The SWINTON's birthday* edition of the cold weather version of our summer reading poll: tell us about a great book to curl up with on a frosty winter night, and what fragrance we should wear while reading it.
Extra credit: scent Tilda Swinton, or one of her movie characters. No points shall be awarded for mentions of the obvious, Like This!
Bonus reading: Tilda Swinton's 10 favorite books and her 2015 summer reading list.
*Although do note that what SWINTON is holding in the picture is an Olympia Le-Tan clutch, and it's not even one of her book cover clutches, but a movie poster clutch from her 2012 Pitti W collection. So there is no actual reading going on here. If you are not familiar with Olympia Le-Tan and you think you might need a book cover clutch, you can find her collections here; or check out the offerings at Matches Fashion (Sense and Sensibility is going for $1437).
Was reading the WSJ and saw an ad that they are opening 10 Corso Como in NYC in 2017 just in case anyone wanted to know that.
Emma (Swinton) in the film I am love, I think Amouge Gold would be fitting for her life of luxury as part of a wealthy Italian family. A scent for when she is with her lover, I don’t know…hmm
I am reading Anybody Out There by Marian Keyes
Thanks for mentioning that film, I was thinking I couldn’t recall any of her films offhand (can you tell I’m not a film buff?). Loved that movie. I’ll try to think of a “w/lover” scent.
How about Barbara Bui? Soft, lighthearted and appealing, yet makes no demands and doesn’t scream for attention
I have never smelled it but I will go with your recommendation!
Good Luck to all the NYC marathoners today
Hard for me to think of a book. It feels like it’s been a long time since I’ve been captivated by an absorbing read. Have been thinking of re-reading A Tale of Two Cities. Gourmand Coquin or another cozy scent sounds good for curling up. Naomi Goodsir does some great boozy, forestry scents…
My first thought of Tilda was Snowpiercer. And I thought that character would be great in Hylnds Bitter Rose, Broken Spear. Such a unique scent…cold to my nose.
I was surfing around on Demeter’s site this morning…they have a lot more than I’d see at CVS or Duane Reade. They have a special package “The Ball Game” in honor of the Cubs win. Dirt, Leather, Grass. That didn’t take long. I’m intrigued by some of their naturals.
Interesting. Good thing they come as a 3 pack or I don’t think ‘Dirt’ would do very well. I get the appeal of smelling like leather or grass, but dirt? Pass.
Dirt is surprisingly good, if you are into earthy scents.
Dirt is actually on the page that lists “most popular”. I was interested to see they sell scents packaged together, what they call blending trios. Including seasonal trios.
The smell of freshly dug soil in early Spring is my idea of heaven. I bet “Dirt” is a big seller for them!
Excellent pairing for TS in Snowpiercer!
I’ve been reading old John D. MacDonald novels lately. They’re so well written, and old school, and full of real moments of truth. They’re also basically romances for men: lots of fist fights, lone wolf behavior, and always a good dame. For fragrance, I’d go with your favorite Bay Rum to complement his Travis McGee series.
My dad owned every one of his books, I think! Even the covers were old school “romance for men”.
One of my favorite authors, and I love your scent-character pairing. I can’t do any better, so I’ll “have what she’s having!”
Romances for men…love it. May have to say that to my husband. He’s big on Lawrence Block’s Matthew Scudder books, especially for the settings in NYC.
I read all of the John D. MacDonald books when I was a kid! Very early on, my parents gave up the unequal battle to monitor my reading and I used to simply start at one end of little local lending libraries and read until I came out the other side. No doubt I read things even less suitable to my age! Now I really want to read the books again with adult eyes, so I must see if I can be-Kindle them. Thank you for bringing them to my mind.
I’m hoping you just read all of the Travis McGee series, and maybe The Girl, The Gold Watch and Everything as a child … but not some of his darker novels, such as Clemmie, which I wouldn’t recommend even for young adults. For mature readers, his writing is flowing and gorgeous, often lyrical, and well worth exploring.
I got into these over the spring/summer and thought they were incredibly entertaining. I love Florida too, so that’s an extra plus.
The book I recommend is A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. It concerns a charming Russian aristocrat who is sentenced to live out his days in the confines of a luxury hotel following the Bolshevik revolution. He witnesses history and navigates relationships of all kinds as the world turns around him. It is fantastic. While reading, I would recommend a classic Guerlain such as Mitsouko or Jicky, though Cuir de Russie would also be appropriate.
That looks interesting, and it has some very good reviews. Adding to my list, thanks!
We had a pre- discussion of it at our book group and its next on the list. We will be trading it in winter!
it’s
I’ll second A Gentleman in Moscow. There are some great characters in that book. Very enjoyable.
I’m in a book rut. This looks worth checking out. Thanks for the recommendation.
Me too! I’m glad I get the majority of my books from the library or else I’d be wasting tons of money. Story/characters are just not grabbing me these days.
I’m third in line on the reserve list!
Hello Now Smell This.
A great book for a frosty winter night? Hmm… how about “Ink Heart” series by Cornelia Funke? It’s a story about how the fiction world made of words can entwine with a real world we live in.
