Tuesday! And for some of you with big holiday plans this year, it's possibly the last day of calm before the storm. What fragrance are you wearing?
I'm in The Body Shop White Musk Libertine. Tea at the moment is a Satrupa Estate Assam.
Reminder: on 11/25 we're doing Black Friday cheap thrills, edition 3 — as we head into the holiday spending season, wear something that costs $50 or below, double bonus points if it costs $25 or below. No points for wearing something expensive that you bought cheaply via a sample or decant or somesuch! We're trying to find real bargains here.
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.
Note: the Richard Brendon Willow teapot is $73 at Wolf & Badger.
It was cold, wet, and miserable this morning, so I reached for the King Of All Ambers – Serge Luten’s Ambre Sultan.
Perfect! Probably the same weather here — possibly I just will not go outside today 😉
I regret not buying this when it was on the discounted ‘abandoned shelf’ — the bottommost — that one had to squat down to reach 🙁
I scent marked my scarf with that today. Twins!
It’s cold & wet in CO too, though thankfully I don’t have to go outside anytime soon. I’m wearing Unforsaken.
And you smell great!
SOTD: Ajmal Dahn Al Oudh Raysan, which is VERY oudh-y. the more medicated aspects have worn off and it is humming along in all its woody, oudh-y aspects are humming long.
I am getting ready to brew a cup of Kangra Mann Spring harvest from Teabox. I have never had a tea from the Kangra region of India and I am curious to taste this sample.
I haven’t either…I drink way more tea from China than India (really, I drink almost nothing from India but Assam).
I didn’t wow me, but it is perfectly acceptable. Not worth chasing down imho, but who knows if someone invests in the region. I am always interested in tasting different regional teas, but it seldom leads to new loves. Like perfume!
I have been on an India kick since this has been such a good year for second flush Darjeelings (and that the greener style of Darjeelings is falling out of favor–I like a darker tea less “high-pitched” tea). I am looking forward to the autumnal flushes.
I spent a summer in Darjeeling when I was younger. The scent of tea as you arrive on the train…..mmmmmm. I brought a box home with me and held onto it for years just to smell until it had no scent left.
Inland Fog’s Hinoki Wood.
Good?
Oh yes! I first experienced it as a soap and loved the smell so much that I asked the owner of Inland Fog if he would sell it to me in oil format….after that he put it on the site for sale as “perfume oil”…I have gone through five bottles of it and still have two more left…..I think it is a combo of eucalyptus, patchouli, vanilla and cinnamon? Not sure…but it smells outrageous….I use it in everything (lotions, body oils, body washes,etc ) and have made a massage oil for my yoga teacher by combining it with lavender and a shot of patchouli…she uses it at the end of her class in savahsana (yeah, i know i am probably mis-spelling that one!) applied to our third eye….I I think when I bought it I paid five dollars per bottle…it may have gone up since then but it is still a cheap thrill for me 🙂
Thanks, will have to check it out!
SOTD: original Lolita Lempicka. Om nom nom!
So after that physics teacher non-starter a little while back, I waited a little longer to share with NST this time: I have a new boyfriend! He’s an adorable, thoughtful cat owner, with a distinct preference for my fruitier scents (YSL Yvresse, Atelier Cologne Rendez-Vous, and Parfumerie Generale L’Eau d’Circe are the big winners so far). Maybe it’s time to pull the trigger on a bottle of Byredo Pulp?
LL is one of the very best cheap thrills, and I hope you have fun with the new boyfriend whether it works out in the long run or not.
Happy to hear things are going well! Sounds like a good reason to treat yourself.
Hope he’s a keeper! Sounds great, so far.
Great news Ari, thanks for sharing. Maybe YSL’s In Love Again is called for (very fruity)?
Oh yay!
Pulp and Oliver Peoples are fun and happy perfumes, and I wish fun and happiness for you, no matter what.
Oh, I don’t know about the Pulp yet… I love Yvresse (happy owner of a bottle) but Pulp… too early in the a.m. to say what I really think! 😉
Seriously, I’m very happy for you and wish you all the best!
Hooray! Your description of your boyfriend sounds remarkably like mine 🙂 Can’t wait to hear more about him!
I feel like a guy with a cat is sort of the platonic ideal of boyfriends. And go Pulp!
To me, Pulp doesn’t remind me of a single other perfume. Happy with my decant for now, but one day I may be there with you, credit card in hand, “Full bottle, or no full bottle. That is the question.”
It reminds me of the original Calyx…when Prescriptives owned it …before re-formulation…..and it also reminds me of Pacifica’s Hawaiian Ruby Guava…..
Guava? Hmmm. I’m sure I can find Pacifica in a number of shops. I’ll check it out.
Hooray for the new man in your life! He sounds like a winner!! 🙂
So glad to hear you’ve found a good one!
Sounds good, go for it!
Three cheers for people who are smart enough to appreciate cats! 😉
Also, I lurrrrve Lolita Lempicka. You smell great!!
Woo, yay!
Congratulations. He sounds nice! Bonus: he likes cats!
Cacharel Noa – low key and calming for a busy day at work, and a cheap thrill as well.
Does anyone know if Luckyscent ever offers a discount, like maybe around the holidays? I’ve been longing for a bottle of Rubj but it’s just so expensive.
I spritzed on Noa after a shower last night. It’s so relaxing and, yes, a great cheap thrill.
Hi Bastet! Luckyscent offered a discount once that I know of, I think it was last year around 20 % off. I have read somewhere that they post info about special offers on their Facebook page, but since I don’t do Facebook I can’t comment any further.
Generally speaking Luckyscent is veeery stingy when it comes to coupons, so good luck on finding one!
