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Lazy weekend poll ~ open thread, Picasso’s birthday 2014

Posted by Robin on 25 October 2014 172 Comments

picasso-melancholy-s

Our same old open thread: talk about anything you like — the perfume you’re wearing today, the perfume you own but don't seem to wear, whatever.

Or, ask a question about fragrance, then see if anyone else has asked a question that you can answer…

Note: image shows detail from Pablo Picasso's 1902 painting Femme assise (Melancholy Woman), from the artist's Blue Period.

Filed Under: poll
Tagged With: open thread

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172 Comments

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  1. Ari says:
    25 October 2014 at 10:49 am

    I am BEYOND thrilled to be able to share with that after months of location-hunting, yesterday we received a lease proposal to open the DC area’s first niche perfume boutique. (Art With Flowers doesn’t count! They were a florist first and foremost!) We are looking at a May opening. DC-area perfumistas, please feel more than free to tell me what brands you want to see represented, or any other ideas/suggestions you might have! I have never been more grateful to be part of this wonderful perfume community (which Now Smell This has had a HUGE hand in building). I LOVE YOU GUYS

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    • Lovestosmellgood says:
      25 October 2014 at 10:51 am

      Congrads on your success!

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    • Robin says:
      25 October 2014 at 10:55 am

      That is so so exciting Ari, humongous congrats!! Can you tell us vaguely where it will be, or too soon for that?

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      • C.H. says:
        25 October 2014 at 12:49 pm

        Also dying to know! This is so great Ari, congratulations and thank you in advance for this amazing community service!

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    • hajusuuri says:
      25 October 2014 at 11:12 am

      Yay! I will take a train down to visit when it opens :-)

      It would be great to be known as having a specialty in American and other niche perfume since you’ll be in the capital.

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      • nozknoz says:
        25 October 2014 at 3:12 pm

        Featuring American niche perfumes in the Capital is a great idea!

        Also, in practical terms, I’ve tried fewer American perfumes than I would like because I don’t like dealing with all the different perfumers’ websites. I would definitely visit a shop where I could find them.

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        • AnnieA says:
          25 October 2014 at 5:05 pm

          Me too — Sonoma Scent Studio Smell Bent, Olympic Orchids, etc.

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        • nebbe says:
          26 October 2014 at 4:45 pm

          Ava Luxe!

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    • yukiej says:
      25 October 2014 at 11:12 am

      Wow! Congratulations and best of luck :) I look forward to hearing more about it!

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    • ihadanidea says:
      25 October 2014 at 11:19 am

      Aaah – exciting! Mazel tov!

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    • kindcrow says:
      25 October 2014 at 11:23 am

      Congratulations!

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    • Marjorie Rose says:
      25 October 2014 at 11:30 am

      Oh, that is so exciting! Congratulations!!! Someday I will take an extended vacation to the east coast and SE–I’ve only seen NYC–and now I know I will have a perfume stop along the way! :)

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    • FearsMice says:
      25 October 2014 at 11:31 am

      Oooh!!! Coming out of lurk mode to say how excited I am about this!! I live in the DC area and have mourned Art With Flowers for years… This is fabulous news — congratulations, Ari!

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    • CM says:
      25 October 2014 at 11:35 am

      Woot! Great news!

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    • floragal says:
      25 October 2014 at 12:05 pm

      Congrats! How exciting. Looking forward to visiting!

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    • perthgirl says:
      25 October 2014 at 12:09 pm

      That’s great news! And how great of you to be asking the ‘community’ what they’d like stocked.
      I’ll timidly raise my hand and ask hopefully that you’ll eventually ship internationally ;-)
      Hope you have a fabulous time setting up- how exciting!

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    • poodle says:
      25 October 2014 at 12:42 pm

      That’s wonderful, Ari! Congratulations! If I ever open a shop of my own I’ll be asking you for advice. ;)

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    • thegoddessrena says:
      25 October 2014 at 12:53 pm

      Congratulations! I hope you have lots of success once it’s up and running

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    • Eleebelle says:
      25 October 2014 at 1:10 pm

      This is so exciting!!!! DC is so lacking in non-chains and non-mainstream offerings of any type. Such terrific news! Congrats!

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    • nozknoz says:
      25 October 2014 at 1:12 pm

      Ari, this is the best possible news for the DMV! I’ve been evangelizing niche perfume to friends and colleagues, but most people aren’t going to start ordering samples online – they need somewhere to try and learn about a good range of perfumes with thoughtful and knowledgeable SAs. Of course, I’m also delighted with the possibility of perfume events and get togethers.

      I’d suggest that you check out the fantastic DC blog (and twitter presence), the Washington Post Capitol Weather Gang. This is one of the best (and most fun) weather resources in the country. They post updated forecasts every evening and at 5 am, and you could tweet a daily perfume recommendation for each day’s weather.

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      • nebbe says:
        25 October 2014 at 1:17 pm

        Oooo I would start using Twitter again if this feed was available….And I’m on the west coast, ha ha.
        Good idea nozknoz!

