The Queen of Soul is 75 today! (And yes, she has announced she will retire, but not until she finishes that album with Stevie Wonder.)
Our poll, for anyone who wants to play: name a favorite Aretha Franklin song, and pair it with a fragrance. (It will be good practice for Playlist Friday, coming up on 14 April).
If you don't want to play, talk about something else, we don't mind a bit.
And don't forget: the swapmeet is still going!
Aretha Franklin sings Carole King's (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman at the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors:
Rock Steady – laws of funk require 5 consecutive plays with everyone in the room dancing. Even if it’s just you.
Shalimar EDT.
Triple strength coffee.
Carpe Diem. Peace.
I have found myself dancing between sets at the gym. Even though it’s just me.
It’s a great aerobic exercise, makes you feel good, burn calories, and people may think you’re ‘goofy’ enough to leave alone, re: your post below about a silicone ring.
I sing in stores all the time (not disturbingly loudly) and people look at me like I’m bonkers. LOLOLOL
I hope so !
Uh, yes, it’s all about the extra cardio.
LOLOLOL LOLOLOL LOLOLOL
See ?
It works!
I Say a Little Prayer. Not sure what fragrance that goes with but I’m wearing Tocca Colette today!
Question, friends….what’s a cheapie or celebrity frangrance you enjoy? A guilty pleasure?
Stetson.
Tom Brady used to promote it, eye candy don’t hurt the smell none.
LOLOLOL
Stetson is so good. Love it!
True, Bear!
Very true!
Queen by Queen Latifah. Cheap as cheap can be, but smells FAB!
Agree about Queen.
I’ll have to try that one, I’ve read it mentioned several times around here!
I really liked Covet, but when I used up my decant I didn’t buy more. Tabu gets a lot of love from this forum. I just bought a mini of Stash SJP Elixir, but I haven’t tried it yet.
Dita von Teese by Dita von Teese! I think it’s my only celeb fragrance. Love her and the perfume. No guilt in that pleasure ????
I keep meaning to try that one, but never seem to come across it!
Yeah, I think it’s only eBay now for that one.
Well, pooh.
Cheap faves here: Vera Wang Periwinkle and Iris for a sweet choice…
Body Shop Red Musk for tobacco (it’s really good!)
No shame in my game….Guilt free here! LOL!
I looove Red Musk. The Body Shop Shea is one of my all-time favorite cheapie comfort scents too.
Carla Fracci Giselle; Balmain Ivoire; Worth Courtesan.
I really like Taylor by Taylor Swift. It’s peachy and sparkly smelling. A good one for a hot day.
I was really loving the peach in Mitsouko the other day, and wondering if there was another *well done* (read: not shampoo like) peach out there!
Nahema is another Guerlain that makes a great use of peach, with rose this time.
Thanks! I know I’ve sniffed it, but I have no memory of Nahema. Must give it another go!
Not a cheapie, but Histoires de Parfums 1969 is a gorgeous peach fragrance.
Oohhh, I didn’t know this was a peach fragrance. Putting on my to try list. Thanks!
I’m gonna write this one down, too!
Slumberhouse Kiste! Roasted peaches and tobacco and black tea- so delicious.
Wow, that sounds great!
You can find Guerlain Vetiver for under $25 on Fragrance.net right now (no affiliation). Mugler Cologne is another good one that they are almost paying you to take off their hands now. Oscar Flor by Oscar de la Renta is a pretty floral and also practically free.
Oscar Flor really is very pretty.
I just ordered Mugler Cologne from them – they have a gift set (100ml bottle plus 7.5ml mini) that’s a better deal than the bottle alone.
Good to know, nicolasix!
Yes! I recently ordered an individual bottle of Mugler Cologne from Fragrancenet and was pleasantly surprised to receive the gift set at no additional cost.
That should say: I received the gift set *instead* at no additional cost.
My cheap thrills are: Plum, Yatagan, Canturi, Encre Noir, Stash, Lush Sunny Days hair treatment–also the travel sprayers from Sonoma Scent Studio are a bahhhgain!
I just love you guys! Thanks for all the great ideas! Hugs!
Pink Sugar and Natori.
I second both and they are a steal at fragrancenet (under twenty dollars per bottle)
The solid perfume version of Pacifica Tibetan Mountain Temple is only $9 (last I checked). It’s really lovely – spicy gingerbread and orange peel on a base of vetiver and patchouli – and it has surprisingly good longevity for a solid perfume.
Gotta second Bear. Rock Steady baby. Play it loud and dance down the line.
I loved Aretha from the time I was a kid, and my mom was scandalized. I watched her on American Bandstand and Soul Train. When I was in my 20s, my friends and I would dance to Respect on the juke box in our favorite bar. Most recently I listened to Rock Steady walking to work in my most business-like outfit, trying to stop from moving my ‘hips with a feeling from side to side’ while waiting for the light to change.
Can’t think of a scent for the song, but I think a funky leather would be most appropriate.
Dancing is required. Plus if Rock Steady doesn’t make someone move, I don’t know what will.
My bargain, celebrity scent is Adam Levine for Her, aka Lady Levine. It’s a bargain at the tjmaxx sort of places. While I have finally noticed a certain cheapness in the dry down it is still much better than what seems like the deliberately dumb syrups of most celebrity scents.
An enabler’s pin goes to you for this one, AnnieA. I bought it after you posted it as one of your “cheap and cheerfuls” some time ago. Yes, some of my snootier scents view her with disdain, but ALfH is having too much fun to care.
