Happy Wednesday! What fragrance did you pick for today?
I'm wearing Diptyque L'Ombre dans L'Eau.
Reminder: this Friday, 9/4, will be Back to School Friday...wear a perfume that says 'back to school' to you, or that says you mean business, or ....?
And for those of you who like to plan ahead, see Scent of the day ~ Friday community projects 2015, where I'll try to always have the next five or six weeks mapped out in advance.
Note: top image is classroom [cropped] via William Creswell at flickr; some rights reserved.
This must be Diptyque Week?
SOTD is inspired by yesterday’s post- Volutes edt.
I labored under the impression that yesterday was Wednesday. I was terrible disappointed when I became re-oriented last evening. Oh well.
Happy Hump Day to all!
That happens to me quite often. Tuesdays can be such a bummer. The good news is that today is *actually* Wednesday! Happy Hump Day to you as well!
And if it’s Diptyque week, perhaps I’ll break out my Geranium Odorata rollerball tomorrow.
I just ordered some Geranium Odorata- it’s such a happy, bright geranium!
B/c on way or the other both my husband and I end up working 6 days a week, I never know what day it is.
Rose Rebelle Respawn is my SOTD. (Waves to LizzieB and Ihadanidea)
Such a fun experiment.
I got carnations
Right! Forgot which flower it was. And you do love your carnation.
I wish this one lasted longer as I’d definitely invest in a bottle.
I love it.
I am in shalimar soufflé again. I think I finally get it. It smells like you sprayed the real shalimar on your skin, and then woke up the next morning and you smell like shalimar soufflé – just my opinion.
It’s a great office scent because of how close to the skin it is wears. Got a sample from BG guerlain counter but I am not sure if it’s FB worthy
If you want a lighter Shalimar, both the EDT and EDC are very nice – the EDC in particular works well in the office (it got quite a bit of wear this summer).
Thanks for the suggestion. Do you happen to live in the U.S.? I went to BG and did not see it so I am wondering if it’s available here?
I meant the EDC flanker
The EDC may be discontinued – I found it online at fragrancenet.
Oh- I thought it was the new cologne that was released this year?
Iris Nobile shower cream, body cream, and edp
Nice! And so well coordinated.
Yes, my Capricornian tendencies cannot abide by non coordinating scents if at all possible
lol
Very elegant!
Not ready to let go of summer yet, so I’m wearing Chasses aux Papillon by L’Artisan.
How lovely!
Guerlain Idylle is my SOTD.
I have to re-visit this one
Caron Pour Un Homme today–I really wanted some fresh but comforting.
Yum — you found it!
Such a great comfort scent – one of my favorites if I’m sick or stressed. I love the Caron masculines.
Today I’m wearing my decant of 31 Rue Cambon. It is, as I have read from many of your comments, a fantastic office scent.
Still trying to think of a back to school scent for Fri. If it’s anything like my first-day-of-school outfits, it will be the fragrance equivalent of the most carefully considered plain t-shirt and jeans, haha.
That settles it – I must try 31 Rue Cambon!
Me too! This seems to get a lot of love and I don’t want to miss it
So glad you enjoy Rue Cambon! My Grand Plan to fill the world’s offices with it is taking shape
Does Cristalle work for you as well? (pun wasn’t intended, but I’m keeping it)
Yes, I like your style! I’m the same way.
Somewhat unseasonally, I’m wearing Apres l’Ondee. I just felt like wearing it and I’m so glad I did. It’s so beautiful and easy to like.
It really is…I should pull mine out.
You smell great, too.
Love!
Here as well!
Inspired by your choice, I went to seek out my Apres l’Ondee for bedtime, because it’s just beautiful. But I got distracted by thoughts of Geranium Odorata (which I dont have yet), and saw Lush Flowers Barrow in all its geranium goodness beckoning me and accidentally put that on instead. It’s the thought that counts
You do smell lovely though.
