PSA: Don't forget to change your clocks tonight! And the swapmeet will be next Saturday.
Today: a variation on a poll we did last year. As always, answer as many or as few as you like, or just talk about something else. If it's fall where you live, adjust the questions accordingly.
1. What's the fragrance you'd most like to add to your collection this spring?
2. You have to vote one perfume in your collection off the island. Which one will go first, and why?
3. It's time for (fantasy) Spring Break! Where are you going, and pick ONE fragrance to bring with you.
Note: top image is Crocus autranii [background extended] by Steve Garvie at flickr; some rights reserved.
Hi NST people, hope everyone is well!
I’m sampling Van Cleef & Arpels Moonlight Patchouli today and I must admit – I’m falling for it. Might plan a split very soon.
Off to the poll questions:
1) NVC Rahele, it was the 2nd thing on my WANTED list, right after Arbole Arbole I just got. I bet it will smell fabulous in spring but I can’t even test that now, emptied my sample before it got warmer.
2) Jardins d’Ecrivains Junky, can’t even remember when I wore it last time.
3) Not an imaginary Spring Break – I’m taking mine in 1.5 weeks. Going to Milan. How about Prada Infusion d’Iris Absolue?
Yay for Milan! I’m green with envy. What do you want to do while you’re there?
I’m going for Esxence so I will mostly smell perfume. But I will most likely go to Duomo again, have some gelato, walk around and have fun
Hi lucas
I live in Milan and will also be at Esxence
In case you want to meet for gelato let me know ! cm At cristinamariani Dot it
Milan! How exciting! I will live vicariously through you. Enjoy!
I’m looking forward to reading about your adventures at Esxence, I enjoyed your descriptions last year. I wonder what new and exciting things you’ll find this year!
I’ve fallen hard for MP too!
Lucky you going to Milan…Enjoy!
SOTA is L’Artisan Jour de Fête. I don’t wear it often but it is pretty and springlike. I have a ‘vintage’ bottle with a nice laurel note to go with the sugared almond.
If one perfume had to go – right now it would be Ombre Rose, though I’m not at the point of selling it. I am selling Ostara though; I just don’t wear it even now it’s spring.
You smell great!
1) Onda VdE, Salome, Box of Eels, FM Dries Van Noten. SL Cuir Mauresque….ad infinitum!
2) Hermes Eau des Mervailles. I like it but don’t love it. I rarely reach for it because there is something in the far dry down I don’t care for. Swapmeet material, maybe?
3) This question is incomprehensible.
Happy weekend to all! I’m hoping to sleep in tomorrow. Someone please inform T-Rex, who is a (godawful) early riser.
Oh, sorry about the morning-doggie! I have a cat that is VERY routine-oriented, and each weekend he begins meowing loudly at the top of the stairs around 6am because I haven’t gotten up like I’m supposed to. Some mornings, he states his feelings and then leaves me alone. Some mornings, there’s no consoling him.
What would we do without our four-legged alarm clocks? Besides enjoying a nice sleep-in, that is…????
Yes. Some weekends, I’m not entirely sure that the cost-benefit analysis comes out as an improvement in my quality of life!
I always joke to my cat (part Siamese, so loud!) that I’m going to take away his Rolex! 😉
I think my loud kitty has Siamese in him, too! (Blue-eyed black cat) Definitely need to take away their watches!
He sounds gorgeous! Maybe we can hock the watches to buy perfume. 😉
You’re so right about #3. I just went with the one that I used the least. But so hard to give up something from your collection.
SOTM is leftover Lipstick Rose from last night. We finally, FINALLY!, had a day that was warm and dry (or half a day, anyway). I might believe that spring will actually happen again someday. (Although not today. Dark and rainy, again.)
1. Nothing I want to purchase at the moment. I pretty much stopped sampling last year, and this had succeeded in drying up my shopping list. 🙂
2. I have a few bottles from early in my adventures down the rabbit hole that I could live without, but I have kept because they are nostalgic to that time period. I don’t need them, though, and they aren’t special–MJ Bang, Ange ou Demon Le Secret, Balenciaga Paris. Although the Paris makes a lovely room spray.
3. I am so desperate for spring right now, how about Holland for fantasy Spring Break! I haven’t sniffed it, but I bet CB I Hate Perfumes expensive spring floral, On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, would make a lovely accompaniment.
Sending you sunshine and warmth????
Much appreciated!
I had a bottle of MJ Bang and really liked it yet hardly ever wore it and it got swapped away long ago. Wonder why that is….some things that you like but just don’t wear? Like the perfume equivalent of “it’s not you, it’s me”?
I really like the peppery bite at the top notes. I *used* to really like how it reminded me of my first boyfriend’s cologne as it dried down (something sexy about that ozone/colone note in a nostalgic kind of way). Now, I wish it was more interesting for longer.
And I like the idea of breaking up with a scent because it’s my problem not the fragrance’s! 🙂
I have fragrances like that. I never wore my China White even even though I loved it. Ended up selling it on eBay and for a pretty penny.
Oh, I would join you in Holland wearing On A Clear Day! Great idea.
The more the merrier!
1) Arquiste Boutonniere (which I can never seem to spell correctly on the first attempt). This is long overdue because I finished up my decant over the summer and miss it. I just need to spend time seeking out a discounted or partial bottle because I rarely can stand to pay full price.
3) For full-on fantasy, Hawaii. This is actually a lot more doable now that I live in the PNW instead of the Midwest. Maybe just Songes would go with me because there would be so many amazing flowers to take in. And I would certainly buy souvenir perfume.
I didn’t get time to post yesterday because of a busy work day, but I wore L’Attesa for the champagne note. I realized that I wore a different booze note each day of the week, so that was pretty cool. I had fun with this week’s perfumes!
Monday – absinthe in Ava Luxe Sweet Absinthe
Tuesday – limoncello in House of Matriarch Bohemian Black
Wednesday – gin via juniper in Juniper Sling
Thursday – rum in MdO Vanille
Friday – champagne in MM L’Attesa
This morning I put on one spray of the new Bruno Fazzolari Feu Secret. It smells great! Immediately I get the blend of eucalyptus, hemlock spruce, and orris butter as a complex green rooty plant. It soon warms up and settles into more of a skin scent. Longevity of just one spray isn’t the greatest so I will try it next on the hair side of my arm.
Also, how wonderful is he to send a surprise sample to me because I bought a bottle from his site last year. It was unexpected goodness in the mailbox yesterday.
You smell great! I really like Bruno Fazzolari’s work and had put a sample of Feu Secret in a shopping basket last night. Guess it’s time to checkout!
Yes, do it! He’s a really adventurous and creative perfumer.
Is the vanilla strong in this? It was the one now listed that made me hesitate.
I couldn’t make out any distinct vanilla, but I’ll wear it again soon using more sprays and report back.
Well, in the time since I posted earlier, I bought a partial bottle of Bouttonniere on Facebook for a great price from a sales post I remembered seeing last month. ????
Before heading out to eat brunch, I put on my Aftelier Wild Roses decant from the splitmeet. When I tested it in a perfume shop a couple years ago, I remember it as a spearminty rose. Now it reminds me of a headshop. Interesting.
Wow, interesting about the headshop! Did you dab or spray that first time?
Spray, just like this time! So I resprayed and checked out the notes. Initially, I do get the fresh, anisic, mint effect, and I think it’s the result of tarragon and geranium. Then soon that blends with standout notes of apricot, damascenone, rose, and aged patchouli. I’m able to pick ip more nuances now thatI’m home rather than at a restaurant.
But yeah, still getting a nag champa vibe.
I love Wild Roses, which is all head shop on me.
I’m not alone! And yes, it doesn’t make me enjoy it any less. It was just unexpected.
Love your boozy choices this week!
Thanks!
Lucky you! I bought four Bruno Fazzolari perfumes within the last 4-6 months, and I didn’t get any sample.
Wearing a gentle spray of Le Feu d’Issey. Definitely different!
1. I think… more vintage Diorella.
2. Ooo, tricky. Maybe my A Scent. I enjoy it but I bought it because it was discontinued.
3. I’m going to say Kyoto and bring something very light. Maybe L’eau Chic.
Yum. They really should bring that back, if only as limited edition. It would remind people that IM can do more than just water.
I would definitely consider getting a bottle but it isn’t with the inflated prices. For me it’s more of a fun fragrance than something I’d cherish. It is very unique.
And the bottle…So much fun. I’d be tempted to buy any perfume from IM if it came out in a burnt orange globe.
