1. What fragrance are you wearing today?
2. What's the last fragrance you purchased, and are you happy with it?
3. Share something wonderful with us! It can be anything — something delicious you ate, a great movie you saw recently, vacation plans for later this year, the last good book you read, any fabulous news you recently received — really, anything.
Note: top image is Lotus lotus [cropped] by *suika* at flickr; some rights reserved.
I am wearing Annick Goutal Grand Amour for the first time this spring – it never lasts long on me but I really love that hay-like note (maybe broom?) mixed with the other more conventional sweet florals. Seems just right on this beautiful sunny day here in Virginia.
My most recent perfume purchase was a full bottle of Amouage Jubilation 25, and even though I will not be able to spend money on perfume again for about a year, it was definitely worth it! Such a wonderful scent, in my top 10 or even top 5 of all time.
And for good news I am looking forward to getting together with my extended family tomorrow for my mother’s birthday – I will be baking a pound cake later today to go with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, one of her favorites. Also, it was warm enough to hang my laundry out on the line this morning, for the first time in what seems like forever, so it really feels like spring.
Oh, wish we were having a beautiful sunny day! Congrats on your Jubilation.
It’s beautiful here in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Bastet! Sunny and breezy, and I can believe that spring is really on its way.
My older son, my daughter (home from college for spring break, yay!), and a friend are out in the woods on the farm shooting at each other with (noninjuring) AirSoft rifles. My husband and the high school track coach are laying out a possible cross-country course through some of our pasture fields. And my younger son is cleaning his room (!!!!)… it’s a good day.
Not wearing anything yet, but I *think* it might be a good day to break out the Champagne de Bois. I know I”m in the minority, but I think of that as a warm weather scent and temps are supposed to be near 60*.
After buying only 4 decants all of last year, I’ve already gone crazy this year! I’ll save details for when Donatella gets out the thumb screws, but the last one was a vintage bottle of Vol de Nuit extrait. So happy isn’t the word – more like ecstatic!
Something wonderful: it’s March Madness – my favorite time of the year! But I did recently read a very enjoyable book, which I highly recommend (also only $1.99 on Kindle) – The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion.
LOL…there is nothing I hate so much as March Madness. We really are evil twins!!
They brainwash us from a very early age here!
March Madness? You don’t say. I wonder which team you root for?
lol! I’m assuming that’s a rhetorical question! 😉
Of course. Judging from your avatar I can guess that this is the event you look forward to all year long.
March Madness! Ha! Mr. Spicebomb is SO distracted by college basketball, that he now plans ahead and takes vacation days off of work for the first few days! I happen to have Thursday and Friday off as well, but I’m thinking this is a *him* thing! I have no interest in hanging out in a pub with 4 different games going on at the same time! I think I can pull him away for dinner one of those nights, though. 🙂
The first round games are played in waves, so there is a lull between about 4:30 to just before 7:00. The schedule is announced tomorrow. I would plan your dinner to end around the beginning of the nighttime games. He will be far more amenable to missing the beginning of a few games than missing the end of any.
You might want to join him though. It is a very exciting and emotional day. The bar will be full, people will be in good spirits, and there will be lots of cheering. It really is fun. The ends of the games are intense, but there is room for conversation at the beginnings and during breaks.
Lucy, you sound like a fan. Who is your team??
Michigan State. My degree is just about useless, but Izzo makes me proud every year.
I also root for Mich. State – Daisy went there and I think Izzo is a great coach, also Arizona – one of my best friends is a grad.
And Izzo gives me tears of joy again. It has been an emotional few hours.
I was rooting for you today. I flipped over after my game just in time to see the last play. Terrible way to end a game. I’m impressed that they came back from being down double digits though. I’m sure they’ll have a good run in the tournament. Btw, Mr. Lucy met coach Calipari a couple weeks ago. No idea what he was doing in Chicago midweek. Seems like too busy a time for a recruitment trip.
Thanks so much, Lucy! I watched with my mother and my BFF – we were all screaming like maniacs. But I was proud of our guys – they’re young and inexperienced playing the #1 team in the country.
And congrats to the Spartans beating Mich.! On to the Big Dance! 🙂
I am WAAAaaaay too much of an introvert to find a loud, crowded space exciting! I get overstimulated, headaches, cranky and irritable in such situations. If it were one game and the cheering was in measured bursts, I’d be ok. 🙂 (As an aside, we went to a Timbers game (local soccer) and it was so much craziness, I couldn’t sleep that night!)
As for the timing, since we’re in Oregon, my sense is that he begins in late morning and goes through the afternoon, but maybe I misunderstood? In any case, if don’t see him until Saturday, I can work with that, too!
Oh no. Don’t listen to me then. You’ll be happiest at home.
Yes, you’re right about the times. Adjust my recommendation by two to three hours. Like I said before, the schedule comes out tomorrow. You’ll be able to see the start time of the late games then. They usually start back up around 4:00 your time. Maybe a late lunch or early bird special? 🙂
You do know there are games on Saturday and Sunday too? Only half as many, but still an all day event.
MR – as much as I love the games, I never watch them in crowded, public places for the same reasons you give. So I can understand your feelings.
Oh my gosh, thank you so much for spelling that–I’ve never quite been able to explain why I truly hate sports pubs, but that’s exactly it! Far, far too much stimulation, I get totally strung out. Introversion! I will explain it that way from now on.
Lucy–yeah, I figured there’d be games all weekend, but I leave for Vegas on Sunday, so it’d be shame not to get together before I head out of town for several days! I know he’s gonna be distracted a bunch, but an outing here or there doesn’t seem like too much to expect. 🙂
Rapp–that’s interesting to me that you feel that way! I’ve often wondered where the introverted sports fans are. Maybe watching the game at home on TiVo? I do ok sitting at a game (other than the aforementioned Timbers game), but the crowds afterwards, heading home out of a stadium, can make me a bit crazy.
And you’re welcome CH! I always new you were a wise woman! 😉
MR, as an introvert, how can you handle Vegas? I’m an introvert, and once was enough for me.
Kindcrow, I spend a lot of time on my own–wander around at my own pace and get out of the crowds whenever I need to. I got my own room (the other ladies are rooming in 2s and 3s), and I go out during the day, since I’m also an annoying morning person! 😉 It also helps that it’s only 3 nights, so I can handle 2 full days of Vegas. Wouldn’t want much more than that, though!
Ah, that sounds like a good strategy. I’m a morning person, as well.
Haha yep, staying in a separate room and exploring on my own, where I can step away easily if things get to be a bit much–sounds exactly like how I’d need to do Vegas, too! (This is so instructive–I’ve never been quite certain whether I really qualified as an introvert, as I’ve never been accused of being shy. But all this really resonates.)
CH, one of my good friends once described me as the most extroverted introvert she’d ever met–it was such a revelation! I’m bubbly and like people, but I’m a classic introvert in that I find social situations tiring rather than energizing. I’ve also heard it said that introverts process internally whereas extroverts process externally–talking with others or whatever. That also is true for me. I need quiet time to think about things and come to a decision. But no, I’m not shy, although I do prefer one or two people for company over a large crowd of strangers!
Don’t most folks take vacation during March Madness?!? 😉
When we get into the NCAA tournament, regardless of whether or not U. K. is playing, I’ll have games on the T.V. and on my computer (in the same room) so that I can watch multiples!
And Lucy is right – make early reservations (or serve early) unless you want to eat at a sports bar while watching.
