Happy Social Media Giving Day! We're making the occasion with our standard-issue open thread poll. Talk about anything you like — the fragrance you’re wearing today, the fragrance you own but forget to wear, whatever.
Or, ask a question about fragrance, then see if anyone else has asked a question that you can answer…
(Also, I am heading back home from vacation today. Unless the traffic is much nicer than usual for a Saturday in July, I probably won't be able to join in the discussion until tomorrow.)
Note: top image is Chatham, MA [cropped] by Todd Van Hoosear at flickr; some rights reserved.
Hello, everyone! I am looking for recommendations for perfume shops in Rome. I know Profumum and Santa Maria Novella; I am hoping to find some friendly, brand-independent shops. I recently read somewhere (perhaps here on NST) that such shops are popping up there with more frequency than when I was last in Rome (2013). Also, if anyone has similar favorites in Florence or anywhere in Calabria, I would welcome those, too.
Happy weekend! We are looking at more rain here in Western NY. May your weather be better than mine.
In Rome Campomarzio and Mazzolari are both good, many brands represented. In Florence there is also i Profumi di Firenzi (single brand shop like SMN).
I am wearing Tauer’s Decennial Lys du Désert.
Thank you! Is there a Mazzolari in Rome? I see multiple listings for Milan, but it is unlikely that I will get there. On the other hand, Campomarzio should be easy — I will be at the Pantheon pretty often.
Thanks to everyone for the replies, and my apologies for my own tardy thanks. I just pulled several of these notifications out of my spam filter.
A friend of mine went to Aqua Flor in Florence. She said it was a beautiful store, and she brought back a Parfum called Derwish.
Wonderful! Thanks!
When you’re in Florence, you should definitely visit I Profumi di Firenze, which is very close by the Uffizi (which you will be seeing, right?). Pretty much floor to ceiling fragrances and skin care: you’ll have so much trouble choosing. I bought six scents and two of them were mistakes that I gave away — luckily very inexpensive in the 12-mL size — but the other four (Limone di Sicilia, Sandalo Misore, Spezie di Medici, and Terra di Siena) have become mainstays. Plan on spending at least half an hour there.
Yes.
I will probably also go to Palazzo Strozzi, depending on what they have up. Last time I saw a great exhibition of avant-garde Soviet art. Thank you for the shop recommendation! Grazie mille.
Love that photo-very serene.
SOT(very, very hot)D is Tauer Amber Flush again. Have some errands to run, but otherwise a calm and easy weekend is right on schedule!
Question: Has anyone sniffed the Berdoues Vanira Moorea scent yet? If so, what are your thoughts…?
Robin, safe travels to you, and I hope everyone stays cool and comfortable this weekend.
I recently reviewed Vanira Moorea. You might want to check out my blog.
Thank you! Your review was very helpful!
A younger family member was gifted a full bottle for her birthday last winter by me….and I steal spritzes from it constantly. lucas did an excellent review on it…it is lovely…
also, hajusuuri compared it to poor man’s version of Mon Precious Nectar ( I think that is the name…someone PLEASE correct me if I am wrong!!!)
to my wonky nose I get neroli, orange blossom, vanilla and amber…it is a very versatile scent that would wear well year round IMHO
Robin- i hope it is OK I add this link-
https://chemistinthebottle.wordpress.com/2017/06/30/triple-trip-with-maison-berdoues/
Lucas reviewed my three favorites of the line (although I am developing a love for Selvo di Brazil as it reminds me a bit of the discontinued AG Eau de Camille)
See above response????
Of course it is ok! Not always ok with the spam filter but always ok with me
Sorry for the butchering..it is Mon Precieux Nectar.
Deva, if you have time, how is the Amber Flush body oil? I’ve read conflicting reviews that it does/does not have the Andy “base” (creosote/chalky dryness). If applied to legs only, would it interfere with fragrance on the arms/wrists?
Hi there! I don’t find it dry at all. Someone here on NST commented that it was “chewy” and I agree. It’s dense and moist and has substantial throw, so I think you’d have to pair it wisely with an additional scent. It has great longevity on me as well. Sometimes I just rub a bit in my hair and it’s still quite noticeable. Hope that helps!
