Coming up next weekend: our annual summer reading poll.
Today, our usual open thread: talk about anything you like — the perfume you’re wearing today, the fragrance you like to smell on other people but not on yourself, whatever.
Or, ask a question about fragrance, then see if anyone else has asked a question that you can answer…
Note: top image is DSC_0854 [cropped] by Gabriele Diwald at flickr; some rights reserved.
SOTD is Santal Mossoia. It’s so relaxing to me; I could bathe in this stuff. Hubby, however, compared it to a hamster cage(!) when I made him smell it. Thanks honey! Who cares, I love it 🙂
I think “hamster cage” is what keeps me from cedar in many fragrances. 🙂
And for me it’s a sign I’ll probably like it!
Hello everyone!
I hope all of you will get to enjoy the weekend.
Perfumes that I picked to wear are Atelier Cologne Pomelo Paradis, which I wore earlier today and Gabriella Chieffo Acquasala which I just put on after a refreshing shower after a bike ride.
Phew… it’s hot today
Yes, our weather is rapidly switching to SUMMER here, too. I’m still enjoying the heat, but I know at some point I will tire of it. For now, it feels good to soak it in and watch my garden grow. 🙂
It’s the same here Marjorie!
May was rather moody and not really warm but as soon as we hit 1st of June, a really good weather appeared.
Isn’t the Pomelo gorgeous?
Good morning (and afternoon and evening)! No SOTD, yet.
As many of you know (and I’m sure care deeply 😉 ), Mr. Spicebomb moved in with me a few months back. It has been going quite well; however, I still feel some need to create space for him in places like the bathroom vanity, closets, etc. So, I’ve been using up old body products as much as I can!
Well, I ran into an old (not vintage, mind you, just unused and ignored) tube of Guerlain Vetiver body wash, and I switched to it a couple days ago. What lovely stuff!! The fragrance has all sorts of nuances and it lingers and lasts at least a good hour post-shower, which is plenty of fragrance on a hot day for me! I’m not sure I’d go out and buy more, but it has been a very pleasant surprise!
Every time someone mentions Vetiver, I get more and more enticed. I might finally have to give in and seek some out… especially if there’s a body wash. Body wash doesn’t count as a fragrance purchase so there’s no guilt. 🙂
Honestly, I don’t love it as a perfume. I almost never wear it. But the bottle I have has been nearly drained because I LOVE it as a room spray. Especially in summer, it makes the house smell so fresh! It isn’t all that hard to come by, in any case. I bought my bottle (and shower gel) off of craigslist for about $30 a few years back. There’s gotta be other deals around, since it’s in wide circulation.
Tried a nice new shower gel this morning, L’Occitane’s Bonne Mere Romarin (rosemary). Neither masculine nor feminine, it suits all members of the family with its garden-y aroma.
Ooh – sounds very nice! I like herbal things.
Went back to Fils de Dieu today because I couldn’t stop thinking about it yesterday. It’s warm and a bit humid today, so I finally get to wear it in the conditions I got it for.
Here’s a question. Does anyone have experience successfully removing perfume oil stains from a leather purse? I suspect I’ll be replacing the purse, but thought it was worth a shot to try and fix.
Oh gosh, sorry about your purse! Is it soft, thin leather or thicker? I don’t have a leather purse, but I almost exclusively buy leather shoes, including my heavy-duty hiking boots. I have found that conditioning my leather boots with a good leather conditioner has made them look new again, although admittedly, it also darkens the appearance some (so maybe it’s just masking the stains?). In any case, FWIW, the stuff I use I buy from a leather shop (for bikers, not the adult-fun type), and it looks like a soft wax base. It leaves my boots a little darker, as I say, and a touch shiny, but totally pliable and non-sticky.
Conditioner sounds like a good idea! Even without that stain, the purse could use a little refreshing–the hazard of light colored leather. Thanks for the idea!
