Today's community project: wear a fragrance by Chanel! Do tell what you picked, and how it's working for you today. Does it say 'Chanel' to you?
If you're not wearing Chanel for whatever reason, we don't mind at all — do chime in with your scent of the day anyway.
I'm wearing Cristalle, in the original Eau de Toilette format. It launched in 1973, after the death of Coco Chanel but before Karl Lagerfeld came on board. It only came in Eau de Toilette until 1993, when they added the Eau de Parfum in effort to get women to wear it year-round instead of only in the summer.
I smell mossy and citrus-y, and fresh, if you're willing to allow that a crisp classic chypre can smell fresh. Cristalle was the first Chanel scent I ever wore, and until I became a perfumista, the only Chanel scent I wore. When I first bought it, it did not say Chanel to me, and that was a plus: I thought of Chanel perfumes as fusty and old-fashioned. Now, of course, Cristalle is old-fashioned, and younger Chanel consumers are wearing Chance flankers.
Reminder: next week, on Friday the 13th, wear your own version of 'Eau de Protection', i.e. something that brings you good luck or otherwise makes you feel safe and happy.
Left the house with the tiniest spritz of Bois des Iles. And gosh darnit, I smell good. 🙂
Ah, so you do 🙂
That’s the only “classic” Chanel scent I own.
It was Bois des Iles for me too, but for all the wrong reasons: the only Chanel FB I have is 31 r. Cambon, but that’s my “empowering scent” so it’s postponed to next week. So, I noticed BdI was my only Chanel sample (from the first exclusifs series) and decided to give it another chance, but no, as usual it perfoms its disappearing act after 1-2 hours.
Wearing Bois des Iles (vintage Eau de Cologne) – a fantastic version of this scent. I like the current Exclusif EdT but this version most likely contains Mysore sandalwood so it has that wonderful ‘gingerbread’ note that I’m assuming is achieved from those razor sharp aldehydes and sandalwood. I adore it and I was lucky because it was a blind buy (eBay). I wish I owned a bigger bottle, I would splash it on.
Later on today I’ll wear Jersey, a favorite since I’m a big lavender fan. Interested to see if anyone loves/owns the new Jersey Extrait.
TGIF!
I still haven’t tried the Exclusif version, keep meaning to but never get around to it. I love my Extrait, though…it’s one of very few I’ve dished out the $ for.
I tried the Jersey Extrait and so love it. The lavender is just gorgeous. A girl can dream..
I’m wearing Spicebomb. I debated for months about purchasing it. A few months ago had the chance to go to the L’Oreal employee store and was able to get it for over 40% off. I really enjoy the scent and get compliments whenever I wear it.
I really like that one, and want to try the Eau Fraiche. Wish they’d done a Spicebomb Femme instead of Bonbon 🙂
Hear Hear!
I also love Spicebomb and always get compliments on it.
I love Spicebomb. I keep getting samples “for my husband” at Sephora and forgetting to give them to him. One of these days I may have to spring for a bottle (for him, of course 😉 ).
I love Spicebomb. It doesn’t do well in the triple-digit heat we will soon have 🙁
Hubby is getting a bottle of Spicebomb for his birthday at the end of the month. I can’t wait to steal some from him.
Good morning everyone,
My Friday Chanel is Eau Premiere. I first became aware of it via a scent strip in a magazine, modeled/fronted by Nicole Kidman. I typically loathe those raspy, synthetic strips, but was quite taken with the one for Eau Premiere.
When I first sprayed it on, however, I didn’t like it at all and was reminded too much of the original. Never wore no 5–don’t hate it, but never really cared for it either. I actually like to smell like flowers!
Re-tried EP a couple of years ago, and again no dice. But, the last time I sampled–think it was right around this time last year–I enjoyed it tremendously. The fizzy, cheerful opening reminds me of ginger ale which quickly gives way to a sparkly, powdery, citric but not overly lemony scent. Used to be powder-averse, but now it’s a facet I can appreciate. The drydown is where it most resembles no 5, but lightened to a degree I can manage!
Nice! I should probably re-try that one. I definitely like it better than No. 5, & glad they added it to the regular line up.
Love Eau Premiere! It is one of my go to scents when I don’t know what to wear. . .perfect for nearly every situation. Close enough to my mom’s No. 5 that it is comforting, but bright and cheery. You smell great 😀
The scent strip with Nicole Kidman for eau Premier was the fragrance that sent me down the rabbit hole. I’d always had about 7-10 year fragrances during my 20s & 30s, but never knew about the level of research or perfumista-hood I could achieve. I was really aggrivated b/c, if you recall, they released it (with those ads) and then pulled it (some packaging problem?), and then brought it out finally. I was so perturbed I couldn’t get my hands on this lovely new fragrance (my entrance into eventually loving NO 5), that I was frantically searching over the web for it. And lo and behold, I found NST….. So Eau Premier holds a great place in my heart for two wonderful reasons. Good choice!
I’d forgotten about that packaging problem. How funny that your acquisition difficulty led you to NST!
Wearing 31 Rue Cambon, and feeling like one of those elegant Manhattan ladies with their grey suits and designer purses, as I do housework in flannel pajamas. A tropical rain pours outside, and our dog keeps insisting on coming inside all smelly and swet, because he is afraid of the tunders.
I meant wet, sorry for the typo.
It really is such an elegant scent, probably the most elegant they’ve done in modern times.
You smell beautiful. I hope the puppy appreciates it too.
31 RC *is* elegant. I love it. I thought about wearing that today, too, but I’m off work today, and wearing jeans, so it did not fit my vibe. Sometimes I can pull off the contrast in scent and clothes, and delight in the juxtaposition. . .but I like your idea of 31 RC for a wet day better. I’ll bust it out then. Enjoy your amazing sillage. . .
Love that one — it’s my go-to elegant, grown-up “professional” scent. (I guess I shouldn’t go on about grown-up scents, since I’m now way too old and everyone would consider me grown-up without the scent…sigh.)
I was considering wearing it today, too! But I’ve had to be professional all week during a business trip, and am home in my home office today, so I think I’ll go for something else (just got back from my jog, so I’ve got a little longer to consider).
Wearing 28 La Pausa as per our coordinated efforts… I smell like a billionare who has just won the lottery and is gloating in a fragrant wood garden dotted with irises.. 😀
So spot on…every time I smell it, I think “money”.
Me too. It’s the same for that one, 31 Rue Cambon, and the Cuir de Russie I have on. They just smell expensive and luxurious.
Helps that none of them are cheap 🙂
You smell fabulous!!
I’m wearing No. 5 Eau Premiere, and I smell like lemons, roses, soap and bright golden light. This one might be my “eau de protection” next week, too — I sometimes refer to it as the armor of my foremothers.