Oh, fun! That might be my first enabler pin. Glad you liked it.
I think I must owe AnnieA an enabler’s pin, too. I tried to give one to sweetgrass a while back, and she informed me that she’d never worn ALfH. It’s one of my no-brainer perfumes. It reminds me of Estée Lauder Sensuous, only a bit more floral and a bit more synthetic. It’s very pleasant, but not boring, and fairly quiet but lasts through the day. $7.99 well spent.
Well I adore Adam Levine so I’ll have to give that one a shot!
Hey KellyC, click on my name to get my contact info. I was going to post a freebie in the swapmeet for someone who just started posting here and it looks like you may be THE ONE. I can definitely hook you ip with Adam Levine For Him and possibly For Her if she’s in the same location (I think she is).
Oh my gosh, thanks! I still have soooo much to explore!
I added some items to my swap
Join me with the mourning of a loss of a bottle. It involved a package from the swap, kitchen floor, broken glass, babies crying and lots of mopping.
My Aretha song Think and No. 22
Mine is definitely Think, but still trying to think of what fragrance fits — not 22 for me, but I do think that’s a great choice.
Oh, that does sound traumatic. Sorry for your loss.
Thank you Luna!
It was a rough day and that was the straw that broke the camels back
RIP bit you do smell fantastic, at least.
My sympathies for your broken bottle! What a MESS, and with crying children too? YUCK!!
Hope the rest of the weekend is awesome!
yesterday was a rough day over all!
The babies started crying when the bottle broke, then of course I had to confine them to place where they couldn’t step on the glass and they didn’t like that one bit!
Forgot my SOTD is Izia the new one from sisley. I have a small sample and trying it out today.
When it first came out I was like..meh..when I read the notes. But I do love rose, so I am going to go with it for now and see how it plays out on my skin today
Oh no, what a shame..
Think and no. 22 great choice!
Moment of silence.
I would have many tragedies to mourn were it not for wall to wall carpeting and even a thick runner in the bathroom.
Aretha Franklin. What a gal! Can’t think of one song I don’t like.
SOTD is FM VE again since I am still knocking around in the woods. Post morning hike, I had the best orange ever-juicy, succulent, and aromatic. Things always taste better after a little physical exertion in the fresh air. It’s warmed up considerably here, worked up a good sweat on the hike and now just perusing the web in a very lazy way. Hope everyone has a relaxing and enjoyable weekend. ✌????
Last week was extremely busy (work meetings, an ever expanding work load, social gatherings),
So I am just enjoying the freedom and carelessness called weekend right now.
The weather is fantastic here, lots of sunshine.
I had No plans, so I slept in, ate yoghurt fruit and drank two lungo coffees, walked to the city center to buy drawing paper, sprayed on ‘Bottega Veneta pour homme parfum’ in a store (nothing exciting, but its a suprisingly well made leather centred fragrance), and I think I am going to buy an ice cream next.
I Love Aretha, she is one of the greatest singers ever.
Enjoy your weekend everyone!
Oh, how lovely! I vote ice cream for sure.
We are lucky to have a very good artisanal ice cream store in our neighbourhood, a 3-minute walk from our house.
They have the best pistachio ice cream ever!
Yes, but can you get it right away, or must you stand in line over an hour? (It’s the Portland way, apparently. Mr. Spicebomb and I have a strict 20 minutes or less policy, which precludes ever going to Salt & Straw unless it’s raining outside.)
Sounds like a perfect day!
My husband and I were lucky enough to hear Aretha a couple of years ago in concert. Aside from her incredible voice, I marvelled how she could stand and move for more than a minute or two in those stilettos.
I’m still in my pjs but I’m either going to wear Apresl’Ondee or Courtesan by Worth which would definitely count as a favourite cheapie.
If you want my opinion (of course you do!)… I vote for Apres L’Ondee as I am currently obsessed with it. Wore it two days is a row this week, which is saying something. A rare occurrence.
Of course I do!
I’m amazed anyone can stand and move in any kind of heels. Some day, I’ll learn to walk in those things like a girl and not like a mincing giraffe.
Retha!!! My theme song of the moment is “Chain of Fools” and it reflects my work environment… My current project is set to end on 31 May, which can’t come soon enough. Can’t think of a perfume for the song, though.
Never smelled Clive Christian No.1, but that might work. I wish you tranquility.
Ha! Paying $865 for 50 ml of perfume is definitely fools’ territory (for me, anyway…).
Oh, Aretha. I met her once, when she sang the national anthem for a sports team I used to work for. She was such a diva that she ventured into full on b*tch territory. I suppose she’s earned it, but the experience ruined her for me. So, I guess I’m going to pick any song she’s ever done with Diva? Or Boucheron? Poison? Really, any heavy hitter will do.
SOTD is Dzing! for the second day in a row. It was almost 80 degrees here yesterday so I spent all day with Baby Jack at the zoo. I don’t own a zoo scent but I figured circus was close enough. I enjoyed it so much that I’m in it again…but it somehow isn’t enjoyable in 40 degrees with heavy rain.
Oh, but I should mention that I was at the George Michael concert in 1988 where she came out as a surprise and sang “I Knew You Were Waiting For Me” with him. Even though at the time my 11 year old self was enamoured with George Michael, my nearly 40 year old self now knows that the real treat was Aretha.
What an experience ????
