What's your fragrance today?
I'm wearing vintage Balmain Vent Vert, developed by perfumer Germaine Cellier and redone by perfumer Calice Becker (and no doubt redone several times over since).
Reminder: tomorrow, 6 March, we're celebrating International Women's Day — wear a perfume by a female perfumer.
And for those of you who like to plan ahead, see Scent of the day ~ Friday community projects 2015, where I'll try to always have the next five or six weeks mapped out in advance.
Note: top image of Germaine Cellier via Vanity Fair France.
I’ve grown tired of trying new things (for the moment) and I wanted something comforting. My SOTD is Rochas Femme a decant gifted to me by a lovely NST lady : ) It is so lush and soothing I think every woman should try this beauty at least once.
Agree!
There will be a Cellier for me as well this week. Today, however is dedicated to my all time favourite fragrance by the wonderful Sophia Grojsman: YSL Paris. I’m wearing both the bodycream and the EDP so I feel properly “rosy”.
Owww, and properly pretty! I don’t wear this one nearly enough.
You do smell pretty! I didn’t know the perfumer for Paris. This could be a great choice for me mañana
SOTD is Pour Homme Prive (Patou). More ice/sleet/snow yesterday, but the sun is shining bright today, at least so far…
Wish we had the bright sun. Just grey & snow, snow, snow…
SOTD is Theorema. It’s perfect for the snowy day
Perfumer is Christine Nagel, who also do two of my other favorites – Lancome Mille et Une roses and Narcisco Rodriguez for her.
Perfect for any day
Haven’t tried it in the summer yet -but I will!
There used to be an Eau Legere but I think it’s harder to find than the regular now.
SOTD Eau de Gloire for a lovely – but cold – March day
Nice
SOTD is Pretty & Pink by Dawn Spencer Hurwitz. Very pretty, very pink.
I don’t think I’ve tried that one. Her line has gotten HUGE.
It is completely huge! This one is from a couple of years ago and reminds me of Rose Praline.
Decided to go with Nathalie Lorson today and her Encre Noire. Just perfect!
Agreed on everything!
Didn’t know perfumer’s name for Encre Noire – Happy Women’s History Month!
Winter is back, so in protest I will wear Annik Menardo’s Lolita Lempicka Au Masculin. Come on Spring! I hear the birds trying to tempt one another into courtship and the horses are starting to shed their winter coats! My poodle looks like a little black lamb and needs a haircut but it is just too cold.
SOTD is a test mod for Laurie of her new natural, Amber/Incense. It gets better and better with each mod. I think she’s about ready to release it.
Never good when The Weather Channel broadcasts live from your city. I know we’re not at the Boston levels of snow, but 14.5″ currently and snow to continue until after lunch.
Oy.
All we’ve got is nasty freezing rain/sleet. Should switch to snow after lunch, but 1-3 inches of snow on top of sleet is just ick.
It started out here as rain/freezing rain/sleet. I think we got 3″ of that before the snow started, so it’s now solid ice under all of this snow. I’m not going anywhere!
Stay safe!
We might get half an inch of ice, just enough to be dangerous while still letting the foolhardy think that they can get somewhere… I cancelled an eye appointment for Taz because *I* am not going anywhere either!
Aaaaaaaand now we have snow. Good thing I didn’t try to drive 55 miles to the pediatric eye dr.
55 miles in the snow…ARG! Can’t even imagine.
Well, there are eye doctors close by, but the *pediatric* one is in the nearest small city.
Oh, I just saw footage from KY on the tv!! I really feel for you Rapp. That is normally our bad news up here. Take an aspirin before you start shoveling and keep your faucets dripping tonight to help prevent your pipes freezing!!
Speaking of Laurie, today I wore To Dream on one arm and Lieu de Reves on the other. I think I’m going to wear LdR tomorrow….
I love Vent Vert in any of its incarnations. I’m almost out of a bottle I bought in the ’90s, so I am going to buy a new bottle in its current formulation. You smell great Robin.
Thank you! And if you find a brand new bottle, tell me how it is. Have not seen a tester for Vent Vert in eons.
You do smell great Robin! I love Vent Vert too. I got a bottle of the current formula wth the gold round thimble cap like Ambregris. It has that crisp green top note that fades into something very close to vintage Revlon Jontue. Still very pretty.
Another big fan of Vent Vert here, I love it in the spring. I have the bottle with the jaunty polka dot ribbon, I think it’s early 90’s? Still smells great.
Today’s scent is Acqua di Parma’s Iris Nobile EDT by Francoise Caron (and Francis Kurkdjian).
I prefer the EDT to the EDP and went out of my way to locate a back-up bottle of it when it was discontinued. (The EDP is still readily available, I believe.)
Happy Thursday!
Really like that edt–good thing you’re prepared with your backup.
Wearing Le Labo Vanille 44, because my decant arrived last night! Hooray!