Maybe Carner Barcelona Palo Santo would be a good perfume companion to read it.
And my Sotd is Encens Jinhae.
Those are great fun, and so is The Thief Lord!
True!
I have a sample of Pablo Santo and agree it would be a great companion.
I wonder if Pablo is handsome enough for being a companion 😉
Matchmaking by autocarrot!! D)
OMG!!
Oh, and Tilda could rock Orlando by Jardins d’Ecrivains easily!
I’ve been reading Charles Stross’s Laundry Files books lately… SF escapism.
Announcement! San Francisco NST’ers will be meeting up next Sunday, Nov 13, to go sniffing in SF. Details:
– Meet @11:45 @Tartine to fortify ourselves for the expedition
– Then on to Tigerlily around 12:30pm
– Then on to Union Square around 2pm
Do join us if you’re in the area. My email goes to my phone so you can always ping us on the day. emc dawt 7 1 1 7 in the land of geemayle.
Oooh. Will be in the area and will have to see if I can sneak away from the family….
Please do!
Sounds like fun! Do report back.
Have a wonderful time! I’m sad I can’t tag along this time 🙂 Do you have a shopping list?
We’ll miss you! I have a sniffing list… want to re-try L’aromatica Nine Dragons at Tigerlily; I liked it when we were there, but it was out of stock. And I want to sniff the new Chanel LE EdP’s when we head to Union Square.
Tilda Swinton is such a beautiful androgyne, I am wearing Dzongkha today in her honor. Currently I am reading Géographie de l’Instant by Sylvain Tesson. It’s basically excerpts from his travel notebooks – he is a French travel adventure writer. His book Bérézina is next up on my reading list, the story of his retracing of the path Napoleon and his troops took retreating from Russia. Perfect for a cold winter night.
Perfect scent!
Happy Saturday to all! SOTD is L’Artisan Safran Troublant. Yum!
A favorite book of mine that never fails to lift and bolster me is Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass- so beautifully life affirming and zesty! I think I would pair that with SSS Forest Walk.
As for Swinton, I’m not a huge fan. I find her interesting but oddly repulsive. I saw an interview with her some time back and it was instant dislike.
Keeping my fingers crossed my Amber Flush body oil will arrive today!
Me too, along with Rose Delight. Contrary to what I thought, I did receive a shipping confirmation. I checked my account and money was taken out. My account at Tauer Perfumes shows order complete and I just replied back saying I have not yet received the items. Anyway, I’ll give it a few more days before opening a dispute. Had I used a credit card, I would also be able to report an unfulfilled order and they will handle it until the matter is resolved.
Hmmm. I received a shipping notice email on Sunday, but there was no tracking number. I’m probably being impatient since I believe these are shipping from Switzerland. The full bottle of PHI I bought a couple years back was delivered about 3-4 days after the order was placed, but was shipped from his warehouse in California. I’ll continue to wait, albeit with a bit of toe tapping. I’m wishing now I had purchased a bottle of the rose oil…everyone and his cousin seems to really love it.
I’ll send some to you when I get mine 🙂
I already got a reply to my email. He said my order was shipped from Zurich and it generally takes 4-7 business days. He will re-ship if I don’t get it by next week.
OTOH, I got my smellies and Whipped Cream Soap from Solstice Scents so I am a happy camper 🙂
Whipped cream soap sounds delicious. I am automatically drawn to any body or skin product with food names. 🙂
Oh, good to know! And thanks for your offer to share your rose oil, but I think I’ll be good with my two “accidental” bottles of Amber Flush. That whipped cream soap sounds mmm-mmmm good!
Deva, Leaves of Grass is a favorite. The Forest Walk is a lovely pairing.
That book is just unfettered joy! He’s a poet I would have loved to know in person.
Currently reading The Sympathizer, by Viet Thanh Nguyen, which is not a curl up in front of fire book, but the writing and storytelling are superb. I’d wear Patchouli 24.
We’re in NY to see my son run his first marathon. He’s never been particularly athletic, so the whole process of getting this far has been wonderful to watch. All of the runnering people are so enthusiastic. It’s lots of fun to
meet the international runners.
That’s very exciting! Hope he has a great time and is happy to have done it. I’m amazed and awed by people who decide to take on such a challenge.
Thanks. In a way, I think he surprised himself. But it will give him confidence to try other pursuits that seem impossible.
Good luck to him! What perfume are you wearing to cheer him on?
Despite modified galavanting and sniffing , while accompanied by the hubs to carry everything, I didn’t find anything new for the race. I’m considering a dab of POAL because I love it and it will last all day. It goes through a variety of phases which may cue me to connect with how he will go through different physical phases during the race.
The perfume is soooo much
easier!
That’s a good one for tracking the hours as it passes! Great achievement for your son and good luck to him.
POAL is a good choice – strong and present!
I love to hear about people tackling a whole new way of being in the world. No matter where he places in the race, his courage and self confidence is boosted by the entire life changing process. How old is he? Good luck and kudos to him for taking on such a huge challenge ????????
