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Today's subject is Tarra, who wants to find an everyday signature scent, something she can wear for years to come. She'd prefer something that isn't too popular or widely worn, but it would help if she could find it at Neiman Marcus or Nordstrom. She's willing to go elsewhere or online though, and she can spend $100-200.
Here is what we know about Tarra:
She's in her mid-20s, and she lives in Washington, DC.
She's a graduate student (Critical Theory) and writer; she also has a full-time job in quantitative analysis — she jokes that she's equally right- and left-brained.
She is ethnically Indian, and has been described by dates as "exotic, mysterious and sensual." She also says she's not the "relationship type" — she's flirtatious and capricious.
Her clothing style is simple and classic, and her personality is loyal and loving, but snarky and with a dark sense of humor. On the weekends she can be found nestled in her study amongst her towers of books or planning her next trip abroad.
Tarra likes dark woody fragrances, and notes of jasmine, lavender, vanilla and orchid. Perfumes she likes or owns include Balenciaga Paris (she likes it, but it's almost too innocent for her taste), Bvlgari Jasmin Noir (but she finds it doesn't last and she can't always smell it on herself), Calvin Klein Eternity Moment (a little too flowery, but still, she's never received more compliments on a scent), Calvin Klein Eternity Moment Purple Orchid (nearly perfection, but discontinued), Calvin Klein Euphoria (quite seductive, but also too obvious).
Tarra dislikes girly perfumes. She hates Estee Lauder Pleasures (too floral and girly), Valentino Rock 'n Rose (ditto) and Jessica McClintock (too sweet).
Here is what she has tried lately:
Givenchy Dahlia Noir: a little too sharp and obvious, but she would wear it if it lasted longer.
Tom Ford Black Orchid: overwhelming.
Bottega Veneta: She loved it. The dry down is sweeter than she anticipated, but she liked the warmth.
Dior Hypnotic Poison: no.
What say you?
Note: image is Post box [cropped] by eGuide Travel at flickr; some rights reserved.
I recommend Estee Lauder Sensuous Noir, it sounds right up your alley.
For an outsider pick (from the men’s side) try the original Chanel Egoiste or one of the A*Men flankers (I like A*Men Pure Malt).
Chanel Egoiste is an excellent suggestion: seconding!
You beat me to Sensuous Noir! I tested it over the weekend and really liked it. I’m a fan of the original, too.
Black Orchid Voile de Fleur is discontinued but can be found on ebay for a steal. She might like that. EL Sensuous Noir is a good suggestion, too.
Oh, Sensuous Noir is a good one. One of my recent favorites, in fact. I also thought of Love, Chloe, which is girly to a degree, but a little more on the sexy side of Balenciaga Paris. Natori EdP is really nice, too, in a sultry, mysterious and sexy way. I’ve gotten a lot of complaments on it and while it isn’t a sillage bomb, it lasts for ages and the bath and body products that go with it are of excellent quality.
Another sexy and almost femme fatale frag if rose isn’t an issue is Etat Libre d’Orange’s Rossy de Palma Eau de Protection. It’s an intensely spicy rose with a tiny hint of cocoa and I’ve been asked by two or three people what I was wearing. Just gorgeous!
Seconding Natori!
Dark and woody? Hmmmm………I’m thinking Dzongkha from L’Artisan! And also Vetiver from Le Labo, it really comes alive and reveals it’s depths and subtleties on darker skins. Also, I reckon you should try Orris Noir by Ormonde Jayne – it is a dark, spicy iris with rich woody undertones.
seconding Orris Noir! 🙂
If you liked Balenciaga Paris but found it too innocent, perhaps try Tom Ford’s Violet Blonde. It starts off heady before becoming very much like Paris, then drying down to a more milky and peachy violet. It should be easy to get a sample at Nordstrom.
There’s also a new (this month?) Jasmin Noir (L’Essence) that lasts longer than the original and is of a better quality.
Based on some of your preferred notes, also try Van Cleef and Arpels Orchidee Vanille. I’m usually sceptical of these “exclusive” lines, but this one is gracious and warm.
maybe Lancome Tresor Midnight Rose?
of for something lavenderous you can try Caron pour un homme
Penhaligon’s Lavandula is a warm and lovely lavender with a dab of vanilla.