I can totally picture her being like that
I’ve heard that about her. I was lucky enough to hear her perform at a Thoroughbred industry dinner with @ 1,200 people in a big tent on one of the horse farms, so a very intimate setting for such a great performer. But the word got around from one of her managers that she may or may not perform for more than 15 minutes or so. It just depended on whether or not she liked the crowd and their response! She must have liked us as she sang for 2 hours!! It was a fantastic night!
I saw Ray Charles in concert once. I can’t remember exactly how long it took him to come out, but eventually people were starting to boo the backup band every time they started another song. RC came out finally, played for a bit, left. It was not an inspiring night. I still love Ray Charles though.
The diva complex is common I guess! RC is definitely another great though!
I’m going to be a little obvious because I haven’t had my coffee and pair Respect with Rochas Femme. Nothing else says “stand up and pay attention to me” like vintage Femme, does it?
You know what, that’s my SotD today too, I’ve decided.
Perfection!
For the poll, I’m going with “RESPECT” and Chanel No. 19. There.
SOTM is Vol de Nuit EDT in the current formulation. It’s a bit wan in comparison to vintage, but still absolutely beautiful. I finally caved and ordered a bottle of the vintage cologne formulation last night. Cannot Wait.
Good pair for that song!
I had that one in mind too!
But at the moment I am trying to think of something that fits “i say a little prayer”, probably my fav Aretha song
That’s such a happy song – what about Sunshine and Pancakes?
Yes it needs something uplifting. I never smelled Sunshine and Pancakes, but the notes mentioned on the fragrantica page seem like a good fit!
Wow. That’s a great perfume name!
Nice one!
#saturdaylibrarian in No. 22.
Perfect
I still take books out of the library ????
So good to hear. Thank you!
Big library fan here too!, and my husband’s an archivist, which is more or less a librarian.
Just wanted to throw my hat in the ring, thanking the librarians of the world. Thank you for what you do!
I went through a phase when I had my first ‘real’ job when I bought lots of new books and didn’t go to the library, and I even equated used books with the thought of wearing used underwear. Silly me.
Flash forward to now: I have two young children who love books more than almost anything else, and the library has brought us SO MUCH JOY in these last 2 years. Our library lets us take out up to 100 books at a time, and I dole them out 5-6 per day, so that there are (miracle of miracles) new books to read every single day, and tons and tons of books to re-read on repeat. Every single day! New books! My children think it’s heaven. My daughter at 4 and a half is reading at 2-3 grade books. She loves reading, and the library’s selection is such a treasure that it really makes her voracious for more books. The library has taught them literacy of course, but also science, and math, and compassion, and patience.
I know people lament their tax dollars, but the libraries of this world are feeding the hearts and minds of the children, and they are growing into smart souls as a result. It’s quite amazing, and truly a gift.
THANK YOU, LIBRARIANS!
“We believe that an informed citizenry will act for life and not for death.” ~ Albert Einstein
Very well said, Gvillecreative!
I can even say how much I LOVE the library. LOVE IT!! It’s one of the best places on earth.
Sometimes when I’m commuting home after a long day, I stop in to look at what’s new, and just soak in a little peace and quiet for a few minutes before getting home…..
Hearing this makes working on Saturday suck less. Thank you! It’s gratifying to know people appreciate what we do.
I’m at work too! LOL YES!!! You are definitely appreciated!!
I went to a class at my library last week, to learn how to use the Grant Database. Fascinating! The librarian really knew his stuff!
I love libraries! Worked in the cataloging dept. as my first job and have been enjoying them ever since.
That was me last week. Not the no.22.
I love my librarians and am actually good friends with one of them. I am in the library twice a week every week as younger family members do lots of volunteer work there. Libraries and librarians are the best and thank you for all that you do
and you smell great.
I go to the library once a week except when I am away on vacation. I just had a crazy thought that I may want organize a Book Club that meets at the library every 4th Saturday of each month!
I love my library and the librarians. I go about once a week and now that I’m retired I can wait for books that I’ve put on hold to show up in their own good time. Our librarians also point me in the direction of new acquisitions they think I might like. I vote for every tax increase that benefits the library, as it’s always money that goes to enriching the community.
Happy Birthday Aretha! I’m pairing THINK with Le Temps d’une Fete
by Patricia de Nicolai.
SOTD is 4160 Tuesdays “Urura’s Tokyo Cafe”.
Top : grapefruit, tangerine and mandarin orange;
Mid: violet and rose;
Base: opoponax, raspberry leaf, tolu balsam and raspberry.
Probably the most feminine perfume I own, and great on a sunny Spring day. TOMK and I went for a walk along the canal, just to enjoy the sunshine.
My favourite Aretha Franklin song is the off button. Deal with it, Aretha fans. ;^P
Dealt with and filed away
And you smell great!
Thanks! It is a very happy smell, I think. :^)
That scent seems like its heaven! I will have to give it a try.
It is also available with a new name “Tokyo Spring Blossom”. Check out http://www.4160tuesdays.com for the whole range. They do small bottles, sample packs and more, so easy to explore.
It’s still March and the evening is chilly. I’m trying out a sister scent for the first time: 4160 Tuesdays “Captured by Candlelight”.
Top: cognac, cinnamon and toffee;
Mid: fruity notes and beeswax;
Base: oak.
It has made a good first impression. :^)
Oooh, this sounds good!
HA! I am with you, see my comment below.
Harsh!
But a fun poll inspiration. Off-buttons for me are anything by Celine Dion (“My heart will go on” turned into Muzak in the supermarket? I decide the family is going to eat out), and pretty much anything written by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
At the risk of being banned…………………….
a certain Nobel Prize recipient…………………….
