Happy Earth Day weekend! Today and tomorrow are also the last two days to vote for the winner of the 2012 Prix Eau Faux. I'll announce the winner on Monday.
Meantime, our usual open thread poll: talk about anything you like — the perfume you’re wearing today, the last (perfume) purchasing mistake you made, whatever.
Or, ask a question about fragrance, then see if anyone else has asked a question that you can answer…
Note: image is Earth - Illustration [cropped] by DonkeyHotey at flickr; some rights reserved.
My husband just got laid off work so we will be moving. Suggestions for paring down a perfume collection? I start going through my decants, start sniffing-it’s Carnal Flower this morning-get overwhelmed and just walk away.
By the way, Carnal Flower is lovely!
Oh, Dixie! I’m so sorry to hear it! I’ll send “good vibes” your way that he finds the right new job soon!
What kind of pairing down are you doing? Just don’t know if you’ll have room in the new place? Trying to get the most value from them? Seems like if space is the real concern, you might be able to box them carefully and put them into the care of “foster perfumista,” who’ll store them right for you until you can make room for them again.
Thanks Marjorie Rose.! I can keep them boxed for a while. Until I figure out what to do with them!
So sorry! I love Marjorie Rose’s idea…store them elsewhere until you have the space again. Alternatively, I pruned my decants recently by getting rid of everything I hadn’t reached for in several years.
That’s what I need to do with my decants. Did you just throw them away or give them away?
I gave a few away, but many of them were turned. I think my house is too warm for long term storage of perfume!
Maybe it’s just me, but I find that even when bottles stay fine decants will turn a lot faster.
That’s true too. And I am probably not as careful as I should be about keeping the caps tight.
Like Majorie Rose, sending good vibes your way. Her idea for your perfume storage is also a good one.
Really sorry to hear that Dixie, I hope he finds a better gig soon. Paring down the collection is a daunting task. I’ve considered doing that to mine recently (just based on being overwhelmed by the physical mass of it). Maybe you will find the smaller collection invigorating, especially if it includes lovelies like Carnal Flower!
Dixie, I used to have to move every few years for my work, and I would often give perfume away on the assumption that it would turn after a few years or during shipment. Huge regret! What I wouldn’t give to have some of those bottles back – they’ve all been discontinued or reformulated beyond recognition, and the ones that I did keep smell great.
You could seal the decants up with electrical tape and keep as much as you can if you liked it to begin with, or even if it’s something well-regarded that you might like to try again as your tastes evolve of for reference. Perfume is the most portable form of art, after all.
Of course, not everyone is attached to the past as I am, or interested in having scents around to contemplate rather than mainly for wear, so take this with a grain of salt, please. Wishing you and your husband strength and courage on the road ahead. ((( )))
Thanks Nozknoz!
I’m sorry to hear that, I really hope things pick up soon!
Downsizing can be daunting but also quite satisfying. I’m a compulsive de-clutterer, though, and always feel better when things are more streamlined.
Hi Dixie, I’m joining the chorus of ‘hang onto them’ and best of luck getting settled again!
Oh, Dixie, I’m sorry to hear that you guys are struggling. I hope you can find a way to preserve most of your collection. If you are in a situation where you cannot afford many luxuries, sometimes rediscovering the things you have can be a great comfort. You will be in my thoughts, with warm wishes for a brighter chapter in life. Hang in there!
Good luck on a the move. As for your collection, I’d suggest the half-and-half method. Sort through with the idea that you keep half. Box those up as keepers. Box the remaining ones up carefully for long term storage. If you don’t go routing through them when the season changes (about a year) then just donate or toss it… or offer it on ebay… or perhaps offer it up in a drawing to one lucky perfumista. Since it’s already packed and ready to mail, you don’t even need to open it up – just label and mail. All the best on your move.
I like this idea. I had some stuff in storage (not perfume) and realized that if it hadn’t crossed my mind in months, it was probably NEVER going to cross my mind again. It felt good to throw some stuff out, knowing that I wasn’t as attached as I thought.
Good luck with whatever you do!
I would pack up the true favorites and find a foster home for the rest if you can. Maybe once you get where you are going you might want them. The ones you really don’t like you could probably find homes for.
Dixie, I am so sorry about the lay-off. This week marked the one-year anniversary of my husband’s lay-off, so I really understand that gut wrenching feeling/fear. I would agree with everyone who thinks keeping your perfumes, at least for now, is the better choice. You may choose to sell them later on, but divesting right now may bring regret later. Just take some time to wrap your mind around your situation if you have that luxury. I have found that, even though money is so tight now, I can get a lot of pleasure from my scents. I got Prada Candy samples in the mail today–happy and inexpensive treat! Hugs your way….
Dixie, I’m so sorry to hear about your husband’s job. We’ve been through it, too – me once and my husband twice (the aerospace industry is nothing if not unpredictable)! It can feel as though someone has just pulled the rug out from under you.
Things do get better though.
As far as your collection goes, paring down can be downright liberating. It might help to think of keeping the perfumes that fill certain niches for you: either by type (spicy oriental, boozy amber, big white flower,etc.) or by use (cheers you up, makes you feel beautiful, relaxes you) or something along those lines.
Wishing you all the best!
I am so sorry this has happened to you and your family; my husband will be laid off from his job in a couple of months when a conversion project is finished, so I completely understand. As to your collection, you might give some of it to a local women’s shelter if they allow used cosmetics. I have done that, and the women love treats like fragrance. Best of luck!
THank you! Thank you! Thank you everyone for all the well wishes and advice. I’m encouraged!
Dixie, I’m so sorry to read your bad news. I have nothing to add to the great suggestions you’ve gotten for your fragrance collection, but want to offer my hugs and best wishes for better times ahead.
Dixie,
I am so sorry to read your news. My husband was laid-off last December. My perfume spending has slowed down considerably since, which has made me enjoy more what I have. I hope you find the right solution for you. Good luck to your hubby and you. Hugs.
I am really sorry to hear about your husband..news may not be good for my husband’s current job in the not-so-distant future, we will have to see.
Haven’t tried Carnal Flower but need to!
I’ve been on a Dior kick..Hypnotic Poison Elixir has really been my thing this month. Very nice scent, I like the extra warmth and spice added to this one. Digging licorice lately, which was why I knew I must have the Elixir. I like the Sensuelle and the Elixir much more then the original. The original is too root beerish to me, that’s why I like these spicy or floral notes added to break it up.
Happy Earth Day!
Than you! I hope things go well for you and your hubby!
I’m trying the current version of L’heure Bleue edp today. It still smells like L’heure Bleue to me, certainly not “dead” or “destroyed.” But I guess some people just like to be hyperbolic. Nothing wrong with that, if it’s your thing.