Oh, I do like “the armor of my foremothers”! Nice.
I agree. “Armor of our foremothers” how about that for a Friday community scent?
Love that,Melissa!
Love your description – smelling like a bright golden light sounds nice. I never liked No. 5, but now I want to try the Eau Premiere … more to add to my list!
Melissa; Funny you mention that b/c I’m thinking that No 5 edt is my current eau de protection and I was thinking of wearing it next week…..
Yes! I read a blog comment once that described Chanel No. 5 as the “rolling up the tinted window of your limousine” of perfume.
LOL! Excellent.
Melissa: if it can ad perfect hologram of a perfectly put together woman, then I believe it! I think I need some sort of chart that tracks my level of discombobulation to the level I need/love No 5. I’m creating my limo happy place right now!
Putting this one on my list to try!
SOTD is Bois d’Iles EdT. This and No 19 EDP and Eau Premiere are the only FB Chanel i own. Bois d’Iles is my favorite, otherwise Chanel often feels too cold and petfect for my taste, if you understand what I mean. I’m much more of a Guerlain and Amouage girl.
My favorite too 🙂
I’m wearing 28 La Pausa. I love it and even appreciate the vetiver—which is not always the case—that’s lurking here behind the iris.
But here’s the odd thing… the last few times I’ve traveled I’ve worn just a dab of this because I figured it’s so light, especially if I put it on a few hours before I actually get on the plane, that it can’t possibly bother anyone. The problem is I really don’t like to fly, and this morning when I put it on, for just a minute I got that sort of grumpy/unhappy sensation I have when I’m headed for the airport… so I’ve apparently created a bad association with it. Guess I need to wear it more for different occasions!
My favorite Chanel,it’s perfect!!You smell fantastic!!
Yikes! You are going to start to have some fun with that frag now!
Wow, interesting.
I do think about that. There are certain scents that for whatever reason I’ve created associations to good and not so good things.
I hope that never happens with some of my favorite perfumes!
Same happens to me a lot: scents acquire associations which cling, and I sometimes try to shake them
I am wearing Cuir de Russie edt on each wrist and vintage No. 5 edp on my collarbones, I needed to smell a little sweeter today than CdR alone. I looked at the level of my No. 5 bottle and there is about 5 mls remaining from a bottle I bought in the 1980’s. I don’t think I will replace it when it’s gone. I have fallen in love with Bois des Iles extrait and need to save my $$$ for when it’s gone–and at the rate I wear it it may be quite soon!
A double whammy of classic Chanel 🙂
In my imagination, I am wearing Chanel Beige. I have no idea what it smells like, but for some reason, I have always been quite intrigued by it. I guess one day I will get around to sniff it. If anyone has ever experienced it, please tell me what you thought of it.
In reality, since I didn’t have any Chanel fragrances, I am wearing Elie Saab “Intense”. Like it a lot, but not sure if it would really be considered a Spring / Summer fragrance. I could be wrong, but it seems to be more of a Fall / Winter fragrance. Hope everyone has a “Fabulous Friday”.
Love that you’re wearing Beige “in your imagination”!
Love that you are wearing an imaginary perfume!
To me beige smells easy (in a very good way).
A bit of soapy aldehydes on top, then anise, some abstract flowers – light, white and slightly creamy- and a hint of honey. Sprinkle a bit of Chanel’s “blurred luminous abstraction” and you have Beige (at least as my nose smells it)!
But how do *you* imagine it? I often indulge in imagining perfumes that strike my fancy, but I usually get them all wrong!!! ;p
I know you will like Beige, you gotta try it sometime.
Coco!!
I smell damn good.
That is all.
You sure do!
I’ll second that!
Word. I probably wear Coco more in warm weather than in cold, it blooms in such a beautiful way.
La Pausa. Appropriate also because I received it through a freebiemeet on NST 🙂
Hey, what a nice freebie!
I decided to apply a little bit of Sycomore today, even though it might be a bit much for the heat/humidity.
I am lemming a bottle of Egoiste Platinum, maybe if I had that I would be wearing it today instead! 🙂
I thought Sycomore sounded nice when I read a description of the notes. How would you describe it, Relleric?
Smoky vetiver. If you know what Encre Noir (Lalique) is like, they are very similar to my nose, perhaps the Lalique is a little smokier and at the same time, a little more coarse.
Love Encre Noir – thanks for your description
I’ll just go ahead and post here since I decided to do something a little different, and I wore Sycamore today as well. I don’t really reach for my small decant very often, and I can’t remember the last time I put it on. It seemed to me about a year or so ago, that Sycamore smells a lot like the scent the woods give up after a good hard rain. As I’m outside today doing yard work, and it’s very cool and blustery, it seemed to fit the bill. I can’t get enough of that smokey vetiver!! It is so earthy and sensual. If I smelled this on a man, I’d just die and go to heaven.
Hmmm – no account for spelling. Yes, that’s Sycomore….
I hadn’t tried this until fairly recently, the closest Saks carries about 6 of the Exclusif range, at least from what I remember when seeing the bottles in the Chanel boutique.
I think it is a lovely fragrance, but to me it is so close to Encre Noir, which is a lot cheaper and much easier to come by, that I would never splurge for it.
I’ve never smelled Encre Noir, so now I’ll absolutely have to!
My Chanel pick was Bel Respiro. I explained it to my mom as smelling like a privet hedge, very green, but there is clearly a garden of flowers behind the wall. It fades quickly, so it’s not very intrusive. I went nuts spraying it, as I’m at home this morning. I was hoping it would be one of the scents made into extrait, as I wish it would last longer. I don’t give it enough skin time, but I think it’s because it is so fleeting. Be well.
I was hoping it would be an extrait too. A body cream would be great, too…
I am wearing Bel Respiro, from one of those cute little minis that I got in a swap. I have–and genuinely love–no. 5, but I thought BR would be appropriate for a muggy SE Texas day.
Exactly! I’m in Texas, too 😀 Funny that our comments posted about the same time, and we chose the same Chanel. Bel Respiro’s crisp green floral has been nice in the muggy heat. Be well.
Hah, I’m also in Texas and have been wearing Bel Respiro A LOT these days (though not today…!)
I’m in Texas as well! I need to try this. I’m wearing No.5 Eau premiere. It’s very easy to wear at work.
Testing Christalle EDP again today. Wasn’t crazy about it the first couple tries, but a bit better today. We’ll see. My favorite, favorite Chanel is 31 Rue Cambon. It’s my “confidence” scent. Seemed a bit wasted on a day at home with the twins. But, maybe not, because heaven knows I need lots of confidence (and patience) with two three-year-olds. 🙂 Happy Friday everyone!
Sorry, Cristalle. Silly autocorrect.