Really? Oh geeze I grew up on his stuff, but usually sung by someone else… He’s the same generation as my parents, who are from NYC, and have fond memories of hearing Bob Dylan and Joan Baez at the Fat Black Pussycat “back in the day.”
That voice, and the devil will torture me with that Rainy Day song.
YMMV
LOL
I better stop.
I think it was George Carlin who said, “Imagine what our generation could have done if the ‘poet laureate of our generation’ could sing too.”
Ha! Fair enough!
HA, you are lucky I was busy this weekend and did not notice this until Sunday evening! Mind the comment policy!
No SOTM, yet, but definitely will need something relaxed and celebratory after the gym–It’s SPRING BREAK!!!!! I was so sick and tired of 13 yearolds yesterday afternoon. No patience left. (To be fair, they were clearly done with me, too.) SO, tomorrow I head to Vegas to find some sunshine, and all will be better. Sigh.
Oh, and I bought a silicone ring I can wear while lifting weights. It’s time to make it clear I’m not available while I’m working out. I never know how to “casually” bring up that I have a fiancé during the friendly gym chit-chat. I’ll give it the test run this morning!
Ha! I love that idea.
Have a great vacation!
Thanks! The ring was comfortable during my lifts today, so I’m gonna call that a success!
Oh but enjoy the admiration…too. Its been years since my wedding ring was noticed by anyone (well err except errr of course my husband!).
Seriously? I would be so annoyed if someone tried to chat me up at the gym. I’d probably not bother with the silicone ring – just snarl and roll my eyes.
Ha! Yeah, I fear my RBF needs some work. I blame it on growing up in a small town full of young families and retirees, but I compulsively smile and greet people when they cross my path. I’ve tried to tone it down at the gym, as dedicated female weightlifters have fewer sitings than bigfoot in these parts, but I haven’t been successful so far. Last week, a guy said he wanted to shake my hand and introduce, since “I see you in here doing your thing all the time,” and then he wouldn’t let go! Went home and immediately ordered the ring.
I’m hoping RBF is transferable. How big a box should I pull from storage?
LOL!
Mr. Spicebomb says he’d appreciate it if you grabbed big box.
Will do. ????
Enjoy Vegas!
Will do! Can’t wait for 75 degrees!!!!
Decided to do a full spritzing of Iris Poudre from the Malle toybox today. This is lovely stuff!
Oh yes, it’s amazing. I almost bought that one my last trip there.
How does last on you? I am already contemplating a supplemental spritzing (or five).
I don’t get huge longevity with it, maybe 2-3 hours. Mind you I’m using a dabber sample vs a sprayer. I ended up dumping the whole sample on me (for research purposes of course). I am more of a sprayer usually, so if I had a bottle, I would do a minimum of 5 sprays at least; 2 on each wrist (inside and out) and a spray on the neck or decolletage. It’s pretty amazing right now.
Yeah, 2-3 hours is what I’m getting from my heavy-handed spraying, too. It’s pretty, but I think my little coffret travel size is gonna be it for me. Respraying every few hours is too much work.
I find I get more longevity from Iris Poudre than from some other Malle’s, but 3 to 4 hours is the max.
I wear the body butter and the perfume layered, lasts all day. But of course $$$.
Oh, that sounds like a lovely way to go! I *will* be near a Barney’s later today. . .
I just got a decant of Gianfranco Ferre Ferre Edp in a swap, and it’s pretty much Iris Poudre, or as Luca Turin says that Pierre Bourdon perfected IP for Ferre. Also much less expensive so if budget is an issue…
Thanks for the recommendation! Sounds like I should try it before I take the plunge.
Happy Birthday Aretha! You still rock!
Going with a totally non-office appropriate scent today, because I’m working by myself and can wear any darn thing I feel like….Victoria’s Secret Intense. Plummy sugar bomb. A little over the top, but it’s fun as can be. VS has their rollerballs 2 for $15, so I bought a couple for the sheer fun of it!
Hurray for wearing just what you want to! :^D
Jada, I love your ongoing enthusiasm for the non-niche stuff and you always inspire me to wear some of my less expensive fragrances….and your youtube video on “cheap thrills” is fabulous! Because of you I am going to sample Summer Fig next time I am near a Body Shop.
Technically not her song, but since I’m a child of the 80s and Annie Lennox was my fashion icon, I’m going with the Eurythmics duet with Aretha “Sisters are Doing it for Themselves”. Awesome video, too. I think Jubilation 25 since it’s strong and a tad masculine.
SOTD so far is DS & Durga Debaser. The juicy green fig pairs nicely with Meyer’s Geranium cleaning products!
Great choice! I loved Aretha doing that one.
Great song! And Annie Lennox is a fantastic fashion icon indeed. Love those pictures of her in a suit and tie.
It is! I put it on after posting and danced. Annie’s so striking and I was really into the androgynous look for a while.
I’ve been listening to Annie Lennox’s Medusa album after you or someone else mentioned it last week. Great!
That’s a great album!
I didn’t mention it but I have that CD and enjoyed it-haven’t listened to it in a while.
I mentioned it! I love that album!
Thank you, Oakland Fresca! I’ve really been enjoying it.
There are large gaps in my music experience as a result of living overseas sometimes long before the internet. The good taste of other commenters has helped me fill in some of them.
That’s a great choice and Annie Lennox is another fabulous singer.
