Happy Nelson Mandela Day!
We're holding our standard open thread: talk about anything you like — the perfume you’re wearing today, the fragrance you're hoarding just in case, whatever.
Or, ask a question about fragrance, then see if anyone else has asked a question that you can answer…
Still wearing the remanents of Ligea la Sirena. I wore it for yesterday’s Italian niche theme and enjoyed it so much that I added a few more sprays at bedtime. This scent has seriously good longevity and I think my decant is the EDT.
SOTD is Sunshine. Got a great deal from a discounter and thoroughly enjoying it. Hubby is still in London. He hinted that he might bring me back some kind of perfume from Harrod’s, so I had to scramble for something that would be hard to find here and that I hadn’t already sniffed from a sample. Looked on the website and told him (more or less) to surprise me with something from Miller Harris or Ormonde Jayne if he finds something he likes. Or just a bunch of samples would be great too. Bated breath to see what comes back!
Oh the anticipation!!!!Do share what he brought back on NST!!lol.
Ooh! Lucky you! Perfume surprises are so fun!
I am going to try to stay calm about it. He doesn’t really share my enthusiasm (and fickleness) when it comes to perfume. Though he himself is trying to decide between Penhaligon’s LP No. 9 and Endymion. Haven’t smelled either, so am at a loss what to tell him. He already wears Pi, Egoiste, and Givenchy Play Intense. Thoughts, anyone?
Egoiste(NOT the Platinum version) is probably in my top 10 “masculines” of all time.Good stuff!Cannot help with Penhaligons as I’m yet to smell others than Tralala and Iris Prima!
Yup. Love Egoiste. I find it totally unisex, too, FWIW. Pretty sure the guy behind me last night at the opera was wearing Egoiste, actually, and I was so tempted to turn around and ask him! It was a good choice for a warm, crowded theater and smelled great!
I would probably have asked him as well…lol
Ninfeo Mio today. The top notes might be a little green for me, but the woody, milky fig dry down is lovely.
I adore Ninfeo Mio! Should have bought it when it still came in that pretty green bottle.
Love! Wonderful scent, especially this time of year.
I love it from beginning to end! Lasts ages, too, even in this summer’s extreme heat.
I really love this. It’s a new acquisition for me, and I’m looking forward to warmer weather so as to enjoy it properly. You smell delicious.
Yum – lovely perfume
Happy Nelson Mandela Day!So glad our local icon is still being celebrated internationally!Lots of activities and buzz around Pretoria,doing 67 minutes for Mandela.SOTD Tom Ford Jasmin Rouge.Allow me to Also celebrate this as the first TF private blend NOT turning to vinegar on my skin!!Whoop.Lovely.Happy Weekend all!
How do you like the Jasmine Rouge? I have never tried it.
If you like spicy white florals,you will enjoy this!It’s not overpowering,a soft-lit,slightly sweet jasmine!Some nice spicyness shining through,but also not overtly so.I was really surprised myself by how much I am enjoying this.It seems perfect for cooler weather,a tad too bright maybe for summer or daywear.Let me know what you think if you do try it!
Thank you for your response. I do like sweet jasmine and a little spiciness. Hope to try it soon.
Scent twins today! Wishing you a fabulous celebration in your area today! What a fantastic man he was!
Yes absolutely an Icon of our time!Gone too soon!
Nice pic Johanob!
random comment: i dont know if im the only one who tries to picture in my mind what everyone here without pics looks like- but you look just like i imagined you to! 
Hi Perthgirl!Thank you!Lol!And yes,me too!I always wonder what people look like that comment here on NST!Show those mugshots!!Lol!x
Ah well, just imagine me as Marilyn Monroe but with the occassional blue streak in my hair!
That’s a pretty cool image Marjorie Rose!
Ha! Sadly, I only wish I was that glamourous! (But I *do* have a penchant for cute, curvy frocks. :] )
I can assure you that my poodle in glasses is much better looking than a picture of me would be.
I also like your new picture too.
Haha!Thanks Poodle!And I’ve always love your avi as well!x
I like your pic too Poodle but it is nice to see a few faces on here too – hello johanob!
I do that too but kind of automatically. I finally met someone from work who I’d only spoken to on the phone frequently and she was not how I pictured her at all. My surprise was pretty obvious and I awkwardly explained how I imagined her which was probably not a great idea but she was rather amused.
Well I know how some people here look at least,but very curious about the rest as well!I’m social on instagram and such with people like Anniky and MeganinStMaxime,and I know Merlin personally very well!(Sniffathons rock.)Seeing what everyone looks like is just as exciting as having a look at their perfume collections,like the series NST recently started!
Ta-daaaa! and Perthgirl appears too! Lol!
Love the lighting in your pic, perthgirl! It’s like one of those old, sepia-tone pictures. Lovely!
Happy Nelson Mandela day! I spent 2 weeks in SA about 7 years ago for a wedding which was in the north. Loved that trip and wish I could have stayed longer to explore more of the country. And congrats on the TF! I smelled it on paper recently and it seemed nice but need to go back and try it on skin to get a better sense if it.