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      • Sun Mi says:
        25 October 2014 at 10:47 pm

        Well, you should evangelize to me because I’ve been buying tons of samples online! But really it’s because I don’t want to drive allllll the way down to Tysons to get to somewhere that actually sells niche perfumes, especially with the new baby in tow. I would love, however, to be able to engage with SAs or even sniff some scents prior to the buying of samples (or bottles, or decants). I’ve been pretty unhappy with several of the samples I’ve bought so far – probably mostly because I still have no idea what I like!!

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    • Sun Mi says:
      25 October 2014 at 1:19 pm

      I’m so excited! I can’t wait to go when it opens!

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    • nebbe says:
      25 October 2014 at 1:21 pm

      Ari, what fabulous news! Can’t wait to visit next time I am in the area!

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    • scentfromabove says:
      25 October 2014 at 1:35 pm

      Oh How exciting! I’m sure it’s like a dream come true! Sounds like a road trip is in my future! What fantastic news! I wish you all the luck in the world.

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    • austenfan says:
      25 October 2014 at 1:48 pm

      Congratulations on the new shop!

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      • Ida says:
        25 October 2014 at 2:36 pm

        Where will it be?

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    • Holly says:
      25 October 2014 at 3:15 pm

      Congratulations, and I’m thrilled to know! DC needs this! Best of luck … I’m sure there’s a lot of work ahead but I hope it will be fun.

      I remember you mentioned a trip to Mosaic. Hmm …

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    • farouche says:
      25 October 2014 at 3:36 pm

      Huge congratulations. I look forward to visiting your shop the next time I’m in the DC area!

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    • melissa says:
      25 October 2014 at 3:47 pm

      Yes! I look forward to visiting way too much and constantly agonizing about going to the shop!

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    • missionista says:
      25 October 2014 at 5:13 pm

      How exciting! Congratulations!

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    • mals86 says:
      25 October 2014 at 9:27 pm

      So thrilled for you!! Might be a reason to drive 6 hours up to see you…

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    • Undina says:
      26 October 2014 at 12:42 am

      Congratulations! One day I’ll be sure to visit you at the store :)

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    • solanace says:
      26 October 2014 at 3:53 am

      Congratulations, Ari!

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      • meganinstmaxime says:
        26 October 2014 at 7:53 am

        Great news and all the best for your store. If I ever get to the USA …..

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    • unseencenser says:
      1 November 2014 at 3:39 pm

      YAYYYYYYY!!!!

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  2. Lovestosmellgood says:
    25 October 2014 at 10:50 am

    Today I am wearing Kelly Calèche.
    On Thursday I was able to go to the Hermes sample sale in NYC, all the Hermes perfumes were 50% off. I bought Kelly Calèche pure parfum refillable spray and 24 Faubourg parfum also refillable and some soap.
    I feel like the Kelly Calèche parfum smells just a bit different then the EDT, anyone else agree?
    I feel liked a scored a great deal as well as being enviromentally friendly by buying refillable bottles. Hope everyone has a good weekend ahead

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    • Robin says:
      25 October 2014 at 10:56 am

      DYING of jealousy. Congrats on your new stuff!

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    • Ari says:
      25 October 2014 at 11:01 am

      Is the sale worth the crazy lines? Still debating whether to go.

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      • Lovestosmellgood says:
        25 October 2014 at 12:16 pm

        I am not sure if they are replenishing their stock..

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    • hajusuuri says:
      25 October 2014 at 11:09 am

      Ack, jealous too! Unfortunately, the time was not work-friendly and NOT standing in a long line and jostling with a shopping crowd is probably worth the “premium” for having to pay full price.

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      • Lovestosmellgood says:
        25 October 2014 at 12:22 pm

        I had the day off, and the only reason I went was because I heard through the grapevine that they were selling scarves at a discount. Then I saw the perfume and it was a added bonus! I was more excited about that then anything else.
        There was some crowd control – and a minimum on the amount you can purchase

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    • yukiej says:
      25 October 2014 at 11:15 am

      Wow, really? They have samples sales? Too bad I am way too far away :( I emailed Hermes once to ask if they ever had any sales on perfumes because I am poor and was debating some purchases. Their answer made me chuckle:

      “Bonjour, Due to the timeless nature of items, we do not offer anything at a discounted price on our website, including fragrances.”

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      • hajusuuri says:
        25 October 2014 at 11:24 am

        The only way to get a “discount” is to buy the Hermes perfumes from department stores when they are having a $XX off or $XX gift card for every $XXX you spend. The problem is that there are some boutique exclusives so those “never go on sale” except when they do during the sample sale – I’m laughing as I write this.

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      • rose pepper says:
        25 October 2014 at 12:51 pm

        I’ve seen some Hermes at discounter sites like overstock! You can get a good deal sometimes.

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      • nozknoz says:
        25 October 2014 at 1:24 pm

        Hermes is changing packaging now, and I think some of the old packaging is showing up on discount sites. It is worth googling anything you are looking for.

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    • ihadanidea says:
      25 October 2014 at 11:20 am

      Wow – I missed this completely. I would have gone, but congrats on your acquisitions!

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    • floragal says:
      25 October 2014 at 12:29 pm

      50% off! Ugh. Totally missed this one. Really would have loved a bottle of L’Ambre des Merveilles.