The Queen of Soul did an abbreviated set at a Promax convention I attended in the late 90s
In the middle of Respect she sauntered off the stage for an unexpected/unexplained bathroom break. The band carried on for a good ten minutes without her. She finally came back for a quick finish, then just kept walking. Where was the respect in Respect?
With that off my chest, Until You Come Back To Me, can, and will always set me free.
Musc Bleu today. Now off to an Italian street fair. Ciao!
Oh dear.
Found this lovely article about Santa Maria Novella, especially the pictures are great! Really want to visit those locations now (already been to Firenze twice, but those visits where pre-perfume-obsession
No affiliation by the way, and the SMN’s I tried so far failed to impress me…
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/medieval-monks-couldnt-cure-the-plague/
Thanks for this, Jiji!
I love wearing Melograno and generally like SNM. (The name is a total misnomer, though; there’s not a drop of any fruit to my nose.) To me these colognes are like Italian food: deceptively simple.
I tried tabacco toscano and colonia russia. Very nice and elegant, but I found longevity too short and the development not that exciting. For that price tag a bit disappointing.
I love the design of the bottles and their packaging though. Will try more of them for sure!
The Gelasomino is on my to-try/sample list.
And if i ever go to firenze again, at least a soap would be nice as a souvenir
Gelsomino that is!
I’d recommend trying their Iris, Nostalgia (weird leather inspired by vintage car interior), and of course Melograno. I think Robin likes Eva. If you like clove, try Pot-pourri. I’m also curious about their Patchouli cologne after getting the soap and liking the scent. I think it also has a touch of clove.
Eva is the only SMN I’ve tried, and it’s lovely – it has a black pepper note that’s really interesting with the orange blossom in Eva.
Eva sounds like something I’d like, with those black peper and vetiver notes! Leather iris could be a win as well. And i am not afraid of cloves (I find Serge Noire rather pleasant;) Thank you for the suggestions.
By the way, their Iris is a a soliflore and separate scent form the Nostalgia, the weird leather one. For iris leather, you can’t beat Chanel Cuir de Russie or the Anne Gerard one (Cuir d’Opale, I think).
Ann Gerard Cuir de Nacre is the iris leather. I was thinking about rehoming it, but after retrying it, I’m appreciating it much more now than I did previously. It’s pretty dry but the leather is soft, worn handbag. Mmmm.
Thanks, Elisa! I can’t keep those names straight for some reason (partly the incredibly beautiful but illegible calligraphy on the original exploration set).
I was there last year. The outside entrance is non-descript and looks like an ordinary office building. Ah, the interior though is something else altogether!
Did any of their perfumes stand out for you?
Breaking out the Cristalle today. I believe spring will come, and maybe Cristalle will help it along.
Happy Birthday Aretha! My favourite of her work would be Natural Woman.
Cristalle, yum.
Popping in on a rare lazy Saturday to report I’m wearing my mother’s First, rewinding and fastforwarding through little-girl all-grown-up memory montages, looking forward to visiting with mom and next generation tomorrow. Ah, perfume. It’s better than smoking.
PS, people, watch that video that Robin posted. It’s phenomenal.
And I only saw it because someone here mentioned it in the comments, can’t remember when. Still sends chills down my spine. And so lovely to watch Carole King’s pure joy!
And the President wiping tears from his eyes! Her performance is almost a religious experience!
Yes. The entire thing made me nostalgic!
Nice to see you, leathermountain. Welcome back. First is beautiful…I wore it in the late 1980s.
Thanks!
Welcome back Leathermountain! I missed you!!!
I was wondering where you had gone just the other day. Glad you posted today!
*waves hi * Nice to see you!
Respect is my favourite Aretha song, wearing Palais Jamais which just arrived in the mail from the swapmeet. Happy Saturday!
Happy Saturday All. My SOTD is another blind buy that I got for half off a few weeks ago. I got Insolence by Guerlain. It is a nice, pretty, feminine scent. Happy Birthday to the Queen of Soul. If I had to pick a song that would go with my fragrance, it would be either Natural Woman or Respect.
Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!
Glad you like Insolence, it does not have enough fans!
Freeway of Love paired with Poison perfume takes me back to the clubbing days with my besties. Hmm, I think that will be my SOTD as my hubby went to help his parents out with some stuff and won’t be back home til tomorrow. I can go totally overspray myself and not gas him out.
lol! Song twins. We would have posted at the same time if I hadn’t gotten a phone call while I was typing my comment.
I worship and adore Aretha! One of my favorites of hers is Freeway of Love. A fun song. I would have paired it with Cologne du 68, a fun, happy scent. But my SOTD is a re-trying of my Dzing sample, and thinking about it, Dzing might also work for that song.
I hope you all are as happy as I am today! My team made the Elite Eight last night! GO CATS!!
Yes, another great pairing! Since I’m home alone I’m blasting some music to make housecleaning a bit more fun.
The ONLY way to clean house!
Congrats to your team!
Thanks!
I tend to think ‘oh right Aretha’ and then listen to Ruth Brown, but this little clip is a reminder of how great a singer Franklin is. And I do love how excited Carole King is, even though I have always hated to lyric to this song!
Always a critic. Sorry! I think this would go great with some big old perfume I don’t know or, alternatively, Onda or something else by Vero Kern.
I’m going to take a shower and put on something yet to be determined . . .
Except for as sung by drag queens!
I have never heard of Ruth Brown…so much to learn, so little time!
