Answer as many or as few as you like.
1. What fragrance are you wearing (or planning to wear) today?
2. The first fragrance you'd buy after winning the lottery?
3. Do you need to prune your fragrance collection, or expand it? Or is it just right?
4. What book are you reading? or What's the last great book you read?
5. Have you ever read a really great book because someone on Now Smell This recommended it, and if so, what?
My answers:
1. When I get back from the gym, I'm going to test a handful of recent releases.
2. I would track down some vintage Jean Patou Joy in extrait.
3. Prune!
4. I am reading an advance copy of Alyssa Harad's Coming To My Senses, which she mentioned in her December post. She writes about Now Smell This in such glowing terms that I'm blushing as I read.
5. J.G. Farrell's Empire trilogy (Troubles, The Siege of Krishnapur and The Singapore Grip), which Erin recommended. I liked it so much I read all three books twice.
Note: image is American Flyer [cropped] by Tony the Misfit at Flickr; some rights reserved.
1. Fleur du Male;
2. Maybe By Killian complete collection; Mona di Orio Oud; I’m not remembering an extremely expensive frag right now; I think I’d order an exclusive one;
3. No doubt I need to expand mine;
4. I’m not a great reader; I already have to read so much things from my profession, that I preffer music as laze;
5. …
Afternoon Moore, sorry to write off-topic. I just wanted to say there’s a high chance I would be able to sample Prada Infusion de Rose & Tuberose. You wanted to know my thoughts about them in previous open thread, so they might come sooner than I thought. All thanks to Dominika, whom you may know from NST, she’s getting me some samples.
I have to catch up with His other books. I only read Shadow of the Wind
oh my, this should’ve landed under Rappleyea comment
That’s okay – I found you! 😀
Good morning! No problem to me at all on being off topic. Then, let me know what you thought about it when you try. Glad to see you met a perfume-friend.
Tubereuse I’ve tried. Something like a lollipop; sweet and dry. I liked that!
So I’ll be sure to let you know my opinion on Infusion de Rose when I get it
Our “very expensive” lists are similar! I want the MdO Oud and one of the Kilians (Liaisons Dangereuses).
I personally only know Incense Oud that’s on the top of my niche wishlist. But all others descriptions looks so gorgeous!
Then, good luck for us, right? 😉
1. Vintage Samsara EdT (am currently catching up pasted Downton Abbey episodes and for some reason vintage Samsara seemed right!)
2. JAR Diamond Water (to wear with my Tiara) or JAR Bolt of Lightning
3. Prune, cull, reduce, downsize…..
4. I just read Steven King’s 11/22/63 and really enjoyed it. I forgot what a good writer he is. I am currently reading The Girl who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest (Yes I know I am late to the Stief Larsson party) and The Sharper your Knife, the Less you Cry by Kathleen Flinn about her year at the Cordon Bleu.
5. I am sure that I have, but I can’t seem to remember..However, I would love new suggestions!
Don’t you just LOVE downton abbey?! I finished last season but made my hubby watch them before we start the new season together.
Soooo loving Downton Abbey! I am in love with Maggie Smith!!!
What perfume do you wear when you watch it?
I never wore something to watch it, but now you’ve got me thinking!
I did the exact same thing, lol!
loving downtown abby….would love to watch it all day!
Seconding the Downton Abbey love. If only I could get my fiance to watch it with me – no chance in hell! Haha.
I am streaming it on my computer while my teenage sons watch basketball! They would rather die than watch a British period drama.
Downton Abbey poll coming up two weekends from now 🙂
I just bought the 1st season DVD so thanks for the heads up! Will get it watched.
oh dear, i am watching it one by one on sunday nites…would love tot watch the whole season
The DVD isn’t labeled, but it is Season One, as now I see that Season Two will be released on Feb. 7 and is available for pre-order. So I’m playing catch-up.
Yah!!!! What fun!
Whoo-hoo! Any advance hints?
Oh, it will just be a “scent the character” poll, nothing fancy!
Thanks for the heads up. I’ll be thinking about it all week!
I LOVE LOVE love downton abbey too- can’t wait for the poll!
Ok. You’ve all just inspired me to place a hold at the library. (hold #345, but they have several more copies on order!)
It’s worth the wait! Also if your are an amazon.com prime member you can stream from your computer for free.
Thanks for the suggestion! As I am unusually low-tech and cheap–urr. . .frugal–I will have to wait for the hold, but I don’t mind my delayed gratification!
Just watched the Christmas special last week! I absolutely love the show! Can’t wait for the poll 🙂
What is the christmas special? Is it different than the series?
It is the last episode of season 2- it was aired on dec 25th (2011) in Britain
1. Prada Amber (probably….not sure yet)
2. Strange…before reading Moore’s answer, I was going to put the exact same thing – the By Killian Line AND the Mona di Orio Line!
3. My New Year’s resolution is to figure out how to sell on eBay…I need to PRUNE.
4. “Just My Type” – a book about the origination of Fonts…it may sound a little dry, but it is quite fascinating. Last great book I got through was Kenneth Davis’ “Don’t Know Much About the Bible”.
5. Sadly, no……I’m usually so busy grading papers, I’ve barely touched the stack of books I got for myself in the Summer of 2010!
I need to learn the ebay thing as well. I have bags and shoes and dresses that just sit in my closet, untouched, and are still in terrific shape.
P.S. That book on fonts sounds totally up my alley.
I didn’t read either of your entries before posting mine, but I chose something MdO Oud and one of the Kilians as well!
Me too!!
it seems like half of us chose the MdO Oud – something must be in the air!
I don’t know any Mona di Orio and only know one from By Killian, but they sounds promissong.
Weaing Diane von Furstemberg’s new perfume, which seems to be growing on me: maybe because it is almost a slightly old fashioned chypre. I keep reaching for it instead of anything else.
Probably buy a huge extrait of a long lost Guerlain (not sure which, perhaps Parure or Chant d’Aromes).
I should probably prune, but should also try wearing more and get through the collection that way.
Haven’t had time to read lately, but at the recommendation of lots of NSTers bought my husband The Distant Hours and he absolutely loved it!
Can’t spell Furstenberg – am blaming large cat lying on my arm as I try to type.
Ha! I know well the challenges of typing with a cat in my arms! One of mine likes to luxuriate, stretching as long as possible over both arms, just to make his point clear that I aught to be focusing on him and not that funny piece of technology in my lap!
This may be National Hug Day, but cats think every day is National Pet the Cat Day!
They really do have a way of making their priorities known, don’t they!
I tried the Diane for the first time on Thursday… couldn’t quite make up my mind as to what I thought of it. Looking forward to trying it again… sometimes it takes a few wearings!
1. I’m going out to the mall this afternoon to sniff, so haven’t put on any perfume today.
2. A JAR of everything, just ’cause I could.
3. EXPAND!!!!
4. Haven’t read anything but texts for school lately.
5. A few months back, somebody mentioned the book about the Tampa zoo that had an Obsession-loving tiger, so I read that. Very interesting!
Betcha we see a lot of JAR today.
1. I got my SSS samples this week, and I’ve been having fun sampling them. Today I’m giving a longer test to Velvet Rose. I think I like it, but I’m not falling all over the place for it. I really DO like how long-lasting all the SSS frags I’ve tried seem to be. I was wearing Sienna Musk on Thursday and Lieu de Reves on Friday, on both days, kids commented on my scent in 8th period (9 hours after application!).
2. I’m not sure what I’d buy. . .of course if I hadn’t yet bought it, I would have to finally buy Memoir. However, I’ve purposely avoided sampling expensive fragrances, so maybe I would just splurge on a MASSIVE exclusive scent sample collection. I would be especially interested in finally smelling some of my loves in extrait!
3. I would say my collection could use some editing–in the sense of cutting out some to replace with others. I like the number of scents I have pretty well, but some of the FBs from my early enthusiasm could be replaced with what I think might be longer-term loves.
4. I am currently reading (ok–audiobook listening) to Death in Holy Orders, recommended by folks here on NST.
5. See above, although I admit that while I’m enjoying the PD James, I will probably not seek out more. I often search out books folks discuss here, checking my library for availability. I also read Perfume: the story of a murderer (and saw the movie), and borrowed Perfume: The Guide. I looked into the Bombshell Guide, but my library doesn’t have a copy!
I adore PD James, sorry you don’t! My next read, hopefully, will be her Jane Austen one, Death Comes To Pemberley.
I listen to audiobooks mostly these days, but I do suspect that I don’t always get to chew on the language of an author as well by “reading” books this way. It is entirely possible that PD James is in this category, as I recognize that she uses words well and carefully.
I suppose, but in general I think I read mysteries more for plot & atmosphere than the writing — although PD James is a better writer than many other mystery writers. I just like Dalgliesh, & the whole setup so to speak.
That makes sense. I am not a regular mystery reader–I tend towards more character-driven dramas or sci-fi/fantasy action stories. Oh, and cookbooks, but those don’t make good audiobooks!
I’d love it if Bourdain read his Les Halles cookbook for audio!!
Good choice! I would listen to Jacques Pepin or Ming Tsai in a heartbeat! On the other hand, love her as I do, I don’t think I could handle several hours of Julia Child!
Robin, I just finished this; I’d be happy to send you my copy!
Really? That would be great — last I checked I was number 100+ at the library. Could we do a book swap, maybe? Email me robin at nstperfume dot com.
I’m like you – I avoid sampling the expensive lines, so I would sample like crazy from Amouage, By Kilian, Malle, Lutens … Heck, if I won the lottery I could go to Paris and do it in style.
Count me as another P.D. James fan, although I was lukewarm about the latest, Death Comes to Pemberly. I am re-reading some of the early ones, at the moment A Mind to Murder.
I love the idea of flying to Paris to shop in person! Actually, with the exceptions of perfume and cookbooks, I mostly prefer to spend my money on experiences instead of things. I get sort of crowed feeling, I think. In any case, I think the experience of exploring perfume in Paris would be the best money spent for a fun time! (and heck, while I’m there, I guess I could do some lovely eating, too!)
Oh I’d spend a considerable amount of time eating, and drinking coffee! Got to re-charge, for more perfume sniffing. It’s arduous work!
Well, and if your nose is fatigued and your belly is satisfied, might as well rest your eyes on some lovely artwork! My, maybe we need to buy a flat with those lottery winnings, just to ease our mind if the trip takes longer than we expect!
whoops! that was “crowded,” not “crowed”
Oh, that’s a good one.
Hi Marjorie Rose! I also received some SSS samples this week and am enjoying the testing. Like you my reaction to velvet rose has been uncertain. It is pretty and warm but I don’t find it captivating. Sienna Musk and lieu de Rieves are on my ‘uncertain – retry’ pile. Tabac Aurea was a NO on my skin. I’ll try again out of curiosity but I really didn’t like it. The strangest was Fireside Intense: on me it smells like an electrical failure – burnt filaments etc. I don’t know exactly what the note ‘smoky’ , or the effect of smoky is meant to be – but I wouldn’t think this was it. I almost love bois de champagne (forgot the proper name). I got the sample some time back and LOVE its strength and lasting power! Unfortunately there is some note in it that I’m uncomfortable with – so while I’v loved it enough to drain the sample I may not want a bottle.
