linden blooms in the early Summer, so I have DSH LiLi — Linden and Lily of the Valley. I might need a FB of this unless I sway and get La Chasse Aux Papillons instead. Both samples are nearly empty, and that’s just not right!
Another FB candidate for Spring is a dwindling sample of Crystal Flowers by Montale. At least, I have a larger decant of The Pour Un Ete by L’Artisans, but this is already for the Summer…
I will keep wearing Onda EDP, I think its honey and vetiver will be just right for Spring. I will keep wearing Mahjoun and Tolu on colder rainier days and Mahjoun in the evenings — we’ll see how they fare!
You know what? I can’t wait for Spring!
Yes! Yes! La Mimosa!!!! I can’t wait to smell it!
hello Warum,
I’m glad your all fired up for spring. I’m looking forward to trying the Aqua Allegoria collection from Guerlain.
I looked on House of Fraser and they only have Flora Nymphea on.
so then I went on Guerlain and they bring new ones out every spring, I didn’t know.
I own 2 of the AAs – Mandarine Basilic (wore it today!) and Herba Fresca and they are 2 of my favorites for summer!
Have you smelled the AG Mimosa? The SA spritzed it for me when I was in Bergdorf Goodman on Thursday and it was glorious. It reminded me of peach bellinis and made me long for spring. I already have too many FBs of Annick Goutal that I don’t wear but I’m thinking I may have to get that one… too! Gorgeous.
I’ve always liked about 4 or 5 Goutals, but these past six months, my nose is just crazy for them. I smell the beauty in nearly the entire line that I’ve tested, though I know not all are for me. I am more and more impressed with natural subtleties of the fragrances. I’m happy to read your review – bellnis! Wonderful. I can’t wait to test this now. I normally love the more natural mimosa scents.
No, not yet. I don’t live near this store, but mimosa and peach sounds intriguing.
Hello Owen, and NST friends!
Spring! I haven’t really begun to think that far ahead… the next bottle I plan to buy is Memoir Woman, and I have no idea how it will wear in the heat. Though, last summer I was wearing heavy fragrances (oud, resins, ambers) so I’m not terribly worried about it not getting any skin time
Also, I’m planning to explore the indie perfumers in greater depth, and Mandy Aftel is next on my list!
hey Dee,
I was thinking it might be a bit early to be talking about spring but oh well. and they are heavy! I can’t remember what I had last year for summer. I think it was CKINU summer edition, which lasted about half an hour on skin, so I used half of it up then got fed up of it and gave it to my uncle.
LOL, I can picture you lugging around that giant bottle for frequent applications throughout the day
yes it was 100ml so you can imagine how much I put on, and how often I reapplied thru the day to use up 50ml in a few months!!
I want Vivienne Westwood Naughty Alice and Miss Dior Chérie for spring/summer.
I like Apres L’Ondee, TDC Osmanthus, 28 La Pausa, Mythique, and Eau des Merveilles in warm weather. I don’t really categorize my fragrances by season because we don’t have very distinct seasons down here and if I saved something for cold weather I would only get to use it a few weeks a year.
Most of my favourite fragrances are dark, spicy roses, ambery orientals, and woody vanillas and I can get away with many of them by dabbing just a tiny bit. Others are strictly for the privacy of my own home.
(Smacks forehead) Apres l’Ondee! I can’t believe I forgot that. I have a precious little decant.
Ditto!
Would that be edt or extrait? if it’s edt, feel free to contact me and I’ll send you some when your decant runs out.
Duh! I forgot Apres l’Ondee, too!
Me three – below – I also forgot SSS Voile de Violette…..
Mythique really is divine! I’ve sampled it in every season now, and like it in all four! I keep waiting for a non-existant good deal on a full bottle so I can finally pick it up.
Well i just plunked down some cash for 2 bottles. Dior Higher, which was one of my very first fragrances thats been missing from my wardrobe for a few years, and 10 Corso Como. I suppose neither of those really feel like spring scents to me. Maybe ill have to look into something that is really green smelling. I dont know where to start with that category though.