Twins! Me too. I’m glad that they’ve grown past the phase of spraying my perfume around …. though the one boy smelled very nice in Marni 😉
My boys haven’t really tried that… yet. They are very interested in the perfume box, but seem afraid to touch anything, which I encourage. I bet he did smell wonderful wearing Marni — it wouldn’t be hard considering the normal boy smell. 🙂
This morning I picked up my bottle of original Cristalle EDT (bought half-full at auction a few years ago). Then I reconsidered because I do love Cristalle Eau Vert in the spring and summer and put it on instead. It’s simple but very pretty. I also have a small bottle of Cristalle EDP, so I guess you could say I’m a real fan of all things Cristalle :).
If it still had moss, I’d still be buying it. This & Diorissimo were my two most-worn when I was young.
Not very creative, but: No. 5 Eau de Parfum. Still my favorite Chanel, with the exception of No. 5 extrait! I think I smell wonderful. 🙂
Yes,you do!!
I love no. 5! It was one of the first perfumes I experienced, sniffing from the bottles on my mother’s dressing table. I have a bottle of vintage no. 5 extrait that I got from eBay, still sealed and in the original box, and it is indeed beautiful.
I’ve been liking Eau Premier and then vintage extrait a lot these past few years, although I would really only wear the parfum at home. But something about this winter and spring and where my mind and nose were catapulted No 5 to the top of my HG list. I am just super enamored with it – vintage, current, edp, edt, lotions, all of it! I discovered that I love the edt the best. Ah, No 5.
Me too, Ann. It took EP to help me understand the real deal. Now I’ve lost my head over it. I’m afraid to try vintage No 5. That’s a rabbit hole I can’t afford!
I’m glad I have a “sister” to share about this newfound love of No 5. It really came up on me as quite a surprise probably b/c it just was hard for me to get it for a long time. You know, most of the vintage No 5 parfum I have is from ebay, from partially used bottles. You can usually get some for $30 or less. My favorite of the vintage are from the 80s (you can tell b/c they have a super tall/fat stopper. There is a lot of bottle reference online in case you are wondering how I know.) But I also have some bottles that go back to the 30s & 40s. The top notes are off, but after about 5 minutes they smell great. I don’t think I’ve ever bought an unopened No 5 – there are a lot of bargains to be found. I like to think of who had it before me and why she didn’t use it up….
Oh!!! Thanks for the info, Ann.
While I was still wearing Love’s Baby Soft, my older sister wore beautiful fragrances. I remember Fracas, Bal a Versailles, YSL Paris, and Chanel Cristalle. I little sister can pilfer a lot from the big sister without her knowing but perfume is definitely not one of those things! Without asking, I know that today my sister is wearing Tom Ford Violet Blond, and I’m wearing Chanel Cristalle EdP and thinking of her.
What a lovely memory, Nightingale. When I was too little to even think about wearing perfume myself my sister -10 years older -wore Cuir de Russie. A few years ago we stopped by the Chanel counter at Holt Renfrew to sniff Les Exclusifs, but of course nothing smelled the way it used to…
It’s Bel Respiro today because I needed something green in this weather.
Lots of Bel Respiro today. We should have had a mechanical poll so we could do a count…
Wearing some of my sample of Cuir de Russie. Warm and leathery and lovely.
It doesn’t really work for me, but agree it’s lovely!
SOTD: BRIT RHYTHM for Men by Burberry
I still have not smelled it!
Also wearing Bois des Iles EDT, from a sample. Wish I could say I love it, but it’s got a strong metallic tang that reminds me of sucking on a penny. I’m just not much of a Chanel girl, though I’d like to be.
Oh, interesting description! I love Bois des Iles but I can definitely see what you mean.
That angle is fading and it’s getting more comfortable. I think it must be a combination of the aldehydes and spice (clove?).
Typical me,was SOOO excited about Chanel-Friday…and then forgot when I chose my SOTD this morning!Lol!Will do Chanel tomorrow I think.But!SOTD is Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady,probably my favorite Rose-Patchouli,and also in my Top 5 perfumes of all time!And what better non-Chanel perfume to wear,to celebrate the icon that was Coco Chanel!You all smell fabulous,by the way!(esp the 28 La Pausa!)
Your memory sounds a lot like mine!
SOTD is No. 19. This is a new one for me, and I really like it! Unfortunately, this goes on the (expanding) list of Chanel perfumes that I want … Chanel perfumes just make me feel so pulled together and elegant!
Also, I started off early last night, with Coco before bed 😉
I have been testing Chanel fragrances all week (got some samples and spray strips from Douglas and had a mini bottle of No. 19 in my samples collection at home). I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m not a Chanel woman.
The No. 19 I tried after being advised here that it is a good way to identify iris as a note. I hated it! I kept it on for half a day, because sometimes I will like a perfume’s drydown, but No. 19 is a scrubber for me.
I tried Coco and was completely anosmic to it!
Years ago, a guy I knew wore Egoiste and I didn’t like it.
Smelling strips: every version Douglas had of Chance and its flankers, Cristalle, Allure, Allure Sensual, Antaeus. I disliked all.
I took home two small samples to try: Bleu de Chanel and Pour Monsieur. I took turns with them on my wrists today and again, it’s no go. The only one I sort of liked is Pour Monsieur.
A couple of years ago, I visited the Chanel Boutique in Amsterdam’s P.C. Hoofdstraat (our version of NY’s Park Avenue) and the extremely snooty sales assistent sprayed some 31 Rue Cambon on one wrist, Cuir de Russie on the other wrist and she reluctantly also gave me sprayed cards when I requested samples. I remember loving both scents and thinking them possibly fbw, but I would want to test-drive them a few times first. It was not possible to get samples, though. I like being treated with respect when I shop, and that was a very unwelcoming boutique and chilly, snobbish assistant. I can live without the fragrance (and negative association)!
It’s late afternoon now and I’m wearing Mirani’s Aqaba, which I have never stopped loving! I haven’t worn this in about a year, but rescued it from the back of my perfume closet. Mmmmmmmmmm!
Jonette, I’m half sorry, half happy to hear that I’m not the only person who is anosmic to Coco. Having heard that is was a spicy oriental, I was eager to try it, but could barely catch an occasional whiff, even when I put my nose directly to my wrist. I could only really appreciate it when I sprayed it on fabric. So disappointing.
btw – I also love Aqaba. When the weather cools down and I open my sweater drawer in my dresser, remnants of Aqaba worn the previous winter come wafting out. Never fails to make me smile. Such a warm and lovely scent.
Teri, I’m pleased I’m not the only one! Are you also (like me) anosmic to Mitsouko?
I find that Aqaba is wonderful in warm weather! Two days ago, it was so chilly, I needed to turn on the heat again in my house. Today was warm and tomorrow it’s expected to be in the mid-eighties! Then it’s supposed to get cool/cold again! (I’m in Holland). Anyway, I might spray on some Aqaba again tomorrow. The heat really makes the spices bloom.