I don’t know, the library assistant at my school (there are no librarians anymore) overuses hyperbole all the time! “Those kids are THE WORST!” “Mornings are THE CRAZIEST!” But you find her later in the day, and now this group is THE WORST and afternoons are THE CRAZIEST. Kinda annoys logical me. . .
I’m a L’Heure Bleue fan, and I agree with you Elizabeth. If I smell it side by side with a vintage version, I can detect some difference, but it is certainly LHB, and smells great to my nose! Same with Chamade.
Mitsouko is still fine, just a different scent than the original. Vol de Nuit – extrait, the only version I’ve tested against vintage – is destroyed however.
Oh, no – VdN is one of my favs! I guess it could be harder to replicate since it has a less distinctive “skeleton” and is more about the harmony of the wonderful ingredients (I’m thinking of LT comparing it to the excitement of the orchestra tuning up before a performance). Glad I stocked up on some older bottles!
I only have older versions of L’HB, but I have Mitsouko and Shalimar Edp from about three years ago and older versions. To me, the more recent EdPs are like the same jazz recording played on my good quality mono radio as opposed to on my stereo system with the treble and base amped up a bit. Haven’t tried the most recent versions.
To me, they smell really different. The new version smells like a musty, shadowy version of the old version to me. I can recognize the resemblance between the two, but the old version has a beauty for me that the new version lacks.
Dixie, sorry to hear about your husband’s job situation.
At Sephora tomorrow, if you bring in an empty cosmetics container, you get a full size tube of 1 of 2 Origins moisturizer. Good deal!
I haven’t decided on a SOTD yet…nothing strong as I’ll be heading to dinner at an Italian restaurant. I will be a passenger in a car with my sister and brother-in-law and my BIL is “supposedly” scent sensitive. Hmmm, I’ll wear something my sister wears so I can blame it on her…..
Ah, the curse of the “scent sensitive!” I visited friends last spring, one of whom claims that ALL perfumes give her a migraine. I’ve looked into the science of it further (does that make me a jerk?), and it seems very unlikely. I know, it’s gotta suck, and I’m sure no one would want to do that experiment on themselves–does this scent give me a migraine? GAHHH, yup. Does this scent? OH NO! But on the other hand, I really missed having my scents while I was staying with them!
I suffer from migraine headaches and I have never had one triggered by fragrance, no matter how strong or how noxious I might find them to be. Then again, I don’t find perfume a stressor. And migraines tend to be triggered by stress, no matter how minor. Also for some people it’s certain red wines and cheeses that can trigger them. But luckily for me those are not my triggers.
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. A lot of things that don’t cause me actual physical discomfort certainly become stressors when I can’t let it go. I don’t mind PDAs, for instance; but when it’s a couple making out eight inches from me on a plane for an hour, it becomes an unbearable stressor. I don’t mind city sounds of traffic (cars honking, sirens), but when it goes on for twenty minutes, especially when I’m trying to talk to someone in a room with a window over the street, it drives me to distraction. A stressor you can’t fix and can’t get away from must be tough, so I have that sympathy for the “sensitive”. On the other hand, it’s a skill to learn to just let things go when they aren’t really directly impacting you. I think the rise in complainers of all sorts – just a real destruction of polite civil discussion in general – in society these days are from people who for whatever reason see themselves as more important than anything else and cannot let anything go.
Or, as Katie Puckrik said in one of her video reviews, “Relax, it’s a rose, what did a rose ever do to you?”
Exactly! A person I work with got a dozen roses for her anniversary and her cubicle mate made her put them out at the front desk because the scent was “offensive and distracting”. She’s lucky I’m not her cubicle mate because I would have shown her what offensive and distracting really means. Like she couldn’t just keep her mouth shut for a few hours until the poor woman brought them home with her? There’s sensitive and then there’s self centered insensitivity.
I think you are right to take the high road since you’ve heard he’s “sensitive.” You get to feel supremely gracious, add to your store of good karma AND avoid having to listen to the BIL whine all evening.
So, I got my replacement package from TPC for my missing samples a few weeks back, and I think today I will be testing a few. Some of the choices include Rochas Femme, Jacomo Silences, Caron Parfum Sacre, Hermes 24 Faubourg and Fendi Theorema. It’s supposed to be a lovely, warm day, so I’m tempted to try 24 Faubourg on one side and Silences on the other. HA! Like I’ll be able to resist trying half a dozen at once! 8)
Yum….hope you’ll find some you love! (and of course I’m rooting for Theorema)
I love 24 Faubourg so much. I hope you try it and love it!
Ooo let us know whaty you think! Especially curious on your thoughts on Faubourg, it was not what I was expecting, but I do like it!
Mid-day update: So far I’ve tested Jacomo Silences, Caron Aimez-Moi, and Hermes 24 Faubourg. Silences is exactly what folks described–a green floral. It’s not bad, but doesn’t move me. I mostly don’t like green, cold scents, but I keep trying! Aimez-Moi has a lovely anise/licorice note that I like, but somehow isn’t feeling like “me” today. It’ll go into the “try again some day” pile.
24 Faubourg is a “no,” I’m afraid. I don’t like orange blossom, but I keep trying scents with ob in them, since there are so many well-liked scents with that note. But no, just don’t like it. It’s a shame, since I can recognize it’s a well-made scent.
Oh, and as aside, the mixture of 24 Faubourg and Aimez-moi seems to be confusing my nose, even though they’re on separate wrists! NOT a good mix! It’s jarring, like a badly chosen fabric for a dress.
I mention it farther down in this post but I tried Fleur No. 1 which is a green floral and you might like it. I don’t find it to be cold. I’m gonna give it another try and when I do I’ll send you the rest of the sample. I can return the favor for the samples you sent me.
Oh, how kind!
I just placed an order on TPC last night. A very SMALL order, Theirry Mugler Angel and Chanel Cuir de Russie edt – can’t afford the parfum
I have an idea for my mom’s birthday in a few months. She’s so hard to buy for. But she tends to wear big, warm, rich fragrances, and she’s not very knowledgable in designer/niche perfume, so I’m thinking about buying a woody-oriental sampler pack from TPC, so she can try some new things. Then, if she raves about a particular one, I’ll buy her a bottle of it for Christmas. What do you guys think? Is it tacky to give a sampler pack as a gift?
I think it’s a great idea. Several of the perfume houses also offer nice sample packs of their scents – Parfum d’Empire, Sonoma Scent Studio, Ineke, etc.
It’s a lovely idea. The fun of trying new things, plus the gift of perfume.
I agree – that would be a really fun gift to receive!
Ormonde Jayne and By Kilian have beautiful packaging for their exploration sets. The BK vials are 5 ml each, and different ones fit different seasons – that’s months or a year of perfume, even if you don’t like all of them them.