I’m all mixed up this year! We had a brutally hot summer followed what seemed like immediately by intense cold. I didn’t get to wear my summer perfumes in their proper time and now have been wearing tropical scents like Manoumalia and vintage Chaldee in total winter denial. I may not get to my coziest winter scents like Coze and Field Notes from Paris until spring, LOL.
I did order OJ Champaca last November when they offered free shipping. It’s too light for cold, dry winter air, so I’m looking forward to wearing it in the spring and summer. Would also like to try the new AG Mimosa, as well as the elusive PdN Mimosaique.
BTW, since this is a Lazy Weekend Poll, AKA Enabling Saturday, I’d like to mention an e-mail from Ormonde Jayne that indicates another free shipping opportunity: “Enter the promotional code CUPID for complimentary worldwide postage on every order before February 14.”
Also, thanks so much for hosting, Owen!
hi Nozknoz, I’m having trouble keeping up with all the comments actually :L it must feel strange wearing perfumes behind time.
Hello Owen – nice to meet you. In the warmer weather, which I’m barely able to contain my longing for, as much as I love it, I really do miss my favorite cold weather scents since they’re my favorite kind. But I do look forward to Atelier Grand Neroli, Hermes Pamplemousse Rose and Lots of orange blossom fragrances – Penhaligon’s and Jo Malone being among my favorites. Those are the ones I look forward to the most. I’ll probably think of more later though.
Oh and Jo Malone Lime, Basil, Mandarine and and I’m wishing very hard that Tauer makes that Maghreb cologne a permanent part of his offerings – it’s gorgeous stuff and would be very nice for mild days.
I love Pamplemousse Rose!
hello Rustic, I quite like Prada fleur d’orange. not many people on NST do but I think it makes a nice summer perfume.
I tried to link that to orange blossom but I think that’s the closest thing I’ve smelled to it.
Hi Owen – nice to meet you! Thanks for hosting. I like to wear orange blossom type things and those great green galbanum florals in the spring. The fragrances I’m most looking forward to this year in the spring are FM Carnal Flower, Laura Mericer Neroli, LV Dilmun, Trish McEvoy Citrus Petals, Annick Goutal Eau de Ciel, AG Heure Exquise, AG Songes, and AG Grand Amour expecially, etc. Although occasionally for cold spring weather I like to wear Caron Montaigne b/c I just love that bitter narcissus in it, and it has that wonderful warm base. I’m really looking forward to testing the Goutal La Mimosa as noted above, and I’d love to get a sample of the Love, Chloe. Mostly I’ll miss my big winter favs – Bal a Versailles, Coromandel, Coco, etc,… all of which I’ve not been wearing too much this year actually. This year I’m not going to miss anything doing with winter, fragrances or otherwise, at all.
Have you tried Silences by Jacomo?
You might love it, it’s a galbanum started floral bouquet with a green minty drydown, plain adorable if you love galbanum!
Yes, can’t wait for La Mimosa
I second the Silences suggestion, Warum. Although it works best in the worst part of the summer for me.
I’ll try it then, Suzy Q, great idea! Oh well, what am I saying? It’s never really hot where I am, so I will just be trying Silences on a warm day!
I’ve not tried Silences – it sounds really interesting. I will seek some out asap!!! Thanks for the tip.
I can’t find your email, Ann, but if you shoot me a message I can set you up with some Silences pdt. I don’t know why I thought you’d tried it – it’s somewhat similar to Heure Exquise, but mossier.
Woo – hoo! Like Heure Exquise? Sign me up. I’ll email you for sure.
hi Ann, I quite like orange scent too for summer, like I mentioned above Prada fleur d’orange.
It’s a rainy grey day outside my window today, with the mountains socked in by clouds, which means another day of Aoud Velvet or Black Cashmere for the way they remind me of wearing a lovely layer of softest wool; or maybe Neonatura Cocoon so I feel swathed in the down blanket warmth of cocoa and patchouli…and I know I’ll still occasionally wear my Ambre Sultan, my Arabie and my Fendi Theorema on the some of the chilly nights… but I’m SO looking forward to Spring!