I agree. I’m on their mailing list and get updates regularly about new scents, etc. but can’t remember a blanket discount ever! I seem to remember small discounts on specific new scents or sometimes specific sample packs. Never choose your own scent or sample though.
Noa is perfect…in every way….bought it when it first debuted and have since drained maybe 7 bottles? I always sprayed lavishly as I could never quite smell it on myself but whenever I wore it I always got many compliments from youngsters 🙂
I love Noa! You smell lovely!
Luckyscents is one of the stingiest companies I know (well I am sure Walmart wins that bottle). If you get one of their free gifts with purchase, they charge you for shipping!!! I have seen random codes (Amouage 20% off) once in a while, you generally look at the product, leave, come back some time later and there is a code popping up. But I have never seen any % off any brand
Really? I’ve never paid for shipping for anything over $75 or whatever their cut off is. And they have a good sample with purchases policy. Sales are rare for sure, but I don’t think of lucky scent as stingy at all.
You can only use one code so you either pick the free item and pay shipping or forego the gift and get free shipping. I am annoyed. I think once you hit a certain amount, shipping should be free. That said, I am eagerly awaiting my Micalef Advent Calendar!
Oh wow that is stingy. I had no idea!
They offered 15% off in store purchases for the Tauer event Sunday. Other than that, discounts are very rare and usually on specific items or lines.
You could get lucky sometimes with a discount. Failing that, I would say buy what you want and maximize the value of the free samples!
Patou Pour Homme Prive, my decant is just about gone… 🙁
I have never seen this before. Just checked the notes quickly and it sounds like something I would crave: hay, lavender..
Unfortunately it was discontinued long ago, and quite prohibitively expensive when it does show up on the online auction sites.
Today I’m wearing Sarah Jessica Parker’s Stash.
Good stuff!!!
Excellent!
Warm and incredibly humid here. My hair looks like some small animal took refuge in it and didn’t properly tidy up afterward.
I have to make yet another trip to the grocery store this morning and then get to work on prepping food for Thursday since I want to do as little as possible at my SIL’s.
I’m arming myself with an enormous cloud of Epic in the hope that people fall away gasping and I have to do less shoving. I’m out of salt so will have to hit the baking aisle again. Yesterday it was pepper. In my defense, the spouse actually emptied both and neglected to say anything. I’m not usually THAT disorganized.
The description of your hair today will do for my hair on most days as well 🙂
My hair is too short to be a useful refuge for a small animal, but it frequently looks as though a bird has been sifting through it looking for the worm that got away.
Oh excellent shopping strategy!
You’re hair, and trips to the grocery store sound very familiar, I always seem to forget the most useful things, (in favour of nice things, such as tea and chocolate), luckily the store is only a 3 minute walk away!
Hope your trip to the grocery store was OK. I went earlier today, and I’m glad because it’s only going to get worse before Thursday…
Ooh! Ooh! Ooh! ( that’s my Arnold Horshack impersonation ) PSA Mugler.com is having a Blue Friday sale. 10 to 20 percent off over $100, plus free shipping. This would be great for the Les Exceptions. (No affiliation) in other news, I’m still down with the flu. I work retail, so this is one of the worst weeks for me to be missing. Sotd, is My Burberry shower oil.
Thanks for the Horshack ????I hope you feel better soon.
Blekh! Feel better soon.
Horshack! That was a great impersonation! ????
I hope you kick that flu and feel better soon.
Flu be gone and thanks for the PSA. I need to find my sample of Cuir Impertinent!
Yesterday was Monday and then some, (flat tire on the way home) and today is looking fairly challenging as well, so I’m in Chanel 19 EDP. Soothing and spine-straightening at the same time – I don’t know how that’s possible, but I sure am glad it is!
I really hope today is better for you.
no 19 is such an old faithful and you put it exactly right.
Good luck with the day! No 19 can only help!
Oh, that was a heck of a Monday! Things can only be better from here on out!
I hope the week improves for u too, it should do, with no. 19!
Ugh. Hope today’s turning out better.
Ah, Twins. I needed it today too and it worked (the meeting I needed it for was at 4:30 and I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome).
Parfumérie Moderne’s Désarmant. I don’t really get a lot of lilac, more violet, but it’s a lovely, slightly nostalgic floral.
Tea is Damman Frères Earl Grey Fleurs
Oh my skin amplified the lilac…which was fine by me as I am one of those who loves lilac (but I do love violet too!)…you smell beautiful!
You smell beautiful!
Mona di Orio Myrrh Casati. Soft myrrh, lots of cardamon and a bit of liquorice. It smells so different on my wrist compared to my arm, it could have been two different perfumes. On my wrist it is very Dzongkha like (which I adore), on my arm it is a bit skanky.
Ooh. Myrrh, cardamom, and licorice! That sounds like something right up my sleeve.
I think it is really well done, dry though!
Must try this.
I thought of you when wearing this today Annikky, as it reminds me of Lumiere Blanche, both in terms of notes, and in terms of feel, so you may like it.
Must try this even more.
Sounds magnificent! How interesting that two parts of your arm result in such different scents.
I tried Dzongkha in a shop the other day and smelled carrots. Am I crazy?
Possibly 😉 Dzongkha has quite a bit of iris in it, and I think your skin amplifies the carroty note in iris, or am I crazy?
It may also be the fresh part of the cardamon. I don’t get carrot by the way, as I get from Lutens ISM for example.
It’s flipping cold outside with some snow on the ground. Today is a vanilla day for me. It was a toss up between Shalimar and SDV and SDV won out. I am trying to stretch out a 5ml decant of SDV because a full bottle is so expensive. Maybe I will bite the bullet when I do my taxes and that is if I get a refund.
