Happy Birthday to Diane Keaton! What fragrance are you wearing?
I'm wearing Strange Invisible Perfumes Musc Botanique.
Reminder: this Friday on 1/8 we're doing Woodfest Friday. Wear something woody — but no oud, because we already did oud!
And for those of you who like to plan ahead, see Scent of the day ~ Friday community projects 2016, where I'll try to always have the next five or six weeks mapped out in advance.
Top image is Diane Keaton in 2012, via Wikimedia Commons.
Off today so I’m wearing Shanghai Lily
You smell great! I need to wear that more.
Yeah, you smell totally awesome.
I wish I had a spray sample. It really is pretty and fun to wear. I think I’ll put it on the list for this week.
No SOTD until after I go swimming. After that, it might be Patricia de Nicolai Ambre Cashmere Intense, from a sample. It starts off a little weird, but settles down really nicely and is very cozy. I am planning to get myself a little treat for passing my internal medicine board re-certification (it took forever to get the results. Didn’t find out until 12/31/15). I had been planning on the Neela Vermeire discovery set, but am now thinking about the Ambre Cashmere Intense (or maybe the set and a decant!). Hmmm.
Congrads on your achievement! I think you should treat yourself to both
Agreed!
+1
Thank you! Thinking about it.
I love Ambre Cashmere Intense!
Congratulations on your re-certification!
Thank you! Glad to have it over with for 10 years.
Congratulations, and I think you deserve both, too.
Thank you. I just might.
Almost scent twin! Have on Ambre Cashmere as I head out into commute.
Congrats! Go for both.
Thank you! Both has quite the consensus.
We are worthy of our enablet pins!
Congratulations! A treat or two are definitely in order.
Thanks!
Ooh congrats!!
Thank you!
Congratulations Sapphire!
Thanks, Holly!
Congratulations, Sapphire! Get both!
I knew you’d say that!
Completely forgot to congratulate you! Out of professional curiosity how often do you have to re-certify? Do you take an actual exam or do you just have to document what activities you have pursued to be able to maintain your degree?
Thanks! I have to study everything and take an exam every 10 years. This is on top of the continuing ed I have to do annually to maintain my license. The exam took me about 5 hours. It’s a headache, but if you want to be credentialed on insurance plans, you have to be board certified in your specialty.
I’m sure it’s a pain, on the other hand it does oblige you to really keep up, so to speak.
I’m a doctor too, but while we do have a system of having to attend courses and things, we don’t actually have to retake a major exam every 10 years.
Congratulations. Nice to have something like that behind you.
Thanks so much!
Major congratulations!
Thank you, Deva!
Congratulations!
Centuries ago, ABIM was a client of the firm where I was employed.
Thanks! They’re making lots of money off the recertification process.
Congratulations! No matter how many exams you take, they are always stressful. Definitely treat yourself.
Even though I haven’t taken a shower yet, I actually have the perfume that I want to wear picked out. I’m going to wear Une Rose Vermeille today. I just had a sudden craving for it. It’s a perfume that I cannot make up my mind about, one minute I’m loving it and the next, I’m not really liking it.
It changes its mind a lot, doesn’t it? I love the rose unreservedly but some of the other elements do or don’t work, depending on their whims (nothing to do with me).
It’s the raspberry note that can get to me. Probably because I’m not all that into perfumes that have a big fruity note to them.
I’m on Rose Omeyyade, also al rose-raspberry combo (with some oud thrown in for good measure) and ditto: I’m on the fence.
I adore this stuff – but then, I am a raspberry fan as well as a rose fan.
Cazaubon, I have it on good authority that Andy is pulling this one from the extended offerings at boutiques. Not sure where you’re located, but if it’s not near his HQ, you might wanna buy a bottle before it gets harder to come by. (The news was confirmed by Sister Tracy on my last pilgrimage to Our Lady of the Scented Wrists . . . urm . . . the Perfume House.)
I also heard this and did stock up on a couple extra bottles!
cazaubon, have you tried Ramon Monegal Iris Impossible? It has a raspberry note and sparkling iris!
Yes I have and I like it!
Your choice inspired me to wear Rose Vermeille today as well. I enjoy it but I think the lavender is bit overwhelming for me in the top notes…still, a beautiful scent. I have a sample but if Andy is going to pull it I have to ponder now if I need a full bottle. Interesting how scarcity drives buying.
Sorry! (notsorry)
I’ve been making do with one (ONE!) of Andy’s generous samples since this one came out, and I’ve worn it maybe seven or eight times… sometimes I love it, and sometimes the orange (for me it’s never the raspberry) is just Too Much for me.
I Profumi di Firenze Terra di Siena. Earthy, kinda dirty, kinda sexy. Such a great cold-weather scent.
Wow, I have to see if I can figure out from my notes if I’ve tried that one.
They have at least fifty scents so it wouldn’t surprise me if you hadn’t. But Terra di Siena is one of their best.
It’s mind boggling. And I adore a few but it’s only a small percentage.
Bodes better than a large percentage.
Yesterday late afternoon after my scent of the day died down, I used up the rest of a decant of Parure (Guerlain). This morning I can still smell it on my wrists, that is some longevity! I am sad to have finished this decant, but happy to have finished something!
No SOTD yet, but I am thinking No 22.
I love finishing things up…
lovetosmellgood, was it you wearing Angelique Noir recently? How would you describe it? Not sure I know what angelica smells like, or whether it’s in anything I already have. Notice it’s in the Guerlain and in Robin’s SOTD.
Hi, yes I have Angelique Noir. Its a soft, cozy fragrance.
Opens with Bergamot-dry down is vanilla. Angelica has a musky green-woody scent.