And, unlike the others I LOOOOOOVE Winter Woods. I wear a lot of ‘comfort fragrances’, ambers, orientals and gourmands but the truth is I have never found any of them particularly comforting (an exception may be Un Rose Chypree- though not officially a comfort scent) Winter Woods, however, REALLY is comforting for me. I find it warm, evocative and beautiful but most appreciate its soothing effect!
By ‘unlike the others’ i didn’t mean the other SSS scents. I really do prefer all of these to the offerings of most perfume companies. By ‘others’ I meant the commenters below who were not gob-smacked by Winter Woods!
I can see how WW gets love! I really like the drydown, and since the SSS scents last so long, most of it is really pleasant to me. I think I love Lieu de Reves, though! I think I have a weakness for heliotrope (like my lovely Leau d’Hiver).
My notes on Fireside Intense say “smokey leather with green semi-plastic note, which I find distracting. This note fades after 15 minutes, and I like the scent better without it..”
My notes on Tabac Aurea say “sort of fascinating, but I can’t decide if I’d want to smell like it in public,” Ha!
I will definitely be testing these both again, but I probably won’t end up with FBs of either.
Great description of Fireside Intense: I agree that it improves but the objectionable part remains for at least an hour on my skin!
Oh, wait: I lied about No. 4.
I did read designer Vicky Tiel’s bio “It’s All About the Dress.” It isn’t a good book per se (not very well written) but it’s a fascinating look at a time I didn’t really experience–I was just a kid in the Sixties–and a life that is totally different from mine (though even I suspect some of the stuff the author writes might not be strictly true…). Still, it’s lighthearted fun.
1. I am planning to try my sample of winter woods, which seems fitting given this snowy morning in NJ.
2. Right now it would have to be a big vat of carnal flower and all matching accessories. But because I haven’t yet sniffed a lot of the great vintages I would probably go sampling crazy!
3. Expand it! But I want to do it smartly, and start getting into splits.
4. I am currently reading (listening in the car) Snobs, written by Julian Fellowes (who created Downton Abbey). I love reading about the social intricacies of old England, but this is set in the 1990s which is very different but alike at the same time to regency/Edwardian periods. Very interesting take on human nature too.
5. Not yet, but I am writing down everything that you are all reading today!
Oh, please share your impressions of Winter Woods when you have them! It was placed in the “needs more testing” pile for my SSS samples. I didn’t love the top notes, but the dry down was very nice.
Ditto on Winter Woods. The top note is a little too bracing for my liking, but it does dry down in a lovely way.
+3 on Winter Woods. Its drydown reminded me of Olympic Amber by Olympic Orchids line, and both are very nice.
Yes, please post your comments! It’s also the one I’ll be (re)trying today!
so it is almost a scrubber for me unfortunately…the opening is bracing, and it did get better over time. It just feels too nursing home for me (sorry to anyone who adores it)! I don’t want to disregard it entirely, but I’m not excited about it as I thought I might be.
Sorry to hear it! Thanks for getting back to us. I don’t suspect it will end up on my “Love it” list, either, but I can’t deny that there’s something interesting about it.
1. I plan on testing some of the roses in my collection (I’m on somewhat of a rose kick).
2. Jubilation 25
3. I should prune the superflous samples that have taken over my writing desk, but before doing that I really should go back to those scrubbers, just to make sure my mind hasn’t changed (sometimes it does, surprisingly).
4. The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides. I unwittingly brought it with me on a recent trip to Paris…..where my boyfriend proposed (I had also brought The Tiger Wife – did my subconscious know?!).
5. I’ve had/seen many recommendations on this site, and my to-read list is now a mile high. I still need to read Emperor of Scent.
I loved Eugenides’s Middlesex. Are his other books are good? Congrats on the engagement! — I assume you said yes? 🙂
I believe the first thing out of my mouth was, “Are you f%$*ing kidding me!?” And then I said yes. 🙂
This is my first Eugenides. Pretty good so far!
Congratulations on your engagement!
1. Cuir de Russie, as we’re in the middle of a torrential downpour and I’d like the fragrance equivalent of luxurious warmth.
2. Joy extrait, vintage or otherwise. Or Portrait of a Lady. I suppose if I won the lottery I wouldn’t need to choose.
3. Oddly, I find myself almost at the “just right” point, collection-wise. I’ve got a few FBs I wouldn’t miss and one or two on my wish list, but who doesn’t?
Exactly — I’d get Amouage Jubilation XXV too. And probably several from Serge Lutens.
Would it be bad for me to mention that I saw an unopened 100mL Jub. 25 on ebay this week? Selling for less than retail by quite a bit when I checked. . .
“Helping” our perfume buddies is a big part of what we do here at NST. 😉
“Helping,” indeed! My wallet’s been helped out of its contents this way more than once…
The ‘Bay can be such a tease. Hardly a soul bids for ages, then within the last 60 seconds it’s like the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange. I’ve had my heart broken before.
Haven’t tried the Jub XXV — the 25 was lovely but not me. I’m with Marjorie in the Memoir fan club, though. And Robin, which Lutens would make your list? I’m guessing Tubereuse Criminelle…Chene…Sarrasins?
Rahat most of all because I haven’t got any. TC, Iris Silver Mist. Chene because my bottle evaporated & dried up.
Sorry to hear about your Chene! Didn’t realize perfume could evaporate so easily via the spray nozzle; thought that mainly was a risk of the squeezy atomizer bulbs. Duly noted.
Funnily, I didn’t think of ISM because it’s not in the export line. Silly me, with my hypothetical lottery winnings I could fly myself across the pond and pick up a bell jar or four at the Palais Royal.
I have one of the export bottles…and was not using the spray attachment. All of the bottles where I inserted the spray attachment are fine — just that one dried up. I have a feeling I did not have the cap on all the way or something.
p.s. Hugs to all!
1. It’s past noon and I still haven’t taken my shower… I feel like giving a second chance to one of the samples I rejected long ago… Maybe SSS Winter Woods, I found it again recently and feel like the aldehydes (is it what it is?) don’t offend me as much as they used to…
2. AG Eau de Camille. And OJ Tolu. Probably Tolu, since EdC I could get at a discounter…
3. EXPAND! Haha!
4. I just started reading At Day’s Close: Night in Times Past by historian A. Roger Ekirch, I think I saw the suggestion on BoingBoing a while ago. I’m also rereading Primo Levi’s The Periodic Table for the nth time.
5. I don’t think so!
Champagne de Bois is the one with all the aldehydes. Perhaps it’s the smoke, musk or castoreum in Winter Woods that offends? (I love both, but WW is definitely more animalic)
Thanks! I always thought the note that smells to me like generic Coca-Cola was aldehydes… that’s what I smell in WW, Luctor & Emergo, Chanel No. 5, … Maybe I just perceive as alike scents that aren’t, just because they all offend me? The absence of aldehydes in WW might explain how right now I can reaaaaaaally like it! I have to work on my vocabulary.
Glad you are liking it! I don’t notice aldehydes in WW, but they could be there — I know there’s a touch of aldehydes in Sienna Musk.
P.S. I also often think aldehydes make perfumes smell like beverages — sometimes soda, sometimes booze.
Perhaps we can help you with N. 3 tomorrow!
No! Meg! I mustn’t! (Oh but I bet it’ll be sooo tempting!)
I’m trying ww today too (see above). I’m not feeling it, and am not educated enough to pick out what it is that I don’t like. There are some animalic frags that I do like but this is just not one of them it seems.
Yeah I seem to not have the knowledge either. But I’m really surprised, given how I *hated* it the two times I had tried it in September, to see how I like it this time! Maybe I’m still a little repulsed by a part of it and it’s what makes it interesting? 🙂 Or it’s the different weather… Try it again in a few months!
will do, not going to give it away just yet!
1. Planning on doing some more testing today. I am waiting to see if the mail brings any of my samples form TPC. I am anxious to try Miraim and Secret Garden. Otherwise, I will do some more testing of the Black Jade and Nostalgie.
2. Maybe that bottle of Shiseido White Rose I have had my eye on.
3. Both. There are a couple of gaps in my collection, but I also have quite a few unloved bottles that need good homes.
4. I haven’t had much time for reading lately. When I read a book, I look to do it for long stretches, not just a few minutes at a time.
I do not have time anymore either. I used to read a couple books a week, now I’m lucky if I manage a couple a month.
Good afternoon, everyone!
Today I’m wearing Prada Infusion d’Homme, just like one week ago (what a coincidence) but I couldn’t resist temptation so I also sprayed Dsquared Potion on top of my hand.
If I win lottery I would definitely buy few fragrances. My collection is only 6 bottles total + few samples.
At the moment I’m nor reading anything, but the last great book I read was “La Sombra Del Viento” by Zafon (sorry, don’t know the English title).
I was also cleaning my bottles today and I realised I don’t have a good spring fragrance, fresh & citrusy. At the very moment I’m considering Chanel Allure Edition Blanche, Hilfiger Eau De Prep or Terre D’Hermes. Any other suggestions folks?
Terre d’Hermes!
last time I asked a man what he was wearing (and I hardly ever do that) since he smelled wonderful (and goddamn sexy) he replied it was Terre d’Hermes
thats a strong advantage of Terre d’Hermes
John Varvartos Artisan!
Thanks Meg, I think I’ll be able to find it and check it
Artisan is a fine choice.
That’s Shadow of the Wind in English. A GREAT book, probably one of the best I’ve ever read.
I should’ve translated the polish title literally and as it shows I wouldn’t have been mistaken doing so
Snap! His other books were not as great though, imo.
I haven’t read his other one, but he has a new one coming out in June – The Prisoner of Heaven. It takes place a year after the end of SotW. I’m really looking forward to it.
Today I’m wearing Infusion d’Homme too. Terre d’Hermès isn’t all that refreshing to me; it also makes me headache; despite that, it’s a great frag. Have you tried Un Jardin series? Clinique Happy Men? Bvlgari Man? Lorenzo Villoresi Via Verri?
Yahoo! Infusion d’Homme rocks, doesn’t it? We love it!
I must agree – I found Chanel Allure Blanche more fresh & citrusy than Terre d’Hermes. I think I’d go for Chanel as my birthday gift (turning 22 in a month) if I don’t find anything more appealing.
I tried Clinique Happy, it smelled like a bubble gum to me. Funny scent
Hah! Wich day is your birthday? Mine is February 11. Proudly aquarious!
February 24, I’m the pisces. Are you planning on buying/requesting any fragrance for birthday?