Team Shalimar for me, though 😉
I am in a Vanilla mood today too so I am wearing a distant cousin of SDV, Eau des Missions which is very nice. I have a decant of SDV which I am using very carefully.
Holler at me if you’d like to split. My bottle of SDV ran out a couple of years ago (I bought it when released in 2007) and I’ve tried a blue million vanillas to see if I can find one I like even half as well, but no luck. I’m resigned to having to spend the $$$ to replace it.
I have a bottle on the way that I can split with you guys (or anyone who is interested) I am marianna_r in the yahoooland .
I’m wearing Holy Smoke from Demeter, for a cheap incense thrill.
I like to layer that with Holy water for a fantastic blend.
Love that one! You smell great.
Yum.
MCG Sideris. Not exactly a cheap thrill, but 15ml bottles are always absolutely thrilling! I think this is my favorite incense.
I almosr wore that today. You smell wonderful.
Please excuse fat fingers. ????
I have a bunch of MCG samples still to work through, and am expecting to find some other scents to bundle with Sideris and Elephant & Roses for some 15ml fun. :^)
Trying Kiki Voile d’Extrait formula. Very impressed by the lavender so far…perhaps exceeded my expectation. Pour Un Homme is usually my lavender gold standard, and in Kiki, it is amazing 🙂
I really like Kiki! Haven’t tried the Voile version, though.
I am down to the last decant of it, sigh…
Is Voile an EdP, though?
I don’t know, but as there is also and EdP, I presume it’s something different.
Not that I was asked 🙂 – like Chanel, Vero’s concentration have different notes. Voile and EDP are different (can’t speak for Kiki, but they are very different in Rozy)
I’m thinking about my “I survived my in laws prize” this holiday season being a trip to Scent Bar to sort out the various Kikis and to choose one. Just putting those words in writing makes me breathe easier!
ISMI Prize…Very Interesting ????
Wearing Bond No. 9 New York Oud. The rose and plum notes are pretty strong; however, the oud is very light. Saffron and patchouli are very nice. Sillage and longevity really good. Great for such a cold day like today.
I need a break from my spicy, amber-y scents so I’m in Iris Poudre.
Refreshing- and very grounded!
That is a really good descriptor.
Yay!!!
Hitting the road today in No. 5 Eau Premiere, since I have a nice little spray sample of it. Am I finally understanding what aldehydes are? My arm smells like little soda stars are fizzing up from it. I don’t feel compelled to run out and buy a bottle of this, but it’s very cheerful and pleasant. And since I’m going to visit a family member who tends to say things like “What’s that SMELL?” and “Did you put something ON?” I’ve put together a travel pack of subtle, citrus-y scents for the trip. It’s supposed to be twenty degrees warmer there than here, so my citrus colognes can have a last hurrah before winter!
Eau Premiere is my new found favorite. It is so perfectly pretty. The other day I was wearing a sample and my friend who wears no fragrance sent me a text saying she wished we had more time together because she wanted to keep sniffing me!!
Agreed. For a while it was an everyday spritz for me during spring and summer. Just lovely.
I love those No. 5 bubbles. I enjoy them best from a distance right after applying, but as the scent settles down my wrist is stuck to my nose. 🙂 No. 5 L’eau reminded me of delightfully fizzy lemon-lime soda at first, but the musk was a no-go for me.
I had a moment recently when I felt like I was finally understanding aldehydes, too…
The 1st of my house full of guests are coming tonight….time to get cooking later today! (After a full day at work…ugh!) 🙂
SOTD: Bvlgari’s Omnia Coral. MEH. Nothing exciting or groundbreaking, but perfectly pleasant and “good smelly”……
Bvlgari Omnia Coral is extremely pleasant!! Enjoy your “good smelly” day 🙂
In the spirit of cheap thrill week, I’m wearing Le Soft Perfume stick in Rock. I’m sure I would never have ordered this without Jessica’s review. I really like it, I even don’t mind it’s a solid perfume (not my favourite format), I just want it to be stronger! Otherwise it’s a surprisingly sophisticated woody-leathery blend with a mineral (rock?) touch.
This is a good brand for the theme, I think! I have been looking at these sets of solid perfumes – but did you know there are a few with liquid equivalents now? Not Rock, but some others. I thought the earlier iteration of the brand produced some interesting scents, probably worth investigating their liquid as well as solid forms, if they appeal.
Which ones do you like?
Oh, I haven’t been able to try any of the new line yet. I see now that they have a sample set for $15 – I will probably get that pretty soon!
In the old line (if that’s what you’re asking, really) I liked Hommage à Gabrielle and Chère Louise especially.
Thank you!
I’m a little nervous because I did a blind buy of Rihanna Rogue and am wearing it today without having a test day at home. I sprayed lightly and bolted out the door. Waiting for top notes to mellow and feeling hopeful!
Good luck, hope it worked out!
Sotd is Aedes Cierge de Lune ????
You smell wonderful.
Tuesday! It would have been a last day of the week for me BUT I have a operations software meeting and then ANOTHER meeting in the plant proper.
In my bargain bin Nest Body and Soul spray- Wasabi Pear. Very fresh to wear; the weather does not call for it but I needed the perfect wake me up this morning!
OOTD: Grey jeans, short boots and a designer* navy blue sweater over grey silk t shirt.
*consignment shop, $20, I am not really sure of the specific designer but it says Acme, which i think is a Scandi brand?
Acne is a Scandi brand, and a rather nice and expensive one at that, well done on finding such a gr8 bargain, you’re outfit sounds fab!