I agree, if the leather is worth it I would just condition the entire thing and live with the darker leather. I tend to be hard on my bags and go for full grain leather that looks good with some wear so I may not be the best judge 😉 If it’s coated/colored/bonded leather there may not be anything you can do. I have some One Star Leather Balm (from their Etsy shop) that is a favorite conditioner and the tiny jar lasts forever.
It’s yellow leather but maybe conditioner would work. Of course, I need to air it out so I no longer come off like a crazy-lady-musk-bomb on the metro 🙂
Scent twins!
Victoria at Bois de Jasmin said that Fils de Dieu is a modern twist on Shalimar which makes wearing it even more amusing.
Good luck with your purse!
Shalimar is my favorite! I can definitely see parallels
The usual treatment for oily stains is to sprinkle liberally with talc and hope it absorbs some of the oil. I’d try layering a plastic surface (waxed paper maybe), talc, the portion of the purse where the stain is, talc on the inside where the stain is, another protective layer (waxed paper or plastic wrap), then weigh the whole area down with a rock or brick and leave it for a couple of days. Can’t hurt.
Thanks! I’ll give that a try
I’m in Barcelona, wearing A la Nuit and life is good. I plan to visit the perfume museum tomorrow – thanks to everyone who reminded me to do that, I had totally forgotten it was here.
I am so envious of your trip! Have a wonderful time and remember, Carner Barcelona is there, too!
Have a wonderful time! Barcelona (and the perfume museum) is my dream vacation. 🙂
Was there last year and loved it — have fun!
Happy holiday! 🙂
Have a great time. I once spent a day there 20 odd years ago. I’m sure the weather will be nice as well.
I plan to visit Barcelona next year so I am looking forward to reading about your trip!
It is absolutely wonderful here: the sea, the warmth, the food. I’ve been to Barcelona once before, more than 10 years ago: loved it then, love it now.
What I most wanted to share with you, however, is a detail nobody else will quite get. I ordered a cocktail that included a rosemary sprig that was briefly set on fire. Oh my God, that smell! Smoky rosemary! Not that I necessarily want to encourage experiments with herbs and blow torches, but seriously, this smelled fantastic. World needs this in perfume form. (The museum visit is scheduled for tomorrow.)
There is a local Pizzeria in my hometown that makes these rustic pizzas,oval-shaped and with mostly fresh organic stuff.One of my favorites is the Smoky Rosemary,thyme and capers,topped with chichory ham and balsamic vinegar.I would be a happy man if I had THAT in perfume form…Enjoy Barcelona!
Wearing Carner Barcelona’s D600 today and thinking the place that inspired must be a great place to visit, though I’d spend all of my time at all things Gaudi 🙂
Feels like full on summer today. I was so dry, did a Huile Prodigeux treatment this morning and I’m going to bolster this lovely scent with a bit of Lys Soliea.
I slathered my hair in it last night. I caught my unfortunate reflection in the mirror yesterday and thought, “Medusa!” The oil smells lovely and has been conditioning my hair all night. I’ll shower it out when I manage to extract myself from bed, cats, my sons, and this blog!
I went with Clinique Wrappings today for some green notes. I plan to be outside by my flowers today, so I thought the green would be nice.
I’be never heard of this one, but it sounds intriguing. I love green scents.
Hi. Went to Sephora this morning and sprayed myself with Tom Ford Noir Extreme. I am liking it better than I expected. Will have to see how it does throughout my work day.
I am wearing Atelier Orange Sanguine on what promises to be a hot day. Yesterday I was weeding in the yard wearing Lavs and was stung by a bumblebee! Iwas stung by a wasp once as a child, but never since. I have no idea what provoked it–The perfume? Was I uprooting its dinner? Too close to the hive? Today I am sporting a big red welt. Does anyone have any insight into bumblebee behavior?
I’ve read that the color orange irritates bees, and the only time I’ve ever been stung was while sitting on an orange beach towel. Hardly scientific, but still. Were you wearing orange, or near something orange?
The only time I was stung was on the rear end, wearing a pair of Levi’s with the little red tag. The MD said the color was probably what provoked the attack (and subsequent very uncomfortable two hour drive to the doctor).
