A version of a poll we did in early 2016. As always, answer as many or as few as you like, or, likewise as always, feel free to talk about something else altogether.
1. What fragrance are you wearing today?
2. Do you have any fragrance resolutions for 2017? Buy more bottles, buy fewer? Anything new you'd like to try, any notes or brands you'd like to know better?
3. What 2017 release are you most looking forward to, so far?
4. And your fantasy 2017 release? Name the brand and describe the fragrance you think they should develop.
5. What else (anything, really!) are you looking forward to this year?
Note: vintage postcard via Jodie Lee Designs.
This is not an answer to the poll but you may find it interesting. As I did last year I made a tally of fifteen blogs’ “Best of 2016” lists. I stopped at four mentions.
Chanel No. 5 l’Eau—11
Hermes Galop d’Hermes—8
Masque Milano L’Atessa—7
Hiram Green Dilettante—7
Arquiste Ella—7
Angel Muse—7 (mostly mentioned in the “flankers” category)
Amouage Myths Woman—5
Hiram Green Arbole Arbole—5
JSP Stash—6 (mainstream)
Chanel Boy—5
Cartier L’envoi de Cartier—4
Neela Vermeire Rahele—4
Slumberhouse New Sibit—4
Tom Ford Orchid Soleil—4
Image Lilac Love–4
Ugh, auto correct–should say Amouage Lilac Love.
Cool, thanks Suzy Q!
I sniffed Lilac Love on a blotter a few weeks ago, and it was pretty but didn’t say “Amouage” to me.
Comprehensive; thanks!
Great list. I have not smelled any of these! But there are 4 or 5 you list that are on my radar.
That is so cool!I love statistics!Thank you!I’ve managed to smell a couple on that list at least!X
Love having this! Thank you!
Thanks for compiling, SuzyQ! I have FBs or partial bottles of 8 on the list!
Oooo I’m envious!
Wow! Thanks for sharing this with us. Love this!
Inspiring list, thanks for doing the work for us.
Thanks Susi!
Hello and happy weekend!
1. NVC Ashoka is my Sotd.
2. To try some of 2016 releases I missed (especially Hermes Galop and Diptyque Essences Insenses 2016).
3. MFK Aqua Celestia so far.
4. Prada Candy Man (again!) – caramel, benzoin, suede, oakmoss, tobacco.
5. Looking forward to possible changes in my career.
Re: #4–it seems to me that if you just keep throwing this one out into the universe, SURELY it will eventually materialize!
Or maybe I should just email Daniela Andrier?
Well, I suppose that would be more pragmatic.
True
Hey, I want this Candy Man, too!
Few more and we can start a petition!
I’d sign that!
Count me in!
Sounds good to me!
Yep, totally on board. Only, “Candy Man” is not a name that works…
Sure it does!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6OCKnpYqRs
That’s great, Isabella, thanks. I’m overdue for a NOLA trip.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’s The Candy Man Can!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=78gt7pfjlCU
Fingers crossed someone from Prada reads this
The Penhaligon’s discovery set I ordered arrived yesterday (such adorable little minis, with their tiny glass ball caps and tassels!), so this morning I have Vaara on one wrist and Iris Prima one the other. Both pretty, but both needing to be sprayed rather than dabbed, I suspect. I also suspect that IP will win today’s contest.
No fragrance-related resolutions for me – “resolving” never works for me. I do have high-flown intentions to work through my little Mt. Sample backlog, and to stop impulse-buying fragrances … but witness my wrists this morning, covered in impulse buys. See? Insufficient impulse control.
LOL!!!
There was a small avalanche on my Mt. Sample Backlog this morning; fortunately nothing was broken except my pride.
Hello hello! What a frigid Saturday. I’ve spent it at les soldes, window gardening, and struggling with French bureaucracy. (On a Saturday, you say?? There is no French bureaucracy on Saturdays! It’s just online research to deal with it once people deign to go back to work.)
1. SOTD: Berdoues Russkaya Kozha! I went fragrance hunting to see what I should ask for for my graduation present, and this one seems like a great candidate, especially because it’s made in Toulouse, the city I will soon be leaving.
2. Resolutions: Use up my thousands of samples! (Only mild exaggeration.) Take better notes (or…take notes) on each scent.
3. Releases: Mmm, not sure. I always look forward to new NVC, AdO, Tauer, and Hermessences, though.
4. Fantasy release: Hermessences cardamom!
5. Looking forward to: GRADUATING! Moving back to the US! Not having a long-distance relationship with the Boy! Having a Real Job, or at the very least a postdoc, ie, not a student! Speaking in English as a rule and not an exception! No more French banks that steal from me (only American ones)! So many things!!!!!
Sounds like you have a big year ahead of you!
Please elaborate on your SOTD…..I am so entranced by all the Berdoues I have bought this year as gifts for family members (Oud al Sahraa, Arz el Rab and Vanira Morrea) as well as my Assam of India which I bought with a gift card…there is something about this line that just appeals to me – both juice and bottles…and while I am on a no buy for a while I see more Berdoues bottles in my distant future
I tried Vanira Morrea and wasn’t a big fan, actually, but I did like Selva do Brazil; have you tried that one? Great for the summer.
I highly, highly advocate Russkaya Kozha! A spectacular cardamom leather. It’s got surprising staying power for a cologne. It’s got some woodsy dirt in it from the cade, and the cardamom is beautifully balanced but also recognizable. The internet says it’s got a bunch of benzoin in it, but I don’t really know what that smells like? I just adore the leather note–not overpowering and shoe-closet-y, like Cuir d’Ange, but more like sticking your nose into a very old, loved, worn leather jacket. Every time I got a whiff of it, I got a bit happier.
Oh that really does sound good!!! I have tried them all including Selva do Brazil but sent the samples off to a good friend so I no longer have them as references except for the full bottles I mentioned…I also think Scorza di Sicilia is a great one for the summer too….honestly, I really did/do like/love them all….I don’t know what it is but for me the entire Grand Cru collection is a no brainer…I could definitely see myself getting Russkaya unsniffed somewhere in the distant future when my no buy is lifted….for now i will enjoy hearing you sing its praises
and good luck with the job search!!!!
More cardamom than in Epice Marine? Brave woman! Sounds like a great 2017 ahead.
I find the cardamom to be too subtle in Epice Marine for it to be a real cardamom scent! Have you tried l’Aromatica Kulfi? If you’re afraid of cardamom, you should give that one a cautious whiff! I’m Indian, so I adore cardamom. I think it could do with a more subtle, sophisticated treatment, though, which is why I think a cardamom Hermessence could be so great.
This is an intriguing idea, Koyel! And best wishes for 2017!
Agree — more cardamom, less of the rest of Epice Marine!
Wait, no, I wasn’t saying that at all! Épice Marine might be my favorite Hermessence! It just doesn’t feel like a cardamom scent.
LOL — ok, sorry! But I can have my own dream — especially since it’s so unlikely either of us will get the cardamom scent we want from Hermes!
Koyel, I LOVE L’Aromatica’s Kulfi scent! I have the oil and alcohol-based versions.
Welcome back
Mmm, it’s high on my to-buy list, once I’m back in the US! Can you compare the oil and alcohol versions? I’ve only tried the alcohol-based one.
Hello kind crow, good to see u again!
Thanks, chocolatemarzipan8 and mayfly! The number of comments on SOTD and weekend posts seem to have doubled a few months ago (NST is popular, and rightfully so), so I don’t always get to read the entire list of comments as I used to.
Koyel: I just put the oil on one arm and the alcohol-based version on the other arm. The alcohol has evaporated and they are almost identical, but the spray seems to be more potent. It’s only been 15 minutes, though. Congratulations on school!
Spray=alcohol-based version.
Can’t stop huffing my arms … this stuff is delicious…
Congrats and good luck!
Sounds like a super exciting year. Welcome back to North America!
Congratulations, Koyel!
What an exciting time in your life, Koyel, be present in every moment! (Well, except at the bank
.) Congratulations.
I used to think the French bureaucracy was bad, but I have a feeling its going to be so much worse here in Chile. I already have a list of steps. Oh and foreigners practically can’t have back accounts! No idea how thats supposed to work.
And yes to a cardamom scent by Hermes! Must try L’Aromatica. I love the cardamom in Lumiere Blanche.
1. SOTM is Angel Muse. Starts out too fruity, but gets better the longer it’s been on. SOTD after showering is likely to be Shalimar OALV Mexique.
2. Current resolution is austerity until after a lot of end-of-the year expenses get paid off and my bank account gets a breather.
3. Don’t know about the 2017 releases, but I have a whole wish-list on STC that includes Rahele, a few Hiram Green’s and a whole lot of other samples/decants once #2 is over.
4. No fantasy perfumes, but would second a Candy Man as proposed by Lucasai!
5. No changes for me, per se, but my husband is making a shift in careers since getting laid off from the corporate world. He is currently substitute teaching (my idea since he always loved teaching Junior Achievement and a handful of courses he led when he worked for KPMG). He is loving it. He seems to find something enjoyable about each grade level. The plan is for him to get his teaching certificate through an alternate pathway (this takes a couple of years) and then try to find a permanent teaching job. The last bit could be the most difficult, as the district we are in is very desirable for teachers. He is going to try to be certified for as many subjects as possible. Luckily, this area is growing a lot and there are new schools being built, so I am keeping my fingers crossed. Even our kids have noticed how much happier he is.
There are some plusses to not teaching in the district you live in, assuming the commute isn’t awful. It can feel like being a minor celebrity at times, and knowing you won’t run into your students and their parents at the mall, the grocery store, while bra shopping (like I have!), can make these experiences more relaxing. Although, I guess your husband is unlikely to need to worry about running into his students whilst bra shopping. . .
I second that. Twice I have had parents come in while I am in either the hot tub or the sauna at the Y. Awk!-ward.
Yikes! Well, at least it wasn’t a clothing-optional spa.
Thanks for support!
Good luck to your husband! Career change is exciting and scary, so I hope everything works out for him.
Hooray for #5 !!!
I am so impressed with your husband’s story. Good luck to you both!
Good luck to your husband. I got my teaching credentials through an alternative certification program, and it was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I love my job now, and am never bored. Frustrated or overwhelmed – sometimes, but I am much, much happier. (And this is my 11th year teaching, so I made the switch a while ago.)
Hooray for reinvention! Best of luck to your husband.
Best of luck! I admire teachers so much, could never do it myself
Good morning everyone. It is a cold and very snowy day here in NYC. I had plans to run some errands today, but I am not brave enough to venture outside. I will stay home and relax. After a very loud scented week, today I wanted to take it easier and I am wearing Chanel No. 19. This year my goal is not to buy any fragrance at all and enjoy what I have. Is that possible? I can’t guarantee it, but I will do my best. I would like to try more fragrances with rose, incense and oud notes, rose fragrances for Summer time. Also iris fragrances similar to Chanel 28 La Pausa.
Things in particular I would like to sample are Ambre Narguile, Arbole Arbole, Dilettante, Arquiste Ella, considering they were among the best of 2016. I wish Guerlain would release something astonishing no matter what it is. It is been such a long time since a perfum house has come out with a fragrance that has made me feel crazy snd deeply in love with it. Enjoy the weekend!
For an iris similar to 28 La Pausa, I’d recommend Hermes Hiris and Narcisse Bleu.
Thank you Sapphire. Taking note of it!
Perfumelover- I support you in your goal and will talk you out of buying as long as you do the same for me
Count on me!!! Support is what we need!!!