Oh wow! I have been busy so I did not look it up on the interwebs until now. It feels and looks very cosy and substantial. And thank you!
I’m mentally tucking away your outfit idea! It sounds really fabulous. And I really like what Nest does! I haven’t smelled many of their body products (might have to find the wasabi pear to sample), but I LOVE their holiday candles.
Their perfumes are actually rather nice, as is the body creams. I highly suggest the White Sandalwood as a lower cost, more subtle alternative, to Noir Pour Femme. And I love their room diffusers and candles!
That teapot is timely. Yesterday I stumbled across a pretty insane sale (90% off?!) for Royal Copenhagen on Bed Bath & Beyond. There was a beautiful teapot I considered but passed upon because I have a perfectly functional modern one. Now everything is out out of stock and I am awash in regret 🙁
SOTD: Frederic Malle Angeliques Sous La Pluie. The Gin & Tonic opening shall wash my sorrow away 😉
I took one look at that teapot and immediately clicked on to the Wolf &Badger website. Alas, I couldn’t find it on the site!
https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/willow-teapot/
Hey! Thanks! I did a search… but there it is. Thanks!
Just noticed it says “this item is no longer available…”
SotD = Perfumer’s Workshop Tea Rose, perfect to spritz in the air and then walk through the cloud.
I adore blue and white porcelain. That tea pot is lovely. Childhood tea parties and Alice in Wonderland fantasies make tea pots seem magical.
I love looking at it, but don’t own any willow anything.
That teapot matches my dishes.
SOTD is Lalique Le Parfum. I think I paid $34 for a 3.4 oz. bottle. Still one of my favorite vanilla scents. Not a cup cake in sight. It’s the bay leaf note in the opening that I love.
That sounds lovely.
I’m wearing Theorema today as I get my ski stuff out and prepped for the season. Estimates are for 3-6 feet of new snow over the next five days!
Wow, that is a lot of snow! Seems too early yet.
It’s probably late for the ski areas–they really want to be open for Thanksgiving weekend but it hasn’t happened here for more than five years.
U lucky thing! Ilove the snow so much, it rarely snows here in the South East of England this side of Christmas, but it’s colder this year than it has been for Some years, so here’s hoping!- if we could have a white Christmas, I’d put up with a cold and wet summer without complaint! (I’m a little odd in this regard, so I’ve been told).
Have fun. I’m a bunny slope dropout so more snow for you!
On a plane going from west to east. Wishing I was home instead. Wearing Kerosene Broken Theories
A blind buy
Am not dissapointed at all I love the orange that seems to zing through yet it feels cozy.
I have to pull out my sample and try that one again. Your description sounds so lovely.
I have made it from LAX to Atlanta w/ one more flight to go. Am loving this fragrance even more throughout day. It’s a perfect thanksgiving type scent.
A pleasing blind buy is so satisfying. I hope u get home soon.
This morning, I put on TF Black Orchid, to continue with my week of scents my boyfriend would hate in anticipation of his imminent visit. It’s mostly worn off by now (I applied it judiciously), so I need to put something else on. Kiss Me Tender might do the trick.
Also, a lot of my friends who’ve finished their theses have told me alcohol has helped them get through these trying times. To that end, I’ve poured myself 0.8 shot of Glenfiddich 18, and wow it’s delicious. I haven’t had Scotch in MONTHS. Anyway, I need to finish the bottle before I leave France, so I’d better get on that. We shall see how this affects my writing.
I’ve never been able to drink while writing, but sometimes a glass of brandy has helped get me through reading (looking at you, Rawls).
Ha!
I mean, my field began (in the West at least) with drinking parties, so I don’t feel too bad about it.
Ah symposia!
So you are a philosopher? Awesome!
I love this comment in it’s entirety. Might pour myself some Japanese whisky later to celebrate the occasion.
*its
I can’t believe you haven’t started drinking yet. Now is a good time! My husband drinks copious amounts of scotch while doing our taxes (he does check the math before sending it in). He says it dulls the misery.
There were glasses of whiskey or wine involved in my MFA thesis, generally at the editing and re-writing stages, and occasionally in my current writing and grant work. Not to inebriation, of course, but I’ve long known that I write better outside of the home, and like to sip coffee/tea or other beverages slowly while writing in public…
HA! Yep, when I was writing my thesis for my BA drinking was involved. In my case I believe it was bourbon.
Yep, a bit of booze helps the writing. ????
I’m dressed rather witchy today so I went with Andrea Maack Coven. First time I tried it I fumbled with the sample vial and got it all over me. It’s a pretty overwhelming fragrance worn that way so I’ve avoided it since, but since I was able to dab with more care today I’ve realised it’s really a very pleasant scent! Earthy and smoky and tarry, but with a lovely subtle but persistent green note making it slightly friendlier.
That does sound nice! I’m glad you were able to revisit it.
Wearing one tiny spritz of FM Vetiver Extraordinaire, which is certainly not a cheap thrill (although my spritz is from a free sample, so regardless of the status of the type, my particular token was both cheap and a thrill). It’s really interesting – I’m probably going to pass it on to a vetiver fiend friend, but I am enjoying it a lot. It’s bitter and green, even as it moves from the cologne opening to a softer dry down. So glad I got to try it.
One of my favorite vetivers 🙂
Must mention that I just read Robin’s review of White Musk Libertine. I don’t usually enjoy white musk but now I REALLY want to smell like a libertine. 😉
I must say that I did not have a libertine sort of day despite the fragrance!
Wearing 31 Rue Cambon as I prep for a promotion interview this afternoon. Wish me luck!
GOOD LUCK!
Best of luck – let us know!
Good luck!!
Good luck!
LUCK to you, mounds of it!