For sure! But it’s not avaiable here… 🙁
How about you?
Do tell, what fragrance is on your mind? It’s so bad it’s not available where you live. I know that pain, in Poland it’s also hard, especially with “niche” brands.
Me? The best gift for me would be a new messenger bag (so that I could carry my student’s things) and some nice perfume hidden in it. I need some good scent for spring, so maybe Chanel Allure Edition Blanche?
Any of these: By Killian Incense Oud, Etro Via Verri, Lorenzo Villoresi Teint de Neige, Montale Powdery Flower, Mukhallat or Higness Rose, Tom Ford Moss Breches or Chantecaille Vetyver.
Yeah, a new leather bag or suitcase would be nice to me either. With one fragrance inside, even better!
They all seem to be niche or hard-to-find collectibles. Hope you get one of these, if not, hope you get one of these someday.
Seems like we could get the same present. A leater bag with fragrance of our choice in it. Wouldn’t that be lovely birthday?
1. Delrae Début
2. Greedy as I am I would get two: Amouage Gold, and Editions de Parfums; Carnal Flower
3. I think I should start thinking of pruning it I hope to get rid of a few bottles during the next Posse swap, but mostly I am still adding.
4. I am reading Ghost Wars by Steve Coll. As it’s not fiction it does not read awfully quickly. It’s exceedingly well written and interesting though.
5. No.
P.S. 1. and test driving Bottega Veneta and Hermes Voyage on my left arm and Terre d’Hermes on my right. They make for a rather interesting ensemble.
You smell great!
Bottega and Voyage actually smell really good together!
1. I started with Chanel Cuir de Russie, but later I checked Dune in a mall, after so many discussions here and I just could not remember since haven’t sniffed for app.20 years 🙂 it is sooo Dune 🙂
2. Chanel Cuir de Russie vintage pure parfum would be my target
3. Expand 😉
5. Hitchikers Guide to Galaxy. I’m having oh so much fun 🙂
Isn’t Hitchhiker’s Guide fun?! If you are a Douglas Adams fan, I recommend Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, if you haven’t read it. It is much less discussed, but I think it is true fun! Much less surreal than HG, but has the same clever humor.
thanks for the recommendation Marjorie Rose, I love this kind of humor, I will definitely read that too 😀
My son just finished Hitchhikers, all 4 (or 5?) books, then he read the Coifer sequel. He has convinced me I need to read them.
I think Adams’ joke was that Hitchhikers was ‘a trilogy in five parts’. They are the books I turn to when the world seems to be getting on top of me, a sure remedy for any bleakness.
It’s been years since I’ve read Hitchhiker’s Guide, but I loved the series. Just picked up the Coifan sequel used, $4 – and figure it’s worth at least that, since I’ve enjoyed the Artemis Fowl books (my 11-year-old loves them).
LOL…we BOTH got his name wrong! It’s Colfer.
Yep, I conflated first and last names…
Love Hitchiker’s Guide, and the sequels! Thanks for reminding me about them; I’ll have to reread them. I know so many people who don’t reread things, but I love it. Now I’m off to see if my copy is on the shelf…or how much it would be to add it to my Kindle. Weirdly, I prefer reading on that to a real book, and I never thought I would. Be well!
1. Womanity
2. If I won the lottery, I wouldn’t spend it all on perfume. It would probably go to vacations. Out of perfume, I would buy perfumes on my wish list: Kenzo Amour, Peace Love Juicy Couture, Boyfriend, and Gucci Guilty. I will go sampling of some expensive but good brands like Fredric Malle and Serge Lutens.
3. I need to prune it. I feel overwhelmed by it at this point, and I haven’t even filled my drawer yet. I’m doing a P10P for perfume, which is more of a P5P since perfume lasts alot longer than everything else. I also have a ton of tiny samples. They sit there, mocking me. I need to use those up too.
4. I’m currently reading my textbook for class this quarter, Doing Psychology Experiments by David W. Martin.
5. No, I don’t have much time for leisure books anymore. Reading textbooks supersede reading fiction books right now.
Oh, I wouldn’t spend it all on perfume either!
1. Cuir Ottoman, from Parfums d’Empire
2. Amouage Homage Attar
3. Both prune and add, I think.
4. I’m reading The Oxford Book of Parodies, which is great fun. I haven’t read much that is great recently. Perhaps the most recent is Robinson Crusoe, a very good book.
Great choice, Fernando – I don’t think I could pick just one, but Homage Attar would definitely be on my list, too!
1. What fragrance are you wearing (or planning to wear) today?
Nothing yet since I’ve been cleaning all day. Once I’m done with that I’ll have to treat myself with a spritz or dab of something fabulous, I’m just not sure what (suggestions welcome :D)
2. The first fragrance you’d buy after winning the lottery?
I’d buy the entire Les Exclusifs line up (well, except maybe Beige, Jersey and Gardenia).
3. Do you need to prune your fragrance collection, or expand it? Or is it just right?
I suspect that my collection is very modest if not downright tiny by perfumista standards – 11 FBs plus 4 on the wishlist and a bonus place reserved for a perfect summer floral what I’m yet to find. It feels pretty right to me.
4. What book are you reading? or What’s the last great book you read?
Reading The Collector by John Fowles right now. The book I read before it (and enjoyed) was Steve Jobs biography.
5. Have you ever read a really great book because someone on Now Smell This recommended it, and if so, what?
Not yet!
I really enjoyed the Steve Jobs biography as well.
1. Jolie Madame. Not the vintage, but it is still quite good.
2. Big lottery win? Easy: everything made by Dawn Spencer Hurwitz and Andy Tauer.
3. Both–I need to pare down things I don’t use/love anymore (swapmania here I come). Expand: see #2. 😉
4. I am reading Scales of Gold by Dorothy Dunnett.
5. I don’t think so–I am a very slow reader and have a long list of books I may never get through. I do keep an eye out for interesting recommendations, though.
The Kindle historical groups recommend Dunnett a lot. On my list!
1. Nude Musk by Ava Luxe. It’s quickly become my go-to comfort scent..and with all the snow here in the NYC area, I need some darn comfort.
2. If I hit the lottery, I’d hunt down some vintage Jicky.
3. Definitely need to cut back and stop it with the blind buys. Sometimes I get so caught up in reading glowing reviews and more often than not, end up scratching my head and saying “Really? Is that all there is?”
Good pick, I’d like some vintage Jicky too.
No SOTD yet — it’s been warmish here (Denver) for the past couple days. I can never seem to choose a perfume until I’ve chosen my outfit.
I’d buy Carnal Flower and a couple of By Kilians. Why limit myself now that I’m rich? Probably Tonka Imperiale too.
I need to prune a little, but if I prune I’ll just end up replacing those bottles with more stuff.
I’m reading A Member of the Wedding by Carson McCullers.
Great book.
1. Not sure; I am traveling and in order to pack lightly I didn’t check any baggage and didn’t bring any perfume to avoid any potential liquids-in-carry-on fiasco. Hopefully I will get a chance to spray on something once I go out.
2. The infidels, as the 90$ refill bottle doesn’t seem readily available anymore.
3. Expand, slowly…
4 & 5. I just picked up the Guide from all the rec’s on here. I am loving it!
Oh if we work on my #3 we’ll also have to work on yours!
!. Ubar, vintage. Love it but a bit heavy for work with anti-perfume people, perfect for a snowy New England day.
2. Opus 1, FB. Can’t get enough and have probably spent 1/3 the cost of a FB on samples.
3. Cull and add – I have a small collection but some things no longer work with my chemistry.
4. Malcolm Gladwell’s What the Dog Saw (late to the show), Drive (late again). Recently enjoyed Susan Hill’s The Various Haunts of Men, the first of the Simon Serrailleur mysteries. Not a great book in the classic sense, but haunting.
5. Not yet but planning to.
Yum, you smell great!
1. No SOTD today!
2. Would like SL LE bell jars, ‘specially tearful De Profundis and that cool Borneo one with the shadow puppets.
3. Need to address some neglected recent acquisitions.
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Also, I NEED ADVICE:
How do you decant (for personal use, so no need to be fussy) from a Guerlain bee bottle? Usually I am confident with a pour but the shape of the opening and the proximity of the little velvet bow to the lip is kind of freaking me out about dripping everywhere. Anyone an old hand at this and want to advise?
Most of the decant supply companies sell various…. hmmm…. not sure what they’re called – like miniature turkey basters. They’re long enough to fit down into the bee bottle openings to the perfume. That’s what I’ve used.
They’re called pipets. Specifically, they are disposable transfer pipets. I am a chemist, so I use them all the time at work. As you said, most of the companies that sell decanting supplies offer them for sale. For really large quantities (say, 500 or more), a laboratory supply company such as Fisher Scientific or VWR might be cheaper (and is probably where the decanting suppliers get them). They come in various sizes and shapes; the graduated ones with very narrow tips are great for reaching into narrow-necked bottles.
Thank you Roses! As soon as I read your response, I thought of course, I should have known that! 😉
Thanks for remembering me of pipets! I was thinking of how I would transfer a cologne and was going to do with a syringe. How could I forget pipets???!!!!
Bonbori, plastic cocktail straws also work and are easy to find in the supermarket. They’d be slower than pipets, of course, but are ideal for vials.
Thank you Rappleyea, Roses, Nozknoz. Sounds like your ideas beat a pour and pray approach. I’ll look for something along the lines suggested for my transfer.
1. I’m thinking of wearing my sample of Mona di Orio Tubereuse today for the first time.
2. The front-runner is probably Caron Nuit de Noel in extrait. Or Mona di Orio Oud, By Kilian Liaisons Dangeureuses, or Guerlain Nahema. All of those it would be hard to justify purchasing without lottery money!
3. My collection needs some of both. I worked in fragrance retail for a short time and amassed a large collection of mainstream department store fragrance that I don’t particularly love (although some of what I got is great!). I also have things that NEEEEED to be part of my collection, stat (like half of Andy Tauer’s line).
4. I’m reading Star Wars: Legacy of the Force: Invincible. Yes. No shame. I pretty much only read Star Wars novels these days. I recently looooved Star Wars: Knight Errant. One of the best SW novels I’ve read in some time – a rollicking adventure with the Sith, set thousands of years before the time of Star Wars Episode IV!
5. I would say just some perfume books… Paul Poiret and His Rosine Perfumes is an amazing read, even if it doesn’t so much cover the fragrances themselves, more just Poiret and his fashion and design as they related to the perfume presentations. And of course the A-Z Guide!
No shame, please! There are some gems there. 🙂 Have you read the Timothy Zahn ones? Really goos stuff.
oh yes! The Timothy Zahn “Thrawn trilogy” were the first Star Wars novels I read (as is the case for many fans of the novel series). At this point I might have over 60 novels, not all of which I’ve read… There really are some gems there.