I love it how you “accidentally put that on instead”
Finally retested Nahema (which I could not smell at. all. the first six times I tried it) – this time I could smell something, but it was faint and very soapy, nothing like the reviews of Nahema I’ve read. I think it’s me. Or maybe it’s me & Guerlain, because there are very very few Guerlains I really love (Chamade and Shalimar Light… and even those two I could give up, because Chamade is about middling in my list of greenies and I’m stocked up on vintage Emeraude).
ANNNNNYway. SOTD is L’Arte di Gucci – big rose chypre, here I come.
FWIW, I could smell Nahema plenty and didn’t like it at all. I don’t always get along with Guerlain on the first 5 or so tries, though, so I’m willing to retest (eventually).
I’m willing to try more than once with Guerlain classics – though probably not the specialty lines. (I did finally “get” Mitsouko after about the 13th time. But I’m still not going to wear it.)
Oh, weird- I find Nahema pretty strong! I know you’ll be happy in your L’Arte di Gucci
Everybody says it’s big! I think I’m anosmic to something in there.
I had the same problem with Nahema.
Shalimar & Samsara are the only Guerlains I get along with so far
Well, if you’re gonna do it, L’Arte is about as good as it gets. I love Nahema. I don’t wear it very often b/c it’s very strong to my nose. But there are so many really good rich roses to pick from, you are right to not miss it. Ta’if just about knocks Nahema off her throne IMHO.
I feel like I get along well with Guerlain but still didn’t like Nahema one bit. I smell a lot, and it was all hairspray. I don’t get it and definitely couldn’t relate to any of the reviews I read. So, you’re definitely not alone there.
same for me. Very few from Guerlain I actually love. Only Chamade and Vol de Nuit slay me.
Nahema is quite piercing to my nose. Screechy aldehydic rose – but I kinda like it.
Aaaah L’arte di Gucci. You smell fantastic.
I too had some difficulty smelling Nahema, and thought perhaps that was because I only have a little dabber sample. I had planned to spray liberally the next time I’m at Bergdorf’s and see if that works, but it’s interesting to hear that others can’t smell it well either.
I didn’t see a tester for Nahema when I was there on Monday-but maybe you can ask.
They had it several months ago. I had to ask for it. It’s stored (in a cabinet) in a box with all the other “oldies.” Btw, that’s how the sa described it
Sometimes I wonder if they changed the base of the formula.
You know, I don’t know. My original sample was one of those 2ml parfum uber-minis Guerlain puts out, and I couldn’t smell it at all. (Sent it to a friend, who raved about it – so it was my nose.) This sample is a PdT one from STC, and I’m pretty sure that formulation is d/c now. Shrug.
Nahema smelled like old-fashioned rose talcum powder to me. I dont remember liking it at all..
Nahema reminds me of Tresor, which I don’t care for. Will have to give L’Arte a shot one of these days.
Have you tried Rose Barbare? I’m still hoping to smell L’Arte. I have a feeling I would love it.
Just have to put in a good word for Nahema – I bought a “refill” EDP online so vintage unknown, but it smells great and lasts a long time.
I chose PHI this morning. And though it’s still technically summer I find I want to switch out the samples on my desk (lots of citrus and white florals) for more fall-like scents.
PHI! You smell great
Yep, I think it’s about time we swapped. I’m so ready for citrus and white florals!
Phi is a great choice
On a warpath in CB I Hate Perfume Memory of Kindness, my prickliest perfume. Stay out of my tomato vine-scented way!!
Hey, what about the KINDNESS part, LOL?
That kindness is just a Memory now!
Ah, right.
I so want to try that one. Tomato leaves are such a wonderful smell!
My SOTD is Roses Shining Everywhere by Living Libations. The first 30 minutes are way too sour/rose otto-ish for me, but after that, the sourness starts to fade and the perfume gets sweeter and smells more like rose absolute, which I prefer. It also becomes spicy. Verdict: VERY nice (after half an hour). I’m enjoying my 5 ml spray bottle.
Here are the details from Beauty Habit:
“Ingredients & Essential Oils:
Bulgarian Roses, Indian Roses, Moroccan and Egyptian Ruby velvet, Vanilla bean.”