I don’t know about March Madness, but about 1/3 of my high school students were mysteriously sick during the last round of World Cup soccer!
😀
It just so happens that DH and I originally got together because he was NOT interested in watching basketball (it wasn’t March, though, it was June).
I had found myself in the TV room of my dorm, sitting between two guys I was interested in, while a basketball game was on the TV. The guy to my left was the one I thought was better looking, but my attempts to engage him in conversation were met with grunts and monosyllables. The guy on my right was very willing to talk, and we had a nice conversation. I decided that he was the more attractive prospect after all. We have now been married for 23 years.
GREAT story, Roses!
I, of course, would have ended up with the monosyllabic grunter. 😉
You would have grunted together.
Ha!
Dying laughing. You guys are hilarious.
lol! Although if we do something stupid, i.e. throw the ball away, foul on a 3-pt. shot, etc., I *may* do a bit more than grunt. 😉 Loudly.
The Rosie Project is such a great read! I loved reading it from the point of view of such an unusual protagonist. Definitely laughed a lot during that one.
Don’t know much about March Madness but I do hope your team gets all the wins:)
Don’t you love actual laugh out loud books? And like you said, very unusual main character.
And thanks for the good wishes – we won today!
Hooray!! Today was a success ; )
Good morning NST-ers!
SOTD is Si Lolita from Lolita Lempicka.
I’m pretty sure the last thing I bought was Madonna Truth or Dare and I do love it. I call it my gateway white floral as I haven’t been big into them until now. I almost bought Halston Z-14 yesterday at the Maxx and I’m thinking I’ll probably go back for it today. I’m a sucker for a cheap thrill!
As for wonderfulness, my sweetie got up and baked us fresh biscuits before I had to leave for work this morning. A still warm biscuit with good butter and rhubarb jam makes having to work on Saturday a little less painful.
Also I’m still riding the high from my trip to New York last weekend to see the JAR exhibit at the Met. And I worked up the gumption to go to Bergdorfs and smell his fragrances. It was amazing. Wish I would have stayed and smelled more but there was some pretty heavy sensory overload happening at that point. We are planning another trip tho for later in the year so maybe I’ll be more prepared then.
Ooh ooh tell us more about going to smell the JAR fragrances! I still haven’t summoned the courage…
Do it! Seriously everyone I spoke to in there was lovely, my worries were completely unfounded. We had to wait a bit while the SA was showing a lady and her granddaughter some of the jewelry but then he sat us down and took us through the fragrances. He talked a while with us about some of the JAR jewels he’s gotten to see first hand on customers when the come to the boutique. It was really great.
Oh that’s so cool! How lovely of him. Thanks so much for this account, it really does make me want to go in!
Which was your favorite? I still wish I had a bottle of Bolt of Lightning.
That’s the one I ended up trying on the skin but Jardenia is the one I can’t stop thinking about. I’m going to have to track down a sample. I wish I’d taken my time with them more but at that point we’d been in NYC three days and been through the Met and MoMA so my head was spinning!
Yeah, it’s a lot to do at once! Even the JAR counter is a lot to do at once.
Biscuits. MMM.
Next time, you are at Bergdorf’s check out the Guerlain booth which has the hard to find classics and extraits.
1. I haven’t even showered yet, so no fragrance.
2. I received shipments from ebay, Yves Rocher, and Demeter all on one day. So far my favorite is the Yves Rocher Neroli.
3. I received the results of my biopsy, and I don’t have breast cancer. Also, I am going to be a great aunt again. It’s a boy!
Congratulations on your good news, both items!
Wow that really is wonderful!! How great on all, so happy to hear that.
It sounds like you are having a great day. Congratulations!
Congratulations on all your good news!
Yay!
Great news indeed!
Two great things to celebrate!
Oh my gosh, wonderful news about your biopsy results. You must be very relieved.
I take major baths in YR Neroli in the warm weather. It smells beautiful when it’s hot and humid.
Great news! I don’t recall ever trying Yves Rocher!
You must try Yves Rocher!! On my first trip to Nice, I went a little crazy in their shop but found some wonderful products that I still use–so inexpensive and yet good quality.
Hmmmph…and I was in Nice over the New Year holidays! The line goes on my To Try list. Thanks.
Hello everyone!
1. Today I’m wearing Parfum du 68. A decant arrived yesterday. It’s ok, but it didn’t wow me. Glad I didn’t buy more of it.
2. Last purchase was SL Fourreau Noir in Le Vaporisateur Tout Noir for my birthday.
3. I’m going to Esxence in Milan next week! Only few more days before my departure! Can’t wait for all new perfume premiers!
Congrats on Fourreau Noir!
Thank you! I’m happy with my purchase and the black lacquered travel spray looks very stylish.
Have a wonderful, wonderful time in Milan!
Thank you! I’m sure I will.
1. Sweet Anthem Margaret. I put it on, promptly forgot and then began pulling out samples for the swapmeet, and totally convinced myself one of them was leaking. Went through them three times. Oy vey.
2. Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess, even though I had decided I was going to wait til later in the summer, but it was cold and I was cranky, and I am completely happy with it.
3. I’m getting ready to go to Vegas for a work conference, and have been perfume-shopping-planning like crazy! Does anyone have tips?
Oh, I am so jealous. Mr. Lucy and I used to go to Vegas for the first round of the NCAA tournament every year. It is a great time to be there. Sunny, warm, and so much energy.
Nearly every high end line has a boutique on the Vegas strip, Chanel, Guerlain, Gucci, etc. Given the touristy nature of the area they are much nicer to average Joes off the street than in other locations. You’ll get a chance to spend some time with exclusives. Naturally, they are in the fancy hotels. (Bellagio, Venetian, Wynn,…)
There are also a couple of Sephoras on the strip. They are large stores and tend to carry their full line of products. They won’t necessarily have anything that their website doesn’t, but you’ll see a difference from their average store.
Don’t forget to check the spas and gift shops. At the Bellagio gift shop I found the largest selection I’ve ever seen from the Tokyo Milk line and got an amazing Chai Tea body scrub from their spa for 75% off. They also had a men’s clothing store that carried a nice selection of Creed. A woman’s store across from carried a good mix of scents too. Unfortunately, I don’t know the names of those stores.
Have a great time!
I didn’t even consider that they’d be nicer — that’s great news. Thanks!
Yay for Vegas! I’m going to be there several nights over spring break (week after next). Last year, I asked for advice here and folks had LOTS of good suggestions. Best bet, for me anyway, was going to Barney’s, since I don’t have one near me. They have Malle and other harder-to-find houses. There’s also a Guerlain boutique which I enjoyed, although the SA was not impressed with me. 😉 Sorry I can’t recall which casino the Guerlain boutique is in, though. . .
The Guerlain boutique is in the Venetian Hotel complex:
3327 Las Vegas Blvd South
Suite 2848
Las Vegas, NV 89109.
Johnathan is wonderful. Ask for him.
You’re not the first to suggest I put Barney’s at the top of my list. That makes sense. Thank you!
Hope you have a great time!
Great suggestions already, also, a nice Acca Kappa store in the Venetian.
*quickly looks up Acca Kappa reviews*… thanks!
If nothing else, they’ve got some lovely scented soaps…I bought lots.
I went to Vega a few years ago, to accompany a family member giving a paper at a scientific conference.