And I also went to the sample sale last night (where I saw Floragal), and I’m going to have some confessions to make to Our Lady Donatella this quarter.
Guess who’s back in line?
Argh!
I hope they’ve re-stocked for you! And that the winter weather keeps the line short.
They didn’t restock! What a bummer!
I really am surprised by this, very different than last year.
Is Vanille 44 worth the hype?
Yes. I say this as someone who does not even like vanilla very much. And on a sniffing outing one day, Hajusuuri (who else) convinced me to smell some at Barneys and strongarmed a sample out of the SA. I didn’t care much about it the first time, but wore it a second time on a rainy cold day, and it was PERFECT and wonderful. I saw someone doing a split, so went in on that.
LOL at the strong-armed. The whiney SA said they were out of atomizers and I said “No Problem, I brought my own – fill ‘er up, please” (I said please)
Donatella who? I don’t know of this Donatella…:).
Oh you know… make a pilgrimage to her shrine in Milan… and you are cured of your reluctance to buy full bottles… The path to the front door is lined with discarded decants….
I may bave to brave a sample sale one of these days!
Annick Menardo’s Bulgari Black. Thanks to everyone here who reminded me of it earlier this week!
This morning I wore PdN Le Temps d’un Fete, and to appreciate the creations of as many women as possible, Isabelle Doyen’s Ninfeo Mio for work this evening
Adore LTdF.
I always think of you Mals and send a telepathic hello when I wear it
waving back!
Like so many of us, I am tired of all the ice and snow. However, I have to admit I’m not entirely sorry that my office is closed today. SOTD is Mauboussin (Christine Nagel).
Oh, that’s a nice one. I finally drained my mini bottle… probably not going to buy another, but I enjoyed it.
SOTD is Theo Fennel Scent, smells great in cold weather.
Wearing PdN No 1. Sometimes struggle with the opening–perhaps due to the tagetes, but the drydown is so lovely. Got a bottle of the orig from New London Pharmacy as they were transitioning to the “intense” version. The site has a vast array of brands, including something called Frownies, which I remember seeing ads for as a child (usually in the back pages of magazines). Ha!
Frownies and Wrinkies, yes! I remember those too.
Snow day in Memphis! I’m home from work. This will be a sampling day.
I started the morning with Heeley Iris de Nuit. A lovely NST-er sent me this a couple of years ago. I didn’t like it then. Now? Two thumbs up!
Working from home today, enjoying some tea, and watching my cat trying to catch snowflakes (even though kitty’s inside). Scents of the day are Tihota on one wrist, and Eau des Missions on the other. And because I’m at home, maybe I’ll even put on additional scents later.
Twins! I am wearing Tihota today too.
I had proposed a split of Tihota during SplitMeet and only got one bite. I’m lookinf 1-2 more to take 10 mLs each to close it. Please email me if interested.
My SOTD is Tuberose Angelica by Jo Malone. I actually forgot I had a bottle of this. That goes to show I really am not that crazy about it. It is a pretty floral scent but too soft for my taste. I mixed it with Atelier’s Orange Sanguine to give it some extra oommpphh!
The two together is not bad at all.
Anyone else try Tuberose Angelica? Your thoughts?
Is Jo Malone the perfumer or does she just slap her name on the scents? Just realized I have no idea.
She left the company in ’06 but I do believe that she was the perfumer prior to that point.
This is one of the new scents that came out within the last year. I don’t think JM had anything to do with it since Estee Lauder bought her out. But, it is still under the “Jo Malone” label.
Her earlier stuff before she sold the company was AMAZING!
She started a new line called “Jo Loves” and I have sampled a few of the fragrances. But, at the present time, it is only available in London. I wish she would bring it to the U.S.
Jo Malone is my absolute favorite perfumer!
My understanding is that she has always used perfumers at the main fragrance & flavor companies, under her creative direction.
I know everyone is sick of the snow-but I really enjoy watching it come down when I am at home, and before it turns all brown and gross. Today I am curled up with a cup of chai tea, 2 cats and a baby and going commando so far today. Maybe put on a little Lyric woman later on.
Stay warm
Yum! Chai tea is delicious!
My mother in law grinds her own powder to make the chai. Its delicious!
Tea, cats, and a baby are the most perfect snowy day companions.
Agreed!
I keep going back and forth between the current formulation of Shalimar and vintage Mitsouko. I just can’t decide which one I want to wear. Shalimar I can wear with abandon since I have so much of it. But the vintvintage Mitsouko, not so much. What’s funny is that I can find vintage Shalimar dirt cheap but vintage Mitsouko, if you can find it seems to be an arm and a leg.
That’s true – Shalimar is still widely available at drugstores and the like (in fact, it’s the only Guerlain my local mall carries), but Mitsouko is not.