Knight Errant is up there with my favorites… My very favorite might be “The Courtship of Princess Leia.”
1. Chanel Cuir de Russie.
2. CdR, BdI, #22 in extrait
3. Prune
4. the new bio of Tolstoy (Tolstoy, a Russian Life), by Rosamund Bartlett; and Borderland by Anna Reid, a ‘history’ of Ukraine
6. Also drinking russian type teas from Kusmi and Mariage Freres – #4 was my excuse for the indulgence
The tea sounds good – especially paired with Tolstoy.
Love that you added #6 🙂
I’m on a big tea kick lately. They have loose teas at one of the grocery stores around here and one of them (can’t remember which one at the moment) is $199 a pound. I’m tempted to buy just a tiny bit to see what a $200 tea tastes like. Then if I like it I can buy the whole tin when I win the lottery. 🙂
I used to get my coffee from a local roaster that always carried some Jamaica Blue Mountain around the holidays. At $50/lb, I could only afford 1/4 of a pound, but I have to say it was truly delicious! Smooth, fruity, complex and earthy without any bitterness. Sadly, she went out of business, so I don’t have a local source when I want to treat myself again. . . 🙁
So, I guess my vote is to go for it!
I think the Chinese have a huge market for aged, fermented teas (Pu-erh) similar to the wine world and it’s collectors.
love kusmi detox!!!
It’s next on my Kusmi list, although I’m skeptical about the actual detoxing.
1) Currently wearing SSS’s Champagne de Bois but actually thinking of spritzing on some Tabac Aurea; I’ve had such a crush on it for the last year or so.
2) If I won the lottery, I believe I’d start with a bottle of Oliver Durbano’s Rock Crystal; I know it’s not the most expensive thing out there by far, but I’ve been hoarding my little decant for so long and if I was rolling in cash, I could spray with abandon.. hello, room spray!
3) Although there are tons of scents I’d love to buy (at least a decant!) I’d first like to prune my collection a bit; maybe sell/trade a few of my FBs, give away/trade some samples…
4) Currently reading Rosamunde Pilcher’s September, for about the 7th time. I love coming back to old friends. (But I really do mean to finish In the Company of Crows and Ravens, as well…)
5) Not yet…but getting some great ideas today!
Fun thread, Robin, thank you!
I had totally forgotten about that book it’s been so long since I read it! Now you make me want to re-read it!
Good book, though it made me cry every time I’ve read it.
1. L’heure Bleue. I have just come back from a long lovely summer evening out with friends and it is perfect!
2. Well, I think the first step would be hunting down some vintage Guerlain and Caron, then Amouage, which I could never justify otherwise. Then perhaps Aftelier, Tauer, Ormonde Jayne, a few more Exclusifs… oh dear…
3. I have enough perfume to keep me interested for ages and ages, but that curiosity bug just won’t be squashed (see 2 above), so both. 😉
4. Sonya Hartnett’s Butterfly. It really is gorgeously written, but takes me back to early teen days in a way that is not entirely comfortable.
5. Not as yet, but that has a lot to do with the rather large stack of books I have to get through first.
OK, looks like we have similar tastes here! Yes, reading your list made me think I should’ve added an Ormonde Jayne and a couple of exclusifs!
1. Wearing Tauers Miriam today for the second time ever (a word of warning-this is strong stuff! The first time I overdid it with the spraying and kept sneezing the entire evening!)
2. Mona di Orio Oud or perhaps Amouage Epic!
3. Expand carefully!
4. Today very light romance (JA Krentz), before that “Ghosts of Empire” by Kwasi Kwarteng, on the politics of the British Empire- there’s some contrast for you!
Planning to finish the book by Oliver Sacks the neurologist on music and hearing, and start on his book on sight next. I wish he would write a book on smell next, that would be fascinating!
5. Not yet but thinking of reading Death comes to Pemberly.
I like oliver sacks very much too and always wanted him to do a book on scents!
1. Back to Black.
2. All the By Kilian’s I am craving (Back to Black, Love, Rose Oud, Incense Oud, Amber Oud), JAR Diamond Waters and Bed of Roses, Creed FTdRB, and Shiseido’s White Rose. Oh, and the 40 Notes collection as IndieScents. That should make short work of my lottery winnings.
3. I am doing both. Pruning some old loves that I no longer wear and adding some things I have been craving forever.
4. I am reading A Song of Ice and Fire collection, reading a Carolyn Hart mystery, and re-reading King Lear and some Agathas.
5. Damage Control and I thought it was great.
Lucky for me, I can’t remember which JAR it is that I liked.
1) I will probably put on Frapin 1697 for the cold, snowing evening.
2) I would buy Killian Love and Tears.
3) Always expand, but my wallet says otherwise. 🙂
4) I am reading Crossed and A Clash of Kings.
5) Nothing yet…
Nice pick (#1)!
1) SOTD – Mahora – mainly because I got it on me while decanting. But strangely enough (to me anyway) it’s working on this cold and damp day.
2) I’d search out the really rare Guerlains: Coque d’Or or Cuir de Russie.
3) It’s okay where it is, but I’m sure it will get added to over time (I’ve got all of the Parfum d’Empire samples waiting as well as the Neela Vermeire samples).
4) Currently reading Family of Secrets by Russ Baker and Beyond Broccoli by Susan Schenck.
5) Not yet, but after two non-fictions, I think the P. D. James recommendation will be next.
5) – I lied! I’ve read Diary of a Rose Lover and Flower Confidential due to NST recs and/or reviews.
Had to google the Beyond Broccoli. There was a blog on the same subject from a lapsed vegan, but now I can’t remember the name.
It sounds like it might be the same woman who wrote this book. I’m mainly a vegetarian (but I do eat salmon and eggs), and she makes a very strong case for eating meat (i.e. the Paleo diet).
Could be! I was a vegetarian years ago, when I lived in CA (I think it goes with the territory, pardon the pun). Now I’ve been on what I think of as a modified paleo diet for about a year and a half now.
Kai- its snowing and I want to smell like springtime!
Too many to name…
Expand!
Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Hoping to get a good recommendation today! I read a LOT!
Also worth checking out the summer reading poll:
https://nstperfume.com/2011/06/11/lazy-weekend-poll-summer-reading-list/
1. Started the day with Knize Ten to buck myself up for slogging across sleet-covered sidewalks to a wonderful but too-early-for-a-Saturday Chen Taiji class. Now sniffing a sample of Olfactive Studio Chambre Noire. The people who just left that room were wearing Mecca Balsam, vetiver cologne and leather – interesting!
2. Ha, ha – no way would I buy just one! But Amouage, Aftelier and Xerfjoff would be on that list, and I’d be lurking on ebay looking for vintage.
3. I probably NEED to prune, but I’m still acquiring, though more slowly.
4. I’m reading a Peruvian book by Sergio Vilela Galván, El Cadete Vargas Llosa. It’s the biography behind Vargas Llosa’s novel, La Ciudad y los Perros. Also skimming and referring back to books on Taiji, rowing and Buddhism.
5. Not “great” but rather great fun are two female detective series that I read about here, the Aimee Leduc books set in Paris by Cara Black and Kerry Greenwood’s Phryne Fisher mysteries set in 1920s Australia.
I’ve read a few of the Greenwoods and enjoyed them, although they get a bit repetitious. The big news in Australia is that there will be a TV series broadcast this year of the Phryne Fisher novels, with Essie Davis as Phryne. Sounds very lavish. Can’t wait!
Oh, that will be wonderful! I love the descriptions of her wardrobe – that alone makes it worth a series! 😉
I just read a very interesting story in today’s paper about the 5 year old lama in Michigan:
http://www.kentucky.com/2012/01/21/2037063/minnesota-5-year-old-believed.html
Very interesting!
Very interesting – what a journey he is in for – thanks, Rapple!
1. Lipstick Rose (it’s been in heavy rotation lately)
2. Kilian Rose Oud
3. expand!
4. Last great book I read – Umberto Eco’s the Prague Cemetery
5. No, but perhaps that will change now!
Yay for Lipstick Rose! I recently tried a few different violet + rose scents, kinda hoping I’d adore them just as much (and less expensively), but nothing has toppled it from the #1 spot, yet.
SSS To Dream is much heavier, and interesting, but didn’t immediately cause a swoon. And Cameo didn’t move me at all. I feel like there was a third scent, but now I’m not thinking of it. . .anyway, at least I (we) can continue to enjoy Lipstick Rose!
Guerlain’s Attrape Coeur is another great violet/rose, but it is now sadly discontinued. 🙁
Have you tried Broadway Nite? Not really cheaper, but I prefer it — it’s Lipstick Rose on steroids.
Thanks for the recommendation! I haven’t explored the Bonds really at all. But, my fancy Nordies (the big one downtown) now carries them, so I will keep a note to check this one out when I next go over there for a sniff.
Do you recommend The Prague Cemetary? I’m interested in it, but have wavered.
I do recommend it, but with a caveat:
I love, love Umberto Eco – both his fiction and non-fiction. I enjoyed The Prague Cemetery but not nearly as much as some of his others (in particular, The Name of the Rose and Foucault’s Pendulum). My mother read it as well but gave up because she found it boring at first. So I would say it’s an enjoyable, informative, and interesting read, but I might be biased because I’m an Eco fan to begin with.
1. Lolita Lempicka Eau de Desir
2. If I had a million dollars, I would buy Tom Ford Azur Lime but also get Sylvaine Delacourt to design a bespoke fragrance for me. I would try to find and buy an empty Guerlain Bouquet de Faunes bottle.
3. I really make a college try of using fragrance every day so as to make a dent in the myriad juices that I own. I add to my collection but steel myself to be extremely selective when buying. I won’t buy a juice I love in a boring bottle. I won’t buy a bottle that I like if I hate the juice. Finding a juice I love in a bottle that I covet is heaven!
4. My most memorable book is Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss. I love it so much I cannot bear to finish it!
Eats, Shoots, & Leaves is great fun! I love it, too. My whole family’s read it. . .but when I try to explain to others how a book on punctuation can be such fun, eyes glaze over. Glad to hear you enjoyed it as well.
I’m another fan of that book! Good fun.
Thanks for your responses. “Eats” came out quite awhile ago. Obviously it struck a chord with many people that were/are frustrated with the breakdown of grammar, spelling and punctuation. Now with texting who knows what will evolve as “correct”. Has anybody read her second book “Talk to the Hand”? Robin has an entry on the extra blogs page that deals with unnecessary apostrophes. It’s so good!
1. SL Un Bois Vanille
2. I’d probably blow it all on travel though I’m sure I’d hunt down some vintage Guerlains.
3. Both.
4. Currently reading Hedy’s Folly by Richard Rhodes.
5. Can’t remember which book but it was one by Denise Hamilton and I enjoyed it very much. I’ll have a lot more recommendations after today, though.
Mmm, you smell good!