No color on me–Black shorts and white t-shirt. So strange!
Huh. Maybe he accidentally backed into you. 😉
Hee hee 🙂
That’s how i got stung about 10 years ago. Was waving my arms around as i do when talking about something particularly exciting, and smashed right into the business end of a bee.
It thought you were a flower and dug in! Sorry about the sting. I used to get stung all the time as a kid, and was stung a few years ago while walking near some large shrub with flowers on it. I think it is just random. Thankfully those big bees don’t hurt so bad as a honey bee. Just put some tea tree oil on it and you’ll be in good shape soon.
I’ve been away, happily distracted by a visit from my California daughter. She doesn’t wear perfume, but she fell in love with Aromatics Elixir after she smelled my body cream when I was visiting her a couple of years ago, and she wore it every day. That stays with you! And she always smelled wonderful.
On another note, STS, I’ve been chastising myself for falling for everyone else’s favorite scent ravings. I’ve got so many samples that sounded so beautiful on someone else. Stop me before I try again!
AND when I received a sample of Loukhoum from a very kind NSTer, I thought I’d died and gone to heaven, so I immediately bought another sample. Very different and not as heavenly, much to my disappointment. So sad.
Sunny but chilly day in upstate N.Y.
Really, it smelled different? Is that sample from me? If it is, I bought it maybe a year and a half ago at most…. How strange!
Yes, it was your luscious sample, Fresca. The new one was lighter in every way–scent and color and power. Very strange indeed.
Aren’t there 3 versions of Loukhoum now, could that be the confusion?
Three? Thank you for the news, Robin. I wonder if I can hunt down the version I fell for.
Ha ha, you really have fallen down the rabbit hole…
I am thinking of these:
https://nstperfume.com/2008/11/28/keiko-mecheri-loukhoum-parfum-du-soir-loukhoum-eau-poudree-new-fragrances/
I’m wearing my favorite 4711 Acqua Colonia, Rhubarb & Clary sage. I can’t wear it at work since one of my staff is allergic. So I wear it on the weekends in the spring and summer. Unfortunately I’m about to run out and I can’t find it any more in the states, even on Ebay.
There’s a tester available on evilbay. 🙂
Thanks so much. I went ahead and snapped it up.
You’re so welcome! Yay!
Rivages de Mediterranee, a phrase whose grammar I can’t quite parse, from Bissoumine, I think a long-ago gift from our own delightful sweetgrass. Thx sweetgrass! It’s much sweeter and more gourmand than the scents that usually draw me close, but it hit just the right spot for brunch at a diner with nephew and company.
I’d welcome guidance from any francophones in our thread. 🙂
I’m not a francophone, exactly (2 years of college French, long ago), but the google says the name translates as Shores of the Meditteranean. Not sure how that squares with a sweetish gourmand scent though. 🙂
And apologies for the misspelling of Mediterranean. Apparently I’m awake now. 🙂
I’m francophone, and I was going to say Mediterranean Shores, so I guess Google and I agree!
Oh yay! I’m glad you’re getting some use out of it. I don’t remember what that one smelled like, exactly, but if I remember correctly, that was one of the better ones in the sample set.
It makes me think, “niche version of Dior Addict.” I don’t know Dior Addict all that well, but I feel like it has the same bones, plus a more out-there tarry note at the top. Does that ring a bell, by any chance?
Wearing Onda extract today. I only have a small decant, so I’m always hesitant to wear it – which is ridiculous. Use it or lose it! Looking forward to my nephew’s wedding next weekend.
ONDA! I read the raves and rants about this and am intrigued but slightly gun-shy. How is it on you?
It is lovely on me, IMHO, a dark green scent in my imagination. Lots of what seems to me to be wet vetiver. But my skin tends to tamp down animalics.
Wearing Tubéreuse Criminelle today. After an incredibly hot day yesterday, today is nice sunny and a lot more bearable. Have a great weekend everyone!