Have you also tried Chanel No. 18? That one is mainly iris.
I second your wish for Guerlain to release something astonishing!
Happy 2017 everyone!
SOTD later will be Opardu or Moon Bloom – I am in a tuberrose frame of mind.
Resolution to got through my samples ( 40 or so, I have already pruned!) and keep only those that I really want to wear again. My Swap or Freebie meet piles are growing!
Masque Milano L’ Attesa, based on Lucasi’s review…
I would love Mathilda Laurent to do a carnation centric scent.. or I would like Jeffery Dame to do his version of Malmaison. I seem to have carnation on the brain. I need to look for some highly scented seeds and plant some next spring.
2017 is going to be busy for us – we had a partial roof that is bad, and so we are planning on putting an addition on the house, (3rd bedroom, 2nd bath, sun room or balcony and additional storage space. And getting all the roof fixed, and the wiring updated, and some additional plumbing as well.) It sounds like fun right now, until I really start to focus on the details, and it will be great when it is all done, but there is just that part in the middle, where the roof is off half the house, and the electricity is disconnected for who knows how long…ack, not even going there. It will be great when it is done. I can stop throwing a tarp over the piano every time it threatens to rain.
Ok, off to bathe and douse myself in fragrant tropical flowers.
Yay for tuberose in the winter!
I have carnation on my mind too! I’d love to fall in love with a beautiful carnation perfume. One of my earliest scent memories is of an Avon cream perfume in carnation.
Please tell me you do have electricity in the roofed part of your house…
Opardu is gorgeous. I wore it for the first time today and it mostly smelled like lilac to me (though I’m not really sure what tuberose smells like). Wearing Désarmant now for comparison.
Good luck with all the repairs. Yikes!
I wore fracas on Friday, Tuberose is so wonderful in chilly weather!
Prompted by a Nordstrom email received this morning that they’re now carrying Malle, Une Fleur de Cassie. Don’t wear it often, but it’s got a great drydown.
Acquire fewer bottles, prune collection.
Looking forward to anything Hiram Green releases next (please leave out the patch, Mr Green).
Chanel body oil in either Bois des Iles or Eau Premiere, circa 2007.
Looking forward to spring/summer, Yeah, it’s only the 7th and am totally sick of January–it was 6 degrees yesterday. Thinking about places to live that don’t require wintertime bundling up…North Carolina, Washington state, perhaps–don’t care for Florida or places that are unbearable in the summer. Then again, am probably too lazy to move!
Chanel’s No. 5 body oil was pretty nice, and I don’t even like No. 5! Expanding the body oil line would be great. It would also be a way for them to be hip and happening with the kids of today, which they so want to be, if the water version No. 5 is anything to go by…
Northern California! Although that is a bit dishonest today as we are settling in for a massive storm tonight and tomorrow. Good for our water tables, bad for folks living in low lying areas.
I am sick of winter already too!! Bring on the spring.
I’m enjoying the SE. We are 40 miles west of Charlotte and only got 3 of the predicted 5 inches of snow. Winters are generally mild. Though they are no longer published, the old Places Rated (Almanac?) books give a great picture of conditions in major US metro areas: health and educational offerings, recreation opportunities, and weather in detail, especially days of sun per year. Invaluable, even if dated.
I need to move where you are
I was going to say Texas until I read “except for unbearable summers”. So, scratch Texas off your list.
My nail guy gave me some Chanel lotion for Christmas and I love it. I actually like it better than the perfume. So, that leads me to believe I would probably feel the same way about the body oil. I love a good body oil! Will definitely have to try this oil out.
Scent this morning is Palo Santo from a sample. Milky goodness as I look out st the snow. Makes me want to go out in my new jacket. (I literally ordered five jackets from Macy’s and returned four.)
No resolutions, other than to minimize buying and focus on playing with the samples I have. (Said after just pulling the trigger the other day on Angel Muse at discount…). My main buy will be to use a BG gift certificate. And to learn more about identifying notes and understanding the art better.
Is Muse at discounters already? That’s lovely, congrats on your new bottle.
Snow daaaaay!
1) SOTD is an OUTSTANDING Chanukah present, a decant of Le Labo Vanille 44. It’s a wonderful deep, dry vanilla, and I am relieved to learn that I don’t need a full bottle!
2) My fragrance resolution (and it applies to lots of industries- books, clothing, organizations) is to buy when I know I love something. The budget can always be wiggled around, but the perfume may not be there the next time. This year, I intend to do a LOT of putting my money where my mouth is, a lot of voting with my dollar. If I value a product or an experience, I’m going to do my best to financially support it, to whatever extent I can.
3) Most looking forward to Frederic Malle Superstitious. An aldehydic floral doesn’t even sound particularly up my alley, but I really enjoyed the last Frederic Malle fashion collaboration (the Dries van Noten).
4) It’s less fantasy than rumor, but I remember reading in one of these open threads that Lubin was planning to re-release Idole EDT within the year???
5) My apartment lease ends in June- looking forward to/crossing fingers tightly for a nice new place with lots of room for Zelda’s cat tower.
Queen needs her tower!
I love your number 2! Just how I’ve been feeling. Supporting excellence and creativity when and as I can.
Just how big is the tower? I love your second resolution – it’s making me very thoughtful.
I also have this hesitation.
Ari, over the last year, I was happy to realize that as a result of some of my hobbies, a significant proportion of my budget goes to support local businesses. It’s a good feeling.
I like your Nr 2. I may try to follow it here if I can.
No SOTD, yet, but likely it will be Lys 41, as that is what I’ve reached for all week. Another tuberose in winter.
Not a resolution, per se, but I am continuing to focus my resources on saving for our wedding/honeymoon. Until those expenses are behind us, I’m not comfortable acquiring too much, and besides, my perfume cabinet is overflowing. Mr. Spicebomb is becoming quite insistent that it’s time for an upgrade (ie. enlargement) of said cabinet, but I think there’s something to be said for living within the boundaries you currently have.
I’m too ignorant of releases to have an opinion about them!
Fantasy scent: I would like Andy Tauer to release another sunny floral, a la Zeta. Something that is bright and ever-changing without being TOO MUCH in the warmer weather.
This is going to be a big year! Mr. Spicebomb and I marry in July, and we hope to have our honeymoon in Italy over winter break. And he would really like a bigger house, although I’m not sure I’m ready to move again. I also hope that this is the year that Mr. S. finds a new job, something he enjoys more and allows him more balance in his life.
Mazal tov!!! So, SO wonderful. Apologies in advance if this joke has already been made, but will you be changing your name to Mrs. Spicebomb?
I’m a modern woman. I’ve tried to convince Mr. Spicebomb for us to change to a combined name–maybe Mr. and Mrs. Rosebomb?
I like that.Maybe Viktor and Rolf can do your wedding scent(fantasy question)And call it Rosebomb!x
Kinda surprising they haven’t made it already!
Of course, it behooves you to buy a scented souvenir of your Italian honeymoon…!
Well, if one jumps into my hands, I won’t want to hurt its feelings!
I seldom have time to comment any more, but I wanted to wish you every joy in your new life! I remember when you were talking about your first date with the gentleman who would become Mr. Spicebomb!
Thank you, JF! It’s pretty exciting. After all the frogs of online dating, it’s also pretty unbelievable! Hope all is well with you.
Big year! I hope it’s full of joy, health and love.
Thank you so much, and happy New Year to you!
Marjorie Rose, everything seems to be going so well. I love to read about how your upcoming nuptials are coming into fruition. What an exciting time! Keep the updates coming.
Thanks so much! Yesterday’s big project was sifting through the THOUSANDS of invitation options online and ordering some samples. How can there be literally tens of thousands of invitations out there, and yet after a while it starts to seem like the same 5 bad designs over and over again?! Mr. S. only had stamina to look at them with me for about an hour, the wimp.
Lol! That can be exhausting! I’m about to sound like my parents when I say, “What happened to the good ol’ days when everything was just more simple?”
There should be a rule stating that 10 is the magic number when it comes to decisions…….
10 types of wedding invites
10 types of wedding dresses
and on everything else in the world
10 types of cereal ( not the hundreds you see when you walk down aisle 4 in the grocery store)
10 types of coffee or tea
Lol! I can go on and on. We have too many choices nowadays.
But again, you are handling it with class and grace.
It’s a strange dichotomy–more choices than ever that somehow results in feeling more powerless! I’m now wondering if the secret to my “success” lies in having strict enough standards that I eliminate the vast majority of my chocies before they even can be fully considered? For example, 10+ types of cereal?! Isn’t there only oatmeal?
Oh yes, something along the line of Zeta, I’d be so in!
Yay! We can officially tell Andy that there’d be a market for it!
1. Original Fendi, warding off the freak chill in the air.
2. I’d like to stop adding to my wantlist and just plow through the ones I do want. I need another lemming like, well, you know.
3. A new Hermessence, perhaps? I haven’t been keeping up with the expected perfumes of 2017 at all.
4. A perfect whiskey perfume, for a friend and perhaps me. I don’t have much hope for the Jo Malone. I got this friend excited for Epice Marine and he was totallydisappointed. I of course bought a bottle of that one…. I think if CdG still did series releases, cocktails would be perfect.
5. Paying off some debt, life changes, new music (a few new albums are already piquing my interest), the new Twin Peaks series….
As always Robin, love to hear your list.
Have you sniffed A*Men Pure Malt by Thierry Mugler? I remember it as being quite nice in the boozy line.
How about By Kilian Single Malt? For me it’s quite an enjoyable perfume with a realistic whiskey opening.
Atelier Gold Leather smelled incredibly boozy to me
Agree with chocolate marzipan, very boozy, haven’t tried the other suggestions.
And as always, too behind in the morning to include one! Here are my very late answers:
1. Nothing this morning — had lunch with a friend and rarely wear perfumes to restaurants. But showered with Lush Happy Hippie and now I’m wearing a little spray of Ormonde Jayne Osmanthus, to counter the snow.
2. Do you have any fragrance resolutions for 2017? Buy more bottles, buy fewer? Anything new you’d like to try, any notes or brands you’d like to know better?
No resolutions. I don’t buy too much these days anyway.
3. What 2017 release are you most looking forward to, so far?
Probably Rahele?
4. And your fantasy 2017 release? Name the brand and describe the fragrance you think they should develop.
Hoping Christine Nagel will do a wonderful Hermessence based on jasmine or incense or both. Would like Hiram Green to do a carnation as good as the one he did for Scent Systems.
5. What else (anything, really!) are you looking forward to this year? Getting my son into college! Then figuring out what I am going to do with the rest of my life.
LOL on no 5!
Hermes Incense oh yes please
To your #4, although it doesn’t list whiskey as a note, 4160 Tuesdays “A Kiss by the Fireside” strongly reminds me of a peated single malt. ;^)
Very much looking forward to visiting my brother in February. We haven’t seen each other since he was last in the UK, 10 years ago. He lives near Tampa, Florida. As I always do when visiting somewhere, I suss out independent perfume shops, so a shop called Uncommon Finds is on my ‘to do’ list. Also looking forward to meeting my sister-in-law for the first time.
Have a great time with your brother!
Thank you, Amy. We’re in constant contact but circumstances have prevented us getting together in recent years.
That sounds like a great time to go to Florida. I hope you have perfect weather, and a great time reconnecting with your brother.
Thank you, sistine. Despite the geographical distance we are very close, but circumstances have conspired against us meeting up in recent years.