Unfortunately, everything about the city gave me the heebe geebes and migraines.
A trip to the Hoover dam restored my confidence in human potential (when not distracted by too many flashing lights and cheap air freshener pumped through out an entire hotel to cover up the smell of cigarettes at the Casino).
The Grand Canyon was truly transcendent in the original religious and Wordsworthian meaning of that word, and immediately erased my migraines. That was a scent, breathing and visual experience like no other. So my recommendation to you is to at least take a side trip to the Hoover dam. (Many business conferences offer this as an excursion) and see if you can add a weekend to drive out to the Grand Canyon. (Take a cell phone, and lots of extra water for the drive, which is truely through desert wilderness).
By the way at the Bellagio, near the art “gallery”(for which there is charge), they were selling for over a thousand dollars a boxed set of about 10 flacons of about Bond No. 9 Warhol’s SIlver Factory.
Not a set of 10 different fragrances, and not ten different artistic bottles of the same fragrance, but over a thousand dollars for a huge number of the same bottles of the same fragrance. I could think of no one who purchase it, except a drunken idiot who had won a lot at the tables. did not have enough knowledge or impulse control, to wonder over to frangance counter and for instance by a set of FM’s or even Shalimar Extrait , but thought a really big haul of perfume was a gift to impress some pick up.
Today I am wearing Amouage Jubilation 25. (I had this on before I read your comments, bastet!)
My most recent perfume purchase was Agonist Isis. I had gone through two samples and decided it was a keeper. It’s unusual and just puts me in a good mood every time I smell it.
My good news may seem strange: today is the memorial service for my good friend who died in January. (It was delayed so her daughters could prepare and arrange to be here from out of town.) They asked me to speak at it and I am happy to do it. I say it is good because there will be many people there who remember her fondly and it will be a tribute and I hope a kind of completion. They are holding at a nice place (she didn’t want a religious service) and there will be food and music. I still have her seven cats at my house taking care of them, but two of the cats will be going home to San Francisco with one daughter tomorrow. I’m going to miss them! But I look forward to being with other people who share my emotions.
I’m glad you’re wearing a fragrance that makes you happy. Wishing you lots of comfort today. What a nice way to celebrate your friend.
Oh, good luck and take care today! I hope that being in community will help with healing your loss. [[[[hugs]]]]
I am sorry you lost a dear friend, but kudos to you for standing up and speaking about her. It is a wonderful opportunity. And, for caring for her cats? Well, good on ya!
Sorry for your loss. I hope the memorial helps to bring closure and helps you remember happier times with your friend.
How wonderful of you to speak in tribute of your friend. And again, how wonderful of you to take in her cats. She must have been an exceptional caring individual to have taken in 7 of them.
Aw that’s very touching that you took in your friend’s cats. I’m sure that they went through their own grieving and being with you gave them security and comfort.
SOTD is BK’s Playing With Devil. Not earth-shattering, but it’s really rather pleasant and fun.
Last perfume I bought was my super-cheap bottle of Tam Dao EDT and I’m very happy with it. I’ve been reaching for it regularly because it’s so easy to wear and normal people-friendly.
I just started volunteering for a charity which collects books that are to be thrown away and gives them away for free. So not only do I get to help with something that I feel is worthwhile, but I also have a source of free books!
Hey, wish I had a local charity like that! I’d volunteer. Although really I need to get rid of books, not get more. We are drowning in books.
I just woke up, so no SOTD yet. I am going to the in-laws for a St. Patrick’s dinner tonight and will probably wear something springlike. I’m thinking Après L’Ondee or Debut? French Lime Blossom? It was in the 50s and sunny yesterday, but it’s cold and windy again today. I am really getting tired of this.
My most recent purchase is a bottle of Muguet de Bois from Vermont Country Store. It hasn’t arrived yet, but I haven’t been this excited in a long time.
Years ago, when I was a cashier at my dad’s small town grocery store, there was a frantic customer who came in looking for Sunshine Lemon Coolers. He looked distraught as he told me that his wife was pregnant and had sent him for them, but the shelf was empty. It was a holiday weekend and I had a line all the way to the back of the store, at least 20 customers. Every employee there was too busy to help the man. I told him it would be a long time but that when I had a break I would check the stock room. I asked if he would leave his number and I would call him if I found them. His response: “I’ll wait.” He didn’t dare go home without those cookies. It took a couple of hours plus time climbing on piles of boxes in the back room, but I ended up finding a case. He bought six boxes. I took a box home myself to see what was so great about those cookies. Fast forward 20 years…I am pregnant. What I am craving is no surprise. I want nothing more than a box of Lemon Coolers! They were discontinued years ago, but somehow VCS has recreated the recipe and have them for sale. I paid an obscene amount of money for a box of cookies, but I really don’t care. They will arrive with my aforementioned fragrance purchase and, between the two items, I can’t hardly contain myself. I am just giddy. So I haven’t eaten anything delicious yet, but I will soon and the anticipation is killing me. I should have paid for overnight shipping.
Oh too funny about the cookies! I hope that they are everything you want them to be!
OMG! I remember those cookies. My mom loved those things.
I love your story, Lucy. Good cookie karma for you after all of these years. Enjoy those cookies!
I remember Lemon Coolers. They were good. Enjoy!
Just woke up so no SOTD yet. Wore Bvlgaria Omnia to bed last night and can just barely smell it on my bathrobe.
Last purchase was Cristalle EdP. Got it for a steal at an estate sale, and it was on the top of my “to buy” list. Score!
Was playing Boggle the other evening and used the word “civet”.
Nice find, congrats!
Sotd Osmanthe Yunnan. Enjoying the break between snows…:(
The last thing I bought was vintage Coriandre – still love it and it smells just like it did when I first bought it in 1979. Not sorry in the least.
Looking forward to seeing my nieces for the first time in 4 years. We’re all meeting up in NOLA for a week where one of them lives. Hove is on my list to visit. Any other scenteriffic places we should go?
I love Hove! They have some beautiful fragrances.
Also go to Avery Fine Perfumery. Its in the art district of New Orleans. Nice selection in this little shop!
Bourbon French Perfume company.
Thanks, Barqs and Poodle – it sounds like we won’t lack for sniffs.
I should find some vintage…do not like “new” Coriandre.
Yes! I think Luca describes it as velvety green rose and that’s just what it smells like. When I bought it as a 20-something it didn’t hit me as rose and if the SA had told me it was I probably wouldn’t have even tried it. They got me with the malachite…
No SOTD yet, maybe someone can suggest a genre for me because I’m feeling lazy.
Great news is I just discovered they have Maison Martin Margiela’s Replica line at Sephora. I had fragrance ennui this winter when I was too caught up with the new releases, but now I’m behind enough to have my sense of discovery back ^ ^
Oh, good to know, thanks — I haven’t tried those yet.
Good morning!
In celebration of spring-like hints in the air, I am wearing Zeta, Tauer’s linden perfume. It reminds me of summer and should be appropriate for lunch with Mr. Spicebomb’s family today.
Only purchases I’ve made in the past few months have been back-up bottles. It’s a trend in my purchasing–never had much inclination to hoard discontinued or limited edition scents, but now I’m enjoying the reassurance! Probably part of it is that there isn’t anything new on my to-buy list at the moment. Haven’t fallen in love with a new sample since PHI. . .