I have a sample of Aqaba that I have not tried. Must remedy that!
Today I am wearing Aromatics Elixir, my usual Friday scent.
I do not have any Chanel scents just now, but am remembering the day I wore Cristalle – bought special for the occasion – my wedding in 1980. I’d like to smell the current version to see if I have a Proustian moment…
Hi, Nancyg – this is spooky. I got married in 1980 and Cristalle was my wedding perfume too! The current version is sadly a ghost of its former self.
Didn’t feel like chanel today, but wanted to play along – so I compromised:
Chanel bois des iles layered with SL’s a la nuit (the result is close to samsara, so I managed to Guerlainify my morning).
At lunch break the perfume had become so very quiet (too quiet), and the temperatures outside were raising quite a bit, so I popped in a perfume store and refreshed myself with N°19 edp.
But while there I caved and bought a Chanel eyeshadow (probably overpriced and similar to something I already own).
Note to self: stay away from perfume and make-up stores. I have no will-power in such matters.
There I was, saying I’m not a Chanel woman, but after reading your post, I realize in some ways I am. I wear Chanel lipstick and nail polish. I’ve tried all kinds of brands, and find that these two products from Chanel are superior to anything else I’ve tried.
On the other hand, I’ve just purchased some inexpensive HEMA
face makeup, which I think is every bit as good as some expensive brands I’ve had.
I really like Chanel eye shadows, that is, the slightly shimmery ones that don’t have glitter flakes. But one of the reasons that I shop for perfume online is my lack of willpower when faced with all the cosmetics.
Wearing the Coromandel I just received in a swap. It’s too warm a day for it, alas, but it is an elegant patchouli nonetheless.
Me too! It was a cool morning here so it fit perfectly, my patch of choice 🙂
I love the scents and own bottles of 31 Rue Cambon, Cuir de Russie, eau Premier and Cristalle. I’m wearing the latter, because it’s close to 80 here today, and the others feel too “heavy” to me in this weather.
Nice to know that many of us are scenting the air with Chanel (or other beloved fragrances) today!
I am afraid I do not own any Chanel – yet. I decided to wear Silences today, because it belongs to the same “genre” as No. 19. I do find No. 19 more elegant, though.
If I ever buy a Chanel, it will be No 19 or Coromandel (if I get access to it) or both. I also love Cristalle. I have to say I dislike Coco. I tested it once and it was too heavy for me.
Add me to the chorus of people wearing Bois des Iles. It is the only Chanel I own–a tiny little 1 mL sampler. It’s OK, but I just don’t love it. I have issues with pretty much every Chanel scent I try–Jersey went on OK, and then after the lavender dissipated, I hated it. I can’t stand #5. #19 didn’t make much of an impression, other than being slightly better than #5. What am I missing? What makes this house so great? How can I tap into that? I’ve actually been wearing Bois des Iles for several days now, trying to get into it. Just doesn’t call to me.
But I’m totally enjoying the idea of all of us in Chanel today.
I’d say to just be patient with yourself about Chanel. You may never like any of them. There is a lot in the house to examine and discover, a lot of Chanel is important for historical reasons, just like Guerlain or Caron (even though for all of them there is the argument they aren’t putting out the quality they used to). Just keep a few samples around and revisit from time to time. You just never know when your nose may “open up” about any fragrance or note.
Years ago I used to despise No 19 and Cristalle, until I “found” my love for galbanum through sampling AG Heure Exquise. Once that happened, the doors flew wide open, and I love most all galbanum heavy fragrances now (including one of my HG fragrances, Chamade). I didn’t “get” Bois des Iles until I “got” Sonoma Scent Studio Champange des Bois. That massive sandalwood and incense and amber in the SSS finally made sense to my nose, and BdI was soon to follow. You just never know. Similar to discovery of Sycomore: I realize after testing lots of other vetivers that I tend not to like the salty vetivers, but prefer the smokey vetivers. That also helped by having tested and learned about Habanita…. and so on it goes.
You’re spot on Ann. This is the same way my intense dislike for tuberose and big white florals turned to love. Come to think of it, iris as well. I’m still struggling with galbanum but I’m determined I shall one day love it! 🙂
Good luck with galbanum. When it finally happens the sky will open up and angels will sing. There are so many major galbanum fragrances, and you will get to enjoy them all! (I also had similar training wheels with big white, esp. tuberose, which used to make me feel sick for some reason. And now I really do enjoy tuberose, et. al. I can’t remember which one did it, but it was a slow process.)
I forgot about the Chanel theme and chose to wear Musc Nomade today. Love it!
Love that you are wearing Cristalle! My first ever post I read on this blog, or any perfume blog, was your Cristalle review!
That’s so funny!
It’s what got me round to this strange but wonderful hobby! That and the fact that you preferred Roger Moore to Sean Connery.
🙂
No 5. EDP. Would have worn it anyway as it is my scent for doing stressful things. Always makes me feel put together, like I am wearing a crisp white button-down and pearls. I wear it to appointments I don’t want to go to, job interviews, and hospital visits. Today was supposed to be take the cats to the vet day but one got outside during the scuffle and is sitting smugly in the neighbor’s locked easement. He has earned everyone a short reprieve.
Oh, Cats.
It seems like there are lots of us who use No 5 to feel all put together. I love the idea of it being a white shirt and pearls fragrance. It does that for me too. Also hose and heels. The only other fragrance I have that makes me feel that way is the Lancome Magie – bit aldehyde and jasmine fragrance.
Comparing the 2 vintage extraits of Bois des Iles that I own (thanks for telling me how to get the stopper unstuck)–the one in the micromini is deeper and smoother and is absolutely divine while my other one is fresher and greener and seems more “Chanel-like”. I, of course , prefer the one that I have less of.
Oh yea! You got it unstuck!
How luxurious! Two vintage BdIs side by side to sniff all day sounds lovely. I’m glad you got the bottle unstuck. Your grumble about wishing for more of the scent which you have the least cracks me up. Isn’t that a classic human reaction? I’d probably do the same exact thing. Enjoy them both 😀
I’m wearing 31RC. The opening is a bit strong for me (the aldehydes) but from there it just gets lovely, and more so by the hour. Definitely a sophisticated perfume, but I also think its not limited to the whole Chanel vibe. It’s very modern and I love it for that.
That one is growing on me. It would be divine as an extrait.
Yes, I agree! Many of us are holding our breath.
I’ve tried 31RC several times and each time that first sharp hit of aldehydes felt like a spike through my nostrils (gross, right?). I really should just spray something else first to temper that sharpness.
