Happy Tuesday! What fragrance did you pick for today?
I'm wearing vintage Carven Ma Griffe, in honor of Madame Carven.
Reminder: this Friday, 6/12, we're looking at literary connections...name a favorite novel, and wear a perfume that fits the novel or a character in the novel. The summer reading poll will follow on Saturday.
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.
SOTD is Signature Black Mark (Jack Black).
I’ve said it before, but still surprised they didn’t continue that series.
I think Blue Mark is the only version left, and my least favorite.
Correction, you can still get Silver Mark on the Jack Black website. Robin, I think you have pointed this out before.
It’s ok, we are allowed to repeat ourselves!
Wearing some vintage (1989 if my box is to be believed) Samsara. I would buy it but I’m happily working my way through this bottle I’ve inherited.
That should be “I wouldn’t buy it…”
I wish all vintage fragrances came with the date on the box! And enjoy, you smell great.
Like wine! I remember trying to buy a wine and the SA said, “Get the next year one. Their rainfall was much better that year.”
I did not read the news until after arriving at work–I will see if I can find my bit of Monsieur Carven to wear tomorrow. Today I am in CdG Calamus. My plan is to remind myself how many green fragrances I already have and love so that I don’t cave and buy Monsillage Eau de Celeri because I am itching to buy something.
I had a bad afternoon yesterday, so I didn’t know until this morning either. But love Calamus, you smell great!
Should’ve worn Le Parfum for Madame Carven, but I’m already in Ciel d’Opale. Maybe tomorrow. Still amazed at 105 years; what a life!
Yes, 105 is amazing! Here’s an interview she did at 100:
http://bellapetite.com/madame-carven-first-petite-womens-fashion-designer-turns-100.html
I’m in Bottega Veneta Eau Legere for my second day of jury duty. Wore Escale a Portofino for yesterday’s stint and nobody complained, so getting a tad braver with fragrance today.
Hope it goes well!
Le Rivage des Syrtes, which remindes me a little of Eau Soleil, but in a more high end version.
I’ve never even tried Ma Griffe, thinking that the reissue wouldn’t be any good.
And I have not tried the latest version in the new packaging — no idea if it’s good. I do like the bottle though. This link might work:
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446844146&R=3355991220102&P_name=Carven&sid=14DD89B17B3D&Ntt=carven+ma+griffe&N=0&bmUID=kTou89z
I really want to sample the rerelease but can’t find any samples (and can’t go to Saks5A myself). Anyone know of any sources?
Last night I wore Jasmina from April Aromatics. From the vial I thought it would be an over-the-top jasmine that makes me feel like I’ve been fumigated with eugenol, similar to Lush’s Lust and/or Enfleurage’s Jasmine. But it’s actually restrained in its jasminity, and I kept thinking it was jasmine dipped in salted melted butter. It felt like a play on the butteriness of tuberose but a salty version so unlike the bubble gumminess of tuberose. A savory gourmand jasmine. I think I’d wear this one again!
The other comparison that came to mind later was Rania J’s Jasmin Kama, not because they smell alike at all, but because it’s another contemporary all-natural named after jasmine. They’re completely different. I like Rania J’s scent as well, but not as much. It has a plastic shower curtain note (I stole that reference from Ellen Covey’s delightful reviews on Fragrantica, before she stopped doing them and focused on her own line) that doesn’t suit me. The two make for interesting smelling companions.
Note to self: must shore up curmudgeon status.
Jardins d’Armide–one of my favorites
How are you doing up there in Boston? I hope well!
I am on my way to see my old boss about rehiring me so hopefully I will be in a better space in a few hours. Having a job will improve my life quite a bit
Good luck!
I have a job! As soon as my license comes through I can start
Yay!!! Congratulations!
Great news!
Congrats!
Woo hoo! Congratulations!
A little bit of Natori in my hair, and I’m debating acquiring some Stella. Seven months ago I would not at all have predicted how much I would crave roses all the time, but here we are, and I want more and more.
I am having a time trying to decide on both a literary character AND a scent for said character for this Friday’s challenge. It’s going to be an Austen herione – I’m calling it now.
Have a lovely day, dears!
My dearest, if you haven’t already, go check out The Candy Perfume Boy’s rose note exploration!