Break a leg!!! 🙂
Wishing you good luck!
Wishing you the BEST!
Best of luck!
Best of luck!
Hope it goes really well, Good Luck!
Good Luck Luna!
Good luck and hope it went well!
Good luck/ Buena suerte/ Viel Glueck! :^)
Not going for a job interview, but I am scent twins. Good luck to you. You smell great!
You smell divine! Hope your interview went well–good luck!
We actually had to turn on the heat Sunday night; the cold front brought overnight temps down to the low 50s. Brrrrr.
Wearing Ava Luxe Cafe Noir today. It’s really hitting the spot!
Our Thanksgiving will be quiet, although we will have 6 guests: the five adorable fluffball kittens and their mom that we are fostering.
Love your six guests! >^..^<
Oh I want to have thanksgiving at your house!
Sounds like a perfect Thanksgiving. Ours will be similar. Giving thanks for the love of our furry friends.
Drizzly day, but two sons and Grandma (my 91 year old mom) fly in today bringing a ray of sunshine.
Wearing Prada Amber pour Homme. This fragrance is such a surprise – no heavy amber, but light, clean and competely unisex. Also smooth and calming.
Can’t wait to be finished with work and start cooking!
That’s great that your mom can still travel at her age! Enjoy your time with your family.
I’m in Estee Lauder Private Collection. Parfum strength. I’ll need the strength since today is going to be a long day in the office. But i’m off Thursday and Friday so it’s a small price to pay I guess.
Hope you made it through the long day!
Good morning. I slept the sleep of the just last night, and tidaybtheceorld is a WONDERFUL place. Izzy is gazing at me meaningfully from her place on the bookcase; Dakkie is on my feet. I smell of En Passant, green and lilac and street; you all smell delicious; he (the man beside me at the bakery smelt so wonderful I quite wanted to interrogate him closely about his scent choice, but I resisted, because there is a protocol in early-morning queues that silence is observed. Anyway, collectively, me, you and him, we’re making the world a better, sweeter-smelling place! Be safe and well, all.
And oh, good heavens, I swear I did NOT type in Klingon, but look what happened in the first line. I’m going to throw this stupid iPad at the wall! I meant, of course, that today the world is a wonderful place….
If I remember correctly, there’s a running joke that Worf smells of lilacs – perhaps you are more Klingon than you know! Enjoy your day.
I think Tidayb the Ceorld sound like a character from the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles, no?
A minor king in central England, do you think, notable chiefly for slaying a monster who turned out to be his sister? Or perhaps for resisting the arrival of Christianity by slaughtering the missionaries, who were all later sainted of course? Or — I’m on a roll now!–was he the one who started his career as a king by committing hideous atrocities, was converted to Christianity and became so pious and holy that he was sainted and had a massive church dedicated to him, built over a former pagan holy site….
SOTD – Rose flash oil with Rose flash and vanilla flash. Going to a zoo later with the kids
You smell fab! Have fun at the zoo! I bet the weather is fine in CA, in Michigan… Let’s just say I feel pretty good staying inside 🙂
Zoo was nice. I do not understand the difference in body temperature between kids and adults – i am working around in my warmest jacket and a sweater. My kids are running around in tshirts. Go figure
Oh my, you smell delicious.
Feeling under the weather, yet I have to crank out another 3000 words for an exhibition review.
Fantin-Latour’s bountiful roses epitomized the genre but eclipsed his other endeavors.
So my choice is obvious: JOY!
For the Francophiles and lovers of art here, voici le vidéo de presse pour Le Musée du Luxembourg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HXerQrDmtQ
I’m girding myself for some writing today as well, but nothing as interesting as an exhibition! What is the content? I don’t mean to be nosy! I think so much writing is a kind of curating, I am always curious about it.
Hi Oakland,
the title of the show is itself pretty evocative: “À Fleur de peau” which denotes a hypersensitive sensibility and literally, means skin deep. On the other hand, it alludes to what lies beneath the surface…
In short, there is more to the artist than his portraits and flowers.
Interesting but excruciating. I have 12 hours or so left. WRITING NEVER GETS EASIER. “Barf it out”, as an editor I met on a trip once advised.
My turn to be nosy: what will you be writing about.
I much rather think about your topic. A bit reductive, but it also works as a name for a perfume! “À Fleur de Peau” with notes of peach, bergamot, lavender and smoke.
My best friend said something similar to me about a million years ago… She said, “Write, even if it makes you totally nauseous. Write through the nausea.”
I’m writing about what needs to happen state-wide to more adequately address the commercial sexual exploitation of minors. Yah. I know.
That is some heavy stuff OF!
Comparable to an eau fraîche vs an absolu noir extra something, something…
I have another 10hrs to “write through the nausea.” Hope you had a productive day!
ahahahaha I am going to barf out some grant stuff today! thanks for the inspiration.
Some days when I have gruelling words ahead of me, I think: The only way around is through.
One per= one mug of freshly brewed coffee!
Have not even started on my grant applications yet… Sigh…
Bon courage.
I’ve been at two conferences in a row and so pulling out my very favorites: Tabacco Rose, L’Attesa, Iris Cendre, and Kiste or Jeke at night in my hotel room, with doses of Une Rose and Cafe Rose along the way too. I feel like I don’t need Cafe Rose and its not top ten material like the first three listed, but I do really really like it. Others have thoughts on this one?
I love Cafe Rose, and after rapidly going through 2 or 3 small decants I bought a larger one. Since then I haven’t worn it much, but that may be because I kind of forgot about it. So thanks for the reminder! It is one of my favorite roses.
Wearing Tom Ford’s Black Orchid today.