1. Right now I am wearing Omnia, and in the evening I will probably get into some Jo Malone Sweet Milk cologne for an evening of hanging out with friends.
2. You know, why not I dream big? If I win the lottery, I’ll employ someone who’s an expert in vintage perfumes to help me get some vintage Guerlains, Carons and Diors… and maybe before even doing that I’ll stock up with FBs of Amouage Gold, Epic and Dia…
3. It is almost just right. A couple of gifts from people that I don’t wear and can’t quite get rid of. It’s my sample box that needs pruning BIG TIME!
4. (sigh) How about readings for diversity and social justice? and before it – social problems, critical approach? No, I will not engage in a conversation about these books. This site is for hobby rather than work 🙂
5. Not yet… but what was the last time I read fiction anyway????
I like your strategy for the lottery windfall, Warum!
Thanks, Nozknoz! A girl can dream!
1. Just a dab of Mary Greenwell Plum, as I had a doctor’s appointment for this disgusting upper respiratory thingy.
2. Giorgio Armani Prive La Femme Bleue; and that SL bell jar with the kitties!
3. I won the lottery, right? So expand.
4. Just finished Alice Hoffman’s “The Third Angel”. A wonderful book, some of it is excessive, as there are these magical elements in her stories. It calls for a second read, as I’m sure I missed a lot on the first. Currently reading “Noah’s Compass”, a gentler, but engrossing story by Anne Tyler.
5. I like Robin’s suggestion of P.D. James’ new book.
Ugh, that’s going around here too — get better soon!
1. Nothing, not in the mood for perfume. Rare but it happens.
2. No perfume but perfume related – I’ll do a perfumer’s course.
3. Prune, add and replace!
4. Unraveled – Courtney Milan. Romance gets derided quite a bit but it can be done well. This is one of them.
5. Yes, love Nst as much for the book (and movie) recs that crop up. Auntie Mame, Arsene Lupin, The Help ( the best rec so far). Haven’t gotten on the PD James yet but it is on the list.
Happens to me too!
1. I’m wearing Stella sheer 2007, trying to evoke spring. It’s my favourite of the flankers.
2. I don’t knooooooow.
3. Prune, I’m afraid. I have a lot that bores me. And I have been holding on to old loves, but every time I wear them now, the don’t feel right. last week, I wore Poison and had disturbing (bad disturbing) dreams about my fist years at uni. Brr! I’m sure Poison made me dream it. Now I’m thiking about purging the ones that I wore in times not as good as these last 12 years or so. Might be a sane thing to do, as I’m one of those who remembers too much.
4. Just starting Steven Ericson Gardens of the moon. Hopefully, it will be as good as the song of ice and fire books.
5. Not yet.
Interesting! I’ve had perfume-related dreams, but I don’t think ever perfume-induced dreams.
Happy late Saturday afternoon everyone! I’m struggling with a cold so have been in bed most of the day. I don’t enjoy not feeling well, but sometimes it’s nice to just take it easy.
1. My SOTD is SL Datura Noir. I wanted a comfy warm scent to help me feel better. Plus my hubby loves it too!
2. If I won the lottery, I would get the By Kilian line, starting with Love & Tears.
3. My fragrance collection is pretty much just right. There may be 2-3 more I want to add.
4. I just completed Angelology. It was a very good read. Next on my list is Same Kind of Different As Me.
Have a great rest of weekend everyone!
Feel better soon!
Thanks Rappleyea!
Datura is great. It’ll make you feel better sooner. 😉
Is that Angelology by Malcolm someone? I read it years ago and LOVED it!
Wearing Kenzo L’Elephant. Just got a blind-swap mini. Really liking this, but the dry-down is a little chaulky…will continue my intense investigation nonetheless…:)
It would be a matter of the first fragrance, so much as the first store! I do have about 7-8 perfumes I wouldn’t mind having…but if I somehow came upon a bottle of Angelique Encens, it would be mine.
I don’t given any thought to expand or weed out – I guess this is an indication that a) I’m still in the easy phase of my perfume addiction and b) I have an inclination towards compulsive collecting!
Reading Diane Keaton’s book – kinda heart breaking actually.
No.
Clearly, I’m typing way to fast – excuse, if you can, my mistakes above
OMG – I did it again!!
Is it worth reading?
Yes. It’s not entirely linear, so I read a little bit every night – I’ll start from the beginning again 🙂 She talks about her own life, but uses entries in her mother’s journals. It feels like her mother really wanted a creative life and felt she was creative, but I don’t think she was. She seemed to never be happy or satisfied with her life – although by all appearances, she had a very nice one. That’s what I find sad about it. At the same time, Keaton seems to take away how important it is to be in your life and accept it – embrace it fully, whether it’s giving you what you want or not.
1. Wearing today: Piguet Bandit, in order to feel fierce at work and through the snow; a spritz of Etat Libre d’Orange Rossy de Palma on one wrist for friendly contrast.
3. I’d love to expand my collection. Fewer than ten bottles so far! I’m trying to be frugal, knowing where abandon leads. (Bliss, right? Pretty sure it’s bliss. And poverty.)
4. I just finished reading Joan Didion’s “The White Album,” and am now into an advance copy of Alyssa Harad’s “Coming to My Senses: A Story of Perfume, Pleasure, and an Unlikely Bride.” It’s good!
Ha, I thought I’d be sly and avoid reading other answers until I’d put in my own, and now I see you mention Alyssa’s book as well! I recognize a lot of my own experiences in it so far; looking forward to its development.
Judy, would you recommendTthe White Album? I loved the Year of Magical Thinking.
Thx.
I loved Year of Magical Thinking too. Hard to read though, depressed me.
I would definitely recommend The White Album. Thematically it bears little relation to The Year of Magical Thinking and the recent Blue Nights, which are understandably hard to read (though beautifully written). The White Album is an assemblage of essays on various subjects (mostly to do with life in California) written between the late 60s and the late 70s. A good, clean, incisive Didion style as ever.
I’d recommend The White Album – HIGHLY! It’s my favorite of the Didion essay books and I’ve read them all – “Slouching towards Bethlehem” is great, too.
Thank you, Erin!
How fun. I plan to wear my sample of theo fennell scent Edp to a dinner/dancing fundraiser tonight. If I decide last minute it’s too much I will wear the edt version. I was dismayed by the price for the new Trayee so would buy it. I have just pruned my collection to the right size though I do still need a tuberose and a new Cristalle. I’m reading Major Pettigrews Last Stand and enjoying it!
1. Wearing Cuir Mauresque. I’ve been wearing a lot in the cold, and it’s been warming me up.
2. I’d probably get Onda extract.
3. I need to continue to slowly add. I only have 10 more full bottles I can get, because I promised DH I’d stop at 30 full bottles. Since I already have at least 10 on my full-bottle worthy list, this means that future wants will have to death battle what’s already on my list or in my collection.
4. I’m re-rreading Frankenstein right now, and just finished Murakami’s 1Q84 (loved it, but it’s not the novel for Murakami-novices).
5. Not yet, but I’m taking notes!
Jirish, what would you suggest as a starter Murakami?
I’d suggest either The Wind-up Bird Chronicles, or Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World, which has the advantage of being a much shorter work. The Wind-up Bird Chronicles is good for its general Murakami dream-like weirdness, while Hard-Boiled Wonderland has more of a science fiction/noir detective feel to it. It’s also kind of cyber-punkish. His work is almost a genre in itself.
Science fiction/noir detective AND cyber-punk? You just got my attention! Have you read any Jeff Noon? His best-well known book is Vurt, but Pollen could be described as cyberpunk with some noir detective feel to it.
I was a Murakami novice and read 1Q84. It was totally engaging, loved it!
Oh, I’m so glad to hear that! I’m crazy for Murakami, and really hope he wins the Nobel at some point. I was worried that the sheer bulk of 1Q84 would put a lot of readers off, but you have to remember that it’s really 3 books in one. If you are interested in earlier Murakami now, I’d recommend, in addition to the two I’ve already mentioned, Kafka on the Shore. His collections of short stories are also great.
SOTD Shalimar Parfum Initial
My first scent purchase with my lottery winnings would be OJ Osmanthus parfum. Closely followed by Ta’If parfum, and if it was a mahoosive lottery win, why, I’d just have them all… Then off to Les Senteurs…
I need to prune and save up for a couple of acquisitions. Hello Azemour les Orangers and Eau de Fleurs de Cedrat!!
I am reading Diary of a Nobody, thanks to the Kindle top 100 free list.
Haven’t yet followed up a literary rec from NST.
Ahh, Eau de Fleurs de Cedrat! This one doesn’t get nearly enough love but it’s absolutely one of my favorites. I know I can get it here easy but I made sure to acquire a full bottle at a Guerlain shop when I was in Paris last fall. Whenever I spritz it, it instantly takes me back!
It’s my second favourite cologne from Guerlain. My favourite being the wonderful Eau de Guerlain.
Haven’t tried Eau De Guerlain. Thanks for the rec. I will hunt it out on my next sniffing expedition.
1. Jubilation XXV – something celebratory for my mother’s 70th birthday lunch
2. Jubilation XXV and Carnal Flower – my samples are dwindling
3. Judiciously expand
4. Just finished The Time We Have Taken by Steve Carroll – great series especially if you have lived in Melbourne
5. Off to the library this afternoon. Some good ideas from here which I’ll look out for.
FYI, just noticed that http://www.theselby.com has a photo shoot of the Berlin apartment and home laboratory of Sissel Tolaas, the odor artist (e.g., 2006 exhibit the FEAR of Smell — the Smell of FEAR at MIT’s List Visual Arts Center). Alyssa did an intriguing post on her last year. There’s nothing like the vicarious thrill of a Selby photo shoot in the home of an interesting person!
Fun link, thanks!
1.Heeley Hippie Rose. Might have to buy this, it’s so easy. Tonight my Mom and I are going to test Opus Oils Eau Pear Tingle. She has a reduced sense of smell so I want to see how it works on her for an article I’m writing. I unfortunately don’t know any true anosmics.
2. Even thought I haven’t smelled it yet, probably Mona Di Orio Oud (Or BK Incense Oud) (I have MY vintage Joy, bwahaha)
3. I need to prune it but I’m gonna expand it instead. So there.
4. I’m reading Guests of the Ayatollah, which is taking forever, but is really good. The last book that impressed me because it was so much better than I thought it would be was World War Z.
5. I probably have, but I don’t recall right now. I’m sure a few books have gone on my wishlist from here, but by the time I actually order them I don’t remember why they are there.
I love your answer to #3. 🙂
It’s the definition of a true perfumista 🙂
1. Bvlgari Jasmin Noir – felt like a good choice for a girls’ night out at Pizza Express.
2. If I had that much money, I’d bribe Thierry Wasser to make me up a bottle of Plus Que Jamais to the original formulation. Seemingly it was knocked on the head for IFRA reasons. If that didn’t work, I’ll finally give in and get myself a bottle of Candy.