Thanks, Deva! I think it’s going on my list, then. Maybe for the fall. ????
I’ll be the voice of dissent and say that I don’t care for Vanira Moorea at all. Too…green? Harsh? Gorgeous bottle, though.
Are you sure you weren’t sampling the Selvo di Brazil? because that one is definitely green to my nose!
Thank you! We made it home alive
amen
I’m in California Reverie from VC&A today. I also sprayed Fourreau Noir on top of my hand. I used to have it but sold it once I realised I almost don’t wear it. I think I would still not wear it regularly if I had it up to these days.
I could never make up my mind about FN: I like it every time I try it but in between I never think about it – so I probably do not need a bottle
Sounds like indeed you don’t need a bottle. And I don’t need to get it back as well. For lavender I’m covered with Lavande 44 and 1725 Casanova (+Chanel Boy which I only have a decant of)
I will be in Portland next week and was planning on visiting Perfume House and Fumerie on Friday the 21st, or maybe the Thursday afternoon. If anyone is interested in meeting up my address is a123amos at inbox dot com. Oh, and if anyone knows where I could find the Malle range in town that would be great – Nordstrom was a “no” for L’Eau d’Hiver…
Annie, You live in Canada, right? I have a travel size L’eau d’hiver that I don’t wear. Email me at luanne dot teall at the gee mail dot com.
Just sent you a message!
pre yoga- frankicense essential oil
post yoga- Belenciaga vintage Prelude in preparation for next week’s community project-
http://www.ernesthemingwaycollection.com/about-hemingway/ernest-hemingway-in-spain
A thank you to my fragrance fairy for gifting me a 1 oz bottle of this!
FRANKINCENSE!!!! sheesh!
Oh man I am really on a roll…that would be BALENCIAGA…..
I must say that until you started correcting I haven’t even noticed that those were misspelled – I re-constructed them in my head
LOL! Thanks, Undina…now I don’t feel so bad
I recently became a great-aunt, so I’m off today to see the baby. He was born 3 months early – only 1.25 pounds, so he’ll be in a NICU for probably 3 months. It’s been very scary, but they can work miracles with these tiny babies now. Wearing my new bottle of Monserrat for the first time. I find it a very cheering scent.
My Sister was born 3 months prematurely in 1948. She is a healthy, wonderful 68 years old.
Miracles happen.
But Bear, you are only 40 ……how could you have a sister that old
……
No, I’m the same age as Madonna, our Birthdays are 2 days apart.
But you’re only as old as you feel, most days I still feel like a teenager!
LOL.
Thanks for the compliment, chocolatemarzipan8 !
you are quite welcome and boy do I WISH I had your energy and joie de vivre!
That’s wonderful to hear! I’m back from visiting and it’s hard to imagine this little one all grown up just yet, but I’m passing on all these wonderful stories of healthy, grown-up premies to my sister, who’s very emotional with worry right now. The baby’s the tiniest thing I’ve ever seen, smaller than the kittens I work with, but looks like a fighter to me.
My husband has a friend in the U.K. With similar experience. Baby is now home with parents. Enjoy this tiny miracle.
He really is a miracle. Glad to hear your husband’s friends have their baby home.
My nephew was born 4 months earlier 21 years ago. Today he is a big, healthy, gorgeous kid. I am pretty sure the baby will be fine!. You smell amazing in Monserrat.
Thanks – stories like this are my favorite just now, and so very welcome! I will pass them on to my family.
Adding my brother who was 3 months early. He is now a big healthy pain in the butt (sometimes) 46 year old. All the best to your family.
Ha! I guess that’s true of all brothers sometimes.
Wishing baby all the best! And from others stories here, there is much hope for a good outcome.
Thanks! This community is wonderful for raising spirits and hope.
Grow baby, grow! Great auntie wants to play with you! Congrats and best wishes for the little guy to be a healthy and well at home soon.
Thanks! I think it’ll be a while before he came go home, but I have high hopes that he’ll be growing quickly.
Jirish, congratulations on becoming a great-aunt!
Thanks!
BTW, I am a former preemie, and came home from the hospital just fine.
Best of luck to the little guy!
SotM = Ambre Narguile
It’s cool and quiet this morning. AN feels right.