I agree that the TPC packs would be great, too, since you could pick a theme that would suit your mother, and also you’re inviting her to share perfume exploration with you. Enjoy!
About six months ago I had a TPC package go astray and was kindlu sent a replacement. Surprise, surprise the original package arrived this week looking a bit battered but with perfume samples intact. I wonder where it has spent the last six months?
I have wondered if this might happen with mine as well. When I lived in Madagascar a decade ago, I had mail arrive to me months later than expected stamped with “mis-sent to Malaysia.” Made my imagination go wild!
I live in the Netherlands and have to instruct anyone sending me mail to be sure to write ‘the Netherlands’, rather than ‘Holland’. I have had packages and letters arrive many months late with all kinds of stamped messages from the US Post Office — seems things ended up first in Holland, Michigan! I imagine that most things that have never surfaced disappeared there.
Those are some really nice things to choose from!
And I love Parfum Sacre and Silences! You got some great things to try.
Today I smell Dior Eau Sauvage Extreme – it was a random pick from my sample box and I really enjoy it much today. It’s lemon & herbs taste is very distinctive. To tell more, hour after hour, I feel the growing need for a full bottle.
I’m also very happy as I finally placed my order for two discovery sets from Histoires de Parfums, as well as I order a bunch of nice glass perfume vials. This is a good day for me, definitely.
And how are you doing, my friends? Poodle, Moore, Rappleyea? And how was your Monday Mail, LadyMurasaki? Did you already tried some of recommendations? If yes, how were they?
I love Eau Sauvage & can’t believe I’ve never smelled the Extreme!
I can’t believe I missed original Eau Sauvage, will have to repair this mistake next week. When I compare, I might really get the bottle of Sauvage Extreme
I was told the Extreme version fo Eau Savage was reformulated a couple of years ago, as usual less chypre now and more “clean”.
Eau Savage regular was my first fragance gift when I was 15, my mum´s friend gave it to me ´cause she loved the fragance so much that she enjoyed smelling it in me.
I still like it but wanted to move forward so I bought the Cuir Fresh edition, wasn´t a good idea, now I miss the original one!
Well, I don’t know these perfume from times before reformulation so I don’t know what I’m missing. But I do like Sauvage Extreme and am about to try original Sauvage. I think I’ll buy a bottle of one of these.
Forgot to mention that what you wrote – “less chypre, more clean” sounds great to me, clean fragrances is where I belong.
I think you are gonna love Eau Savage if clean it´s what you´re after!
You might be right. I’ll know the answer on thursday and then will decide which one I like better
This does sound like a rewarding perfume day! Look forward to hearing your reactions to HdP in future polls.
I like Eau Sauvage very much (as well as his sisters Diorella and FM Le Parfum de Therese), but I’ve never tried the extreme version. Have you also tried the original? If so, how do they compare?
I was supposed to get Chanel Allure Homme Edition Blanche this week, but someone offered a higher bid in the last minute, so it went away.
I had those discovery sets in mind for some time, so I finally made a step further, created paypal account and ordered them. Will gladly share my thoughts with all interested.
About Eau Sauvage. Today is the complex day for Sauvage Extreme (checking my wrist… still there 8) ) , but I missed original Sauvage. Will ask for sample on wednesday as I’m going to do some shopping at sephora, I’ve got a -20% vip voucher from them. When I compare, I can let you know similarities/differences if you wish
Yes, I’d love to hear your comparison. I’m sure you’ll capture that Allure sooner or later!
then I’ll share it with you next week. Would you like me to write directly to you instead of writing for next weeks LWP?
Hi Lucasai, you’re the Prada guy right? I saw they have a new absolue Infusion d’Iris out – have you seen it?
Hi Lys, yes I’m the Prada guy, Pradaholic to be certain. Nice to see that I’m known for that. Unfortunately I haven’t seen Infusion d’Iris Eau De Parfum Absolue. I think it hasn’t arrived here yet, but I’ll be sure to check that next week.
I assume you wanted to ask how is it. I’ve heard some good words, but I hope I’ll test and review it myself soon.
Yes, I was curious to know how it is (on it’s own merits, not compared to original IdI). Have others cued up (and queued up) to try before this one but if I hear good things, it can jump the line.
Too bad I haven’t seen it yes as I would love to help you. If only someone could send me a sample, even the smallest one, I would write a complex review for you.
LOL that’s okay, maybe I’ll get to sample it myself and report back.
I’ll also check, maybe they already have it. But when you happen to find it, let me know your thoughts
Hi Lucas! It sounds like you’re having a fun day! I’m getting ready to have some friends over for dinner (a girls’ night) so I haven’t started my fun yet. Just cleaning, etc. Although I did make scented body lotions for them with different blends of essential oils, so that was interesting.
Happy Earth Day!
So enjoy that ladies night! Have a lot of scented and unscented fun! Oh and you have a new gravatar – looks like a traditional japanese painting.
Agreeing with Lucas – that’s a lovely gravatar!
Hi Lucasai! I made cupcakes the other day. Diet be damned! A girl’s gotta have some sugar sometimes. I made your icing and they were delightful.
I’m dying to know what your next fragrance purchase will be.
Poodle, I know weight loss is as individual as personal goals can be, but I thought I’d share how I’ve had success, complete with cupcakes! My personal rule is that I can eat whatever I want, as long as it’s real food. This means 95% of what I eat is my own scratch cooking or from folks who cook like scratch cooks. I cheat occasionally, but I really do a good job most days.
I plan out my menus for the week, complete with a nightly dessert. I cook for several hours on the weekends so I don’t have to do it after a long day at work. In the past 18 months, I have lost 25 pounds, and even with the death of my brother in January, just following this rule and a few other tweaks, I have not backslid more than a few pounds at any one time. It is slow, steady, and feels like something I can do the rest of my life. My food is SO MUCH better than what I can buy pre-prepared, it really serves as it’s own motivator, once I got into the routine of food preparation.
In any case, just wanted to say that homemade cupcakes don’t HAVE to be taboo, it’s just a matter of perspective! Always be kind to yourself, in any case!
That’s kind of what I do. I love to cook and rarely eat out. I also never go through the drive-thru. It’s that last 10 pounds. I’ve hit a plateau. I’m all about portion control because life is too short to deprive myself of things I like. It’s just a slow process. I’ll get there.
There are studies showing that plateaus are part of the process. I was just charting my weight loss over the last four years, and I can really see the plateaus and even a tendency to tick up 2-3 pounds before each new period of loss.