1. For the moment I’m wearing Misia but I don’t find it very long lasting so expect I will have a SOTAfternoon as well. I’m craving Memoir at the moment and it’s actually cool enough to wear a couple of full sprays.
2. I don’t really do resolutions but I do need to do some organizing and closet cleaning again, which will involve taking stock of scented products I’m not excited about and perhaps tossing a few. I will probably try to get out to the malls more for in-person sniffing this year and perhaps see if I can hunt down some of the local indie perfumers (though, that would require navigating crowds of young, hip Austinites so perhaps not).
3. I think I remember that Olympic Orchids and Papillon have things in the works. Those I will seek out.
4. I need a new Parfum d’Empire release. Perhaps an opulent floral with a huge musky base? I think Pd’E could do something incredible if they jumped on the new-retro bandwagon.
5. My spouse needs a new job and could do with some good luck. I’m expecting the universe to stop jerking him around and present him with an opportunity to do something he loves (or at least doesn’t bore him to death) and can make a living with. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.
Good luck to your husband, and I hope Universe will listen to you.
Young crowds are fine: just think of them like about somebody who’ll pay your social security in the future
I love your wish for a Parfum d’Empire release! I didn’t know it until I read your comment, but I’d very much like that as well.
I hope your husband finds something that suits him. I also wish you good luck on your perfume testing missions!
Good luck to your husband. It always seems the corporate world has a philosophy of nice guys getting dumped on.
My husband made a change this year, at 60. Took him 9 months, but he’s very happy now. Best of luck to your husband, hang in there.
Sending some “good luck” vibes your way to your husband. I know that has to be quite difficult.
I felt the same way about Misia. Funny, last Christmas (Christmas 2015), I wrapped up my bottle of Misia and gave it to my mom as one of her gifts. I had only used it a few times before I realized it wasn’t for me. Lol! It’s a pleasant scent, but didn’t hang around long enough for me to appreciate it.
Fingers crossed for your husband!
1. Kenzo Kashaya
2. Keep sniffing
3. I’m cool
4. A old style Lutens – great, complex and Export Line.
5. Democracy!
I couldn’t remember who inspired me to get a small decant of Kashaya, but it was you! I like it more with each wearing. Maybe just a tad sweet for me, but otherwise quite delicious.
Yes, it is sweet. Glad you are enjoying it in spite of that!
I’m so with you.
It’s not exactly a Resolution, but I do hope to make a dent in the FIVE OUNCE bottle of Bulgari’s blue tea perfume this year (maybe I should Resolve to read online descriptions more carefully before popping things into the shopping cart). Wearing some this morning, despite the chilly morning.
In December I bought some minis from Le Galion, who just do things well in a classic, very French fashion. They have some florals, so maybe they will come up with a carnation (wistful sigh).
Sort of non-perfume, it would be nice to travel with a friend to France this year, as the friend I travelled to the UK with last year might be up for it. IF some perfume-buying happens, well, so be it…
5 ounces??? That’s a lot of juice…
If I may make a suggestion? get some really pretty metal decants from amazon and start making decants to give as gifts…before you know it you will have a dent in your five ounce bottle…
Hehehe… I bought that big honker bottle too by mistake. I need to start making decants too!
For cazaubon and sistine-
https://www.amazon.com/MUB-Refillable-Atomizer-Outgoing-Valentines/dp/B01DIKNEKG/ref=pd_sim_121_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01DIKNEKG&pd_rd_r=B4RZTSSVQGWCSPHT50FA&pd_rd_w=xpqMI&pd_rd_wg=uZlRh&refRID=B4RZTSSVQGWCSPHT50FA&th=1
they make great stocking stuffers and go good in Easter baskets too :)…just sayin’……
I meant cauzabon and AnnieA- yikes!!! I need more tea!
Thanks!
1) I’m wearing Borghese Il Bacio parfum, which is rather lovely. It’s a mini bottle and it’s rapidly evaporating. I’m finding parfum evaporates more rapidly than other concentrations.
2) I don’t have a strict no-buy rule as I think that will only frustrate me. I’m considering a monthly budget, however. I do want to start shopping in my own collection, though. I’ve discovered a few things this week, my SOTD for one, while looking for candidates for yesterday’s project.
3) I wasn’t sure but as Ari mentioned the new Malle, I’ll definitely want to sniff that. I’m also curious about Olfactive Studio Closeup which is newish? Anyone try that one yet?
4) Hmmm. Will have to get back to that one.
5) I’m looking forward to spring as I sit here delaying going out in the snow. And a proper vacation end of March or April! Location undecided but Cuba is looking tempting. I have a friend going this month so waiting for her feedback.
Cuba does sound interesting…have heard from 2 sources that even the nice hotels are quite primitive by U.S. standards–fine if you’re up for extra adventure!
I’m fine with not so fancy but would probably do AirBnB.
Absolutely go to Cuba. I was there in 2012 when one still needed a license to go. The hotels are not primitive. A co-worker was just there in late December / early January as a regular tourist flying in direct from JFK and stayed at an Airbnb (nice place). If you can get € or £ at a decent exchange rate, bring that to convert to CUC instead of using USD to avoid the penalty.
My friend is doing Air BnB. Although you still couldn’t list “tourism” as a reason for travel. My friend chose the most ambiguous choice that was something like person to person interface or some such. But thanks for the tips! We’re just pondering.
1- A. pre shower- Annick Goutal Grand Amour on one wrist and Matin Un d’Orage on the other with a sniff of the vial of Muguet
B. Post shower Eden Botanicals Labdanum 10% all over and a drop of Somalian Mhyrrh on each wrist for yoga (fantastic class…my teacher played George Michael’s Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me and it sent chills down my spine)
C. After yoga Absolute Pour Le Soir-yowza! although my person says “That is some PerFUME, honey!” (as in too potent for my tastes-LOL!)
2- A. Resolution that applies to not just perfume but everything in my life- appreciate what I have and not want more.
!!!!)
B. Let those near and dear to me know how much I love them
C. Get my finances in order so no new perfume purchases for a long while (yup, I know y’all are tired of hearing it but I am still on a no buy
3. New releases? Not sure…is Jeffrey Dame coming out with anything new? OR Berdoues? OR SSS? either or all of those would be nice!
4. Fantasy release….Dame Perfumery all natural perfume (any note will suite me fine!!!)
5. looking forward to ? Not looking “forward”…trying to live in the moment and enjoy what is here right now….grateful for what is…..
Happy Saturday y’all! and for those who really love snow please come to my house and help me shovel my long driveway
that would be suit not suite…although a suite of perfumes would be nice too
and luckily my person did not know me in the 80s cause I probably would have “killed” him with my perfumes and the sillage!
Dame Perfumery sent out a notice yesterday saying he has two new scents coming Feb 1. Sorry!
Naughty pixel!!! Hee!hee!
I actually removed myself from his email list to avoid the temptation…but…since you brought it up….what are they?????
Stay away!!!! ????
thank you
He didn’t give any details AT ALL. Big tease!
Yes, one for women and one for men, both edp’s from the Artist’s line. When I met him in Chicago in September, he mentioned a new eau de parfum would be out (I thought I heard him say) November 1 but, when asked, he wouldn’t even give me a tiny hint of what it was. I waited for an announcement, thinking surely something would be out in time for Christmas, but nothing until yesterday’s announcement. Perhaps there was a delay or my old ears just heard him wrong. Guess we’ll just have to wait . . .
Oh that must have been exciting meeting him in person! i spoke to him on the phone last year…he called me when my Christmas presents to my parents got lost by the US Postal Service to tell me that he was sending out two new bottles free of charge…he is such a great person and I really loved supporting him…..
Does your “no buy” extend to samples as well? Samples were the first perfume-related expense that I cut at some point: I don’t like most of the perfumes I try – why to waste money. Instead I tried to go more to real stores (even with parking fees downtown it got cheaper than buying samples online) and to swap samples with other perfumistas.
yes, samples as well …aside from not spending money I am also interested in enjoying what I have or what others think I would like….case in point, one of my closest friends just sent me a package of samples and decants of stuff that I am liking and loving so I am really excited about this…she knows my taste and has done an excellent job in sending me stuff that I am really going to enjoy giving skin time to…but I don’t want to do the “buy samples just because” anymore and then never use them because I don’t really like them….
and that doesn’t mean if I happen to pass by a Jo Malone I won’t duck in for some free samples
Of course, not! Free samples are sacred: even if you do not use them, you can always pass them on.
I really sympathize with your “no buy,” so if you ever want to try something from what I’ve got, just let me know.
Thank you Undina! You are too kind
I’ve cut way back on sample buying, too. That was probably my largest perfume expense and also only ended up liking only like 1 in 10 samples. I’m also trying to sniff things in stores- the only danger in that for me is impulse buying.
Helloo…Have you ever tried the Dame Chocolate ? He ships the oil -based scents to NZ and I have the New Musk, Dark Horse and the Black Flower mexican vanilla and a few soliflores but am interested in the Chocolate Oil – whether it’s bitter or sweet chocolate. I like Olympic Orchids California Chocolate – as a guide.
I have a decant of the Chocolate spray…did not know he made it in oil….it is sweet to my nose…someone described it as a Tootsie Roll….I am hoping that hajusuuri will chime in as I believe she has a rather large “sample” of it and can do more justice to the description but I would say more sweet than bitter? and it blends beautifully with the Mexican vanilla!
https://nstperfume.com/2016/10/12/dame-perfumery-chocolate-man-fragrance-review/#comments
I remembered that Kevin did a review on it….maybe it is more bitter than sweet….it starts off odd to my nose but then the drydown is lovely…I really like it….
I have -and love -Chocolate Man. To me, it’s the essence of deep, dark chocolate, slightly dry, definitely more bitter than sweet. I don’t get Tootsie Roll at all from it.
Thanks for the info! Sounds like a good 3pm treat.
I say go for it, based on Laila description ….and you already know that you love some of Jeffrey’s other creations….
I’m wearing Matthew Williamson Incense as part of my resolution to finish 6 bottles this year. The corollary to that is I will only buy 6 new bottles, for a net increase of zero. I am looking forward to new releases this year by Tauer, Vero Profumo, Papillon Perfumery, F. Malle, and Armani Privé. I don’t really have a fantasy perfume in mind. I am looking forward to going more road trips this year!
Are you going to re-purchase any of the bottles you plan to finish? Do you even know which six it will be? If yes, how did you make the choice?
I am trying to finish bottles that have been hanging around for a long time, so they are all 1/3 full or less. The 6 are Chanel Cuir de Russie, Bois des Iles, and Gardenia, SL La Myrrhe, MW Incense and De Profundis. Only De Profundis will be repurchased. I also have an old Cuir Beluga which has turned very dark and I’m concerned about it, but there are probably 30 mls remaining – I am wearing it to bed a lot to finish it off. I already have another bottle which I purchased as a backup when they announced the change to bulb sprayers.
I can’t imagine not having CdR and BdI
I think the same goes for De Profundis, but you’re going to get it – so I do not have to even try to imagine that horror 
Depending upon how you stored it, the dark Cuir Beluga is actually even better than the lighter colored one.
It’s only ever been in a cool, dark closet. I wonder what ingredient turned it so dark?
Wearing Amouage Gold Man, continuing LOUD AND PROUD week. Or LOUD AND PROUD life.
Snowing heavily here and I’m looking forward to shoveling. Great exercise and something about the immediate gratification of viewing the fruits of one’s labor speaks to me.