Also…love the enigmatic post. Are you talking about ‘ Natural Woman’ ( I couldn’t see a clip ). I wonder how the line ‘ You make me feel like a natural woman’ would have to be rewritten for today: ‘ You do not define me when I feel like a natural woman’ etc.
Oh, duh…Robin’s clip. That’s the problem when you start at the tail end and work up,
Your comment still made me laugh! ????
Ruth Brown. She’s sort of the less well known link between Dinah Washington and Aretha Franklin. I listen to Washington and Sarah Vaughn and Brown whereas for my generation in the USA, Aretha was ambient and everywhere.
And yes, that’s exactly the lyric!
Never did love Ruth Brown but adore Dinah Washington — and Helen Humes, who is nearly forgotten but was fantastic.
SotD = Berdoues Arz el-Rab, from a sample, aromatic ginger + iris + cedar. I’m listening to Aretha sing Try a Little Tenderness.
Woke up feeling fragile. Time to get a move on, the day won’t wait. I’ll enjoy the more energetic and fabulous Aretha songs suggested here.
I was curious so I looked up the meaning of Arz el-Rab – “the cedars of God’s forest.” Reminds me that Aretha’s parents were a preacher and a gospel singer.
Enjoyed this fragrance very much. Had quite good luck with Berdoues samples. I like their straightforward ease. 5 samples out of 5 are very good, 4 out of 5 nice enough on skin that I will wear them again very soon to see if they warrant FB-coveting status.
I have had good luck with the Berdoues as well. Great longevity and great price (I bought four bottles discounted online for 55-60 dollars for 100ml….free, as far as I am concerned). I love Arz el-Rab for the spring with the powdery iris and woody Lebanese cedar. I steal spritzes from a family member who received it as a holiday gift from me.
Have you tried Vanira Moorea yet? The notes are neroli and vanilla but my nose smells a rich orange blossom, neroli, amber , bourbon vanilla concoction.
and I spent the whole summer in Assam of India…definitely a brand worth exploring. Go for the full bottle if you find one you really love.
Oh and they are coming out with a new one this year which will be representative of Africa with coffee in the base.
Watch it…you’re creating lemmings…
Yes, indeed!
LOL! But, really, the Berdoues are worth it and “hajusuuri math” says they are free! plus the bottles are so cute…I want to collect them all.
hi there, cm8, so glad we share love for Berdoues! I’m a bit infatuated at the mooment. I find the few Berdoues scents I’ve tried so far to be approachable, interesting, and all-around enjoyable — real winners I’d recommend to others.
I loved the vanilla in Oud wa Vanillia so will watch for a chance to try Vanira Moorea. It sounds delicious and must be popular. It was out of stock at Fumerie Parfumerie when I tried to order a sample there.
Assam of India is one I will spend more time with in hopes it will be FBW, and also Scorza di Sicilia. I love citrus. Completely agree that the Bardoues prices are great. I’ll be on the lookout for deals.
Scorza di Sicilia will probably be the first purchase I make when I break my no buy. I love citrus too and enjoy some Jo Malones and Atelier but I find I enjoy the Berdoues even more.
I think smallflower and bigelow give you ten percent off if you sign up for their emails and they carry Berdoues so that is another option if you decide to purchase a full bottle.
I just bought Assam of India yesterday, after getting a sample and remembering that CM8 wore the heck out of in in hot weather. I’m thinking I’ll do the same. I should try the others, too.
I was taking Angela’s challenge at the time and wearing the same perfume the entire summer in order to “finish a bottle”. I never finished the Assam because a family member stole it from me but I also tried it a few times in the winter (snuck in her room and stole a few spritzed) and let me tell you it is equally as fabulous in the winter!
Ain’t No Way….not exactly an empowering song but I love the way she has got mermaids singing on back-up.
Missed yesterday for autumn favourites so here they are
Number One favourite: 1970 Bella Freud. Jammy rose, clove tobacco, and resin. Not at all complicated or challenging just easy to wear and not musk. Plus, a cute whippet in the advert.
2. Journey or Interludes, Dog walking above the harbour fog, waiting for the sun to come over the hill
3. Mimosa and Cardamon or Angel Muse, reading At the Existentialist Cafe by Sarah Bakewell ( she wrote a great book about Montaigne and this is also good)
4. Lale….lots of sprays to get past the ethereal zone, golden sunlight through trees, drinking tea from a thermos.
5. Coco or Woodcut
How is your sweet grass infusion coming along?
The grass is still on my desk drying. As it dries the scent gets stronger and my room smells of marzipan and wheat. It must have been incredible when the floor of an entire room was covered with it. I don’t want to risk infusing it just yet in case it doesn’t work…as I’m enjoying it so much . By contrast, the Easter orchid now smells of dog poo. Just goes to show you can’t judge a scent by its appearance
Maybe only infuse half in case it doesn’t work? You could keep it dried and put it in a sachet…the scent you have described (marzipan and wheat) sounds amazing.
Just chopped some up and placed it in some sweet almond oil. Will keep you posted.
1970 Bella Freud sounds wonderful. Off to look it up!
I must confess, I don’t really know any of Aretha Franklin’s work except for “Respect” – I think I’m of the age that if you lived in Western Canada and your parents weren’t playing Aretha, you wouldn’t hear her. And my parents were the type to play Gordon Ligtfoot and Blondie. I did enjoy her national anthem at the football game in Detroit on Thanksgiving.
I have been reading all week but far too late to join any conversations. It sounds like a lot of people had a really rough week, and I just want to let you all know that I have been thinking of you and sending comforting vibes your way.