I guess during each of those plateaus I figured out some new trick – trimming something, adding exercise or both. Nonetheless, I do have certain things I love, like dark chocolate, cheese and nuts, that I never eliminate but rather control. It has to be a permanent change, really, not just a temporary “diet,” so I agree that one of the keys is balancing discipline and pleasure.
Hello Poodle! Thanks for your kitchen report
Glad to hear you liked cupcakes with this icing.
I’m dying to find out what I’ll buy next myself. Some Histoires de Parfums samples will be on their way after weekend, my bid for Allure Blanche didn’t win, but after yesterday’s Eau Sauvage Extreme I’m being drawn into buying this one.
Hi Lucas! I’m fine and hope you’re either. Thanks for asking!
I’m waiting to read your entries in the Prix.
See you’re sharing my love to Voyage D’Hermès: I was using it yesterday and was gifted with some compliments. I can’t wait to try the EDP.
Sorry: I mean the Parfum version.
Yes, I’m fine, more than fine. I finally ordered samples from Histoires de Parfums and I’m excited about them.
Oh I know you meant Parfum, this EdP seems to be a common mistake for this new Voyage. This parfum is so nice, quite bitter, little dry, nice powdery blend with all those spices. I wish parfum version was cheaper. But as you can see above, I’m getting into Eau Sauvage Extreme by Dior. Just let me try original Sauvage next week and I’ll have a perfect decision. It’s been 4 months since my last perfume purchase, time for a new bottle.
Just us Robin wrote off-competition Prix Eau Faux entries will be posted nest Sunday and there will be some of mine, so I hope you’ll drop by, read them and write what you think
my mistake, they’ll be up on Saturday
Hello to all. Any idea how to make any “weak” perfume a little “stronger”? In terms of sillage I mean. Vetiver Tonka, Vanille Galante, and Santal Massoia are all very good but on my skin, they are all so weak that I need to put my wrist on my own nose just to remind me I am wearing something. Thanks.
Don’t know if this will strenghten the scent but definitely will make it last longer – use a jojoba or grapes seed oil in places of application at least 30 minutes before spraying perfume. Jojoba/grape seed oil are good, because they’re non-greasy.
Good point. Or a body oil like maracuja or argan oil. They “sink in” but trust me, they stay near enough to the surface to help.
My only trick to to be sure to spray some on clothing and/or hair as well as skin. It seems to last a little longer and waft a little more as I move around. Hopefully others will have more ideas; it’s a good question!
I’m with Marjorie – spray on fabric and somewhere closer to your nose
Around the necklines of my tops works for me.
Kevin often mentions using MANY spritzes – 8 or 10, I think, or was it even more?
using body oil or spraying on clothes are at least juice saver methods
You’re right, LOL – a bottle wouldn’t last very long with that approach!
The sense I get is that Kevin does not need to worry about this maybe as much as some of us do! Didn’t he say he likes to leave partially used, unloved bottles in public places for people to find?
Agree with Marjorie, most of us care about the juice. I’ve never heard about Kevin leaving his bottles alone. Oh, I’m too caring person to just leave a perfume bottle (even the less loved one) without proper care. I’d rather find a new loving home for it
Thanks to all of you! Will try your suggestions!
Just waking up here on the west coast, so haven’t decided on a SOTD yet. Although, I did wear a sample of No. 19 EdP to bed last night.
I want to thank all the bloggers and posters here for their spring time suggestions. I got myself a sample of Le Temps D’Une Fete and immediately fell head over heels in love. It took major restraint to follow my rule of not buying a scent until I’ve worn it three times.
And my family will be traveling to Paris in early May. Any suggestions for perfume shopping, sniffing? Any small out of the way perfume shops I might find vintage fragrances? Any favorite niche shops or lines I should check out? I won’t be able to do a lot of shopping because my DH will be in tow, but I’m hoping to be able to spend at least half of one day shopping and exploring with my daughter.
There are nice itineraries on Grain de Musc, here is part 1:
http://graindemusc.blogspot.com/2009/07/paris-perfume-pilgrimage-part-i-right.html
Thanks Robin! I’ll check that out. I knew I had read a list somewhere, but couldn’t remember which blog it was on.
I too am smitten with Une Temps d’une Fete! Full bottle for me. So perfect for every moment this spring. I especially enjoy how the fragrance unfolds over the course of the day. I am running for my bottle right now!
Oops, I meant Le Temps.
That one is a beauty – spring in a bottle.
What a week!
For health reasons I like to go on a long after dinner walk. By coincidence this walk takes my to my favorite discount store. ( Ok.. I MIGHT have planned it that way…)
On Monday night, that store (Winners) had both Havana Vanille and Fleur de Liane (L’Artisan Parfumeur). Full 100ml bottles for $39 instead of the regular $165! Trying to be “reasonable” I only got the HV.
Tuesday… I went back for FdL. With FdL I found Mechant Loup and Fou d’Absinthe. So I got those 2 instead! (online reviews of FdL made it a less attractive choice)
Wednesday, I decided to get FdL after all. I came back with Tea for Two instead. Thursday… The pour un ete!
I am going back for a “healthy walk” today! Who knows what I’ll be back with!
5 full L’artisan Parfumeur for $200: I love being “healthy”
This really is healthy, Platinum14! I must say you did a great job, and I’m slightly envious. I would always find an excuse to buy so many at just one week.
*massively jealous*
Seconding this! What great deals!!
Wow — amazing deal! Enjoy them!
haha, happy for you! That is a great week in perfume. Speaking for FdL, I have to say I don’t reach for it often, but when I do it’s a compliment getter.
Didn’t mean to sound like a “the most interesting man in the world” spoof, but sometimes it happens.
Brilliant! I love it when things like that happens. Enjoy your new acquisitions!
I walked on the treadmill at the gym today. I like your healthy walk a whole lot better. If I had a store like that to walk to I’d be in great shape. I’d be poor but in great shape.
Wonderful! Your comment reads like a story book for tiny children:
‘On Monday platimum14 walked to the shops and bought a bottle of Havana Vanille. On Tuesday … ‘
Update: Poivre Piquant was just added to my L’artisan Parfumeur healthy collection. Lol!
Wearing Traversee du Bosphore today. Still working on my sample of this, but there’s no question I will get a full bottle of it eventually! I adore it.
Happy Earth Day everyone!
You smell great!
Duchaufour is so creative! I try to have at least a decant of everything he’s done to sniff (a few have escaped me). This is one of his most wearable, too.
I agree, it is very wearable and yet still really interesting!
Wearing Back to Black today for a requisite “dressy” day at work, and it definitely seems to make me feel dressier. I always seem to be wearing the same perfumes when the Lazy Polls roll around. I’m in a weird spot with my collection right now, wanting to buy things that have been on the wishlist for a really long time but finding that I barely touch the majority of my collection as is and starting to be self-conscious of it’s size, as it is on the brink of expaninding beyond one drawer.