I hope everyone is happy and healthy, or at least sees a path to achieve those goals.
Carpe Diem.
Bear, will you PLEASEEEE come to my house and shovel my snow???
Will do, chocolatemarzipan 8!!
Don’t like mowing the lawn, but shoveling snow is fun. YMMV. LOL.
Deep breaths, and pace yourself.
Peace.
Hee! Hee! and I LOVE mowing my lawn! We will swap then!
yup, little 93lb middle aged me is going to pace myself (and call on my troops to help me out!)
You smell terrific. Stay warm!
Thank you perfumelover67!
Have a great weekend.
I liked Amouage Gold Men when I tried it, and I was even entertaining the idea of getting a decant to wear it, but it didn’t stay on my skin as long as my other favorite Amouages, Gold Women including. So I wasn’t sure if something was wrong with my sample, or if it was just that. How’s the longevity for you?
Hello Undina.
The longevity for Gold Man is, frankly, until I shower. LOL
This is one of those scents, that the warm water in the shower will reactivate and perfume the bathroom.
Amouage Jubilation XXV (the ‘men’s’ version) is the only Amouage I have encountered with average duration (2-3 hours).
Be aware that Amouage has reformulated some of their heritage scents, and that your sample may be newer. HTH
Hurrah to a loud a proud life!
Carpe diem you too, Bear. You smell awesome.
Thank you solanace.
You smell fantastic, I love everything about Kenzo Kashaya.
One of my favorite bottle designs, too.
I hope the political turmoil in Brazil will resolve peacefully.
I love it! Loud and Proud! That describes my life with perfume all of the time! May have to use that line when my friends tell me they know when I enter a room. May I borrow your phrase every now and then?
Use it with my pleasure, scentfromabove !!
1. Test-driving the Givenchy L’Atelier series. Last night I tried Chypre Caresse, which is not a chypre, but is lovely, though I swear it’s a near dup of Hermes Eau de Rhubarbe Ecarlate. I should’ve dug out my sample of that one to check.
2. Fragrance resolutions… just the usual. Purge my unloved bottles, sample whatever grabs my fancy, use those decants before they disappear… you know.
3. Most looking forward to trying NV Rahele. I have a sample on the way. Look at me, being responsible and sampling first!
1. Aedes – Iris Nazarena from a sample vial. It is so good. i need more!
2. I want to keep a fragrance diary, train my nose to better recognize notes, and streamline my fragrance collection- sell full bottle I am not in love with, and focus on building a collection of small bottles.
3. I am looking forward to the Frederic Malle collaboration with Alber Elbaz.
4. A Neela Vermeire release focusing on sandalwood. A plush, radiant sandalwood accentuated by rose, jasmin and mimosa..
5. I am excited to start a new job, fingers crossed!
re no 1- my perfume fairy just sent me that in a package last night and now I am excited to try it!
re no 2- I have two books- one for lists of every full bottle I have drained over the past 45 years and another for what I have sampled in the past five or six years- my version of fragrance diary
I started my version of perfume diary – a database on my computer about ten year ago, and for a while I just collected data for the perfumes I owned. When I fell into the rabbit hole of niche testing, I started recording all samples, as well as daily wearing and testing. But your 45 years of data impresses me. Probably my NY resolution should be to remember and add to that database all the perfumes I used to wear in the past.
I wish , though, that I would have kept my impressions of them because all I have is a list of names.
I am starting a diary. Hoping to be as diligent as you are
chocolatemarzipan8 – 45 years is truly impressive! I can only dream of all the wonderful vintage perfumes you must have enjoyed…
I did….. when the top notes were still intact and before reformulations
I hope you love it! I have to wear it a few more times, but it seems to be my 2nd favorite iris. Just behind ISM and ahead of Hiris, Prada Infusion, both VC&A and TDC Bois d’Iris.
Congrats on the new job!
Thank you! I *almost* got it, hence the crossed fingers
I just wanted to re-ask this and poll the readers here and hopefully get more interactivity with this question/poll this time around.
Name your Top 3 Noses of the past and the Top 3 of the modern era.
Past:
1. Henri Robert.
2. Ernest Beaux.
3. Edmond Roudnitska.
Modern Era:
1. Francis Kurkdjian.
2. Dominique Ropion.
3. Michel Almairac.
Whom are yours!?!?! ????????❤
I will answer modern era- Jeffrey Dame, Laurie Erickson and Jessica September Buchanan
Ernest Daltroff
Germaine Cellier
Edmond Roudnitska
Jean-Claude Ellena
Bertrand Duchafour (although I don’t personally care for most of his creations, he has a formidable body of work)
Jacques Polge
Honorable Mention: Jean Amic, Michael Hy, Olivia Giacabetti, Mathilde Laurent, Sophia Grojsman, Michel Rpudnitska, Yann Vasnier, Calice Becker, Patricia de Nicolai, Laurie Stern, Alexandra Balahoutis, Mona di Orio
For me, I would have to say:
Past (but still extremely loyal)
1. Jo Malone
2. Tom Ford
3. Estee Lauder
Present (not new perfumers, but new for me)
1. Juliette Has A Gun
2. Montale
3. Andy Tauer
There are several more for each, but I think these are the ones I found myself wearing the most this year.
I might have a different answer if I researched this systematically, but off the top of my head:
Ernest Daltroff (the great Carons)
Ernest Beaux (the great Chanels)
Vincent Roubert (Iris Gris and Knize Ten)
Bertrand Duchaufour
Calice Becker
Mathilde Laurent
Thanks everyone for the happy anniversary wishes yesterday! My husband and I really appreciated them.
1. I woke up really early, so I’m on my third scent today. Started the morning and watched the dawn break in Brin de Reglisse – wonderful scent. Them I sampled Agonist’s White Oud for the first time – I think I like it, but it needs another wearing. After a shower I chose Gris Clair, one of my all-time favorites. This is the first chance I’ve had to try it on a day where the temperature goes below freezing (I live in South Carolina), so I wore it out for a snowy winter walk. Enchanting! I am so happily fragranced right now.
2. My fragrance resolution is to try at least 3 samples per week. I have a mountain, and I need to try them. That’s why I bought them, right? I’m also trying not to buy any bottles, although I’ve already identified at least 2 gaps in my fragrance wardrobe since I stopped buying in September (a warm Amber/ vanilla type scent, and a “gosh darn it the world is happy” citrusy kind of thing). There was a “weird plant that lives in the desert” gap, but a gift card from my brother to lucky scent filled it, and Mojave Ghost is due to arrive on Monday.
3. I’m looking forward to the new blue addition to the Eau des Merveilles lineup. And apparently Escentric Molecules is releasing a fourth one soon? Intrigued…
4. Still waiting for Andy Tauer’s take on coffee and cigarettes.
5. This year I’m looking forward to things being a bit lighter. I’m making a very conscious effort to focus on the wonderful people and experiences in my life. I’m also looking forward to drinking more tea.
Love your number five…everything about it …including the tea!
Ha! Love #4.
Me too. Let’s split a bottle.
Sounds like a plan. I’ll have my assistant put a call out to him ASAP
I think we need a “gosh darn it the world is happy” Friday scent project!
I like that idea!!!!!
Coffee and cigarettes – I’d like to see a lot of people do that!
Hear hear on no. 5!
A new EdM? Hurrah and something within easy access!
I would really love to discover a fern centred perfume that is earthy and slightly leathery and nutty but also with an ozone freshness, like the smell of warm morning evaporating dew. I would like a perfume that captures a sense of stillness and i would like the juice to be an almost indigo black like a deep river pool. I would like an international day of silence…with no human-made noise so everyone can hear nature doing its thing.
It’s raining heavily here and the air coming through my window is so fresh and earthy …the ponga bark and leaf….that it has turned my head.
I love this International Day of Silence.
Rain and leaves, lovely! Where I live the scent comes from Eucalyptus, Rosemary, and Bay … plus sweet rain.
That is a combination that is hard to beat.
Hiiiiii Kanuka!We might as well be on the same continent,we’ve had awesome rainthe whole day today.I love your fern-centered perfume idea!
I love your perfume room idea. Maybe i coukd convert the dog kennel
Yes! And I want a scent that captures the smell of bush when you step from the sunlight into the dim coolness. It needs to smell dark and clean and damp and of green growing things quiet old trees rooted very deep. And it needs to be lined with with silver, somehow, for the sun outside. Not such a big ask, surely?
My perfume resolution for 2017 is now to discover the perfumes or layering combos that will capture what you and Kanuka have described here! Blisses.
This would be a heavenly perfume indeed.
The silence and the scent both sound heavenly.
Yes! Rain and silence and fresh smells… my favourite things.
Smells/sounds great to me, too!
Yes to an international silence day–with the patter of a gentle rain for a while and then lots of birdsong in sunshine!
SOTD is my precious nectar
I am watching the snow fall. So beautiful ????
My goal is to finish samples and try some ones on my list without purchasing , I will have to go to the store !
I was wondering if anyone had tried anything from the Sylvaine Delacourte Paris line?
That is the perfect perfume for Snow-watching.
I have, they are soft floral white musks. Not my thing but very pretty.
1. Tonight is our last holiday party at a friend’s house. I’ll be wearing winter white – a soft cable sweater with barely-there gold threads, knit pants, antique carved ivory rose earrings with a tiny diamond, and AG Songes edp. I think that will be a perfect combo! Tomorrow we’re having our final gathering in front of our tree – the ‘parents’ – we call them ‘Grandma’ and ‘Auntie’ – of our two kittens who are coming for tea. They will be bringing even more presents to spoil the Sisters, and I’ll be serving the Mariage Freres tea I received as a lovely Christmas gift. (Anyone familiar with this brand? I am not.). Looking ahead to a warm and cozy afternoon, I think Bvlgari Omnia will be my SOTD tomorrow.
2, 3, 4. As for perfume resolutions I have none. Having gathered a nice collection over a period of many years, I am quite sated and only tempted by an occasional sample or two. I would like to try Hermes Galop, the notes sound nice and the Hermes fragrances work well for me. I wish someone would recreate that wonderful mix of rose and coffee notes I so enjoy in the d/c L’Or de Torrente, with a beautiful bottle to match. I only have a little left and haven’t found anything to compare.
5. What else am I looking forward to? Spending precious moments with my grandkids whenever possible and divesting myself of some current volunteer responsibilities so that I can volunteer at a local animal shelter and learn to play the dulcimer!
Your outfit sounds lovely and well-matched to perfume you plan to wear – enjoy your party!
It sounds like you’re about to enjoy some wonderful gatherings. My cat probably thinks she needs Christmas/ tea parties for her friends as well.
any cat that is able to post comments is entitled to his/her own tea party
Love the outfit.
Outfit and perfume combo sounds wonderful!
Oh, a rose and coffe perfume sounds so good!
Oh this is always fun!Let’s go!
1.)Lush Dear John.People!If you want an easy-to-wear edc for the upcoming summer up North,do try this in the edc version.Gorgeous.Refreshing!Surprisingly great musky drydown(kinda 70’s Jovan Musk!)
2.)Buy more selective,test test test more before impulsively buying.Wear more of my beloveds…like Beloved.And Poal.And of course:Bendelirious.And definitely buy less.
3.)I am always interested to see what Byredo does.And By Kilian.Maybe Uncle Serge surprises us with a really,really,really great perfume in the export collection.And discontinue the Eaux…
4.)I need another really good,really potent Iris fragrance in my collection.Even better than ISM.But the wet-earth/rooty aspect must be nuclear in size.The Ultimate.