It was a fantastic bottle, but not sure I’d buy it if it held L’eau d’Issey! (which wouldn’t “fit” that bottle anyway)
I want JM Myrrh & Tonka, but probably by the time I’m able to get it, it will be too hot to wear it. :-/
Just got rid of Cartier Délices (gave it to mom). Fruity is not my thing right now.
Vacation destination would be Guadeloupe with a bottle of Manoumalia in my bag!
Today I’m wearing Sous le Toit de Paris and watching my wisteria starting to bloom, yay!
I’m with you on the “fruity”. I’m getting ready to move out my bottles of Yvresse and Champagne!
Coincidentally, I also gave my bottle of Yvresse to her as well!
Wisteria, nice! We have months to go for wisteria.
1. Arbole Arbole is nagging at me, but I would like to try it first.
2. La Panthere. Being honest with myself, I bought this 100% for the bottle which is doubly stupid since I keep my perfumes boxed in a cabinet.
3. I’ve always dreamed of staying in one of those huts on the water in Bora Bora. One day! It would be a waste to bring perfume though cause I’d be in the water All The Time.
#2 made me chuckle! I totally understand this…
Ooh, Bora Bora! Yes, that sounds fantastic!
Those huts on Bora Bora pull me too. Maybe someday.
I think we should all meet in Bora Bora and have a perfume conference. We could wear Lise Watier Bora Bora or Liz Claiborne Bora Bora.
Yes, Yes, Yes!
Yes!!! Joining you there????
Count me in!
See, and the first thing I think about when I see those huts is that they must be infested with some type of palmetto like bug-ugh! I’m so Un-tropical, it’s not funny ????
#3!!!! My boyfriend and I have decided to have our honeymoon on those huts. (Nope, we’re not engaged or anything; the honeymoon is just way more fun to plan idly than anything that comes before or after it.) I once looked at flights from California to Bora Bora and decided that it was just as well that we had no imminent plans.
I am guilty of #2 as well. It really makes no sense! lol
currently commando, but about to drench myself in JM Myrrh & Tonka (thanks to hajusuuri’s split!)
1. It is hard to pick one, but Aedes Iris Nazarena. I would also like some vintage Heure Bleue and Diorissimo..
2. Probably L’Occitane Eau d’Iparie. Blind buy fail.
3. I would go on a cruise from Venice to Athens via coastal Croatia and Greece, and wear lots of FM Lys Mediterranee!
Oh, can I join you on that cruise?
No SOTD yet; off to the symphony this evening, might wear VCA California Reverie. After so much winter, it finally feels a bit like spring — no rain since last weekend! (OK, last Sunday was rain / hail / snow, so winter’s not that far in the rear view mirror…)
Started Rodrigo Flores-Roux week early, last night: Fragrance Republic 01/10, hyacinth + green. Nice
1. Ormonde Jayne Black Gold. Got a sample and I’m loving it. Yes, I am aware that I am insane.
2. I’ve been pretty successful at culling this past quarter, but I’m sure there’s more that could go. Maybe Vent Vert. I love the old parfum version, but feel rather meh about the EdT I have (Calice Becker incarnation). Will have to give it a re-try this spring.
3a. Spring break in Cancun! NOT. And yet, sadly, that’s what I’ll be doing this time next year. My nephew has decided on a ‘destination wedding’ in Cancun next March. Uggggggggg. I guess it’s never too late to pretend you’re in college again.
3b. For real, I’d like to be in Hawaii about now. I’d bring Dame Passionfruit, Orange Blossom, & Vetiver.
Oh, tell me more about Black Gold! I could not get over the sticker shock to buy a sample, but I was SOOOOooooo curious!
California Reverie is so pretty.
Hm, maybe but a Paris Hilton or Juicy Couture for your time in Cancun next year to really get the full collegiate experience?
I too would love to be in Hawaii right now. Particularly on Kauai, maybe staying at that nice Marriot or otherwise renting a cabin. Wearing Arbole Arbole or something intensely green…
Ooh the symphony! What will you go see?
As for wedding in Cancun…omg. Please please have a true college spring break Cancun trip and then tell us all about it. I’ve never done it, and feel infinitesimally as though I missed out.
1. I am not buying a thing, but if I did want a spring scent it would be Mön Guerlain. Oops, just drank a bit of Kool Aid ????, it would me My Precious Nectar.
2. Chanel 22, i would put it in a message bottle and it would come back to me
3. I fantisize about sleep. Uninterrupted sleep. So give me a hammock and someone who will fan me with giant leaves and feed me grapes. Tropical cocktail and no one who want my attention. Not even the cat
I haven’t found a Guerlain that I loved, but I’m curious about Mon Guerlain– I really liked the ad and the bottle. I think I drank the kool aid too. I haven’t found myself swayed by an ad in YEARS.
I am curious too! I was just joking.
I love Mon Précieux Nectar and Encens Mythique.
The FB of these too are a lot of $ and I got small decant when STC had there Guerlain closeout sale and the other decanting place won’t ship to where I live. I was hoping they would come up during the splitmeet
1) Hmmmm… right now I’m wearing my sample of ELdO YES I DO and right now that’s my #1 lust.
2) I assume picking something already on my “to trade” list is cheating! Since I have to pick from the bottles on my vanity I’d have to say Cartier Declaration- it’s one of my go-to “professional” scents but now that I own more scents, I find it’s never quite what I want, you know? Very middle-of-the-road.
3) Clubbing up and down Argentina… and I think I’ll take L’eau Scandaleuse, as it’s the scent that makes me feel the sexiest.
Love your vacation plan! I need to order a sample of L’eau Scandaleuse, my collection is sorely lacking in sex-on-legs scents.
Wearing Boucheron edp today just because. It smells old school glam, that everything but the kitchen sink kind of thing.
1. Zoologist Hummingbird, a blind buy but the travel sizes are perfect. I have a huge crush on this line and on Shelley Waddington.
2. Paloma Picasso, it’s a new bottle that’s such a sour shadow of the original that I’ve barely worn it.
3. Glacier Park in Montana. It’s cold here again and snow is predicted but I didn’t get close to enough winter this year. I know I’m weird but the older I get the less I tolerate the heat. I would take Imaginary Authors Memoirs of a Trespasser.
I used to travel between college (Minnesota) and home (Oregon) via the Amtrak line that runs straight through Glacier. Every time. EVERY. TIME. I would vow to myself to some day get off there and explore instead of heading wherever I was supposed to go. SO, so beautiful and magical-looking!
I was lucky enough to stay with good friends who live in Kalispell (I could see Glacier from their hot tub!), but on the day I was going to hike Glacier (with two others), you wouldn’t believe the what-to-do-if-you-see or meet-grizzly-bears lecture that we got! Scared the you know what out of me!
This sounds like such a fun train trip!! Would you recommend it?
It takes just over 2 days to do the full stretch on the Empire Builder, so you sleep on the train a couple nights. If that doesn’t bother you, I think it’s a pretty great ride. Montana stretches on forever, but I like it–I found it very relaxing to watch the world go by and have nowhere to be for a few days. The route ends in Chicago, which may be more fun to visit than the Twin Cities.
That’s the trip my husband and I want to take, we haven’t traveled much by train. My sister lives in western Montana and we all went to Glacier and stayed in Lake Macdonald Lodge…my daughter was ten and read everything she could get her hands on about bear awareness before we started hiking 🙂 We’ve wanted to go back ever since.
Did you finally do it??
No, and it really seems like a flaw in my character, come to think of it!
Glacier is amazing.
I love Zoologist Perfumes…I own three–Hummingbird, Nightingale and Civet. All three are great! (And I’ve sampled several other in that line that I also liked a lot.)
Happy Saturday Everyone and Happy Spring Break to all who are off celebrating this week!
Here are my answers:
1. What’s the fragrance you’d most like to add to your collection this spring?
Jo Loves White Rose and Lemon Leaves is one I have been wanting to add to my collection.
2. You have to vote one perfume in your collection off the island. Which one will go first, and why?
I think I will let go of my Givenchy Ysatis. I’m not sure if it has gone bad or what, but I find lately it doesn’t smell the same to me. Maybe I’ve outgrown it, but its one that would be voted off first. The tribe has spoken.
3. It’s time for (fantasy) Spring Break! Where are you going, and pick ONE fragrance to bring with you…
With all I been going through lately, my fantasy Spring Break would be to take a cruise. And, I would choose Bronze Goddess body butter and fragrance by Estee Lauder.
Bronze Goddess always smells like vacation to me!
Me too!
I can spray Bronze Goddess with abandonment and never get tired of it. One of my favorites for summer.
Mine too.
1. Hermes Le Jardin Sur Le Toit. Been on my list since last spring. Might even get it I the next few weeks, since I think I could wear it to work without anyone noticing.