For a better review Victoria on BDJ http://boisdejasmin.com/2005/08/guerlain-angelique-noire-perfume-review.html
I’ve never heard of Parure. Is it a vintage or newer one?
No 22 is a beautiful choice! I’m still considering a FB for myself.
Its vintage and now its finished! I finished 2 decants in the last 3 days. Hooray!
you inspired me to dig out my No 22!
Nice! I don’t remember the last thing I finished, other than samples. :-/
Same here.
I’m sampling YSL Black Opium. It started off as a vanilla bomb, no coffee accord to be smelled. We’ll see if it ever develops. I like a sweet gourmand fragrance as much as the next person, but I wish perfumers could do without quite so much vanilla.
I didn’t get any coffee either. The only part I loved was the dry down. Let me know what you think!
Does it remind you of YSL Cinema? Or am I crazy?
To me, it’s a bit sugary and I got NOTHING of the original Opium at all. There are cheaper and better gourmands out there, I think!
All I get is purple fruit syrup, but I really like it.
Doing some sampling today.
First I wore Memo Granada which reminded me of Songes except with orange blossom rather than jasmine the prominent note. The warmth of the tonka and the white flowers does give off a very summery southern Spanish vibe but it still doesnt seriously challenge the white florals i own already.
Tried some D.S. & Durga HYLNDS
-Pale Grey Mountain (nice but similar feel to Voyage d’Hermes)
-Bitter Rose Broken Spear (really nice, dirty, smoky rose)
-Spirit of the Glen (oh yum. I haven’t looked up notes yet but this is rather nice too)
(Btw Robin the photo credit hasn’t been updated)
Oops, many thanks!
I liked the Hylnds series a lot, without being particularly dying to own any. Hope they will do more.
I spent a few days recently wearing Spirit of the Glen on one arm and Ryder on the other, and liked them both, but wound up prefering Ryder’s slightly-less-sweetness. You can’t go too wrong with whiskey scents, in my book!
Have you tried their main line as well? I’m very curious about it…
Divine L’Inspiratrice, which is lovely. I first saw Diane Keaton in one of the Godfather movies, a long time ago.
That one was pretty.
I haven’t been able to comment for a while, so Happy New Year, everybody! So good to smell you again, even if only virtually. I’ve just got back from Estonia and am in Brussels again, working and wearing La Pausa.
I’m happy to see you back. Happy New Year!
Thanks! Very happy to be back!
Happy new year! You smell wonderful today.
Thank you. The joy of having my full collection available to me again
Happy New Year! Hope you had a great holiday
I did, thank you! Although sometimes I wish my family was smaller, so we wouldn’t spend so much time travelling from one place to another…
Happy New Year! La Pausa is lovely and very elegant.
It is! And it’s actually lasting pretty OK today, so I’m happy.
And how were things in Estonia? I’m happy to see you again. Always enjoy reading your posts. Happy New Year!
Things were cold
Or, more accurately, very warm at first, roses blooming for Christmas. And then it turned cold overnight, everything covered in frost and ice. And then, a couple of days ago, heavy snowfall. We drove around quite a bit and the nature was spectacular. It was around -20C today in some parts of the country, it’s almost 30 degrees warmer in Brussels. (And thank you!)
Great to see you back!
Thanks, Holly
Welcome back!
Good morning.
My SOTD is L’Artisan Nuit Tubereuse . I’m taking the decorations off the Christmas tree today. ???? Not fun. Lots of going up and down attic stairs. At least my Nuit Tubereuse will be a pick me up.
I really like Nuit de Tubereuse and glad I bought a cheap bottle I found. I had planned to de-Christmas my tree too today but it’s such a chore isn’t it?! so needless to say it’s still there waiting…
So is mine, lol, so is mine…
My Mom’s record for tree un-decoration is the Ides of March. You’ve got plenty of time
In her defense, there is nothing but brown garden, a driveway, and bare trees outside her big window once she takes it down.
I do ‘winter decorating’ so I don’t take stuff down until March either! I do a lot of fresh boxwood wreathes, pine boughs, dried red berries and rosehips and fairy lights. All winter appropriate and not strictly Christmas.
I’m always grateful to people who leave lights up all winter, such a mood brightener. Thanks (from a distance)!
When my boys were little they hated to take down the tree so we would keep it as long as possible (its amazing how long a live tree will last if you keep it well watered and your house is relatively cool). Usually we made it to valentines day, and would re-decorate with hearts, etc. Now that they are teenagers they don’t care anymore, so I will probably take it down this weekend.
I will miss the beautiful fir smell when its gone.
Oh, I kinda like the *clean* feeling my house gets once the decorations are down. And it feels so spacious for a while! Also, consider all those stairs as added steps through your day! I’ve been aiming for 10000 a day, and suddenly doing all those chores, I’m getting a lot less efficient!
Sorry if this response is perkier than you’re ready for.
So true — I will get my steps in!!!
We *might* take the tree down this weekend. Then again we might not. Our town has curb pick up for Christmas trees, and I am always amazed how many people take theirs down immediately. We are usually the last in our neighborhood.
That’s the reason I’m taking it down today. I live just outside of New Orleans, and our curb pick up is tomorrow. The trees picked up tomorrow will be used for coastal restoration.
We will also be starting our Mardi Gras season tomorrow. January 6 (King’s Day) is the official start of Mardi Gras. So we move on from red & green Christmas colors to purple, green and gold Mardi Gras colors.
Visited my daughter in Metairie for Christmas, and someone on Esplanade had purple/lav/silver peacock decorations (beside green topiaries) on either side of their front doors, reminiscent of Mardi Gras. Loved it.
Ooooh, very festive!
When I get the post-Christmas blues, I think to myself “Mardi Gras is just around the corner!”