It’s so funny… there are a TON of notes that I really dislike, but I don’t mind aldehydes at all. Hardly notice them in 31RC. 🙂
I just got a sample of Eau Premiere recently, so decided to wear that today. I have a bottle of No. 5 EDT that was my grandmother’s. The EP feels softer – I also got the citrus that others are mentioning here today – and I miss the chilly feeling that I get from the EDT, even if that’s the exact reason I don’t wear it very often.
You are lucky to have a vintage bottle of the No 5 edt!
The No. 5 Eau Premiere smelled good on paper. I have a sample and need to wear it to see how much I like it. I must prefer the No. 5 EDT over the EDP.
Hi everyone! I’am wearing Chanel Gardenia today. My husband gave me a huge bottle of it last Christnas. It does smell Chanel to me, because it does not really smell like gardenias more like jasmine and orange flowers. It’d pretty and fleeting.
I love the Gardenia Extrait. It’s a favorite of mine.
I have a friend who wore that for her wedding years ago, so it always makes me think if her.
It’s fleeting. BTW, love that pic Robin.
It’s very Karl 🙂
It is rather isn’t it! 🙂
Christnas, a new holiday lol.I have to watch my spelling, darn smartphone. Yes it is very Karl. BTW, love these polls. Thankyou!
If I had Beige or 1932 I would have worn that, but since I don’t, I am in Tonka Imperiale.
The sun is out today here in Glasgow, so today I’m wearing Allure Homme Edition Blanche. It’s creamy and lemony, and just perfect for this lovely day. However, to paraphrase the vultures from Jungle Book, I’ve never met a Chanel I didn’t like!
Early on this week, I decided that I would be wearing Pour Monsieur. I got a 100ml bottle from my parents in the mid 80′ as a replacement for my empty bottle. Unfortunately, my bottle was the concentre version so the original Pour Monsieur was quite a shock. I did not like it at all.
Now I do love it.
Anyway, as I was saying, I decided to wear Pour Monsieur, so when came time to actually put it on, my hand went for the unused sample of No. 18 instead. Chanel day, might as well try a new one!
I should have kept to my original idea.
No.18 is just not me.
Before I could remember that it is Chanel SOTD day, the June Olfactif collection showed up in the mailbox, and now I’m wearing Wilde by Jardins d’Ecrivains (which is delicious). But for the past couple of days I’ve been wearing Chanel Allure, which I adore. I love vanilla, and Allure for me is like a big golden ball of creamy, elegant, vanilla light. So far Allure is the only Chanel fragrance I’ve become really attached to, though I admittedly haven’t tried many of them, including No. 5…though of course it’s on the (quite amazingly long) list. 🙂
CAN WE TALK ABOUT WILDE. I opened my Olfactif last night and the scent of it was wafting out (Did they spray it on the cards? If they did they are geniuses.) and had me immediately sniffing the vials to see which one all that beauty was. After I sprayed it I was just wandering around my apartment with my arm to my face. Holy cats, it’s amazing — cool to warm, sweet to dry, soapy to dirty. I’m going to try it a few more times like a darn grown-up, but I have a feeling I’ll be using my code this month.
How’s the fig in this? Can you compare it to any other fig scent? I love fig.
Disclaiming that I’ve only tested it once, I will say I very much love Philosykos and Premier Figuer and find most other figs to fall flat — something thin and synthetic about them? And Wilde did not put me off in that way. Wilde is not a fig solo — the top is a figgy fruity note made of grapes and citrus as well. It doesn’t last long, as some dirtiness — a smoky tea and a spicy carnation if the listed notes are to be believed — blows through quite quickly, and the primary impression I got of it was the mossy vetiver drydown.
Crap. You guys have created another lemming and I have really been blowing my allowance lately.
Thank you! Sounds very nice. I lean more towards Philosykos; Premier Figuer is too sweet for me. I like the carnation note idea.
Floragal, I’m wearing it again, and would call the fig closer to PF than Philosykos and much more fleeting and mixed with other notes than either. I think, and it looks like leathermountain would agree, it hinges a lot on how you react to the base.
I just read the reviews on Non Blonde and Chemist in the Bottle and found them very illuminating!
Leathermountain would agree. 😉 Melissa, you inspired me to check out those reviews, too. Evidently I am smelling roughly the same things as Non Blonde, although I don’t enjoy them nearly as much as she does. But Chemist says something about how definitely masculine Wilde is, and I find that very odd! Accepting as a premise, for the sake of discussion at least, the idea of masculine scents, I still don’t understand what could put Wilde into that category. Hmmmmm….
Yes, I would call it unisex!
For me Wilde is a very soapy fig. I would not say smoky or dirty at all, but tea and a hint of wet earth I can buy. Among figs, the only one I know very well is Ninfeo Mio, and Wilde feels much lighter and clearer, but still nice and green like NM. I think Wilde would be a versatile scent, and for me a bit too versatile… in the end I got a little bored with Wilde. Also, I’m pretty sure it has one of those aromachemicals that bug me, the kind that project a lot and are hard to consciously perceive. I think they contribute to the lightness/transparency effect, but in the end I find them niggling. This might be what they’re calling ‘vetiver.’ I don’t think I’d go so far as to call Wilde mossy. It feels very well put-together, and slightly but noticeably different from its cousins, so I’d recommend a testing if you’re into that kind of thing.
FWIW, after an initial love affair, it turns out that NM is often too sweet, too projecting, and too linear for me (although my wife loves for me to wear it, so I keep doing that just to see if I can rekindle my NM spark). If I wanted another fig, I might consider Wilde instead. But maybe I’m just not that into fig any more.
NM is not a fig to my nose. I get no fig, just lemon and lavender (& a headache if I use too much ;))
Thank you for posting in this!
Interesting, floragal, that you find no fig in NM. I do, but I originally fell for its greenness (and for context, this was before I knew about Silences). I’ve heard people make this comment about NM’s lemon (but never smelled it that way). I’ll have to smell again with lavender in mind, because I’ve never even considered that before! The headache part, unfortunately, I can relate to, along with the great ease of using too much.
I could imagine, maybe, getting a headache from Wilde, but it seems a lot less likely. And Wilde seems much easier to dose properly.
OMG I am sorry I missed this convo about Wilde, which I can now say, after wearing it half the day, that I completely love (though I became weirdly fixated on Mosaic for the rest of the afternoon…not because I *like* it so much as it triggered an intense sense memory for me of a long wonderful day at a natural springs in the Texas hill country – it smells just like sun-baked, wet limestone). The drydown was velvety and deliciously warm – maybe that’s the vetiver. I caught a whiff of fig, but not much (not as much as May’s Olfactif fig scent, Figue Fruitee, which both the spouse and I loved), and I think I caught the carnation. It’s by far my favorite of the three this month.