I have been eagerly sniffing my TDC Bois d’Iris, and Lacoste Pour Femme, to remind myself that sunny blue skies are going to be returning some day -and even spritzed some Napa Valley Cielo to remind myself of warm breezes and flowers blooming- but I’m wondering what new fragrance to try for Spring 2011? I need to try something totally different this year! I’m looking forward to replacing my sample of SSS’s Wood Violet with a FB, but other than that I’m open to suggestions…and taking lots of notes.
BRING ON THE SUN!!!
Hello, Owen, and thanks for hosting! I think a bottle of Jasmine Full is in my future, and I *know* that splits of the horsey Cartier and Jeux de Peau will be winging their way to me shortly, which should make for some fun sniffing. My greens (Ivoire, Bandit, etc.) and citrus scents (Bigarade Concentree) have fallen out of the rotation this winter, and it will be so nice to spritz them on again whenever spring deigns to arrive.
Dying to try the horsey Cartier!!
hi Lilydale, it’s always nice to smell the fresh green scents that haven’t seen the light of day since the previous year
Hi Owen!
You might as well be asking me about next Christmas as Spring. It just doesn’t compute as I sit here freezing my tail off and listening to the freezing rain beat against my windows.
Like Dee and Mals above, I’m salivating for the new SSS classic scent (not yet released). I’m also thinking that I was a bit too quick to dismiss her Voile de Violette when I tested it last year. After years of not really liking violet in perfume, I think I’ve now converted, thanks to Attrape Coeur. So that may also go on my SSS order.
But like March at Perfume Posse said, January is going to go on for months yet!
hi Rappleyea, I know I was thinking it’s too early to talk about spring. but the shops are all getting in new season clothes I thought it would be the same with perfume.
Hello Owen — happy hosting today!! I am trying to avoid any FB’s this year and see if I can “use up” some of my samples and decants. If we ever see spring again here in New Jersey, I will break out Jardin sur Nil and my sweet little Fragonards—Riviera, Riviera and Marche aux Fleurs, both lightweights in the fragrance world, but I like them!! they remind me of my visit to the south of France and that’s not a bad thing on a snowy Saturday. Here’s wishing for spring….
hello Jepster, that’s wise to use up your samples. I don’t live on samples but have full bottles so I don’t have that many. I buy new perfumes so end up not using the old ones and they get thrown away
I will learn one day!
February is often “winter-into-spring”, or “earliest spring” or “spring part one” in California, and this year is following that pattern so far. SOTD is Chanel no19; I wore Bas de Soie two days ago, but sneaked Bois de Paradis in yesterday, because I want to wear those “not for warm weather” scents as much as possible – haven’t had a chance to get tired of them yet. Cool green spring scents don’t get a long season here either, but summer scents can overstay their welcome almost as much as summer does. (No, really the summer scents don’t bore me, but weeks of burning heat and glaring skies do. I’m wincing already at the thought!)
For spring, I’m looking forward to bringing my Cristalle EDP back out.. I also want to try, almost despite myself, the new Jennifer Aniston perfume. The skin scent/’warm sand’ aspect of it fascinates me for some reason. I’m also seriously thinking about getting the EL Wild Elixir for a spring scent this year. Today I tried Kelly Calèche and it seems like a good spring scent too. One of my all-time favorite spring scents is Sweet Anthem Mary (notes: hay, black cherry, daffodil). I also like her Jessie (notes: Apricot, Hazelnut, Rosewood, Tobacco). Jessie is sweet and a big warm, for those chilly March winds. I think both Mary & Jessie were released in her Spring 2010 collection… I’m thinking of getting EDPs in both. If I’m feeling really young-ish, maybe Gucci Flora too. I also just picked up the new Bath & Body Works Bali Mango collection, which will be good for days I just want a little bit of scent… oh, and I love their Butterfly Flower for spring too.
For me, true colognes are too light for spring, almost… I have a few beloved colognes (Ateleier Cologne Bois Blond, Dior Escale de Pondichery), but to me they’re summer, not spring. I am lemming the new AC vanilla scent though.
What I’ll miss from winter: Gucci by Gucci, my 2010 Christmas Gift. YSL Opium & Cinema… EL Sensuous Noir… geez, I think I need to buy more winter perfumes…!