Thanks. He’s 24 and just hopes to finish without a bump or sprain.
I have not watched many movies recently but I really liked her in Burn after Reading. I would scent her with something very Haute – No 5 perhaps
I can think of 2 movies I’ve seen her in: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and Michael Clayton. Recommend both, and would like to see Burn After Reading. The BB role would be a perfume-wearer, but the woman she played in Michael Clayton would have wayyy more pressing concerns!
My favorite person on planet earth,that Swinton!I’ll scent her in Narnia,The Lion,The Witch and The Wardrobe with Chanel Cristalle.The Ice Queen.Perfection.
My own SOTD Santa Maria Novella Iris.Cool and medicinal.Just what the doctor ordered on a scorcher of an early Summer day.Feeling slightly bitchy myself,maybe I should have gone for Cristalle myself.xo
Too funny johanob! I was going to wear Bergamoss but your post reminded me I have to wear the pre-reform version of Eau Premiere (I somehow find it wrong to call that vintage since it was created in 2007.
Well whichever of the two you choose,you will smell fabulous!(Having smelled a smidgeon of Bergamoss,I remember the swoon very well!)
SOTD = Grand Soir…which is pretty grand. I love it! Now near the top of my next FB list..
My reading has been haphazard and not very satisfying lately. I will check out some of the suggestions here but I oddly have nothing to recommend to you select and discerning people at the moment…my focus has been gardening books and getting more bulbs in the ground to naturalize. And garlic. Today garlic gets planted…
Mm mm you smell great. You, me, deva and Lucas have admitted to being smitten!
YES! I might buy and split this.
+1 – just bought it. 🙂
Welcome to the Grand Soir Lust Club!
Tossing in my hat!
Oh yes, how could I forget + clarissa!
Did you ever read A Garlic Testament by Stanley Crawford? Read it years ago (along with his first book, Mayordomo) and it always stuck in my head. Especially recommend either to anyone who loves New Mexico.
I will look for this, Robin. Thanks for the suggestion…
I see I am in very good company here…Happy Weekend, everyone!
Working my way through a Poe biography that’s over 800 pages long right now. SOTD is Serge Lutens Arabie since it’s rarely mentioned in the perfume blogosphere.
That’s a commitment! How is it?
Who wrote it please?
The author’s name is Arthur Hobson Quinn.
I have to check this out!
I don’t think I’ll read that biography, but I just wanted to say that I looooove Arabie and it’s on my FB list, though probably not in the top five 🙂
I saw Ms. Swinton last night in Dr. Strange. The movie is very special-effects laden, and I found myself taken out of the moment by imagining how difficult it must be to act when your surroundings are all green screens. However, it was fine and worth the price of admission. Plus I got to look at Benedict Cumberbatch, whose looks have grown on me but who I initially loved for his voice. Wish he did audiobooks.
Books…the best thing I have read recently is Springsteen’s autobiography, I mentioned it before. In the current pile are Tana French’s The Trespasser, Atlas Obscura, and I’m going to reread the Patrick O’Brian Aubrey/Maturin series because they are so good and so fun. I’m not scenting Tilda today but I am wafting Ambre Precieux, probably my favorite amber.
The allure of Benedict Cumberbatch continues to allude me. Completely. Although he is certainly extremely charming and can be very funny. So that’s all attractive.
So, I’m in love with Benedict Cumberbatch (his looks, his character in Sherlock, his refinement in interviews, his feminism, his good works, his humor, etc etc etc), but I’m always surprised that everyone else is, too. He is beautiful in a very, very nerdy, anemic way. Tall, cheekboned, pale, and nerdy has always been MY type, but I didn’t think it was a mainstream look. So I am with you on not understanding why everyone else loves him, but my love for him is undeterred by his recentish marriage.
I’m with you in regards to Cumberbatch- the man and the voice. I think he is a rare genuinely kind human being.
Joining in the appreciation of Cumberbatch. Don’t find him particularly attractive, brilliant actor though, and like most really great actors, esp. British ones blessed with this wonderful voice.
Ooh, that is a great Amber!
The Light of Paris by Eleanor Brown, author of The Weird Sisters, mentions Shalimar and L’air du Temps on about page 40. Either of those or another traditional/classic French fragrance would be nice to sniff while reading. I hope more perfume will appear as the story unfolds. I’m on page 62.
I imagine SWINTON always smells wonderful. Have a great weekend, NST!
I didn’t know she’d written another book. I’ll have to check that out.
I read All the Best People by Zoe Whittaker or Whitman or something over the last couple of evenings. I’m wearing PdeN Incense Oud. I’m in a foul mood so I’m not going to comment on either one.
So sorry, hope the mood gets better!
Thanks, I’m going out for coffee with my son this morning, and spending time with him usually puts me right. All the Best People was really good, though I didn’t like the ending. It was Oprah’s book of 2016, I think. Incense Oud wasn’t anything special. Today it’s Bois des Iles.