I don’t know why, but our town will pick up the tree whenever. One year we put it out very late, probably 3rd week of January, and then we had a series of huge snowstorms and the pile of accumulated snow at the curb did not totally melt until late February, and there was the tree. Few days later, the town picked it up.
We de-Christmased over the weekend, and thank goodness the kids were able to help me with it – no way would I be able to haul all the boxes back upstairs and then up the ladder into the attic without them, not with this ankle injury. Gah.
(We’re rural so there isn’t any tree pickup here. We have to take trees to the recycling center in town, where they will be mulched… but we have to take the recycling too, so it’s not that much bigger a deal to get your teenage sons to shove your tree and their grandmother’s onto the pickup truck. ;))
Amouage Journey woman is my SotD. I’ve seen a lot of complaints that it’s not big enough to qualify as an Amouage, but I love its soft elegance. I think it’s perfect for my first full day back at my desk after a long vacation.
I am not one of those people who complained about Journey woman
I love it! Sassy, classy and sexy-you smell great
Why, thank you.
SOTD is original Fendi from a sample from a generous NSTer! I saw some bottles at Neiman Marcus Last Call by O’Hare; are they making this again? I was too suspicious to actually buy it and there was no tester!!
Man, that’s a blast from the 80s- and a good one to boot. I remember my older sister wearing this!
Oh, I just saw it (the EDT form) in a NM Last Call also, and got to test, but unfortunately I haven’t smelled the original so I can’t compare! I’ll say regretfully I did not especially like it–but on the other hand, it did smell VERY 80s to me, so maybe it is close to the original??
FWIW, the one I saw looked like this: http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/lHwAAOSwgNRV8YJm/s-l500.jpg And I do note there are many such bottles now available on eBay, though I don’t know what to make of that.
I have a bottle I purchased from Zulilly, it is the same smell, but not with the richness or depth. still, better a little Fendi then no Fendi.
I have that very bottle, which I purchased at FragranceNet last summer. It is not the original fragrance, and can be picked up on the cheap from various sources. I’ve searched multiple times for verification of this but have yet to find any discussion of a massive overhaul of the original Fendi. (I was actually just obsessing over this earlier this a.m. and doing some searching around and comparing bottles and boxes. I wore it in the ’80s and occasionally get panicky about not being able to find it again.)
The reformulated/reconceived/overhauled version smells like the top notes have been retained while everything else was tossed out. A notorious ’80s powerhouse, just a few judicious dabs of the vintage (original) projects all day on me. The new version is a light floral. I’ve drenched myself with 7-8 sprays and could still barely smell it.
As far as I know, Fendi was discontinued in 2005 (and the remaining line shortly thereafter.) But clearly something else happened to it before then. My original (vintage) minis were made by Parfums Fendi and distributed by Bethco Fragrances NY, NY. The newer version was made and distributed by Fendi Profumi out of Parma, Italy.
If anyone knows any more than that or can confirm what I’ve found, I’d love to hear about it!
Wearing Ferre for Back to Work Week. Now have a bit of Iris Poudre, so perhaps tomorrow I will have a Sniff-off with the two of them.
I’m always interested to hear how people compare the two, because they don’t smell all that much alike to me – and especially not in the drydown, which is the part of Iris Poudre that I absolutely love.
My day was not off to a great start (sick kid at 5am + going to work anyway = cranky Luna) so I’m wallowing in L’Heure Bleue. It may have a repeat performance on Friday, as it is so very woody. Pencil shavings? Yes, but in a good way.
Sorry to hear about the sick kid
What concentration of L’Heure Bleue are you wearing? I only have the EdT and I’ve never noticed much wood in it–to me it’s more of a dusty praline that smells better from a distance than when I’m actually wearing it myself!
Wow, yeah! I don’t get pencil shavings at all when I wear it!
Wearing the EdT right now. The EdP is even stronger in the pencil-shavings department, which is the concentration I first experienced. EdT is less so, but still noticeable to me. I agree on the dustiness, but I don’t get much praline.
SOTD is Very Estee. I’m feeling very sophisticated and ladylike today! Wonder why EL discontinued this one? It’s nice!
Needed a boost this morning, so I reached for Jicky. That lovely lavender open was exactly what I was looking for.
Question: How do you pronounce Jicky? Phonetically? With a blurred J, as in Jacques?
I like to pronounce it “Mine all mine! Gimmmme!!”
Ha ha. You can’t have all of it! I need some too! But I understand the feeling. It is a magical thing.
Hahahahaha!
Yes. Soft J :-))
That is how I have been pronouncing it. I think the nickname for his nephew lore is a more believable backstory for the fragrance, so I thought it probably had that same sound. Thanks!
I am wearing a tiny bit of vintage Coco parfum since it is coolish.
Beautiful!
Etro Palais Jamais for today! I’ve been wearing nothing but shalimar edp since christmas, needed something more bracing. I don’t think it’s listed anywhere as a note but when I wore it today I smelled a lot of leather in the heart and a bunch of black tea, too. Leather might be a trick of vetiver and musk I guess! Not like I’m complaining anyway.
I’m thinking about getting messe de minuit, but I also want avignon, and one churchy incense might be enough… Decisions!!!!
But they are so different!
You know, I have never tried Messe de Minuit, even with that incense sampling kick I was on the last couple of years… I like Avignon. Like Heeley Cardinal, too, for that matter. I didn’t even bother with MdM because everybody says it’s so musty, and I generally have trouble with that dank-crypt thing. On the other hand, everybody also says that it’s much LESS dank now, so maybe I should try. Hmmm.
Oh, I’ve heard that too so I should try it again. It was definitely too dank-crypt for me the first time.
I tried it today! It wasn’t very dank crypt, more like a hint of cathedral storage room, but it IS pretty intense and very true-to-life high church-y. It also lasts and lasts!