Seeking olfactory confidence and protection before heading into a lion’s den, I applied Chanel Coromandel this morning and headed to the grocery store for Thanksgiving supplies. The masses were huddled around the turkey bin and as I backed away with turkey in hand, a gentleman stopped me, saying, “Ma’m, I don’t mean to come across as rude or anything, but that perfume you’re wearing… whatever it is, it is beautiful.” I thanked him and walked away with the biggest smile on my face.
That’s lovely!
Fabulous!
Ooh, I love a perfume compliment from a stranger, wonderful!
I never get perfume compliments from strangers, and secretly really want one 😉 What I do get compliments on, nearly every time I leave the house, is my jewelry. I find this quite hilarious and perplexing as I refuse to pay more than ~$40 for anything and most of what I wear cost half that.
How lovely!
Wow, cool! :^)
Oh, that’s nice–to say and to hear!
Nice! Don’t you just love when that happens? It’s fantastic when you enjoy smelling good for yourself, but its an extra bonus when others notice it too. 🙂
Coromandel is one of my favorite Chanel fragrances!
I now want to wear this tomorrow. I am not doing so well with the cheap thrills theme!
Woke up with another hot spike through my left eye. Tis migraine season. Meds are now starting to kick in. My sense of smell is heightened coming up out of the murky pain of a sore head, so I am keenly aware of the Knowing I applied last night before bed. It was from a bottle Pixel gave me. It might have belonged to a friend or even her mother. I can’t remember now. But I am glad it is getting a second showing…
Wishing you better, I’ve been suffering a lot more migraines than usual. Are you taking a triptane? Anyway I hope it clears.
As a fellow migraine sufferer,I take the Rizotriptan wafer that melts under the tongue.So far the best and fastest meds against an attack.I had an allergic reaction(???) to Migril,had the weirdest hallucinations etc,that I’ll never forget!
Oh Johanob, fellow migraineur! I take naramig (naratriptan) but I will check the rizotriptan with my GP.
It became a life-saver for me,the trade-name of the one I use is Maxalt RPD 10 wafers by MSD;3-6 wafers in a pack.Fairly expensive but does work wonders.They really do not taste very good,but I can tolerate the warm-menthol taste for the time it melts away.
Yep. Rizatriptan is the only medication that works that doesn’t make me feel like I am also having a heart attack. But I cannot tolerate those melty ones. A single pill w two ibuprofens and very little or no water. But I am basically taking 10 mgs every 10-12 hours now. Horrible!
Oh my,that is awful!Dark room and soft pillows if you can!Hope you feel better soon!!x
Sounds dreadful, I am so sorry. Hope it gets better asap.
U poor thing, hope u feel yourself again soon.
I hope you feel better as the day goes on.
So sorry to hear that–I hope you feel better soon!
PSA (no affiliation)
1. Gilt.com has some of the TDC fragrances for around 95 (including Bois de Iris).
2. Beautiful you always – a skincare company with a very impressive products (all proceeds from sales go to a charity) is having a sale: 25% off with code CHEER. I have been using their serum and moisturizer and I am really loving them.
That’s all for now 🙂
Do you like any of TDC? I haven’t tried except for Adjatay.
I like Bachmakov – but this one is cheaper to buy at Costco (it is Siberia and vodka) I also like Rose Poivree – which is a nice saffron rose (I doubt you would like it). Oud shamad I think you would like – pretty boozy. Bergamot and Sel de Vetiver are pretty summery non-complicated scents. Sublime Balkiss is a pretty floral that does not get enough love from me. Their Jasmine is great for a Jasmine lover but was too much for me, so we parted ways. Drop me a note with what sounds interesting I will decant some for you.
You can get TDC perfumes at Costco???
Yep. Check out their web site.
SOTD is Frapin “Terre de Sarment”, which is enjoyable, but too shy for its own good.
Top: grapefruit, neroli, caraway and grapes;
Mid: cinnamon, orange blossom, nutmeg and amyris;
Base: benzoin, myrrh and incense.
(I had to look up Amyris – some citrusy plant which also yields elemi).
Unrelated: I listened to the coffee song you linked yesterday and immediately sent it to the boyfriend to better explain to him my personality and how he is expected to behave with me. Thanks for sharing it!
Ha, you are very welcome! The other Mr Koenigsberg is like that with tea (as you might imagine).
I stumbled (in the internet sense only, sadly) across a niche perfume called “Carpe Cafe” which made me think of that song and our own Bear. From Gallagher Fragrances, no affiliation.
L’Artisan Caligna.
This will be a smellbent week,as I love this brand,and the pricing is awesome.Mals reminded me yesterday late(yes I do read all your comments people!!)that I have Florist’s Fridge also.So that was SoTd.Also crisp,green floral,with a touch of yellow like a marigold.Love it.x
It’s my favorite of the Smell Bents that I’ve tried. You smell great.
Thank you!I do get a green Petunia-leafiness from it,so perfect comment from the perfect person!Hehe!x
31 Rue Cambon for me today – a thrill, but not a cheap one!
Not cheap, no. But sublime!
Nice teapot, Robin!
SOTD = Xhanel No. 19 EDP
I needed soine strengthening today and so I went to my old standby No. 19.
I had been walking past Macy’s on my way to and from work. The windows along 34th Street have had the Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus storyboard for the past few weeks; the characters have retro-modern oversized faces. The scenes are very well done. The windows along Broadway were revealed this past Friday and I took a better look at them this morning. Each window is framed in matte silver with gold accents and depicts a tableau for Love, Santa, Celebrate, Together, Giving and Magic. The windows are brightly lit with a lot of movement.
My next stop is Bergdorfs and/oe Saks as long as I can avoid the crowds!