My students and I will be publicly debuting a project that we’ve been working on since August 17 on Tuesday! I find it incredible that a group of tenth grade kids have dealt with the stress of a massive deadline with more grace than any of the adults I worked on teams with in my pre-teacher days.
SOTD is Jour d’Hermes pre-shower, followed by California Reverie. Stay safe and have a wonderful weekend!
Gordon Lightfoot!
In an old-man-cleaning-out-stuff-he-no-longer-needs phase, my father was threatening to throw out all his records. I scooped them up, and spent most of a few months’ weekends going through them all. Gordon Lightfoot was the revelation from those explorations! Amazing and powerful singer!
Eventually, I passed on about 2/3 of the records for my brother to explore and kept the rest for myself. Lightfoot stays in my collection.
Get out Old Dad’s (Dan’s) records?
Ha. I get it! I get it! I get it! (Bouncing up and down in my desk chair–now a little embarrassed….)
Thanks, you made my day!
Jour d’Hermes and California Reverie, two of my favorites. You smelled wonderful all day.
Gord’s Gold is the ultimate road trip album.
Back in the day, I used to love the whole album “Aretha Franklin Live at Fillmore West,” and especially “Dr. Feelgood.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2d2DD63POk&list=PLzXEGO1BkJ9VrqntuFH22_cvXBh8r6KdY
Forgot to pair a fragrance; I’d say Roja Dove Diaghilev. Aretha merits a whole dressing table full of all the Roja Doves, leaving off the Tutti Frutti Ouds out of Respect.
SIx thumbs up.
Never tried Roja Dove, i just looked at the webshop, their price tags are scary!!! Hahaha
Yes, RD’s prices are jaw-dropping, but do try to sniff Diaghilev if you can. I had thought no perfume could be worth his asking price, but then I smelled Diaghilev on Bastet, another NST poster, and was stunned by its beauty. Bastet was practically forced to detach my nose from her wrist!
This!
SOTD = Mon Guerlain
Musky gourmand fruity floral that smells like 99.82% of perfumes out there made with cheap ingredients. I would be willing to bet that ifnthis was one of the untitled perfumes, most people would guess this was a celebuscent (well, it seems to be one given what is being attributed to Angelina Jolie).
Meh. Pass.
I didn’t think it was that bad..
I don’t want a bottle but I didn’t scrub it off either.
Plus I suffer from white musk olfactory overload or something like that ..where I can’t smell it but according to Robin it is still there!
It wasn’t a scrubber…it was just not special enough and not quite up to snuff with what I expected from the line.
You didn’t get lavender? I didn’t get fruity, just lavender, vanilla and fade to grey
Zero lavender.
Isn’t that interesting. I would have described it as a lavender perfume
Mon Guerlain was a big dislike for me. Not balanced, poor development, screeching sugarly sweetness.
On my skin the topnotes were Gone in 60 seconds (wasnt Jolie in that movie??!) and it went straight to sugar coated sweetville.
I actually like sweet perfumes (hello Indult Tihota and Sweet Morphine) but this was just cheap material sweet.
I know my tolerance for sweet/suga-like/vanilla notes is a bit low, but yeah I agree with you, this one mostly put me off because of the cheap vibe.
I am not totally allergic to sweetness though, I do like vanilla when its good quality, but in a lot of perfumes it reminds me of those foul air refresheners.
I like Chain of Fools a lot. Speaking of fools, I have a handyman in the kitchen trying to install a range hood and it’s clear he’s never done it before. We are on a second set of holes in my new tiles when the first set weren’t centered (or level). For a scent, something silly–Demeter Bubblegum, maybe? I’m wearing Desarmant and taking deep, calming breaths.
Gaah, I’ve put off some needed handyman work for years because I know it will be unbearable at best and lead to worse problems at worst. Good luck!
I’m sorry about your experience. My hubby and his Dad usually try to do handyman jobs for us and I really appreciate it. The running joke is that they call themselves “Dumb and Dumber”. They try and usually are pretty successful but there was a time when they installed a new bathroom vanity that has at least 3 sets of holes inside when they were trying to line the plumbing lines, then on top of that my FIL spilled some varnish and stained the wood inside too. Deep Breaths are your best friend. Good luck!
Oh good luck! Maybe go hide in the back room where your perfume cupboard is? You could pull everything out, rearrange them, and then put them back again.
Holes in new tiles??? Oh man I’d be taking deep breaths with a paper bag.
Update: It’s 7 pm and the handyman just left after 8 1/2 hours. In addition to the tile holes, he cut into my HVAC ductwork, thinking it led to the outdoors, borrowed my tools, and told me there was no hardware packet in the box. While cleaning up, I found the hardware packet in some balled-up plastic that wrapped some of the parts. On the upside, the range hood does work properly, is now vented properly, and I have fixed the hole he drilled that isn’t covered by the hood. He asked me to leave him a review on a local site but I think it would be kinder if I didn’t. I’m breaking out the alcohol now and putting on some Gordon Lightfoot. Life could be worse, as I will be reminded by The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Sigh. I’m glad you (and your new kitchen) survived! Next time you need handyman service, shoot me an email. I have a company I’ve used a couple times now that I found on Angie’s list. Both times they’ve showed up on time, finished early and under budget, and done good work. Can’t ask for better than that!
“The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” *facepalm
“I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You” + Miss Dior artfully blended with tears & bourbon.
Hello there! Missed you.