Been returning to one sample recently that I am sort of embarassed about. Lubin’s Gin Fizz, has anyone tried it? I’m embarassed because I have to report it smells just like laundry, which I know isn’t a popular choice for an upscale scent among the perfume community, but it specifically reminds me of the laundry room in my late Grandmother’s house in Scotland, complete with a bit of chemical ozone, a touch of ironing board and an open window.
First of all–don’t be embarrassed to like what you like. Taste is very personal and subjective, and nowhere more than with perfume. If it smells good to you, and you enjoy wearing it, that is all that matters.
I have tried Gin Fizz. I thought it was rather simplistic–“laundry” is a pretty good description, as it makes me thing of something freshly washed. Having said that, I did rather like it, I just couldn’t see spending the money to buy it when I figured there must be other, much cheaper, perfumes out there that would smell similar. It does seem well-done, however, as it lacks that sharp, icepick-to-the-back-of-the-nose effect that so many cheap “fresh” scents have, so I assume it is made of good materials.
I do understand the scent memory . I bought a FB of Vol de Nuit the first time I ever tried it, in large part because it reminded me of my grandmother. Those scent memories are very powerful, and rather unpredictable. It may well be that one particular scent will trigger it instantly, while dozens of other similar perfumes do not. If a particular perfume evokes a positive association for you, that is as good a reason as any to wear it. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks of it.
I’ve renamed Gin Fizz to “Hot Laundry” – to me it smell just like clean laundry that’s 98% dry and hot – like when you open the dryer door and that hot damp air hits you square in the face. I liked it a lot (I’m love “clean/fresh” scents) and it works great in a hot Texas summers. (Roses, give another try in a couple months!).
Great scent memory
Hi Meg – I agree with 50_Roses – if you like the scent and it makes you feel good, that’s all that matters. Maybe we put too much pressure on ourselves to only like the most complex and hard to find perfumes. I think I do that sometimes. Sometimes I have to remind myself that most people wear and really enjoy their perfume without reading anything into their choice — I used to! The other day I wore Clean Warm Cotton and I liked smelling like clean laundry.
I have ordered quite a few samples from all around the world after summarising the suggestions from Monday Mail. I’ve also ordered the free samples from Jo Loves. I can’t wait to try them all! My SOTD is RJ Scandal. I was at the Scent Speakeasy organised by Odette Toilette the other day. The evening was about banned perfume ingredients (or levels of ingredients exceeding the legal limit), and we got to sniff real musk amongst other things. Real musk is so beautiful, it’s no wonder it’s so coveted. The former editor of Lush Times, Sarah McCartney was there as a special guest speaker. We tried a few of her creations and had lots of fun discussing scent. She is launching a perfume brand soon.
This all sounds great. Did you also order something I suggested (SL five o’clock, HdP Mata Hari) Have a great time tasting. I just placed my own order for 2 discovery sets from Histoired de Parfums, pretty excited.
Yes I did. I ordered both and many more. Enjoy your sets from Histoired de Parfums!
Oh, thanks! I’m sure I will and will share impressions with you.
Sounds like a fun event – is she creating a non-compliant line?
May I add another scent suggestion to the end of your long list? I saw, after your Monday Mail feature, that Jo Malone has reissued their LE tea scents. I’m not big on Jo Malone but the Assam and Grapefruit is unique, altho it reveals itself to be much more of an earthy, mate` scent than a black tea. An unusual scent for Jo Malone. Sadly the spiced vanillic Milk Tea appears to be the one in the five that might not be rereleased, which would figure.
I’ve heard about it and was intrugued by assam&grapefruit. Too bad I won’t get a chance to smell it…
No, Sarah M was just sharing fragrances she made for friends and family, which may or may not get reformulated for mass production.
Thanks for a further recommendation. Fragrances by JM usually don’t work for me, but this one sounds unusual for JM, as you say. I am hoping the samples I ordered from the new Jo Loves would be a departure from the JM fragrances.
Correction. She was actually selling some of them, so they will be on the market soon. One of them was called Evil Max, which I liked.
What a wonderful event! I don’t think I’ve ever smelled real musk in isolation – it sounds like I would remember if I had. Enjoy your sampling and let us know what you choose.
If you haven’t smelled real musk before, It is absolutely gorgeous. It is so light and warm and has a vanilla-like aspect to it. Just heavenly. It’s hard to think that it comes from the nether region of the musk deer. I just couldn’t stop sniffing! Sarah M said she got her little vial in a Moroccan souk for about 35 pounds (or dollars? can’t remember).
I have a book on African animals and their behavior. They communicate extensively through scent in all sorts of ways – to attract, repel, to figure out when a female is ovulating and much more. Those musk deer can make their own perfume – wouldn’t that be handy!
Will be our first 100 degree day here, so Timbuktu sounds right.
To Dixie: you are going through a rough patch; don’t punish yourself. I decided to to purge when I moved and have regretted it ever since. Box them up, store them with a friend, they hold too many emotions and memories. Girl needs her toys!
Wow, 100F already? Hope Timbuktu carries you through it well. I’ve never tried that one in the heat. I usually reach for it in the fall. Weirdly, we’re having a cool front, and it’s 63F at mid day, which is unusual. It’s normally 80s-90s, and I’m treasuring this beautiful day. Haven’t even chosen a fragrance. Nothing can compete with fresh washed clean breezes with my whole house open. Hope your day is as wonderful. Be well.
I wonder how many perfumes named for hot places actually work in hot weather?
I’m excited I’ve finally made it to a LWP in a timely manner!
Last weekend I went shopping with my mom and we stopped at Hermes. Although I had only previously smelled Ambre Narguile, I sprayed myself with several and later came back to purchase the travel set! I bought 2 Ambre Narguile (one for my mom), Vanille Galante, and Vetiver Tonka. Vetiver Tonka really surprised me! I haven’t had much experience with vetiver but for some reason didn’t think I liked it. Boy, was I wrong! This is love!
Although the SAs weren’t particularly talkative, they did give me samples of the ENTIRE line that I did not purchase! Definitely happy with my visit
Wow, what an excellent perfume shopping experience! And so thoughtful of you to get one for your mother, as well.
SOTD is Tubéreuse Criminelle.
I also recently sold a bottle of something that I wasn’t wearing and I’m going to put the money towards another perfume, most likely Sycomore since I still have a couple of drops of Dia. I just need to decide if I should hold out until my birthday (June) or go for instant gratification
You smell great!
(and go for the instant gratification…it’s so gratifying)
Finally chose Diptyque Philosykos. I bought a FB unsniffed as so many people have raved about it. I love how it smells on me – it’s light and lovely and should be just right for a relaxing afternoon and dinner at an Italian restaurant.