First thing I read this morning! You know me so well
I’m wearing Ramon Monegal Cuirelle that I bought after testing a ridiculously small amount (because the tester was empty) on skin for 30 minutes – something I’ve always said is a complete no-no. But I was in Barcelona and I wanted to buy a Spanish perfume and I didn’t have time… Fortunately, I still like it, but it’s curiously faint on me.
PS Robin, a great choice for today.
Well thank you! And how was your trip? I bought lots of stuff in Barcelona but no perfume.
It was great, but too brief – two and a half days. We were supposed to fly back Monday evening, but a strike was announced, so had to leave right after lunch. Instead of a day of leisurely exploring and shopping, I ran to the perfume museum, did the rounds and bought two perfumes (Carner Barcelona El Born and the above mentioned Cuirelle), all in an hour.
Weather was perfect, close to 30 degrees Celsius, and I adore Catalan food, so before the Monday morning panic we were mostly just hanging by the pool and reading, walking aimlessly in El Born and eating everywhere.
Fun! We did a week and I could have stayed much longer…what fantastic food.
Did not know about Mme Carven – but am wearing my newly-acquired 1oz bottle of Le Parfum anyway. It’s very pretty and approachable in a mainstream way without smelling terribly synthetic, and The CEO appreciates it. It smells very Kurkdjian to me (probably a good thing, I mostly get on well with FK’s stuff).
I usually do okay with vintage green/aldehydic florals, but I did not like Ma Griffe either of the two times I tested it (different sources – one a mini via ebay and one a vintage sample from StC) – it was both soapy AND mean, and I’m still not sure whether the bits I tried smelled like it’s supposed to.
My scent of the day is Gres Cabaret. Not sure this is what I was in the mood for, but I was having a bear of a time making any decisions this morning. I’m feeling a bit scattered, so I think I’ll treat myself to a little shopping trip this evening to relax. Maybe some new nail polish or lipstick will lift my spirits for my upcoming business trip.
Bit of an oddball choice: Havana Vanilla. Seems to be working quite well in the heat.
Oh dear–not sure I can do that one in the heat. You’ve made me curious! I’ll try it when I’m feeling adventurous!
I decided I needed another citrus cologne in this heat so I’m wearing Atelier’s Grand Neroli.
One of my favourites! So uplifting!
Me too!
I’m trying Reem Acra edp from a sample today. Other than the wish to use up as much of my samples as possible, I was also slightly intrigued to try it and had been putting it off for some time.
Its orange blossmy/fruity melange and perhaps a bit too sweet for me, but it is nice. APOM, by Maison Francis Kurkdjian feels slightly drier and a bit thinner compared to that, whereas Reem’s creation is a more sedate affair than the solar scream that Elie Saab edp is.
On a side note, the perfuems above are both signed off by Lebanese designers and the MFK one is a tribute by FK to his Lebanese business partner’s country/family. So…what’s with Lebanon and orange blossom? The country is dotted with lush orange groves and orange blossom water is used in its cuisine, mostly in desserts. Fair enough, but becoming a cliche? My Lebanon smells of white camomile, almond blossoms, rosemary, thyme and pine.
on my most recent visit to the country, under a floral pergola in a friend’s garden, I was served the usual coffee (arabic coffee) with a few drops of orange blossom water (incidentally from a beautiful Middle Eastern style dropper) – the best coffee I had in a while. Divine. Great idea to use this water if you have a bottle – like mine – sat in a kitchen cupboard with little to do.
Freshly scented coffee! I love this idea!
Orange blossom water in coffee sounds really interesting. I think I have a bottle in my fridge, so I’ll have to try that.
There’s also Lebanese Cafe Blanc (essentially boiled water and a tablespoon of orange blossom water). Here’s a link to the article on Bois de Jasmin:
http://boisdejasmin.com/2012/08/cafe-blanc-lebanese-orange-blossom-hot-drink.html
Halston Catalyst for Men. An overdose of spices, tons of clove, so so good.
I am wearing SL Encens et Lavande. I think my favorite perfume of all time, I don’t use it often so that I wouldn’t finish my bottle.
Hera, several of us are meeting up at Etiket on Sherbrooke for the Tauer perfume launch this Saturday at 11:30am if you would like to join us!
That would be great. Thank you. I will try to be there
A day of household chores (put off for too long) for me, so to balance, I’m sampling Le Temps d’une Fete. I’d like to know your thoughts on this one.
Humongous fan of LTdF here.