I had to test in on skin first and foremost!My luck with the TF private blends have not been good in the past!Sounding like a broken record now,but they mostly turned sour on my skin,especially Tobacco Vanille-which I wanted DESPERATELY to love,and work on my skin!SADLY NO.Jasmin Rouge is awesome.Do try it on skin and let me know what you thought!
I can see what you mean about TV smelling a bit sour, it does have a sourness to it! I walked past a guy the other day who smelt delish, and I immediately thought Tobacco Vanille! But then thought, wait! could actually be Spicebomb?! I never realised my brain had linked those 2 together until then! Lol
Now that you mention it I do smell a resemblance!Luckily Spicebomb does work on me and I adore it!
johanob, I’ve always been happy to share a birthday with Nelson Mandela. Such a great man.
Happy Birthday to you!!Hope the day is awesome!
May I crowdsource my SOTD for an OKCupid date tonight? Wine bar, 7 PM, political reporter (and a redhead, my weakness). I was thinking something on the sweeter side (dudes love vanilla), but am completely open to suggestions!
He sounds intelligent enough to “get” L’Artisan Seville a l’Aube?The backstory AND frag seems perfect!Lol!
What do you have in that category? I’m with you on something vanillic and sweet for a first date.
I think Eau Duelle would be nice and not too overtly sexy. If you get a few dates down the road, Shalimar Ode a la Vanille sur la Route du Mexique gets my husband’s attention really well.
Atelier has a nice vanilla and so does DSH. Jo Malone has a spicy vanilla called Vanilla Anise. Some scents that are on the romantic side IMO is Lady Vengeance and Romantica by Juliette has a Gun. Both of those would be perfect for a date.
28 La Pausa might be nice. Not too sweet or overwhelming, refined and elegant but still interesting.
And oops! I meant to add that I hope you have a great time and let us know what you chose and how the evening went.
Mmm, redhead. (I confess to being super jealous of my sister’s beautiful coppery hair.)
How about WWDIPIS? Don’t you love that one already? I think it’s very friendly without making you seem ditzy at all.
Excellent idea! Although WWDIPIS has been a bedtime scent recently- hopefully it doesn’t put me to sleep
Oh dear.
Many others here can give you great advice (much better than I) on the choice of perfume; I just want to say I hope you enjoy the date!
I think ease him in gently with sexy yet friendly but still interesting- a not too cupcakey vanilla is good, then when he’s smitten freak him out with the weird stuff
A very smart strategy. Wait to spring Dzing! on him!
Oh, I hope it’s a good outing! I don’t know what to recommend, per se, but whatever it is, make sure it’s something you feel great in! You want to radiate confidence and feel like yourself!
I hope the date goes well Ari! and hope your cardboard Legolas doesnt get jealous
(unless you dumped him when you moved?! :-0) lol
Poor Legolas! He stayed behind at my parents’ house. I thought he might be tired of being used as a scratching post. (By the time Zelda was through with him, it looked like the orcs had gotten him!)
L’AP Vanille Absolument or Frapin 1697? We’re supposed to have record heat this weekend, though; I’d be more inclined to something cool like Prada Infusion d’Iris.
The old L’AP Vanilia would be perfect, too, if you have that.
You know, I ordered Vanille Absolument in a L’Artisan sale almost a month ago and haven’t heard a thing since! Completely forgot about it. It would have been a good choice!
I’m crossing my fingers that your date goes well.
No pressure, Ari, but my daughter is getting married in October to her first OKCupid date ;-). Hope you had a good time!
Sitting through a thunderstorm in Burberry My Burberry.
Received my misdelivered samples yesterday (phew!) so I’m enjoying my “samples and coffee” lazy Sat morning. I’m testing Houbigant Quelques Fleurs Royale, Vol de Nuit current edition, and Amouage Epic Woman. Has anyone tried the Houbigant QF Original and how dies it compare to the Royale which smells kind if creamsicle-y?
I remember the QF (the “Original” got tacked on to it in recent years, of course… my sample was from a mini parfum) as being very floral and ladylike and pretty, and QFR being very VERY raunchy after the first half hour. I suspect the jasmine, as very often the grandiflorum stuff just does that on me. Didn’t get creamsicle, but hey. If it was there, the ladyraunch jasmine completely drowned it out.
Dang! I wish it were raunchy jasmine! Maybe sprayed would get more of that. Then, I always wonder when I have a completely different experience whether I got the wrong juice or I’m really not a good note identifier. I’m thinking what I smell would be closer to the Houbigant OB perfume or the Originale.
Oh, I think it’s jasmine + me. You should smell Joy on me, holy MOSES! that’s some serious skank.
Just went over to Fragrantica to check the reactions of other people and nobody is saying “creamsicle.” They ARE saying things like “urine” and “old lady powder,” and “way too floral,” so… hmm. I’m still pondering what notes in there might have combined for orange+vanilla creamsicle. Not saying it couldn’t happen…
Ha! Well creamsicle is better than urine I suppose.