Social media giving day is one I had not heard of until now. Perfume people are wonderful givers. I have oodles of fragrance as proof. Thanks, everyone.
Perfume people really are good at sharing!
We had our meet up in Vancouver yesterday with honoured guest hajusuuri, and had a blast.
I’m in a cloud of scent already this morning with Acqua Viva and Cuir Cuba Intense, will be adding some Anubis in a moment.
You go, fearless one!
Oofta! Of course, I did something similar, trying three new perfumes before the morning shower. Seconding how fun it was to have a day of Perfume Shoppe-ing and perfume-swapping, oh, and quaffing. I felt quite wistful at the tales of frequent NYC sniffapaloozas and the wider circle there.
I had lots of fun (and mortified when I counted the number of bottles). I’m off to the Port of Vancouver for the cruose to Alaska!
Lovely! I hope you have good weather. Will you visit Glacier Bay?
Dying to know what you got!
So delightful to see everyone (& I probably smelled of a million things when I went to the dance piece).
Embracing this lovely summer weather by heading to a pool party this afternoon and wearing Bronze Goddess! Happy weekend!!
You smell on fleek!!????????????????
Ha! You make me feel so on trend! ????
I’m waiting for my bottle to arrive now. BG is the ultimate summer fragrance! You smell amazing!
Ultimate!!!
Wearing Jean Patou Vacances vintage eau de toilette !
Lovely
Getting ready to run some errands in 4711. But first: more coffee.
Question: Can anyone recommend a lavender scent? I’d like something on the bright and clean side, maybe with a bit of citrus/lemon. I really love Method’s French Lavender hand wash – something like that would be perfect.
Happy Saturday to all!
Talking about 4711: have you tried 4711 Lavender & Thyme? I have not yet, but based on reviews it might be just the thing you want.
And personally I find Penhaligon’s Lavandula bright and clean.
Oh, and we had a lavender Friday here on NST several months ago – https://nstperfume.com/2017/02/10/friday-scent-of-the-day-210/
Maybe it will give you more ideas.
Thanks! I was not aware 4711 did a lavender – that does sound lovely.
I bought a bottle (at the 4711 shop in Köln!) recently and it is gorgeous, the kind of lavender you can really shower yourself in. I highly recommend it. Compagnie de Provence makes an Incense Lavender that I love, a splendid herbal/spicy lavender with an incense base (I like it better than Serge Lutens Encens et Lavande) but a little research suggests they’re no longer making the EDT and it is impossible to find online — you can get the shower gel and hand cream and such easily, for what that’s worth.
The online discounters (fragrancex, fragrancenet, even walmart) sell the huge 5.7 oz for practially free…I believe it is under 23 dollars at fragrancex…..
I love Krigler’s Lieber Gustav but it’s not easily accessible.
Thanks for all the recs! Has anyone tried the Caldey Island? I’ve been curious about that one for a while. Also, ELDO Antiheros – it lists musk as a note, which is not what I want, but people often describe it as a soapy, which is pretty much what I want . . .
the last time I researched Caldey Island someone had written it was reformulated and not nearly as good as it once was.
Yes, I bought it in autumn 2015 and It’s nothing like the review in the Guide. My bottle is now a bathroom spray – but I guess it’s possible they’ve since improved it again.
Have you tried Chanel Jersey or Boy?
Rania J. Lavande 44 is also great.
Le Galion Cologne Nocturne has lavender and citrus.
The Le Galion sounds nice – I looked at their whole line, and 222 also sounds very appealing!
I haven’t tried Boy but I will second the Jersey….out of all the exclusives I have sampled thus far that one was my favorite (not counting no 22 because when I started wearing that one eons ago it wasn’t an exclusive so I will never see it that way)
I would love to try everything from the exclusive line! Some day I’ll sniff them all . . .
Have a safe trip home Robin!
SOTD is Aqua Flor “Derwish” it’s a spicy floral.
Is it the one that your friend brought back from Florence?
Yes it is. I always think of her when I wear it. Should spritz more often!
Thank you, we made it!