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    • C.H. says:
      25 October 2014 at 12:52 pm

      Just adding my jealousy as well! That’s so awesome, please enjoy the Kelly Calèche double for me :)

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      • Lovestosmellgood says:
        25 October 2014 at 2:39 pm

        I will! It’s a great scent

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    • missionista says:
      25 October 2014 at 5:15 pm

      I couldn’t get in on Thursday, and went down first thing this morning. There was almost no perfume left–tons of Gentiane Blanche (which I already have quite a lot of), and about 2 bottles of Terre left. Everything else was gone.

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      • Lovestosmellgood says:
        25 October 2014 at 5:18 pm

        Ugh! In Thursday they had a lot! Sorry you missed out

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  3. hajusuuri says:
    25 October 2014 at 11:19 am

    SOTD = Bvlgari Black

    It’s a safe perfume since I’ll be around my parental units…especially my mom who could not stand perfumes and not once had she said anything about Bvlgari Black. The other one that she does not comment on is Guerlain Cuir Beluga. Everything else gets comments from “It smells bad” (with dramatic nose wrinkling) to “You’re killing me, I can’t breathe”. Two perfumes in particular got the boot immediately — SSS Champagne de Bois and By Killian Sacred Wood.

    Question – What perfumes do you wear around close family and friends who claim to be allergic to or had expressed a dislike for perfumes?

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    • Kelly says:
      25 October 2014 at 11:36 am

      An eye roll suffices.

      But really – there are plenty of people with very real perfume allergies, including my dad. Was this a problem 20, 30, 50, 75 years ago? Is it changes in our biology over time, sensitivity and changes in the environment, or are people just whiny? (Kidding…)

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    • CM says:
      25 October 2014 at 12:08 pm

      I play in a band and fragrance, at least freshly applied, is not generally appreciated. If I need a hit, I’ll wear L’ete en Douce. It’s very clean without being totally boring and I love the linden note. It wears close like a skin scent.

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    • C.H. says:
      25 October 2014 at 1:12 pm

      My mom too, quite the hater. The nicest thing she ever has to say about my perfume is, “Now that one is not so bad.” Strangely, Timbuktu was the latest to get this accolade–def would not have been my guess for accessible perfume for a non-perfume person (especially a woman), but, who knows!

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    • Eleebelle says:
      25 October 2014 at 1:21 pm

      That’s kind of funny; of all things, Bvlgari Black seems too loud and weird to be on the safe list. (Personally, I like loud and weird.)

      Even when she likes the smell, my mother can’t tolerate scents of any kind: candles, lotions, conditioners, perfumes. My perfumes are all hopeless with her, but she has a bottle of the Bvlgari green tea scent. Maybe there’s something special about Bvlgari teas.

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    • nozknoz says:
      25 October 2014 at 1:51 pm

      If someone is allergic or explicitly does not like perfume, I would not wear it. Tastes, olfactory associations, and the sensitivity of noses differ. It’s obvious from the wide range of comments on perfume blogs that any perfume that smells fantastic to some people is a scrubber for others.

      Otherwise, one approach would be to wear extraits or solids, which tend to stay very close to the skin.

      I also have a couple of perfumes that are especially light and clean smelling – Iunx l’ether and Guerlain Meteorites – that I occasionally chance where I wouldn’t wear anything else.

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    • tiffanie says:
      25 October 2014 at 5:01 pm

      When I am in mixed company as far as fragrance goes, I often use blended essential oils or eau de cologne. I find that my fume-sensitive friends don’t wrinkle their nose at them. These scents don’t radiate too much, and since neither have much staying power, they don’t seem to be as headache inducing for those who are sensitive.

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    • cazaubon says:
      25 October 2014 at 8:21 pm

      I wear scented deodorant when I am flying under the radar. I have Feminité du Bois, Eau des Merveilles, Byzance, DK Cashmere Mist, Kai and Shalimar.

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    • pigoletto says:
      26 October 2014 at 11:20 am

      Just a comment really, I’m not allergic to anything, but high concentration of good quality wood/aldehydic scents used to affect me quite a lot until I got used to them, and made me feel like I was going to have breathing problems (psychological in my case but something about them would mimic the initial stages of an asthma attack). The big offenders were vintage Samsara when it had loads of real Mysore sandalwood, and Chanel No. 5 in almost any form. Most of the time I do think people who claim allergies over-dramatically are basically suffering from that irritation where they mistake it for something medically real (not to take away from people with real allergy issues) but I thought it worth noting what I used to experience as a full fledged love of perfume when I hadn’t gotten used to certain notes.

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  4. kindcrow says:
    25 October 2014 at 11:24 am

    In honor of the World Series, I would like to share some fragrant superstitions of the Kansas City Royals:

    “Perez [their catcher] wears women’s perfume for every game. One day, shortstop Alcides Escobar — who said he wore it for good luck — sprayed some on Perez’s jersey and told him he would get four hits. The prophecy came true, Perez said, so he ordered a dozen boxes. His preferred brands are Victoria’s Secret and 212 VIP.” (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/22/sports/baseball/world-series-2014-kansas-city-royals-catcher-salvador-perez-perfume.html?_r=0)

    ESPN says that Perez wears the men’s version of 212 (http://espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs/2014/story/_/id/11754714/2014-world-series-salvador-perez-kansas-city-royals-wearing-perfume-good-luck-charm)

    Alex Gordon uses Axe to cover the smell of his hat: “Alex Gordon, outfielder – “I wear the same hat for BP and the game. It doesn’t smell good but I can’t change it, that’s just the way it is.” “My locker, I have a bottle of Axe spray, it’s like cologne, I spray it every day because it’s that bad.” (http://www.erietvnews.com/story/26865821/royals-players-on-their-superstitions-beards-and-love-for-kansas-city-fans)

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    • poodle says:
      25 October 2014 at 12:51 pm

      Not world series but still baseball related: I read that Joe Maddon the now former manager of the Tampa Bay Rays used to set up a “cologne bar” in the clubhouse.