Amouage Journey is really growing on me. At first I thought it was a bit heavy on the beeswax and a bit watery on the other notes, that it lacked depth, or more specifically, heft but I’ve worn it a lot over the past two weeks and provided I use several ( many) sprays it is actually really good. But I still sniff beeswax rather than honey. And I think I would like more spice. NB? This is the only Amouage I have smelt.
i have been reading mostly New Zealand authors recently: Katherine Mansfield’s short stories are pretty dazzling. My favourite of her stories was a very early work called Woman at the Store which is really gothic, set in a remote volcanic area of the North Island. After reading it, i read her small account of travelling through the Ureweras…but probably of limited interest. Re-reading Robert Walser’s The Walk ( always good) . I will second Tilda Swinton’s recommendation of Patrick Lee Fermor ATime of Gifts. And add Ben Okri The Age of Magic.
Those Mansfield stories are amazing things. And another plug for Ben Okri!
IMHO Journey is totally unrepresentative of the Amouage line and I was underwhelmed by it. However, the line drastically changed direction in the last few years, from heavy incensey orientals to lighter floral/chypre stuff, so YMMV. I am a heavy oriental girl, although I do like florals and want to try Lilac Love (which does not smell of lilacs, I hear).
Count on Tilda Swinton to have a fascinating and offbeat set of favorite books. I recently read Tessa Hadley’s novels and stories with great pleasure. She was not on my radar at all until her recent novel, The Past, and I went back from there. Passing mentions of perfume here and there throughout the books too. There is a certain kind of British novel that really suits when I am a little down and need something engaging and smart and really smoothly written. Hadley does the trick and I need something similar now as I’ve finished her books and am still in the same mood!
Hi Amy, Have you ever read Sarah Hall? She’s one of my favourite contemporary British authors. Her book How to Paint a Dead Man might fit the bill, or The Beautiful Indifference. Beautifully crafted. I recently finished The Wolf Border which was also good but a bit further from Tessa Hedley territory .
Also…Emily Perkins, Novel About My Wife….set in London, contemporary, good read.
Ah perfect and just the sort of thing I am looking for. Thank you so much!
Just looked on Amazon and hilariously I bought How to Paint a Dead Man in 2010. Must go dig it up!
And I see it is “the Morandi novel” and I’ve actually read it! Oh dear. Perhaps time for another read. Or I might reread Penelope Fitzgerald, about whom I’ve been thinking for some reason.
I’ve been reading a really good biography of Angela Carter if that helps – by Edmund Gordon
Oh that is excellent! Sorry for the string of comments. I’m a bit dithery today. I think the only time I’ve cried when someone I didn’t know died was when it was Angela Carter. (Or no, actually, Kurt Cobain and Prince too.)
Hello NST. Books – I remember books. I used to be able to describe myself as a reader. And then one day I realised I was buying books to put them in a ‘to read’ pile that I hadn’t touched in 2 years. I guess now I maybe read 1 or 2 books a year, of which fact I am not proud.
Currently reading “L’Atlas des Empires” because it irresistibly combines maps and ancient history – it’s a Le Monde special and more a one-off magazine than a book.
SOTM: Guerlain “Vetiver”, a worthy classic. To be worn while reading: Jane Austen’s “Persuasion”
SOTD: Pierre Guillaume Collection Croisiere “Paris Seychelles”. I fancied a bit of perfume sunshine, but what I got was sour and metallic, yuk. To be worn while reading: incomprehensible assembly instructions for some piece of Chinese tat.
SOTE: Tauer “Incense Extreme”. To recover from Paris Seychelles I thought a cozy incense would be a good idea. And no doubt it would be, but I swear this smells on me like a leather, not an incense, which with very few exceptions is a note I find repulsive. To be worn while reading: old articles on NST where you’re sure someone has named a failsafe method of scrubbing perfumes, say a vile leather scent that was masquerading as incense.
Tecnu which is used to remove poison ivy oils is a good choice. You have to wash several times but do not need to scrub hard.
Thanks hajusuuri! :^)
I remember books, too. I was a voracious reader from childhood through my 20s, then started reading only on vacation, and now use vacations to get through the stacks of magazines that pile up over the year. I did read 5 or 6 books last year, however, all about perfume.
As to scrubbing, I’ve recently discovered the cleansing oil I use as a makeup remover and facial cleanser works like a charm. If you don’t have such a thing at your disposal, I suspect any oil would work fairly well. I rub it into the offending spot, leave it there for 5-10 minutes; rinse, then clean with soap and water.
Found in our small town library a book from 2004? 2007? called “The Pulpwood Queens’ Tiara-Wearing, Book Sharing Guide to Life”. A fun, you-go-girl kinda book about a group of deliberately outrageous Texas women who formed a book club, which began to spread and then take on a life of it’s own. (Am I the only one who missed this?) Anyway, the book is full of book recommendations, so I’m set for a while. Though I’ve added A Gentleman in Moscow to my list.
As for SOTD and yesterday, I’ve been toying with layering vetiver EO under other fragrances. Best so far is Black Flower Mexican Vanilla, premixed (in a spray bottle) with several drops of the EO for a bit of heft. Have a great weekend, all.