As for wonderful, I only have three more days of work and then I’m on spring vacation. (Well, I have a doctor’s appointment on Thursday, so my “vacation” starts early. Hopefully, on Thursday I’ll find out what I’m newly allergic to.) But the wonderful part, of course, is a week off of work and a trip to Vegas with a gaggle of girlfriends from work! Hoping for sunshine!
It seems like everyone is going to Vegas without me! I hope you have a great time.
Zeta has my interest. I need to order a sample, but the description sounds lovely.
I do love it! I admittedly don’t have a lot of experience with linden scents, though. In any case, typical of Tauer scents, it is full and fascinating without being overwhelming. And it works well in warmer weather, since it isn’t as long-lasting on my skin as some of his deeper scents (PHI, Une Rose Chypree, etc.).
Enjoy Vegas! And visit the Guerlain boutique for me, please.
Okie dokie! 🙂
Spring Break! A nice perk of being a teacher. Have fun!
Thanks! Yeah, I love (and NEED) the down time, but it’s too bad it happens when everyone else has it!
Yeah. In March, it’s always someone’s Spring Break. We were birding on South Padre Island in Texas one spring, and it was packed with college students on Spring Break. The traffic was horrible and the drunken students were obnoxious, but the birding was great.
I’m wearing Frédéric Malle Dries van Noten.
My last purchase was Aedes de Venustas Iris Nazarena. I am very happy with it!
Recently at work received a couple bonuses (it’s complicated, but I ask no questions!). That, with my income tax return, I should be able to pay off credit cards! Hurray!
Paying off the credit cards is a BFD. Congratulations!
Wore Dries Van Noten to work the other day, and it seemed so perfect for the day! I only have a sample, but I keep returning to it. Bet it’s lovely on a fella!
And congrats on paying off those credit cards! That’s gotta be a relief.
Thanks to you both!! I run hot and cold on Dries Van Noten… I own a full bottle… but today I really liked it! I guess the weather was perfect for it.
Yes. Sometimes DvN smells incomplete to me. Can’t say why it seemed so right the other day, but I enjoyed it! Maybe it *is* the spring? Chilly and fresh might a good match for it’s stream-lined warm spices.
Hello all! SOTD is Amouage Opus 1. It’s above 50 degrees with sun flickering in and out, so it seemed appropriate – green and lush.
Good thing: I quit my job and will be working on my own. The stress of the last two years has been ridiculous. I’ve gained 15 pounds, most of it wine and vodka. Looking forward to working with people I like, doing things I am good at.
Last purchase was Tom Ford Black Orchid. Beginning to regret it – it is heavy and narcotic, tough to spray just a teeny bit. Otherwise the sillage is way too much. Went down a bit of a Ford rathole, need to return to reality.
Best of luck with your new work. Taking a risk is hard, but when a job starts to make you physically ill it’s time to go, no matter how steady the paycheck is. I’m sure you’ll do great.
TF’s signature line tends to pack a punch. No matter how many samples you try the bottle sprays at about 10 times the power.
Thanks, Lucy. Really excited and calm at the same time.
So right about TF – I also have Violet Blonde, which I love, but it’s almost impossible to avoid over-spraying.
Haha, Tom Ford rathole! That’s so funny!
Try decanting some of the Tom Ford into a bottle you can dab from. That usually helps.
Such a great solution. I think the exposure to air changes its potency. I got Mr. Lucy three samples of Grey Vetiver over the course of a year to make sure it really worked for him before buying a bottle. If there’s any sweetness in a fragrance his skin turns it into syrup. It was so nice on him that I bought the big bottle. Big mistake. He’s now allowed half a spray in the stomach or chest area that can be covered by his shirt. Even then car rides can be a bit much. The samples had been so nice!
*goes off to find decanting supplies*
Great idea, Poodle. Need to get decanting supplies. Agree with Lucy – the samples are easier, and car rides with sprays of TF can be a real challenge!
OK, this is silly, I know… I’m going to see my favorite musician in concert tomorrow – a flamenco guitarist named Tomatito. This will be the first time I have had an opportunity to see him perform live. I’ve been trying to figure out which fragrance to wear because I know that, if I wear one, I’ll associate it with this concert and this musician forever in my mind. I’m considering Rossy de Palma. Any suggestions?
I’m not familiar with the scent so I googled it. After reading the description, I cannot imagine anything more perfect. It sounds like a great choice!
Thanks!
Wearing RdP today! Showing the rain who’s boss, as I think of it at tough rose, and would consider it a good fit with flamenco. Malle’s Une Rose is described as an Angry Rose and that might work too…
Oh Yes! I’ve got to find my sample….
Vintage Chunga?
I’ve not tried that one. Looking it up now. Thank you.
Is the swap meet next Saturday?
It’s today.
Oh 🙂
Thank you
SOTD is L’Amber des Merveilles. I was sampling something else that wasn’t working and scrubbed it for this–easy-going and won’t get on my nerves
Most recent purchases are Santal Exotique which I could happily drown myself in and Vintage Champagne which is also lovely. Have ordered a bunch of stuff off etsy that has yet to arrive, although my pricey 1ml of real musk arrived yesterday, along with a few other samples thrown in. I am a little afraid to even try it on skin
Good news–my exroommate sent a box of stuff and I now have my antique jar opener back in my possession. Now I can open jars of salsa again! Other good news– will be meeting up with another NST fumehead for sniffing and dinner. Whee! Also am still riding the good vibes from my 5 year cancer free weekend a couple of weeks ago
Oh, have a lovely dinner, that sounds fun! And congrats on the 5 year mark, that’s great.
My mom has one of those antique jar openers! She explained to me that as long as a lady has one, she shouldn’t feel compelled to live with the wrong fella. 🙂
Grip strength was never actually a dating criteria for me, though perhaps the height to change lightbulbs might be
😀
I am wearing Guerlain Idylle today.
My latest purchase is Marni. I enjoy wearing it very much.
I got to go a date night with my husband last night. We went to dinner and I had delicious sea scallops and amberjack. After that, we went to a movie. Fun night and great start to the weekend.
Tell us the movie, and was it good?
We saw “Son of God”. It was good, but not quite what I expected. Nice to see for this time of year though.
Thanks!
Happy Weekend!
SOTD: 31 Rue Cambon (a.m.); for tonight’s dinner out I’m going with Carnal Flower 😉
Still dreaming about the late lunch I had yesterday at Chelsea Markets – LOS TACOS No. 1 – must try the marinated pork soft taco – wow! delicious!
Recent purchase – FB of Philosykos at Diptyque SS; why can’t they do these at least once a quarter vs. once a year!
Something wonderful? Being alive, period. Crazy gas explosion 10 blocks and a few avenues from my apt. Not to mention all the countless other ways and things that can snuff life out in a heartbeat. Grateful to be alive today!
And grateful to hear how all you lovelies are doing 🙂
That gas explosion was scary. Glad you’re okay. Things like that do make you stop and think don’t they? Cherish every moment.
Yes, every moment. Thank you.
And hey, why can’t other brands have SSs, anyway? I have a nice cheap bottle of L’Ombre someone picked up for me.
The ended up canceling the last day as stuff flew out the door.
Next year I plan to brave the long line outside in the cold to get better picks. By the time I got there not much was left.
I vote for a quarterly SS for all niche brands 🙂
Great philosophy! And seconding Poodle – glad that you’re okay.
Glad you’re OK, Floragal. That gas explosion was horrible business. Would you believe though that I did not even hear of it until someone in Asia (working U.K. hours) contacted me and asked about it because he saw it on the news…and there I was in clueless in NY.