How are you liking Epic??
Oh man ! Now you’re all putting in pictures! You’re not super far off from how I imagined you(from that pinky-nail photo at least). I seriously pictured you with deep pink hair but may have been influenced by the pink icon you had. Epic is interesting and reminds me of Parfum Sacre to some degree but Epic has this persistent savory/pickle-y vibe that I’m not sure about yet. Are you a fan?
It was pink when i was 16! Lol
I AM a fan! When I first got it, that note at the beginning (that may be what you call pickle?) that’s almost medicinal smelling kinda freaked me out and almost gave me headaches it was so strong. I still havent worked out what it is (oud? some kind of spice?), but it grew on me and now it’s the part i look forward to! I’m going to see Absinthe, the circus/burlesque show tomo night, and this has got me thinking I might wear Epic
What about Dzing? I read that it is a circus themed scent?
I’m thinking it may be caraway and myrrh plus some spices. Or just pickle juice( their own little private joke). Sounds like the perfect show for an “alternative” fragrance. Haven’t heard of that show. Hope it’s fun! I wore La Fille de Berlin to see a concert of Danny Elfman’s music in the films of Tim Burton last WE. Seemed sort of goth at the time.
Epic was epically horrible on me. Got this dreadful wet-ash acridity that I couldn’t manage at all. (You know, like when the ashes of a wood fire are left in the grate to cool and it started raining overnight? Like that.) That sometimes happens with certain woody/rose/incense frags on me – Paestum Rose, for another example.
Huh! I get something similar with Parfum Sacre but I think of it as “indoor public swimming pool” which fortunately doesn’t last. I was curious about Paestum Rose but now maybe not.
I love Parfum Sacre, though. No wet ashes.
“Samples and coffee” on a Sat. lazy morning is right up my ally. Did a little revisiting some samples, SL Santal Majuscule especially since it was recommended as slightly similar to Mohur. I do like it. The coco note is interesting and it’s quite creamy a couple hours later.
Enjoy your coffee & samples!
Thanks! I spritzed that SL yesterday on a spritz-and-run at Barney’s! I liked it too, but want to order a sample to give it more attention.
Oh no, don’t order SL samples. WE should meet up at Barneys and watch me in action
(and it helps to bring your own atomizers so that the “we don’t have any sample atomizers left” excuse goes pouff)!
Shoot, girl! Yes, I need to see how you operate. For realz! The LeLabo young guy did give me a sample of Ylang49 without asking or buying and he brought out a PILE of sample vials. The woman manning the bell jars was humorless.
Omg, I just got that excuse at Barneys a few days ago! And it was after I bought a bottle of SL. That makes me angry to hear that I’ve been lied to:(
I just bought SM and adore it!
Happy Nelson Mandela Day to everyone! What a spectacular and fascinating human being. The world needs more people in it like him. SOTD is Jasmin Rouge by Tom Ford. This was one of the first TF fragrances I fell in love with. It goes nicely with the season. Hope everyone has a great weekend!
Oh yay!Scent twin!!
Re-tested Noa today, but not sure I like it. Bit too ‘clean’ smelling for my taste methinks.
Nice picture!!Halloooo Perthgirl!!2 thumbs up!!
You inspired me Johanob!
Lol!Awesomeness.
Okay, I have to ask how you add the pictures???
Well mine is via my mostly unused wordpress.com account,on the gravatar account.You can set up a gravatar account and set your profile picture there.I think it links you pic then to most blogs you subcribe and comment on as well.So if I comment on Persolaise or Candy Perfume Boy’s blogs my pic would be the same.
http://en.gravatar.com/
make sure you use the same email address that you use for your account here
After a night of thunder and lightning and a heavy downpour, the air is still stiflingly humid. Sometimes I can’t decide whether to complement humidity with sweet and heavy or fight back with cool and green. Suggestions?
It sounds like JAR Bolt of Lightning might have been perfect last night!!
I had to look that up. Sounds wonderful and perfect in every way except $$.
Haha!Yes,and yes…*insert sad face here*
Cold n stormy I go for sweet & cozy. Hot and stormy, depending on how i feel: if Im still loving it I go for sultry, like Manoumalia. If Im hot and bothered and over it, i go for green and fresh.
That reminds me–I still haven’t tried Manoumalia. In general, I’m instantly over it with hot and sultry. You would never find me in Florida. So I’m going with cool and green. I tried AA Flora Rosa just now. Thanks for your suggestions!
I rather like Ted Lapidus Creation ( vintage) it’s green floral and sweet , without being too sweet . It also is not too vastly expensive- about a whopping $20 counting shipping.
Sampling L’Arbre de Iunx which is mostly sandalwood and rosewood. Can’t really think of much else with a noticeable rosewood note
Second sampling of VC&A’s California Reverie. I really like the fresh jasmine opening, but that part lasts for an hour at best on me and then speeds towards generic pencil-shaving territory. I’ve experienced that note quite a bit in my sampling of more recent offerings. Has anyone else noticed this?