Have you ever tried layering BFMV with Sycomore or better yet Demeter Vetiver? I’m actually going to try this as my half spritz of Eau Premiere has worn off. Have you ever tried Jacques Zolty Van-ile? The latter does not have vetiver but it has a bright citrusy top that reminds me of Vetiver.
Reporting back on BFMV layered with Demeter Vetiver. Both started strong and Vetiver gave BFMV more depth, then Vetiver went poof and I’m left with Dame-ade. This layering experiment with Demeter Vetiver is worth repeating with all the other Dame (X) Man. I have 5mL trial sizes of Chocolate, Herb, Citrus and Leather.
h, never in a million years would I have thought to layer BFMV and Sycomore, but I’ll try it now. Don’t have the Demeter, and not familiar with Zolty what with being in a not-so-major metro area. My buying has been minimal this year, but 2017 is looking up. 🙂
Actually, this layering combo sounds just like what Sycomore now smells like in edp. They have added a sweet note to it in the edp version.
Good morning, all. Am in Melbourne, on the last day of my holiday ( I don’t count travelling as payof the break). It’s cold enough here that I could join in the “best winter reads and perfume” game, but I just won’t, because it should be summer. Seriously, it should be warm and … well, it just SHOULD.
I have bought some perfume: I went to Hermes and renewed my 15 ml backup of Ambre Narguile and filled up the other spaces in the box with Iris Ukiyoe, Cuir d’Ange, and Santal Massoia. The last two are not mine: I’m splitting the box with a colleague. I was surprised to enjoy the iris as much as I do, but it’s a fairly assertive, imaginary floral on me. I say “imaginary ” because as far as I know, iris flowers have little discernible scent. However, the perfume does seem to evoke an iris “mood”: like the flowers, it’s slightly too noticeable and showy — all those velvety petals on full display– but yet, it is also graceful and quietly spoken. Interesting contrasts.
What else, Lady Donatella? Oh, that’s right: I bought a Frederic Malle travel spray holder and 10 ml bottles of En Passant and Carnal Flower. I’m seriously thinking of going back for 10 mls of Dries van Noten. Now, that would be a good winter scent, all that vanilla and quite interesting warm spices. I might wear it to re-read Pride and Prejudice, and I think Elizabeth Bennett could be happy in it. More likely, though, I’d read Cold Comfort Farm. Would it suit Flora? Maybe: it’s demure on the surface, but runs with hidden depths. However, Flora’s depths weren’t especially hidden, so maybe I’d put her in Femme or Jubilation 25.
Off to the markets for bread and fruit, then we’ll plunge into the botanical gardens to stretch our legs. Be well and happy, NST.
Iris Ukiyoe is lovely, as is Ambre Narguile. And I agree, Santal Massoia should be given away, and quickly. :^)
Definitely the Dries van Noten! I haven’t smelt it but it sounds too good to resist. Irises always remind me of the 1980s when I was sitting end of year exams at Canterbury. I used to bike over to Mona Vale and find a quiet spot by the Avon on a bench surrounded by lilac and purple irises while I revised. Have a happy day!
Yep, I went back, oversprayed with Myer’s bottle, had a sneezing fit, suffered the disapproving gaze of a twiglet of a child with much makeup and no sense of humour, thought about Byredo Unnamed, and then bought the Dries van Noten anway. All of that took about two minutes, but the dear one had wandered off, thinking I would need ages, so I spent much time with Angel Muse while I waited for him to reappear. I liked AM more on this smelling, but I’m happy to wait until it arrives in A-NZ to decide about its purchase worthiness. I should pack. And any minute now, I will begin, just see if I don’t…
Good call on the DVN, I love it – so warm and cozy.
I love Cold Comfort Farm, the book and the movie. Makes me laugh just thinking about it.
Me too! Absolutely one of my favourite books. I want to be Flora when I grow up.
A PSA: The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro is $1.99 on Kindle as a Nov. deal. I really enjoyed it; a very well-written retro-mystery which revolved around perfume.
I have that in paperback, which reminds me I should pass it on to other perfumistas.
I am already curling up with one of my cherished cold-weather reads, The Tōkaidō Road by Lucia St. Clair Robson. It’s a female-viewpoint retelling of The 47 Ronin, and it totally absorbs me once I begin. It goes well with Japanese incense, camellia hair oil, and a heavy amber chenille shawl I trust for comfort.
As for cher Swinton, I would scent vampire Eve from “Only Lovers Left Alive” with layers of SL Muscs Koublai Khan and ELdO Rien (all those centuries of travel, don’t you know)… and I would suggest SL Eau Froide for icy anti-mother Eva from “We Need to Talk About Kevin”.
(Uh oh. Now I have to think of how to scent Tom Hiddleston and Ezra Miller….)
PS: thanks everybody for the well wishes re: my tests; results still a week away, hence the shawl.
I accidentally bought a shawl (did not read carefully & thought it was a scarf!) and have surprised myself by finding it a useful thing to wear around the house. Hope yours keeps you calm this week 🙂
Thank you, Robin. ☺ Shawls are very much an at-home-and-in-for-evening garment. Wear yours in good health!