2. I would vote Love, Chloe off the island. I like her in concept, but she can be a tad high pitched, and sometimes she makes me sneeze. Great bottle, though.
3. I would go to Florida with DH to visit his family. It’s been awhile since we were able to visit, and the kids are getting bigger. I’d bring Gucci Bamboo, because it is so pretty in the heart and humidity down there. Then I could put a dent in my travel spray.
Sotevening is Nirvana Black. Almost done with my head cold and able to tolerate a light rollerball application.
Enjoying drinks with a good friend and gluten free fish ‘n chips. Thank goodness for gluten alternatives 😀
Mmm I love Love, Chloe. And now I want fish & chips!
They were delicious. Scratch made tartar sauce. Mmmmm.
1. Chanel No 19 EdT. I have the EdP, but I would love to add a FB of the EdT to my collection.
2. I have many that I want to say good bye to. The first one, Dior Poison. I just wear it once in a blue moon.
3. Santorini. I would bring with me either PdN Week-End in Normandy or Prada Infusion d’Iris.
SOTD Annick Goutal Heure Exquise EdP. Plans to meet family visiting NY were postponed for next week. They decided to spend the weekend shopping and visiting museums. (Don’t get me wrong, but I am so thankful). I will then stay home the whole weekend resting and hidding from the freezing weather outside. Enjoy the weekend everyone!
Ha, I see we’ve ended up on the same fantasy Spring Break. If you promise not to tell Robin, we can swap our single perfumes for a bit of variety! ;^)
Top secret! Robin will never know ????.
Yeah, but Donatella will know, and she can’t keep a secret.
I love Chanel 19, too. Tell me about Annick Goutal Heure Exquise. What are your thoughts on that one vs Chanel 19 edp?
In terms of the edt, you can score vintage-ish spray bottles for a steal on ebay. Just sayin.
Yes to vintage 19 edt on ebay!
Just to jump in on the HE vs. 19 edp question, from my perspective they’re fairly similar. HE (which also comes in edt and edp, or at least it did at one time) is plushier. Lots of really comfortable non-laundry musk and woods under the rose and iris, as opposed to No. 19, which on me is more vetiver and rose, and a stronger galbanum. Both great.
Oh mals86! I have been eyeing some 19 vintage on eBay. With the 20% discount that expires today, I am almost ready to go for it. I guess you and gvillecreative are enablers……
Do it! In my experience, as long as you go with spray bottles, you are pretty safe with those on ebay.
They are very similar. Both EdPs are much rosier. The EdTs are more focus on iris and vetiver. Heure Exquise is softer and more powdery in my opinion. No 19 is sharper with the galbanum note much more noticeable. As mals86 says, they are both beautiful in any concentration.
Started the day before showeing in a little Annick Goutal “Ninfeo Mio”, which gave TOMK a headache (how?). SOTD is the rich, aromatic “Mistero” by Calé Fragranze d’Autore, which he doesn’t like much better. Ha, too bad for him! >:^)
Top: rum, rhubarb and mint;
Mid: pimento, elemi, saffron and basmati rice;
Base: oak, oud, labdanum and musk.
1. Fragrance I’d most like to add to my collection?
– Torn between Tauer “Lonestar Memories” or on of the BeauForts, “Vi et Armis” or “Lignum Vitae”.
2. You have to vote one perfume in your collection off the island.
– Romeo Gigli “For Man”. I can’t say better than the most recent Fragrantica reviewer, “A bland, generic and diluted scent…”
Top: green notes, cypress, bergamot, elemi, juniper, currant buds, grapefruit and cinnamon;
Mid: nutmeg, geranium, iris, heliotrope and water lily;
Base: oakmoss, guaiac wood, balsam fir, amber, patchouli and vetiver.
(And I am Marie of Roumania.)
3. It’s time for (fantasy) Spring Break! Where are you going, and pick ONE fragrance to bring with you.
– Hmm, how about the Greek island of Santorini, with Hermès “Iris Ukiyoé” in my suitcase?
Oh, sorry about the Ninfeo Mio! I’d be tempted to test the OMK’s hypothesis and wear it again when he didn’t know it to see if he gets another headache. Maybe it was just coincidence?
I was in Santorini in 2013, one of the stops on my Eastern Med cruise. It’s gorgeous although I had a bad memory of being lost in the maze of the winding streets but heh, because I was on a tour, the operator was obligated to wait for me.
At times I find anything figgy slightly headache inducing, so I might be with the OMK!
I ️very much want to do to those Greek islands someday.
SOTD started as Hermes Santal Massoia, which I absolutely adore. However, it’s so fleeting that it’s become my “wear with morning coffee scent”. My real SOTD is Philosykos – I’m in a great mood, and its awesomeness seemed a perfect fit.
1) If I added a fragrance, it would be either Memo’s Marfa or VC&A’s California Reverie.
2) A travel spray of Commodity’s Moss, used once. Or else a rollerball of Balenciaga B. Both taught me that I should skip the travel perfume section at Sephora, because my quick selections there are usually duds.
3) I would love to be in a Death Valley looking at the wildflowers – there’s a super bloom! I would bring Mojave Ghost but to be honest, would probably forget to put it on. I love the dry alien scent of a desert, and would probably wallow in that scent mixed with the plants.
Oh, can I join you in Death Valley?! That sounds amazing!
Second this! I’ve never heard anyone describe Death Valley in such an enticing way!
“Super Bloom”- sounds AWESOME! Unless we’re talkin’ algae, then not so great????
Is there a super bloom this year in Death Valley too? I only knew about the one in Anza Borrego.
My SOTD is MPG Amber Preciaux. I have been on an amber sampling kick lately and it’s cold enough today for it. I can see why this makes a lot of top ten amber lists. The top was a tad medicinal but then just lovely.
1. I’m thinking about buying Dame Sky Father … drained my little sample in three days.
2. Most everything from before I started reading and learning about perfume. Probably the top of the list is Burberry Brit which I intend to give to my sister in law as she wears it every day all fall and winter. (I can’t get her interested in trying anything else).
3. A beach somewhere warm where I will spray Bronze Goddess with abandon and alternate with a drop Dame Gardenia (which is too much to wear in my every day life).
You smell great. That has been on a possibly buy list for a while.
But, it should probably replace another amber.
You’ve created a lemming for Sky Father!
For me too, and Earth Mother, and a friend on MUA described Narcissus yesterday and I want to try that too. Dame is a stand up company I want to support.
I need to sample Dame’s Earth Mother (and Sky Father).
1) I want a bottle of Shalimar either Mexique or Madagascar (both if I win a lottery!). This is totally unreasonable as I have a couple of bottles of vintage Shalimar and these aren’t *that* different to justify such an expense.
2) Yvresse and Champagne – I don’t know what happened. I loved these in the beginning but they both got sweeter and sweeter and …
3) Provence with Jicky in my luggage!
Commando – not in the mood for anything right now.
Have a great weekend all! 🙂
you have a small about of Shalimar SDV coming your way (today). hope you go my email
I did get your email – but did you not get mine in response? I’ll resend now but you might check your spam filter.
Thank you!! 🙂
SOTM is PdE Tabac Tabou from a dabber sample. I like it, more and more as the morning wears on, but it’s not love. Something is slightly off, and I can’t quite figure out what.
Poll answers:
1. What’s the fragrance you’d most like to add to your collection this spring?
Puredistance White. My wish list is pretty skimpy right now, but White has been hanging in there for quite a while.
2. You have to vote one perfume in your collection off the island. Which one will go first, and why?
L’Artisan Seville a l’Aube. I love the bottle, but I never wear the juice. I keep thinking so many people adore it and maybe someday I will suddenly “get” it, but it’s just not happening.
3. It’s time for (fantasy) Spring Break! Where are you going, and pick ONE fragrance to bring with you…
Well, since it’s fantasy … how about the fictional Corfu hotel in a favorite book of mine, set in the mid-60s, with fabulous food, scarcely any other guests and a wonderfully quirky host, and a crystal-clear swimming beach a short walk away. And since this IS fantasy and I don’t have to limit myself to perfumes in existence as of my mythical time frame, I would bring Carthusia Mediterraneo. Heaven.
Your fantasy sounds awesome.
Oh, I just downloaded that Corfu series. It sounded wonderful and now you’ve confirmed it.
I really want to like Taboo Tabac – it sounds so good and so much like something I’d like, it I find it to be a little sour in a not great way.