Ditto!
Me three!
I was reading some reviews this morning and saw you mentioned it as being one of your top 3 fragrances. Would you still say it’s the case?
Was trying to find my sample this weekend because I remember being charmed. Very pretty as I recall.
another big fan here! It’s perfect for spring.
I’m at a 2 day work-related conference. Trying to stay alert. I start wilting after 3 hours even when I’m interested in the subject. SOTD is l’Ombre Dans L’Eau which. Is a nice pick-me-up. Along with 3 cups of coffee.
Same thing here, lol…
Safran Troublant today, with a test of AG Eau du Sud.
This weekend I went to my college reunion, and I was very pleased with what I chose for scent. (I didn’t wear perfume in college.) Friday was Ormonde Jayne Woman (especially appropriate since I went to a women’s college), Saturday was Encre Noire, and Sunday was Wit.
Trying Caron Parfum Sacre today from a sample. First time ever wearing it. I am not usually a rose lover, as they often turn sour on me, but this stuff is amazing with the spices and incense. Can definitely see getting a large decant (at the least) for winter. Also finally got to sample the first 3 Neela Vermeire perfumes last week (had saved up a list and got them at the STC Memorial Day sale), and was blown away by Trayee. Too bad about one of my kidneys when I finally pony up for it. Mohur was really nice, too. Not as sure about Bombay Bling, but it got better the longer it was on. Will have to decide whether to go for the discovery set, which now includes the first four scents (I already had a sample of Ashoka and like it pretty well) or just a bottle of Trayee. Hmmm.
I don’t blame you about the kidney… hope you won’t miss it too much… Trayee’s pretty awesome – I put on some and was instantly de-stressed, isn’t that weird? I don’t even have a big yen for incense, I’m a floral girl in general.
I also tried Parfum Sacre for the first time today in a store and really liked it as well.
Finally a calm day in the office (I hope, it’s not even half over yet, but so far no fires in the foreseeable future). Was craving vanilla, which is odd for me since I tend to stay away from it when the weather warms up, so I put on some Eau Duelle.
SIP Fire and Cream. I keep being surprised by its loveliness. So unique. The next community project sounds like fun. Looking forward to it.
I’m so curious about that one. Would you like to share more about it?
I’m curious, too, the name alone is almost enough to buy a bottle.
It is warm and rainy here so I went with Angéliques sous la Pluie.
Good choice for the weather we’re having!
I’m wearing TF Tobacco Vanille today.
Tauer Rose Chypree! 2nd day testing, as I tried it out over the weekend. I love this!
Also in Carven La Parfum today. But either I’m finally catching the cold that has gone round my family, or I’ve got some crazy pollen allergies right now….either way, my head feels as big as a room (and as unwieldy!) and my nose is blocked, so I can barely make out anything about this scent
Mmmm, you smell good, Robin. Wish I had some vintage Ma Griffe, it was a favorite of mine a long time ago.
My white peonies are finally blooming. My favorites, their blossoms have creamy petals with a touch of pink at their heart with a fragrance that is softer and less spicy than that of their pink sisters and a luxurious creaminess that matches their color.
My SOTD is the vintage and long d/c YR Pivoine, one of the few peony fragrances w/o a rose note: white peony, mandarin, freesia, carnation, and clove on a base of iris and sandalwood. Its white milkglass bottle with the soft pink peony stopper is as lovely as this soft and gentle yet quite complex scent.
Thank you! Mine was my sister’s. I gave away the extrait, though, since I didn’t wear it enough.
And congrats on your peonies — one of my favorites.
Adieu, Madame Carven…
My mother wore Ma Griffe. I got a tiny sample of the vintage and I get it out now and then…
SOTD Coeur de Vetiver Sacre. Somehow it seemed to go with my outfit: black & white breton t with black pleated skirt printed with colorful butterflies.
Le Jardin de M. Li
This one is a heavy sprayer for me, particularly in this warm weather Which is kind of exciting and indulgent, since i typically under spray. But screw it! I’ve got the big bottle, so no reason to hold back!
The dewy, damp feel keeps me cool, too, and the kumquat is a citrus i can hang with.
Happy Tuesday, All.
Testing Andy Tauer’s Phi Une Rose de Kandahar, day 2. Excellent. (Thank you Swapmeet swapper!)