5.)This one is very easy!Looking most forward to my move in about 3 weeks’ time,back to the city.I wanted to go smaller(less bedrooms etc),but ended up getting a 3 bedroom townhouse.BUT!!(and this is the exciting part):I am planning a Perfume Room.Temperature controlled,beautiful display cupboards,enough wine-coolers for THE PRECIOUSSS!Lol.I found some beautiful photographs of vintage perfume bottles that will be framed,and all my perfume-related “stuff” will be there:the books,Hermès scarves etc etc.So excited for this.I will share pictures once it is done!Happy weekend y’all!X
A perfume room! How wonderful is that? I ❤️ it!
I know,right!!I even found wonderful upholstery material for a two-seater,super comfy couch,that has perfume bottles on it!!Am I excited or what!!!!Lol.X
a perfume room….yowza!!!
and I am seriously looking forward to seeing those pictures once the whole project is completed
I will ask the NST team permission to post a couple once it is done!
OMG for #5. This is the ultimate!
YOU need one of those
My collection is probably a pittance compared to Johanob’s!
Lol.Oh I doubt that….hehe.
Wow. That room sounds amazing. I am so happy for you to be able to create it for yourself – what a retreat!!
Yes,it is the one thing I have been dreaming about!Glad that I can do it.
OMG a perfume room! That would be amazing, hope we’all get a peek
You will!I plan to become a little more “social” with an Instagram account or something as well-perfume related of course!X
Please do share photos once your perfume room is complete! And you’ve inspired me to pimp my perfume-portion-of-the-bathroom-linen-closet. Maybe some new shelf papers are in order?
Yes!That sounds like a great plan.It is more a case of need than want a whole room,really…,I have run out of space in my current set-up!
Oooh, I’m jealous. You’ll have to invite us to tea.
You’re invited!Lol!I’ve always thought we need a NST-congress of sorts…like a comic-con…First venue my Perfume- room!Lol!X
A perfume room – you are an example to us all! Best wishes for your move!
Thank you!Not sure I am a “good” example to y’all though…being a hoarder needing a whole room for perfumes and their titbits!Lol!x
LOL! To each his own! Diversity is wonderful ….some of us minimize whilst others maximize
Think of it as your perfume library. Besides, Donatella would approve!
Hee! hee! am I the very first NSTer to spy your gorgeous avatar??? Love the picture
!!!!!
Haha!You are!Lol!Thank you!The purple was replaced a couple of days ago with Roxette-like ash blonde.Lol.Still deciding on WHAT NEXT.x(I saw yours too!hehe)
Funny but I was going to ask you if that is an “old” picture as I was expecting the purple hair-LOL! I love how you mix things up all the time with your hair…keeps you youthful in spirit and that is an awesome way to be
Haha!Well yeah,if 2016 taught me anything it is to LIVE life.I turned 40 last year and I always have(had) this fear of “being ridiculous” when I am older.Now,I really do not care.Lol.That pic was taken yesterday!Haha!x
Keep that attitude my friend and you will live a very long time
Life is too short so just “be” and enjoy the journey, right?
I definitely will need to see photos of the perfume room!!! If I ever make it to visit my friend in Joburg, I’m inviting myself over to your place
And you look fabulous in the platinum blonde! I had short platinum hair in my 20s and strangers would ask me if I was Ellen Degeneris. It got out of hand, lol.
Haha!Funny you should mention Ellen,as i have been binge-watching some youtube videos of her hilarious show,and I thought hey that might really funky on me as well!It kinda did,yay!I love Ellen’s style.So,ptetty.
Johanob, the perfume room is genius, and I would love to see a picture of that upholstery fabric. Good luck with the move.
Hi Ann!Thank you!I will snap lots of pictures once it is done.The fabric is Warhol-inspired,really colorful and will look great!And hey,how the heck are you???Xx
OMG, a perfume room! Hell, not even Donatella has one! That rules. Love the new graatar, too.
Haha!Thank you!Oh I think that display cabinet in the Donatella picture is only a fraction of her collection.Lol.x
It’s night here in Paris. In the day I decided to put on some vintage Opium, because it was so cold outside! And now I’m wearing Nicolaï Patchouli Intense and watching TV, hehe.
I think my 2017 resolution will be to have less impulsive purchases…
Hear hear. Impulse purchases are my bane.
1. SOTD is Versace Eros. Not terribly interesting so far, but maybe it’ll surprise me?
2. Fragrance shopping resolution is to buy at least one full bottle, since I mostly live on samples.
As per usual, my general fragrance resolution is to smell more and learn more. I should probably visit my local perfume shop, I’ve been resisting it since I don’t know what I’d ask about!
My mom received Versace Eros for Christmas from her sister. I sniffed it, but it wasn’t really my cup of tea. I fell in love with their Bright Crystal Absolute, though. It’s a “loud, in-your-face” type of fragrance, but a joy for me to wear.
Ooops! Sorry! She got Noir not Eros! Please ignore my comment. I blame it on all the meds my doctor has me on right now. Lol!
The most important thing is your own reaction to a scent..enjoy and follow your instincts. No pressure.
Hello, all. Perfume resolutions–to maximise my visit to the States and try as much as I can , then buy and wear with joy. I’m looking forward to the new Chanel without even knowing what it’s all about! It might be dross, but Chanel ‘ho that I am, I will still have to eliminate it from my enquiries. A perfume desire? See above, under Kanuka’s post. Who could do these Smells of Aotearoa, I wonder? Hiram Green, perhaps?
And for the rest, two of my words for 2017 are “laugh” and “enjoy”. So, that.
Oooh, when will you be visiting the States and whereabouts?
We’re visiting in early June, flying in to San Francisco and on to Seattle, then driving to Glacier National Park (spending a week on this leg of the journey), then to Portland and environs for two days and back to San Francisco and environs for four days. The dear one is doing all the planning, so I’m hazy about details, but I think the trip is shaping up to look like this.
If “San Francisco and environs” includes Sonoma, you should come by for tea! I worked at Glacier NP for a winter — quite an experience for a California girl. Summers there are supposed to be beautiful (though I appreciated that the grizzlies were asleep while I was there).
Are you anywhere near Sonoma Scent Studio? If so you should take waterdragon there!
Morning! I’m not sure yet what “environs” means. I don’t think the dear one is certain yet either. I’d love to get to Sonoma, but for all I know “environs” will mean Yosemite…he’s quite capable of that sort of thought process and conclusion! Some day I will have to tell the story of the trip he took me on after my father died.
I hope you get to see a hummingbird, Waterdragon!
If you want to do a perfume meetup while you’re in Portland, please contact one of us here in town! I would be happy to help organize something, too. We have a great group who’ve gotten together a handful of times to sniff and talk.
marjoriehundtoft at yahoo dawt calm, etc. if you’d like to reach out!
Sounds like a plan! Funny, the novel I’m doing slowly is about making a NZ scent … will email you soon.
Sounds like a great trip, waterdragon! You’ll have to come back another time to do the east coast, too!
SOTD = Daesin Winter Nights
I got a decant from the STC Boxing Day sale. Several commenters were enthusiastic about it and I was keen to smell what the fuss was all about. They done good
Resolutions – I will shop my collection and samples more which may translate to fewer purchases…maybe. I will try to consolidate my samples purchases to when the discount is at least 20%. I will try to make it to Arielle Shoshana (carryover from 2016).
I am looking forward to trying Atelier des Ors Iris Fauve and NVC Rahele.
Co-sign Prada Candy Man. Parfum versions of Coromandel and 28 La Pausa. Shower gel and / or soap of Atelier Sous le toit de Paris.
I was at Wegmans today and got some jojoba oil and small essential oils of patchouli and sweet orange!
I have a holiday party to attend this evening.. We’re getting more snow than forecasted I’ll be driving slowly and thank God for 4WD SUVs.
thanks for sharing on the Daesin …I have wondered about that line…
I think you should have made a resolution to creating a perfume room like johanob
and yay to getting jojoba and essential oils! Just make sure the citrus is diluted enough so it doesn’t irritate and also don’t expose yourself to sun..
and lastly, have fun tonight and safe travels in the snow!!!
Wegmans….jealous.
Yeah …me too!!! I need a Wegmans, Trader Joes and Whole Foods around my parts
Yes on Sous le Toit shower gel!!
and soap!!!!
Yes! Why the heck hasn’t Chanel gotten their stuff together with the Exclusifs? Coromandel Parfum would be to die for, and I vote for 31RC too (or they could just re-release the EDT version so I could have a bottle).
We need La Pausa in Parfum,yesyesyes.I think Lucas might surprise us all and do his own version of “Candy Man” sometime in the near future!
I would break my no buy if he does!
Totally agreed.Inthink he might be a good nose!
You didn’t tell us what you’re going to wear to the party
But whatever you choose, enjoy the evening (and drive safely).
Wear as in outfit was a green Lands End half-zip Polartec shirt and jeans. Daesin Winter Nights lingered; two spritzes lasted all day and bloomed in the shower when I got home!
1. Sotd = day 6 of Eau des Merveilles because it absolutely lives up to its name. C’est un parfum parfait. In winter I smell the forest, in summer it’s a citrus grove by the ocean.
2. I’m resolved to use up decants and samples in spray bottles. They evaporate while I’m not looking. Also will do more perfume counter sniffing, ordering samples online makes it too easy.
3. EdM Bleue ftw. Please, please let it smell nice. Also enjoyed this article about 2017 releases including L’Artisan Parfumeur Au Bord de L’eau:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/beauty/hair-nails/does-2017-smell-like-perfumes-fragrances-have-radar-year/
4. Hermes, please, do another Hermessence. Make it about musk.
5. Hoping 2017 will be a year of cosmic balancing in a good way.
Feeling extremely lazy today. Our holiday lights are still up, but it’s raining, so I guess we’ll be “those neighbors” this year.
Have a super weekend, NSTers.
wow! six days! you really have found your “perfect perfume”!
Heh, I’m looking forward to more of the same tomorrow. I didn’t think it would be hard to do a week of Eau des Merveilles.
I love this!!!! It is nice to see someone so entranced with one scent and spending so much time with it
Oh, we are always ‘those neighbors,’ but on purpose! As an ‘in the moment’ person, my holiday philosophy is 1) nothing Christmas prior to December 1, and 2) since there is nothing but cold and dark in January in the midwest, lights and winter (not Santa’s, trees, etc.) remain until at least mid-January to bring brightness and life! I always leave my tree up until the Sunday after New Year’s, but many of my decorations are ‘winter,’ lots of red – my favorite color, I just add a few more for Valentine’s Day and it carries me through. So, be proud of being ‘those neighbors’! If I lived across the street from you, I’d be pleased to see you lighting up the long winter’s night.
And thanks for mentioning the EdM Bleue, I forgot I’m interested in trying that one, too. I’m a huge fan of the original Eau, too, but only in warm weather; now it’s the Elixir I’m enjoying in the winter.
Some of my mom’s neighbors in Galveston turn their Christmas trees into Mardi Gras trees and decorate with purple, green, and gold. That’s pretty joyous too!
Thanks for the wise words, it is good to make time to be in the moment, especially during the winter holidays.
I’m always grateful for those neighbors who provide light in the dark season! We just don’t think to express our thanksl
“Light in the dark season” sounds much more poetic than what I was thinking — “too lazy to bother.” Thank you.
Leaving your lights up through January is a public service! I love seeing sparkly lights during the dark days of winter.