Hi Owen!
My collection is much more heavily weighted for fall/ winter scents, so I have been on the hunt for some spring/summer gems. Unfortunately, the 5 samples I just ordered were all off the mark (Dzongka-eep!, Unicorn Spell-scrubber, Andrea Maack Craft-scrubber, Bois Farine-no thanks, l’eau l’artisan-tolerable, but only that)… Or maybe it is fortunate, after all, for my non-existent budget. I could see myself springing for some PdN Violette in Love, or maybe even Womanity or Costamor Beachwood in the near future, though.
I am debating on that Costamor Beachwood – it might have too much calone in it for me, but for a marine scent, I keep returning to my sample. I am digging Womanity.
I must have a penchant for “salty” notes. I have been waffling on Beachwood for a long time too, but I keep going back to it. What is “calone”?
I KNOW I want womanity, but I just don’t think I need very much (a little goes a long way in my experience), and I don’t know how much I am willing to pay for it.
Calone is the scent accord that can add the marine note, also melon-ish.
hey Meg, I have a 10ml of Womanity I picked it up in Tenerife at a discount in August last year, I still can’t decide if I like it or not :S.
HI Owen! Thank you for hosting!
I am looking forward to finally being able to really bust out the Guerlain Vetiver pour Elle and SMN Iris I bought in October. They have been languishing.
I am looking forward to the new Atelier vanilla – don’t know how springy it will be, though.
I will miss SL Arabie! I have been having so much fun wearing that this winter, but it is one I don’t think will be very wearable unless it gets colder than usual this summer.
hi Tama, I have a sample of SL Arabie! it’s a bit too dark for me though. I agree it does better in cold weather.
I am wearing Urnan Musk today… ummmm just so sexy and perfect. I love musk perfume:) What would you suggest as the perfect animalic musk fragrance? Excluding MKK (I have not sampled it but I am very well aware of it and for sure will order a sample soon from perfumecourt).
I am not looking for an amery, reisinous musk with spices. Just more of a wild, animalic, sexy musk…
Spring? Does that mean all of the ice and snow go away??? I can’t wait to try the new Aqua Allegoria, Jasminora.. And to not having to wear so manu layers that no one can tell I’m wearing any perfume….
I think I might like to smell Jasminora too. It was the galbanum that intrigued me… I probaby won’t run across it, though.
I’m also looking forward to Jasminora. I’m a ho for Guerlain and jasmine, plus the galbanum and amber notes intrigue me. Hopefully it won’t be as wimpy as some of the AA collection…
Hi owen welcome
unsure what to buy for sping but I’m getting a lot of good ideas so thanks for the topic
the winter scent i will miss is addict by dior
hi Guess, I haven’t smelled addict but it’s widely available at department stores so I’ll give it a sniff, I’ve been meaning to try the poisons aswell.
Hello Owen!
Great theme. Fighting ice dams is such a pain, and spring seems so distant. Wearing Ubar today, been on a PoTL kick, could use something lighter. Disappointed by Eau Duelle.
Hope that my bottle of Diorissimo has held up for this spring.
Has anyone come across Nina Ricci’s Bigarade? Loved it years ago, not sure it would smell the same – so many of my favorites seem to have changed. Perhaps it’s skin chemistry.
i was not impressed with eau duelle either, but eau de lierre is quite nice for spring. seems to lack any sort of sillage on me tho.
hello Ann, do they sell Diorissimo in department stores, I really should know more Diors.
and I only know the apple shaped bottle and the ribbon one(ricci ricci?) from Nina Ricci, infact I bought a friend ricci ricci for her 18th birthday.
Hi Owen! As other have already said, thanks for hosting.
Like a few other commenters, I am living in Oregon right now, and the weather the past week or so has been killing me- no rain, but still not warm, either!
I have no full bottle purchases planned in the near future, but Mythique is still at the very top of the list as my next purchase. I have gotten to sample it in all four seasons, and can’t wait to enjoy it in the languid warmth of Spring : ) I am also hoping that Like This will transition well into warm weather, or I am going to sorely miss it.