SOTD is L’Heure Bleue.
A FB of Shalimar Ode a la Vanille, 6 months ago. I love it more every time I wear it, the smoky vanilla in the dry down is to die for.
Just watched Django Unchained. (So late, I know.) But wow.. Kerry Washington is amazing.
Ack, I haven’t even seen it yet, so you’re ahead of me.
SOTD is Hermes Eau des Merveilles as it’s supposed to be 78F outside today; such an unseasonably warm winter this year, and spring looks to be shaping up the same way.
The last thing I bought was vintage Panthere de Cartier parfum (now discontinued, probably so people don’t confuse it with the new Le Panthere). It’s a civet bomb on me and I love it.
The wonderful thing is being retired. Every day I wake up and ask myself, “What do you want to do today?” and the answer is always (at least partially) “Whatever I want!” I loved my job for the most part but I hated meetings and office politics. I am thankful I don’t have to participate in those any more.
So jealous! Enjoy your days!
Oh retirement! I’ve got another 22 years of work life in me (at least!), but I admit, I’m already looking forward to retiring! Can’t imagine ever being one of those people who finds life boring without work. Enjoy it for me, k?
Oh, I am, MR! Retirement is glorious!
1. Coty Imprévu, a reliable spring standby from the vintage vaults.
2. A never-opened FB of Badgley Mischka 2006, discovered in a local consignment shop and purchased for $20. Tea, redcurrant & peach = lovely.
3. Three wonderful things: “Searching for Sugar Man” (music documentary), “The Wes Anderson Collection” (coffee table book), and my new job (same library system, different branch/department, less stress).
I can’t manage Imprevu (I know! I was surprised. But possibly my eBay bottle was simply too age-deteriorated for wear.) or Badgley Mischka, but thumbs up on loving them.
Five thumbs up (hey, I borrowed family) for the new job arrangement.
Thanks for the thumbs, Mals & Co! The old work location was taking a huge bite out of my health– couldn’t fully realize HOW big until I left. All is going well so far. Hope things are peachy by you!
1. The fragrance I am wearing today is Pleasures Pop by Estee Lauder.
2. I just recently purchased Aerin Lauder’s new fragrances. I got all of them in a gift set from Neiman Marcus. The only one I really like is the Ikat Jasmine. I was a little disappointed with the rest.
3. I saw the premiere of the new NBC program “Crisis”. My brother is part of the press and they showed a special screening. It comes on tomorrow. Everyone should watch. You will enjoy it. Have a great weekend!
1. Cashmere Mist. I wanted something soft and comforting. Someone somewhere said it reminded them of clean cat fur, and that’s just what I need to get me through the hours of overtime I have ahead of me.
2. Cashmere Mist 🙂 It’s my only bottle over 15ml….so far! Just starting on the perfumista path.
3. My parents are getting a puppy in a couple weeks!
It’s nice to have a furry perfume – mine is Guerlain’s Ensens Mythique. SOMEone on NST should be able to come up with a perfume smelling of puppy paws…
This might sound crazy, but I think my dog’s paws smell a bit like popcorn. :-O
Not crazy! We think our cats’ paws smell like popcorn too! (Unless they are smelling of “flavor crystals” – a.k.a. cat litter, ha ha)
They totally smell like popcorn!
Well Poodle, of all of us…you must know! 🙂
Even just the phrase “puppy paws” is cute.
Puppy Paws! I love it.
When I was a teenager we had a lhasa apso. She was cute and incredibly spoiled. My mom used to put a doggie cologne on her called Four Paws. I guess I come from a perfume-loving family. Even the dog had a signature scent.
Full confession…I have (on rare occasion) applied my SOTD ever so lightly on my pup. 😡
Four Paws!!! Adorable. Do you remember what it smelled like?
Nightingale: you are not alone. Sometimes I pick up one of my guys shortly after I spray and snuggle him. Not his favorite…
It was very powdery, maybe with a beeswaxy smell.
She was a nice-smelling pup!
SOTD is Byredo La Tulipe. Trying to imagine spring weather is already here by wearing something springy. It’s a light flowery scent, but often those are the ones that become very pronounced on me. It’s also my most recent purchase. What made me happy this week is something small. I discovered that they still have Honeycrisp apples in my favorite grocery store. I do enjoy them!
A great apple can be one of life’s great pleasures. I consider that a big thing. 🙂
1. Donna Karan’s Black Cashmere – love it on this cold, damp, wintery day.
2. Calvin Klein’s Downtown – it’s pretty. I was given a present of a box of a dozen perfume samples with a gift certificate to chose a bottle of one of the samples (SDM). None of the samples are what I would choose if given free reign, but I think it will be nice and soft for the spring and summer.
3. Heading out shortly for drinks and dinner with friends – St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
1. I am not wearing anything I have been ill and don’t want to associate a perfume to my illness
2. CK Endless Euphoria – not sure how happy I am with it. It is kinda light.
3. It is finally getting warm here and staying warm consistently. I live in the midwest. It is also spring break I work in a school fulltime.
Glad you will have some time to rest up. I hope you feel better soon!
Today I wear Bottega Venetta, my last purchase. Love it.
1) SOTD is Cuir de Lancome. I’m so glad I have a backup of this.
2) Last purchase was a bottle of Olympic Orchids Ballets Rouges, terrific rose chypre. (Hey. If you are mourning the discontinuation of L’Arte di Gucci, try Ballets Rouges. Not the same, but along similar lines and very well done.)
3) My something wonderful is definitely having my daughter home for spring break. Missed her very much. Also, I’m in the process of converting a writer friend into One Of Us…
Yup. Just bought my back-up of CdL last month. It comforts me to know it’s there!
Wow, great tip on the Ballets Rouge. Never heard of it but I do love a rose chypre.
1-Slumberhouse Zahd, and am loving it!
2-Last purchase was a decant of Vol de Nuit EdC vintage, which I wore last night
3-the snow has finally melted here, although, sobering, more snow predicted for Monday. Worst winter ever!*
*ever=last 10 years
1-Zahd! How I wish I jumped in on the pre-order but hey, you can’t win them all!
Just got a one once edt of Paloma Picasso at TJs for 16 bux! I am happy about it too!
Yummy things I have eaten, lemon curd, try it…also had sopapillas for breakfast that were leftovers from a wonderful dinner date with the husband!
I have the same! Bless TJ Maxx, ours just opened this past spring and I’ve gotten many bottles on the cheap there. On second hand maybe I shouldn’t be blessing them hmm. 🙂
Lemon curd is awesome.
I’m wearing Fleur de Liane, by L’AP. It’s going to be discontinued, but I got a bargain full bottle last year. I love it for Spring.
My latest buy is Épice Marine: It’s lovely, very ginger- bready at first, but sooo fleeting. I lose it after about 30 mins, and I’m not sure if other people are aware of it or not.
Something wonderful? Well, spring is here, the temperature is in the low 70s, and, best of all, the orange blossom is in full bloom. I just step out of the door, take a deep breath and fill my lungs with it. It’s in every street of the city- centre.
Prada Iris, my hubby loves it on me
Prada Iris, just got ir for my birthday last week.
Three wild turkeys came around to our bird feeder this morning. There is still so much snow here, they must be pretty desperate for food. We scared them just looking out the window at them. Adorable hubby took some some seeds into the woods a few yards, and put it on a log the turkeys had run across.