Yes, that’s what I loved about it too. And I had a similar feeling about Mosaic… Very interesting, unique, well done, a vivid scent memory, but kinda revolting to have on skin.
I didn’t wear my Cuir de Russie, which I love enough to have a bottle of the edt for warm weather and a bottle of parfum for cold, to test (again) La Pausa. After only a couple of hours I can smell it with nose to skin but that’s all, and I have scent-glue skin! It’s only meh on me. I wish I got what Kaos-geo got! 😉
Later, for comparison, I spritzed on some Hiris from a new sample since my decant is gone and I’m trying to decide if I need a bottle of this. On the other arm I sprayed a bit of Equistrius (also from a sample) for the same reason. I seem to like the Equistrius more each time I wear it.
Money never lasts 😉
HA!
Wearing Pour Monsieur, poached from my husband. It’s the only Chanel in the house, but reading what everyone is wearing reminds me of how much I need to sample. And I really should get a bottle of Cristalle, I quite like that one. Wore Coco for my wedding, so have found memories of that as well, but don’t feel the need for a bottle now.
Purchased a coffret of 5 30ml bottles of Chanel scents in 1995 – EDTs of No. 5, No. 19, No. 22 and Coco, EDP of Cristalle for the reasonable price of $100 (those were the days!).
Today and yesterday I am wearing generous splashes of No. 22 – an aldehydic floral scent with a beautiful incense/sandalwood/vetiver base. The florals are orange blossom, rose, ylang ylang and sambac jasmine.
The scents in this coffret have only gotten better with age – 22 smells deeper and richer than my previous wearings of it.
Does Chanel do coffrets anymore? It would make sense if they did ‘mix and match’ sets of the Les Exclusifs (like Hermes does with the Hermessences), but I suppose that is only wishful thinking. 😉
At any rate, aldehydes will never be one of my favourite notes but they work as a counterbalance to the rich florals in 22.The basenotes are sublime! The ultimate drydown is powdery incense and orange blossom. Fantastic!!! As always -YMMV.
I was inspired last Friday by the people who reported “practicing” during to week to choose what perfume to deploy for ‘favorite note day.’ Earlier this week, I “practiced” by wearing No. 22 and Cristalle eau Verte. Today I went with No. 5 eau Premiere. I am really enjoying my choice, but I kind of wish that I’d joined Bear and chosen No. 22 since it hasn’t really been discussed much yet. No. 22 is one of my all-time favorite fragrances.
Hello Ms. Pineapple!
22 really is quite beautiful – the aldehydes are the perfect foil for the florals and incense/sandalwood base.
I love Eau Premiere also, I just wish my bottle didn’t leak under the collar every time I sprayed it.
I love 22! It’s my ‘other wedding scent’ — the one I wore to City Hall just as soon as I could after the Supreme Court struck down DoMA almost a year ago.
Even more, I love a sample of vintage 22 that an incredible fairy shared with me. Alas.
But I didn’t wear 22 today because it now feels like an Occasion Scent. I mean, this is an occasion too, right? But also it’s a spring afternoon, and I wanted to go for my No. 19 EdT sample.
19 is a little disappointing. I much prefer Silences. I seem to be in the minority there. But the sweetness of 19 sort of ruins the vibe — which may be what others are finding more balanced and elegant, after all. Maybe I should try it in place of Silences in colder weather, or a more formal gathering. Right now I’m at the computer, after all.
Congratulations on your marriage, Leathermountain!
You are not alone about No. 19, I prefer Silences (I have the parfum de toilette) to the Chanel. I think what gives me problems is the lily-of-the-valley, it is too much and too shrill on my skin. LOTV works in Amouage Ubar for me, but not 19.
Thank you, Bear! Yes, I have that Silences PdT, too. Maybe it’s LOTV. I can’t quite tell. Silences feels like it has two layers: a rather sharp green over a smooth floral. But 19 is more mixed up than that. It’s less green, more floral, but also sweeter. Is that very sweet, very green note what you’d call LOTV? Maybe I don’t like LOTV….
LOTV, on my skin and to my nose, is very sweet and green as you described it, but verges on metallic. It tickles my nose, but in a bad way. 😉
I could not stand LOTV in perfumes… although some of my dearest perfumista friends disagree that it was the Tauer Carillon Pour Un Ange that scared me away from LOTV.
I love both No. 19 AND Silences – there’s actually a lot of congruence in them to my nose. That Silences PdT is very floral (and somehow, I perceive it as sweeter than 19). Both gorgeous things…
Congratulations on getting married, Lm! I’ve never smelled it, but perhaps The Smell of Freedom by Lush could have been appropriate for that special day, as well? 🙂
Thanks, kindcrow! I don’t know Smell of Freedom (well, now I do, but I don’t know the Lush scent), but maybe I can look into for our anniversary!
Oh my, I am green with jealously over that coffret! I don’t think they’ve done mixed coffrets in years, especially at that size/price point.
Thanks Squirrely!
I know they also sold 5 3.5ml parfums (Bois des Iles, Cuir de Russie, Gardenia, No. 5 and another I can’t recall) in a coffret but I didn’t purchase it before it sold out.
This is the set I keep searching for and so far NO LUCK!
Hello Hajusuuri!
Yes, very difficult to find. People sell the individual bottles on e*ay for outrageous prices.
And happy to see another LOTV loather. LOL 😉
Yes, Bear, your coffret is swoon worthy
I think they still sell coffrets of parfum minis that have No 5, No 19, Coco, Coco Mlle, and Allure. I bought one a couple of years ago, but I still see them on the department store websites.
Thanks Sapphire!
Thanks Ida! 🙂
I had forgotten about the theme today! If I had remembered, it would have been Cristalle EDT, the only Chanel I have ever enjoyed wearing (thus far, probably because I find it to be the least “Chanel”-y). Instead I have on Dior Milly la Foret, because I needed a dose of orange blossom to get me through the day (and possibly also through the weekend). Maybe one day I will “get” the classic Chanel perfumes, too!
SOTD = Chanel Bois des Iles EDT and extrait
I overapplied EDT on top of the extrait and I smell absolutely fabulous :-). Tomorrow, I’ll be crazy perfumista and mix some of my extrait into some decanted BdI!
Gosh. If there *were* perfumista police, they’d be on their way over right now to confiscate your extrait! But do want to hear how that works out.
Well, at least I am not mixing scents, just concentrations 🙂
I think I will call my concoction Bois des Iles Intense.
Wow! Can I come sit by you? I love to wear the extrait and edt together but I don’t own enough of either to go crazy with them–yet 🙂
Anytime, my dear. Let’s see how the experiment works. Now I am pressured to be a little bit more precise in the proportions so I can replicate it.