If you like feudal Japan stories, you may like Laura Joh Rowland’s Sano Ichiro novels. Thinking of you…
Oh, I’ve seen those on the library shelf and been intrigued! This is a sign that I should give them a whirl. Thanks, Hajusuuri!
Yay! It’s best to read them in order of (hardcover) publication.
I am so glad you mentioned this lovely book. One of my favorites. I went to the trouble to chase down a first edition and then Lucia did a signing and I obtained her signature in my special book. This was quite a while ago, of course. I hope all goes well with your test results. In the meantime, find comfort and solace where you can.
Early Donatella confession: just bought the fancily-named Guerlain Christmas Souffle d’Or de Shalimar Perfumed Shimmer, as there was a sale as well as some points off. I haven’t ever warmed to Shalimar as a perfume but have always loved the bottle, so now I have some beautiful golden powder I can spray on my hair whenever I wish. It just might be on Monday mornings, as the ones in November are extra-tough.
You go girl! That would make my Mondays!
Nice buy, and perfect for the holiday season.
This is the blue opaque bottle, right? Gorgeous!
That perfume name deserves a prize for longevity ????
I see Tilda in Jacomo Silences, or maybe Scherrer I – a cool but beautiful green floral.
SOTD was Cuir d’Ange, now Ombre Rose. C d’A was after I showered off the results of my perfume sniffing trip. Tilda would not wear Cuir de Russie parfum, Roja Dove Reckless, Santa Maria Novella Garofano and Sel Marin together. I had a great time though.
I agree with both those selections. Perfect choices for Tilda Swindon.
Have you tried Byredo’s Bal d’Afrique? For me it was reminiscent of Ombré Rose.
As I wrote above, I’ve not had much success with books lately, trying new authors but none are really making me want to get back to it as soon as possible.
I’m currently reading Winter’s Bone, which is definitely more interesting and a story that’s gotten me hooked. The Ozarks is a region and people I know nothing about, and I realize this is a fictional account of life & culture there but it’s so vastly different than the world I grew up in and know. Very intriguing.
Seattle Chocolate with it’s strong pine/woody scent and dark chocolate seems like a good choice for this book. Lot’s of cold, outdoor winter scenes.
One of the rare books where the movie is as sharp, although in a slightly different way.
Good to know! I saw that they did a movie on the book and thought I’d check it out once I’m done reading it.
Spent a rainy day having brunch and shopping. I didn’t buy much, but I did get to try Aventus For Her, which I am undecided about. I keep getting whiffs of ammonia, or is my mind playing tricks on me?
My husband pointed out the similarity between ammonia and patchouli and I find it very noticeable now, though not off-putting. Perhaps it’s patch heavy?
I just looked it up on Fragrantica and it does have top notes of patchouli, so maybe that’s it.
How about reading Dr. Zhivago and wearing Cuir de Russie or better still Breath of God. I absolutely loved Tilda Swinton in Jim Jarmusch’s “Only Lovers Left Alive”. The scene where she is slow dancing with her lover to an old R& B song was absolutely brilliant and sensuous. She is an amazing actress and an amazing soul.
If you enjoy a novel that’s part mystery, part family saga; appreciate the rugged beauty of nature’s untamed wilderness; admire the wisdom and philosophy of the Native American culture; and your favorite ‘tea’ is a cup of dark, hot joe, then I recommend William Kent Krueger’s continuing series of Cork O’Connor (yes, Cork is part Irish, part Anishinaabe) stories set in the small town of Aurora, Minnesota, at the edge of both an Indian reservation and the Boundary Waters Wilderness Area. Although each book can be enjoyed as a stand-alone, for greatest enjoyment, start with the first, Iron Lake. Iron Lake just happens to be set in the middle of a cold, snowy Minnesota winter. Best enjoyed in front of a roaring fire with a mug of hot coffee. The fragrance to wear? Dame Perfumery Scottsdale Dark Horse is just right – it adds an extra measure of cozy warmth and suits the mood and the culture of the book perfectly!
This series sounds great! I will check it out post haste ????
I remember that you’re a Chicago-area native like myself, so perhaps an added appeal of these stories is that prior to Cork’s return to Aurora to serve as sheriff in his hometown, he was a cop on the southside of Chicago. Although these are mysteries, as the series continues, the storyline of Cork’s family, how it (and he) changes and grows, and the cultural aspects of the Native American culture, become even more fascinating to me to read about than the central mystery/crime to be solved. Kent usually makes a stop in Chicago whenever a new book is published, so I’ve had the pleasure of meeting him several times. He’s a great guy and that personal contact has certainly added to my enjoyment of the series.
Thank you, I had those on my reading list for whatever reason (maybe an older poll here?) and so have now moved them up the list 🙂
Thank you all for your reading suggestions, great. I’ve been recommending the Inspector Gamache series and still do, the last one is very good and situated in Quebec and it fits winter very well.