I’m probably gonna end up with both. I don’t own enough incense scents and the more cold-stone-and-latin things get, the happier I am.
Bergamoss EDP. It’s lovely, and I appreciate the brightness in the EDP that isn’t there in the solid.
I’m thinking of blind-buying this one. Can you describe your impressions of it some more, please?
I think that if the description sounds appealing to you, it’s probably a good bet. I’m not much of a chypre expert, so maybe someone else can weigh in. To me, though, the moss is lush and rich but also soft (in a plush sense…not in the sense that it lacks impact). It seems graceful, and moss always makes me think of a storybook forest. I can’t smell the civet in the EDP or solid, but my vote goes towards the EDP because it’s brighter and projects more.
Thanks! You’ll probably earn an enabler pin for that
I was thinking the same thing–even though I keep telling myself “nothing until February”! The worst part is, must as I love sampling Aftelier, my skin just eats up scent (even with synthetic fixatives) so Aftelier stuff lasts all of…mmm, one hour on me? And I’m STILL tempted.
You could spray the edp on clothing…..just sayin’.
When I tried the solid, I feel like I had to try very hard to smell it. But, it’s been almost 7 hours and I can still smell the EDP easily from an inch away. Plus, I get occasional addictive whiffs that get me huffing my wrist for the next few minutes.
Tempters!
SOTD Kelly Caleche edt based on Angela’s leather post and subsequent comments yesterday. It’s like meeting up with an old friend, comfortable and lovely.
I’ve heard so much about that one that I’m tempted to move it up in my Scentbird queque. I don’t know how long I’ll keep the subscription, but there are a lot of Hermes fragrances available, and the price isn’t bad for getting a large sample of them.
Oh cool–I’ve seen Scentbird mentioned but I had not looked up exactly what it is until just now. 9ml decants for $15 is a pretty good deal! And you get to choose what you want each month? I could go the better part of the year just amassing Hermes decants
Sounds like fun, if they carry scents/houses you like! Too bad they don’t include Tauer, Malle or Amouage in their offerings.
Ha totally. And it’s worth noting that they don’t have the full complement even of the lines they do carry–for instance they have some Vera Wang fragrances but not the eponymous (and IMHO best) one; Estee Lauder but only Sensuous Nude and Modern Muse Le Rouge; etc. So I’d def advise checking to see if they’ve got the specific perfumes you’re still looking for, within a given brand.
I think it’s a great deal, if you stick to the higher end stuff. I’m considering throwing a few that I already know I like, but would like larger samples of, on there. It’s much cheaper than a full bottle, for sure.
Yes I was just thinking, I wish this had existed when I was first getting into perfume, as it would have surely saved me from a number of full bottles I didn’t really need!
Scent twin! Also based on yesterday’s posts I dug out a sample, and like it more than I remembered.
Nice one!
I reorganized my samples yesterday and counted them (roughly 150!), which confirmed my resolution: make a significant dent in it this year, especially this month since I can work from home until January 25 when the semester starts again. I thought the Arctic weather this week made it a good time to start off with my “spicy” samples (a perfume mistake always seems more bearable I’m the cold, doesn’t it?), so yesterday was Coty L’Origan and today is Azzaro Pour Elle.
I need to do this as well, I’m afraid I have more than 150 samples – many untested, some sort of half-tested a long time ago.
Ditto.
Instead of buying full bottles this year, I will be using up all the generous samples that the department stores send my way. It’s incredible!
I am in the same boat, swamped by samples and just about the same number. I keep resolving to tackle this superabundance and then getting distracted, following the bottle trail.
Yes, and at the same time I do want to enjoy my full bottles more… Oh choices!
Oof oof, ok, today I swear I try something new!
Balmain Vent Vert to walk the dog with the kids around the neighbourhood this sunny morning. Gotta get those littke fellows tired, they are on vacation and I’m both having the time of my life and missing the softness of the chair at my office.
I know what you mean, today’s the last day of my little one’s holiday,
we’ve had such a lovely one, but i’m also looking forward to routine again!
The little ones are hardcore!
OJ Ta’if again. I’m going to the opera this evening, so I’ll probably stop by the Nordstrom fragrance department to kill time beforehand and spray on something new.
Hey, we’re twinsies today! We smell lovely!
Yay! We certainly do.
Which Opera? Sounds like fun!
My first Opera I went to in NYC when I first moved here I wore 31 Rue Cambon. I remember a guy asked me out and took me their, I enjoyed the opera and 31 Rue Cambon more than I did the date! HA!
Ha! I’ll pick up a sample of 31 Rue Cambon to spray, if I happen to make my way to the Chanel boutique today.
I’m going to see Bel Canto at the Lyric. It’s a premier based on the Ann Patchett novel of the same name. Operas are hit-or-miss for me, but I’m excited about this one because the novel was beautiful.
Oh that’s so cool! I loved the novel, can’t wait to hear how you like the opera.
I just read Bel Canto! Lovely thing. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the opera.
Another cold one today; -28C again. Wearing Ramon Monegal Cuirelle this AM and will switch to MdO Oiro tonight.
nice. I love the RM bottles.
Rainy again, and very grey. Sampling Azemour les oranges for first time, and it’s just so invigorating and gorgeous, can’t stop sniffing my wrists, love all phases of it. Top of FB list it goes!
SOTD: Triomphe (Rance). Had jury duty scheduled this morning so wore something very low-key, got there and found out that it had been cancelled. May apply something stronger later.
Ohh, Diane Keaton! So fun to share the day with her, I had no idea.
I have already splurged a bit, done some b-day scented shopping at the Lush sale. Gotta have enough Rose Jam to get me through the year
Santal majuscule from Serge Lutens feels lovely today.
Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday and happy scent splurging!
You smell amazing and happy b-day
Happy Birthday!
Thank you so very much
Have a wonderful birthday.
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday!
I’m in L’Ombre dans l’Eau–mostly because I forgot to pick something before I left for work and recently moved all the decants that had been in my desk back home. Otherwise I might have gone with something a little more cuddly–still, I love it!
Always a beauty, no matter the weather.
I’m wearing Cuir d’Ange for a day of much-needed rain here.
You smell elegant and lovely!
I’m wearing Salome by Papillon perfumes. It’s a mega sexy powerhouse of perfume. Not for someone who likes watery sheer perfume ….it’s only a sample but am tempted to get a FB. Fabulous!!!
I’m definitely not a watery, sheer perfume person, but when I first tested Salome it just about knocked me unconscious.
Not that I found it too dirty, just that it was STRONG. I’ll need to try it again now that I know what to expect and all the reviews are so good.
I’m intrigued but scared to try this one. I like strong perfumes; I don’t like skanky perfumes. Probably a pass for me!
Hoping my Salome sample arrives today. BTW, when does a sample become a decant?
I think this is very much in the eye of the beholder but for me, I feel like somewhere between 2.5ml and 5ml, a sample becomes a decant (5 definitely a decant–2.5 arguably still a sample).
So it’s subjective. Well, at least I’m not totally lost. Thanks!
I usually consider anything above 3ml a decant, unless it’s in really crummy packaging that will require very quick use.
A 50mL bottle could be considered just an extra-large sample, with the right point of view!
Hahahahahahahahaha, I apologize and withdrawn my previous answer, this is clearly the correct response
Even 100 mLs can be considered a sample
hajusuuri, you once again demonstrate your place as mentor and Master Perfumista!
Can’t wait to try Salome, got a sample on the way! Papillon is such a wonderful line, I’ve already fallen for both Angelique & Anubis, both noted on the evergrowing FB-list.
Wearing a favorite: Prada Infusion d’Iris absolue. I love the way the amber in this one settles on my clothes.
I may do some sample testing on the backs of my hands later. I’ve got vials of Byredo Rose Noir, Byredo Rose of No Man’s Land and also Naomi Goodsir Iris Cendre.
Fun sampling. I preferred Rose Noir to Rose of No Man’s Land, but would like to try them both again sometime.
Yes, I agree. Rose Noir has more personality.
Orizia LeGrand Chypre Mousse today. I love this one in the cold. It is both funky and spicy today (I swear new facets come out of this the colder it is outside), and not even a little bit graveyardesque. Perfect for the day.
missionista, you’ve inspired me to try this one today. What an unusual scent! I wholly agree that it’s funky and spicy. What is the cemetery connection?
On any day warmer than say, 40 degrees, I get a very ancient, crypt sort of smell. It is a fairly dry smell, although I can only think of moist words to describe it–mossy, New Orleans, decay, fungal. Maybe dessicated corpse is the idea I’m trying to get across? I don’t know, but the overriding descriptor is crypt. Try it once it warms up a bit and let me know what you think. (of course, after I’ve already influenced you…)
The point is, I love this in the very cold weather. I am not so certain about it otherwise.
Love that description (I’ve not smelled it).
I love that one! It reminds me of honey spilled over damp green moss. I keep wavering on whether or not to buy a FB.
Previously, I had thought that my decant (appx 5mL) would last forever, so I didn’t even need to consider a full bottle. But now that I know it is so great in winter, I’m thinking I might need a FB, or at least a larger decant (20mL? 30? Anyone want to split this?) Fortunately, it has good lasting power, so 1-2 spritzes are all I need.
Honey and moss? Be still my heart!
I definitely can also see the “crypt” aspect! It’s well worth trying, I’ve not sampled anything else like it.
Ice day!
The rain last night wasn’t enough to convince the schools to reopen today, apparently, so another unexpected day off. I kinda wish this was happening in a few weeks, when I’d really need the break, but not looking a gift-horse in the mouth, etc.
SOTD Ta’if after sniffing the leftovers from the Malle Une Rose I “sampled” last night. My pocketbook is grateful that I love Ta’if and already own it.
It’s always a relief to love the one you’re with.
Enjoy your day off, smelling fabulous!
Finally cold enough to wear Kerosene Black Vines!
Happy New Year!
Back to work after a much needed Christmas break. I am in Chanel Cuir de Russie edp layer on top of Lords of Misrule shower gel from Lush. The effect is ambery/peppery/rosy and rather nice.
OOTD: super casual- Huge old cream colored cashmere fishermen knit sweater, dark jeans, short snow boots.
Ooh, comfy sweater plus CdeRussie? Nice!
You sound very cozy!
Now you’e speaking my language. You smell great!
Pretty perfect.
Creed Royal Oud today (I enjoy this one–but let’s get one thing straight…it’s more like Royal Spices than Royal Oud…). It’s raining and gloomy out.
Rainy plus a spice perfume sounds like a good combination.
I’m sampling SSS Amber Incense which Laurie sent as a free sample with my last order. I have never been a fan of amber as it skews really sickeningly sweet on me and well, kinda rotting or decaying? I kept thinking why do I smell mostly benzoin here? Oh. It turns out that many ambers contain benzoin, including this one. I have much to learn about amber! (Btw, Robin, the NST glossary is really helpful and I just found it here today.)
Holly, I find ambers trying too. There’s something in them that catches in my throat, rather in the way of fly spray, and though I can see why I should like them, I somehow never do. I tend not to buy a perfume that contains an amber accord unless it is quite far down the list of notes in the base, because it will always get uppity on me if I don’t watch it.
