Labor Day means so many things: among them, a day to commemorate the working class; the end of summer; the start of a new school year; and for the sartorially correct, the last day to wear white shoes and seersucker. What perfume feels right to you for Labor Day?
Here are a few choices of the top of my head:
Estée Lauder White Linen: O.K., I admit I chose this one for its name. From the sound of it, White Linen should herald summer and tea parties on long, sloping lawns with people dressed like Jay Gatsby playing croquet. The truth is, White Linen is sharp and clean and infinitely more versatile than its name implies, as long as its wearer has combed her hair and powdered her nose.
L’Artisan Parfumeur Piment Brûlant: Time for summer salads and barbeque! Piment Brûlant smells like a freshly snapped red bell pepper on a bed of vanilla-scented rose petals and cut grass. It would be delicious at a picnic in a slightly shaggy backyard with a vegetable garden tucked in the back. Marinate chicken breasts in smashed blackberries, garlic and thyme, and grill them with ears of corn served with oregano butter. Of course, accompany with a chopped tomato warm from the vine. And Piment Brûlant.
Annick Goutal Folavril: Which brings me to Folavril and its crisp, almost tannic tomato leaf note that borders on green bean-infused industrial cleanser, yet is somehow addictive. Folavril doesn’t get a lot of love among perfumistas, it seems, but those who like it — and I do — are true fans.
Biehl Parfumkunstewerke PC01: Labor Day is the tipping point to the school year. To me, PC01 smells back-to-school clean, hinting at soap, ripe peaches and flower stems. It smells like junior high, when school was more about flirting and curling irons than pre-algebra.
Hermès Eau d’Hermès: What other fragrance encompasses the entire work force, from the sweaty laborer to the pinstriped executive? Eau d’Hermès is a fragrance I wear mostly when I’m alone or among tolerant friends. Because of its deliciously “ripe” smell, I’m afraid if I wear more than one spritz, people will throw bars of Lifebuoy soap at me. At the same time, Eau d’Hermès is pure class. If worn with the Jermyn Street tailoring it deserves, no one would dare question your grooming.
XerJoff Richwood: Really, Richwood is too rich for the last day of summer, except maybe for a drop in the evening. I include it more as a symbol, because Labor Day is a holiday and so a good time to relax and contemplate your fragrance. Earlier this week when thunderstorms woke me way too early, I got up in the dark and put on some Richwood to counter the gloomy morning. I’d been used to thinking of Richwood as a sort of dulce de leche of perfume — rich and heavy and satisfying, but potentially nauseating if taken in heavy doses. But with a few extra hours to appreciate Richwood, I uncovered a whole new dimension. I smelled a veil of green jasmine and a thread of wet roses that had eluded me before. All day, even when the rain went away and sun came out, I breathed deep of Richwood on my dress. Appreciating layers and taking the time to experience a fragrance’s full story is really what perfume is about. A holiday is the perfect time for that.
What fragrance are you wearing today?
SOTD: Dior Homme
One of my favorites! More women need to take advantage of this one and not just leave it for the guys, in my opinion.
I really like Dior Homme, very irissy and in the nicest way. My scent of the day is Sisley Eau de Campagne. Soooo green to start then sweetly transitions to a lovely musk maintaining its green underpinnings. It’s a wee bit short on longevity so I’ve ordered the bath oil and hope that layering that will help, but it’s very, very pretty. And Angela, Eau d’Hermes is so terrific, we truly are scent twins, I liked it enough to get a backup bottle. I don’t find it too too cuminy, but then I love no. 8 by Brent Leonesio. I fear I may have been a hog in a past life =0
Oh, I love cumin-y hinting scents–witness Femme and Jub 25–but I live in fear some of my friends won’t!
It has been ages since I’ve tried Eau de Campagne. You make it sound wonderful.
I haven’t decided on my SOTD today, but for start-of-school-year/ end-of-summer two scents come to mind–
1) Bulgari Black, for that pink rubber eraser note, I almost can’t wear it since I’ve become a teacher, it makes me think of work so strongly!
2) Bronze Goddess for that making-summer-last-as-long-as-possible petulance I get this time of year. It is also the same impulse that has me wearing sandals and refusing to bring a jacket anywhere as late into September as possible!
What happened with your missing shipment of perfume?
Unfortunately, it has stayed missing!
So, I called FedEx, and they did an investigation and confirmed that it was delivered. They told me to call Barney’s, who could file a claim against the shipment.
So, I called Barney’s. They said that they could send me a new shipment after they’d filed their claim against FedEx and had that taken care of. They also told me to call my credit card company to dispute the charges (to be recharged when the new shipment is sent).
SO, I called my credit card, and they said that they would discuss the disputed charge with Barney’s.
So now I am waiting!
It’s a hassle, but I’m feeling mostly optimistic that eventually I will get my perfume. I’m super-bummed to not have it yet, though! And I return to work tomorrow, so I’m a little nervous that the second shipment will most likely arrive while I’m working. Hopefully the delivery fella will find a better drop off point than my totally-exposed front stoop!