For some light weight European history the Summer Queen and sequels by Elizabeth Chaldwick are enjoyable, about the plucky Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Wearing Houbigant’s Oranger en Fleurs.
Adore Louise Penny. Have you read the most recent one?
Yes, and I find it one of, if not the best yet.
Oh, good to know! I’ve been rereading old favorites lately because nothing new has caught my fancy – will check this out!
I just marathon-read it yesterday. Accomplished nothing else, but worth it. Absolutely. I, too, think it is one of, if not her very best. I love her writing, and I have very much enjoyed her blog, too. Learned of her on this site–love that you guys have enriched me in so many aspects!
That’s a great series!
We all love an inspector who smells of rosewater and sandalwood!
Exactly.
Count me in as another fan of Inspector Gamache and Three Pines!
It such a humane character don’t you think? And ofcourse Ruth and Rosa!
Last good book I read was Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff. I loved her Arcadia, and this one is great, too.
I turned a sample of Histoires 1969 into lampe berger fuel and it was great atmosphere, and probably would accompany either book or fireside reading in general.
Oh, and finally trying Safran Troublant, and finding it delightful if not terribly long-lasting.
No reading for me today. It’s Sunday not so funday of housework. Blech! I totally missed out on the domestic goddess gene.
Post spin and shower I’m wearing ELDO Bijou Romantique from a sample I’ve had for ages. I really like it. If the folks over at ELDO wanted to send me a free bottle, I would welcome it.
Happy Sunday to all and hoping your housework is already completed and the day is really a Funday for you✌????️
I did not get that gene either! I did get the neatness gene: I tend to put things away, but actual removal of dust and dirt and grime is not so appealing.
Ditto for me.
The mere fact that you are in fact cleaning st all, let alone on a Sunday, leads me to believe that you are very much a domestic goddess.
Testing Pafums de Marly Athalia, which is a really lovely floral iris. Adorable hubbie says “That’s nice…oh really nice!” Another winner from my last batch of samples. A strong positive response from adorable hubby to a scent that I like a lot moves it up the FB list…I wear what I want, but if what I want elicits a happy response from my entourage, so much the better!
The new Parfums de Marly boutique downtown was the venue for the Sniffapalooza’s Saturday evening event. I hae to check to see if I have a sample of this. Nordstrom is one of a few stores that carry this line although I haven’t checked to see if it is in-store at the one I frequent. My favorite SA there quit recently and I now have to establish a new relationship with someone else. It’s like having to find a new hair stylist.
Hi, hajusuuri! I am very pleased with this. It is a sweeter iris, along the lines of Iris Poudre, but not as sweet as Silver Iris. Now after several hours it is still present, with iris and other “floral” aspects, (as opposed to green and woody facets which did come and go earlier) present. To me, this is a friendly, pretty perfume for grown ups anytime, and young girls could wear it as a prom perfume…I will be interested to here if you get the same vibe from it as me.
SOTD (and yesterday, too) is Dame Perfumery Scottsdale Dark Horse. Warm, creamy, spicy, perfect for an absolutely glorious fall day -trees in full color, blue sky, sunshine, and temps incredibly up to 70 today. Will be spending the rest of the day walking in the woods and inhaling deeply.
Twins today, Laila! Th drydown reminds me of something but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.
I enjoy several of his perfumes. I havrn’t tried this one yet.
SWINTON! I think Orlando may have been the first thing I saw her in. I can’t imagine a scent for that character. Fascinating film.
I just finished Tana French’s latest, The Trespasser, and it was excellent. I found it too tense to curl up with, so I’ll recommend Joanna Cannon’s The Trouble With Goats and Sheep. Part mystery, part character study, part coming of age story, all good. It’s set in 1970s Britain during a heatwave – that’ll keep you warm, all of you who have frosty nights. 1970s heatwave? This one calls for Love’s Fresh Lemon.
Thank you, do not need tense lately but Goats & Sheep now on hold at my library 🙂
This is my busiest time of year (career, kids, band/PTA, soccer, holidays around the corner)….so not much serious reading right at the moment. But NOTHING is better than a good book, cup of tea, cozy blanket, kitty snuggles in the fall and winter! 🙂
That said, I do read something every single night before bed…can’t sleep unless I do! Just picked up “Deep Run Roots”, a beautiful cookbook by Vivian Howard. I LOVE Southern cooking and all the stories behind the food, so this is going to be a joy to settle in with!
Perfume choice with this one? I would pick a gourmand, but why not Chanel No 5 EdT, to remind me of my Southern grandma while she cooked? 🙂
I love reading cookbooks, too. An unexpected great read for me was The All-American Cookie Book (Nancy Baggett.) There are lots of historical tidbits in it, including things I never thought about, like baking pre-modern day when you had to churn your butter, chop wood to heat your oven, and grind up your sugar (when it was sold in blocks) all in preparation before the baking began. The recipes are really good, too!
I’m reading through the entire Walking Dead comic book series, via the three 5-pound compilation volumes. You don’t really want to imagine a scent for that. However, if the author were a woman rather than a man, there would surely be a scene in which one of the characters, in the course of foraging, enters the bedroom of an abandoned house finds the perfume his mother wore, and weeps. Chanel No. 5. That moment of distraction might allow the zombies to catch him. Maybe that’s how the series ends.