It doesn’t bother me when other people leave their lights up through the dark days, so I should let myself enjoy them here at home, too.
Our lights are still up, which I love but is making Mr. Minion twitch. We probably would have taken stuff down this week but it’s too cramped in here with all my plants inside for the freeze. There’s no way we could move if I brought the boxes in to pack up!
My Mom is of the opinion that the outside is too brown after Christmas and decorating is a lot of trouble, so she always leaves her (artificial) tree up forever. I think her record was the Ides of March, but there had been a medical emergency that year as an excuse
We have an artificial tree, too. A few years ago my son put up the tree before Halloween. We called it the nightmare before Christmas tree. The neighbors and trick-or-treating kids got a laugh out it. And then the tree stayed up until the spring.
1. What fragrance are you wearing today?
– I’m in Enchanted forest by The vagabond prince, over the remains of yesterday evenings (very potent) Le Lebo Santal 33
2. Do you have any fragrance resolutions for 2017? Buy more bottles, buy fewer? Anything new you’d like to try, any notes or brands you’d like to know better?
– I’m thinking of exploring the newer Guerlains. I’m much behind regarding the newer niche releases. And I should also sell off a few bottles I longer wear as much I should.
3. What 2017 release are you most looking forward to, so far?
– I don’t really know. But I’m always interested is a new Byredo. Or a new scent by Sophia Grojsman.
4. And your fantasy 2017 release? Name brand and describe the fragrance you think they should develop.
– I would love for Victoria Beckham to release a proper niche perfume, in line with her designs. I’m seeing a lily of the valley/really good trees of different kinds/moss/amber-kind of scent. Warm, dry woods, wet leafs, springy tiny flowers and some black currant wines/leafs also.
5. What else (anything, really!) are you looking forward to this year?
– I hope to spend some more time in Florida, on Anna Maria island – IMO paradise – this year. And in april, me and my family will go to Paris for a weekend! I’m really looking forward to that trip. It was 12 years since I was there the last time and it will be grand to show the kids Paris.
Intrigued by your #4. She seems a celeb capable of bringing something elegant with a bit of edge to market. Downthread, Creosote mentions wishing mainstream brands would offer more interesting frags. Concur with you both.
Victoria Beckham was a complete surprise to me regarding her other talents as a designer,so I 100% agree!I think she might be the one celeb to surprise us all with a really good celeb-scent!(apart from SJP and Madonna…just daying!)
I think so too. It’s refreshing when somebody manage to rise from one position to a complete different in such a challenging way. I’m intrigued by that.
And I saw in a online film – released by her own label, that she wears CdG Lily and Byredo Blanche, so pretty good but safe taste in fragrances.
I agree as well on the Victoria B. comment. I wear a lot of the Estee Lauder makeups, and she teamed up with EL and has a stunning line. The lipstick colors and shadow palettes are just stunning and so classy! I could definitely see her moving on up to the niche fragrance industry and making some iconic stuff!
Yes! I though the makeup collection was really well curated. Would have loved to own that deep green eyeshadow.
Remants of Tobacco Rose from last night! It’s snowy where I am and I haven’t showered.
I very much look forward to whatever Liz Moores might next release. I am a huge fan.
I also would still love to see Hiram Bloom do something with rose. Or iris. I thought iris wouldn’t be his jam, but New Sibet has shown how funky it can be. And The Paredam how to do it with naturals in a potent, rooty way. So I’d love to see Hiram Green’s finesse on it.
I’ve been seeking out violets and heliotrope and linden lately and trying to find the ones that are just right and don’t disappear too fast. So that’s a continuing quest.
I was less excited than some to see 2016 go, awful as it was, because 2017 scares me. So for me it’s about finding quiet in the midst of the storms and trying to help those around me weather them when I’m able.
Violets and heliotrope? Have you tried Sonoma Scent Studio’s Lieu de Reves? It lasts forever on me as it is parfum strength and she is re-releasing it by popular demand.
Not yet but I will. I think it was gone when I first looked for it. Thanks!
Violets and heliotrope and linden are some of my absolute favorite notes, and ones I wish were in heavier rotation among perfumers these days. Have you found anything you’d recommend?
Demeter does (or did?) a linden that’s extremely true to the flower and sticks around a surprisingly long time on my skin, and DSH’s Celadon is a voluptuous and long-lasting violet that I think it aptly named — to me it smells like violet-strewn, celadon-colored silk velvet.
2017 scares me, too, but I’m trying to focus on the small, beautiful miracles unfurling in my own little world — my son taking his first little woodland hikes and starting to talk, the first camping trips we have planned as a new little family…
I love I Love Violet, although it is stupidly expensive. I’m also enjoying a small decant of Violaceum 2 and might we’ll end up with a bottle. Heliotrope I’m figuring it out. It’s in something I’ve been loving and amazingly I can’t remember what it is! Grand Chalet seems like a nice linden to me, although I haven’t tested extensively. I like the smell of the Heeley linden but it doesn’t last, is very spendy, and has something – ISO E Super? – that makes me a little queasy. So keep looking, I say!
I’ve been on a similar heliotrope exploration. So far I’m really liking Teint de Neige and LT Piver Heliotrope Blanc is a straight up powdery heliotrope, and really inexpensive. And as chocolatemarzipan8 suggested the SSS- though I’ve only tried To Dream which was a reworked Lieu de Rives. I’m a bit iffy about 2017 too…
Thanks for the suggestions!
I love linden and I’m on the constant quest for the perfect linden smell. So far I found three perfumes that come close to what I expect from the linden-centric perfume: Jo Malone French Lime Blossom, April Aromatics Unter den Linden and DSH Ma Plus Belle Histoire d’Amour. For more ideas you can take a look at two posts I did for linden on my blog.
I will second the Jo Malone!
Oh and I think I even have a sample of the AA. I’ll be reading more!
1. Coromandel. Mmmmmmm….
2. Divest of things that never get worn, get through my sample pile and pass on those that don’t thrill me.
3. NV Rahele and the upcoming Eau Des Merveilles are two upcoming perfumes I’d like to try. Also Arbole Arbole though it was already released.
I’m not imaginative enough to come up with #4 and for #5 I’m just hoping for a better year ahead. I am working on a career change right now and really hope I find my happy place.
I’m with you on just wishing for a better year and finding your happy place. My sentiments exactly, my friend! Good Luck to you on the search for a new career.
All my wishes for your happy place, and I have some samples. to fill the space you’re vacating (forgot to bring the Egoiste the other day! etc)
Good luck on the Happy Place, Gi.
Off topic, but I think I deserve a special enabling award for convincing a non-perfumista guy to try LAVS Unum. It smells fantastic on him, and his wife loves it, too. First perfume good deed of 2017, too.
Halo for a day? Wouldn’t it be fun if we all had to wonder what others’ halos had been granted for?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqGQCM_JlUc
LOL
Happy Saturday to Everyone! This has turned out to be a really rough week for me. This was my first week back since I had my knee surgery. I was given the “all clear” from my doctors to return. I guess mentally I was ready, but still not physically. Both of my legs blew up like balloons on Thursday to the point where I couldn’t walk. I ended up driving myself to the ER room. I was immediately admitted to hospital because they feared it was blood clots. After hours worth of tests and scans, blood clots were ruled out, but there were several other issues. To make a long story short, I have to have a manipulation done next week to correct damage done. So, will probably be out for about another month. But, I refuse to start the new year off in a negative state. When I finally do get back to normal, there’s no stopping me!
Here are my responses to the poll today:
1. What fragrance are you wearing today?
Wearing Rose Delight Body Oil by A. Tauer along with Lady Vengeance by JHAG.
2. Do you have any fragrance resolutions for 2017? Buy more bottles, buy fewer? Anything new you’d like to try, any notes or brands you’d like to know better?
My fragrance resolution will be the same as it was last year; to purchase more decants instead of full bottles. That saved me a lot of money last year I am also going to start getting samples of the fragrances that make Robin’s, Angela’s, etc…list for each seasons “best list”. Still trying to broaden my scent horizons.
3. What 2017 release are you most looking forward to, so far?
I haven’t really heard about any new releases yet that I would want to try out. Maybe something later on down the line will pique my interest.
4. And your fantasy 2017 release? Name the brand and describe the fragrance you think they should develop.
Gosh, I haven’t thought that far down the line yet. Still trying to catch up on previous years scents. There are still several I haven’t had the pleasure to test yet.
5. What else (anything, really!) are you looking forward to this year?
My hope for this year is that for me and my life, the best is yet to come!
Oh, dear — I’m so sorry about your awful experience this past week! I hope you’re feeling better and that recovery is swift!
Thanks! Me too!
Hello scentfromabove.
I’m sorry you had a setback from your knee surgery.
Your positive attitude is an inspiration and should serve you well.
Cheers to better health days.
Onward and upward.
Aww, thanks! There are so many people going through so much worse, this minor setback is a piece of cake. Hate it happened, but it is what it is. So, like you said, onward and upward!
Love that attitude. Show em who’s boss, Woman.
You smell wonderful! I hope things get back to normal quickly for you and that you have a speedy and complete healing.
I appreciate that! Thanks so much!
Your attitude is really an inspiration. I wish you a fast recovery. Also, you smell great!
Aww! Thanks!
I’m also sorry about your knee surgery aftermath problems. Having legs swollen up like that is not good! I do empathize, having gone through two hip replacement surgeries with lots of physical therapy afterwards. Glad to hear you sounding so positive.
Ah, yes, you do know what I am enduring. Funny story, while in the hospital, we had physical therapy boot camp. All of the knee replacement patients were on one side and all the hip replacement patients on the other. We (the knee patients) were in tears trying to move, while the hip patients looked like they were doing Zumba! Needless to say, both surgeries (knees and hips) are huge procedures. But when done correctly, and with recovery and physical therapy, the outcome incredible.
The human body is such an amazing thing!
Thanks for your kind words.
Grrrrr. That is a bummer. Best thing is your attitude. It must be very frustrating, but this too shall pass…
Yes it will! Thanks!
Oh I am sorry for your setback!What was the reason for the swelling if I may ask?I worked in theatre with hip/knee/shoulder replacements,and always thought they pushed some patients too hard too soon post-op to start walking,esp the knee-patients!Hope you get the all-Clear CLEAR asap!x
My surgery was on Nov. 16th. This was my second (had my other knee replacement in 2014). Because I am a school counselor, my doctors said I was clear to go back after the holidays. I did fall on Dec. 21st. Somehow my blanket got twisted up on my leg. I was in a lot of pain and immediately went it to see my doctor. There was no damage done; just swelling and bruising. So, Jan. 2nd came and I went back to work. With each day that passed last week, the swelling became more and more enabling. I thought it was just because of me being on them so much more than before. Thursday, it got so bad, I drove myself to emergency room and they thought it was blood clots. Once that was ruled out, the doctor said that it may have been too soon for me to return. Because I had nerve and scar tissue damage on the other knee, he said I am probably experiencing that with this one. So, I go into the office tomorrow so they can schedule a manipulation. I was out an additional 3 weeks or so when that procedure was done the last time.
That’s why the manipulation has been ordered.
I do feel they push hard, but they claim the longer you wait, the harder the recovery and joints stiffen. But because I’m 43, the youngest patient my surgeon has had for this procedure, he wanted me up and about to cause further problems down the line. With the scar tissue damage, nerve damage, and swelling, its preventing me from making the progress that I could. My range of bending should be at a 90 at this point and I am at a 76.
Thanks for asking.