Oh, should add that the folks at FedEx and the folks at the credit card company both seemed rather shocked to learn that the shipment included nearly $500 of perfume–like they’d never heard of such a thing! The lady at Barney’s was unphased. . . 😀
That’s heartbreaking! I hope your perfume comes through soon. The suspense would be killing me.
Yes, and it took me a few months to convince myself to place the order! So in a way, I’ve been waiting all summer!
Argh!
Rats! Well, at least they’re trying to make it work for you.
Thankfully, I didn’t get the impression that anyone thought I was trying to con them–they all seemed willing to take me at my word and just go through whatever motions they needed to.
Funny, I thought about including Bulgari Black, but because of its workman-like industrial rubber note rather than for smelling like erasers. Nice choice!
Ha! I can’t think of any scents that say “laborer” quite in that way to me! Maybe Black March for the scent of earth? Except that it’s too subtle and needs some sweat. Maybe a leather scent reminiscent of workboots?
There’s got to be one of those out there. How about the Andy Tauer leather, Lonestar Memories (I think that’s the name)?
There is no leather like DSH Black Leather Jacket. Honestly, it’s like opening the box on a brand new pair of beautiful leather shoes and nothing else. It may become a teensy ambery in its final phase, but if you’re looking for pure, true leather, look no further. Lonestar I find more camp fire than leather, but it’s a beauty and I always get compliments when I wear it. Sure hope you get your shipment soon, I so look forward to mine and am totally bummed when it’s delayed, let alone lost. Perfumista fingers crossed! 😉
My favorite “stiletto” leather is vintage Diorling. Fabulous!
Okay Angela, you’ve convinced me to stick one toe into the vintage pool, but if I drown it’s all on you! 🙂 Will try a tiny decant, it would be nice to compare to the current version, I’m sure it will suffer, but not sure by how much. Will report back!
Thanks for the crossed fingers, Holly! And Black Leather Jacket sounds pretty great!
I’d love to know what you think of the Diorling! Fortunately, there are lots of good leathers out there, still in production.
SOTD is SL L’Eau Froide for the way it blends so nicely with the way a thunderous downpour smells.
My end of summer scents are Hilde Solani Stecca because it smells like honeyed tomato vines and Premier Figuier Extreme for the figs.
Downpours sound romantic for a late summer weekend, and L’Eau Froide is a terrific accompaniment to them.
My fig tree is is so fragrant right now. Premier Figuier is a great choice for this time of year.
Wearing Fueguia’s Thays today. It’s green but warm, like the jungle-like weather we’ve been having for a week.
I’ve never tried that one, but I’m jotting down the name right now…
They have it at Aedes. (Sorry for the double post)
Thanks! (And don’t worry about the double post.)
Wearing Fueguia’s Thays today. It’s green but warm, like the jungle-like weather we’ve been having for a week.
I’ve been wearing SIP’s Musc Botanique quite a bit lately and will probably wear it again today….but it seems to work as a fragrance recognizing the “last” of summer, too (in Southern Calif summer hardly ever goes a way…). But I’m also pining for FM’s Une Rose for some reason – maybe I’ll take your suggestion and indulge in some Une Rose today and contemplate it’s earthy, boozy, full-bloomed rosy goodness….mmmm….
Loved your choices for Labor Day, by the way – I’m going to seek out Annick Goutal Folavril – I’ve been looking for a tomato fragrance I can sink my teeth into.
Une Rose is such a beauty! Someday I want to wear Une Rose and Ce Soir ou Jamais side by side for a real wine-rose fest.
I didnt thnk about it being Labor Day but I sprayed on a lot of Demeter Tomato becuase its hot as blazes here even at 8 a.m.
Tomato sounds terrific!
I just recommended Demeter to a friend whose 4-yr old is getting interested in perfume and wanted something that smelled like peanut butter (and flowers).
That’s so cute! A little perfumista in training. And speaking of things that smell like peanut butter and flowers.. Lush’s Charity Pot lotion kinda smells like that to me. I was there the other day getting some facial cleanser and picked up a little pot of it. They had a charity campaign going on and it was only about $6 for the little pot, so why not. I didn’t smell it til I got home. She’d probably love it. 🙂
Hey, that’s great! I’ll definitely recommend it.
I’m wearing Azuree Soleil today, to hang onto summer a little longer. I’ve decided that I’m going to think of it still being summer as long as the weather stays above 70 degrees during the day!
That’s a wonderful way to hang on to summer. Here, it’s warm, and the air is wet and soft, but the light is like autumn.
Been wearing White Linen lots, it has been really hit and muggy! Today is cool enough for a cardi, and I’m wearing 31 RC.
Nice nice nice!
I was just making an order at STC to take advantage of their labor day sale. I haven’t tried most of that list, so that gives me a few ideas. I just added a sample of Folavril to my cart. 🙂 I think I have tried the L’Artisan, but I have trouble keeping Piment Brulant and Poivre Piquant straight. I know I’ve only tried one of the two, but I get them mixed up and sometimes can’t remember which it was. I think it was PB.