SOTD = Dior Addict
Love it and for anyone looking for an office safe scent, this one qualifies unless you douse yourself.
I had a particularly successful Saks visit yesterday. Although I did not get samples of Penhaligon Ostara or of Diptyque Florabellio, I got a mini of Dior Privee Granville (even though I did not buy anything) and manufacturer’s samples of Chanel Sycomore and 1932. I bought a Chanel No. 19 shower gel which I am looking forward to using this weekend; I really did not need any shower gels as I probably have a 3-year supply as it is but I had been curious about (or perhaps lusting over) the No. 19 shower gel ever since I heard that such a body product exists.
Nice scores my dear!
Chanel No. 19 shower gel sounds very luxurious.
I’d be happy if they made 28 La Pausa version, or at least Allure Homme Edition Blanche 😉
The shower gel is luxurious and all I know is I better not get used to it. I used it yesterday and it was FABULOUS! The fragrance while in-shower was fabulous and as per my preference it does not linger (but it is probably because I use a second unscented body wash on top of it…will have to skip that to see if a touch of the scent lingers).
Chanel bath products are great, and definitely worth the money. I just bought some No. 5 soap as a hostess gift for my cousin in England. Looking forward to my trip to the UK…
I love taking a No 5 shower. I loved the old square bath soap – the newer version is still good but the scent doesn’t linger on the skin as much. Right now I have the No 5 creme bath or whatever they call the liquid soap now. The bomb is really the No 5 Huile Intense Pour le Bain that was in limited release a few years ago. When I use the shower gel and then the oil before I towel off, I think the whole house must end up smelling like NO 5!
Immersion in No 5! Sounds wonderful…
Surfing The Sample Sea, SOTD Chanel No 18.
The opening was a bit shrill on me, and there was a hint of orange baby aspirin or Tang. It softened up a bit after a few hours, and became intriguing in a way that I don’t aspire to. I was waiting for it to evolve but it just fizzled out into meh territory.
I’m looking forward to the Belmont Stakes later on today!
My sister and I are going out to dinner with friends tonight and asked Mom if she wanted to join us. We (my sister and I) were discussing the time and I said to make sure that the meeting time is after the Belmont Stakes. My mom thought we were going to a steak place 🙂
Bless her heart! 🙂
SOTD is Interlude Man (Amouage).
Hi – it’s soooo hot in France at the moment, especially in a house with no aircon. I have a fan blasting and have just put Shalimar on which I reach for more often when it’s warm for some reason. Just wondering if anyone has tried the new cologne version. I’m going to try and get a sample next week but am keen to get a bottle of the old version before it disappears.
I tried the new Cologne and I am not crazy about it, I much prefer the vintage one. I thought that the lemon note was a little strong in the new one.
I love Shalimar in the heat.
Trying out a sample of Chanel 1932! It’s very pleasant and still chic and to my nose obviously Chanel, but seems too sweet and a little nondescript somehow, Chanel or not. I don’t get anything notable from it. Hmmmm.
Yup, this is similar to my thoughts re: 1932. You are not alone in your hmmm.
Agreed (nodding in agreement ; )
I think that I’d like 1932 if it only cost about $45…. the smell is OK, but not for $160!
Today is gray, so I keep mixing Orange Sanguine + Bois Blonds. Happy together!
Today I am wearing Bvlgari Aqva Divina. Happy weekend everybody!
SOTD a very enjoyable vetiver:Guerlain Homme L’eau Boisee.Other than Vetiver Extraordinaire,so far the only really impressive vetiver to my nose!Lovely.
Freschiiissimo. This scent is just so great on me. I expect it to get lots of wear this summer
Sahara Noir, good stuff.
That was one I considered a full bottle of, but never followed up. Pretty.
SOTA is Dior Escale a Portofino, one of my absolute favorites for hot weather. I have jury duty next week and might go with Escale for that too, since it’s fairly crowd-friendly.