Today I am testing Montale Intense Tiare, which I think I’d classify as better for summer than spring, though it smells lovely. Gardenia is just about the only ‘big’ floral I seem to enjoy, and with coconut? Ah! Divine. I am tempted to sample Ormonde Jayne Frangipani now that it has been mentioned over and over again on the blog this week.
One scent I can’t wait to get rid of is CdG Carnation- so terrible on me! If someone wants a 7ml decant let me know.
CdG Carnation is one of the (admittedly numerous) scents I have been wanting to try, as I usually like carnation scents. Perhaps we can work out some sort of swap. I am Roses-50 at yahoo dot com.
I think I mistyped that. It is “Roses_50”–with an underline, not a hyphen.
hi Halimeade, what is CDG carnation like?
the closest I’ve come to CDG is smelling the bottles of 2 and wonderwood, not even on skin!
I’m a lover of LOV, so I’ll be doing Diorissimo, Carillon pour Ange and CdG Lily come spring. I’ll also want to try my decant of En Passant, Mythique should be lovely in spring. I just got back from Saks where I tried Diorama – that might be a good one. Black March for sure. maybe DK Gold, Kenzo d’ete and maybe Pleasures (have to get a fresh bottle, this one seems to turn fast), Etro’s Heliotrope, Jo Malone’s Orange Blossom too…
i’m going to buy bottles of Rossy de Palma and Vraie Blonde for the Spring. Can’t wait!
Hey all,
I just tried Tauer’s Carillon pour un Ange and totally love it. I’ve been craving floral/green scents of late. I don’t plan on putting my heavy scents to the back of the closet though, we don’t get a summer here in SF.
Did anyone ever sniff the Fendi release? That’s the one I was looking forward to sniffing…
Hi Owen! Thank you for hosting.
Couple of days ago I was just thinking about my waiting for a warmer (sunnier?) weather to wear all those Malone’s colognes I have in my collection: I just cannot bring myself to wearing them in Winter – no matter how warm it is in my area. The one I miss the most – French Lime Blossom.
Until yesterday I wasn’t planning to buy any “Spring” FBs. But now I’m not sure: I might just “need” one of the new Malone’s tea scents.
hi Undina, by “Malone” do you mean Jo Malone? I haven’t smelled anything from Jo Malone but I’ve walked by the store in summer with the door open and got a load of whiffs pumping out of the shop :).
Hello, Owen, thanks for hosting!
This spring I’m going to wear Kelly Caleche and Parfum Delrae’s Debut. Seems like we have such a small window to wear them lately, I live in the Midwest, we’ve been going straight from winter to summer lately, it’s strange. For summer I think I’m finally going to invest in FBs for Bronze Goddess and Light Blue, both nice and easy for summer.
For winter I think I’ll miss most Theorema, it’s been my go-to this winter, also very non-threatening for preschool committee meetings and such.
hi Prudie, I need to try Bronze Goddess (Estee Lauder?)
and I love light blue homme (D&G) which I totally forgot about I want 125ml fb of it :D.
I had a sample of Theorema (Fendi?) I’m afraid to say it wasn’t to my taste :/.
Spring?
Will it actually come?
I am contemplating En Passent by Frederick Malle because the scent of lilacs and cucumbers sound lovely and will remind me of my childhood Mays. However, if I purchase, I will wear to ward off this awful winter.
I am dying to try this too! It sounds lovely.
Hi Owen and NST!
We have had a typical SoCal winter this year…60 and sunny every day (don’t hate me!). When it warms up a bit, I’m looking forward to pulling out Osmanthe Yunnan, Attrape Coeur, Le Labo Tubereuse 40 (perfect skanky orange blossom on me), SL Bas de Soie and OJ Frangipani. I just bought a bottle of CdG Zargorsk, and it’s a perfect early spring scent – cool and eerie with a hint of flowers underneath.
I usually save my winter favorites for the June gloom – a straight month (or two) of chilly damp cloudy weather. Fendi Theorema, Ambra de Nepal, Tauer Incense Rose, and Alahine really bloom then and ward off depression.