Oh dear.I truly hope it goes well for you(the manipulation).You had the surgery at an extremely young age!With all the technology and advancements with prosthesis one would think it somehow would become easier-or less complicated-to enable the human body to function and recover after surgery.Your positive attitude is a great advantage though.And I am glad you can still push yourself,although I imagine physically it might hurt like hell.Stay strong and let me know how you are!X
Well, its fabulous people like you and other NST’ers (reading and contributing here is such an entertaining, welcoming, and educational distraction), awesome medications (lol), Netflix, my Kindle, and family & friends that keep me going.
Thanks for the words of encouragement. I will definitely check back in and let you know.
I’m sorry to hear about the setback in your recovery. But with your champion’s attitude you will get to full health as quickly as possible. Be gentle with yourself and don’t push too hard.
Your fragrance combo is gorgeous!
Thanks! I truly am loving the Tauer Rose Body Oil!
Oh, no! So sorry about the setback. Happy to hear it wasn’t clots; those can be dangerous! Wishing you speed healing. I do love your attitude and the reminder about perspective in life.
So sorry to hear this! It is so frustrating to be mentally READY for a change, but to have the physical stuff stand in our way! I hope that you are able to keep yourself entertained ok and not too stir crazy. At least it’s winter and you can’t watch everyone joyously jogging and biking by in glorious weather whilst you recover. You picked a good time of year for sitting about.
Lol! Yeah! Netflix, YouTube, and my Kindle are now my 3 besties!
I’m sorry the beginning of the year tried to test your spirit. I hope that the worst is behind you, and your knee will be soon “all clear” for real.
Me too. Thanks for the kind words!
Sorry to hear about your knee. Thank goodness it wasn’t blood clots! I hope the pain and swelling go away soon and the manipulation does its job. Hang in there!
Thanks so much! I hope so too.
Merry Christmas to anyone in the various Eastern churches celebrating today!!
1) SOTD is a continuation of yesterday’s project: I’m taking it down a notch in a dab of Fracas. I also have a secondary SOTD happening on my fingertips, after putting some SL Fille en Aiguilles on a cotton ball for Christmas-y room scent.
2) My 2017 fragrance resolution is to catch up on sampling all of the older scents I’ve wanted to try from a few houses (Serge Lutens, Frederic Malle, Guerlain, and Chanel mostly)–and to do it with discount codes.
3) The only forthcoming releases I can think of off the top of my head are the 2 new Dame Perfumery scents in March. It’s intriguing not knowing what they’ll be.
4) My 2017 fantasy is actually for a small development in the fragrance world. I would dearly love mainstream brands to each annually release one good, interesting, classic-leaning perfume among all their other ‘modern’, linear, indistinguishable-clone output! FFS, I just want to be able to go to my Macy’s and Dillard’s for something new, so I can sniff it in person and buy it for $100 or less!
5) 2017 is going to be an uphill battle for a lot of the world. I want to pitch in and help where I can, to a useful degree. So, I’m taking that as a challenge to become a genuine force-to-be-reckoned-with. I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do.
re No 4? Yes!!! I want easy access to good stuff that won’t burn a hole in my wallet
Exactly: easy access to some good stuff that doesn’t require taking out a loan! That really isn’t too much to ask.
I am with you #2 with Guerlain. Unfortunatly, I live in NY and the only sample site that does not ship there. I will look else where and see what is available on the freebie meet.
I have a small list as well.
Maybe a nearby NSTer outside NY could get an order for you and then send it along (if you can’t get what you want in the freebie meet)?
Here’s hoping that No.4 comes true
Maybe if we wish it enough it’ll come true! ????
Happy weekend, all! I hope those of you in California stay safe and warm and dry this weekend — we’re in a low-lying area and have laid in a store of sandbags and packed emergency escape bags in case of flash flooding. Ugh.
I started off the day sampling Ivy tower on one arm and Amyris Pour Femme on the other; both pretty, but I preferred Ivy Tower’s green chewiness. I think my only perfume resolution this year is to whittle down my sample backlog to a manageable number, and weekends seem to be the best time for me to try new scents, as the work week is pretty distracting.
Good weather luck.
I hope you stay safe from the weather. As much as I hate the snow and ice I deal with every year, I am in awe of those of you that have to deal with major flooding. I have a fear of water, and well, anyway, I just really admire your strength and fortitude in dealing with weather crisis. Take care.
I hope you are safe and dry. I hate packing the evacuation bags – thinking of you.
As we’re in the no-flood zone, I enjoy looking out of the window and seeing all that water that we needed so much. I hope you won’t need those escape bags.
Hope you’re okay!
1. Not wearing anything so far today, but I’ve worn Kenzo UFO a lot this week. It goes well with icy temps, as it turns out. Might put on that or Patchouli 24/something warm, spicy or lasting.
2. One resolution in life which resonates here: Finish what you’ve started.
3. Hm I don’t know about what’s coming out this year. I like to smell things, and hear about things, and if you all get excited about something, I’ll try to find it/live vicariously through your enjoyment.
4. A fantasy release would be something that (temporarily?) masks scent. I will be working with someone periodically over the winter/spring who is extremely sensitive to smells and chemicals and I don’t want to aggravate her, and can obviously go without perfume on those days, but I don’t want to buy a whole suite of new home and hygiene products…wouldn’t it be nice to have a “mosquito net” that blocked out all the offending/irritating products?
5. I am not quite optimistic about this year yet. As my friend repeats as a mantra: Brace, brace, brace.
I would like to finish what I’ve started, find focus in my projects, carry out my big creative one while getting ahead career-wise? Health improvements/the world turning out better than we’re currently fearing. That sort of thing.
In difficult circumstances, I tell myself everything tells/teaches us something. It’s all valuable.
So true…great words to live by.
My yoga teacher once said this at exactly the moment I needed to hear it – it was like a gift from the universe. Thanks for putting it out there again!
#4 is a great idea! #5: I really think that if we take care of ourselves, it will help us help things turn out a bit better this year!
1. SOTD is Wood Sage & Sea Salt.
2. My scent resolution is to limit myself to one new sample a week and the rest of the time enjoy the samples, decants and bottles that I already have. I know my collection is minuscule compared to some of y’all out there, but I can easily see this little hobby/habit of mine getting out of control. With that being said, my Luckyscent pkg arrived today with the new Tauer and others that have been on my list!
3. So looking forward to the new Eau de Merveilles flanker. Thank you to Tiffanie earlier this week for the sneak peek!
4. My fantasy is that they will re-release Lea St. Barth. Please, oh please?!
5. This year, I am looking forward to spending more time with my family on the weekends. After working every other weekend for the last decade, I will now be working every third. Woo hoo!
Wood Sage & Sea Salt is so nice. I love it even when I just spritz it on paper, it gently fills up the room.
And woo hoo for EdM Bleue!
re No 1, 2 & 5-
It’s great that you’ve gained so much extra family time! Enjoy it.
1. Inspired by Robin’s vetiver post, I layered L’Occitane Vetyver (which I consider too sweet) with Sycomore on top – perfect! Thanks, Robin.
2. Like Ari, I plan to only buy things I truly love, no compromises, as I did for 2015 and ’16.
After shoveling, which I enjoy, I treated myself to 12 or 15 vetiver samples (thanks again, Robin). One or two sampling binges a year, with maybe a perfume road trip thrown in, strikes a satisfying balance for a year.
3, 4. No specific anticipation or fantasy. I’d like to see more high quality bath products generally.
5. 2017? Looking forward to cycling through the seasons, after a LONG summer.
Enjoy the weekend and weather, everyone.
I like your attitude about shoveling….maybe I need to “treat” myself after such an arduous endeavor.
Yes! Maybe you can start a treat jar and treat yourself to $X each time you meet / exceed a goal and you’ll have that much more to spend once you lift your No Buy (or spend it because spending treat $s don’t count as breaking your No Buy).
oh you are good
Love to hear about other people “fixing” fragrances by layering, so glad the post inspired you!
1. I’m a bit boring because I keep selecting Francis Kurkdjian Oud Satin Mood. It’s very hypnotic and pretty and peaceful.
2. No major resolutions except not to buy things on impulse.
3. Anticipate trying Amouage Bracken Woman, supposedly due out in February.
4. No special fantasy perfumes, I guess I lack imagination!
5. Looking forward to more travels this coming spring and summer, to Belgium (March), Australia (July) and Helsinki in June, to be followed (I hope) by a trek up to the Midnight Sun Film Festival in Sodankylä. All the way up in Lapland!
Wow! I can’t wait to hear about your travels.
Sounds like a terrific year of adventures. And I’m with you on the Bracken
Those trips all sound fantastic!
SOTD is SJP Twilight. Fragrant resolutions ? Backup some of my inexpensive favorites before stock disappears. Try some new (around here )things like Stash. I’m looking forward to whatever new lovely scents may be discovered. Not sure about a fantasy release , but Prada Candy Man sounds good to me! I’m also enjoying and looking forward to the rest of Timeless, Designated Survivor, and the new pilot I watched last night for Emerald City.
1. What fragrance are you wearing today?
– Boyfriend Dry Oil. One of my no-brainers.
2. Do you have any fragrance resolutions for 2017? Buy more bottles, buy fewer? Anything new you’d like to try, any notes or brands you’d like to know better?
– Continue to edit my collection and enjoy!
3. What 2017 release are you most looking forward to, so far?
– MFK Aqua Celestia!!
4. And your fantasy 2017 release? Name the brand and describe the fragrance you think they should develop.
– Parfumerie Generale – a new take on Bois Blond -Bois Blond.1 (as he has done with Aomassai and some of the others)
5. What else (anything, really!) are you looking forward to this year?
– Moving to the Northwest. Nervous, stressed, but excited to be back home in Washington.
PG Bois Blond is so great, I’d love to smell BB.1 too! Great idea.
Welcome back to Washington.
Thank you!!!
Oooh, I recently discovered Bois Blond. It’s stunning. I’d love to smell another version of it. I hope your move brings lots of great changes!
1. SOTM- L`Occitane’s Pamplemousse Rhubarb
SOTE- Mary Greenwell’s Plum
2. I shall enjoy my full bottles more. I shall not lust for those bottles I do not have. Apologies to C S & N!
Well there’s a rose in the fisted glove
And the eagle flies with the dove
And if you can’t be with the one you love honey
Love the one you’re with, Love the one you’re with,
Love the one you’re with, Love the one you’re with.
3. Clueless
4. Hmmm… I’m always looking for my HG of lavender. I’d like robust, salty, sage-y lavender (no vanilla, no tonka!) with a woody, creamy dry down like Timbuktu.
5. Peace in Syria, insha’Allah!
#4- yeah I could go for that…love lavender!
#5- Peace everywhere
I would like to find a good lavender this year. I was wondering if a lavender / licorice combination would work. Or would that be horrible?
That wasn’t the direction I was going, but so long as the scent stayed away from vanilla and candy it could amazing. Salt and locorice are tried and true…add lavender and smoke, shazzam!
1. Hermes Eau d’Hermes
2. I have a short want list but the total cost is about $400. It’s gonna be awhile, as must secure employment first.
So, shopping my wardrobe until I get a steady paycheck. Tossing samples i don’t like, or packing them away until summer to try again.
3. There is a 2017 release i am excited for, but can’t remember just now. Will update.
4. Something clean natural skin with a spicy kick and/or mossy layer. Am I describing a chypre? Do those have to have citrus?