3. Prune and expand. Generally upgrade, as I keep meaning to do with my wardrobe.
4. Currently reading An Intimate Life. Gabrielle’s Life reads a lot like a novel, which is lucky, as I mostly only read books with “bones” in the title. Best book I have read recently is “Watching the Door” by Kevin Myer, about the experiences of a journalist reporting on the Northern Irish troubles. I can relate to a lot of the events, having grown up there at the height of it all.
5. Pass!
“Upgrade” is such a great word, so full of potential!
1. Tested Montale Sandflowers earlier (a NO), and then put on CocoaPink’s Chergui dupe. It’s missing the mildew note that bothered me so much in the real deal, so I’m thinking this was a good choice.
2. Money no object? a full bottle of Carnal Flower. My decant is low.
3. I need to prune the unloveds. I’d love to pick up full bottles of things that I’ve only got decants of (CF, Vega, Lyric Woman), but mostly I need to pass on things that I don’t love.
4. Currently reading the Hunger Games series with my teenage daughter; we’ll finish that and discuss it – which is almost as enjoyable as the reading.
5. I can’t remember. I feel sure that there’s something… and I’ve already pre-ordered Alyssa’s book.
Update on the CP Chergui: uh, NO. NO no no. Sigh.
uh-oh re: CP Chergui- I usually prefer to get Chergui in conditioner (the silky free formula) rather than perfume- it is pretty strong!
Hunger Games is another my son says I should read. I think I’ve read more YA than A literature the past few years.
The series was really good .The movies based on the books are getting released to the theatres in late March I believe.
1. I have Teo Cabanel Alahine on my left wrist and Chantecaille Kalimantan on my right. They are so similar on me so I’m trying to decide which one to buy and was hoping it would be the Alahine because it’s less $$, but the Kalimantan just lasts and lasts, whereas Alahine seems to disappear.
2. So many, where to start…Krigler #55 Lovely Patchouli, L’Artisan Vanilia – (If i won the lotto I could pay whatever someone wanted), and vintage Dior Dolce Vita. I have a growing list though so I’m sure I could spend all that money pretty easily!
3. Expand, expand, expand!!!
4. Too busy watching the first season of Game of Thrones. Peter Dinklage is amazing!
5. Perfumes, the A to Z Guide by Turin and Sanchez.
I’m waiting for Game of Thrones to get to Netflix…
I was so happy to see Peter Dinklage get the Golden Globe – I have had a secret crush on him for years.
And he is crazy sexy in Game of Thrones! He’s got an allure about him, very special.
1. Today I wore En Passant to a baby shower. And I just dabbed a bit of Habit Rouge cologne.
2. Lottery: Osmanthe Yunnan (with the leather case) inside a brand new Kelly Bag :O
3. Needs a bit of pruning. I am working on it. I just sold off a beloved fragrance that I realized I hadn’t worn in over a year…
4. I just finished Garden Spells- which was entertaining. I need to scroll up and find something to read.
5. It is quite possible, but I am not sure. I did read the thriller that Angela reviewed a while back and it was good (not great!).
LOL…once you’ve got the bag, you might as well buy the whole of the Hermessences 😉
Thank you Rappleyea, Roses, Nozknoz. Sounds like your ideas beat a pour and pray approach. I’ll look for something along the lines suggested!
Love when I reply in a completely wrong place. So cryptic!
1. Rochas Femme. So tenacious! I put it on at 9 this morning and it’s still going strong 12 hours later.
2. I’d probably sample the Amouage line. There’s a set of minis at Luckyscent that would definitely tempt me.
3. Prune! Prune! I made the rookie mistake when I started this several years ago of buying FB of all kinds of things, rather than only those I love.
4. Reading “The Winter Palace” by Eva Stachniak. Historical fiction set in Russia during the reign of the Empress Elizabeth. This after reading Robert Massie’s excellent biography of Catherine the Great.
5. Yes, “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern. I wish I could remember which NST’er recommended it because I had heard about it before I read the recommendation here and thought “A magic circus? Really?” but read it after seeing the rec here, and I’m so glad I did. I really enjoyed it.
I saw “The Night Circus” on Chapter’s website as one of Heather’s picks and thought it looked intriguing. Looks like it will now be my first book recommended by a Now Smell This(er)!
I liked CtG. Almost tempted to read his bio on Potemkin.
I must have missed the rec for Night Circus here – the author did a pep talk for NaNoWriMo, and I became aware of it then. A charming book.
Enjoying Eau du Sud by Annick Goutal on this very warm Melbourne day.
Would love a big bottle of Bottega Veneta. There seems to be a neverending supply of temptations!
Reading The Forty Rules of Love – wonderful book.
Love Sud!
Hi there, I’ve been enjoying NST but haven’t commented yet. I must admit I’m a daunted by such impressive knowledge and experience here! Ok, here goes…
1. I continued my study of By Kilian today. Tried (again) Beyond Love and Back To Black. I really want to love these two but cannot. So I showered and scrubbed and now wearing Amouage Lyric Woman.
2. Amouage – the whole line – sigh.
3. Both!
4. I’ve not been reading too much lately due to an on again off again eye injury, but have been steeping in the music of the African band Tinariwen and delighting (and obsessing over) Downton Abbey. Oh the jewelry and costumes…
5. Perfumes The Guide by Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez. Alyssa Harad’s book sounds wonderful, too.
PS-I’d love to share my two By Kilian’s (1.6ml samples). I realize this may be the wrong place to post about a swap – but let me know if anyone’s interested!!
perfume posse has a swapamania on Feb 03 ( i think)
Hi and welcome! Hope you’ll comment again.
1. Found a small decant of Reminscence Do Re hidden in my cupboard and have been wearing it for last two days.
2. I would possibly buy Frederic Malle En Passant and Carnal Flower. I also fancy a bottle of Maison Francis Kurkdjian Lumiere Noire.
3. I have recently pruned but could always prune harder!
4. Reading a new Maeve Binchy collection of 40 short stories- I have read them before but its nice and light summer reading.
5. Yes I did read a good book mentioned on Now Smell but I cant remember the name-it was about very strange twin girls.
SOTD: Ouarzazate earlier today, then Iris Pallida this evening.
If I won the lottery, I’d hunt down EdT and parfum versions of Guerlain’s Parure. I have tiny samples, and love them. This is why I do not purchase/follow vintage fragrances. They break my heart! Okay, I’d also be tempted to buy Atlan’s Petite Mort. It took a beating for it’s price, silly exclusivity, and advertising. . .but I had a chance to try it, and loved it. What can I say? I’m a musk and incense fan, and I’d have it in my collection if it weren’t so crazily expensive.
I need to prune my collection. . .but do not have the heart to do so. My way of pruning samples has been to upend a sample into the bath each evening, usually a sample I liked, but didn’t love. Feels wonderfully luxurious and decadent, as if I’d won the lottery.
Currently reading Forbidden by Tosca Lee and Ted Dekker. It’s been fun, but can’t recommend it as the characters are a bit thin. Lee’s Demon: A Memoir was much better.
Folks at NST made me aware of Pefumes: The Guide, Remembering Scent, and The Secret of Scent. After reading today’s posts, I’d like to try Shadow of the Wind. It’s been great fun, hearing everyone’s reading lists and ultimate perfume wish lists. Happy reading and sniffing to you all.
LOVE the idea of pouring a sample in the bath! If I could convince myself to use a sample up, this sounds like a fabulous way to do it! (I admit to a bit of a sample hoarding tendency–I’m hopeful that I will “outgrow” this some day!)
What a great idea!!!and hey i am with you on the hoarding, I am really going to try on the next swapamania
First by Van Cleef & Arpels, just discovered and it’s wow! Really beautiful balanced floral in the grand old style and doesn’t smell one bit like it’s been tinkered with. Jean Claude Elena at his best before his “minimalist period”. So like Dia, or so I thought, altho similar, side by side I still prefer Dia, another Elena great.
After I win the Lottery (and I will if I ever buy a ticket) I’m buying Dia in EdP AND extrait. And then I’m buying an industrial sized vat of Onda extrait. Oh to hell with it, I’ll just buy Vero Profumo and move to Switzerland to keep an eye on my numbered account. Oh yes, and Osmanthe Yunnan . . . and . . . prune, Holly, PRUNE!!
I need to prune, but I’m just not in that place yet. Professional help may be required.
I’m about to start Stephen King’s 11-22-63. I pretty much love anything he writes. He has a way of bringing his protagonists to life on the first page and makes you care deeply about what happens to them. They are usually lovable and flawed and they have to overcome pure evil. What’s not to love?
Last great book I read was Gargoyle. Heartwrenching and I’m going to read it again. Glutton for punishment and it’s just that remarkable.
I haven’t read anything mentioned by NSTers because I’ve never seen any recommendations. But now I probably will.
Lol. I think JCE was always in a minimalist “phase”. V&A’s First was just one of his oblivion moments. 😉
Yes, I suspect he may have created it while sleepwalking one night. Horrified to awake to fingertips that smelled so overblown and fabulous, he rushes to the lab to pare the formula down to the bone, but a sleeper cell agent from Van Cleef & Arpels had stolen it while he slept . . . . . . . .!
Lol!
I fear First has been “tampered” with. I have an 8 year old bottle, and my mother got a new one recently and it seems to have become lighter. I don’t have enough technical knowledge to know what exactly has happened, but maybe the IFRA restrictions on Jasmine have something to do with it. It still smells good though.
If you want to get a nice summing-up of JCE’s development as a perfumer, read Luca Turin’s review of Déclaration Cartier. I found it very enlightening.
I’m shocked Austenfan. Was it the EdP she got? That is what mine is and it’s a dark yellow like marigolds. If it has been tampered with, they did a fairly good job I think. I also love and respect that they still offer it in all three strengths. Remember back to the days when that was the norm? Sigh . . . I won’t be seeking out old versions of anything. I’m compulsive enough now about this whole business, I’d never sleep or eat (couldn’t afford it!) I still like some of JCE’s newer creations, Un Jardin Sur Le Nil and Osmanthe Yunnan, but I think it wouldn’t hurt if he put out a heavy hitter once in a blue moon.
Yes she got the EDP. It still smells good, just not quite as interesting.
It might just be that my bottle has improved by aging, but I remember First when I first smelled it, ( early nineties), like my bottle. But I think smell memory is not very accurate so who knows?
Have you tried the 4 he did for The Different Company, or the one he did for Amouage ( Dia)? Another favourite of mine he did is La Haie Fleurie for L’Artisan.
I don’t think he will now do a heavy-hitter. It’s something he has very much left behind.