So funny how fragrances react differently on one person versus another. It lasted ALL day on me, and had a sweetish hay note right to the end. When first dabbed the slight leather note was a little bit sharper – not so much that it felt sour to me, but I can see how it might read that way on others. Do you have trouble with leather notes generally?
I get very little leather from this one. I am not sure what exactly it smells like, but be honest. Some leathers I love, some are too english leather for me.
I own Tabac Taboo and enjoy it, but my love of that line is Cuir Ottoman.
Ooh…what’s the book?
Mine is called This Rough Magic, by Mary Stewart, but now I’ve gone and looked up the series that Rappleyea mentioned above and it sounds fun – will have to look into those too.
Unless you don’t want company, I’d love to be your traveling companion!
My autumn break would be a trip to Central Otago , about two hours inland from Dunedin. Central is very spacious, the skyline is filled with horizontal ridges, hills behind hills…not pointy hills but slumbering hills that are the colour of elephant hide. At this time of year they are dusted with new snow. Tall Lombardy Poplars and apricot orchards cover the river valleys and their leaves are the brightest yellow , almost daffodil yellow and they catch the light in a remarkable way. The briar roses are covered in rosehips, red like crab appleas against stark brown twigs. Through the middle of the landscape is a wide blue river, the banks of the river is one long line of golden willows. The night sky is black as black but glowing withthe milky way, a stream of stars. I would wear Chene which I have never tried or 1970 for the jammy, Indonesian clove cigarette vibe.
So many perfumes need to find new homes as I make endless bad decisions: Weleda Grenade, Bronze Goddess, LL Sweet, Angel Sucree, Dame New Musk, YSL In Love Again….all either too sweet, too rose, or too attention seeking…they latch on.
Might buy JM Mandarin and Tobacco.
Wish I had more Feu d’Issey.
Happy spring everyone! The rooster says hello!
What a beautiful description of Central. I’m feeling very nostalgic right now.
If I didn’t go up home for my holiday, I’d come down south and join you and Gaynor. Hey, that would be FUN!
Well…of COURSE the writer describes it beautifully. (Wow!)
Oh beautiful, transporting read, thanks!
Wearing Bombay Bling.
1. Vero Rozy VdE, followed by Onda and Rubj.
2. I have a bottle of L’Artisan Havana Vanille that may need a new home. It’s sour on me for too long before it dries down to the celebrated tobacco vanilla scent. Maybe just my skin?
3. Fantasy Spring Break is India with my bottle of Pichola. I’m not sure how much of India to plan on seeing in a week. I may need to request some independent study time to lengthen the trip 😉 .
Yes, you definitely would be justified to extend your trip to India! WAY too much to explore in a week!
SOTD LL Iris 39. Love it on cold clear days.
1) My cravings for the last month or 2 have been for subtle, not too sweet scents so Bel Respiro is at the top of my list of wants.
2) Many, but first up probably my bottle of Arpege (current). I really loved it when I first got it but never wear it, and that giant 100ml pretty, black orb takes up too much space.
3) A small Mediterranean island-maybe Sardinia.
The scent that takes me there is from the L’Occitane home collection: Bienvenue Chez, which is such a sunny, briggt melange of tart citruses, slightly bitter and aromatic. I might just get and wear the room spray. I still have it on a paper strip to sniff when I need an imaginary getaway.
I’ve a.ways wondered if it is safe to wear the room sprays. I guess if you can breathe it in, why not wear it in skin which is tougher than lung tissue.
Yeah, fancy room sprays I suspect are fine. I wouldn’t wear Glade, however. Voluspa at least does away with the pretense and calls theirs “room and body mist”. And the room sprays should at least be fabric safe.
I don’t even like Glade for spraying in my condo. I much prefer just spraying one of my perfumes that I don’t wear that much.
Getting ready to shower, post-cleaning house; SOTD is likely to be Ostara. We’re supposed to get nasty weather this weekend, so I cut some of my daffodils to save them from freezing. They are *gorgeous.* They make me want to cry.
1) DelRae Wit has been on the buy list for some time. WANT.
2) There’s a long list of stuff I never wear anymore. Heading to ebay with them, I think, mostly because I don’t think there would be great interest from fellow perfumistas.
3) A spring break vacation is not happening this year, not after the Great Thanksgiving Trip to Belize. But I’d love to go back to Kauai again, maybe with Smell Bent Florist’s Fridge.
Mals, Wit was my vote-off-the-island perfume. I’m coming to the States in early June. If I brought it with me, would I somehow be able to get it to you? I’d gladly give it to you so that it would get a kind home.
Oh goodness! How kind of you. Perhaps I have something you might want, too.
If I remember correctly, you’ll be on the West Coast? I’m on the opposite (Virginia), but assuming you can find a post office, it might work. If you click on my username it should take you to my email, should you want to discuss.
I will. No problem to find a post office, I’m sure, so long as it’s OK to post perfume in the States. We’re not allowed to in A-NZ, although Kanuka has just found a company that will carry perfume within the country.
I haven’t got a big bottle (50 mL, I think) but I’ve really barely used it. I’m so glad that it will go to someone who likes it.
And I just wrote to you (I think).
Let me know what you have before you put it on eBay! I don’t have that much (only two FBs and a million samples) so maybe I would!
Daffodils are my fav, btw. Enjoy them!
I think I might post the divestment list on the blog, when I get it ready. If it’s okay with Robin, I could maybe mention it here.
Awesome!
Of course.
Oh wait, sorry — not if you’re selling on eBay. I understand the inclination, but do think of the consequences if everybody could post what they’re selling on eBay.
I plan to offer some items through the blog; that’s what I meant I’d mention here if that’s okay. You are absolutely right in not letting NST turn into an ebay clearinghouse, and it’s fine if you’d prefer I not mention a sale on my blog.
I feel mean saying it, but I think I’d rather that nobody leave comments here about any perfumes they are personally selling in any way other than splits. It’s just a “safer” rule. But sorry, and anybody who wants to see the list knows where to find you!
Oh you’re poor dafs, still, they last a remarkably long time in vase water, and they always look and smell so wonderful and cheering!
(Just taken a deep inhale from my week old bouquet)
Aren’t they cheerful?! It’s like they’re smiling.
Yes!
My idea of a holiday is generally centred around shopping – how shallow is that!! Once I get beyond that, I could join Kanuka in Central Otago, where I spent summer holidays as a child. My beloved has long had a thing for Santorini, so we could join a few of you there 🙂
I always have a long want list, top of that is Armani Privé Bois d’Encens. I need to leave the country to get that, and a trip is coming up -yay!
What would I vote off the island? I always agonise over every purchase, so I don’t usually regret the purchase, but sometimes something better comes along later. Now that I have Sortilège, I think Madame Rochas could go. But that probably won’t actually happen…
I got a bottle of Bois d’Encens at the end of 2016, it’s so, so good, and I never even liked incense.
G’ morning, everyone. Sleepy, sleepy, sleepy….there was a party nearby last night, and there was much LOUD fun being had. I couldn’t be angry, because they all sounded so happy, but I couldn’t sleep either.
Now to the poll. So. Q1. I want Arbole Arbole in a completely illogical it-sounds-fantastic-just-do-it way (and I will, thanks to Foxbins’ kindness in being my poste restante address), but for an addition where I’ve rolled around in the tester for several days, I want 28 La Pausa. Iris and vetiver– what’s not to like there?
Q2. My bottle of Wit, I think. I can’t smell it properly and I never wear it because something that I think is white musk dominates any representation of the daphne. Everyone around me says, “Oh, pretty! What a fresh scent!” and I get agonisingly boring, cloying nasty.
Q3. I’d go home, to Mimiwhangata in Northland, for my birthday. At the end of May, the weather is nearly always settled and cool, and the shadows fall deep blue against the silver light. The wind smells of green, the old green of trees whose roots are deep into the earth, and the sea leaves little gifts on the shore after every tide– interesting shells, little bits of polished glass, things for the compost heap. Maybe one night I would gather driftwood and light an illegal fire on the beach, and watch blue sparks rise up into the dark. Would I wear a perfume here? Ummmm. Yes, maybe La Pausa would work, actually, though it was composed for a very different aesthetic and a completely different experience. Leaving this place, my turangawaewae, I would wear Black Cashmere to help me step back into my other, lesser life in Auckland. No, not lesser, still authentically part of me, but so very different and probably less loved.
SOTD , chosen by the dear man, who doesn’t do such things often, is 31 Rue Cambon, because “You smelled so lovely on Friday night.” Fair enough.
Be well, all.
Beautiful!
What good taste he has!
How sweet of him.
He’s a keeper 🙂
SOTD was Seville A’Laube, now it’s worn off and Dzonka has taken its place.