5. Looking forward to continued improved health and happy times with my husband.
#2- Doing the same- shopping my perfume wardrobe
#4- yes, bergamot with a chypre
#5- Beautifully put….will be doing the same
Ok, that was meant for nebbe above!
Gotcha – thanks!! And may your #5 be the best part of your 2017
scent (s) of the very early morning and first time trying all- SDV, eau de Missions and Sweet Morphine…the first two remind me a lot of Dame Perfumery’s Black Flower Mexican Vanilla with a dark twist, the latter of Pacifica’s French Lavender…..love them all and thank you , perfume fairy
I need strength and fortitude as I get ready to shovel my driveway in half an hour…maybe another cup of tea?
and forgot to say, tried out PHI for the first time last night
I am in love with Phi,it’s such a great rose.
It really really is!!! Reminds me a lot of my beloved but sadly discontinued Pacifica Egyptian Bergamot Rose…I am so grateful to have a decant now of PHI to fill that void.
Nice.I do not know the Pacifica.Phi ticks a couple of boxes on my needs-list as well.
1. What fragrance are you wearing today?
Saturday was Aedes de Venustas “Aedes de Venustas” – loved the fresh, rhubarb note; didn’t love the performance.
Notes: rhubarb, vetiver, red berries, tomato leaf, incense, green apple, hazelnut, honeysuckle.
I didn’t post Friday as having too much fun doing whatever I was doing. but SOTD was Aedes de Venustas “Iris Nazarena”. This one was less successful on me: carrots and parsnips smeared with shoe polish.
2. Do you have any fragrance resolutions for 2017?
I only started down this road a little of a year ago, and my mistake in 2016 was buying FBs of things I liked on first acquaintance. In 2017 I will only buy after sampling and trying out for a whole day, and then only if the perfume really makes a deep impression, and even then I will look for decants and small size bottles first.
3. What 2017 release are you most looking forward to, so far?
Like I would know what’s coming up in 2017! I leave questions like this to true ‘fumeheads. :^D
4. And your fantasy 2017 release? Name the brand and describe the fragrance you think they should develop.
In Fantasyland, MDCI will make a version of “Invasions Barabares” with better lasting power, BeauFort London will tweak “Vi et Armis” so it doesn’t make my partner banish me from the house, and everyone will jump on the fun-sized bandwagon with 15ml and 10ml offerings.
5. What else (anything, really!) are you looking forward to this year?
i’m looking forward to a next contract which will hopefully not be as shocking as the last. I am curious to see if I have the combination of good ideas, patience and application needed to get this book written (honestly, it’s the application I doubt). I also want to make serious inroads into clearing clutter from the house so we can put it on the market and sell up and move to Spain. I am so looking forward to watching Brexiting UK, Trump-led US and the hapless EU flailing about in 2017, from the safety of… oh, darn it, even if my dreams come true I’ll still be living in part of that mess. :^)
1. What fragrance are you wearing today?
Saturday was Aedes de Venustas “Aedes de Venustas” – loved the fresh, rhubarb note; didn’t love the performance.
Notes: rhubarb, vetiver, red berries, tomato leaf, incense, green apple, hazelnut, honeysuckle.
I didn’t post Friday as having too much fun doing whatever I was doing. but SOTD was Aedes de Venustas “Iris Nazarena”. This one was less successful on me: carrots and parsnips smeared with shoe polish.
2. Do you have any fragrance resolutions for 2017?
I only started down this road a little of a year ago, and my mistake in 2016 was buying FBs of things I liked on first acquaintance. In 2017 I will only buy after sampling and trying out for a whole day, and then only if the perfume really makes a deep impression, and even then I will look for decants and small size bottles first.
3. What 2017 release are you most looking forward to, so far?
Like I would know what’s coming up in 2017! I leave questions like this to true ‘fumeheads. :^D
4. And your fantasy 2017 release? Name the brand and describe the fragrance you think they should develop.
In Fantasyland, MDCI will make a version of “Invasions Barabares” with better lasting power, BeauFort London will tweak “Vi et Armis” so it doesn’t make my partner banish me from the house, and everyone will jump on the fun-sized bandwagon with 15ml and 10ml offerings.
5. What else (anything, really!) are you looking forward to this year?
i’m looking forward to a next contract which will hopefully not be as shocking as the last. I am curious to see if I have the combination of good ideas, patience and application needed to get this book written (honestly, it’s the application I doubt). I also want to make serious inroads into clearing clutter from the house so we can put it on the market and sell up and move to Spain. I am so looking forward to watching Brexiting UK, Trump-led US and the hapless EU flailing about in 2017, from the safety of… oh, darn it, even if my dreams come true I’ll still be living in part of that mess. :^)
If you’ve mentioned this book before, I’ve missed it! Can you talk about what this book will be?
Hi Koyel – it’s a sort of ‘how to’ book on how a Portfolio Office or Programme Management Office (PMO) can help organisations deliver transformation. Because a PMO can easily become a bunch of jobsworths getting in everyone’s way, or an ivory tower polishing its models and methodologies until they shine, far away from any actual useful work. :^)
Good luck with the book and the relocation. I agree with you about the need for more fun-size perfumes.
Regarding number 5, I am gratefully remaining above the fray so to speak from the relative safety of Canada. Hoping things don’t get a lot worse.
Oh Canada. I envy you.
Better Spain than the UK or USA. Good luck with the projected move!
Happy Sunday to all in NST Land.
Shaking like a leaf from three shots of expresso. No SotD yet but will probably wear PoTL, which makes me feel warm and cozy despite the snow.
1. What fragrance are you wearing today? Check
2. Do you have any fragrance resolutions for 2017? Buy more bottles, buy fewer? Anything new you’d like to try, any notes or brands you’d like to know better?
Spend more time trying samples before buying FBs. Would love to try Galop, and get to know Hermes better.
3. What 2017 release are you most looking forward to, so far?
Rahele, or something from Mandy Aftelier
4. And your fantasy 2017 release? Name the brand and describe the fragrance you think they should develop.
Amouage – a reprise of Cabochard. A dangerous, leathery chypre with high-quality ingredients.
5. What else (anything, really!) are you looking forward to this year?
Hubs needs a new job. The high-tech startup grind is wearing both of us out. We need a bit more predictability.
Twins today If you went for PoaL!
Back-to-work Monday. I’m not sure whether I feel “uggghhh” or “ooooh”….maybe “oooggh”! Anyway, I’m honouring the day with Jubilation 25….yes! This is so lovely and sophisticated that it deserves someone else (young, glamorous) to wear it, but too bad, it’s stuck with me. Isabella has just come into the room and sitting on the edge of the bed, very tidy with her tail wrapped around her elegant little feet, and she is surveying me me with a grave expression. Her regard has made me check my hemline (yes, straight), earrings (yes, I have two) make up (not too much, surely?) — it’s entirely disconcerting to be inspected by a cat in the same way the prefects at high school used to carry out uniform checks. I’m going now, and I shall stop in the park to recover my equilibrium. Be well–enjoy Sunday, those of you who have some of it left.
Lovely sunny day here, may be going for a bike ride, then out for dinner with SIL & BIL. Will wash all my samplings off and douse myself in Vierge de Fer today. Enjoy the park!
I liked that scent. I often find lily or orchid scents a bit too sweetly floral and overpowering but that one just seemed to have a happy spirit that appealed to me.
It must be nice to have such an elegant pet. One of my dogs tends to lie on its back with its legs spread and a smirk on its face. Isabellawould not approve.
Hope the school year starts well!
What a great cat you have! I’m sure she wants the best for you: you wouldn’t want to have a skewed hemline while wearing Jub. 25, would you?
NSTers, I have an urgent question. A Diptyque room scent thing, the hourglass shaped one, leaked onto a rather good dresser. I have tried to remove it. Any suggestions? It appears to be eating into the finish.
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/renovation/tips/a20598/fix-damaged-wood/
Hope this helps a bit. If the perfume has eaten through varnish it may need expert help though.
Yikes! I don’t know much about finishes, but my mother has taught me to only use lemon oil on my old wood furniture, and I have found that it has worked to remove some stains, too. I’m sure it matters, though, what sort of finish it is. . . it might be worth a try, and I hope someone else can help you out!
I remember the linseed oil trick – something my Dad did. Thanks, Kanuka and Marjorie Rose. Good to have alternatives.
Sunday and SOTD is Profumi de Pantellaria “Maestrale”. Oh, this is good stuff! Kind oif picks up the rhubarb baton from yesterday’s Aedes, but this is warmer and richer (and less fresh). It has a pelasing sourness that stops it being too sweet.
Top: bergamot, lavender and rhubarb;
Mid: rum, carnation, iris, cardamom and coriander;
Base: cedar, vetiver and ambrette seed.
Great walk along the seafront today, going West this time, with lunch at a little chiringuito and then a visit to the auto museum. Who knew Malaga had a top car museum? Interesting and beautiful machines from the 1900s to now; I especially liked the 1930s with some of the most beautful cars ever made, Auburn and Cord from the US and Hispano-Suiza and Lancia from Europe. One of them supposedly had a made-to-measure perfume cabinet in the back for the glamourous owner – presumably Johanob in a previous incarnation? :^)
Luca Turin seems to also fancy beautiful old cars, but I forget which ones. SMN Nostalgia would have been perfect for visiting a car museum!
1. Sorrel & Lemon Thyme
2. Just moved to Santiago, so will be living on samples and decants and an occasional mainstream bottle for the future. And shopping abroad ????
3. Not really aware whats coming, so whatever temps me.
4. some of the suggestions above sound lovely, anything incense really.
5. Just moved, so I hope I settle in well into a new job, a new flat and a new city and find a good new friend or too. It all feels a bit daunting right now!
Re. your #5: I hope that your stay in Santiago proves to be delightful! I sympathize with the daunting part, but hope that the feeling passes quickly. Happy 2017!
Wow, there is a branch of the Chen Bing Tai Chi Academy in Santiago.
http://www.chenbing.cl/source/home.html
That’s the real deal! If you’ve ever had any inclination to learn Tai Chi, this would be an exceptional opportunity, Mariann. It’s quite possible the students are interesting people, too.
Which Santiago, Mariann?
Good luck with everything in Chile! Do you speak Spanish? Moving to a foreign country is almost always tough
1. Tom Ford’s discontinued Bois Rouge.
2. To use what I have and keep my perfume spending down.
3. The new Vero Kern perfume which is supposedly scheduled for this year but I have no idea what it will be, but anything from that house is superb.
4. My fantasy would be to be able to afford some of the unaffordable perfumes out there…most of which I don’t even want to sample for fear that I would love it too much.
5. To be more prudent in my spending (as in No. 2 above) and to stick to my monthly budget.
Love this….many of us seem to be attempting to get our finances in order in 2107….I say we stick together and support each other
oops…that would be 2017!!!! this is what happens when you read and post before 5am-LOL!
Was wondering if any of y’all do real life perfume meetups. I’m in upstate South Carolina and wouldn’t mind driving to Atlanta, Asheville, Charlotte, or any big cities within a 4 hour radius of me. I’ve thought about creating a meetup group before, but there was not enough interest. I don’t have a large collection, but would be happy to make little samples for folks of what I do have, and provide my extensive knowledge of years of sampling to make recs for folks. Prolly to late to this thread, will post again in the next open one.
Hi HeatherLeather,
We have done 2 meetup polls…the next one will be in February, but you can also look through the old ones to see if there is anyone you can contact in your area:
https://nstperfume.com/tag/meetup/