Hello! Missed you & the NST crew as well. Just poking my head back through the doorway…
Hi Olenska! It is nice to see you poke back in
Howdy-do, and good to see you too! ????
Oooh oooh… jumping the queue before I’ve read everyone…cuz I’m testing 18.21 Sweet Tobacco sent to me as an extra in the swap meet by a generous NSTer who sent me an embarrassment of riches… and of course it goes with ‘Ain’t No Way’ just perfectly… Happy Birthday Aretha!
Well y’all, I finally got the car I’ve been shopping for for a week. Whew, such a freaking relief. Gonna go home and spritz on something awesome and drink a glass of scotch to celebrate.
Yay, congrats!
What kind of car did you end up with if it is not too personal?
A 2014 Acura ILX. Very low mileage. So not new but new to me.
My brother is an advocate for certified pre-owned and my sister just got a low mileage Tiguan!
I think I read a Consumer Reports study that said that you get the best value for your money with a 2-3 yearold car. Still in good shape, and you don’t pay the “new car” premium.
Enjoy your new ride, KellyC!
Nice! Congrats. We’re thinking about a new(pre owned likely) ourselves.
My favourite will have to be Think. The version she sang in the Blues Brothers. (In a pink dress, on slippers).
No idea what scent would go with that. Something bold, maybe Aromatics Elixir.
Yes, nice pick for Think.
I am not an Aretha fan. I do like George Michael though, so I pick “I knew you were waiting(for me)” with Jovan Musk, for no reason other than that’s what came to mind.
Classic!
Hey all, I just posted my Swap List. Even if you have nothing you want to swap away or have anything I am looking for, there are alternatives to consummate a swap with me.
https://nstperfume.com/2017/03/18/the-swapmeet-episode-10/#comments
What a lovely idea to swap perfume for a contribution to a humanitarian not-for-profit! All thumbs up!!
Thank you. It’s a win-win on so many fronts!
Hey, I’d love to try some vintage Carons as well. The store on Lex seems to be gone; wonder whether there’s another NYC location. I remember seeing photos of the urns–they seemed rather amazing!
They are now at Grand Central. You have to call them to make an appointment. I have not been to the Grand Central location.
I haven’t been either but someone on a FB group was talking about it and said it was an amazing experience. We should do a field trip!
So sad that I was too late to your swap party H! On Thursday I finally got to try Songe d’un Bois. Of course I love it! oh well…
????
And this
Hey Nineteen
That’s ‘Retha Franklin
She don’t remember
The Queen of Soul
has been earworming me all day.
SOTD is CJScents Amber Incense because these are the last few days before it starts truly heating up and my beloved heavy hitters become Too.Much.
Oh, and Go, Gonzaga! Final four bound!
Mr. Spicebomb was beside himself to see Oregon heading to the final four. I will need to plan a dinner that can be eaten in front of the television that night.
Go, Ducks!
Ha! I love Steely Dan.
Definitely “Chain of Fools.” In 1968 I eagerly spent my babysitting money on Dana Ambush in the plastic coated, Eiffel Tower shaped spray bottle. SOTE is vintage Ambush cologne.
Nice to read you again, leathermountain & everyone. I’ve been lurking. Gardening + new yoga class = back pain, not the worst but more than previously. That’s what the 60s will get you. ???? Take care, all.
Take care of that back but don’t give up yoga :)…maybe try a more restorative class?
and you smell great…always love a classic vintage and Ambush fits the bill.
Thanks. I’m going to keep trying for several more months. The class is a yin class, aimed at stretching (is that the right word?) the connective tissue. Take care, cm8. ????
SOTD is Eau Premiere, the original courtesy of She-ra.
I’m late with my reply… just catching up the day after. I’m very honoured to share my birthday with Aretha and Elton John as well. Nice company! I don’t think anyone has mentioned ‘Who’s Zoomin Who’. I’m chucking a bit here as my scent yesterday was Bvlgari Black. Spray it loud!
I recently watched the documentary ‘Muscle Schoals’ – great clips of Aretha!
Happy Birthday yesterday!
I grew up in Muscle Shoals; it was fun to hang out at the teensy little airport there and watch stars come in…
Thank you! That’s really cool – what a great experience!
Happy belated birthday!
Thanks Robin!
Hope it was very happy!
I had forgotten “Freeway of Love” and would have to name it as my favorite. I grew up in Michigan listening to Motown but always preferred the Supremes (not to mention Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson). Not sure I have a good perfume association though. For me the SOTD is Pichola. A fun one!
And it’s Diana Ross’ birthday today
Sunday and I’ve packed for 2 weeks, as next weekend I’ll be going to Ireland for a family event rather than heading home. That’s 12 new perfume samples, and yet I feel like I’ve hardly made a dent in the pile. :^O
SOTD is Hermes “Vetiver Tonka”.
Notes: vetiver, sandalwood, tonka bean, tobacco, lily-of-the-valley, praline and caramel.
Now that sounds like a good perfume, and with lots of potential in terms of strength and power. Hope Dusseldorf is going ok.
Well, by Hermessence standards, Vetiver Tonka is a ravening beast. Like, it’s almost a normal perfume. :^)
It’s early days in Düsseldorf but I know what l have to do, I know how to do it, and I seem to have top cover for now. The next 4 weeks are crucial. ????
Oh, and I greatly appreciate your asking!
Generously sprayed, it IS a normal perfume. Highly recommend–I can’t think of anything else quite like it.
Freeway Of Love!
Ferrari Essence Oud! I love this rosy-oud scent!