Most wanted perfume for spring is; Iris de Nuit, James Heeley
First bottle to go; that’s easy, I’ve got an old bottle of Bvlgari Rose, from pre perfumista days, very meh, and a bit cloying.
Fantasy spring break; Anywhere in Italy, I’m a bit obsessed since a mini break in Rome last Autumn. Sardinia is calling to me, and I’m dreaming of a family holiday their soon!
You smell great, and your family trip sounds great too.
Thank u, I’m not sure yet if fantasy will become reality, but it could happen, if not sooner then definitely later!
My most recent perfume purchase was James Heeley’s Iris de Nuit…and I love it. I have been on an iris kick lately (although iris has always been one of my most favorite notes).
Italy is my very favorite place in Europe…been there many times but not since 2008 and I am longing to go back. $$$$ are keeping me from going again unfortunately. Maybe if I stopped buying perfume I could afford to go again!
I’ve just come back from a short pre-spring break. Consisting of 4 days in France, with one day spent in Paris, one in Troyes and part of one in Chantilly which has a castle/museum that houses one of the richest art collections in France. It’s gorgeous, not least because of the setting.
I did not buy perfume in Paris, even though Songe d’un bois d’été is very high on my wishlist as are several Oriza’s. And Sweet Redemption, and probably some others.
I don’t have candidates for leaving my collection at the moment.
Corsica.
A lot of samples, as I refuse to go on holiday with just one perfume. Life is too short.
I did go slightly mad at Mariage Frères much to the amusement of the staff.
Your vacation sounds heavenly. It must be nice to take a quick trip to Paris.
It is. It takes about a 4 hr drive from where I live. Mind you, I can only appreciate Paris, or any big city for that matter, in very small doses. So I make sure I stay outside of it.
Oh, sounds fantastic! One of these days, I’d like to get back to Paris and dedicate at least 2-3 full days just perusing perfume boutiques. It must be wonderful to be located in such a way as to be able to drive a few hours and BOOM! you’re in another country.
Less than 10 minutes in my case. I live very close to the border with Belgium. It is great, and one of the things I love about Europe.
I only went to Parfums de Nicolaï this time. I wanted to smell her latest and get some candles. I love their shops, they are so unpretentious.
What a wonderful break! sounds absolutely lovely.
Had to wear my Shalimar today to give me strength to deal with a difficult client this morning. It worked. 🙂
1) I’d love to add a FB of Tam Dao. It’s my next FB purchase for sure.
2) I only have two full bottles right now since I’m fairly new in my obsession (although a million awesome samples thanks to some folks here and LuckyScent lol) so I wouldn’t get rid of any full bottles but I did give away 5 samples to a friend last night-mostly stuff I didn’t care for from my Birchboxes- so I was proud of myself. She likes much cleaner, perkier scents than I do so she was happy.
3) No real Spring trip for me- planning a 10 day trip to Korea in a October. So for my fantasy spring break, I pick Paris and I’d take Rahele. I thought it was pretty much perfect and would be great for a beautiful trip to Paris!
Tam Dao is beautiful and the Dyptique line is not as expensive as so many other perfume houses.
Totally – Tam Dao is a great one to have in your line-up. My mom’s wardrobe consists of Shalimar, Tam Dao and Parfum Generale Bois Blond and she is fully set 😀
Love that you are sampling so much and being slow with your bottle purchases. The bottles add up quick and then tastes change and there’s a full drawer of perfumes but you don’t have anything to wear 😉
Shalimar FTW!
1. Next purchase – not sure yet. Have not been following new releases too closely, and have placed myself on no-buy list after the split meet.
2. Who would I vote off the island. I have sone Bond no 9 bottles which need to go. I don’t want to put them on eBay (too much fraud – I would not see anything that is more than $30 there) and feel like I am stuck with them.
3. Hawaii. No chance of vacation this year because we have some family health issues for non-US family members – and that visit would pretty much consume all vacation time and budget and would not be very vacation like. So I do not even want to think about vacations now, it depresses me!!!
Hey clarissa…re: #2 — are you referring to seller fraud or buyer fraud or both? I haven’t sold anything in forever!
Both. Seller fraud – I guess that is more applicable if you are buying things like Bond no 9, creed and Tom Ford – although I am seeing a ton of sellers with ‘good’ feedback selling obvious fakes (the price, the seller’s location, sellers feedback – sure they got a great feedback selling $.01 items!!) few more things.
Buyer fraud too – people buy from you than file a claim that the item is fake and send back a fake item to you (so you are out of money and out of your good item and are left with a fake). People see you listing coveted items and just keep sending you emails trying to get info on you and be-friend you even after your item has been sold. (I know I am paranoid). It honestly got so bad to me – last time someone bought a bottle of Lutens from me, I did all type of background research on them trying to figure out if they might try to defraud me.
Wow! I had no clue. I’m not a big eBay-er but I was thinking of selling some of my gold jewelry I no longer wear. This is making me rethink that idea. Hate to pawn it, but may end up doing that just because it seems like less of an ordeal than eBay drama.
Clarissa – I’m really sorry to hear of your experience. Mine – fortunately – has been entirely the opposite. I’ve never had a problem either buying or selling, and I’ve sold quite a few bottles of perfume (as well as a lot of other stuff). I’m going to sell a few more bottles probably next month when I’m in basketball withdrawal! 😉
I sold some of my perfume mistakes on EBay last year. I didn’t get nearly what I paid, but I wasn’t going to wear them so…
I sold mine on Basenotes, but I’ve also sold a bit on Ebay. Scary to read about the buyer fraud!
1. I’m having a hard time deciding on a spring purchase. I want something special, but reasonable in price. I’ve recently been thinking of Chanel Cristalle EDP. Still undecided though. 2. I would vote off poor CK Eternity Aqua. I bought it thinking it would be nice for my daughter. She won’t wear it. 3. I have severe travel anxiety, and doubt I will ever go on another vacation. If though, I could magically appear somewhere, it would be Paris. I would probably take Oriental Express with me, because it is sexy and interesting, like the city.
Oh I am sorry about the travel anxiety! I’ve been having different, ethical issues about traveling even though, perhaps because, I do a fair amount of it for work and fun. But I can remember days of severe generalized anxiety when getting on a plane was just short of torture and I am so sorry you are in a situation where there isn’t any choice but to stay home.
Thank you. It really can be torturous. Over the years I’ve tried many things to “get over it” but it’s actually gotten worse over time. At this point, I’m pretty much resigned to it. I mostly hate how much it affects my family.
Hi lillyjo! I was very much like you with regard to travel until about a year ago. I spent close to 10 years terrified of flying. About 5-6 years ago, my husband found a website and fear of flying program that was started by a former United pilot. He has designed a wonderful program that he supplements with weekly emails. It sounds crazy to say, but the things he teaches actually make dealing with plain old day to day stress easier. Anyway, I now fly fairly regularly, though it took some time to work up to that. I’m not sure what the rules are for posting links here, but I’d be happy to share the website and a couple of his best emails, if you’re interested. My email is my screen name @mac.com.
PS–just got back last night from a spur of the moment trip to Disney with my two oldest. Two bumpy flights, and I pretty much didn’t bat an eye! The only downside is that my travel budget is now cutting into my perfume budget!????
I have a large bottle of Cristalle edp. Would you like a decant? My email: laugsb at sbcglobal dot net
How kind of you! Yes. I will be emailing you.
My mother suffered from travel anxiety, mainly flying, but really just leaving her environment was terribly hard on her for many, many years. She is now 70 and has somehow moved past whatever was making it so difficult for her. With age comes perspective and I think that is her story, although she also has had success with some medication. I’m so proud of her.
Don’t loose hope! One day soon you just might surprise yourself on where you go 😉
Thank you for sharing your mother’s story. It gives me hope:)
I have never had a fear of flying, if I had the money I would fly to places a lot. It’s the lack of $$$$ that keep me from flying.
Love hearing these success stories!
I have a lot of travel anxiety too (mostly the flying part because I feel claustrophobic and fear getting ill on the plane) but with anti-anxiety meds it has become easier. I still limit my traveling though because it is just unpleasant. I would love to be teleported magically to Paris though! 🙂
I’ve fallen for Guerlain’s Néroli Outrenoir so that’s top of list for Spring (actually this is a good year-round scent I think)
I’m not sure I’ve got a scent I would send off the island. I probably have too much of some perfumes given that I like variety and don’t need 50ml+ of any perfume.. maybe send some decants in a bottle 😉
I’m heading to Cuba for my spring break, and will probably bring along some Seville a l`Aube..