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      • kindcrow says:
        25 October 2014 at 1:07 pm

        He seems like a neat guy. He just opted out of his contract. Wonder why. Is it because Friedman left?

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    • floragal says:
      25 October 2014 at 1:18 pm

      I love this & just zipped it off to my perfume-adverse but baseball loving husband. Thks!

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    • Gi says:
      25 October 2014 at 3:27 pm

      I have been rooting for the Royals and this makes me love them even more!

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      • kindcrow says:
        25 October 2014 at 6:49 pm

        :-)

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  5. ihadanidea says:
    25 October 2014 at 11:27 am

    I may break out L’air de Rien, my comfort scent, today, but it’s all still up for debate.

    Hope you’re very well, fellow fumies.

    Also thought I’d share a link from NPR about a recent scent-related scientific discovery:

    http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/10/24/358364942/european-scientists-conclude-that-distant-comet-smells-terrible?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=2048

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    • kindcrow says:
      25 October 2014 at 11:35 am

      I found Comet 67P the perfume to be interesting, but unwearable :-)

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      • Elena says:
        25 October 2014 at 1:19 pm

        Ha!

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  6. scentfromabove says:
    25 October 2014 at 11:30 am

    My SOTO is Feminin Pluriel by Maison F. Kurkdjian. I received a mini spray bottle as part of a free gift during Neiman Marcus’ beauty week. It’s a pretty fragrance but not FB worthy in my opinion. I do love most of MFK’s fragrances, though.

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    • scentfromabove says:
      25 October 2014 at 9:39 pm

      edit: SOTD
      Darn auto correct on cell phone! Uuuggghh!

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  7. Eva S says:
    25 October 2014 at 11:33 am

    This was a week of perfume indulgence! I visited a meeting in Stockholm and managed to squeeze in some shopping. I came away with a 30 ml bottle of EL Tuberose Gardenia and then went to the Hermes boutique and bought a gift set with the new Cuir D’Ange and Espice Marine (and a silk scarf). Well, it was my birthday :-)
    Also bought a bottle of Bandit for my college, she wanted it after trying a sample I once gave her.

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    • thegoddessrena says:
      25 October 2014 at 12:06 pm

      Happy birthday. Sounds like you got some nice scents

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    • Robin says:
      25 October 2014 at 12:23 pm

      Happy Birthday!!

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    • nebbe says:
      25 October 2014 at 1:23 pm

      Happy Birthday!! Hope the coming year continues on this great smelling theme!

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    • C.H. says:
      25 October 2014 at 1:27 pm

      Ooh, happy birthday–you are a role model in proper birthday celebration :)

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    • AnnieA says:
      25 October 2014 at 4:57 pm

      Which scarf was it?

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      • Eva S says:
        25 October 2014 at 5:19 pm

        La Dance du cheval de Marwari in dip-dye pink :-) Do you also like Hermes scarfes?

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        • AnnieA says:
          25 October 2014 at 5:49 pm

          Horse themed scarves are a classic! One day a Real Hermes scarf will mine…

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    • Holly says:
      25 October 2014 at 5:22 pm

      Happy Birthday!

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    • MikasMinion says:
      25 October 2014 at 8:25 pm

      Happy birthday!

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    • Eva S says:
      26 October 2014 at 6:38 am

      Thank you for all the birthday wishes! Thinking of trying out Cuir D’Ange today.

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  8. Kelly says:
    25 October 2014 at 11:38 am

    LaP Mure et Musc. One of the initial rabbit hole perfumes for me, but today I’m finding it really dull. It’s been a while since I’ve worn it.

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  9. kindcrow says:
    25 October 2014 at 11:39 am

    I’ll have to go listen to “Pablo Picasso” by The Modern Lovers (Jonathan Richman’s band).

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    • nebbe says:
      25 October 2014 at 1:24 pm

      Yesssssss!! Thank you for the reminder. Love. It.

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      • kindcrow says:
        25 October 2014 at 5:13 pm

        Many years ago, Jonathan Richman played at a little club behind my college. My friend and I nervously approached him after the show. We didn’t know what to say, and so she asked him what he would be doing if he wasn’t a musician. He responded, in his goofy, deep voice “I don’t know. I’m over forty and I have no skills.” :-)

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        • Holly says:
          25 October 2014 at 5:25 pm

          I love that!

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  10. Ericgmd says:
    25 October 2014 at 12:06 pm

    I want to win a giveaway bottle of something on Now Smell This soooo bad. I had such high hopes for the ADP Colonia Leather. I almost smelled the leather note in my mailbox!
    I have been entering NST contests since 2007 but never won.
    My face started wrinkling at first and I worried a lot. Then shortly after, my facial features started migrating due to angst and disappointment.
    My eyes turned sideways and my nose is now topping my left eyebrow. Now my face became severely deformed like a Picasso painting but without its beauty and no blue discoloration at all.