It does sound perfect for an Italian restaurant!
I agree. It’s an inspired choice, and I’ll have to remember it.
That’s exactly when I wear Philosykos too, late in the afternoons in the summer. I never wear it to work, or to rush around doing chores. That would be a waste of a perfume that I find so calming and relaxing.
Philosykos ended up being a good choice — smelled good on me and no complaints from BIL! it also did not clash with Italian food smells.
With time to kill before dinner, I chanced upon a Blue Mercury store. I had no clue what lines they carry except that looking in from the outside, it looked like a cosmetics store and I never heard of the Blue Mercury brand. As it turned out, it was like a mini-Sephora without the garish black and neon white theme.
My nose had a party! It had shelves of the perfumes I’ve read about in this blog – Diptyque! Creed! L’Artisan Parfumeur! (but alas nothing on sale) Serge Lutens! (although I did not get to sniff any as I ran out of time). I ended up buying a Laura Mercier Fresh Fig EDT as I am now building up a fig collection…which reminds me I still have an unused Fig Vanilla shower gel from Bath and Body Works that I must start using.
Good Evening already in Madrid!!
This afternoon I sprayed Voyage from Hermes edt on my way to the swimming pool+spa. I also sprayed a little of Terre parfum on one wrist ´cause I couldn´t help ot when I saw the bottle while looking for the Voyage one. While swimming I could sniff the Terre one!!
Now I sprayed Voyage Parfum and probably will wear it 2 nite out for drinks. Although I really like it the parfum concentration I prefer the edt one, just wish it would lasts longer on me.
I love Voyage d’Hermes Parfum. If only it didn’t cost more than 100$ for a 35ml bottle I would buy it without a question. But this prices makes me hesitate.
I´ve seen it at Madrid dutyfree for 60€, not sure whether it will be at same price at different european airports
SOTD is Pacifica Mediterranean Fig. But unfortunately I need to get started on a bunch of housework, so Mediterranean Fig will soon give way to Eau de 409.
Despite my best intentions, I didn’t wake up early enough to schlep into the city for the SF sniff-a-thon. I had a crazy week at work, so I really needed the extra rest today. Hopefully I’ll make it out for the next one, though.
I’ve decided that IF I can make it through the rest of this quarter without making any more perfume purchases, I get to reward myself with a 50 mL bottle of 1000 Flowers Reglisse Noire, which I have been drooling over for several months.
I love this scent! I’m sure it’ll help power you through the housekeeping.
It’s a good one, isn’t it? I should’ve gotten the soap and body wash during Pacifica’s sale.
That is a great reward. I love Reglisse Noire. I bought it unsniffed and it was an instant favorite for me. My only regret is that I didn’t get the bigger bottle.
I’ve been tempted by the small bottle, but I know I’d drain it within a month
It’s a gray, rainy, chilly day here, and I’m trailing the remnants of last night’s OJ Ta’if. Chocolate of the day was a Soma lemon-ginger truffle. I need to get myself some more!
We are now rainy/chilly too. That chocolate sounds wonderful, off to google!
Hi everyone! I am considering buying Chanel 19 extrait. I wore the EdP happily for many years until they messed it up. Now I am wondering if the extrait was also reformulated or if it is still close to the original. Wearing Chanel La Pausa by the way, another lovely iris!
I’m sorry I don’t know.
Got some samples yesterday from Indiescents. I love when those packages come in the mail. Anyway, since I love Reglisse Noire so much I wanted to try Fleur No.1 which is also by 1000 Flowers. I wasn’t head over heels love at first sniff with it but I do like it. It’s a green floral and the initial impression was very green. It made me think of Chanel Cristalle but it’s softer after that blast of top notes. It seems to strike a happy medium between flowery and green. It’s not a sillage monster but I was able to catch a whiff of it now and then. It smells like spring. I’ll give it another try but so far, so good.
Also tried Baque by Slumberhouse. It’s growing on me. It starts off medicinal and I almost scrubbed but I stuck with it and it got much better. It became a wonderful blend of vanilla, tobacco, maybe even whiskey (which I think in the notes might be the smokey apricot they mention). I was really happy I gave it a chance. It would smell great on a man but I don’t think hubby would go for it. My only issue with it was the finish was a little sharp. I have a few scents that get sharp when they get to the basenotes though so its not necessarily a deal breaker. I got a bit on a piece of paper next to my chair here and I keep catching a whiff of it and I do like what I’m smelling. Another one I’ll have to investigate further.
The other sample I got were Tabac Aurea, Incense Pure, Roots, and Belle Route. I may try at least one more before the day is done.
Thanks for the mini-review of Fleur No. 1, Poodle. As a fellow Reglisse Noire fanatic, I had been curious about that one and was planning to throw a sample in with my next order (hopefully when I get my FB of Reglisse Noire!). I do love Cristalle, so Fleur No. 1 sounds promising.
Baque sounds like something my husband might go for (though I’d likely steal it). And do report back when you’ve tried Roots! I liked it a lot, but it wasn’t at all what I was expecting.
I’ll let you know what I think. I’ll also try to give a better review of Fleur No.1 too.
I have a question about Rochas Femme, the reformulated version from 1989. I find it can last nearly all day on skin but the sillage is only moderate. After it settles, I find it stays relatively close to the skin (without being a true skin scent). The combination of all day tenacity but moderate sillage is one I love in a perfume.
But I have read a few people say that they find Femme’s sillage quite powerful. What do others think? I’d hate to think Femme is a sillage monster but somehow I’m not perceiving it that way! Is it a room clearer?
I have given up on sampling today, but tomorrow, perhaps I will try Femme and get back to you! (I chose to spend the afternoon with my new fancy, Attrape Couer!)
Thanks, yes, I saw up there that you have just acquired a sample. Would be great to hear what you think!
So, I’m still sampling, but I wanted to give you my initial impressions. Femme starts as a strong blast of cumin on me, and it *IS* very noticeable. For the next hour or so, it slowly begins to soften and warm. That’s where it’s at now for me–much softer sillage, but certainly still a presence. Granted, I only sprayed the single time from my sample vial–I could easily imagine this as a scent that could overwhelm with too loose a spritzer! I’m enjoying it, in any case!
Oh, and mine is an EDT.
Many thanks, that is most helpful. It confirms my idea that with Femme, as with many other fragrances, it is best to apply a little while before you plan on leaving the house!
Funny, I don’t get the blast of cumin of which most people people speak, although I certainly know it’s there. For me its more like a savoury note which stops the fruit becoming too sweet.
Anyway, glad you like it.
Hi annemaeie,
I am wearing Femme today and have the same results. Mine is EdP. I am wondering if the EdT is the stronger one. What version is yours?