SOTD: Rahele, which is not working for me and I’m very disappointed because I love everything she’s done so far. Doesn’t seem to be the same caliber as her other scents.
Cuba! How fun! My tip for you is to bring Euros to exchange for the CUCs. You will be charged a 10% penalty, in addition to the conversion fee, for converting US$.
Yes, a fun dream! 😉
I think you should go before it get more overrun with tourists 🙂
Agreed. A good friend went in Nov. and said it was a amazing experience. You do need to stay with a tour group, however.
A friend of mine went with one other person like 2 months ago and also loved it. She didn’t go or stay with a tour group and didn’t run into any problems at all.
Rahele is really different than the others for sure and it’s definitely not in my top three of the line. I don’t see it as a difference in quality so much as in kind – and it is also very different sprayed than dabbed if you haven’t tried both.
Hmm. I do have a spray (it’s actually from the split!) and still… not doing it for me. I’m sure it will get love from those with more nuanced noses.
there are so many things aficionados love that I don’t like, don’t work for me, whatever.
I have it and agree it is not among my favorites in that line (mostly all of which I adore). I wish I had put the money towards a bottle of Mohur extra it (which I’ll probably never be able to afford).
Oh I love Rahele, I think it’s so beautiful! But I haven’t tried her others so don’t know how it compares. Anyway I think you smell great! And yay Cuba!
Dear Floragal-I have also love the new Neroli from Guerlain….
I was hoping to see it at the splitmeet. no luck- Rats!
it is hard to split because it only comes with a pouff atomizer. You can order a 20 mL through shopfranceinc – $45 plus shipping (I got 2 different ones and total shipping came out to $6). Maybe you and floragal can order together to save on the shipping 🙂
The SA said the pouff comes off! I asked him about that.
I got a small decant – 5ml – from a seller on a FB group. Price was not bad, $18, but even better is 20ml for $45.
Do you like it?
I do! May be SOTD tomorrow. Next time I stop by a Guerlain counter, I will ask the SA to demonstrate how to take it off. If it is as simple as unscrewing it, I will seriously consider splitting a bottle as community service. The bottle would also be at a discount since I will take advantage of the BG Rewarding Beauty Event.
Anyone interested in participating in a split of Neroli Outrenoir, please email me!
I am interested! Emailed you
I got a manufacturer sample of NO from the lovely Wendysue and wasn’t wowed the first time I tried it, but it has really grown on me! Very bright and refreshing.
I’m in love with NO too. I’m waiting for BG to have a good beauty event…????????
Laura, the Rewarding Beauty event is coming up March 15-19! $25 off $250, $75 off $500 and $200 off $1,000 which is much better than Saks’ from a week or two ago.
Ahhh, thank you hajusuuri!! I’m surprised I haven’t heard from my Guerlain sa. Wonder if she still works there????
Y’all are intriguing me with your Neroli Outrenoir talk. A Bergdorfs SA left me a voicemail today…it’s not on their site, but maybe it’s in-store. It is on the Nordstrom site, and they’re having triple points later this month.
!. Scent for spring would be Eau de Merveilles Bleue. I like the original a lot, didn’t care for the Ambre, and haven’t smelled Claire or Elixir. I’m going on a Basenotes sniffathon in Denver next month so I am hoping to test it then.
2. Sadly, the MFK Grand Soir that I split for the Splitmeet does not like me at all. It’s the same labdanum awfulness that made Pharrell G.I.R.L. an immediate scrubber for me.
3. Spring break vacation would be anywhere warm and sunny–I am seriously thinking about a few days in Hawaii next month. We have had 25 rainy days in a row here and I haven’t been properly warm since September.
I’m wearing Cologne pour le Soir and have Miss Kitty draped over my left arm as I type. She has decided that I am her favorite pillow for napping.
25 days in a row?! It feels even longer than that.
Grand Soir is beautiful but it’s very similar to Fève Délicieuse, imo.
Sorry to hear about the weather and of course Grand Soir, which I love. CPLS must be a great comfort while having to deal with the aforementioned disappointments. Sending you some sunshine and warmth since this seems to be the only area in the country that offers these amenities recently. It could be worse, though. Imagine you are in he northeast with impending snow doom about to unleash its wrath!
Grand Soir isi elegant and IMO one of the very best fragrances in the MFK line.
1. Atelier des Ors Iris Fauve will likely be a ginormous sample purchase, in addition to getting a split portion. And, unless someone decides s/he would like to split it with me, my first FB purchase for the year (!!!) is also my SOTD. It’s an oldie — Chanel Allure Homme Edition Blanche EDP. For over 1.5 years, I looked all over the world for the Limited Edition EDT Concentree, but to no avail. There was a thread in Basenotes that indicated there are no discernible difference between the EDT and the EDP and so when I was purchasing a bunch of items from Saks, it was still in my cart from way back and I decided to purchase it.
2. voting off the island….shhhhh….if I reveal them, they will extract vengeance and make me like them
3. I have my cruise to Alaska in the summer. For spring, depending on the news next Friday about a project, I may take a few days to go somewhere or just do a staycation. My perfumes are usually last minute choices except for the ones that are permanently in my travel kit (Chanel No. 5 EDT and Chanel No. 19 EDP…I think Atelier Cedrat Enivrant had also earned its way into being a permanent resident).
Onto my rant:
I came to know about a particular company that recycles materials to make bags and accessories. Given the nature of the recycled material, each bag ends up being one-of-a-kind. I perused the website which promised that whichever one you picked is the exact one you’ll get After a few days of just seeing bags with unique patterns but boring colors, my eyes popped when I saw one that had a hashtag symbol displayed prominently and, although the other colors were garish, I thought, why not? Two days after I ordered, I got an email stating that because of a software glitch, the bag was no longer available and that I should either pick one from existing inventory or ask for a refund. I smelled a rat. I think the company saw how “IN” that bag is and that it is probably worth more than the price I paid. It was odd that there was a glitch for just that one item out of the 4 items I bought AND they have already taken my money. Anyway, to make the long story short, I emailed the company that it was dishonest and unscrupulous and they should compensate me for the extreme disappointment. I outlined what i felt was a reasonable compromise with an overall maximum $ impact of $70 which was the cost of the item itself. I haven’t heard back yet but part of me wanted to just ask for a full refund and say sayonara and the other part of me wanted to still get the other items and “punish” the company for their bad business practices. I haven’t heard back so let’s just say this is Rant Part 1.
Oh no, ????????????
Let’s see what I hear back on Monday.
I think I’m with on what went down with this vendor.
If they’re the bags I’m thinking of they’re very cool and I came close to purchasing one at the Bryant Park holiday market.
You really need to stop being so trendy, dear hajusuuri.
I may have missed that vendor at Bryant Park. And the skating rink there just got dismantled, just when it is getting cold enough to naturally sustain the ice!
I really hope you get what you asked them for. Keep us posted.
I sure will!
Best of luck to you! I am dealing with a similar situation myself.
1. Most wish to add: A lavender that smells like lavender–haven’t figured it out yet, which one. But next on my list to try is Jicky.
2. Off the island: An unscientific rummage resulted in the least popular being Lolita Lempicka. I like it. Never wear it.
3. FANTASY spring break: I’m with Clarissa in that actual vacations, as opposed to family-obligated travel, is not in the cards right now. But my fantasy? Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast along the Adriatic Sea. (Armchair travel pic of the day: http://www.centralholidays.com/Public/051120150835590Croatia-tour-package-The-Jewels-of-Croatias–Dalmatian-Coast-01.jpg)
Today I lazed around, but after I finally took a shower, applied a generous dose of BK’s Imperial Tea.
I went on a lavender hunt a few years back and ended up with Gris Clair. It is a dusty lavendar rather than a sunny one, but I like that! Jicky smelled dirty to me when I tested it all those years ago, although now I wonder what I would think of it? My tastes have changed so much, and older scents don’t turn me off like I used to.
turn me off like *they* used to
Gris Clair is a beautiful lavender. I too am always on the hunt with regards to this note!
Jicky is quite mild now (in my opinion) and I don’t think lavender is the main note (but again, that is just my opinion).
I agree wholeheartedly with Gris Clair, and have you tried Caron Pour Homme? I think it’s a lovely lavender.
While I love my Yatagan, the Por Home is too vanilla powder for me. I like my lavender without vanilla.
I have not tried Gris Clair, but it is now on my list!
Gris Clair is a lovely scent…very wearable in any circumstance.
I know I sound like a broken record about Rodin bis, but I love the lavender in this. Just breaking open bottle five. Can’t get enough.
Bis was not on my radar at all. Just looked at STC and TPC and neither carry it. LuckyScent or others no doubt will have it. But I am confused. Is it an oil?