Just now, hours later, I can see them out there at the seed pile, 50 feet from my front window – they are such cool creatures!
I grew up on a farm in Virginia, and once in while we would see a family of wild turkeys along the woods on the edge of our yard – what a thrill! They never came to our bird feeder, though.
1. SOTD is Royall Spyce.
2. Hmmm … I’ve been on a sample-purchasing kick lately. I think that the last FB I purchased was Golden Cattleya (GC) from Olympic Orchids. I am very happy with it, but it’s getting into the 80s here, and I don’t know how GC will do in the heat.
I spritzed on some Fleur d’Or & Acacia at L’Occitane yesterday. The beginning was promising. I was thinking that it could be a summer replacement for Golden Cattleya. It started off as a very pleasant light honey and yellow flower fragrance; then it got sharp; then it ended smelling soapy and generic 🙁 I might try the shower gel.
3. It’s the time of year when our front yard looks awesome! It’s all native plants and the Western Redbud and an enormous ceanothus (with purple flowers) are in full bloom.
1. Today I am trying a sample of Amouage Lyric Woman for the first time. I am only wearing one spray at the moment; it’s creamier than I expected, and not as rosy as I expected, but I still like it a lot. A full-price bottle is probably beyond what I’d ever want to spend, but I’m still happy to finally be trying it after having read so much about it.
2. Last purchase was Voyage d’Hermès EDP, a Christmas present to myself. I really love it for the cardamom in it, which is one of my favorite notes; I find it lasts well to the end of the scent, especially in the EDP.
3. In an effort to keep up my French now that I am back in the States, I am reading through some fairy tale books in French. It’s rather fun, I’ve always found fairy tales, mythology, etc. interesting.
Bought my 3.4oz bottle of Lyric from Fragrancenet for about $170–not cheap but could be worse! They have pretty regular discounts, etc., so if you decide you like it, it’s worth keeping an eye out! And I agree–not very rosy, but has a nice rosy glow, IMO.
I didn’t know Fragrancenet had Amouage… thanks for the tip, if I decide I want it I’ll keep an eye out for it there!
My happy things and SOTD are the same–a good friend and his wife came to town this weekend and took me out to dinner last night for my birthday, which was delicious and SO fun, not least because she had tons of perfume questions, so we decided we’d better spend this afternoon smelling alllll the orange blossom scents! Ideal perfumista birthday.
(For those keeping score at home, “alllll the orange blossom scents” today included: Houbigant Oranger en Fleur; Elie Saab in several different concentrations; 24, Faubourg; and Kilian Sweet Redemption. And then I sent her home with Jo Malone Orange Blossom, Serge Fleurs d’Oranger, and Seville à l’Aube. She maybe thinks I’m certifiable, but we had a great time anyway.)
Happy Birthday!! You smell fabulous!!
Thanks Rappleyea!! We came away positively soaked in orange blossom–I think I actually need to take some disinfecting wipes to my cell phone case, because, lemme tell you, they are not kidding about the “Intense” in the Elie Saab Parfum Intense! I sprayed on paper and now anything that came in contact with the card is radioactive!
I’ve been wanting to try that one. Is it nice, if one doesn’t mind nuclear strength?
And Happy Birthday–it does sound like a perfect evening to me!
Thanks Laurels! Yes, I actually think the Parfum Intense is really lovely–whereas I felt like the difference between the EDT and EDP was largely just matter of strength (and therefore I prefer the EDT for wearability, even if I have to touch it up periodically), the Parfum Intense definitely has a somewhat darker/deeper quality which I thought was quite beautiful. Actually that’s why I stuck the card in my purse, I would have gone back to try it on skin sometime, if it hadn’t turned out to be so overwhelming to me. I think you should def give it a shot if the volume won’t bother you!
Ooh. Happy birthday and have fun playing with perfume with someone new! Always a good time if they’re game to explore with you!
SO fun. It was great because even without any particular background in perfume, her favorites include Jour, Baiser Volé, and Ambre des Merveilles, so she’s a pretty prime target for conversion to full-blown perfumania 🙂 In addition to the orange blossoms, the Saks we were in had Kilian and the Dior Private Collection, and I think these definitely piqued her curiosity about the world of niche fragrances… (Mwuhahahaha!)
As an aside, have others heard that the Baiser Volé EDT has been discontinued? Neither the Saks nor Bloomingdale’s we were in had it, and an SA at Bloomie’s insisted it was, but I was/am sort of skeptical (she said some other things that were def not accurate)…
Today I am wearing Boss Bottled Night.
The last fragrance purchase was ‘Hommage a L’Homme’ Eau de Toilette by Lalique…LOVE IT!
The TV series I am currently watching is CHEF! it is an old 90’s British comedy series that friends told me about…really like it. I am into BBC lately and really enjoying it.
1. My nose is stuffed up today, but I still doused myself with Vanille Insensee. Even if I can’t smell it, the husband and the cat can.
2. Last two purchases two weeks ago and today: Nearly full bottle of Erbolario Meharees and a micro bottle of vintage Weil Antilope, both from eBay.
3. I’m wearing a gorgeous two strand citrine necklace that I made for myself. Now I’m looking into making my own clothes out of leather. Well on my way to visibly becoming the town crazy lady.
Also, the swap is making me very happy. Made some very satisfying trades and now I’m sitting here like a bloated python who has just eaten a gazelle.
Oooh, I love citrine! I bet it’s gorgeous. Good for you!!
Aw thanks, Rappleyea. I read somewhere that citrine is very good for your thyroid gland so I bought some strands of tumbled stones and put them together so that they are in contact with the base of my neck. I’ve been getting very excited about custom making my own jewelry and clothing. I hardly ever find things that are just right, so decided that I can just buy the fabrics/leather that I want to wear and custom make everything. I read that Georgia O’Keeffe had identical white dresses made for Summer and black ones for Winter and that’s all she wore in the last decades of her life.
If you’re interested in stones for healing (it’s vibrational and physics, you eye rollers, not woo woo 😉 ), a good resource is Judy Hall’s The Crystal Bible.
Heehee! I’ve been ignoring eyerollers for a very long time now. So funny you would mention Crystal bible, I have vol 1 and 2 of the bible and refer to it regularly. I have many crystal books and those are my go to’s. I think it’s great that jewelry can be both beautiful and functionally healing at the same time. I love that these things come out of the Earth just like us and are not manufactured.
I’ve been thinking about what scent would go with the golden yellow citrine piece I just made. Any ideas?
This is actually a reply to Sajini.
Congradulations on finishing major project. Are you a beader, or did you use some other technique for your piece?
I tend to think of yellow citrine as formal and expensive, so I would think about a classic sophisticated scent like Mitsouko or even a scent with honey notes.
If your citrine stones were rough cuts or with inclusions, maybe an unusual niche fragrance would match your unique gems.
Oh those are wonderful suggestons. Thank you Dilana. They are two strands of rough cut and tumbled citrine stones with rainbows, cracks, inclusions, sparkley bits. The holes for stringing are set at odd angles so that the stones are at all different angles when strung together. In between each citrine, I used micro brass seed beads so that the two strands look like a twisted blooming forsythia vine with little seeds poking out between the blossoms. I like your idea of Mitsouko or another perfume from that era, maybe Balenciaga Le Dix pure parfum.