I um’d and ah’d over my Chanel (exclusif decants, Coco and vintage no5 parfum) today trying to decide. It was sunny but the nights are getting cold, and I had to go to work. And be assessed in an enclosed space :-/ If I were home it would be No5, so I chose Coco.
Then on my break I went and picked up my new bottle of Guerlain Terracotta, and spritzed YSL Noble Leather on one hand and Baiser Vole essence de parfum (definitely on my to buy list!) on the other and tainted my Chanel day. But I couldn’t help it! Lol
I wound up with Sycomore. The only other Chanel I own is an FB of 31 Rue Cambon, and after travelling and being in business meetings all week, I want to feel laid back today, not professional and refined. Sycomore is working okay for me, as it’s an overcast, cool-ish day here in the Northwest. It doesn’t, however, scream Chanel to me, and I don’t love it as much as my other vetivers, so I doubt it’ll ever be FB-worthy.
I couldn’t squeeze anything but fumes (lovely as they were ) from my purse flacon of No. 5. (I love it, gold and heavy and they don’t seem to make the refills for it any more – it’s older than I would like to admit, I guess.) So I doused myself in Bulgari pour Femme, which I like very much for work, and which my husband adores on me at home. It smells flowery and light but stays around pretty well, and no one at my work ever mentions that I have it on!
Reading all these options, I believe I will need to try a few of them, particularly 31RC and 28 La Pausa. This is a great exercise!
I’m trying 1932 for the first time today from a sample I recently received (thanks hajusuuri!), and I quite like it so far. I liked the opening a lot, now it’s mostly vanilla and jasmine on my skin. It has faded rather quickly, but I only dabbed it on, not sprayed so that could contribute to it (think I’m gonna go put a tad more on, so I can get the opening again!).
I see this fragrance wasn’t a popular choice today! The only other Chanel sample I have is No 5 Eau Premiere, which I think I like, but always end up finding too soapy on me.
I am also trying out 1932! Received a sample last night from the lovliest SA with a gorgeous accent. Original planwas Beige, but since 1932 is new to me I decided to go crazy and wear it on Chanel Day. Mmmmm love at first sniff.
I also have to say that I was concerned that 1932 was fleeting. But it is not. That bright opening dries down into that soft vanillajasmine and it is now – an hour or more after application – pleasantly noticable. Hooray – a possible contender for my wedding scent!
And… now am concerned that 5 sprays was 2 too many. My co-worker confirmed that he can smell me from a few feet away.
This is more protection than I am typically comfortable with at the office! On the other hand, I am pleased with the longevity. 😀
Haha! I probably wasn’t generous enough this morning to get the sillage you are getting. But you are right, it’s still there even after 5-ish hours (the jasmine-vanilla-musk dry down), so I guess longevity is good. I just wish it would stay in the opening stage for longer, and wear less closely on the skin (for me, today, dabbed…)
I don’t know why but now it reminds me of one of my aunties, although I’m pretty sure she’s never worn 1932!
I can’t do more than 2 sprays of 1932…it is quite potent!
You’re welcome, Vanny :-). 1932 lasts the longest out of all the Les Exclusifs (oh how I wish it was Bois des Iles). In any case, I also get a salty vibe from 1932.
I have to agree that it is quite long lasting. If I put my nose to my arm yesterday just before bed I could still smell it! I didn’t notice a salty vibe, but I wasn’t looking for it either; I’ll pay attention to that next time.
Too bad about your BdI not being long lasting. I haven’t smelled this one yet, but from the number of people who chose it today, I bet it smells great! I’ll have to explore Chanel’s offering more.
Perfume true confessions time. I’m really not a Chanel girl. I admire them for the beauties they are, but they just aren’t me. That being said, there is one Chanel that works for me and that I love, so of course I’m wearing it today. No. 19.
I have a bottle from 1971. I know this for a fact because it belonged to my grandmother who didn’t really care for it. She passed it on to me, thinking I might like it. I was skeptical, but surprised. It was lovely and it suited me.
I think of 19 as the Chanel for lady athletes. Polished lady athletes, granted, accepting some trophy or another (after a long hot shower). Gracious and confident, feminine yet sporty. I could see Chris Evert wearing 19, along with her famous diamond line bracelet, receiving the royal family after a win at Wimbledon.
oops – last line SHOULD read…..receiving the well wishes of the royal family after a win at Wimbledon.
That’s kinda how I see a lot of 70’s green chypres. Maybe it’s from when I was little my grandmother gave me an almost empty bottle of Estee Lauder Alliage (I was born loving perfume 🙂 ). I was totally repelled by it because it was so not like my girlie collection. And it had ‘sport’ written on the label, which I always associated with tennis too!
I’m fond of green scents and chypres so I’m joining those of you who chose Bel Respiro for Chanel day. I’m getting a good whiff of hyacinth amongst the green and a bit of vetiver (a note which I love but I don’t see listed in the notes?) but no leather. There’s depth beneath its greenness, as though I’m lying on my back in a field of grass with a field of flowers nearby, but instead of focusing on the blue sky my every sense is acute to the life born beneath me as seeds get ready to sprout and insects tunnel.
It has the elegance and depth I associate with Chanel but like some of you I’m not a Chanel person either. I don’t own any FB’s because the classic Chanel scents just plain don’t work for me. I do have a few samples and when the Les Exclusifs line came out I purchased a few decants, which is what I used for the Bel Respiro. Wish I could spray instead of just dab, as it’s hard to get a good sense of the fragrance without closely sniffing my wrist.
I think perhaps I should try Sycomore, I like the idea Smoky Vetiver!
Ah, there you go again with the beautiful imagery …
I’m wearing my favorite Chanel and probably one of my favorite fragrances of all times….it’s the only fragrance I’ve replenished more then once (I’m on my 4th bottle!!!) – No 18. It’s musky, and spicy, and rosy and blends in with my skin beautifully. I’m giving my last final today, so wearing No 18 is a perfect way to end the school year and start the summer!!! Woohoo!
I love love love #18! In fact, it was the first Chanel I really liked. Unfortunately, I never did get a bottle, and the version now does not smell at all like I remember. It’s still good… but my memory tells me it was better in 1980-something!
You smell marvelous!
I’m so jealous! I can’t ever quite get there with No 18. It’s remarkable that you’ve had so many bottles!!! You must smell great!
Chanel 19:))
I’m wearing No. 5 EDP. Haven’t had it on in a while, and am really enjoying it.
SOTD is Cristalle edp. I don’t have any other Chanels – I can’t think why.
Today I am wearing one of my favourite Chanels : 19 Poudre. It is just so elegant and just a touch dreamy. I have always wanted to love the original 19 but it just turns a little sour and *gasp* rancid, against my skin. Is there anyone out there with this problem too or is everyone blessed with it’s beauty?