No, a spray extrait. 1.7 oz. Not cheap, $300, but I easily score it on eBay for a C note. If I can gather an empty sampler I will send you some. Good?
Hi Juicejones,
That is very generous of you. Here’s my email should you have a empty and can send it–but please no worries if you do not get around to it!! I’ve taken note of the Rodin now, and will be sure to track down some eventually! ann dotty eisenberg attagirl comcast dotty net
If we’re talking fantasy, how about Santorini?
http://yourshot.nationalgeographic.com/profile/439803/#b/
For no particular reason, I think I’d take Amouage Dia.
Oh, yes please. One day…
Yes to Santorini!!!
I did see it from the air once – not quite the same thing. 😉
Trying Oliver and Co. Can infer this evening after wearing their Gincense during the day. The latter is exactly what it says, ginger and incense, quietly persistent and very nice. Vaninger is all vanilla to most people but on me the citrus and ginger (again!) hold center stage and stay there. This is a good low-key line.
Next purchase? I wanted so much to like Iris Fauve, but it smells like baby powder on me, with just the faintest bit of cinnamon. Nothing is a must have at the moment, although I am sure something will turn up.
I also must confess to a blind buy, which I never do, of the Jo Malone, which I often don’t love, Bloomsbury set. Dumb and expensive, but I had to have it and I can likely trade away ones I don’t like.
Give away? Maybe some Jo Malone Bloomsbury set! But seriously Hippie Rose, which I really like but seems simply to equal a headache for me now. I might hold out a bit longer to see if anything shifts.
Vacation. I have a work-vacation this summer to Utrecht-Hamburg-Aarhus and surroundings-Rome. So much for my ethical worries about travel. (See above.) I do love being on the Baltic coast and am hoping Hamburg and Aarhus will be similar. No way I will bring just one perfume but if I did, for this trip, perhaps Sel de Vetiver?
Oh no! I have Iris Fauve on my want list! As to the Bloomsbury set, I am likely to get the Leather and Artemesia so if that is one you’re planning on divesting, I am all ears for an arrangement 🙂
How did you get a sample? I have not been able to find one anywhere!!
I was at osswald’s in December and was given a generous manufacturer sample. I need to try to put some in an atomizer for one last try.
I am wearing FM Angeliques sous la pluie
1. I don’t have anything on my list right now, I am trying not to buy new perfumes
2. You have to vote one perfume in your collection off the island. Which one will go first, and why? I think it would be SL Une Voix Noire
3. My fantasy spring break destination is Punta Cana and I will take Eau de Magnolia with me.
I really like your sotd. And your choice to take traveling with you. Can’t wait for warmer days so I can start wearing EdM!
Eau de Magnolia is a great scent! I bought it blindly and at first was disappointed. However, in ensuing wearings, I cam to love it…it works for everything and it smells even better after wearing it for several hours.
Sotd: Myrrhe et Délires with one generous spritz of Cuir Beluga????
Mmmmm good!
Thank you!
I tested Cuir Beluga and loved it for the 6.2 seconds it lasted on me! I tried to convince myself that a big spray would make it stick around better, so I dumped the rest of the sample on myself. 6.4 seconds, I swear! Such a shame.
My next purchase may possibly be Rahele. I’ve had two completely different experiences with this scent and I only have a dabber sample. The first was meh as I could barely smell it. The second time it was amazing and I had to restrain myself from ordering a bottle on the spot. I even had compliments from a coworker.
I would vote off my 30 ml bottle of Arpege, current iteration. It smells nothing like the original and is very synthetic to my nose. It was a blind buy in the sense that I hadn’t tried the current version when I bought it. Although, I love the original.
I am going to Orlando in a few weeks as guests of my brother and sweet sis-in-law. My brother dislikes perfume so I’ll probably just bring No 19 and Cristalle.
What is it with brothers-in-law? One of mine hates perfume but I think he is just posturing. One time I made the “mistake” of applying Weleda Skin Food (very moisturizing!) and he complained immediately – I agree it has a strong scent but it smells good, at least to me. The next time he just heard me unscrewing a tube of lotion, he had a Pavlov’s dog response of covering his nose. What he didn’t realize was I tricked him – the lotion was unscented.
Great story!!
Thank You for my JM Myrrh & Tonka sample Hajusuuri!! A SA @
NeimanMarcus warned me how. wonderful it was!! She was right- it is going to be a hugh best seller. I love it!!
It is wonderful and long-lasting!
Its actually my brother who is the grinch. Allergies and respiratory issues run in my family. It gives him a headache, etc. He is a sweetheart, the best of the three of us, so I will happily tone it down for his sake.
My brother us the same way 🙂
Maybe it’s just men, in general, except Katrina’s and my hairdresser’s husbands.
That would be is instead of us–stupid fat fingers
I wish I’d gotten a 30ml bottle of Arpege instead of 100ml! I also am finding it too harsh/synthetic. I don’t hate it but it’s just too much for these days.
All I have left of Arpege is the original vintage perfume in the awesome little black bottle…and although it is vintage, it is absolutely perfect. A little dab will do ya!
Lucky you! It must be amazing.
I have a small splash bottle of the vintage version that I found in an antique shop. The top notes are wonky and it only lasts about an hour on my skin, but what remains is so pretty while it last. The modern version doesn’t come close.
1. Would love to add ‘Ambra Aurea’ by Profumum Roma.
2. ‘Precious Oud’ by Van Cleef & Arpel. It’s is just too close to ‘Black Orchid’ by Tom Ford, which I prefer.
3. I would spend spring break in Lourmarin in France and would bring a bottle of vintage ‘Égoïste’ by Chanel and just enjoy the privilege.
Egoiste. Yum!
Given the major supporting role played by PayPal in fueling my lust for vintage perfume on ebay, I would have to buy this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fxkg7QrIqQ8
😆
PayPal makes it far too easy to shop anytime everywhere (even when I do not have my credit card number with me), and sure fuels those impulse buys, but yeah, I am glad this kind of service exists.
I have a strong preference for sites that accept it. Don’t know if I’m fooling myself, but it seems more secure than credit cards because of the password and not having to share the credit card number with the seller.
Yup, i feel the same way!
*Nods*
This is really funny! It did take me a second or two to realize they were spoofing though. Is that a comment on my slowness this first day of “Spring Forward” or an even sadder comment on most fragrance commercials? 😉
The latter, and on the whole celebuscent business. We’re just extraordinarily lucky he hasn’t tried to cash in on this yet.
I hope you are all enjoying the weekend!
It looks like spring has finally arrived here in The Low Lands. 🙂
I had a Back tot the 90s dance party last friday night, and wore a scent from that era, a small spritz of Narcisse edt by Chloe. Had a blast! Enjoyed the party as well as the edt.
Yesterday I needed something quiet but also uplifting, so I wore Un jardin en mediterranee. And today it’s narcissus again, testing Au Dela Bruno Fazzolari from a sample.
1. No idea yet (Au dela smells pretty good so far though, would make a pefect spring scent).
2. Bvlgari Black or Penhaligon’s Ostara, they both suffer from a vanilla accord that develops into something cloying and doll-like (I know some people love that, but not me) on my skin after a few hours. 🙁 Too bad, because I really love the way both scents start.
3. At the moment anything with pleasant weather (sunny, 18 degrees celsius or more) good food and a beautiful environment will do, but I’ll pick Italy (Dolomites) and will bring Un jardin en mediterrannee with me!
Argh, that word, ‘finally’, makes it sound like spring is usually earlier, That’s not the case, but I was already longing for it by january haha. So it certainly feels like ‘finally’ 🙂
I gave my big bottle of Black to Mr. Spicebomb as an alternative scent (as needed). I *never* wear it, and that doll head thing is definitely part of it. I also find the rubber eraser note headache-inducing about one times in five. I like smelling it on him, though!
Ah thanks for mentioning, because now I suddenly remember this:
My husband wore Black once, he grabbed it himself (I think he likes the bottle 😉 and on his skin it smelled so much better than on mine. I just need to make him wear it more often.
So this one stays for a while longer, but I still think Ostara needs to go…
It’s amazing how different fragrances can smell on guys!
When I want to sample more than my own skin can handle, I use my husband’s arms and wrists. He is okay with it and he also does not mind browsing perfumes in shops with me. But he does not use perfume daily himself. He is more of a deodorant (after the gym) and aftershave guy…
I love Au Dela. I can’t wait for weather to be warm enough to wead it again. We’ve had freezing cold temps here lately.