Yes I have tried Dia and love it. It’s near the top of my list for next acquisition. I’m wrestling with it a bit as I have Gold and I do find First quite similar. I haven’t tried anything by The Different Company and all the L’artisans I’ve tried are so weak, they disappear in about 45 minutes. I’ll admit to being very old school in my tastes. I love strong perfume, in fact I don’t think I’ve ever tried one that was too strong, only too weak. I must be so obnoxious to be around!
Is it true First is similar to Mitsuoko??
I don’t think so. They don’t even belong in the same fragrance family. In Perfumes- The Guide First is compared to Joy. Perhaps that helps.
I haven’t tried it either (not available here). Conclusion: I really have no idea how Mitsuoko smells. Thanks!
Wearing Mitsouko is like watching an old fashioned slide show that flips suddenly from frame to frame. It has many transitions and stages and not “one smell” in my experience anyway. It is very, very unique.
1. I’m wearing Rive Gauche. For the first time, believe it or not!
2. I’d find some vintage Caron Poivre in the Baccarat bottle.
3. Prune. But I’m not sure I’ll manage that.
4. The Descendants, by Kaui Hart Hemmings
5. I need to revisit our Summer Reading List poll!
second the vintage Poivre!! (in any bottle..:))
1. Sampling anya’s Garden Temple which is quite lovely
2. First purchase after lottery win : JAR Shadow, though I’d probably comission something custom. Commissioning things makes me feel wealthy and special, even if it’s a $25 portrait of my cat off of etsy
3.definitely need to expand and I’ll soon have dozens of samples/decants from Monday Mail suggestions so that should be fun
4.Last books purchased–Beard on Bread (lost my copy somewhere) and GreatCoffeecakes, Sticky Buns, Muffins & More
I love James Beard! I really aught to own Beard on Bread, it’s such a classic! Maybe you’ll inspire me!
1)Thinking of putting on Myrrh ardente.
2)Iris silver mist, la myrrh, jubilation25 …hey and as i have one the lottery a whole bunch of vintage stuff….
3) Definitely prune, although I have a really tough time with..”maybe I will like it someday…like parfume sacre, theorema, asja, tocade….and the list goes on…um, and then…much later, maybe add! Oh dear there is also the malle and amouage body products…is that included?
4) The slap. To early in the book to review. My daughter left it behind.
5) Nope:-(..Sadly I dont read much lately. Used to be an avid reader.
oh and as it is national hug day…sending you all a fragrant big hug!
hugs to you too
Fragrance for sunday is my precious Prada Amber Pour Homme. I’m having a Prada Weekend, yesterday’s d’Homme, today Amber. Oh, I’m so Pradaholic. I’m hoping to live one day when I’ll have a different Prada for each day.
I have such a good day today. I just found out I passed my biochemistry pre-exam. So happy about it!
Good sunday everyone!
Wooooo Hoooo Lucasai! Congratulations! If biochem is anything like organic chemistry it’s tough, tough, tough (according to my stepdaughter). Big pats on the back!
Biochem is very similar to organic chemistry, maybe a little less reaction mechanisms. Thank you! I think I’ll do fine on the right exam
1. Jacomo #08
2. Some by Kilians, JARs, and a whole lotta vintage!
3. I have a couple of bottles I’d like to get rid of but aside from those mistakes I still have some expanding to do!
4. Just finished A Game of Thrones. I’m really happy to be so excited about a new (to me) series!
I just noticed your screen name, and as I’m in the horse industry, I started to ask, “Kelso, the horse?” But Googling shows Kelso is also a city, a brewery, an investment firm and a T. V. character!
It is actually a nickname from high school haha. My name is Kelsey.
I’ll happily take some stuff of your hands and trade or compensate.
1.Probably i’ll reach some samples i want to re-test cause back when i first tried them i was like..meh. Probably Pentaglion’s Amaranthine, which i didn’t find interesting at all back then..but has so many good reviews that i think i am probably missing something.
2. Just one??? NO WAY! All the grossmith line (just 4 fragrances so far) in both 100 ml Pure Perfum and 100ml EDP. I just LOVE LOVE LOVE this line AND Memoir woman and jubilation XXV both men and woman from Amouage, of course asking for more amouage samples to think about future shopping. Oh! and i’d try Creed Vanille Sublime and Creed white Flowers and if i am pleased..i’d get them too (all these fragrances mentioned are int he same store..so i would probably go in a frenzy crazy fragrance shopping morning and get them all at the same time jaja!)
3.I need to expand it of course!! too meny AMAZING perfumes that MUST be in a proper fragrance collection! as a student i can only afford fragrances at christmas and my birthday, so my collection is still pretty small.
4.I am reading “I am a cat” by Natsume Soseki..which is kinda cute, sometimes interesting but well….just a so so book to pass the time. Fav book ever, anything from Thomas Mann, and in another line of just pure enterteinment Game of Thrones series *i want the last one in small edition noooooow!!!”
5.Nup
1. Working graveyard and wearing Grand Amour. (Weird combination, I know.) Have to go straight from work to a workshop–no sleep!–and I’m trying to figure out what to put on for the day. I had a friend ask me how I choose something to wear when I have so much perfume. It genuinely is a problem. I try to do some intuitive sniffing, but obviously can’t get around to everything. In any case, I need something sort of arty for today.
2. Amazingly, there is nothing I am dying to have right now. There are certainly several things I would snatch up just because I had the money: RP Calypso, Montale Sunset Flowers, all the vintage Diorling I could get my hands on, and some blind buys of unsniffed Lutens, just because I could!
3. I think in my heart–sigh–I know I need to do some pruning. But I am always fearful that the minute I move something along I will realize that I love it and can’t live without it. (Due the fact that I actually felt this way after the breakup with the Evil Ex, I am certain it could happen with something a little more trivial than a relationship. Eep.)
4. I am reading “Kingdom Under Glass” about a taxidermist in the late 1800’s. It’s really fascinating, if a bit jarring at times, if you’re an animal lover like me. I guess I stupidly always thought taxidermied animals “died of natural causes.” They don’t. 🙁 (squirm)
5. I’m not sure. I did recently read Damage Control–does that count? (Loved it, by the way, and all the perfumista book lovers should get it.)
Hey, Miss Kitty! Long time no-read!
Sorry to hear that you’re still working night-shifts. I’m really enjoying the longevity of my SSS samples these days, and I’m wondering if something like that would be good for those long nights/morning classes–don’t need to reapply in between. (Of course, then you don’t get the fun of a refreshing spritz to “change gears!”)
Trying to decide what to wear today. The superstitious side of me says I should wear what I wore last Saturday so the Pats win the football game. I wore Avignon last week.
There’s nothing I’m craving at the moment but I would go on a sampling binge if the opportunity presented itself.
I totally want to add to my collection. I want to start exporting certain notes and get a few favorites like a really great rose, or vetiver, etc. I want to try some more niche stuff too.
I’m reading something I got for free on my kindle. The name escapes me now. It’s about someone being stalked via Facebook. I’m not on Facebook and after reading this book will probably never be. It’s not the greatest book but it’s not the worst either. I got some books for Christmas I need to read. Lots of books and little time.
Kind of off topic, but I’m soooo ticked. Dior has chosen to rename Miss Dior Cherie as MISS DIOR!! On their website, Miss Dior is now called Miss Dior “original”. Honestly, what is wrong with Dior these days. They’re so bankrupt of ideas that they put cheap scent in their nail polishes (spring collection). I think they should have renamed Miss Dior Cherie “Eau de Acetone”, since it’s closer to that than the original Miss Dior which I love and I’m sure is now this close to being discontinued. Grrrrrr! Sorry . . . . there I go again . . .
It’s all a bad idea, isn’t it? I couldn’t believe they did that. Giving an inferior scent the name of one of your classic scents? Shameful.
1) Shalimar
2) 31 Rue Cambon and a whole lot of Tauer.
3) Slowly building
4) A couple of CE Murphy series, some recent Mercedes Lackey
5) No, not yet.
1. Verona 010 by XerJoff
2. Ambre Narguilé by Hermès
4. I’m reading “Alternatives to Pain in Experiments on Animals” by Dallas Pratt. The last GREAT book I read was “World Without End” by Ken Follett.
5. No
3. Prune…
Wasn’t that a great book! Did you also read Pillars of the Earth that preceded it? I just got the DVD series of Pillars, but haven’t watched yet. Follett has long been a favorite of mine.
Read Pillars, loved it, haven’t seen the series but must (Matthew MacFadyen, what can I say??).
Exactly! 😉
Yes, I read Pillars of the Earth. Both are gorgeous, but in my opinion Pillars of the Earth is a little bit better. The film adaption is worth seeing, but (as always with film adaptions of great books) not nearly as detailed. Enjoy watching it, though!
I didn’t realize there was a follow-up to Pillars of the Earth. I’m glad I read your post!
H. – It’s World Without End – and please let me send you my copy (unless you’d prefer it on a reading device). It’s been in a pile to go the used bookstore forever!
Thank you for that kind offer! I am using a reading device now, though, because I prefer the larger print. It’s been forever since I read Pillars of the Earth. Will it be important for me to remember a lot?
No, it took him 18 years to get the second one out, and it took place 200 years after the first one. So it very much stands alone. Enjoy!
A little late to the weekend party because Saturday was a work day this week.
1. Wearing FM Musc Ravageur. I’ve been trying my musky samples this past week.
2. Aftelier Parfum Prive. Real ambergris. ‘Nuff said.
3. Carefully expanding.
4. Rereading E. Nesbit’s The Wouldbegoods. An escape to a happy late Victorian childhood in the company of the inimitable Oswald Bastable.
I’m late, too, but so glad you’re spreading JG Farrell love, R! As you know, I’ve been pressing his books on people relentlessly for about the last three years, he’s so under-read, despite winning the “Lost Booker” and having all his books back in snazzy print editions…
1. Tauer Zeta – very nice and sunny
2. JAR Golconda, vintage Bois des Iles parfum, Amouage Ubar
3. Expand and prune simultaneously, despite my Liberal Guilt.
4. Reading some very good stuff right now (“Ghosts by Daylight” by Janine di Giovanni, “Purgatory” by Tomas Eloy Martinez and two excellent books by Tim Parks), but the last book I started fanatically pressing on people was “Fludd” by Hilary Mantel, which is a magical little book. March read it and loved it, too.
5. I have to return the compliment on suggestions and say I adored the first two books of the Dance to the Music of Time – although I think you recommended Anthony Powell to me in an email? It’s going to take me years to finish the other ten novels, but…
LOL at “Liberal guilt!”
I must admit that I feel especially middle-class bourgeoisie when I think about my perfume bottles. . .
Your book suggestions really struck a chord with me, Erin. I downloaded a sample of both “Purgatory” and “Ghosts by Daylight” to my Kindle, and I’ve ordered “Fludd” from my library. (I really liked some of Hilary Mantel’s other books.) I’ve also sampled/requested some other books from this poll, so fingers crossed that if the question about good books recommended by NSTers comes up again, next time I’ll be able to answer with a yes! Thanks to you and everyone else!