After my successful layering experiment with two Guerlain’s Allegorias, I decided to try mixing two Penhaligon’s today: Castile and Lavandula. They complement each very well: lavender in Lavandula and orange blossom in Castile. Both are clean and soapy. A very nice combination – I ought to wear it again some day.
That sounds lovely!
I’m a house cousin in Iris Prima this morning.
I just ordered that, been wanting it for a long time and finally found a great deal on Fragrancenet.com. You smell wonderful!
In The Different Company Sel de Vetiver for a warm and sunny day in NY running many errands. Have a great weekend all!
A great choice for a warm day!
Thank you
You smell wonderful!
Thank you!
I just finished my decant of that one. It’s fantastic! You smell great.
Thank you! It is fabulous! One of my summer favorites.
SotD: Oud Saphir
I’m taking my dad to the California Academy of Sciences for his birthday, he’s never been there and I’m pretty sure he’ll love it. There’s a rainforest biodome with loads of tropical butterflies and gorgeous flowers, which is exactly the kind of thing he loves.
Have a great outing with your dad!
I like Oud Saphir but not on me
The biodome is amazing. Hopefully it is not too crowded
Oh, that sounds like so much fun. I hope you both enjoy yourselves!
Love, love, love Cal Academy of Sciences! What an awesome present!
Happy birthday to your dad! My husband’s birthday is July 15th.
Love Oud Saphir.
Have a wonderful day with your Dad!
I’m in a little smudge of Diptyque Essences Insensées 2016 solid, which I can’t help thinking of as Angry Rose or Thunderstorm Rose: it’s thorny and darkish, slightly spicy and intensely rosy. If you’re looking for a rose scent for a man, this could be the one.
Oh, that sounds lovely! Why has nobody made Angry Rose yet??
Pyramus, I own the Diptyque Essences Insensées 2016 solid. It must be my skin’s chemistry or my nose or the perfume batch, but while it does come across as intensely rosy, I don’t sense any darkness, thorns, or spice — perhaps a little mintiness? Anyway, it sounds like we both like it!
I’m always late in answering people who leave comments for me in other threads,so I’ll try to remedy it here a bit!
Bear!!:Thanks for answering about the Monopoly perfume game,it does sound special and wonderful!Enjoy!
THE PERFUME ROOM:Oy….Lol.OK,so I ended up taking a much smaller apartment than the one I initially loved.This one is 1 bedroom,but it is actually the perfect size for me.The perfume room idea hence turned into THE PERFUMED APARTMENT reality.I’m still figuring it out!Lol.Thanks to everyone who has been asking!As you guys know,life gets in the way of projects like these,so I’ve not been paying attention to what I actually want to do with my ideas.I did buy the fabulous Chinoiserie cabinet for displaying some perfumes,and I’ve managed to get some cool perfume posters framed.
SOTD!Lush Lust!This is fast becoming a favorite jasmine!And people ask about it when I wear it!
I HAVE to get a BUB of Aromatics Black Cherry,it has also been getting a lot of wear,and I love it soooo much I fear I’ll run out before winter ends!!
Hope everyone has an awesome weekend!!
X
Oh! This brings up an important topic. Would everyone share their perfume decorating ideas?
DO get a BUB because I think it was a limited edition and Clinique is not selling it online anymore. And whatever you do with your “perfume room” I am sure it will be divine
Thanks johanob!
My perfumes are all over the place, but I have become minimally more organized by putting houses and flankers in close proximity to one another.
Stay warm!
Johanob, thanks for all the updates!
If I remembered to wear Ambre Narguilé every day, I’d probably be a pretty happy perfume monogamist. It’s the sweetest, most beautiful hug in any weather. But most of the time, I don’t remember how much I love AN.
To that end, wearing Féminité du Bois from a small decant and wondering whether I want to host another bottle split before the old SL bottles disappear. Delicious.
Oh, please. Oh please.
Oh, would you be interested in a split? I’ve got two other people also interested, so I might really do it. Can you email me at ko bhatta at jee male dott com with how much you would want? I expect it would come out to < $1.50/ml + supplies/shipping.
Email sent, ma’am!
Yes! to Ambre Narguilé in any season of the year. I last enjoyed it during winter, but it is blooming beautifully on this warm afternoon.