Wear it again…fat fingers
It was Au dela Narcisse i was testing, forgot to add the word Narcisse. So not the one that was called just Au Dela. But I can imagine Au Dela is also beautiful!
Hi JiJi,
I LOVE Au Dela! I Have a FB- it is an unusual narcissus, with really good longevity, and feels like a 70’s flashback full bodied feline. (Back in the day4 me). It is fresh very springlike and sumny- good anytime day to evening. Good sillage too I hope you enjoy.
Just finished an awesomely healthy breakfast at Panera (choc chip bagel w/ hazelnut cream cheese!!), sipping my lukewarm coffee and sporting Corsica Fusiosa.
It’s been a while since we played together and happy to report absence has made my heart grow fonder, if possible.
Waiting for delivery of the RV freezer/fridge I ordered for my upcoming travels, and sad to say I had to order a smaller size than I wanted due to (outrageous!) cost and space issues. This means that tragically I will not be able to carry my small collection with me due to limited capacity. Now I have to play favorites and decide which to take and which to leave behind. I guess I have to fit a LITTLE bit of food in there.
Happy Sunday and hope everyone is managing the time change well. T-Rex LOVED getting me up an hour earlier!
Sheesh! Maybe I should take ALL my perfumes and leave T-Tex at home????
Deva! Where are your priorities??? You can eat freeze-dried food!
*shamefaced*
Laughed out loud!
????
Your upcoming travel plans sounds like a great adventure!Wish I can GO GO GO already.Still waiting to move,all packed but for a couple of plates and a cup.My perfume collection also sealed up and ready to go.I caused myself ridiculous inconvenience by being ready so far ahead of time,but rather prepared than caught off-guard once lawyers and trusts get their acts together!I hope this coming week I’ll get the green light.
I’m with you- better to be ready than caught unprepared. I hope everything works out just as you hope. It’s very disconcerting living in limbo! When you open all your packed perfumes, it’ll be just like Christmas! ????
Cannot wait to unpack everything!!
I LOVE chocolate chip bagels, but it’s hard to find in NYC. I enjoy them just fresh and straight up without any topping. Yum!
I just added one from my personal wish list this last week. Kelly Caleche EdT. I didn’t buy a bottle…I bought a set of carded samples off eBay because the price was right. And I can send a couple to my sister.
For #2, I think I might decant some mls out of my bottle of Infusion d’Iris and decide if it’s better off in another home. It was one of my first purchases, and I just don’t seem to love it.
No spring break plans. My travel has been to visit my dad of late, since mom passed away. But, I’d love to go to some nice, healthy spa for a week. Healthy foods, lots of hikes, and massage. I think maybe that VCA California Reverie I have my eye on.
I have been promising myself a spa day (ok, actually, it’s a clothing optional hot springs) for MONTHS now! I need to find a day when I can play hooky from work and drive down there. Soak in the hot water, eat yummy food, get a 90 minute massage. . . sounds perfect!
SOTSunday Dear John.I think after my move I will resent this perfume so much I will never wear it again.Hate the waiting-game,and having to wait for other people to sign off on things and get paperwork through red-tape!!Happy Sunday all!
Oh dear. If it is any consolation, at least you did not pick POAL as your waiting game companion. Hope all goes well!
After wearing no 22 yesterday, I am bathed in Theorema today. Since I have already paid for my spring perfume, just waiting for it to arrive. My summer addition will be either ISM or Liu. Vacation perfume would be picked by destination and weather.
How can it be Monday? This is just NOT RIGHT! Well. Bother. So. I should make a start. I will wear–what? I haven’t a clue.
Interlude for breakfast.
It’s still Monday. No more dithering. I’m going all sixties in psychedelic colours My young staff will HATE this dress.: they far more conservative in their clothes than I am! This little shift is offensively, nay, even vulgarly, bright: big orange and hot pink flowers on a black background. The all-important perfume is a complete contrast, 28 La Pausa. Dry, elegant, grown up, discreet, definitely not conceived with the blare of my frock in mind. I’m enjoying myself (that sounded dodgy, but you know what I mean) for the spareness of my boardroom perfume and the lushness of my disco dress
Interlude would have been perfect with that dress,by the sounds of it!!
Actually, yes. Or maybe Carnal Flower. Or even a “hot” gourmand like Candy, though that might be a bit too obvious, perhaps. But the contrast is good for me today too.
Gucci Rush. 🙂
I love bright pink and orange together.
Conversation with Taz (my 16-yo son) this morning:
T: (sniffing) You smell like… lollipops.
Me: Really? What flavor?
T: Grape. I think. Maybe orange.
Me: Is there something wrong with smelling like lollipops?
T: (shrugs) I guess not, but you usually smell like flowers.
Readers, I was wearing By Kilian Sweet Redemption. His nose is better than he thinks it is. 🙂
“Is there something wrong with smelling like lollipops?” My son would have studied my face, and then asked, “Is this a trick question?”
Taz has an excellent nose!
I get coconut ice, not lollies, from Sweet Redemption, but Taz & I are on the same playing field there. Actually, now I think of it, SR would suit this dress too.
SOTD is Amouage “Sunshine Man”, which has sailed serenely through the day. I, on the other hand, have not . I’m now sitting comfortably in BHX airport on my way to DUS, but spent the day chasing down various bits and bobs that mysteriously and inconveniently went missing since my last international commute in December.
Deep breaths! Deep breaths! :^)
Good luck wth your new contract!
Hi there, NSTers, I’ve enjoyed reading the poll this weekend.
I have nothing on my wishlist at the moment. This feels odd but very freeing as well. No, wait. I must take that back and admit to an annual spring-time lemming: as the weather warms up I would love to wear Cristalle Eau Verte.
I must soon say goodbye to a bottle of Sira des Indes. It smells gorgeous on others, but something in it goes raspy on me, either the sandalwood or the musk I think.
Spring break for me in Grasse by way of Paris, please, with a bottle of Dyptique 34 Boulevard Saint Germain. I smelled this one at Nordstrom and didn’t think much of it, perhaps because my nose was tired from sniffing other scents. I’ve spent this morning huffing from a just-arrived sample. Finally, there is a gentle chypre I can enjoy. It has the feel of a classic French floral perfume, with a bit of ooh-la-la rankness, and enough woody-herbal-spicy smoothness to balance everything and keep me coming back for more.
1. What’s the fragrance you’d most like to add to your collection this spring?
2. You have to vote one perfume in your collection off the island. Which one will go first, and why?
3. It’s time for (fantasy) Spring Break! Where are you going, and pick ONE fragrance to bring with you.
1. Have a bottle of Putain des Palaces in my tentative Sephora spring sale cart, which I’m wearing now and also wore last night. (I am really a sucker for retro powdery rose anything, but particularly when violets are invited to the party.) A somewhat similar new love is Rosine Roses des Neiges. OMG the drydown on that stuff is deliriously delicious. I’d add 5 or 6 Rosines to my collection if that were an option. Too bad they don’t come in smaller bottles – or better yet, a choose-your-own coffret like the 15 ml Hermes and Tauers.
I’m also vacillating on a bottle of Les Senteurs Gourmands/Laurence Dumont Vanilla Chocolat. An NSTer (can’t remember who – sorry!) sent me a sample and I absolutely loved it and finally found a bottle at a reasonable price. Will probably click buy at some point this week…
None of the above are spring scents per se, but it looks like spring where I am is going to be even more nasty and horrid than usual – cold, windy, rainy – i.e., winter lite.
2. Lalique Encre Noir. Blind buy that I never really warmed to. I had my H try it the other night and he hated it. I hated it on him, too. Adios! (If I can get rid of it, that is! If anyone reads this and wants it, hit me up.)
3. Forget vacations, I’m ready to move to Palm Springs permanently. A psychic told me I was a nun who lived in the desert in my last life. I’ll skip the nunnery and fantasize about a house by Richard Neutra that will never be mine. Oh, and I’ll bring my entire collection, thank you! 😉
My husband has recently taken to wearing perfume, which is great fun for me. He is monogamous with Aramis Calligraphy Rose as his daytime scent, but at night he likes to test new things. Last night I sprayed some ELdO Fils de Dieu on him and was hardcore swooning. It smells totally different on him than it does on me – I finally get the citrus, rum, ginger and coconut. On me it’s a light, creamy amber. Gorgeous but totally different. He also smells great in Chanel Cuir de Russie – that’s one more men should wear!
Try your husband in Mitsouko – that’s another one that I think is super sexy on a guy! 🙂
Uh-oh, if you’re interested in that ELDO, let me know. I have a gently used bottle that’s not going to make the cut…taiga101 in the land of ya-hooligans.✌????