    All medical work up and testing came back inconclusive. I was told by the world authority on such disorders that what I suffer from is called NSTNW syndrome.
    NSTNWS stands for NowSmellThis No Win Syndromes which manifests as severe facial deformities a la Picasso.
    Robin please help me get back my facial features. All it takes is for me to win a giveaway bottle once!

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    • perthgirl says:
      25 October 2014 at 12:21 pm

      Hey, at least you live in a country where you can enter the comp :) I’m pretty sure it’s a random computer picked thing- maybe try a swapmeet or freebie meet or perfumed fairy godmother at the Posse to tide you over :)

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    • Robin says:
      25 October 2014 at 12:22 pm

      LOL!! I use a WordPress plugin called “Pick Giveaway Winner” — I do think your best bet is to hack their next release.

      So far, 2 people have won twice! Which I can’t help, it’s all random.

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    • nebbe says:
      25 October 2014 at 1:40 pm

      Ha! I have BOSS – Bossy Older Sister Syndrome. These sorts of disorders have very specific cures.

      ;)

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      • AnnE says:
        26 October 2014 at 4:46 pm

        Ha ha ha! I have CRS, which I’ve found affects many people as they age, aka “Can’t Remember S–t” Syndrome. :-)

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  11. Krizani says:
    25 October 2014 at 12:20 pm

    Hello all!

    I’ve just jumped off my dinosaur and joined the world of smart phones. I’m wondering if there are any perfume info apps worth having.

    Thanks!

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    • scentfromabove says:
      25 October 2014 at 1:45 pm

      That’s an excellent question? I would love to know the answer to that as well.

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    • austenfan says:
      25 October 2014 at 2:10 pm

      I still need to get off my own Tyrannosaurus Rex! What persuaded you to get off yours?

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      • Krizani says:
        25 October 2014 at 3:19 pm

        My 30 year old nephew visited for a week. My husband has had a smartphone for years, but it was illuminating to see how people more, well, native to the technology made use of it.

        I can now see the convenience of texting and I also listen to audio books and stuff like that while knitting – I think I’m giving my age away LOL! I’m so happy to be ditching the annoying little MP3 player. My nephew walked in the room and saw it and exclaimed “wow, an MP3 player! Haven’t seen one in years!”

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        • austenfan says:
          25 October 2014 at 3:35 pm

          I knit!:)

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        • Oakland Fresca says:
          25 October 2014 at 4:24 pm

          Ho ho ho! But my 13 year old suddenly wants to listen to his parents’ 80s and 90s grunge and alt rock and he has to listen on CDs. He asked me how to play a CD!!??!

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          • scentfromabove says:
            25 October 2014 at 9:49 pm

            Lol! Awww, youth! You gotta love them!

        • AnnieA says:
          25 October 2014 at 4:53 pm

          And there’s a BIG knitting revival amongst the young ‘uns…

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          • Krizani says:
            25 October 2014 at 10:59 pm

            That’s good to hear! I remember the big one around 2000 or so.

            When people ask me why I knit I’m sometimes tempted to tell them I knit so I won’t kill people, a la the Yarn Harlot.

            Truthfully though it’s one of the most useful ways to meditate I’ve found yet.

          • austenfan says:
            26 October 2014 at 5:16 pm

            I love your motivation for knitting!

    • kindcrow says:
      25 October 2014 at 6:31 pm

      I crochet, embroider, and knit. I was at the craft store today (JoAnn), and the cashier asked me if I had any coupons. I did not. She showed me how to find one on my smart phone and I got 50% off of the book I was purchasing.

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  12. perthgirl says:
    25 October 2014 at 12:27 pm

    I’m wondering if any of you lovelies have tried Providence Perfume Co Osmanthus Oolong, and how it compares to Hermessence Osmanthe Yunnan?

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    • Robin says:
      25 October 2014 at 8:06 pm

      Drat, I do wish I remembered it better. I adore osmanthus, adore Osmanthe Yunnan AND am a fan of PPC, but all I can tell you is I didn’t love it. In another PPC review I said “Her line caught my eye primarily because she makes a fragrance called Osmanthus Oolong which sounded nearly custom-made for me: black, green and red teas, osmanthus, beeswax. As it turned out, I didn’t like Osmanthus Oolong. It was too heavy and sweet, and maybe just too far away from the Osmanthus Oolong of my imagination…” if that’s any help.

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      • perthgirl says:
        25 October 2014 at 9:47 pm

        Great help, thanks Robin. Seems they’re a world apart!
        Maybe just a little sample rather than a decant I may never use then.. Pity, because it does sound so fantastic.

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  13. solanace says:
    25 October 2014 at 1:04 pm

    Lubin Korrigan for me today. Luca Turin is right, this stuff is pretty awesome

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    • C.H. says:
      25 October 2014 at 1:28 pm

      Great pick, I think it’s so special.

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    • nozknoz says:
      26 October 2014 at 6:54 pm

      I want that bottle, too. But I’m trying to resist because its gourmand deliciousness leads me to crave dessert, which I need to avoid.