I really love it.
That’s a good point. Mine is the EDT, which is the one that seems to be mostly on the market at the moment. But there are minis of the EDP floating around eBay. I should grab one.
This is a gardening day for me. Lovely violets are overrunning the entire garden, but confound it, they have no scent. I avenge myself by wearing violet perfume to pull weeds. Today’s sample is Parfums de Nicolai Violette in Love. Quite lovely combined with the scent of fresh soil. Here’s a question: is “violet leaf accord” a synthetic abstraction, or is it an actual botanical? My violet leaves, of course, have no scent.
There is indeed such a thing as natural violet leaf absolute, but I suspect that most of the “violet leaf” notes in commercial perfumery (especially the lower priced mainstream scents) are synthetic compositions, as is true for much of the rose, jasmine, tuberose, etc., claimed to be in perfumes.
Perfume Shrine has an article on violet and violet leaf which may be of interest to you:
http://perfumeshrine.blogspot.com/2011/02/perfumery-materials-violet-violet-leaf.html
Thanks for the fabulous link, Fifty! Maybe the violets in my garden just have too much ionone!
One of the books I am currently reading is Perfume : The Alchemy of Scent by Jean-Claude Ellena (Perfumer at Hermes). It reads like a textbook
and I do not recommend it. Anyway, there was a section on “Techniques for Obtaining Materials” and under “Distillation”, it states: The yield in essential oils can vary greatly depending on the plants being distilled. By way of example, 1 kg of essential oil requires 5 tons (5 TONS!) of magnolia blossoms, 4 tons of rose petals, 1 ton of bitter orange blossoms, 500 kg of clary sage, or 20 kg of lavender blossoms.
I got a headache thinking of the math…and I cannot honestly fathom “a ton”, let alone 5!
That said, I recently read in a blog (where the blogger is a crazy cat lady and proud of it) that Honeysuckle plant gives off a wonderful scent and it is just too bad that honeysuckle is considered a type of weed.
Weeds should ingratiate themselves by smelling good!
My old hippie father’s strategy with any weeds is to only remove the ones that either a) prevent him from enjoying something else, or 2) prove to not have any interesting features. I admit, his garden has a wild feel that not everyone would love, but it also means he’s ended up with some beautiful wildflowers and foliage plants in his garden. Sadly, no honeysuckle has seeded itself, yet!
My hippie mom is the same way, and I have leanings in that direction. I have an issue with forget-me-nots in my garden. I let them be–they’re adorable, but then they take over and everything looks the same. I have to remind myself that my garden is a space that I choose to dominate with my own vision! Um, the honeybees are really enjoying the forget-me-nots . . .
Yes. In the spring, my father’s garden looks like a fairy land with all the forget-me-nots! They really can carpet the area!
I used to be a crazy weeder, pulling out everything that wasn’t right. I’ve since stopped that and now I let things grow for a bit and see what they become. I had gotten a lot of plants from a friend when she was splitting up perennials and I inadvertently yanked some out not realizing they were things that should stay. I always like to move my plants around but I’m finding that nature tends to put them where they do best so my beds are doing much better now that I let things grow where they want. If they get too big for the spot or are just out of control I move them or yank them out though.
I adore honeysuckle and have some as climbing plants in my garden, but it’s never gone wild in the way it grows. It releases the most wonderful scent at night. There are other gardens in the neighborhood with different kinds of honeysuckle. I’ve discovered they don’t always have the same scent — some are too sweet (imo) and some are just so delicious! I had a friend who lived somewhere in the South in the US and she also told me that honeysuckle grew rampant as a weed there and had to constantly be chopped down or it took over.
BTW, I also have a couple of varieties of jasmine growing in my garden and that also releases scent in the evenings. When summer comes, I’ll just have to stay up later so I can go out in the garden and sniff.
Jonette, I may run out and get a big potted jasmine for my garden! Jasmine tends not to winter over in my area, but I could protect a pot. I planted a “hardy” gardenia last year, but it barely survived the winter. Honeysuckle isn’t native here, but I have lived in its domaine, and as a kid I’d suck nectar from the bases of their plucked flowers.
SOTD is Lush 25:43. I dropped my niece off at the airport earlier this week for her flight home (spring break + I live in Florida = house guests) and stopped by the Lush store in the airport on the way out. I sampled 25:43 and surprised myself by loving it (a citrusy gourmand isn’t my usual thing). I bought the 9ml spray and may end up with the 30 ml bottle soon.
I really like it too, may get the travel spray next time I order from Lush.
Just bought the FB of Pandora extrait that I have been wanting. Only 21 days into the 2nd quarter and I already have a major confession for the next damage poll. Oh well, I couldn’t let that 15% off sale go by without buying something, now could I? Besides, my birthday is in a few weeks, so I’m thinking of it as an early BDay present to myself.
You can’t let a good sale go by. Plus, if your birthday is around the corner then you should treat yourself to something. Don’t we say that gifts don’t count in the damage poll? Was it your dog or cat that was so generous to you?
It was my cats who bought it for me. It was so thoughtful of them to get their mom something she would really love.
Am more than 2/3s of the way through sampling EVERY suggestion on my Mon Mail list from Jan. (Ihave become a very easily distracted sniffaholic). True to form, I sampled 28 La Pausa (a suggestion) and preferred the nonsuggestion of 31 Rue Cambon. Sampled Be Delicious the other day and find it hard to believe that the same company makes the utterly spectacular boutique scents –currently sampling Chaos and Labdanum, have smelled Black Cashmere before, and was disappointed that the Wenge tester was empty. Anyway, completist that I am, I was wondering if anyone could send me decants of the Kenzo Magnolia, Youth Dew Amber Nude (both available on ebay but I don’t need a 50 ml “sample”) and D.L. and Co’s Angel’s Trumpet (apparently discontinued)
I don’t have any of your missing scents to share, but I appreciate your willingness to try EVERYTHING! Wow–a fun, if perhaps daunting task? Do you find it hard to deal with so many samples at one time? When I get a lot of samples at once, sometimes it’s fun and sometimes it starts to overwhelm me and I can’t seem to settle into sniffing anything.
Mostly I find sampling to be an adventure but occasionally I just get tired of the concentration required to deal with novelty and grab something familiar. If I didn’t try EVERYTHING on the list (as well as what my perfume shopping ADD notices) how would I find something FBW? Also, sampling everything has really expanded my horizons–I figure people made those suggestions for a reason–A note, an adjective, a reminder of something that I liked and I like honoring all the care that people offered
I can send you a sample of the Kenzo Magnolia.
I really enjoy it.
You can reach me at sunnlitt at yahoo dot com
Let’s try that again–
You can reach me at sunnlittlane at yahoo dot com
so easy to forget necessary info in the internet age!
