The Monday Mail is back from summer vacation, and we're starting off the fall season with Karla, who is looking for a new fragrance that she can wear to work (it should not be loud!) but that will carry over nicely into a happy hour or after-work reception. And, she'd love something that would work year-round. Karla lives in New York City, so access is not a problem, and she's willing to spend up to $98. Here is what we know about Karla:
She's a working mom in her late 30s.
She loves to have fun with friends and family, and to travel and go to concerts.
She says her taste is: "simple, fun, non-intrusive, but noticeable".
Karla likes warm florals and sometimes white musks. Her current perfume favorites include Chloé by Chloé (new version; her one complaint is that it fades quickly) and Givenchy Very Irresistible Sensual.
Karla dislikes heavy orientals or woods, or too much musk or patchouli.
Here are some of the scents she has tried:
Oscar de la Renta Esprit d'Oscar: it's warm. She does like it, but she's worried that by the end of the day, it might be slightly too musky for work.
Victoria’s Secret Tease body mist: she didn't love the dry down and it didn't last.
Body Time China Rain: too strong.
Body Time Egyptian Musk: she liked this one.
Jessica Simpson Fancy: very sweet and candied, too strong for warm weather.
What say you?
Note: image is post_te by fedewild at flickr; some rights reserved.
I would suggest Narciso Rodriguez EDT or Bulgari Pour Femme. I think they are both very beautiful and sophisticated in a subtle way, very work appropriate, and would work well day and night all year long.
2nd Blv pour Femme. Very nice!
The first thing that comes to mind is one of the Narcisso Rodriguez fragrances. Also Serge Lutens Musc Clair, but it’s over $98. I love musk fragrances but I’m a little anosmic to it so they don’t start to register until about Musc Ravageur levels.
just a tip: IMO a very light application of “heavy” scents is often O.K., even in summer. I don’t know the scents you’re mentioning, so maybe I’m off track suggesting some newer not-too-niche, workplace compatible and more or less affordable releases: Prada’s candy (the little 30ml bottle is sooo cute), Balenciaga Paris (the actual one, a new release is also coming up). Also coming up: Bottega veneta, with a new take on chypre, I tried it last weekend and was favorably impressed.
The new Parfume de Nicolai, L’eau Chic
PdN is a great idea! I was also thinking of PdN Kiss Me Tender.
I think she should try Gucci Guilty.
and Elie Saab.
I totally second this choice. I have Elie Saab’s perfume on today and I just love it. It’s so fresh and clean, and the dry down is lovely. No one finds this intrusive at all. Stays close to the skin. It’s a take on jasmine and orange blossom. It’s my go-to for hot days, or when I need to be around others who might be intolerant of anything loud. But it’s over budget, I think. You could do as I do and get a decant from Perfumed Court that would last a long time.
the 50 ml is $90 at saks and bloomies. I will also second the Prada L’eau Ambree…
My very first thought was Elie Saab so, I am also casting a vote for it. I skin tested today and it is very lovely IMHO. Totally FBW. Am also in support of Cartier Baiser Vole, Prada L’eau Ambree and Balenciaga Paris. Will addto the list Jo Malone Vanilla & Anise.
The original Idylle by Guerlain is really lovely, too, as is Mary Greenwell Plum, and both can be bought in smaller sizes for under $98. They seem like they’d transition nicely from work to after hours. Oh, and the newest Cashmere Mist flanker, Cashmere Mist Liquid Nude, is really gorgeous in a musk and light flowers way.
I also have to second Prada Candy and Balenciaga Paris, two in very heavy rotation in my own wardrobe right now. They’re beautiful and never overwhelming.
Agree on the Narciso Rodriguez for her, but I like the (pink bottle) EdP best. Also agree with the Balenciaga Paris recommendation–has a touch of violet and clean musk that really lasts, but is not overpowering.
I love soft clean floral musks, so here is my list, with an eye to staying in budget: SSS Egyptian Musk or DSH (Dawn Spencer Hurwitz) Special Formula X are both very inexpensive, but nicely niche
Another thought would be Sara Horowitz’ Perfect Veil, which is lovely, and available for about $75. All three of these are also availble in oil formulation, which I find wears very close to the body. I tend to like the sprays a bit better, though. None of these are heavy, and all are what I consider stealth perfumes, your skin but better.