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      • solanace says:
        27 October 2014 at 6:45 am

        This kind of perfume actually sort of susbstitute desserts for me!

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  14. floragal says:
    25 October 2014 at 1:24 pm

    Heading to Vegas later today and excited about some perfume sniffing, maybe buying, fun!
    Enjoying immensely the split of Sous le toit de Paris from Sept. Got my first compliment on it earlier today,

    Happy weekend!

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    • floragal says:
      25 October 2014 at 1:26 pm

      Forgot to add I really love and appreciate Pacasso’s earlier work including his blue period.
      A must see at the museum dedicated to him in Barcelona.

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  15. austenfan says:
    25 October 2014 at 1:50 pm

    I’m in L’Impacte de Pour un Homme which is another fragrance that is marketed to men but should be worn by anyone who loves lavender!

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  16. Nile Goddess says:
    25 October 2014 at 1:53 pm

    For the nth time tried the Sisley famous Eau de Soir on one wrist and Soir de Lune on the other.

    And alas, nothing has changed. The appeal of both are lost on me.

    It still feels like choosing a fragrance for cockroach spray.

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  17. nozknoz says:
    25 October 2014 at 2:02 pm

    I’m reveling in Theo Fennel Scent, which I successfully ordered from Amazon.uk (no affiliation). I still can’t believe that actually worked and suspect that maybe it shouldn’t have, but I’m not complaining. It has smelled different on different days. Today it’s reminding me of Amouage Lyric.

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    • jjlook says:
      25 October 2014 at 7:02 pm

      I totally get how it feels like it shouldn’t work!
      And how it smells different on different days. I have never tried Lyric, so will have to take your word for it.

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      • nozknoz says:
        25 October 2014 at 8:33 pm

        By the way, I was thinking of the international shipment, but I in some ways it’s also surprising that the perfume itself works so well for me.

        Sometimes I think a new perfume smells different on different days because it has new ingredients or accords, and it takes my nose some time to figure it out and fit the jigsaw puzzle pieces together into the intended image. It’s like one day I smell some notes in a disjointed and unharmonious fashion, and the next day it all snaps together into a whole. Once that happens, I never smell the disjointed notes again. I had the same experience with Traversee du Bosphore.

        (LT described something like this in his review of Nahema.)

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  18. Dawn says:
    25 October 2014 at 2:15 pm

    SOTD is Jicky in edp form and I don’t know if I should take this or Theorema to Virginia with me.

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    • nozknoz says:
      25 October 2014 at 9:51 pm

      Theorema strikes me as a bit more versatile, and it’s very nice for fall. But I’m ambivalent about Jicky, so I guess I’m biased.

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  19. foxbins says:
    25 October 2014 at 2:50 pm

    SOTD is Paco Rabanne La Nuit. Jasmine and civet, both notes are favorites of mine.

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  20. raymond says:
    25 October 2014 at 3:06 pm

    Picasso’s Blue period makes me think to ask: Does anyone know when Olfactive Studio’s Ombre Indigo will be available? Curious to try it…

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    • kindcrow says:
      25 October 2014 at 7:10 pm

      In a reply to someone on their Facebook page, they said “… Look for Ombre Indigo to arrive in the U.S. in early November!” Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/OlfactiveStudioFragrances/photos/a.385100321500021.101059.170657672944288/865030366840345/?type=1

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      • raymond says:
        27 October 2014 at 9:54 am

        terrific, thanks!

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  21. Kris says:
    25 October 2014 at 3:08 pm

    I am new enough to the perfume world to still ask dumb questions so here goes. I recently ordered Marni perfume and lotion from Nordstrom’s. After about a week they told me they don’t have it right now so gave me my credit back. It seems like none of the stores that carried it have it now. Can anyone tell me what the deal is with that? It is a fairly new perfume so wouldn’t think of them running out of it. Thanks for the assistance.

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    • C.H. says:
      25 October 2014 at 4:21 pm

      Oh this isn’t a dumb question at all (I mean also maybe there are no dumb questions!) — I ran into this problem recently too. Really surprised, I felt like it was everywhere just a month or two ago. Could it be (I’m scared to suggest this when I really don’t know) discontinued?? Marni.com does seem to have it tho, so if you don’t mind paying for shipping, that could be the way to go… Or eBay.

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      • perthgirl says:
        25 October 2014 at 9:52 pm

        Strawberrynet currently have the whole range and ship free worldwide if that’s any consolation.

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        • Kris says:
          25 October 2014 at 10:22 pm

          Thanks so much!

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        • C.H. says:
          25 October 2014 at 10:42 pm

          Oh I didn’t realize about their free shipping! Good to know, thank you!

          Log in to Reply
          • perthgirl says:
            26 October 2014 at 4:46 am

            If it’s the same for everywhere, fragrance alone is $10 (or 10%?) I think, but if you add anything non-fragrance to the order it’s free. I always add something else like a body product or makeup so it’s free.

    • nozknoz says:
      25 October 2014 at 10:23 pm

      It’s a good question. Nordstrom seems to change what they feature, but there could be more too it than that, of course.