All the no 19s (not sure about Poudre) smell horrible on my skin. You are not alone!
I also prefer the Poudre for the same reason
I decided on No. 19 today (current version – I have a cute little 0.25 oz bottle of the parfum) and I smelled fabulous all morning, but now it has faded. Love this one, but wish it lasted longer. I’ve been considering buying the EDT to layer with the parfum; can anyone tell me if the EDT is fleeting also?
bastet, sorry if this reply is too late. I find the EdT to last at least 6 hours.
Cristalle edp. Why don’t I wear this more often?!
I’m definitely a Chanel perfume gal. It’s been fun to read everyone’s comments and to know what all those perfumes smell like.
Once it gets really hot up here, I wear Cristalle all the time. One of my co-workers liked it so much that I gave her a decant.
No. 22. I wish I had more of this.
Hello everyone!
I’m wearing Mandragore Pourpre today. I don’t have any Chanel bottle at the moment but I I wish I owned a bottle of Coco 😀
SOTD: Tocade as did not realize it was Friday until the middle of the work day. Had planned to wear vtg No 19. It’s a bit of a scorcher today ; thank goodness it was just one teensy squirt of Tocade. 😀
In honor of Chanel Day, I’ve liberally applied vintage #5 Parfum (pre-1950’s) and one small spray of Eau Premiere on my feet/pant legs for good measure. I was afraid that I might knock someone out with my sillage, but by the time I got to the office, it had quieted down significantly. I don’t wear this vintage version often, certainly not to the office, but I love it! The real civit is divine and certainly sexy. I have a new bottle of EDT and it’s so different from the old stuff. Sigh. I probably shouldn’t wear this to the office, but I like it and I did!
Eau Premiere is a great scent and more appropriate, I think, in work situations.
I’m wearing No. 19. Iris for a lovely spring day!
Cristalle EDT. I always imagine that it makes me smell like this:
w.muchafoundation.org/gallery/themes/theme/sarah-bernhardt/object/31
Working link (and great pic!)
http://muchafoundation.org/gallery/themes/theme/sarah-bernhardt/object/31
That web site will allow you to print and “Colour your own Mucha.” Hmmm, where are my colored pencils …
Pulled out my much ignored No. 5 extrait. I don’t know why I don’t wear this more often, it has been a great smelling day! I’m such a sucker for Chanel.
Oh, so funny! I completely forgot about this and wore Bois des Iles today to work. Looks like I’m in good company! 😀 I like it in the warmer weather–blooms so richly without being overwhelming.
No. 5 Sheer Mist. It has turned out to be the best formulation for me. It was a limited edition. Oh well.
I’d never heard of this one before. Probably for the best!
Oh y’all, how I looked forward to today’s community post, and missed reading it in “real time.” I saw the in-laws off today after a loooong visit, but the day involved much car time plus a surprisingly fun trip to Madison’s Montpelier.
Anyway, wishing to participate in spirit here, but not offend in the car, I sprayed on a lovely swapmeet decant of Bois des Iles edt at 9am. It was gone by the time we hit the road at 10:00 (so I confess to sneeking some JM Pomegranite Noir).
But now that the family is gone (we’ve had nearly 3 weeks if various guests) and the house is once again ours, I treated myself to a large gin & tonic and a sizable application of vintage Cuir de Russie. It’s my only “lucky find” to date: a 1/2 bottle of extrait with maybe 5 mls left. I found it at the local antique mall for $15. The juice is thick & dark and smells amazing (goes right to the leather). Tonight, I smell like horsy leather, and the sweet freedom of a now empty house!
Bois des Iles EDT is a beautiful scent, but disappointingly fleeting no matter how much I apply (two hours, tops).
Congrats on the Cuir de Russie extrait, I have only tried the EDT, which I like a lot, but again, fleeting.
Sounds like you’ve earned a double G&T! Enjoy the juniper/leather/peace 🙂
I wish I had read this before I chose a scent today! I wore Mosaic from the June Olfactif sampler. Pretty, but faded fast so I added Le Labo Bergamote 22. When I was a child my mother worked at a factory that packaged Chanel and Dior and she came home smelling like heaven. They had a holiday grab bag where they would get a grocery store bag of cosmetics and fragrances. She got two bottles of No. 5 and gave me one when I was in 3rd grade. My favorite was her Diorissimo. Her favorite was No. 22. Such a nice memory!
That’s a fantastic memory!
Wearing No. 19 today, for the first time. Just reapplied, as what I applied before leaving the house today was long gone. I liked it for the first 45 minutes or so, and then it smelled less green and more sour on me. (Someone above mentioned sourness, but seemed to have a much worse experience than I did.) I’d hoped to get a sample of Cristalle, but the nearby stores don’t carry it. So far my favorite Chanels are Coco and Chance Eau Tendre. Bois des Iles is nice, but blink-and-you’ll-miss-it on me. (That’s not really an appropriate phrase for a smell, is it? Sneeze-and-you’ll-miss-it?)
I’m wearing 28 la Pausa, which I think of as my gateway to Chanel. I’ve always loved vintage No. 5, but that doesn’t smell like any of the current Chanels to me. Chanel was the last major brand that I came to like, because most of them smelled so formal, chilly and blond to me.
Then one day Bear mentioned that he thought of la Pausa as a vetiver perfume with iris, and I love vetiver and iris, so I tried it. The vetiver makes it relaxed and natural. I really like La Pausa a lot, and it helped me start to appreciate the Chanel style.
I wore it today because La Pausa is great at this time of year, and I was having lunch with a colleague whom I appreciate. I enjoy it on any occasion when I want a light, fresh scent, actually, but it’s also my secret weapon: I often put some on in the morning when I have an important meeting and want to smell unimpeachable. 🙂
Excellent! Thanks Nozknoz! Your post made me smile and happy that I could enable! 🙂
You’re welcome, Bear! I think you should get the Enabler’s Bracelet for enabling an entire luxury brand, right? 🙂
Oh yes! Swiss blue topaz, please! LOL 🙂
This is a great idea and a lot of fun, Robin. It was a bright, sunny and somewhat breezy day today so I thought No. 5 Eau Premiere would work well for day wear. I forget just how wearable, pretty and still reminiscent of the original No. 5 it is and hope it isn’t going anywhere any time soon. I really need to get a bottle since I’m already on my second decant.
Did not miss the day but missed commenting about it in real time because of 2 flights including a red-eye. Gardenia on the first flight. Eau de Cologne the rest of the day. It is certainly a cousin of No 19 and wears as a more sophisticated version of 4711. My Cologne is a tiny sample vial. Nice enough but a bit too plain to be FBW
Hello Ida!
4711 at Chanel prices? No, thank you.
Gardenia is a nice scent, I have a sample – somewhere. LOL 😉