I follow the same rule after some very unpleasant experiences with amber-heavy perfumes (I get more mothball than fly spray.) I’ve been craving a little hit of it of late, though, and wore Theorema today, which I tested in the summer and the amber about knocked me over. It’s just right on this very cold winter day, and much lighter on the amber – and lighter all-around – than it smelled in August
I het mothball from indolic jasmine.
Get, not het
As contrarynas it sounds, applying more of the flyspray perfume may actually help in removing that association. This was my experience with Chergui! I was so ready to dismiss it until I decided to overspray for no apparent reason and it is now one of my favorites!
Darn fat fingers! As contrary as it sounds was what I meant to type!
I’m so glad!
Voyage arrived and is on my desk, calling for me to open it. I have to hang on all day and wait til I get home. The anticipation is delicious!
Ooooh, fun to have something to look forward to. Hope your day goes by fast.
Longest day ever! So happy to be home, and loving my new pretty so far. What a relief, I was worried it would turn out to be the silliest blind buy of my career.
Last night it rained like an open fire hydrant, so today it could only be Apres l’Ondee!
You smell lovely!
Thank you! Don’t tell the rest of my perfume collection, but this might be {hushed voice} my very favorite.
Oooooh. My lips are sealed.
Yes!!
Delightful!
Best of days to all of you. Today is my wedding anniversary, and I’m wearing the ever-lovely Rue Cambon. This must surely be one of the loveliest perfumes ever composed. I feel elegant and fresh, even though I’m barefoot in jeans and a shirts, about to battle with my recalcitrant Kenwood mixer–my immediate “present” to Richard is to bake for his sweet tooth; our tradition is to buy something together that we both want for the house. Also, he wants to go out to dinner, which is lovely and moderately unusual, so tonight we’ll go to one of the bazillion untried cafes nearby. Where we live, there must be a hundred or more eateries within a ten minute walk, all different styles, prices and cuisines. I quite like wandering out with him, arguing aimiably about what we feel like eating, and people watching is always entertaining if we ever run out of things to talk about. Mind you, I don’t think I ever have, not even once, in my whole life! Hey, have a wonderful day, everyone. I intend to!
Happy anniversary! May the blessings continue for many more years!
Happy anniversary, and do have a lovely dinner out!
Happy anniversary, and your neighborhood sounds fantastic, food-wise!
enjoy!
Happy Anniversary. Hope the sun shines brightly on both of you today.
Happy Anniversary!
Sounds lovely! Savor every moment!
Happy Anniversary!
Happy anniversary!
Happy Anniversary!
How wonderful and what fun. Have a mahvelous time!
Thank you all so much for your kind wishes. The man has just rung up home to enquire after the baking effort and has decided to come home for lunch. I’ D love to think it’s me and 31 RC Thst’s drawing him, but I suspect it’s news of successful batches of chocolate chippies and peanut brownies. BTW, for North Americans, “peanut brownies” aren’t your delicious gooey brownies with peanuts added, but a crisp biscuit (oh dear, I mean “cookie”) with cocoa and cooked peanuts, very much a Downunder classic from settler baking traditions. He loves them enough to walk a kilometre each way!
Happy anniversary! You smell perfect.
Happy Anniversary. Have a fun day!
Happy Anniversary! Many more years of love and contentment to you both.
Happy Anniversary!
Happy Anniversary!
Happy anniversary!
Happy anniversary, Waterdragon!
Oh Diane Keaton. Would that we all could rock a suit like you… ^_^
Still loving my new l’artisan T42 tho I should have spritzed with more abandon as the only trace left of it is on my shirt. Still tomorrow is another day and the jeweler that shares the workshop with me is off so I can go crazy with whatever I like!
Oh, are you a jeweler, libberation? (Or do you just work next to one?
I had a little tiff with my boyfriend on New Years around the tender subject of jewelry (as in, wouldn’t it be nice if there were some outward sign that I’m no longer available and actions speak louder than words, and by the way, if you wanna family, maybe we need to get serious about moving forward, etc.). He says he’s been stuck on how to pick such an item, and he thinks the sales people will just try to sell him the biggest thing possible.
(It’s possible I’m not being properly patient at this point.)
In any case, you smell awesome! Tea for Two was one of my earliest perfumista acquisitions, and I’ve had no regrets!
Hahahaha a tender subject indeed! I think it’s good you guys talked about it–is he really set on surprising you? Personally I despise surprises, most especially very expensive ones, and would truly more enjoy something a situation where we (me and imaginary partner) picked out something together. Could he be amenable to such a plan? Because while usually I view heel-dragging with a great deal of suspicion, I actually can understand the idea of it feeling really hard to find something Special Enough To Symbolize A Whole Lifelong Partnership. Maybe it’d feel easier if he knew you liked what you were getting?
I second every last word of this (including hating surprises)!
Eleebelle, is that how it is happening (happened) for you?
I don’t mind surprises, as long as they are not too public. I’d be annoyed if it were, say, on the jumbotron at a hockey game!
Re: “Special Enough. . . etc”! No pressure, huh?!
Honestly, I like the idea of him picking something out that he thinks is beautiful, and knowing that he picked it with me and “Us” in mind, would make it plenty special in my book.
I am neither libberation, nor a jeweler, but I have a couple of ideas for your boyfriend. I’m not in a long term relationship, so I also cannot comment on patience.
He could try finding a jewelry store where the salespeople do not work on commission, so there isn’t a motivation to go bigger. He could also try finding an independent jeweler, or someone on Etsy, that would help him choose, or design a piece. You could also possibly help by letting him know what your expectations are. If you would be happy with, or would prefer, something non-traditional (especially if you’re open to stones other than a diamond) it might take some of the pressure off of him.
I have a sample of Tea for Two coming and I can’t wait to smell it.