I agree with Mitsouko, also maybe the balsamic scents: Mecca Balsam, SSS Incense Pure, Goutal Myrrhe Ardente, etc.
And possibly yellow flowers like linden? Tauer’s linden, Zeta or Malone’s Lime Blossom (? may not be the right name).
Great suggestions, Rappleyea! I like the idea of balsams and yellow flowers. Going to try SSS Incense and dig through my stuff to find out if there’s a yellow flower that suits.
I love citrine too. I have a ring with a citrine in it and it’s one of my favorites.
Citrine seems like such a perfect stone to wear to celebrate the return of the sun.
Well, you know, Poodle I would love to swap a custom citrine piece for perfume… I have your box o stuff ready to ship but if you want to do another deal I can make a piece for you and ship everything a little later in the week. If interested I will email you a picture of the two strand necklace.
Shoe update: I tried on some more birkies today and they were bloody uncomfortable. Felt like the soles of my feet were being attacked by an army of hard angry lumps plus made me look like a major duckfoot. Finally I found a pair of Clarks sandals that were comfortable and supportive and really cute so I got them.
Birkenstocks can take a while to break in. The soles will get softer, but the duck look will not go away. Some of us are OK with that 🙂 I’m glad that you found something that you find comfortable and cute. What is the style/model? I want to Google a pic.
Oh sorry Kindcrow, I didn’t mean to insult the duck look. The sandals I ended up getting are called Lexi Willow. They are actually a lot more elegant looking on than in the photos because a person can actually move with grace when her feet don’t hurt. I’m sure the same is true of Birkies.
Oh, no offense taken 🙂 The LWs look nice.
I picked up Amouage samples at TPS last Sunday. My beloved Ubar and some new ones. Interlude,
Memoir and Fate. Today is blustery and Fate was my choice. I like it, but it is a handful!
The SA introduced me to a line I was not familiar with, Tiziana Terenzi. I fell for one of their scents, Ecstasy, on the spot. I had no business purchasing a FB, but that is what happened. This company also makes some terrific smelling candles. Anyone have any experience with this co.? I had never even heard of them.
1. I started out wearing Jovan Musk.. I got a 11ml bottle on a whim at Walgreen’s because it was on clearance for basically free ($2.50). It also carries a nostalgia factor because my mom wears really similar stuff. When I sprayed a little bit in the store, I swear I felt like my mom was standing right there. Then I sprayed some Rose Jam over it because I was trying to decide if I wanted to put it up for swap or keep it. The Rose Jam stays for now. And the musk and Rose Jam make a good team.
2. In a moment of weakness at Ross today, I bought a 30ml of Lady Gaga Fame. Because it was $12 and what the hell. I’m weak, I tell you! wwweeeeeeeaaaaakkk!
3. Got all my stuff posted for swap a little while ago, and three things are gone already! Yay!
My mom wears Jovan Musk for Women too.
Lady G is found cheap everywhere lately…thinking about getting an fb too for the honey note.
scent of day is lush breath of god, which suits the early autumn weather in new zealand.
last bottle bought was actually a terre d’hermes knockoff called Terre Perfume. I tried in the store and thought it was really nice and kind of similar, but later I realised I was already wearing jardin sur le toit, and that was what I was smelling.
The scent is just a vague impression of terre d’hermes, though the bottle and packaging is surprisingly close.
I don’t particularly regret the purchase because it satisfied my curiousity about those cheapie perfumes, but I don’t know what I’m going to do with it! Maybe given it could have some use in cleaning???
Wonderful to read so many great things on the poll today. I’m glad life is going so well for you all!
1) SOTD is JHAG Romantina. Got a 2mL sample in a trade, and I’m surprised how much I like it. I’m about to finish the sample, would love another 5mL or so, but really don’t want another 50 mL.
2) Last thing I bought were some samples at a gigantic rummage sale near where I live. I found 1mL of Bois des Iles (whoa, possibly too much sandalwood), about 3mL of Mure et Musc (I have to assume the decant had turned, because that stuff smelled AWFUL on me), also 3mL CdG Incense Zagorsk (very interesting, possibly too much cumin, but I’m still testing).
3) Something good–It was a beautiful day here and I was able to be out and about in it. I’m moving to NYC in several months, and am beyond ecstatic to return there.
Woo hoo on the move to NYC…you have to let us know when you do, OK?
Oh nice, you know, I liked Romantina too. I should revisit that. Thanks for the reminder!
Missionista…your email is sending out weird emails again….
1-SOTD = Serge Lutens Chergui. I went to a big 1st birthday bash for my cousin’s son. 120 people!
2-I did retail therapy yesterday and I bought 3 FBs but I will confess to only one right now and I’ll incur Donatella’s wrath in a few weeks’ time for the other two. I bought Prada Exclusives No. 2 Oeillet 30 mLs – Love!
3-I switched to using an iPhone and it is working out better than I thought! Now, I am having fun looking for the perfect case/purse to go with it.
Oh gosh, the suspense is killing me, can’t wait to find out what the other two were! Could you be induced to spill the details if I made my confession now? I bought but then managed to pawn off to birthday elves bottles of Marni Rose and Navegar and a backup jar of Blackberry and Bay cream. Even though they were gifts, I feel so profligate racking all these up in such short order!
LOL…so I’ll spill on the other two but then you’ll have to wait for the three I ordered today (2 of which were because I tried for but my swap proposals were not accepted). When I’m bad, I am really bad.
So the other 2 were Annick Goutal Vanille Exquise which I had been thinking about for a while and Nez a Nez Figues & Garcons which is in the love at first sniff category. Bendel’s has a 20% sale off everything through March 18th.
Oh my gosh they do?? Uh oh 🙂 Congratulations on the new lovelies! And I can’t wait to hear what’s joining them. Haha what fun–take that, winter!! (…I woke up to, let’s say conservatively, eight inches of fresh snow.)
Well we got lucky here (NY/NJ)…not even one flake! I believe southern NJ got some.
1. Today I am wearing Bond No 9 – Broadway Nights. I tested it out while I was at Saks today and it was fun enough I didn’t bother washing it off.
2. I got a bottle of Mitsouko today and this week I scored a bottle of Youth Dew – Amber Nude on ebay. I love me some youth dew.
3. Something wonderful? I leave for a 10 day trip to Peru tomorrow. WHEEEEEEEEE!
1) No real SOTD today. I went shoe shopping and tested out a few things while I was at the mall. Dillard’s had this year’s version of EL Bronze Goddess. I was surprised at how light it was–I could barely smell it, although what I did smell smelled like summer.
2) The last two things I bought were a split of Oriza L. Legrand Chypre Mousse and a 9 ml spray of Lush Tuca Tuca. I do not regret either one. I have not tested the Chypre Mousse enough yet to be sure how I like it, but it is certainly unusual. Tuca Tuca was the one that stood out to me from a batch of Lush sample vials that I got recently. The 9 ml size is just perfect too–really a decant, not a FB, so no regrets there either.
3) Something wonderful–DH and I will be having our 25th anniversary next year, and are hoping to celebrate it in Hawaii.
50, are you saying that BG seems even lighter than before? I haven’t opened my newest bottle, yet, but in general, it is a pretty light scent. I feel no worries about dousing myself in 10+ spritzes before I leave the house! However, I’d be disappointed if it got even lighter.
I’ve heard a lot about Chypree Mousse here lately. Might have to go find a sample and see what all the hubbub is about.