I’m in Chanel Boy, thanks to the generous Lovestosmellgood. Nice, light floral and good for summer.
Cleaning the house today, and working on the junk pile that is the spare room. When we moved into this house, one room was the destination for everything we didn’t know what to do with. That was two years ago, so it’s high time we tackled it. I’m thinking we could devote an hour or two daily so we feel like we’re making headway.
Heh, that’s the stage we are at with the apartment we moved into two months ago. The spare bedroom/office is an absolute disaster. We plan to devote this weekend to it.
Spent two hours on it today. Needed and partook of wine afterwards. Not done yet. ????
We had a room like that in one of our old apartments and it was just known as The Other Room. Moving is what finally made us de-junk that stuff.
I’m a terrible pack rat, and so is the hubster. We have a lot to go through.
Hello, hello!
First things first: happy birthday to me. Another year older, another year wiser. Hmmm.
SOTD is BeauFort London “Lignum Vitae”.
Top: black pepper, red fruits, biscuit, sea notes, mandarin orange, citron, bergamot, juniper, ginger, lime, olibanum and caramel;
Mid: guaiac wood, vetiver, pepper and oud;
Base: sand, sea salt, amber, olibanum, musk, vanilla and oakmoss.
This is one of the 5 in the leather roll discovery set. On me, it’s all about sharp juicy lime and plain biscuit. A good scent for a cloudy Summer’s day. I liked it as a sample but it has longevity issues, so wouldn’t go for a FB. I’m happy to have (effectively) a decant that will last several wearings.
Going for a curry tonight and I’ll likely wear the FB of Mon Nom est Rouge that TOMK gave me. Otherwise, I’ve had a lazy day. :^)
Happy Birthday, Koenigsberg! Have fun at dinner.
Happy birthday!! Lazy birthdays are nice.
It helps that I’m really rather good at lazy. :^)
Happy Birthday to you indeed!
Happy Birthday! Enjoy your dinner … yum….curry.
Happy birthday!
Happy burthday and glucklich geburtstag you old go-goat! I went to an exhibition yesterday that had a beautiful brooch made from lignum vitae. It looked like ebony. I googled it later and it seems like the wood was used for police truncheons and croquet balls amongst other things. Anyway, have a fabulous year and hopefully the little palace in Malta will be yours before too long. Three cheers!
Happy Birthday Koenigsberg!
Older, wiser……….
I got the former,
still working on the latter.
LOL.
You’re a lucky man if you have both!
Enjoy!
Happy Birthday Koenigsberg! Enjoy your special day!
Happy birthday!
Happy Birrthday Koenigsberg! Many, many, many more to come! Enjoy!
Happy Birthday! Glad you are enjoying a lazy day!
Happy bday…enjoy!!!!!
Happy Birthday! TOMK sure knows how to pick a gift ????
Happy Birthday! Do you feel a year wiser? At least about perfumes, I mean
Bon anniversaire! You smell great.
Happy Birthday! Looks like you are enjoying your special day.
Many very happy returns of the day.
Happy scented Birthday, Koenigsberg! Your bday dinner sounds absolutely delish!
Happy birthday! That’s a wonderful excuse for a lazy day, although I find that I don’t really need much of an excuse for laziness.
Happy birthday, and do enjoy the curry!
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday!
Atelier Bois Blonds on this sunny Saturday.
I just ordered the Ormonde Jayne sampler set from Luckyscent. I’m so looking forward to trying this line. Does anyone have a favorite?
Enjoy sampling!!
I ended up with a number because I took advantage of a sale some years back. I originally took advantage to get Tolu, which was my favorite from a sampler scent. I ended up with a huge bottle but the others were travel sprays. Of all the scents I bought, though, I wear a Frangipani the most often…it is a go to summer scent for me and the travel spray is in my purse.
I like a lot of them, my favourites are Woman, Orris Noir and Taif. I have FBs of the first two, and Taif is on the list of future purchases.
If you are in US and interested, Madtowngirl, I have some decants (probably 5 or so sprays left in each) of OJ Woman, Tolu, and Frangipani Absolute I ordered from STC. Email me at beas dottt Beverly attt geee mail dott commm ???? I’d be happy to send them your way.