      I’m also seeing it on Amazon (no affiliation). In fact, if you really love it, you can get the giant 4 oz bottle for 44% off. :-)

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      • C.H. says:
        25 October 2014 at 10:41 pm

        Alas I think the 44% off (the $143 instead of $255?) pricing’s a red herring–list price for the 4oz at Marni.com only $155 to begin with. Drat! Unless you’re seeing a different listing?

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        • nozknoz says:
          26 October 2014 at 4:47 pm

          You’re right – a red herring!

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          • C.H. says:
            26 October 2014 at 5:29 pm

            I hate when they do that! Or worse, actually raise the price then advertise it as a markdown. I’ve had that happen a couple times when outlet shopping (for clothing, though, rather than perfume)–once a dress even still had its MSRP tag saying $150, and then a separate outlet tag saying “$180 down from $250”. I pointed it out to clerk and she just ripped the MSRP tag off! Was kinda shocking. I certainly understand people like feeling like they got a deal (guilty!) but I’d think messing with customer trust like that would be very bad for business–it def makes me more inclined to comparison shop.

    • Holly says:
      26 October 2014 at 11:56 am

      Late to the party, but I often use Fragantica to look up perfumes, and they always have purchasing options listed. Today for Marni: ebay, Strawberrynet.com, Boots and Amazon listings are there.There are coupons offered on that site, and here on NST as well.

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      • C.H. says:
        26 October 2014 at 5:30 pm

        Oh, good tip, thank you! Hadn’t really focused on Fragrantica’s purchasing options–or the coupons!

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  22. Scent Galaxy says:
    25 October 2014 at 3:25 pm

    Today I am wearing Narciso and I’m really liking it!

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  23. Scent Galaxy says:
    25 October 2014 at 3:26 pm

    Today I am wearing Narciso, the new one, for the first time and I’m really liking it!

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    • Scent Galaxy says:
      25 October 2014 at 3:30 pm

      Oops! Really sorry for the (accidental!) second comment!

      Log in to Reply
    • perthgirl says:
      25 October 2014 at 9:54 pm

      I just smelled it from the bottle a couple of days ago in store, and it was rather nice! I’ll have to go back for a proper try

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      • Scent Galaxy says:
        26 October 2014 at 2:53 pm

        Yes, it’s certainly worth a try! Was offered a sample by a SA and I’m glad they did!

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  24. Oakland Fresca says:
    25 October 2014 at 4:29 pm

    Shalimar edp– it was cold this morning, but now it is hot and humid and I feel a little overwhelmed by my own perfume…

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    • Eleebelle says:
      25 October 2014 at 6:22 pm

      I wore that one throughout the summer despite thinking maybe I shouldn’t. You smell great even if you’re having your doubts :)

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      • Oakland Fresca says:
        25 October 2014 at 8:33 pm

        Thank you!

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  25. AnnieA says:
    25 October 2014 at 5:08 pm

    Had a brief visit to Holt Renfrew to try one Eau de Magnolia and Bottega Veneta Knot. Both were nice, but won’t be on the shopping list.

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  26. TheDistractedPhd says:
    25 October 2014 at 5:53 pm

    Anyone from Amsterdam?

    I am submitting the final chapter of my thesis during the first week of November: yikes! To temper the trauma of my supervisors’ critiques, I figured that I’d tag on a long weekend in Amsterdam to my mandatory visit to Edinburgh.

    Aside from feasting on stroopwafels, speculoos, and getting high on art (Brueghel’s country bumpkins always make me smile), I was hoping to visit a perfume shop or two for a not so-deserved treat but what the heck…

    Any recommendations?

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    • kindcrow says:
      25 October 2014 at 7:39 pm

      It sounds like the treat IS deserved. Good luck with your thesis!

      I don’t have any recommendations, but I found this 2013 Fragrantica link: http://www.fragrantica.com/board/viewtopic.php?id=69576.

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    • Holly says:
      26 October 2014 at 12:28 pm

      This looks good:
      http://your-perfume-guide.blogspot.com/2011/09/amsterdam-netherlands.html

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      • TheDistractedPhd says:
        26 October 2014 at 11:54 pm

        Thanks for the useful link Holly. I have my itinerary planned out already!

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  27. TheDistractedPhd says:
    25 October 2014 at 5:58 pm

    Almost forgot: wearing YSL Cinema, mainly for the drydown.

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  28. cazaubon says:
    25 October 2014 at 8:30 pm

    SDV as my main scent, with some Eau Duelle edp as a test. It’s nice but a bit weak. I think I will stick with MdO Vanille for my non-gourmand vanilla.

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    • Deva says:
      25 October 2014 at 8:43 pm

      LOVE that MdO Vanille! It’s all kind of vannillery-spicey-wonderfullness!

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      • C.H. says:
        25 October 2014 at 9:07 pm

        Oh, I’m curious, how do you guys find the MdO compares with Vanille 44?

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        • hajusuuri says:
          25 October 2014 at 11:21 pm

          C.H.! On me, the MdO is spicy (like spicy in NVC Trayee) whereas Vanille 44 is incensey. They’re similar in that they are not gourmand vanilla.