I was in need of some moral support today so I’m in Mitsouko, my old love. If I could only wear one perfume for the rest of my life, Mitsouko would be it, I’ve worn it since I was 18. It’s very comforting!
May Mitsuoko bring you both comfort and an indomitable spirit, in wafting gentle measures. Mitsuoko when she’s in the mood, can do all that and more! Be well.
For Keep It Simple Thursday I am wearing Ambre de Merveilles.
Nice!
Very fitting for the weather.
I’m wearing TF Shanghai Lily today to put up a hanging light fixture I bought on Amazon. Although I knew the dimensions, once out of the box it looks HUGE, and sort of resembles the Death Star from Star Wars. Chrome and glass, so I have to be careful not to dent it or drop it. Hoping it will appear a little less enormous once it’s hung up by the ceiling.
Okay, back to perfume. Where is the lily in Shanghai Lily?? I don’t get any at all.
Hmm. In my (sample-wearing) experience of SL, the lily is definitely there, but there’s also this big spicy thing as well as that nice creamy drydown. It’s a very spicy lily, is all I can say – not a green one or a floral one.
Don’t let the Death Star light fixture fall on your head!
Wearing Rubj today, which I think Angela described as the smell of a debauched ballerina? Doesn’t really go with my outfit today – army green cargo pants and a grey oversized sweater – but sometimes I like to contrast with my perfume.
I believe it was “ravaged ballerina”
Great description either way.
Ooh, which concentration? I recently got a tiny sample of the parfum extrait and am looking forward to testing it.
Wearing the EdP, but would love to try the extrait as well.
That’s exactly the way I love to wear fragrance–something uber feminine juxtaposed with utilitarian clothes, or something angular and masculine with a frilly outfit. I’m a sensual contrarian! Angela’s review of Rubj EdP hooked me, too
Me too! Amouage Gold, jeans, and the dog park seem made for each other.
I tend to wear Gold for household chores, it makes them much more interesting
Rubj is on my list – for the longest time.
Every time I think of it I get indecisive on which concentration should I go for: EDP or Extrait !?
To make the whole thing even more difficult people opinions seem to be diametrically opposite resulting that I ‘m still at the same place : nowhere near the actual bottle (in my hands) :(.
What is the difference b/w the two concentrations and which one to get for what effect?
*since we’re talking about it may be someone could clarify this subj for me, please?
the subj. of Rubj…..
I have smelled both concentrations of Onda and Rubj. The extrait and edp of Onda are pretty similar, but the Rubj extrait and edp are quite different. I did not care for the edp at all as it has a passionfruit note that smelled dirty/unpleasant to me. Supposedly all 3 of the edps have this passionfruit note but I could not smell it in Onda. I highly recommend the extrait in both over the edp.
Thanks so much! very helpful info.
I believe the extrait is heavier on the floral aspect. I have the EDP and it’s got a lot more cumin in it which can smell sweaty, which makes the whole ravished ballerina thing make sense.
I also have a 1ml sample form Luckyscent when they just came out with the line. I think it was an EDP and I absolutely agree with the ravished ballerina label.
I believe Rubj is one the sexiest+ sophisticated juices around…
I would love to get a decant of both……. actually
Yes! Sometimes I like to coordinate, and sometimes contrast. It keeps it fun.
Have you seen food pairing discussions ever? In the west, they tend to pair like with like (white wine with fish, etc.) while in eastern cuisine it’s more about contrast. Very interesting concepts that work within a fragrance (competing vs complementary notes) and with how you wear it.
Actually, I think of cargo pants and an oversized sweater as TOTALLY ballerina-on-a-day-off, much like supermodels schlep around in sweats whenever they aren’t on a shoot.
Ha. I am now revising my assessment of myself… I am like a supermodel ballerina on her day off! (Well maybe two supermodels stuck together….on their day off.)
Hi folks, I also like this juxtapositional juice thing. An option could also be super feminine floral dress, worn with an astringent citrus or something masculine/sporty to pull it all “together”
Liberty Lawn + Encre Noire…
You’re a medium supermodel ballerina …
Extra Medium!
Well I’m nearly 3 supermodels stuck together on their day off!
Several years ago, I was walking to my office in NYC and saw a column of fur walking towards me. I don’t know if the woman was a model but she was so skinny that even wrapped in fur, she still looked skinny.
You guys make me laugh. LOL. I am four with a hamburger patty in a ciabatta roll!
I am wearing Les Nereides Opoponax, and I find it to be a good scent for a cold day.
Mentafollia.
DSH Oeillets Rouges today. Spicy carnations! Love this one, and don’t wear it often enough.
I adore that picture of Cellier! She must have been such a character.
I had meant to say so earlier – you can see the mischief in her eyes.
Just gotta love that impish grin.