Haven’t smelled it, but what a great name!
I am beginning to LOVE this stuff! It’s definitely worth it to wait out the 30 minutes of sour rose otto-type scent. I think that there is a high level of natural ingredients, but after 4.5 hours, the one large spritz that I applied to my lower arm is still enchanting me.
I’m at my desk and every few minutes a slightly honeyed rose with woody spice, like a gentle and woody cinnamon, wafts to my nose. It smells very natural. Heavenly …
I don’t smell any vanilla. Perhaps it contributes to the woodiness?
And yeah, I do love the name!
SOTD is Cristalle edp. I was in the garden this morning before work – trying to keep summer alive! – so it seems fitting.
Such a great one! Enjoy your time in the garden before the daily grind
Cristalle is always fitting.
SOTD a is Volnay Brume d’Hiver. Just gorgeous.
Robin, you smell gorgeous in L’Ombre! One of my faves.
Today it’s Profumi del Forte Roma Imperiale and I must say I smell wonderful
Thank you, and I’m sure you do too! (I have not smelled that one)
Etat Libre d’Orange Rien. The ultimate soothing scent, to me that is.
Love Rien, but I couldnt honestly say I find it soothing. Id probably say reinforcing, for me. I’d probably find it soothing to smell someone else wearing it however.
Feminite du Bois today because I was in the mood to feel like myself, if that makes any sense. This one just does that for me, and I can’t exactly say why. If I had to have a signature scent, this would probably be it. Makes me feel like I’m presenting the most honest version of myself.
Feminite du Bois and your picture are actually a lovely match.
It would make a good Friday theme, and it’s a bit different from just ‘what would your signature scent be’, as it’s more the scent that you feel reflects you best rather than just one you’d like to smell like.
Thank you so much!
Do you know what your choice for such a scent would be?
Oh, I almost did a blind buy of this last night on Amazon. I have $25 Amazon bucks burning a hole in my pocket! So tempted….
I of course can’t know what you would and wouldn’t like, but I would only enable you with this one…:)
That’s a wonderful reaction from a perfume! I’m going to ponder this thought.
Do you have a scent that does that for you?
No, I don’t think, so not one single perfume. I do think that certain ones — Jungle L’Elephant, Femme, 19,31 Rue Cambon- express aspects truly. I’ don’t think I’ve finished thinking yet, if that makes sense.
I like this thought too, not sure I’ve smelled enough perfume yet to pick one but as waterdragon says something to ponder.
If you ever find something that makes you feel that way, do share!
I also feel completely comfortable in FdB, it was one of my first niche purchases. You smell gorgeous.
Thank you!
It was the first bottle I let myself buy after having read Perfumes: The Guide. I barely had enough money for it, but was charmed into it by a gentleman at Bergdorf’s and I skipped out of the store with my new precious like a little girl. It was hoarded for years until I finally let myself start indulging a bit more in the past year and a half. So as it turns out, FdB is the beginning and end of my scented obsession, and I love hearing that other people love it too.
Nozknoz, this one’s for you:
Okay. So you threw down the gauntlet, and last night I tried “Room 237.”
It was, errr, unexpected. UNEXPECTEDLY HORRIBLE!!!
Really, I just thought the name was a gimmick, but it is a HORRIBLE perfume.
Here’s what happened: Daisies (yup, could smell those supermarket daisies right off the bat (sorry for the mixed metaphors this AM)), along with melting plastic, Borax (strong whiff of sodium borate), and something that smelled like body odor but not cuminy… more like feet that needed washing…
I held out for about an hour and a half, to when it had calmed down to a misguided Mrs. Meyers dish-washing liquid that wasn’t going to sell… and then I scrubbed and scrubbed and scrubbed. Still could smell it, so doused in Euphoria (because I don’t really wear Euphoria very often and it is strong… )and could still smell it leaching through the Euphoria… Scrubbed again, and went to bed.