After our conversation, I did a google search for engagement rings (while Mr. Spicebomb was sitting next to me) and said things like “Ooh, that’s pretty!” or “I bet that one would get stuck on things,” etc. Tried to show him some things I liked. Honestly, it’s not something I’ve ever given much thought before, so I didn’t have much of a better sense than him what I’d like!
My husband knew what I wanted, but also that I had a stone I wanted set in it. He opted to surprise me with a gorgeous pendant instead. In my experience, a reputable jeweler would rather sell you something within your budget and make a lifetime customer than pressure you into a sale. I have had good luck with better-known local jewelers, but would certainly skip the chains as their staff is sometimes woefully under-educated.
That’s good advice MikasMinion. I’ve worked for independent stores all my career and I can’t tell you how many sobbing chain store customers I’ve had come to me after they were let down.
I came back to add that developing a relationship with an indie jeweler can also lead to more than you expect. When we were shopping for wedding bands (after several other custom orders) I had decided that due to budget we would go with plain bands but my husband really wanted expensive fancy stones for me. Our jeweler called us when a custom order for someone else was rejected. He knew it suited my style and wasn’t a style that would appeal to most of his clients, so I got a one-of-a-kind piece for about the price of the unset stones.
Wow, MM, that’s perfect! It’s like it was meant to be.
I hate surprises and am very particular, so when the time came to purchase the ring, I went to an independent custom jeweler and designed my ring, which Monsieur gladly paid for because he knew I was thrilled with it. He always prefers me to tell him what I want as it is a no risk proposition.
Good tips newbiebex! I wish commision wasn’t a thing. It’s incredibly stressful for the employees and I think the customer suffers for it.
I hope you love T42 as much as I do! It’s a wrist-huffer for sure, and makes me want actual tea as well!
My (now) husband and I went ring shopping together. We didn’t have much money so its very modest, but I still love it 25 yrs later and am so glad I got to choose a style I liked.
I still love my engagement ring 23 years later as well, glad I got to help pick it out.
I love seeing customers make a decision together. After all that’s what marriage is about right?
Oh gosh–this is warming my usually stone-cold heart
The question can be popped without the jewelry
I didn’t want a ring since I am a hand-klutz (have broken more rings with sticky-outy-bits than I can count) so I sent my (now) husband off to find me some diamond stud earrings. Which I still love eons later 
Such a great idea pixel. I rarely wear rings since I work with my hands and I’ve often thought an engagement bangle or earrings would be better. Of course I’ve yet to meet a man who is brave enough to buy a jeweler jewelry so it’s a bit of a moot point!
I am a goldsmith yes and I have some tips that might help your finger be more blingy soon. Once I get home to my laptop I’ll reply again. It’s really not daunting if you find the right place and do a little homework!
Oh or you are welcome to email me! I can be found at gmail using my username here
Thanks. I’ll shoot you an email!
To answer your question (above, but I couldn’t reply up there), why yes!
My fiance and I had conversations much like yours. Eventually I just told him I wanted to get married, since we already planned on having a life together. We picked out a ring together [online] but he got to decide when and where to surprise me with it (and I agree: thank GOODNESS it wasn’t in front of a crowd).
Sometimes I think living up to the perceived expectations of something (other people’s vision of the perfect proposal, ring, wedding, etc.) can be a lot of pressure, but talking about it and moving through it together makes a huge difference.
Love Diane Keaton.
sotd: SL Chene, which I suddenly realize smells so similar to Dior Mitzah (which I wore yesterday). Both are cinnamon woods.
Good morning! For the first time ever in my life perfume beat sports on the local TV news last night. Vladimir Putin has inspired a scent: Leaders 1.
Guess it’s a soft fruity floral designed to draw out the sensitive side of the leader within. For some reason I keep imagining a Tom Ford advert: A perfectly groomed, smirking TF in his sharp suit with a semi naked Putin draped across a red velvet day bed by his feet ( a kind of Vanity Fair cover meets Noir Femme).
Are there many world leader perfumes around? There must be some…apart from scents created for kings, queens and emperors?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/01/05/putin-inspires-new-attractive-matter-of-fact-fragrance-now-available-in-moscow/
HA! Now that’s an image!
Shouldn’t a Putin scent smell like, I dunno, bear musk or something?
lol!
Dead bear .
Cackling!
Kanuka, that is exactly the kind of image I would conjure up! It’s so good to know that someone else does this. I often blurt out my observations and am met with stony silence.
Not here, Sweetie.
I’ve read that Putin favors Amouage Gold Man. If you’ve sniffed it, that will make absolute sense to you.
Oh, perfect! Much more appropriate than a fruity floral.
It’s not really a fruity floral…I was just being silly. It’s a ‘ matter of fact’ perfume…
Ahh! Makes more sense. (But fruity floral IS funnier!
)
Soon to join “Success by Trump” (ugh!) at your local Marshalls/TJMaxx.
Yes …the possibilities are never ending , sadly. Lots of narcissus in the top and base notes
Wearing Diane Brill today. I get dried fruit and woods and have to be careful not to put too much on, else it will get on any coat or jacket I wear and be there a long time.
Haven’t seen a mention of that one in a long time!
I’m wearing Slumberhouse Ore.
Just the right kind of cozy for a cold spell!
Inspired by a few others yesterday, I am wearing SSS Winter Woods on a chilly and windy day in the Swamps. Beautiful!
Beautiful, indeed! Winter Woods is one of my favorites!
Wore a touch of Bottega Veneta this morning, but am craving No. 19, a good sign as greens have not appealed to me while sick. Getting my energy back.
Great evening to all.
Glad you are feeling better.