Also, I need to buy a labeler to use on decants/samples. Any suggestions?
I have a little Brother label machine.Fairly easy to use,uncomplicated and not too expensive.I did invest in flashy label paper in silver with black typography though!Decants must still be pretty,right?Right!
Sold! Thank you. You’re right, decants should also be pretty!
Oh, I liked the opening of this one, as well! I sniffed it on my recent “jasmine outing” to the Perfume House. I ended up deciding that it was a bit too mild and polite for a sample that day, but I wondered if I would like it better on a sultry day. Sounds like I’m not missing too much–hate pencil shaving notes in perfume!
I’m waiting for Andy Tauer to come out with a jasmine-centered perfume!
You know, Andre, the SA at TPH that I was sniffing with this week, said that Le Morac Pour Elle was a jasmine scent, but I don’t get much jasmine there! So I agree–something that really says jasmine from Andy would be great!
*Moroc*
There’s a lot of jasmine in Le Maroc Pour Elle for me mixed in with the rose and patchouli. It’s his first scent and I don’t think it gets a lot of love in the perfume world but I adore it.
hmm, drydown on me is quite vanillic.
Am a frequent Nordstrom.com customer, and I find the packing list + return label they provide offer lots of extra sticky blank paper for labelling samples and decants. Every time I get an order, I save the labelling for just this purpose.
Thanks for that tip! I’ll try to remember.
Thank you. That’s a great idea!
No pencil shavings on me, and no vanilla either. For me, California Reverie is great all day.
I have a Dymo Letratag (the larger one with a QWERTY keyboard) and it works well. I got mine at Target. The cartridges are easily available with the best pricing from Amazon; evilbay could also have some good deals.
Re: pencil shavings. My first prominent encounter was in Mohur EDP. It was the cedar and it smelled oily.
Great! Thank you! I know your labeler gets a lot of use.
I can sense that oily cedar note in Mohur. I wasn’t a fan of it overall. I recall that you like the extrait though, right?
The Mohur extrait is quite different and I didn’t get the oiliness. I love it.
Mohur extrait is wonderful.
Happy Madiba Day, most especially to fellow South Africans, Johano and Merlin! BTW what is that SA perfume made in Cape Town called again? Rose en Bos and the others ….? And is it available to our scented friends outside of South Africa? I wish I had some today!
Halloooooo Ida!Happy Madiba day you international traveller you!!Lol!Yes Rose en Bos and Frazer Parfum.As far as I know Rose en Bos is sold in some overseas shops,and I am pretty sure Tammy Frazen(Frazer) ships internationally as well.
P.S how about that bespoke service Frazer parfums offers??SWOON!Would love to have my own little creation done one day…one day!$$$$!!lol
Wow, that’s some serious Be$$$poke! Would love to visit both Frazer and Rose en Bos!
Hi both of you! Afraid I wasn’t on line yesterday – but I hope you both enjoyed the day
I think Frazer used to be available in the Roja Dove section of Harrods’ perfumery.
No SOTM quite yet, other than “new hairdo.” I was brave and tried a new salon yesterday–got tired of some of the challenges of my regular place–and had my hair brought back to some sort of natural-looking shade. First time in five years or so that there hasn’t been any blue, pink or purple in it somewhere. . . looks pretty good! But stinks like salon. I usually wait a day or two after getting colored to wash my hair, but I might break that rule this time. Mr. Spicebomb and I have a memorial to attend this afternoon, and I’d rather not smell like hair dye.
Hair is fun to play with — as a renewable natural resource, it’s much less risky than, say, surgery when you want to change up your looks. Glad you like the new ‘do.
Have you made your trip to DC already? If so, what did you enjoy the most and which perfumes worked out the best? Inquiring minds…
We leave on Monday! Very excited, but this weekend is turning out to be a go-go-go one, so Mr. S isn’t quite feeling like he’s on vacation yet, poor thing!
Hope you get some cooperation from the weather — it’s supposed to be sunny here by Wednesday.
Have fun!
I suppose a liberal spritzing of Fracas to cover the salon- chemical scent isn’t really an option.
Might not be memorial-appropriate.
I am trying out the newly re-issued Eau de Jatamansi from L’Artisan. The new version is no longer marked as all natural/certified organic, and it is a ghost of its former self, heavy on ylang-ylang & lavender and very flat. I have a decent stash of old Jatamansi and Passage d’Enfer bottles, and I am ready to write off this company for good.
Gaah – sorry to hear that but glad you have your stash.
Thanks, akimon, for reporting the comparison! I got myself a small bottle, thinking I was safe since I really liked the bath cream, but I just cannot wear what I got …
Madame Rochas plays nice in the heat and humidity. Noticing much more vetiver in the dry down.
It’s supposed to be in the 90’s again today and tomorrow, so getting out early to do errands, then I’m caulking around the house. I put on DK Gold. It gets greener on me as time goes by, but I think the lily+amber might be better suited to fall. It’s a little too warm for it, but would probably be perfect in a/c.