Needless to say, I showered vigorously this AM, and applied a light layer of….. Joy!
So funny – I don’t think I’ll seek this one out.
Holy moley! ???? I had been curious about what a horror movie inspired perfume would smell like- and it sounds like they nailed the brief!
Thanks for taking one for the team OF!
That’s enough to give you nightmares!
Oakland Fresca, I found The Shining such an unpleasant experience that I swore off horror films forever, so I guess this is an apt homage. Sorry for your sufferings!!!
(OK, not quite forever, as I did see Under the Skin, because it was sci fi with Scarlett Johansson and beautiful cinematography.)
I do love Lampblack, Au Dela and Montserrat, though.
Hint: there’s a contest today inspired by you!
Yaay! How cool of Mandy! I almost hope someone else wins so that more people get to try Tango. It’s too special to disappear.
You know, my husband and I watched The Shining together before we were married. I thought he thought it was a great movie. I asked him about it last night (with the rancid miasma radiating from my arm) and he said watching it with me was the first and only time he’s seen it. Ha! Puts our whole relationship in a new light! Now why did I let him talk me into watching A Clockwork Orange?????
Wearing Passage d’Enfer, which I should have been wearing all summer, since it’s just the right weight for the weather.
I’ve just discovered PdE in my new incense-challenge research phase. I didn’t realize I had a sample of it, so I was happy to test it. I like it very much.
I’ve been wearing it a lot too, perfect for hot weather!
I woke up craving Ormonde Jayne Frangipani. Still comes in 2nd to OJ Tiare for me, but it’s close. It’s just beautiful.
I wanted to get away from summer and the citrus aromatics, so I chose something that I’ve never worn. I got the L’Artisan perfume box last year, and have only tested one or two of the scents. Today I sniffed Fou d’Absinthe, and decided to try it. I love it. I may have to spring for a full bottle. It could be the perfect scent for fall and winter.
I liked that one too (whereas several of the more female-oriented were white musk heavy in the dry down). But in the end I bought Nasomatto Absinth, which is a bit stronger and sharper. Fou only lasted about an hour on me.
Embracing my unique and weird self and wearing Tubéreuse Criminelle.
You smell (and are, I’m sure) wonderful.
L’Eau d’Hadrien edt today. I drained my sample. This is such a gorgeous one.
Oh how I love Hadrien! I used to wear it every day back in my carefree early 20’s. It may have been my first niche perfume – it was certainly a splerge at the time too. I don’t have any right now and I keep thinking I need to correct the situation.
Old My Sin Eau de Lanvin for a 20s project. Couldn’t face another potentially ghastly Borsari. Love my sin; don’t get the name. It doesn’t smell like personal transgression, unless maybe it’s fourrure… must check spelling and meaning of that.
According to Perfume Shrine, My Sin is a parfum de fourrure and as such is “suitable to and evocative of vintage fur wearing.” I wish I could try this one blind. I wonder if I’d think it was just another floral aldehyde.
AG Mandragore felt right for today. It rained here last night and still is not too hot yet.
Mandragore was on my mind this morning before I settled on Cristalle. It is so organic and refreshing.
The caramelized iris of Prada infusion d’iris absolue…
Perfect for rain/appointment day… Trying to decide if more than a sample of this is necessary?
Mine is getting more use than I expected, if that helps!
It does help. Now that it’s drying down, it reminds me of Belle en Rykiel, which I have a little bottle of…but the starts are very different.
I’m wearing Marni as uje, and commenting to say that I was handed a scented ribbon as I was walking through a department store yesterday evening.
The scent was Soir d’Orient by Sisley, it smelled wonderfully spicey, and I really liked it. So I was super disappointed to discover that it’s outrageously expensive and defs out of my price range.
NST, please review this fragrance soon. If the review is positive I can congratulate myself on my fine taste, and if you dismiss it as hogwater I can use it as evidence that I’m much better off without those sour grapes!