Oh, thank you for that generous offer but 2 of those will be included in the sampler pack. I will get to try 11 total so that should keep me busy for awhile!
I also like a lot of them but LOVE Tiare and Ta’if. Hope you love them!
Nice to be able to get them from the US now. Still worth checking the OJ website for specials. I got 2 8ml travel sprays of Champaca which is probably my favorite from what I tried. I also love Frangipani and Tolu. Haven’t tried Taif but I suspect I’d like that, too.
Dear madtowngirl, I’m late, so I hope you see this but as Ormonde Jayne made my top two fragrances ever, I thought I’d reply. I really liked the early perfumes already mentioned and went through full bottles of Woman and Tolu, but the more recent perfumes I love. My top two perfumes from everything I own are Black Gold and Vanille d’Iris. My bottle of Ambre Royal is already ordered and I fully intend to complete my gold trilogy with Rose Gold and White Gold when it becomes available.
I’m in the minority that likes Vanilla d’Iris too! It’s very dense to my nose, which is not my normal preference and unusual for iris in my experience. Its great!
Yes, I’m a huge fan of Iris and this is probably my favourite. The vanilla is dry and smoky to my nose and the Iris light and dry, so not the same as your experience, but lovely.
Hello mag20!
Could you review Black Gold?
I’ve been looking for a Birthday (August) perfume and I am curious.
If you make it sound awful my wallet will thank you.
TIA.
Cheers!
Hi Bear. Sorry for the delay, it is Monday morning here in Oz and I have just sat down with my coffee ☕️ and seen your question. I should say that if you haven’t already, read Mark Behnke’s review on colognoisseur.com for a more in depth take, the description on Luckyscent is also pretty spot on.
This is very much in the Geza Schoen/Ormonde Jayne style, really well blended and sophisticated. The opening is described by Luckyscent as effervescent woody citrus and I’d agree with that, it’s just lovely and the whole light, sparkling feeling continues right through the development, blending into a creamy Sandalwood/Oud drydown. The Oud is (thankfully for this Oud hater) an accent in the composition, not the main event.
It is in no way an “interesting” fragrance in the standard, syrupy, punch you in the throat manner of a lot of niche fragrances. Lasts well into the next day on my skin and can still be smelt faintly on clothing a week or so later.
I believe that you have said you love Superstitious – so do I – so perhaps our tastes are somewhat similar?
Hope this is helpful.
Maggie
Thank you for the comments, Maggie.
I appreciate the insight you’ve provided.
I like Oud, love Sandalwood, and Superstitious is wonderful on my skin, though I can see how it is just not some people’s taste.
My wallet is starting to gently sob…………
LOL !!
Cheers, and stay warm !!!! More coffee !!!
Your wallet is not going to thank me, I’m afraid. Neither did mine – I slapped down the equivalent of more than A$600 or so as soon as this became available on Essenza Nobile, a couple of years ago, before they stopped delivering to Australia. That’s how badly I wanted it.
Sampling Imaginary Authors’ Saint Julep today. I’m loving it except that it is so fleeting on me. Or I’m anosmic to the base notes, I suppose that’s possible too, right?
I just sampled this one earlier this week. I liked it a lot and thought it was rather unique, but it didn’t last long on me. It was quite refreshing though. I will have to revisit it again since I’ve only tried it once.
I tried this one earlier in the week as well, with about the same results. It was all but gone in a couple of hours. Minty fresh and sweet, but not so sweet that it bothered me. I don’t remember getting any bourbon. I liked it a lot, just not enough for a full bottle.
I assume you two have Olfactif subscriptions…? I bought a three month sub with the Mother’s Day discount, but I’m not sure I’m going to renew it.
Scent of the evening: Fille en aiguilles, after a nice hot shower. So good!
Today I held a 7 hour ‘cleaning extravaganza’ in my house together with my husband. Cupboards and closets were emptied and scrubbed from head to toe…I am a bit tired now but feeling good about all the work done.
Happy weekend everyone!
That is very gratifying. I realized today another downside of summer here is keeping windows closed. A good clean and open windows makes me happy.
Oh, that is a bummer. I feel quite fortunate in never having lived in a city where I needed AC.