Chanel No. 5 rules to the bitter end, eh? I like that imagery. But I shy away from the zombie world. 😯
Cadavre Exquis? ????
I have those too, the first two of them, anyway. I still need to get the third one and get caught up. Do you watch the show too? I just watched season 6 on Netflix but I don’t have cable so I haven’t seen any of season 7 yet.
My son adores those and keeps trying to get me to read them! He does not like the show, I think he only watched a few episodes.
I’m retesting Parfumerie General Cuir d’Iris from a tiny sample vial, and thinking it would be great with a cozy read in front of the fireplace. Not sure which book, or which character to pair with the scent, but pretty dang sure I’m pulling the trigger on a FB any second now.
This sounds lovely. Is it comparable to any popular Iris scents?
It reminds me of something, but I can’t quite figure out what. It’s a bit amber-y, a bit resin-y, and the leather is refined, but not “too” refined – sort of Knize Ten leather, but a tiny bit drier and dustier. The iris is less root-y and more floral and buttery, to my nose.
Went to a big band tribute to Miles Davis and Gil Evans last night in Tauer Phi. Perfect as always. Off to see Dangerous Liaisons (play) in By Kilians’s fragrance of the same name. I’ve been looking forward to seeing this production for months – hope it’s good! If not, there is consolation in the most delicious spiced nuts ever that can be found at the theater’s snack bar. And you can bring drinks and food in with you to watch the show! WIN 🙂
I remember you were looking forward to Dangerous Liaisons during the ‘movies week’ perfume challenge – have fun! :^)
SOTD is Jovoy “Les Jeux sont Faits” which has been a comfortable background to the day. Back in Paris now for a 2-week stretch, using the Armistice Day holiday to change AirBnBs as the office is moving.
Over the weekend I got our tickets to Malaga where we’re spending all of January, yay! :^)
Sounds lovely!
SOTD on this fine Sunday is Mitsouko.
Ah, reading for a winter’s night is something I struggle with to some degree every year. I may be alone in this, but I find that in the winter I’m susceptible to what I’ll call ‘Literary SAD’. I find reading anything remotely depressing more affecting than usual. This is not helped by the fact that I read a lot of academic-leaning nonfiction that’s inherently un-cheery. So, for my fiction choices, I’ve taken to mostly choosing entertaining murder mysteries–especially by Agatha Christie and Elizabeth Peters. And I’ve recently started reading Angela M. Sanders. ???? (And, yes, I can see how odd a choice murder mysteries may be when searching for something not-depressing, but there you have it.)
I highly recommend the Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters to anyone who likes archaeology/Egyptology. Peters is the pen name of Barbara Mertz, an Egyptologist, so the Egyptology is reliable in addition to the stories being fun and humorous. Off the top of my head, I can’t remember if Amelia wears any perfume, so I’d scent the stories with some period EDT or cologne, preferably from England.
I can’t wait to finish reading everyone else’s book recommendations now. Enjoy what’s left of the weekend, NSTers!
Not weird at all, I go through long periods where everything else is too much but a mystery — not too violent — is just right. I was just thinking I might start in on Simenon again.
I am wearing Shalimar today, and loving getting whiffs of it off my cardigan and silk camisole.
My partner always makes fun of me for watching Miss Marple if I am stressed, because it is all about murder. But there is something comforting in the formula of books- and shows- in which the crimes are solved, and eccentric detectives are able to help others.
I tend to read anything murder-y. I just finished Blood on Snow by Jo Nesbo, which was narrated by a hit man, and quite dark. It was hauntingly well written, and really captured a unique voice.
I loved reading your commmet, and I wish you more good smells and good books as the days shorten and get darker.
I’ve been a fan of Miss Marple and Hercule ever since I read Murder in Mesopotamia in sixth grade. My hand will most often reach for that mystery book above all others if I let it; I find them a wonderful escape – especially in our Midwest winters – andcomforting rather than depressing. Another favorite series of mine are the Inspector Lynley novels by Elizabeth George, big, long books with a great deal of psychological depth you can really sink your teeth into. Winter’s my favorite season for reading!
Late to the conversation but want to share some good reads. As a middle school nurse I read a lot of young adult books, all recommended by our fabulous school librarian.
All American Boys – although fiction, this may as well be a non fiction account of a young African American boy wrongly accused of a crime. I was riveted. My own teen son told me it was one of the best books he ever read. Fragrance – something teen boys are wearing these days. Dare I say Axe?
I Will Always Write Back – non-fiction story of a middle class American girl and her pen pal from Zimbabwe, provides and eye opening view into true poverty and opportunity. While reading I couldn’t help but feel acutely aware of all I have.
Fragrance – Lauren for the middle class girl in the early 90’s, only because it seems like such a quintessential fragrance for high school girls (and because I will forever lament throwing out a half full bottle years ago when in a cleaning/moving furry).