Scent twins today. Escale a Portofino was a total blind buy for me and I’m delighted with how much wear I’m getting out of it. Not spectacular but lovely on sunny days.
I like Escale a Portofino now more than I used to. I like to spray on a whole bunch of it before I do garden work when it’s really hot. I also like Escale a Pondichery too – right now it’s my fav tea fragrance.
Switched to Caron’s Farnesiana EdP of some sort of vintage. My first time with this sample and oops, I overapplied. Turns out that’s easy to do. I’m roaming around between drunken mimosa sunshine and giggly play-doh memories. Two great ‘tastes’ that don’t go so great together, not yet anyhow.
In what year does the play-doh note appear in perfume history?
stumbling around, not roaming
I’ve read that almond, heliotrope, and vanilla can impart a Play-Doh note to perfume. I have personally experienced it with vanilla and almond notes.
According to my slap-dash research, vanilla has been used for its fragrance for 900 years. So…. perhaps the play-doh note originated in the year 1115?
Hee hee!
The Wikipedia article on Play-Doh starts with “This article is about the children’s modeling material. For the ancient Greek philosopher, see Plato.” I am not kidding.
Maybe we’re on to something….
SOTD is Eau de Merveilles. It seemed to fade very quickly today.
I walked into our bedroom and was struck by a truly wonderful smell. My husband had sprayed on Acqua di Parma Colonia. Man, he smelled good…
…as do almost all Hermes, it seems. Nice while it last, though, isn’t it?
I saw Mad Max with a friend today, which was pretty awesome. What’s not so awesome is that I think I lost my pocketbook in the theatre. My purse went under the seat, and I suspect it might have fallen out under there. They let me come back in and look since no one had turned it in, but the next showing had already started. So I think I’m going to have to wait here til it lets out to go in and look. Ugh. It’s going to suck if I can’t find it. My credit and debit cards and my drivers license are in there.
Oh and SOTD is a DIY thing.
Fingers cross for you
Thanks! I got it back. Luckily someone had turned it in.
Yay!!
Hurrah!
Nice you got it back! So how was Max? I’m a big Tom Hardy fan, and I liked MM back in the day, but I admit the trailer for this one really looked way over the top to me. Can’t talk my husband into going to see it at the theater; guess we’ll wait for DVD.
Ugh! That’s such a crappy feeling and I’ve done that many times, especially with my wallet. I hope you find it or a good Samaritan turns it in!
I started out testing my new sample of Histoires de Parfums 1969 (Revolte) which I found to be rather meh and doesn’t quite match the name. I popped into a Sephora on my way to the subway and spritzed Tokyo Milk Bittersweet(a not so sweet cocoa scent) which I’d never tried. I’m actually really enjoying it. Dries down to a mild cocoa butter lotion smell. Anyone have other cocoa/chocolate scents to recommend?
Sonoma Scent Studio’s Cocoa Sandalwood is dreamy. I usually don’t go for cocoa or creamy, and this is both, but there’s something about it…. It was my favorite sleep scent for most of the winter.
So many from her line that I love. I will definitely try that one. Just in time for summer 😉
– I mix cocoa absolute (I get it from the health food store) in jojoba oil and use it as a moisturizer (shake before using). Sometimes I add some fir needle oil. I was inspired to do that by Seattle Chocolate by Olympic Orchids (OO). OO’s California Chocolate would suit patchouli-lovers (I am not a patch fan).
– Mexican Cocoa by Pacifica. I layer it with Pacifica Island Vanilla to tone down the almond in the Mexican Cocoa.
– Chocolate Crave is a good substitute for the discontinued Chocolovers Aquolina. http://www.chocolatecraveperfume.com/
Thanks for all tge recs! I like that DIY idea. I had a Lush solid massage bar with cocoa in it. Really nice but kinda pricey and melts too easily. Is the cocoa absolute in a food isle or with essential oils?
It was with the essential oils.