Wish I was oit shopping with you, sounds fun!
Me too!
The more the merrier!
Ditto!
We’re only a plane ride away!
When it’s not crowded, it’s fun 🙂
Nice. Keep us posted 🙂
Will do!
I’m so envious! There’s a documentary on Netflix about Bergdorfs which goes into the window display process a bit (it’s not the primary theme.) We don’t get to see too many grand displays like that where I live but last year Tiffany’s did some really adorable windows.
You just reminded me I also need to check out Tiffanys! I wonder how business is at the 5th Avenue store since it is next to the Trump Tower?
I truly miss seeing the Manhattan shop windows in person. Every year I look for photos online to take the edge off. 😉
I try not to miss the Windows! A friend of mine and I used to have a tradition of traversing midtown looking at the Christmas decorations and enjoying a Nutcracker performance.
Egads! It looks like I invented a new Xhanel brand. Fat fingers are at it again!
Oh fun, will have to see if Macy’s did a holiday windows video this year.
Today, weMohur extrait, the opposite of a cheap thrill. I found some old essential oil blends in a box…I will revisit some of these the rest of the week. Himalayan Rose, African Violet, Tunisian Jasmine…we will see if they have survived being tucked away jn the dark for the last decade or so.
Wow, a decade or so! Do tell once you’ve tried them!
Tom Ford Vert d’Encens. I have about 20 unworn decants, trying to get to them all.
Way to go on the decants. I’ve learned the hard way to use ’em or lose ’em to evaporation. 🙂
I’m wearing Cacharel Amor Amor today. Seems I’m on a sweet kick right now. And it’s also a cheapie. I think I paid less than $20 for my 30ml bottle.
I really like Amor Amor! It’s a fruity scent that stays interesting.
Musc koublai khan, I’m really surprised at how much I love this, it’s so warm and cosy, the rose in it is a dream, and I really love the cumin in the top notes, and the dry down is really beautiful. L’Air d’rein is one of my top 10 favourites, and I adore Jubilation 25, so I guess I’m one of those people who read ‘skanky’ as ‘cosy’.
I love all of those too. I get cozy rather than skank as well.
I like me a bit of skank too. Love L’air and MKK. I haven’t tried Jub25 yet. Maybe I will get a sample if STC has a black friday special this year.
Amouage Fate woman, not a cheap thrill, but I got this little decant in a swap before the summer and now that it’s cold and rainy, it was time to give it a whirl. There is a warm/musk/cozy element like in Mitzah but other spices and woods swirling about.
I think I like it better than the last time I tried it, though not falling in love (yet?)
SSS Jour Ensoleille. I picked up a purse spray of this after my sample ran out. Very happy. And fits the cheap thrill category… amazing for the price.
Chanel Coco edp again. Just because I felt like it…
Ladies I need suggestions on where to buy some nice reasonably priced not so basic cotton short and long sleeve T’s. I used to get them from GAP, Express, Marshalls and had some luck with Ralph Lauren tees. Nowadays I am just not sure… It is getting hard to find 100% cotton tee that would keep its shape after the first wash.
Clarissa suggested Everlane, their tees look fine, except for the color choice, which is extremely limited. Anyone ordered tees from Zara?
I hate cloth shopping with a passion and hope to get some advice from experienced girls. THANK YOU!!!!
Sorry Robin, for non perfume related post. Feel free to delete it if it is nonappropriate.
A friend swears by Uniqlo – just checked theire site and there are Supima cotton Ts with a bit of spandex at a pretty good price,
Thank you AnnieA! I will check them out.
Uniqlo tshirts look really nice!!
Have you tried them Clarissa?
They looked good online and wanted to get some, but their website was down and they could not process payments 🙁 There is no way I will go a mall until next year 🙂 I actually got some tshirts from Gap at $5 each, and they were nice thick cotton.
Uniqlo is my favorite basics brand! J Crew is also nice if you can get some on sale. Theory is awesome but usually out of my price range.
Thank you for recommendations TriesToBeClassy! Looks like there are many fans of Uniglo. J. Crew is on the list as well. Will not bother with Theory- it is out of my budget whether it is on sale or not.
I rate Hanes men’s t-shirts (available through Amazon, and probably other online stores), and they do women’s too. Worth having a look.
Thank you!
I usually buy mine from Forever 21 or Old Navy because both carry extra small and are geared towards slimmer women…and when they are on sale the prices are really good ($3 a tshirt)
Thank you for your suggestion! I used to buy from Old Navy many years ago clothes for the whole family, but over the years the quality and design of their merchandise went downhill. Maybe I’ll check ON out again.
Forgot to mention that I am not a slim woman 🙂 Currently wearing size 12 or L, 37 years old and breastfeeding, so my shape is kind of odd.
OMG, Forever 21. My niece ran out of time and money on a Forever 21 shopping trip so my sister-in-law and I decided to be good doobies and get the item she wanted the next day. So off we went looking for a mini skirt in aqua. There weren’t many items in aqua so we felt confident we were in the right area BUT, all the items in that color were no larger than a hankie. We ended up buying one item we thought was a micro skirt but it turned out to be a bandeau. Let’s just say my SIL and I are not the target audience!
re: Forever 21, hilarious!
That is funny!!!
LOL!
Hysterical h! thank God for Forever 21 as I can buy many items of clothes in there that actually fit without having to spend an exorbitant amount of money…..I used to have to buy my pants from Victoria Secret because they came in very small sizes….jeans that would have cost me 50 dollars I bought at Forever 21 for under ten…..and yes, they look normal (not ripped or torn or too tight)
J. Crew perfect fit t-shirt. It’s a nice weight cotton and slim fit, which I like, but feel it makes it run a tad small. The long sleeve comes in about 20 colors!