Gold is spared from hot weather perfection by that base is it not? It gets cloyingly sweet on me in the heat.
I love DK Gold, but the last time I wore it was on a very hot day. I love it during the rest of the year, but once it gets this warm I stop wearing Gold until it cools down by fifteen or twenty degrees.
I think most lilies are good for warm weather – but Gold isn’t one of them!
Not wearing anything yet, but there’s a big old sale at L’AP today! You all may want to check it out!
http://www.artisanparfumeur.com/shop/perfumes.html
100mL Seville L’Aube for $85!
(just your friendly perfume PSA alert)
I jumped on that sale. Plus there was a free bottle of body lotion with any 100ml bottle purchase. Different scent but I love free gifts.
Planning to wear ELDO’s Vraie Blonde later this evening when I’m going out to see a movie – claiming ELDO as South African on this Mandela Day – the founder was born in the Orange Free State (province in South Africa) hence the name of the house.
Oh yes!You just reminded me of that fact!
Got a new toy this week — the Perfume Notes kit from Perfumer’s Apprentice (no affiliation). I’m determined to get better at identifying notes, so now I’ve got 40 little bottles of individual perfumery components. Time to start studying
That sounds like fun!
I admire your dedication. Have fun with that wonderful toy!
Wow, that sounds like FUN!
Cool! Are they all natural or mixed?
The kit I got is a mix of synthetics (aldehydes, dihydromercenol, hedione, iso e super, linalool, etc ) and naturals (bergamot, galbanum, helichrysum…) They have all kinds of ingredients though, and other kits.
Nice! I looked at those a while back and was thinking of 1 naturals and 1 synthetics. I’ll have to look again. Maybe for x-mas… I had taken 2 workshops on perfume blending and got to smell a good amount of naturals only. It’s fun and it helps somewhat. I’m curious to know how it goes for you.
Neat idea! I’d like to try that. Great way to learn.
That sounds very nice!
I’m working on memorizing the “A”s today: several aldehydes (C-12 = Chanel No 5; C-14 = Mitsuoko); ambroxan (mmm yummy); allyl amyl glycolate (say that 3 times fast!) This is fun.
I just watched part 2 of the BBC perfume documentary which follows some students through Givaudin perfumery school. They have to memorize 500 raw materials. Boy, that made me nervous just watching! You’re almost there!
SOTM is Diptyque Eau Rose, straight from the fridge – very refreshing on a day that’s supposed to reach near 100 degrees.
Hi, I am looking for some advice. My daughter’s signature scent in high school was Princess, and in college it was Flowerbomb. She will be off to optometry school, and was thinking of Chloe as her new scent. I am not sure about Chloe, so I am hoping to steer her in another direction. Other scents that I know she likes include Viva la Juicy, Stella, Elizabeth Arden Mediterranean, Jo Malone Vanilla and Anise, and the old Acqua di Gio. Any suggestions? Thanks!
If you’re near a Nordstrom, perhaps a Guerlain Aqua Allegoria? Think one of the current ones is Neroli Bianca. At any rate, there are usually a few to choose from. If you don’t mind spending more, the Acqua di Parmas are nice.
Thanks- I will check out the Aqua Allegoria’s,
Prada Infusion d’Iris Absolu is a beauty and might work if she likes Vanilla and Anise.
We’ll try it- thank you
How about giving her a perfume box subscription? I’ve heard good things about Olfactif
I actually subscribe to Olfactif, and I love it. Each month they send you 3 generous sample – size fragrances. These are usually niche, indie, or up and coming perfumers that are usually a bit harder to find. You try out the sample. If you like it, you can buy a bottle and they will take $15 off. This is how I have discovered some new scents that I would have never known about. I have been exposed to so many great scents.
I think there is another fragrance subscription company called ScentBird. I think that they offer the more common scents that you can get in the mall. Same concept as Olfactif, just more commonly known scents.
Has she tried Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue or Versace’s Bright Crystal? Also, what about Daisy by Marc Jacob? I think those are all reasonably priced and might be popular with some young adults.
Let us know what you decided on.
Eau Aimable/Cologne of Love by Le Couvent des Minimes. It’s a sweet, happy, non-indolic, non-soapy, long-lasting, natural-smelling, inexpensive orange blossom cologne (don’t let the word “cologne” fool you; it’s not weak at all). $38 for 100 ml at Ulta.
Congratulations on her attending optometry school! You must be very proud.
Annick Goutal would be a good brand for her to try, I think. She might also like L’Artisan Parfumeur, and there is a nice-looking L’AP sample set called on Luckyscent called The Perfume Box. (I wouldn’t really recommend the L’AP Explosions de Emotions sample set, however, since those were a bit disappointing and more expensive.) Also Hermes.
Where will she be going to school?
I just tried Gucci Bamboo and thought that it would be pretty for a woman in her 20’s who like perfume but maybe isn’t quite as far down the rabbit hole as many in the NST crowd.
maybe worth a sniff for her?