Rochas Man combines lavender with coffee and vanilla.
I’d also suggest exploring Guerlain Shalimar and its “flankers”.
Serge Lutens Feminite du Bois
Serge Lutens Borneo
Guerlain Shalimar
Guerlain Samsara
Tom Ford White Patchouli
Montal Black Oud
Shalimar’s been mentioned a couple of times and I certainly recommend it. You should also give its big sister Jicky a sniff. It is a beautiful lavender vanilla, not too girly, and many people prefer in the EdT so it is reasonably priced, too.
Bvlgari Black also comes to mind. It’s not girly and the rubber/vanilla opening is awesome. Bvlgari Omnia, original recipe in the amber/brown bottle, is also terrific. Smooth, milky sandalwood with a nice inedible vanilla that keeps it from being too sweet or foody.
Ooh, yes – Borneo is spectacular. Now THAT’S signature-scent-worthy! Great recommendation.
Get the Ormonde Jayne discovery set!
I think that Orris Noir or Ormonde Woman (or maybe even Man) would be a good fit, but whole set is a must try.
Also, Sonoma Scent Studio Winter Woods or Incense Pure might be a good fit;
Finally, L’Artisan Nuit de Tubereuse, because it’s so unexpected and original 🙂
Also Anya’s Garden Pan
Ayala Moriel Espionage
These are natural perfumes and can be found online. Samples can be ordered.
I also recommend Sonoma Scent Studio-the entire line but especially Champagne du Bois.
Thirding the SSS line. She offers some marvelous sampler packs.
Recommending Tom Ford Violet Blonde, as well. I love Balenciaga Paris, but it is a bit light for me, as well. Violet Blonde fits the bill for a more sensual violet fragrance.
I liked the new Balenciaga Paris flanker, Balenciaga Paris L’Essence. It’s more violet-y, greener, and woodsier than the original. Worth a try!
I’m thinking of Madame Eau de parfum: rose and Parchouli with a hint of pepper. As the rest of Gaultier line has good sillage and longevity in skin, but for some reason it’s not as popular as the other ones, so more exclusive to you!
For misterious and sensuous woods I say – go throw Serge Lutens line, you’ll find something for sure.
Daim Blond – apricot woods and suede
Feminite du Bois – plum and precious woods
Gris Clair – burned lavanda and cedar
Chergui, Borneo, Bois Vanille, Amber Sultan, Chene – all kinds of woods imaginable , gorgeous,
I am going to throw in with the Borneo recommendations. It is a dark and deeply sensual perfume. Also, for a vanilla/lander mix which hasn’t been mentioned yet, I would suggest By Kilian’s A Taste of Heaven. It is delicious, addicting.
Seconding A Taste of Heaven. It’s incredible. The travel refills are the most affordable choice.
Huanani, I’m starting to think we need some compensation for how much we rep this stuff!
Samsara might work, especially in this weather. I don’t know about the summer though.
I agree with Samsara, especially the older versions easily found on the auction site (clear bottle, red box with black at the top). BTW, I wore my Samsara all summer – a beautiful blend of jasmine and sandalwood.
It sounds like she could wear a number of scents well. Serge Lutens Feminite du Bois, Daim Blonde or Borneo
Tom Ford Oud Wood or Noir de Noir
Le Labo’s Oud 27
Chanel’s Coco
Robert Piguet’s Bandit
L’ Artisan’s Voleur de Rose
i agree on borneo! not sure about it for the summer…am using it at the moment..quite a few special compliments
lavandula is beautiful, but not sure if it could be signature scent status!
the original feminite du bois awesome!
perhaps you could find something from uncle serge! daim blonde, fumerie turque….
tiempe passate!!!!(antonios flowers) one of the few full bottles i have repurchased because of usage and the body cream together with it is spectacular and longer lasting! GOOD LUCK
AG Heure Exquise, Chanel 28 La Pausa, BK Back to Black, LAP Dzing!, FM Le Parfum de Therese and Bulgari Back to Black.
L’Artizan Parfumeur – Dzonghka
Tom Ford – Violet Blonde
Feminite du Bois
Lalique – Le Parfum
Parfumerie Generale – Cadjmere, Aomassai, Coze, Bois Blonde