And congrats on 25 years AND Hawaii! Super fun!
I am wearing BeBe Nouveau and I can’t believe how much I love this fragrance. I really don’t own any perfume that cost me less than $100, my love of niche fragrances have gotten out of control! And I pretty much blame this site for that too! In fact most of my most worn fumes cost over $250! Yikes!!! So this one cost me $35 bucks for the 3.4 size and I cannot get enough of it! Maybe it’s the grapefruit vanilla combo that just reels me in. Another note that is done so well in this is the frangipani, it’s gorgeous. If I had to compare it to another fragrance it would be LouLou, remember that one. This is not as loud or as tenacious as that one, but in the same vein. As you can tell I’m smitten with this silly bebe creation, and if somebody asks me what it is I might just tell them it’s some Guerlain from France!! Loving it! Oh and I just cut about 9 inches of my hair and feel free! Spring in Florida is so far, amazing!!!
Sotd is Azyade. Autumn is finally arriving and I can begin to bring out some beloved cooler weather frags. And my cardigan!
Last purchase was 2 little 30ml Roger& Gallet’s- Blue Lotus and Citron. Because I’ve been really really good and I wanted something new and cheap (ok I did buy Roma not long ago-much better than I thought itd be!). They were $19 each but the blue lotus came up as a gwp and the sa seemed confused but went ‘oh well’ and honored it- so 2 for $19. Which is good because I think they’re nice but I certainly don’t love them.
Last week was still hot hot summer so I went to an outdoor deckchair cinema by myself with wine and watched Violette, about Violette Leduc. I loved it! And one of the main characters was Jacques Guerin of Parfums d’Orsay, which was founded by his mother. I was so excited to see a perfumer in the movie! (although Violette was far more interested in his leopard rug than the perfumes in front of her….)
Great movie rec for this crowd! Thank you!
Late to the party, as usual!!
No SOTD–just getting over a bad cold. In spite of one the worst winters in memory, I was successful at avoiding the flu, pneumonia, bronchitis, etc….but the minute the weather warmed up, BAM!!!!
I have already broken my New Year’s resolution to sample and use up everything in my collection and NOT to buy any more perfume, but it was just too tempting. I got a great deal on 31 Rue Cambon, unopened–now open and just wonderful. Donatella will hear my confession in the next quarterly wrap up.
Good news all around now that Spring seems near. Some big family events in early May will bring together both sides of the clan, which is always a good time for everybody. I wish all of you a lovely day, week, month, year….life!
Ha! Donatella totally forgives you. It was a very long winter and you deserve every delicious drop of that Rue!
I’ve got the weather change cold lurgy too right now. Not really so bad except not being able to smell properly is annoying!
I feel your pain…come Springtime in September here,I don’t get seasonal hayfever,but a cold that stops just short of Pneumonia!!Like clockwork every year!Haha!
This winter broke my resolution to not buy more samples too. Retail therapy seemed the correct response to the endless winter
A bad cold may be a good opportunity to break out some of the spare samples, just to pick up the spirits a little.
Happy Sunday!
Gosh, everyone is so dang positive this morning (still morning here)… and I only have things to gripe about.
First, husband got me a subscription to monthly Olfactif samples for Valentine’s Day, and so far they’ve been meh to bleh. Bleh this morning was Perfect Nectar by Sarah Horowitz, which makes me smell like a mango candy lifesaver and then fades to a cheap heavily scented fruity shampoo.
Second, I am reading “The Perfume Collector,” which is just silly, predictable, cliched, and annoying–but I feel compelled as always to see the book to the bitter end.
Third, we have a rodent problem… not sure if it is rats or mice, could be both. We can hear them in the wall, and the cats go crazy (useless, but crazy). And, I’ve been noticing droppings in the basement. I had this wacky idea that if I scented the basement with something, it would scare away the mice. For the last three weeks I’ve been spraying Ma Griffe down there where the trail of droppings had been… and voila! nothing. gone. poof. But then I ran out of Ma Griffe so switched to Missoni–a bottle I’ve had a vexed relationship with, and wouldn’t you know it… the mice could care less. They are back to their old route, not in the least put off by Maurice Roucel’s creation. Can’t seem to love the fragrance, and it doesn’t scare mice…
Sorry to hear your samples have been so bad. That is disappointing as it’s a lovely idea for a gift.
And your mini-review of The Perfume Collector is really depressing as I downloaded it when it was a recent Kindle Daily Deal. Darn!
But… I know it isn’t funny to you, but I’m ROTFL at your mice and perfume story!
I really liked this book, but you never know, I guess.
I wonder if a fragrance with civet notes would be good for that purpose.
I’m a bit cranky myself. I was hoping a visit to Pollyanna’s Party Pit would get me back on track, but alas … I should have gone to Weekend Whine-O-Rama.
I commiserate with you. Not a fan of the March Olfactif offering, either. I haven’t read “The Perfume Collector” but just finished “The Goldfinch” and was mightily disappointed by the ending.
Thanks for the rodent saga … three weeks of spraying Ma Griffe. LOL. Please keep us posted.
My good news is that one of my best friends has heeded my friendly advice not to send me a pic of the results of her taking laxatives in the hospital. Let’s just say I’ve already received enough illustration of other bodily fluids …
and … apparently my brain is not working. This was in reply to Oakland Fresca.
Hi guys!!Hope everyone had an awesome weekend!It’s 23:34 over here in South Africa,so weekend almost over.
SOTD was Ben Sherman in the black Union Jack bottle.Easy masculine,lovely on a late summers’ day
Today a local retailer had an incredible 35% off special on Dior and Chanel perfumes.Now HOW could I resist that??Hypnotic Poison in the new EDP,and a backup Dior Homme went into the basket…Soooo HAPPY!!Haha!Also scored a fantastic array of samples I have been dying to try,including the new Karl Largerfeld duo(I like the 1 “for women” best!)
Happy Sunday eve to all,and have a great week!
Fall is looming over here,so I guess Spring is in the air for most of you up North!Enjoy!
Greetings from South Africa,Johanob:-))
Very late due to a 3-day liveblogging virtual party on the Capitol Weather Gang for our amazing St. Patrick’s Day snowstorm! I wore L’AP Traversee du Bosphore today, which was just right. The last perfume I bought was SNM Melograno, which I like so much that I wore it three days in a row (although admittedly I sometimes layered it sometimes by putting Prada Iris on one wrist). As Scent for Thought concluded, “Although it’s sharp, unusual and slightly synthetic, one still has an inexplicable soft spot for it…”
My last big purchase was Amouage Beloved (discounted). I love it and come back to it at least every other week, which is unusually frequent for me and my vast collection. It’s incredibly beautiful and satisfying.
I went to the new Laib Wax Room at the Phillips Collection this week, an installation by German artist Wolfgang Laib. He lined the walls and ceiling of a closet-sized space with fragrant beeswax and has illuminated it with a single bare light bulb. The wax smells beautiful.
I also read a wonderful sci-fi book, Great North Road by Peter F. Hamilton.
Interesting SOTD tidbit! Last night I had my little box of samples from Lucky Scent out, just to remind myself of what I have, etc. My 9 year old (budding perfumista) daughter LOVES to look at this little treasure box and sniff. After opening several vials and sniffing, we both managed to get a bit of several on and we both smelled fabulous! My hubby asked what I was wearing…and sadly, I have no idea. It’s a beautiful layer of several! 🙂