I’m celebrating my birthday by sitting in front of my laptop trying to decide whether to order PG’s Jardin des Kerylos or one of the Eau des Merveilles scents. And if I go with the EDM, do I want it or one of the flankers (Eau Claire?) Decisions, decisions.
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday!
Tough decision…I love the des Merveilles line and am wearing the parfum des merveilles today. I get the most out of the original myself though. It seems to work all seasons, all situations and takes me to my happy place without fail.
I hope you love whatever you pick!
Happy Birthday! One of each since it’s a special day
I agree. Life is short–buy the perfume! Happy birthday, too.
It your special day……why not order all of them! LOL! That would be my excuse.
Happy Birthday! I hope its a great one.
Happy birthday!
Thank you, all you dear enablers! PG has a 30ml size on its website, so the Jardin des Kerylos will be mine. And I found a good deal on Eau des Merveilles, so what could a certified perfumista do, but purchase them both?
Splendid choice! Happy happy day-after-birthday
Fun! Happy birthday! Hope you enjoy your choice.
Happy Belated Birthday! I somehow didn’t check in with NST yesterday and missed a lot.
Gidday, NST. It’s a wet, wild Sunday here, and I was so intrigued by the earlier discussion of Epic that I chose–Lyric! I’m feeling complicated and contrary, and Lyric (one of my “posh” scents) with jeans and a hoodie pretty much sums up my mood. I was thinking before that I usually spend a moderate amount of thought matching perfumes to the weather, to occasions, to other people, and yet today I grabbed and spritzed (heavily, too– it’s not going to fade in a hurry) and am just as satisfied as if I had worked it out.
Mals, it’s good to see you posting again here. You sort of disappeared in A-NZ after you said you were about to cross the Strait on the ferry in all that weather. I hope the crossing wasn’t too bad and that the vineyards on the other side provided some consolation for any suffering.
I replied to you below …
It’s also possible to overthink it. As a registered over thinker it have experienced that several times
Yeah, been only briefly able to comment. We got super busy (didn’t sleep in the same place twice – but The CEO got his student trip all planned out, so that was okay) and then got really jetlagged after getting home. It’s a loooooong flight from Auckland to San Francisco, and then another long flight from SF to the East Coast. And then a 5 hour drive home (which turned into 6 hours due to an accident and two delays due to construction). I’m just now really adjusting to the time difference.
Waterdragon, it sounds like it’s a dream of yours to see a hummingbird. On your upcoming visit to the West Coast of Canada and the United States, I encourage you to contact local Audubon chapters. Local birders know their areas well and tend to be kind and generous when it comes to sharing their knowlege of the local avifauna with others. If we lived in a more glamorous part of California (you are probably visiting the more glamorous parts :-)) my husband and I would be happy to help you find hummingbirds, if our schedules aligned.
You can find local Audubon chapters by using the “Explore the Audubon network” search function at http://www.audubon.org/audubon-near-you.
Thank you so much! I’ve passed the .url to The Planner, who told me it was the most practical contribution I’ve made so far to organising this trip. For an evil minute, I was tempted to look modest and take credit, but I did admit it came from a kind perfumista.
I’m still uncertain about exactly where we’ll travel, but I don’t think we’re much drawn to glamour, if that means cities. Mind you, the way your parks and reserves are set up in the States seems pretty glamorous to us! I think we’ll be very happy to pootle about in pursuit of random beauty and interests. That’s the best thing about holidays, I find. And my husband is a soooooper navigator: once he has found the sun again, he will find his way to anywhere.
My husband is a great navigator and trip planner, as well. We have had some truly epic road trips, and when we were younger, we really pushed it, sometimes driving for very long stretches without sleep. He sometimes has sweet surprises for me. Here are a few examples:
1. I woke up one morning (he had been driving while I slept), and we were arriving at the restaurant where Bagdad Cafe was filmed. We had breakfast there.
2. On another trip, it was my birthday, and he told me that he had somewhere to take me, and the only detail that he gave was to say jokingly that it was “near Roswell.” He took me to see Lesser-Prairie Chickens displaying! It was truly a peak experience.
3. On our last road trip, as we were returning cross country from New Brunswick, he casually asked me if I would like to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame. Of course I would!
If you guys do make it to Southeastern Arizona, you will be blown away at the hummingbird diversity there. Here is a link: http://www.visitsierravista.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=view_template&id=6526&cityid=20.
Kindcrow’s, there’s a photograph there of hummingbirds ACTUALLY SITTING ON SOMEONE’S HANDS! !!!!! I might see that! It might possibly perhaps maybe even happen to me!
My poor darling man doesn’t know it yet, but our trip just got longer. Better. More bird-ful. Yay!
Oh, sorry about the typo with your name, by the way. I was excited and careless.
I drenched myself in Pacifica Bali Lime Papaya (BLP) and went out for some brain candy — I saw Ant-Man, and I enjoyed it.