Review Soir d’Orient you mean, right? I will ask Angie, it sounds up her alley
I tried it last week in Saks Raleigh. I own & love Eau de Soir. D’Orient struck me as a weak Eau de Soir, with plenty of spice up front. Even though I liked the spice, it seemed a bit harsh or heavy handed (cinnamon? clove?), and left me longing for the full strength Eau de Soir.
I’ve got Eau de Charlotte on one wrist and Lann Ael on the other. This is what happens when I find samples I’d forgotten about.
That actually sounds like a nice mix.
I’m wearing Bottega Veneta original today. Hoping to get the 30ml bottle of this when in Europe later this year.. wish they had that size in the states.
Poor choice today for me. I put on Tabu, but am not feeling it at all. Smelling more like cola than spices. I wish I’d gone with Epic Woman instead.
Robin, you smell great. L’Ombre is my favorite from Diptique line.
OMG and my boss just passing by me said ‘Does it smell like incense in here? Someone is burning some sticks?’ – I think it might be me as I might have over-applied – but we have people microwaving fish in the office so this might not be too bad (plus boss is generally not a smart man, so i just tend to ignore him)
In Andy Tauer Le Maroc Pour Elle. Did not like it when I got it – actually I made a mistake getting it, was trying to get something else and clicked in LMPE by mistake. Tried to swap it away to no luck. Now, I like it
I have a question for the forum. I have a very oldish – 1993/1994 Chanel No 5 Parfum. I think when it was given to me I was very young to even appreciate it, and I do not think I even like it. At that time, to me coming from Russia Chanel No 5 was as good as it would get, so I kept holding on to the bottle. I think that connection has been severed and I am ready to part with it. So, 2 questions
– is there a way for me to figure out if it has turned? I do keep everything in the dark closet, but I want to make sure.
– what is the best place to sell something like this and what is it even worth?
Lol. I thought it was just me because I don’t care for Le Maroc either. The only Tauer that works for me is Incense Rose.
And Carillon pour un Ange? Noooooo!????
I know, this is the only Tauer that left me going like ‘What is this’ – but than it got better. This one has a serious staying power too – so I need to make sure I stay away from small conference rooms as I seriously over-applied it.
Basenotes has an appraisal board on their forum; I haven’t used it but it sounds like it ought to be of use to you. The vintages section of Fragrantica’s forum may also address questions like yours. As for the turning, ideally you’d get the nose-on opinion of someone who is familiar with that perfume when it’s well preserved. Storage certainly helps, but it’s no guarantee. I’m sorry there isn’t a simple method!
Thank you, I will try the two boards you mentioned
I looked at ebay completed listings and a half-ounce of No 5 parfum (from the ’80’s, according to the seller) sold for $85.00.
It sold on August 23rd, I should add.
Today I am wearing Clinique Aromatics In White. I am not too crazy about the opening however the musky dry down is very nice and the longevity is moderate.
My SOTD is Aedes De Venustas’ Oeillet Bengale. This is usually my Fall / Winter scent, but I wanted to wear it today. Trying to push Summer out the door to allow some Fall weather this way. The heat is brutal!
SOTD Del Rae Wit, first wearing since last spring. I am mesmerized by it’s beauty.
Oh, another one I am tempted to wear tomorrow. It’s stunning.
Oooh, another A+ report on Wit. I do hope my friends are able to buy me a bottle when they’re in SF. if they can’t, it will be top of my list of possible perfume purchases for next year’s trip.
Guerlain’s Terracotta once again!
I’m in Elixir des Merveilles today. It was a random grab this morning, after my husband asked what the scent of the day was and I realized that I hadn’t put any perfume on yet! It turned out to be a good choice for what is proving to be a more-eventful-than-anticipated day at work.
Wearing John Varvatos Artisan and because the cool metallic nature of this orange blossom struck me as needing a little warming up, I applied Lush Sikkim Girls solid to all pulse points. Olfactive bliss achieved.
I’m giving Grossmith Phul-Nana a try this morning. The opening was a lovely spicy geranium but the middle phase has gone all soapy on me. Hoping for a great drydown.