This week I’m of dual purpose; wearing women perfumers and using up samples… Bois d’armenie today, which I would totally be into a split of… Its benzoin goodness is delightful if you douse instead of dose…
An olfactory decluttering project, in fact! Perfect activity for spring…
It’s true… Not that 1 or 2 ml vials will really take up much room in my impending move, but still…
Inspired by some folks here I picked up the eBook about tidying/konmari & we’ll see if that advances my cause beyond using up samples…
I think the universe is telling me I need to get with that konmari declutterng program. I had a surprisingly easy time culling my books but I know it will be much harder for clothes and other ummmm collections.
Well, the ebook is relatively easy to find, though perhaps I should have waited for an NST success story? This is a clever and trustworthy bunch.
Good for you! I listened to the book from audible.com and started the process right away. Yesterday I discarded 6 twenty gallon plus four 10 gallon bags of clothing. The whole house feels cleaner. Tomorrow the books get sorted.
Whoa, nearly simultaneous posts–the success story I was asking for
Ciel d’Opale, but realized the perfumer is Duchaufour, who’s great, but not on theme this week. Whoops! I even set the Ann Gerard samples out last night with a PLAN. E for effort?
If you smell good, nothing else really matters, does it?
L’Artisan Safran Troublant. I think it’s by a lady perfumer? I’m at work and don’t have time right now to look it up, but whoever made it, it’s genius. Saffron roses vanilla and not much else, but so perfectly balanced.
Olivia Giacobetti created it. So you’re sticking to this week’s theme.
I see everyone smells fabulous!
I went along with the trends: either fresh – to speed up spring, or warm & spicy – to keep up the fire going.
With that and after much contemplation the decision was to keep the fire :), so I enjoy a vintage Sikkim from a teeny-tiny bottle I had. It’s fabulous because I caught both trends now. LOL!!!!
I haven’t showered yet and so I haven’t applied anything new, but the Black Flower Mexican Vanilla from yesterday smells like yummy smores on my wrist. I imagine this would be perfect if I were home in the snow in MD. It’s still nice here in Washington, but not quite as fitting since we’re seeing highs in the upper 50s!
Bvlgari Black.
SOTD for me is Tauer’s Une Rose Chypree which I mistakenly thought was PHI and over sprayed. I didn’t think I was going to make it to work, the smell was overwhelming, but now I’m ok.
No score on the Diptyque sample sale this year
Definitely not as good as last year.
Coromandel… that was this morning… lovely, but now it is gone.. the last of my sample… so I am thinking perhaps No. 5.. .I guess it is a Chanel day.
It seems Coromandel doesn’t last long? Maybe if it came from a full spray bottle instead of a sample vial.. . I know I was disappointed .,,
I had a sample spray vial and I went to town with it… And it was lovely… and then it was gone. My Chanel No. 5 Parfum on the other hand lasted hours and hours and I just dabbed.
I wanted something soft and floral this morning, so I went with Diptyque’s Eau Moheli (from one of the samples that a very generous Nordie’s SA loaded me up with the other day). I loved the initial peppery blast, and the rest of its development too (so far, anyway). It’s a gorgeous springlike day here in Oregon (*ducks to avoid incoming snowballs*). AnnS, you described springtime in Portland PERFECTLY the other day!
SOTD is Hypnotic Poison….a great way to leisurely enjoy a day off and a massage. Spring is in the air and time for some of the lighter fragrances to move to the front of the shelf!
The samples I ordered arrived yesterday, yeah! SOTD was En passant, now i’m in Tea for Two. A good scent day indeed
Hi NST! My SOTD is the new Miss Dior edp. Dare I say I like this better than Cherie from 05. Nothing groundbreaking here just smells more grownup and not as sweet.
SOTD = Papillon Angelique
This is by Liz Moores. It starts off as fruity-flowery before creamy iris comes out to play. The drydown is woody and incensy. Some have reported vanilla but I don’t smell that at all. i like this enough for a FB.
Staying warm here with La Maison de la Vanille Vanille Sauvage de Madagascar edt. Cozy soft, sweet vanilla but with herbal notes of lavender and geranium that keep those springtime thoughts alive!
Sending stay safe and warm wishes to all those affected by today’s winter storm. I heard that ‘supposedly’ this is the last Arctic subfreezing cold spell those of us in the midwest will have to endure, and I also heard that for those of you in the path of the most recent winter storm, it ‘appears’ this will be the last of its kind for you, too. Finger’s crossed the Weather Experts are right on both counts!
I decided to go with Dune today. I looked it up on Fragrantica and discovered that it has a female co-author, Nejla Barbir. I also liked it because she’s not one of the “household names” that come up a lot. Also, I smell good.
You smell great!
I put on Oriza L Legrand Muguet Fleuri this morning but it didn’t last. The Debut I wore yesterday was more satsfying.
Tried wearing Pretty Machine to bring spring closer but it didn’t keep it from snowing all day