Also, you smell great!
Thank you madtowngirl! I will check them out once I get to the mall (10 min drive from my place). I hope to find some nice tees, as J. Crew is known for their quality, and with the holidays approaching the prices should be in reasonable category.
Co-sign Uniqlo if you’re ok with thinner but durable fabric.
Lands End has a good selection.
Boscovs has them on special sometimes and I’ve seen them at < $3.
Thank you Hajusuuri!
I have never heard of Boscovs, will check it out.
I’m an LL Bean girl. They offer a variety of 100% cotton knit shirts in short sleeves, 3/4, and long sleeves.
Thank you Petunia! Colors look great and reviews are awesome. On my want list 🙂
Check out the site Tee-Zone, and sign up for their mail. They don’t inundate you, and they tend to offer 20% off around all the major holidays. I swear by Three Dots. They’re made in the USA and hold up well. Bloomingdales also carries a decent Three Dots selection, if you live near one (site’s not as comprehensive). The brand also routinely comes up on places like Gilt and Hautelook.
Yes and yes for 3dots
Thank you!
Thank you galbanumgal for your suggestions! I will check them both out!
Eddie Bauer makes a whole range of t-shirts, and most are reasonable quality – some are quite high quality. They’re less fitted than other brands (like J Crew), so might suit you well. They do tend to run a bit large, but their size guides are reliable.
Thank you SheriG! The info about fit is very helpful. The good thing is that Eddie Bauer is located in nearby mall, I will try to find time this week and get some shopping done.
I wore Nirvana Black to bed last night and it was so much nicer than I remembered that I thought I’d wear Nirvana Bourbon today (and perhaps Rose later?) Neither is a cheap thrill but nor are they wildly overpriced.
I’ve got a long list of things to do today and errands to run but I’m actively considering chowing down a blondie with some coffee and going back to bed. I’m incredibly exhausted. Now that I think about it, it may be a sinus infection coming on that’s wearing me out.
Hope you feel better. A blondie and a coffee sounds great!
All of the Nirvana scents make me smile. I sprayed Bourbon on paper at Sephora several weeks ago, and it still smells nice. I think I will put that one on my holiday wish list. You smell great, and I hope you’re feeling better.
Flat-out busy day, only halfway through. Encens Mythique is reminding me of the finer things in life, like the glass of wine I will be having after work…
SOTD is Stella.
I tend to overpack, so I specifically only brought 2 perfumes with me on my trip to visit family for Thanksgiving: Stella for day and Lyric Woman for evenings out. I hope to get to the ‘fancy mall’ and do some sniffing at the department stores.
I now have No. 19 EDP and No. 5 EDT living in my travel kit. Now if and wh n I get the Guerlain travel sprays, a couple may join the duo.
Have fun visiting family and the fancy mall. You smell great!
Isn’t it great to have stuff ready for travel? I like cutting down on packing time as much as I can.
Are those the new 15ml sprays I saw mentioned on Monsieur Guerlain? I’ve been if and when those might be available in the US.
Yes although the size is either 15 or 20 mL each…not sure which one is accurate. Speaking of traveling with one’s perfumes – Frederic Malle has 50 and 100 mL leather bottle protectors so you don’t have to travel naked with you big bottles. I’m going to the FM boutique tomorrow to check it out. On short hauls, I would never bring big bottles!
But, for those occasions when one is doing a grand tour, one needs to be prepared and well supplied, right?
Sound like they might be suitable for displaying your big bottles as if you had just returned from a grand tour. I have a couple grand tours that I have never taken that i have souvenirs from. 🙂
Do let us know what they are like…
Stella! So beautiful.
It’s hard not to be a fan, right?
I love it especially because I have good scent memories with it. I’ve been wearing it since it was brand new and not available in the US (I was in the UK). I drained my bottles some time ago, and now I’m on the last rollerball out of a package of 4. Gonna have to spring for a new one…
PSA #2. Not sure how many of you guys have used ShopFrance. Apparently there is a shop in Paris that sells refillable Guerlain sprays (SDV, Rose Barbare, Angelique Noir, Cuir Gardenia, Tonka Imperiale, Bois d’Armenie. These come in 20 ml pocket sprays, and cost between 34-44 or so for a bottle. I purchased a couple through Suzan and they are legit, delivery is fast (she brings it here and than ships it to you) – great experience all around. She also brings in other goodies
No affiliation on my side, just wanted to share this great deal with the rest of the community.
You can get in touch with her via email: shopfranceinc@yahoo.com. She can send you her newsletter with way more goodies then I remember.
I emailed her but have not heard back. She could be traveling and I did say I was in no hurry.
I asked her for Rose Barbare today. Speller corrected it to Rose Barnyard – she emailed me back trying to clarify what I wanted 🙂 I should trademark this name, I am sure there is some perfumer somewhere thinking of Rose Barnyard parfume (since all rose Oud names have been taken :))
Too funny!
SOTN Chanel No19 vintage extrait. Am I imagining things, or does it smell a lot cozier now that the weather is cooler..? I purchased it during my frenzied early fragrance exploration days. While I have difficulties with the galbanum/oakmoss notes, I keep going back to it, with the hope that I will like it better the more I understand it. Tonight I like it a lot more than I did at first 😀
Late late late. Both arms are covered in Salome. My husband loves the stuff. Norma Desmond lives:
“And I promise you I’ll never desert you again because after ‘Salome’ we’ll make another picture and another picture. You see, this is my life! It always will be! Nothing else! Just us, and the cameras, and those wonderful people out there in the dark!… All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.”