New releases I’m excited about include Guerlain’s La Petite Robe Noire 2, Cherry Blossom, and Jasminora. I’m also excited about the horsey Cartier, and of course Jeux de Peux! Keep your spirits up, everybody! Spring will return soon, I promise!
Alahiiiiine! Love that.
Isn’t it gorgeous? I finally broke down and bought a FB at the Beauty Encounter sale. I’m loving oriental rose frags lately – now if only I could afford Lyric Woman
hey Estelle, is the new launch cherry blossom you mentioned by Guerlain? how wide spread will it be available?
Hi Owen!
It’s going to be summer here for a few months still! But all the scents I am wearing at present are quite heavy. I am thinking of getting chamade as I have seen it stocked here but it is not available where I live. Only, due to January perfume sales I am already way over budget… Bal.d.v has floated onto my wish list after trying it sometime last week, but there is no time pressure with that one!
hi Merlin, I got Aqua di Gioia 30ml gift set in the sale at Boots especially for spring and beggining to wish I hadn’t got it, oh well I might like it more when spring officially comes.
Hi Owen! Unlike most here, I don’t hate winter, as Gulf Coast winters are generally 50-60 degree days and pleasantly chilly nights–perfect for warm winter perfumes and for making all those wonderful, warm, filling foods–hearty soups, stews, gumbos–that are unthinkable in the heat of summer. I tend to wear my “winter” scents into spring as long as possible. My threshold is about 80 F–as long as it is less than 80, I feel I can wear any perfume. Once summer arrives, I will miss Attrape-Coeur, Vol de Nuit, Magie Noire, Zen (black bottle), and probably Ubar, Alahine, DSH Cardamom and Khyphi and my bottle of vintage Numero Cinq. I am not sure about Ubar, as I only got it last October, but I think it will be too much for summer. Alahine is a very recent acquisition, but although it is am amber, it seems lighter than most, and I will see if it works in warm weather.
I do not plan to buy any more spring fragrances, but will bring out those that have been in hibernation–AG La Violette, Aimez-Moi, Meteorites, Apres l’Ondee, Violettes de Toulouse, and Muguet des Bois. Also Liu and Bois de Violette, which are perfectly wearable in winter, but have been neglected in favor of those perfumes I cannot wear in summer.
hi 50Roses, I don’t hate winter either. and I don’t know any of the perfumes you listed :/ meteorites to me is the range of powder by Guerlain.
Meteorites is a range of powder, but it was also used for a fragrance in circa 2000. I think it was one of their limited editions that they only made for a short time. It is a really bright, powdery violet/iris scent. I read somewhere that it is essentially the fragrance in the Meteorites line of powder, but I have never used the powder, so I do not know if that is the case.
they’re really expensive, like £30 for a pot. my nearest House Of Fraser has a Guerlain counter so I could go and have look, or sniff.
Hi Owen! I’ve been daydreaming about green florals lately, and I’ve even started wearing some of them in anticipation of spring. Some favorites: Chamade, Sabi, Le Temps d’Une Fete, Calandre, and YSL Y. Later, as spring warms up, I will enjoy wearing Sonoma Scent Studio Velvet Rose, Etro Dianthus, and En Passant, to name a few.
And on the next rainy day, I will start wearing my Neil Morris Dark Earth. Delicious!
hi Haunani, I was going to wear the Aqcua di Gioia I recently got but decided against it, I know the anticipation.
Heh Owen – you’ve got loads of comments so I’ll keep it brief but I wanted to greet a fellow UK resident! I’m looking forward to properly trying out Maison Martin Margiela Untitled as it got waylaid last spring by AG Ninfeo Mio (which I am also looking forward to busting out, but maybe later). I’ve got a small decant from a swap but if I like it as much as I think I do I’m going to buy a bottle whilst it’s still around in Selfridges. I’ll wave au revoir to Guerlain Tonka Imperiale until the first chilly days of next Autumn.
hey Donanicola I know I’m suprised I got all the way down here by monday today. it’s gone 10pm and I’m dog tired but I was determined to get to the bottom of the list before tuesday as I got about 3/4 of the way down over the weekend! are you in the UK? I saw you mention Selfridges.