I’ve been craving Seville a L’Aube lately, which is funny because I didn’t really like it at first. Could be a seasonal thing? I don’t know.
I adore Seville a l’aube and find myself pulling it out at least weekly. It has enough presence to be a terrific fragrance for autumn, I think.
It’s blissfully cool and breezy this afternoon, and my husband is smoking pork loin over applewood. I don’t mourn summer, I’m looking forward to fall, so I’m about to put on Imaginary Authors Memoirs of a Trespasser. I got it last spring and it’s perfect for today as it smells like a campfire, where you’re sipping something sweet and spiked that warms all the way down. Enjoy your evening, everyone.
Oh, that sounds like the perfect afternoon! And what a wonderful perfume to go with it.
I have been addicted to Montale Steam Aoud on these late summer humid, monsoon days. So relaxing and calming. Tonight I will take a dip in my friend’s pool at dusk. The sunsets have been glorious with the wind and dust. Saguaros in silhouette and a chorus of cicadas.
This scent is so clean and relaxing and compliments both the chapparal and chlorine. Last night someone was making tortillas on their outdoor grill. Now what smells better than that?
Wow–the whole package sounds absolutely idyllic! Enjoy the evening.
I wore Amouage Gold to the dog park today. I love the scent but don’t want it to impose on other people’s noses or allergies so a wide expanse on a windy hill seemed just the place. It was glorious.
I haven’t even thought about fall scents yet-next week is supposed to in the 90’s still, so a few more weeks of heat before the crisp air sets in.
Hey, those were some lucky dogs to smell Gold! (Knowing dogs, though, they might prefer the perfume of dead fish.) That sounds marvelous, and it reminds me that it’s time for an Amouage Gold day at my house, too.
Great choice, but a big scent. I stayed home to work (ugh) and finally settled on Ubar. Not something to wear to the office but an antidote to a grouchy Labor Day.
I’m sorry you’re having to work. I’m glad you have Ubar to cheer you up.
SOTD? Sort of had a “Scent of the year” kind of day. I labored forth and the scent goddesses smiled on me. Some back ground. I got laid off. Yeah, suckety suckethon. But life is good. So today I went with friends to the unclaimed baggage store in search of cheap, lost perfume. At first it was hopeless- a sea of Paris Hilton. Then I saw IT!
https://nstperfume.com/2012/12/09/holiday-fragrance-gifts-2012-part-8/
Laying all alone at the bottom of the men’s caged fragrances. The Frederic Malle 2012 coffret collection. 18 pristine 5 ml sample bottles, in their box. Untouched! Price? $25.99. Trip back to Nashville area spent making friends test loot.
Not technically thread appropriate, but who else could appreciate this but you guys.:)
Oh, so jealous of that coffret! It’s been on my wishlist for at least a year!
That’s phenomenal! Yes, a perfume god had definitely waved her magic wand at you! Enjoy the coffret while we all burn up with envy.
What a great place to shop for fragrance, I am going to find where my nearest unclaimed baggage shop is located. Congrats on your terrific find!
That’s fantastic! And a genius location to go hunting…enjoy your find of the year, and good luck getting a new job.
Trying on Carnal Flower now. Mmmm
It’s a beauty!
Wore Ralph Lauren Safari for men today and out of all the Ralph Lauren’s it most imaginative. I mean what does a safari smell like? I doubt it smells anything like this cologne but Safari does smell to me like something someone in Happy Valley/White Mischief era of Colonial Kenya would of smelled like, liquor and leather.
That sounds terrific! I like the woman’s version of Safari, too.
It was steamy here yesterday, so I was indoors most of the day and wore Parfum Sacre – not seasonal, but I love it. The day before it was Kenzo Amour, which is a marvel. Plan to wear a lot of AG Eau du Sud in September. It’s perfect for the transition from summer to fall.
Parfum Sacre is a true classic, I think. You can’t go wrong with it. I never thought of Eau du Sud for fall, but I can see it now!
Stetson Original, natch. maybe Commes des Garcons Garage or Tar.
My SOyesterD was nothing. I spent almost all day out in the yard in the hot weather. After a shower it was YSL Y to continue the stemmy green goodness of hacking at troublesome but fragrant weeds.
YSL Y is such a wonderful fragrance (in my opinion, at least) and so under appreciated!
It’s the herbs that make it perfect for this time of year when things are drying up and weeds in field smell fragrant. Eau du Sud is one of my favs!
On Sunday night I went to a party and wanted to go big with the fragrance — so my Monday scent was a thin layer of Tocca Bianca over the mammoth lingering traces of Jubilation 25. ONE SPRAY from a sample atomizer the afternoon before kept me strongly Jubilationy until bedtime last night!
Isn’t that stuff amazing? It’s the same thing with many of the XerJoffs. I sprayed on some Ibitira before bed the other night, and I could smell it all through the next day.
It has a half-life like nuclear waste! But much prettier.
If nuclear waste smelled like Jubilation 25, I’d be on my way to Hanford now with bottling supplies.