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          • C.H. says:
            26 October 2014 at 1:40 am

            Ohh thank you, that’s very helpful–can def picture another non-gourmand vanilla with that aspect changed! (Initially I thought, well, that’s for the best, I’m probably happy with the one I have! …but almost immediately I realized, ah, no, the difference between the two really means one needs TWO non-gourmand vanillas! ;) )

  29. Sun Mi says:
    25 October 2014 at 10:50 pm

    Today I tried Histoires de Parfums Blanc Violette for the first time, but its not really speaking to me. Well, the drydown is kind of yelling at me, so I don’t think this is a winner in my book. Ah well, perhaps tomorrow’s samples will yield something I’ll love. :)

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    • perthgirl says:
      26 October 2014 at 4:50 am

      It smells to me like violets and Chinese steamed buns :) Whilst I love steamed buns, I don’t want to smell like one.

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      • Sun Mi says:
        26 October 2014 at 3:57 pm

        haha vert pivoine smelled like pickles on me! i didn’t want to smell like pickles either!

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  30. MikasMinion says:
    25 October 2014 at 11:00 pm

    Just had a very indulgent dinner (steak, linguine carbonara, and garlic green beans, yum!) after a hard day of moving bricks and sorting scrap metal. I’m amazed at the amount of “useful stuff” stacked along the fence line around here. I noted an old power pole, most of three disassembled cast iron stoves, an old zinc washing machine with three bullet holes in it, part of a towing harness, and a ridiculous amount of rusty chicken wire.
    Since I was feeling fairly heroic after all the work I doused myself in MKK and am really enjoying the so-called stink. I really wish I would stumble across a bottle someplace at a huge discount. I can dream, right?

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    • C.H. says:
      26 October 2014 at 1:52 am

      Totally heroic. And you may yet get your reward–keep an eye on the online discount sites, as a variety of the Serges seem to rotate across them!

      (Along these lines…do I need a bottle of A La Nuit for $53? It’d be worse than a blind buy–I think I didn’t love it the one time I sniffed it… but that was very early on in my perfume education…and lately I’ve been loving a couple of jasmine bombs from Lush…and what a crazy deal! If $100 is the new free, is $53 like getting cash back?? ;) Oh dear, someone walk me back from the cliff!)

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      • perthgirl says:
        26 October 2014 at 4:56 am

        Blind buying A La Nuit for $53 is not entirely crazy. Blind buying A La Nuit if you dont like A La Nuit is maybe a little crazy ;-)
        But then, it’s probably half of that for a 5ml decant to see if you like it, and if you dont, it’s good swap fodder :)
        (sorry, it would appear that I suck at this talking back from the cliff thing ;-) )

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      • MikasMinion says:
        26 October 2014 at 10:17 am

        I agree. A $53 dollar blind buy is totally worth the risk, especially for something fairly popular and Jasmine is a note that works for you. You can always swap if you cant learn to love it. I’m never any good at preaching restraint ;)

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    • perthgirl says:
      26 October 2014 at 5:06 am

      I had a washing machine once that I would’ve loved to have put 3 bullets in :)

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  31. Scent Galaxy says:
    26 October 2014 at 12:17 pm

    Today I am wearing bvlgari man in black and kinda liking it. Reminds me of one of the pradas for men

    Log in to Reply
    • hajusuuri says:
      26 October 2014 at 12:26 pm

      Scent twins today and I really really really as in FB really really like it. I need to keep up my Very Important Beauty insider status at Sephora and will trigger a buy when I get a coupon for 20% off (or maybe even 10 or 15).

      Those of you with easy access to Sephora – run, don’t walk, to get a sample to try!

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      • Scent Galaxy says:
        26 October 2014 at 2:50 pm

        Oh wow, hello scent twin! *waving* Agree, it is nice. Was gifted a sample by a SA without even asking for it and I’m glad they did! Hope you get your bottle soon!

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      • C.H. says:
        26 October 2014 at 6:46 pm

        Oh thank you both for the rec–I was ready to write it off just out of disappointment it was a flanker for Bulgari Man not my beloved Bulgari Black! :)

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  32. AnnieA says:
    26 October 2014 at 1:54 pm

    I don’t think there’s been a notice on NST about this yet, but 1000 Flowers is having a fundraising campaign:

    https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/1000-flowers-perfume-refining-design

    They’re a pretty nice bunch (no pun intended).

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  33. Eleebelle says:
    26 October 2014 at 3:53 pm

    After a failed shopping trip in the city, I’m wearing Lush Karma and Breath of God. I already have Breath of God, but was pleasantly surprised by Karma (not sure I’d wear it, but I’d like it as a home fragrance). I tried fragrances at 4 other stores and have since washed everything else off, to varying degrees of success. Oh well, at least it’s beautiful outside today and the adventure is always fun!

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  34. farouche says:
    26 October 2014 at 4:52 pm

    Going out to dinner with friends tonight and wearing the lovely dark rose La Fille de Berlin. Hope my dinner is as good as this perfume!

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  35. mals86 says:
    26 October 2014 at 5:26 pm

    GORGEOUS fall day… wearing my darling Le Temps d’une Fete, and it is perfect.

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  36. Sun Mi says:
    26 October 2014 at 8:57 pm

    Perhaps others have already noticed this, but I just saw that Sephora is selling a duo of 0.24oz Atelier Vanille Insensee and Orange Sanguine for 18 dollars. It seems considerably cheaper than their other ‘small size’ Atelier products, and might be a good buy for someone interested in trying them.

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