Thank you. I sent you an email
SOTD Earl Grey truffles. I’ve just made some with my daughter. We’re waiting for them to set in the freezer. Which perfume might compliment it, I wonder? Somthing citrusy, perhaps?
Oh yum!!
… aaaand I’m off to Google for the recipe.
Better late than never, I guess. I’m reading Christopher Kemp’s new book, Floating Gold: A Natural (& Unnatural) History of Ambergris. I’m enjoying it so much that I’m making myself read in small bits, to make it last longer, especially since it’s under 200 pages. Hilariously funny, to the point of reading excerpts aloud to my husband, who can hardly smell a thing. He doesn’t understand why I’m so enthralled by a book about whale poop. Makes me want to go out to the beach first thing in the morning & troll for likely lumps in the sand.
Sounds interesting. You will need something that could detect whale poop – like a metal detector. Otherwise, you’ll be randomly picking up god-knows-what. I have just started reading What the Nose Knows by Avery Gilbert.
Yes, I imagine rather than becoming rich, I’ll just have an assortment of useless flotsam including a large percentage of various excrements. I have read, though, that sperm whales regularly visit the Gulf of Mexico.
Do you like What the Nose Knows? Would you recommend it?
I started reading last night and it has been entertaning so far. I’ve reached the part where he talks about perfume and mentions Chandler Burr. How a perfume reviewer would use emotional language to describe a scent rather than talk about scent molecules, etc. Being a book about the science of everyday scent, it is heavy on the science side, but informative and quite fun.
Ooh, sounds great. Just ordered it!
That sounds excellent, Wood Girl! I have some ambergris tincture from Via del Profumo, but I haven’t played around with it very much yet. That book is just what I need.
Actually, my Amazon wish list has gotten several additions this weekend – I think I’ve bought almost as many books as perfume as a result of the NST weekend polls.
SOTD is Hiris. It’s a perfect springtime scent. I only wish that flash of a carrot note lasted into the dry down. Does anyone know of any other perfume with a carrot note? I like that vegetal, almost leafy note.
Hello Perfumista8,
I don’t know if you’ve tried Serge Lutens Iris Silver Mist, but it has a beautiful earthy carrot note you might like.
K x
I Love Les carrotes from Honore Pres–it’s carrot with a touch of iris as compared to an iris scent with a touch of carrot
Thanks for reminding me that I have a decant of that – I should get it out as it ought to be ideal for spring.
Thanks kizzers & thegoddessrena – I’ve not tried either of those suggestions and they sound intriguing.
I’ll buy Carnal Flower from the first poster. I’ll make you a great deal.
SOTD
Daphne Guiness-CdG
Loooooooovvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeee it!
I won tickets to a bunch of concerts, and since I couldn’t go to all of then ended up selling some (my first foray into Kijiji). I then used the proceeds to buy Chinatown and Black Orchid Voile de Fleur. The former I had been thinking of buying, oh, for a couple of years. Had only briefly sniffed the latter once, and it might not turn out to be quite my style — but now I feel I won two bottles of perfume! NST folks can appreciate my convoluted logic, its being a variant of “$100 = free”…
Love Voile de Fleur.
That’s true perfume luck, Annie – congratulations all around!
That’s wonderful! Enjoy your wins!
No more convoluted that my logic as to how I got Vega for “free”. I cashed in reward points from a credit card to get a $250 NM gift card, which I used toward the Vega, bringing the cash price down to just over $80, which is less than $100, which we all know is the new free.
LOL. I actually just used my “cash back” to replenish Kelly Caleche and to finally buy Chanel No. 5 EDP (I have the EDT which disappears on me unless a take a bath in it which would make it the world’s most expensive perfume).
I would totally have the same logic of trading in one prize for another so it still feels like you won perfume. Love Chinatown and hope you do too
SOTD is Ava Luxe Vanilla Coconut edp and I love it! It is one of the many decants I ordered from Surrender to Chance. I’ve just started trying my decants. I am extremely disappointed in my Diorama (vintage parfum and vintage edt) . I think I will write to them. I wore the edt throughout the sixties, and loved it. I was hoping to recapture the scent memories. The decants smelled like the juice had turned. Ugh!
I also tried Balmain Jolie Madame EDT – Reissue and it was nothing like the original. Sigh.
All week, I’ve been wearing Guerlain Habit Rouge edp from my purchased bottle and I tried the vintage Shalimar decant — I am so pleased to say that I actually prefer the Habit Rouge. I plan to get the extrait (need to special order it). Habit Rouge is just fabulous!
I have a whole lot of decants to try out.
Thanks for writing about the Ava Luxe, Jonette. I’d really like to find a good coconut, and I do her Madame X, so I’ll give her Vanilla Coconut a try sometime.
Nozknoz,
I’m posting late, so don’t know if you’ll see this. I looked on Ava Luxe’s Etsy site, and neither Madame X or the Vanilla Coconut (!) is being sold.
It’s very cool here today (upper 40s as opposed to low 80s yesterday), and we are finally getting badly needed long, slow rain. After Pilates, I put on some old Caron Nocturnes parfum. It’s a soft green rosy chypre, very nice and just right for a cool and rainy spring afternoon.
It’s freezing, and I thought I was hopefully done with freezing! Had to drag some fleece back out of the closet.
Oh, Nozkoz, I love Nocturnes! Thanks for bringing it into consciousness. Where I am, it is already past midnight – cool and rainy, so I think I might wear it to bed – and hopefully have a sweet “night song”. Happy work week ahead to everyone!
Wearing some great vintage Revlon Intimate today, courtesy of a close friend who made up a generous decant for me. Fabulous animalic floral leather…
Nice!
You don’t know how lucky you are! I am GREEN with envy! What I wouldn’t do to get my hands on some vintage Intimate. Sigh.
Just found the perfect work scent today–Equistrius. It’s soft, quiet and absolutely lovely and gives me an iris to replace TDC’s Bois d’Iris which doesn’t quite work with my postmenopausal chemistry. Will buy it from MIN the next time I’m in NYC (so much for not buying any perfume until AFTER I move) as long as I already have th money saved for L’Heure Convoitee (not there yet)
I have a question: I got an e-mail about a new a’limited edition” bottle of Hermes Eau d’Merveilles. I can’t figure out if it is the bottle that is special (picture of fairy on the bottle) but same fragrance, or if it is a variation on the original fragrance, too. Any ideas? Thanks for replying.
It’s just a collector bottle.
Thanks, Robin. Eau d’M is one of my favorites, so that bottle is tempting me as a back-up!
Any rumblings about a new Serge Lutens fragrance in 2012? Exclusive or export but not l’eau? Thanks.