One more: Amour De Cacao
by Comptoir Sud Pacifique
My husband just got home and invited me to come with him to look for Common and Lesser Nighthawks and snakes … a great way to spend a Saturday evening, IMHO. I just received a bottle of Highland Lilac of Rochester, so I will wear that. I got it from the Vermont Country Store, along with some Florida Water in a GLASS BOTTLE! Cool.
Vermont Country Store is great source for slightly obscure scents. I get Cadentia colognes from them which are very nice, and great deal for the price.
I have been tempted by some of those 200 ml bottles of those colognes!
I can’t pretty much guarantee that my hubby would never go willingly looking for snakes. That does sound like a fun night to me though. Did you see anything?
No snakes, unfortunately. We were hoping to see some warming themselves on the asphalt near dusk or after dark. The Lesser Nighthawks were quite vocal, which was very nice. The sunset was beautiful and there were some great rainclouds in the distance. We could see Venus, too.
The last snake that I saw in the wild was a handsome (so shiny!) gopher snake on a wildflower trip in March.
Snakes are so interesting. We found three little ribbon snakes in Mom’s garden last week. Had a blast trying to keep the kitties from chasing them.
Ribbon snakes are like our garter snakes. When I was a kid, I was walking home and I found a garter snake on a neighbor’s lawn. I wanted to take it home to show to my mom, but I was very honest and didn’t want to steal it, so I picked up the snake and knocked on the door. When the woman answered the door, I thrust the snake in her face and nervously said “I found this on your lawn. Can I have it?” She took a big step back, and after her heart rate slowed down, she gave me a paper bag to carry it in. My mother was delighted with the show-and-tell, as I knew she would be 🙂
We have garter snakes around too, I had several as pets as a kid. My dad was really good at assisting in my childhood animal “rescue” attempts…and explaining why we had to let them go (not because Mom was furious, but because the critter would be happier, of course).
🙂
So the two week kitchen remodel has, as expected, turned into three. Part of the room is down to the studs. The plasterer will be here tomorrow and Tuesday. The dust from this past weeks work is an allergy nightmare. Even with plastic sheeting over the doorways it gets everywhere. Hopefully once the plastering is over the dust will subside a bit. I painted the ceiling yesterday so all I’ll have to do is touch up where he fixes the holes. I’m going to paint the walls today. It doesn’t matter if I drip on anything now. It’s an empty room.
I really want to treat myself to something new and have been thinking of a trip to Sephora but Lord knows I don’t need another lipstick or bottle of perfume. I also took the birds for a nail trim yesterday and that pionus parrot I wanted ages ago is still there tugging at my heartstrings. She’s pretty miserable and shy. The store owner wants me to come back and spend time with her on a quieter day to see how she is with me. She knows I’m a sucker and she thinks my house would be a good fit for the bird. I’m not sure I need anything else to take care of. But pionus have a bit of a musky, fruity odor to them that I love. Perhaps I should just go get some new perfume after all.
Ugh about the reno taking a week longer! I say you deserve 3 FBs, one for every week of the reno. What say you?
I’ve never had a pet bird but homes I’ve visited with pet birds smell nutty.
3 bottles? You are brilliant.
Thank goodness you’re getting close to the end! I thought the rule of thumb was to double the estimated time to complete renovations, and add a week, so maybe you actually got lucky. 😉
hajusuuri may be on to something with her logic. How about one perfume, one lipstick, and one bird? (I’m smitten with your description of the bird and she could be a nice addition to your home.)
I like your idea too. Lol.
We’re making the best of it. The good thing this week is that hubband has events every night except one so I don’t have to worry about making dinner for anyone other than me. I can get by on just about anything.
Get the bird!!!!
Voting for the bird too!
🙂
Hey, how about another poodle? I’ll be looking for one as soon as we get moved into our new (old) house. 😉
I was supposed to look at poodle pups but she lost them halfway through the pregnancy. 🙁
I grew up helping out at the family aviary so I love parrots. Of course, I recommend the bird. Pionus make such sweet pets if they’re properly raised, I hope she isn’t too neurotic and shy to work with. What are your other birds?