Good morning all. You all smell wonderful today. Well, you all smell gorgeous every day, but today it seems I happen to know most of the perfumes you’re wearing so I can really appreciate the scented picture your comments have built. Lovely, just lovely.
I’m in a spritz of 19 extract and a fuzz of happy anticipation as I rush round getting ready to fly to Sydney to meet my main man. Yay!
In Bas de Soie. Not sure if it’s working with the day, which is being quite quixotic.
Wearing Courtesan because it’s really hot outside. I don’t care if in The Guide it was described as a “consumptive and needing a corset loosening”. I paraphrased but still, it’s a great one and I love it.
I love it too – it makes a very sultry bedtime scent and I agree it works well in the heat.
Speaking of L’Ombre dans l’Eau, which is one of my all-time favs, I’ve been testing Hermes Rose Amazone. Several reviewers have noted a similarity to L’Ombre dans l’Eau, owing to the wonderful effect of black currant and rose, but L’Ombre does that so much better.
I like Amazone very much but find it too discreet, so I was hopeful that Rose Amazone might benefit from stronger modern ingredients, as well as dollops of rose.
I do like the crisp fruit of the top notes, and the drydown is nice (when I can find it). However, during much of its evolution there is an unpleasant undertone that spoils Rose Amazone for me – something like the smell of brass or onions.
It’s a shame, because Rose Amazone is almost very good – you do sense the basic melody of Amazone, as Mark Behnke puts it. He liked it a lot better than I did:
http://colognoisseur.com/new-perfume-review-hermes-rose-amazone-trying-not-to-lose-the-melody/
Wow, he liked it better than I did too. But I think he does not write anything negative, ever.
SOTD = Le Labo Iris 39
I haven’t worn this in forever and I miss ot! It has a salty vibe that works cery well in this hot and humid heat wave we’re sufferung through. I want it to ne Fall NOW!!! Go away, summer.
You smell nice. It is a nice iris
Thank you!
I want fall right now too.
You smell lovely.
I sounded like a petulant child but I really really want fall to be here already!
I remember that one having a lovely green-ness to it. Way to smell good, lady.
I just noticed all the misspellings. I’ll blame it on typing while eating a pizza New York style, not reviewimg comments before submitting and my iPhone’s defective auto-correct
Sampling Costume National 21. I am surprised at how much I liked it on first little spritz, and how much I keep liking it as the day wears along. I will wear this some more as the weather cools…
This seems to be a staple in the Barneys Beauty Bag Events. I will have to try it!
Great scent for cooler weather
For anyone who saw my comment yesterday, the Hall and Oates concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre was great last night – good seats, beautiful evening and excellent music.
Today I am wearing my sample of Eau d’Italie Graine de Joie. I am enjoying this simple fruity musk fragrance on a hot late summer day.
Awesome – sounds like a great night! Thanks for the update
Kelly Caleche today. Haven’t worn it since last winter, and really enjoying the bit of grapefruit rose backbone wrapped in soft suede.
Very exciting day for me today! My first empty…Vetiver Tonka which has become a real go-to for me. Ok, it was only 15 ml but I’ve come nowhere close to draining a whole bottle of any size before this
Are you going to double down and get some more or are you moving on to something new?
I already did! I have 2×15 waiting in the wings
This one is a keeper!
Woo hoo! Congrats and well done!
Long day of meetings, Sel de Vetiver kept me calm and awake ????
I need to buy a bottle of this – boyfriend has finished his, so I cannot steal any longer
Wearing Eau des Merveilles today. Perfect for a 90 degree day.
Chiming in late to say that a little Jolie Madame kept me good company on my 13 hour drive today! It is even still there just a tiny bit. If only the rest of me smelled as good.
I did a blind grab for fragrance in the dark hours of the early morning and came up with Eau des Minimes.
Mmm, zesty. It woke me right up!
Van Cleef & Arpel California Reverie is the SOTD. Loved it so much this summer, the bottle is just a few sprays short of empty.
Wow, that is impressive.