Ack! Hope you really like them, or I’ll feel bad – although do samples cost you anything? I love the library (used to work in one) and I took Purgatory out of my local branch, but only got into it just in time for it to be returned, as they were holds and I couldn’t renew. So I bought a copy, but already felt secure that I liked it 🙂
I only recently watched the TV version of Dance…it was short but better than I expected!
Good to know! Some TV versions are terribly disappointing, but some – I’m thinking of Brideshead Revisited, I guess and the Forsthye Saga and hmmm, maybe the Jewel in the Crown, too – shorten without removing too much of the depth.
1. today I’m wearing Alien, it’s radiance warms me up when it’s cold ouside.
2. I would buy a lifetime supply of Flowerbomb refill bottles, that’s how much I love it !
3. I have 8 bottles and 9 samples. I am all set for spring, and I want to use my warm weather perfumes up. for spring&summer I have Moschino Hippy Fizz, Armani Aqua di Gioia, Givenchy v irresistible and Dior Farenheit 32.
for Autumn/ Winter I guess I am all set too with Alien, Shalimar parfum initial and A*Men
4. I’m currently reading the Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris. the books that inspired the tv series True Blood on HBO. I think I’m on the 5th book, anyway it’s called “Definitely Dead”.
1. Trussardi Uomo. I like to bring out my oldies from time to time
2. Amouage Silver Man. Then…. probably everything that I can lay my eyes, nose, hands on
3. I could probably prune my collection as some are not getting used, but I can’t let go of anything, and sometimes, 5, even 10 years later, I rediscover something that I own. Nothing like rediscovering an old friend. I always brings back tons of memories.
4. Right now I am rereading all the Agatha Christies mysteries. It’s just fun and takes me away from the work related reading. The last great book I read has to be Anna Karenina.
5. No. I can’t remember seeing many book suggestions…
2- I forgot to add Guerlain Vega…. and why not get L’Abeille while I’m at it!
VEGA!!
I *love* Vega. I would file that one under “Least Guild-Inducing Fragrance Splurge”. I bought it at NM, at full retail price (although I did have a gift card, which covered most of it), and I have never had a moment’s remorse. It is beautiful, seasonless, and timeless.
1. Wearing J’adore in one hand and The Body Shop – Love ETC in the other. Trying to decide if I should give away one of the two or both since I rarely wear them.
2. By Killian Sweet Redemption & Back to Black. And Tom Ford’s Italian Cypress and Noir de Noir and many others that don’t come to mind right now 😀
3. Definitely pruning since there are perfumes in it that I actually dislike (i.e. Ambre Gris) but I’m still keeping, hoping for a change of heart (doubtful), and others that I wear less than once every 4-6 months. On the other hand I ordered a decant, 5-6 samples and 2 full bottles in the last week alone, so I need to make up space for those!
4. Fragile by Shiloh Walker, pretty good romantic suspense and Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens, a very intense contemporary romance which unfortunately features a very unlikable heroine.
5. No, haven’t see any recs to be honest but then I’m fairly new to the site.
1. Sotd. I should keep working the sample pile, but I plan to sew today, and Chanel No. 5 helps me hit the zone.
2. Lottery choices–like many other responders, I don’t let myself sample anything over $175 a bottle. I would first take a perfumery class, then head to Paris for some serious shopping.
3. Still growing my collection but I want to purchase more decants than full bottles. I also want to get larger spray samples instead of those pesky little vials.
4. Reading One River by Wade Davis. Brilliant ethnobotanist who writes with deep intellect and humanity. Look for him on Ted Talks to get an appetizer.
5. All the books I’ve read about perfume I discovered here!
I hadn’t seen the TED website before – thanks!
Happy Sunday Morning, all!
We had a brief break in the rain yesterday, but now it is back–very dark and grey and damp (just how I like my January!). So, I am wearing Champagne de Bois, as my inexpensive substitute for Bois des Iles. And I’m fighting the urge to spray some on my cat, because I think he’d smell great with a whiff of sandalwood!. . .would that be animal cruelty?
I love the idea of your cat sashaying around as a sachet. Not sure it would be more cruel than some of the stink cats can inflict on people.
I’ve got three cats :a large overweight black male named Zorro(when he was a little kitten he would race out from under furniture and swat ankles and run-now he catches ZZZs),Tilly a avarage size gray/white bib,tummy&socks female,and Thomasina who looks like the “fresh step”kitty.
Zorro has worn Chanel Pour Monsieur and more recently Lagerfeld Classic(vintage). Tilly wears Guerlain Shalimar edt. I apply fragrance where it’s hard/impossible for them to wash/eat it off -so between the shoulder blades or slightly above them .Pretty much where you would apply a flea& tick topical monthly treatment.
Thomasina curls under my chin so often that I don’t purposely scent her ,however sometimes she will get some transferred .
The familly dog gets hosed down with whatever I feel like (usually cheap stuff ) as he can get rather rank otherwise between baths.
1.
Musc Ravageur layered with the matching body cream! It is gorgeous for this cold, windy, sunny day in London!
2.
L’Artisan Fleur D’Oranger, whichever vintage, wouldn’t mind. Just love the one I tried and I’m sure any of them would be beautiful.
3.
I am delighted with my current collection – it could do with a bit of rounding out though, so I have something from each fragrance category. I’d like Sel de Vetyver, for a nice fresh green. And a couple of killer colognes………maybe Eau Italienne from Institut Tres Bien, or Guerlain Imperiale for a nice Neroli cologne. And Cedrat Intense or Bigarade Concentree for killer citrus kick!
4.
I’m reading a book on screenwriting by Linda Aronson which is fascinating and so comprehensive.
5.
No, havn’t read books recommended by NST readers yet……..
Fleur d’Oranger is a great choice!
Hi all-
1) I was testing some SSS today. I think I like most of them, but Winter woods maybe the most.
2) Tauer’s Orange Star and Incense Rose. 31 Rue Cambon. Sa majeste La Rose. Evening Edged in Gold. Cuir de Ottoman…
3) Theres a lot of bottles I want. But I also have some (at least two) that I loathe…
4) Some years of psychiatric illness have severely affected my concentration so I no longer read very much. For the last few months (seriously) I have been reading Anne Karenina which I am enjoying very much. Before that I read Jung’s Memories, Dreams, Reflections. I was surprised at how much I like his writing given that his theories – expressed by other people – always seemed so ludicrously tenuous. It takes me even looonger to read lighter stuff, cos then I’m constantly wondering whether its worth going on while I’m busy reading. Get despondent, etc.
Merlin, I used to read a lot but nowadays spend more time surfing the net. That shortens the attention span, too.
It really does. I find it’s easier now to read a piece in the New Yorker than to pick up a novel. Can’t decide if that’s the internet, or my age.
I’m going to get my hands on Bertrand Buchaufords and Olivia Giacombeti’s fragg spelling, couldn’t tell you buy the bottles then you’ll see I’m also in love with Mazzilari line. Alessandro will be my fist. I was gonna say Moma’s but that’s morbid, buyi g up all her work now that she is dead. I did it while she was alive and it even seemed morbid then. I want her Oud and many others. Satellite too, they have a stargazer in Paparaduska?? Or something. I m coming all in!
It’s BERTRAND DOUCHAUFORD, master parfumiee. He has some Frapin, some Amouage, L’Artisan, and so on. Try him out and Olivia Giamcombetti frags. They are the makers not the owners of the lines
Great choices – it’s fascinating to see what Duchaufour does for different lines!
1. Sycomore
2. Portrait of a Lady
3.Prune!
4. Three Cups of Tea
5. I plan on reading Denise Hamilton’s bood that Angela reviewed.
The perfume I’m wearing today is SL’s Tubeurose Criminelle while watching my Ravens lose to the Patriots. If I won the lottery, I would definitely buy an Amouauge or three. Whenever I buy something new, I try to get rid of one. However, I should really pare down my collection but I hate to depart from them. I still regret several that I got rid of. You can really never have too many!
Great poll question — so many interesting answers.
1. Testing L’Occitane Labdanum Eau De Parfum. (The SA at my local L’Occitane says the entire Voyage en Méditerranée Collection will not be around much longer.)
2. Don’t know, but ‘SAMPLE SIZE’ would forever be FULL BOTTLES! (I’m guessing with the money I could figure out the storage issue.)
3. A [hopefully carefully] curated expansion. (We’ll see.)
4. The Puppy Primer, by Patricia McConnell.
5. No, but will soon! (Sounds like some great recommendations — taking notes.)
1. DSH Pandora on left wrist, Annick Goural Heure Exquise on right wrist and Barbara Bui on left arm (I know!- I am bad that way about wearing just one perfume at a time)
2. Puredistance M or vintage Bois des Iles parfum (though I wouldn’t mind some JAR and a bunch of Lutens)
3. I need to slowly and carefully expand. Hopefully once I graduate.
4. Lolita ; and just started this fun mystery series set in India ‘The case of the man who died laughing’ – my light reading fix (If you like cozy comfy books like those by Alexander McCall Smith you might like these)
1. Today I’m testing En Avion.
2. Vintage Tabac Blond.
3. Prune. It’s fine, but there are a lot I don’t wear but can’t get rid of/ let go of for one reason or another.
4. I’m reading The Art of War, and The Magicians by Lev Grossman (sort of a grown up Harry Potter? or maybe a not quite so kid-friendly HP.)
5. None, though it sounds like I need to start paying attention.. 🙂
1. What fragrance are you wearing (or planning to wear) today?
Axe Music Star.. really… it is the only thing that keeps me smelling good on 33+ degrees celcius, and it smells VERY nice.
2. The first fragrance you’d buy after winning the lottery?
Tom Ford Private Collection Oud and Violet
3. Do you need to prune your fragrance collection, or expand it? Or is it just right?
Just right after the adition of La Pausa… Still on my 10 bottle limit
4. What book are you reading? or What’s the last great book you read?
I am reading Empire of Ivory, for the Temeraire Series by Naomi Novik
5. Have you ever read a really great book because someone on Now Smell This recommended it, and if so, what?
Not yet, but looking forward to do so after reading this thread.
1) Chanel #19 Poudre
2) Chanel Exclusifs- All of them
3) Expand
4) Damage Control-Denise Hamilton
5) Damage Control-received a Kindle Touch for Christmas. Took me awhile to get the hang of it. Just played games for awhile, then short stories. This is the first book I purchased for the Kindle, because it was recommended to have perfume references. I am halfway through (read it during the football games yesterday). I love it…am reading at lunch soon…can’t wait…will probably finish it tonight. I especially love the perfume references…the one about Kourus was funny and unexpected. I LOL.
1. Dune
2. L’Heure Bleue in extrait
3. For now, it’s just right
4. Coco Chanel: An Intimate Life
5. Nope!