There must be something wrong with my nose, though, because I can’t smell the rose! Reviewers say it’s there. This perfume is so well blended that I have trouble picking out any of the notes–not a complaint!
I caught only a fleeting glimpse of the rose the several times I tried it, and I think it was just ‘wishful thinking,’ because I wanted to smell ‘rose’ so badly! So, you’re not alone. On me, Phi is primarily tobacco, a note I dislike.
I get mostly a rose-tinted vanilla!
Thanks Laila & Yukiej. I’m glad to know I’m not alone!
I also get a lot of tobacco and incense and very little rose out of PHI. I remedy that by layering with Rose Flash which is a HUGE true rose.
Oh, this is one of my top 3! I came SO close to not even testing it because I dislike rose and was stunned and amazed how fast I fell for it- most likely because I don’t smell “typical” rose scent with this one.
To me, it’s a deep burgundy edible wonderfulness. I think it may be slightly polarizing. People seem to either love it or hate it
Perhaps you love it because you dislike rose, and I don’t like it because I love rose but can’t smell any!
I’m wearing Pacifica Malibu Lemon Blossom today. Its a very sunny scent for me, and today its raining cats and dogs here.
SOTD um, was Cold Water Canyon. It opens with a gorgeous jasmine which is one of my favorite notes. I have never been to a canyon, so I can’t say whether or not this smells like one as it develops. It’s quite possible that I personally smell like a canyon and am unable to discern the difference between my own scent and this fragrance. I’m willing to give it the benefit of the doubt.
SOTD is Feminite du Bois.
Getting a jump start on Literary Friday by wearing Bvlgari Black to honor one of my favorite books, Zen and the Art of Motorcyle Maintenance.
Love it!
I’m wearing a boatload of Virgin Island Water because the bottle sprayer is like a fire hose. It’s a huge bottle so I don’t mind, and the fragrance settles quickly.
Boatload!
Vintage-ish Diorissimo for a fully-packed day here.
Missionista, you smell wonderful. Love Diorissimo, especially vintage or -ish.
Very late today. Tried Amouage Sunshine from a sample. Second time, and I’m not getting sunshine at all. I like it but don’t love it, although I’ll keep trying.
Good evening all.
SOTD is EL Amber Ylang-Ylang. I’m in Stockholm overnight on work stuff and I’ll have some time to check out the perfume offerings here before my train departs tomorrow night. I’m looking forward to sniffing some niche brands w/out having to shell out for samples and shipping (I’m cheap)!!
I’m in a fabulous rut with CSP Amour de Cacao
I may catch the CSP Amour de Cacao rut as well at some point in the near future
RIP Mme Carven – 105, what an age!
SOTD: I doused myself in Eau de Rochas, so it’s officially summer here in Europe
I am borrowing one from the fellas and wearing Mont Blanc Individuel.
SOTD (and still can smell it!) is Ambre Nuit by Dior.. I just received my decant of this one and so happy to have it. Probably my favorite amber scent.
Madame Carven, what a woman! I actually didn’t know she was still alive (rather embarrassed about that) but have admired her so much.
I’m late to reading and smelling like nothing but Deepwoods OFF and sweat. I did get my package of samples today but haven’t had a chance to open it.
We made an emergency run out to Mom’s again because she spotted a kitten in the water tank shed and wanted help catching it. Turns out there were four, about a month to five weeks old I would say without seeing more than a quick peek, and we have caught them all. Now we have to trap the momma and get her fixed and maybe we can stop with the cat breeding problems out here. I really wish people would stop dumping their animals.
Congrats to thegoddessrena on the job!
I’m going to go and see if I can get a better grasp of how big the kitties are so I know what to feed them. Oh, of course the air conditioning chose today to quit so the poor little things are terrified and trapped in a hot house with us big scary things.
Squee, kittens! Two orange and white, one gray and white, and one black and white in case anyone wants to know.
Bless you for caring about those kitties! And good luck!
Yay for the kitties! and Yay to you for the rescue.
Also, yay for three of them eating! The smallest is just too traumatized but I’ll try again later. Eventually he will be too hungry to resist. I was ten years younger last time I had to feed kittens every few hours and I suspect it will be less fun this time.
I’m sniffing from a sample vial of Ambre Narguile today. It smells delicious, but lately I can’t wear amber fragrances without feeling a little overwhelmed. Maybe it’s the changing weather, or maybe my sense of smell is changing (eep!).