SOTD = Tauerville Vanilla Flash
SOTD = Aftelier Bergamoss (LOOK AT ME SPELLCHECK GREMLIN – Bergamoss Bergamoss BERGAMOSS, not, I repeat, NOT Bergamots – OK? OK? Good!). Whew!
First up, my first wearing of Vanilla Flash. Quantity = 3 spritzes from a utilitarian-looking and functioning 30 mL atomizer. First impression was oh no, what is this earthy swamp thing wet basement smell? Where’s my vanilla? I was about to throw the bottle into my swap pile but the initial earthiness gave way to a spicy sheer vanilla and a nice drydown.
Aftelier Bergamoss only comes in a solid format and I don’t do solids. I just don’t; however, on the strength of Kafka’s and Lucas’ review, I ordered a sample. I initially tried it over a week ago, applying to hair as I was concerned about applying it to my sensitive skin. It was soft citrusy green with a slight hint of spice and civet. I liked it but it definitely was not formulated for hair. This afternoon, I applied to skin and whoa, I cannot stop doing the perfumista salute…not good when one is driving! So far, not one little bump (I hope I did not jinx myself). I still have some of my sample left and will wear it again tomorrow. I am on the verge of buying the full compact although with the weather report calling for yucky heat index going into the triple digits this weekend into at least the beginning of next week, I may wait a bit. Angela wrote a nice review here and recently, Poodle did as well at APJ!
By the way, in my quest for “safe” from scent-phobe family members fragrances, both of these have a good chance of making the list!
I love Vanilla Flash, but I find it to be equally a raw, damp tobacco fragrance.
And sigh, Bergamoss. It sounds SO good, but yeah … the solid format. I’m with you on waiting for cooler weather.
I don’t do solids either but Bergamoss smells really good. Never say never. I would wait until cooler temps to order too. It would be awful to get a melted mess in the mailbox. I’m glad you liked the review.
Hi poodle! I’m happy to see you here! I hope you’re at peace with your kitchen reno as it is thus far. Your Bergamoss review over at APJ really helped me center myself and acknowledge my own expectations and put many
things into perspective. Thank you for introducing that lovely clarity… I will cherish it.
I’ve been trying to lurk a bit but haven’t had much time to comment. My kitchen is in a holding pattern at the moment. Not done yet but it is functional so thats not too terrible.
Thanks so much for those kind words about my review. I’m happy it helped.
Perfumista salute? Is that smelling your wrist? Ha ha ha. I’m not heard of that before.
I’ve read those reviews as well and curious to try not only that one but many of her scents. I love the video that she did recently and posted on NST.
Close enough as I applied a bit above the watch band and bracelet. Someone else coined the phrase
Something tells me I won’t like Vanilla Flash (and, in general, I’m skeptical about that Tauerville idea: multiple brands from the same company annoy me; I do not mind lines though)
Usually I do not do solid perfumes as well… but this one sounds very interesting. I should think about it
U, you should absolutely try Bergamoss. The Vanilla Flash is iffy – the dry down was womderful if you can wait for it.
Today I’m wearing my latest thrifted find–a mini of Tuscany per Donna parfum. (I also picked up a mini of a magnolia parfum from prim’style, which is inscrutable to google, but smells fine in the bottle, in the same 2.99$ bag…)
Being judicious because it’s strong and the jasmine might be a tiny bit skanky. Anyone know anything about these two, esp in parfum form?
I used to like Tuscany per Donna (EdP) and went through a couple of bottles at some point. Later, for a while, I kept smelling TpD in many other perfumes (if you’re curious, you can read my story and parallel testing account for TpD and two other perfumes that I thought smelled like it – http://undina.com/2012/04/26/deja-vu-3-powdery-fruit-vs-peony-oriental-vs-sandalwood-jasmine/ )
I have a small parfum spray of older Amazone, which I spritzed on this evening. It is smelling entirely different to me from my other versions. Not sure if it’s the weather, my nose, or if it’s really different.
Today we went into te city (Chicago) to check out Q Brothers and just had the nicest time. It’s mainly a men’s shop specializing in shaving but they carry brands hard to find in Chicago (Juliette Has a Gun, Memo, Lubin, Amouage, Tauer – and apparently he did a trunk show in February that I missed!.) It makes me think; Olfactif is here, too; there has to be some kind of community in Chicago! Any of you peeps in the area? I would love to organize a meet-up. Anyway, I bought a perfume after only wearing it once, which is something I never do. I am wearing ELDO Like This and just loving it. One one hand, it’s got a bit of traditional just pretty but also this almost burnt pumpkin that seems to come and go. The SA I worked with was fantastic, too and gave us some samples that I can’t wait to dig into.
Although I don’t live in Chicago I am visiting next week for work. I need to get my list of places to visit before I go… Such a great city.
If you are looking for perfume, Q Brothers is a bit out of the way but worth it. It is near the Western stop on the Brown Line L. Otherwise, there is a Barneys, Saks, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom all within blocks of each other on Michigan near Chicago Ave. That Nordstroms has the Mugler Les Exceptions as an exclusive. I have had great luck with nice SAs at Saks, Barneys and Nordstrom and NM has some really pushy people BUT they were also super generous with Tom Ford samples!!