I have a very antisocial parrotlet. The bird I picked out was sweet and lovable. The bird the breeder gave me when I went to pick him up was the little Mr. Cranky Pants I have now. My other bird is a green cheek conure. He can be a bit nippy but otherwise is a good boy.
Sounds like you have some cuties! Green cheeks were always a favorite when I was a kid, small enough to handle and great at learning tricks.
How about looking for a perfume that smells like a Pionus?
Lol!
Treat yourself! Because ohhhhh, that bird smell is lovely. One of our birds (a parakeet) smells like flowers, hay, and a bit of musk. The other birds (another parakeet and a Senegal parrot) smell nice, too, but not the same.
Wow, I had no idea birds had odors that would be noticeable and attractive to humans! The natural world of a marvelous place, isn’t it?
I had to use the last of this months perfume budget on clothes. I hate clothes shopping. Everything cute is in the juniors section or there is ugly old women clothes but there is almost nothing in the plus sized area that is cute and fits right. It really can suck being a size 16. I think that I shall wear either Chanel no 5 or maybe one of my more current version of Mitsouko to work today.
Take up sewing! It does not save you money, really, but you can end up with just what you want. Today’s fashions don’t really require much tailoring, so it just requires fiddling with your markup of the pattern to make sure it will fit to your satisfaction…
If “I” took up sewing, I’ll end up with misshapen muumuus.
Yep, so would I. I can knit, but cannot sew.
Stores should wake up and realize that they would make more money (that’s all that they care about) if they offered cute clothes in sizes over 10 or 12.
Sometimes stores offer more sizes on-line. So, if you see a cute dress in a Size 8 in the brick and mortar store, you could see if they have more sizes on-line.
Oy! Good luck, but try being 6’1″ size 20/22 to see how it is to be a *tall* plus. Plus clothes are only made for short teenagers IMHO. Try finding professional, elegant clothes and it’s a mess.
My problem finding clothes is not so much my height. I’m 5’9″ which isn’t at all unusual in the Netherlands. I take a regular size ( size 14 in US measurements), but having a large chest makes it impossible for me to buy certain items like blouses and jackets. I have given up on finding these items but would love it, if clothes manufacturers would make more different shapes.
My problem with my own suggestion is finding the time to do it! I spent so many years doing “Make it yourself with Wool” and 4H sewing that now I look in the stores and think “I could make that” but realistically I can’t take on any more projects til I finish the ones I have started now…
I’m testing Eau d’Italie this weekend. It seems perfect for warm weather. I saw on their website that they do sell a 50 ml which is more my speed. The bottle isn’t pretty, but I’m wondering why this doesn’t get more love on NST?
You mean their original scent? I think it does have fans, but you’re right I don’t see it mentioned often.
Yes it’s the original scent. It’s a seaside vacation in a bottle, without the coconut.
I only smelled it once while I was overseas – but it was my favorite from the brand!
I am going to Iceland on Wednesday!!! I am sooo excited! I plan to take two perfumes with me. If you were me, which perfumes would you take?
I like scents with some oomph, and Iceland seems a little harsh at the best of times, so I would not go for airy. I would take something sort of comforting and fortifying, like Spirituese Double Vanilla or Iris Poudre and something blossomy, probably Séville à l’Aube or maybe Noontide Petals. I am interested to see what other suggestions people make!
I like the idea of Seville a l’aube. It’s so versatile, too. I might also want something very natural, Iike a favorite vetiver or leather perfume. Guerlain Vol de Nuit would also be good. A basic eau de cologne or Chanel 28 la Pausa would be good for something light and refreshing to put on morning that would be discreet.
If I had your have one perfume, Séville a l’Aube would be my pick right now. I am wearing it today…
Are there any fans of Zegna’s Javanese Patchouli here? It gets good reviews and I LOVE the scent. It’s my favorite patchouli, but I’v asked two people to smell it on me and both were repelled! Given how expensive it is, I can’t buy it for just those days I’m staying in 🙁
So strange!