SOTD Volutes EDT which is smelling more baby powdery today than I remember. It’s still doing the trick for cozy on this frigid day. I still feel like I’m lacking in that easy, cozy, comfort scent for cold days. Although I recently tried Kenzo Amour and thought that might be That One. I think I need to spend some more time with it. Anyone have thoughts on this one?
Songes? I wore it a lot last winter…struck me as a ‘peaceful’ scent.
I have the Songes body oil which is lovely and have worn it this winter, but I’m thinking more “second skin”. Songes almost has too much of its own personality.
I remember liking Kenzo Amour, though I haven’t smelled it in a long time. I had a travel spray from Sephora but swapped it because I didn’t really wear it all that much. I did kinda dig the rice note in it, though.
Also… I just saw your question to me from yesterday about HdP 1826, so to answer you now.. I do like it. However, if you approach it as a “patchouli perfume” and really want patchouli I think you might be disappointed. The description of 1826 that I read talked about patchouli and about how the inspiration was Eugenie de Montijo and her love of patchouli and whatnot, which makes the fragrance a bit confusing because I don’t get anything I’d recognize as patchouli in it. It kind of reminds me of Etro Shaal Nur a bit, but softer, if that helps at all.
I have and wear Kenzo Amour. I think it’s a lovely cozy bedtime scent.
If you decide it’s what you want, I recommend searching out an older bottle (when they were still available in 3 colors, depending on size–orange, fuchsia, and white). There’s rumors of a reformulation when they switched to only fuchsia bottles.
I’ve only tried from the fuchsia bottle. What’s the difference in the bottles’ colors?
Depends. If you have an old fuschia bottle, it will be exactly the same scent, just a different size and color bottle. Old bottles have orange for the big bottle, white for the middle bottle and fuschia only for the mini.
If you have a new fuschia bottle (any size), the scent has reportedly become less creamy and more synthetic (mind you, I didn’t go out and do a side-by-side sniff myself, yet, so perhaps it’s not so noticeable as all that).
Yes, it’s that rice and heliotrope that is a nice kind of powdery.
Thanks! Interesting about the HDP. I can imagine the softer Shaal Nur, which sounds nice actually. Although, I get some patchouli in SN, but it’s not screaming. Funny, I didn’t find the HDP Noir Patchouli to be a patchouli-centric one either. To me that was more smoky vetiver.
Hope you’re feeling better today.
Sampling Jhag Romantina. A soft pretty musk. My favorite of the sample set so far. I’m not a rose person though, and at least half the set is roses.
Diane Keaton looks like she is fun to be around. I love the belt. I’m not tall enough to wear anything like that, but I do admire her panache.
SotD x 3 = Chanel Les Exclusives No 22, Beige, and Gardenia.
I’m walking around at home in a cray-cray-crazy cloud of fragrance. No 22 completely overwhelms Gardenia, but Beige sweetly stands up to the competition. It’s interesting to revisit these, some of the first Chanel samples I ordered when my perfume sampling mania was high.
Empty sample vials of Eau de Cologne, Eau Premiere, and No 5 EdP are fun reminders of past sampling. I left them open to sniff at while I work around the house today. Once they are exhausted, into the bin they go. The new year is a good time to use ’em up and move ’em out.
I’m wearing Pohadka again today. After a few minutes it begins to develop that (fried) melted butter note – like SL Jeux de Peaux – in combination with a kind of fresh hay scent. I’m really enjoying it. The Ys.Uzac people were so kind and generous – they included eight sample bottles with my order! It was overwhelming…and I think I also like Lale and Metaboles. Metaboles has a note that reminds me of freshly picked peas. You know when you pod peas…and you get that fresh, minty pea scent but also the smell of the pod…it’s that pod smell that I like. Summery. But Pohadka is fantastic – but not fussily complex. It carries its creator’s mark lightly and feels grounded to the earth.
Ok, I need to make a note of this one to try! Shelling peas from my gran’s garden is a great childhood memory and I love that smell too. There is nothing like it!
A note of Metaboles that is…
Me too! Love freshly shelled peas.
I was feeling really drawn to Youth Dew for some reason this morning, so I’m wearing a spritz of that. Just one, enough to get a nice cozy, spicy whiff now and again without gassing myself out.
Whew. Between holidays & convalescing, it has been an adjustment getting up early and getting to appointments/work today. I used my decant of old version C&E Sandalwood to help me through the transition today. I love it, and have been going through it in record time partially because it’s fleeting and maybe evaporating. Clean and woody without being synthetic or soapy.
I love my C & E Sandalwood too. You smell great!
I am wearing enough L’Air de Rien to run my husband out of the hotel room this morning and I can STILL smell Mexican restaurant on the pants I wore last night
I need to apply more but don’t dare as we’re in the car again. My suitcase is buried so I had no choice but to wear the same clothes, which were clean yesterday evening, btw.
We had a lovely visit to the bone museum this morning (and their gift shop), and the sunset is beautiful. I’m ready to get home but today has been really fun. I’m again glad my other half has expensive hobbies and dares not comment on my perfume because there’s a package waiting on the doorstep.
Woot- Woot for packages on the doorstep! I had one waiting for me today too.
Late to the party today. Scent of the day was Beloved. I will be using Providence Perfume’s gorgeous rose oil body scrub tonight In my bath. It is so fragrant that I will not need any other scent tonight. The rose oils Charna used in this scrub are beautiful. I have no affiliation with PP but I luurve her rose scents.
I’m wearing Roberto Cavalli Oro today. I love that it shifts on me from wearing to wearing. Sometimes it’s spicy and sweet and today it’s sort of fruity with a vinegar edge.
Foxbins, Oro is a nice scent. I just bought a 1.3 oz tester at Fragnet for under $20. Although I have to admit that I have’t noticed a vinegar note. Did you read the Non-Blonde’s review?