And (insert sound of angels singing) a Chanel and a Hermes boutique! I ❤️ Chicago!
Right now, I am wearing L’Heure Bleue. I am so mad at myself and kicking myself. Idiot me, went to fast through PayPal when paying for an 8.5 ounce bottle of vintage Chamade and used my bank account instead of my credit card. The seller was gracious enough to cancel the order and I repurchased it. Of course this all happened yesterday, I haven’t gotten that money back in my bank account. It’s funny that some refunds take forever. But still, I hope I do get that money back into my account by the end of next week.
Sometimes PayPal is such a PITA. I have deleted my old shipping address I don’t know how many times and it still pops up as the default address if I select check out with PayPal. I’ve become quite paranoid about shipping something precious to my old, empty house.
PS. I worked in hotels during college and trying to help people who were traveling a lot and had holds from multiple hotels on their accounts was a nightmare. Nobody’s bank will admit to being the one stalling and earning quick interest on that money and sometimes it took weeks for the release.
I remember one poor honeymooning couple on a tight budget who we secretly let sleep in the bar because their previous hotel had accidentally added a zero when they blocked their card, rendering them broke until their parents could wire money. I think we bought them breakfast and a tank of gas too.
Oops, sorry for rambling…
I’m on a bargain kick at the moment and just bought the Rose bien-etre cologne that I will be trying out today. I’m really into facial water sprays too. It’s so hot that sometimes perfume just seems too much and I never ever thought I’d say that.
I’m saying that too. Back to hydrosols and DSH Pompeii water-based spray from the fridge, already half done with my new decant of 4711, unable to contemplate more and showering with extreme frequency anyway.
Hubby just called from Harrod’s and is sniffing for me. Sounds like there is a strong chance I may wind up with an exclusive–Khol de Bahrein from Stephane Humbert Lucas 777. Gorgeous bottle at the very least. Also suggested to him to sniff OJ Tolu. Here’s the bottle: http://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/St-phane-Humbert-Lucas-777/Kh-l-de-Bahre-n-18311.html . But he also is sniffing Miller Harris L’air de Rien at the moment, which sounds gorgeous. Either way, I am getting something good!!!
I’d choose OJ since it’s harder to get in the U.S. (and Khol de Bahrein you can buy from the luckyscent).
Sapphire , I agree with Undina. Most of the SHL 777 line are also available from OsswaldNYC.
I’m sampling Jeffrey Dame’s Pear, Waterlily & Amber this morning. It’s interesting – just when you think there’s almost nothing there, it starts getting fresh and spicy (both!) … but the pear is still noticeable through the spice (amazingly). I’m finding it almost addictive.
Yes! I dug out my JD samples after reading your post, applied, and probably going to buy this one. Just beautiful!
Looooove!
It really is gorgeous and interesting … in a good way!
You’re right. I have a few JD samples and the Pear, Waterlily & Amber is my favorite from his line. It is a very nice scent.
It’s my favorite too, so far. I still haven’t tried Black Flower or Desert Rose, and there’s one more sample coming (the cassis/rose one) that he was out of (he included the Pear/Waterlily as an apology. So glad he did!) Tried Dark Horse and decided it’s going to do better when the weather starts to cool down, and am totally on the fence about Lime, Gardenia & Benzoin. I don’t usually get along with gardenia scents, so my frame of reference is a bit off for that one.
Morning, all. Monday, and the first day of the winter semester, so all sorts of things are probably going to bounce onto my desk. It’s a busy day ahead, and I want to project a completely erroneous impression of being calm and organised, so I’m wearing 31 Rue Cambon. It’s gorgeous, but much more grown up and sophisticated than I will ever be. Heavy sigh…anyhow, the day begins, and I’m prancing off to meet it smelling lovely
Best of luck with the coming semester!
If you are faking it, you are making it!! (Personal motto)
Let’s hope I can fool my primary audience (a bunch of very percipient Y3 students) for at least a couple of weeks. After that, they’ll be so busy with assignments (laughs evilly) that they won’t notice if I turn purple.
I love Rue Cambon but always feel like I could only wear it if I were far more accomplished than I am
I am torturing myself with a dab of Hermes Doblis parfum from a small decant, not really sure which vintage or reissue, but it’s absolutely perfect. Shame it’s so rare.
If you also know Madame Rochas, would you please tell us what you think of the comparison between the two (made by five Fragranticans)?
Interesting, I’ll have to do a side by side on another day. I haven’t worn Madame Rochas recently, but Doblis is ultra smooth, refined, soft. It’s sort of a leather perfume. I think of Madame Rochas as a slightly spicy chypre, but I’ll be curious to check my memory and compare them directly.
Guy Robert did both Doblis and Amouage Gold, as Rochap notes on Fragrantica, and I can totally see that. It appears he also did Madame Rochas.