Do your friends like other patchoulis, i.e., is it only the Zegna patchouli that they dislike?
I think they have both smelled Etro’s Patchouli, without much reaction at all. One has smelled Karma, and also Coromandel (on me) and though he wasn’t wowed, he wasn’t repelled either. So this one seems to be evoking an especially negative response!
And whenever I try a whole lot of scents, my nose will keep returning to JP with this ‘which one was this again / this is nice / this is me / but which is it again? Oh yes, the one that others say stinks! lol!!!!
Is the Zegna more masculine? There are some masculine notes that I really dislike in combination with patchouli. Or maybe try a very light application. It might simply have more projection.
Yes, the Zegna is more masculine! I don’t know about projection – I generally have to ask people to smell the patch of skin I have sprayed on.
I wanted to say earlier when we talked,if you can pull off Eau Noire,JP should be a breeze!Lol
uh…define pulling off?
I have perfumes I love that I only wear at home for me to enjoy. There’s nothing wrong with that.
Yes, I have one or two, but I wear them less often for this reason!
Hot and sunny weekend, so little to no perfume. Did try out a spritz of dipytique 34 sample I got on Saturday. The drydown is great.
Now it’s Raphael Replique, an odd duck among vintage scents. The top was dissonant green, but the drydown plays a nice green vs. animal game of hide-and-seek. It’s interesting and although I don’t love it, I can easily understand how the right person would. I’m not just saying that to be diplomatic!
That’s a great description. It’s interesting to be able to smell those odd vintage scents even if one wants to wear them.
Yes, I can hardly believe my good fortune to know such generous perfume lovers who are willing to share samples of their prized possessions!
I think its a mark of expertise to be able to discern a good perfume aside from the question as to whether one is personally drawn to it or not. For the most part I’m still on the I-like-it-or-don’t-like-it dichotomy. I’m hoping to still evolve!
Pshaw! You do you.
For some reason it struck me that I can empathize with a person who loves it. Just another personal response.
I guess that’s another way of looking at it 😉
And that did come out sounding more pompous than I meant it too! My blech or yum reactions (to scent) just don’t come off as sophisticated as I would like them to…sigh…
I guess if its a yum, I can sometimes wax lyrical!
For some reason, this one has percolated to the top of my “must try” list. I’ve never sniffed it, but you make it sound so intriguing. Green + animalic sounds like a great combo to me.
It’s not one you find very often, that’s for sure. I wish I had more than a sample; I would share! In a completely different realm but also kinda sorta green + animalic, have you smelled House of Matriarch’s Lucid?
Have been spritzer Zeste de Soleil, which seems to last about 1/2 hour. So very cheerful, though, and it *is* in a 100 ml bottle…
I wore Guerlain Eau Imperiale this morning for lots and lots of happy gardening work. After shower it was the scent from Neutrogena sesame body oil and some vintage Garlimard Gelsomino. I smell like summer!
I’m *finally* doing the seasonal scent wardrobe switch, and SOTD is YSL Y EdP. Y springs eternal, lol! I first tried this (the EdT) through a swap back on MUA, and it’s been love ever since. I’m glad I’ve got a back-up EdT, too, since I’m pretty sure it’s been reformulated. What hasn’t? (Oops, sorry, couldn’t help myself there.)
Spent an enjoyable afternoon sniffing everything in the Santa Maria Novella boutique in Chevy Chase. The young man in charge of the store was great: knowledgeable but not intrusive. Alas, no samples available, and I didn’t think to bring any empty vials along to ask if I could make my own. The only scent I put on skin was Citta di Kyoto, which I like enough to want a decant …
There are so many SMNs that I want to try. No samples? That sucks. Still, what a great opportunity!
Hang on, there’s a perfume boutique in Chevy Chase, MD? I need to learn more about this!
You can get most of the Santa Maria Novella products at Lafco in NY as well (it’s a block or two around the corner from MIN)
Thanks, TGR! I’m actually inquiring regarding perfume fixes in the vicinity of family. 🙂