Last thoughts–another skin scent to try is Prada L’eau Ambree. It is very soft, but like the Balenciaga Paris, comes back as an aura of nice scent, without bludgening bystanders. Happy hunting, and please let us know what you find!
You guys here are so kind, but forgive my misspellings and typos. Apparently I can’t spell bludgeoning, amongst others. My fingers engage faster than my brain.
Chanel No 5 Eau Premier;
Parfums de Nicolai Le Temps d’une Fete
Moschino Funny!
Divine Divine (most sillage of the bunch)
I second Eau Premiere! It was the first thing that came to mind for me–it balances youth and sophistication in a work transitioning to after-work sort of way!
Balenciaga Paris!
Balenciaga Paris
Narciso Rodriguez
PdN Le Temps d’une Fête
Boyfriend by Kate Walsh might be a good one to try—very warm and sensual, but not over-the-top sexy; on the other end of the spectrum, I’ll second Chanel no. 5 Eau Premiere, whose bright florals & creamy vanilla would be almost impossible to go wrong with!
For white floral try Estee Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia. For a nice musk I agree with the NR For Her especially in the edp and Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely.
You might also like the new Elie Saab Le Parfum and Cartier Baiser Vole.
Estee Lauder Sensuous is also very nice. I haven’t tried the flankers but I think the “nude” version was well reviewed. Sensuous comes in a 30ml bottle, widely available, and quite affordable allowing for more than one fragrance purchase within your budget!
2nd Sensuous.
Second 9third) the Elie Sabb, which is not bad at all. I’d also suggest Narciso Rodriguez Musc Intense for Her. It’s not really intense at all – white florals and warm musk. I don’t find it too heavy and did wear it in warmer weather – it’s also a go-to fall/winter scent for me.
I’m wearing Grand Neroli today and it’s in the clean musk stage. It may not be your thing at all if you don’t like some citrus with your neroli. It comes in the little $55 bottles. I get lots of compliments on it when I’m in close quarters with others.
second Prada L’eau Ambree
also: J’Adore Dior, Lovely Sarah Jessica Parker, Love Chloe
Calvin Klein Eternity Summer (2011) very fresh, beachy floral
Love, Chloe
Folavril, Annik Goutal
Bvlgari Pour Femme or White Tea
Amazing grace by Philosophy
Prada Infusion D’ Homme or Amber Pour Homme (love these on me- and I’m a woman)
Balenciaga Paris is getting a lot of love, but I admit I found the violet to be TOO MUCH in hot weather/stagnant indoor conditions. However, in cooler months, totally agree it can be a good choice.
I would also add EL Sensuous, which is technically an oriental, but hardly can be called “heavy.” I get mostly a warm floral with that lovely amber base. (and–bonus–you can get large bottles on ebay for a steal!)
A few ideas:
– West Side by Bond No. 9 (doesn’t meet the price test, but a decant would work) — a simple, pretty floral
– Trish McEvoy No. 9 or Philosophy Falling in Love — blackberry musks
– L’Artisan Drole de Rose or La Chasse Aux Papillons — pretty rose/violet and white florals respectively
– My favorite is Kenzo Amour, but that may be too oriental/woody…
For a professional look I would go with Calvin Klein Truth.
Also a polished look – Narcisso Rodriguez Essence, eventually Essence Eau de Musc.
And last but not least, for a dare – Tom Ford Black Orchid Voile de Fleur
Good luck, let me know if you try any of these, I’d be curious to know if my guesses were accurate
If she liked BT’s Egyptian Musk, Narcisco Rodriguez Musc Oil for her has a soft floral note that is lovely. I’d also suggest the new Cartier Baiser Vole-beautiful and soft with a lovely drydown.
Cristalle Chanel, the EDP
its never loud, a soft blend of florals and citrus (I do love the EDT too which is a different scent, more citrus). I wore this for years and was complimented all the time! And the great thing: nobody else wears it. Don’t bother with the Eau Vert flanker. I also recommend you Dior Homme.
Shalimar Initial
Chanel 19 Poudre
Coco
Coco Mademoiselle
Try Chloe Rose Edition – it’s limited edition and just like the original new Chloe only has some rose enhancement which I am guessing what she appreciated in Very Irresistible Sensual.