Love that scent! While it sometimes reminds me of Christmas, I think I like it best in the summer, because it reminds me of vacations in pine forests.
I can wear this any time of year.
And yes, reminds me of summer vacation, more than christmas actually…
Love that one! You smell great!
Thank you!
Ooof! Sounds exhausting, but good on both of you!
Trouble down here. My sample of Bracken woman arrived and it is good. It is very florist shop stalky green cut through with a soft, slightly leather base. Beautiful scent. It doesn’t bring to mind the smell of bracken ….which it less green and more leather/ peanut skin when I smell it up on the hill eqch day….but it is definitely a perfume I would like to have a FB of ( it’s more green floral than fern). It’s an interesting scent too because it combines the aerial qualities of interlude with the weight of Journey, so it’s an incredibly balanced scent and I suspect it takes a lot of skill to achieve something like that. Thanks Amy and others.
Bracken didn’t grab me, and I passed my sample on to Waterdragon, but reading your description I think I needed to study it a bit longer.
I liked it, but not as much as you do, Kanuka. There’s an immediate note of Toilet Duck that makes me go “umm, what?” but then it settles into something interesting and worthily sniffable, as you say. I don’t think I’m prepared to pay Amouage prices for the sake of the middle and dry down, though, because the opening is a most unfortunate association for me.
I think a number of people have got a toilet/air freshner/ bubble bath green pine/woods impression from Bracken.
Wow I hope they don’t smell that on me! It’s nothing like what I get.
It’s not a formal scent so it’s not held in by a strong sense of structure ( corset-less) but is free form/wispy, i think. That is, lacks some of the elements that fit the classic perfume genre…thinking of your Miss Dior or Chamade type scents.
Glad you like it!
Happy Saturday Everyone! I needed the opinions of all of you great perfumistas. So, I wanted to take advantage of Nordstrom’s anniversary sale this week and I made a purchase. I bought Narcisco Rodriguez’s For Her Eau de Toilette. I have tried the eau de parfum version of the same scent. The ones I just purchased is in a black bottle with a black lid. The one I owned before had the pink lids. Besides the sillage, is there a huge difference in the two? I love the eau de parfum version, but they didn’t have that one on sale. Your responses would be greatly appreciated. Have a good weekend.
My impression is that most people prefer the EDT over the EDP.
Good to know. Thanks for responding.
I went shopping for a new box to hold my decants. I put on Covet, which I haven’t worn in a while. I think I prefer it to Stash.
I was thinking about Covet — wonder if it would sell better now than it did then.
Happy weekend! Excitement is building in our little household, my beloved’s son is getting married in Hawaii next weekend, and we’ve started packing for our departure on Thursday. I’m trying to get my brain around a sudden switch to summer perfumes, and I’m looking forward to being warm. My beloved is not so keen on hot weather, and he’s wilting a bit at the thought.
I’m thinking Le Temps d’une Fete will be a good choice – all your comments on what you’re wearing in the northern hemisphere are very useful
It may be warm, but oh Hawaii does smell good – lush white florals, ginger… (and there are often those breezes that caress enough to forget any heat…) To my mind, Le Temps d’Une Fete is always good…. my go-to OJ Frangipani (as I mentioned earlier) would be another choice. Guerlain Terracotta is another. Have a wonderful time. In my experience, a good mai tai and fresh pineapple can also make one forget the heat…. ????
I think I’d want to sway in the tropical floral direction as well. When in Rome and all…
I think LTd’uF is perfectly perfect for Hawaii. Enjoy! No. 19 might work too.
The dates of the conference were shifted st the very last minute because of the clash with the last rugby test ( Wellington was booked out by Lions supporters) and I couldn’t make the new dates. I’m sorry I missed it, partly because presenting is always fun, but primarily because it meant I didn’t catch up with you, but I’m not regretting the flight home. Apparently the turbulence began on the tarmac and was so severe that several of my colleagues travelled pretty much the whole way in the “brace” position. The only person on board who was completely happy was a breast-fed baby: he thought it was all a big game organised for his specific entertainment, and gurgled and giggled happily for the full journey.
I envy you, flying into summer!
Lucky to have escaped those flights. Ugh. Even if they gave out free bottles of Amouage with every flight I would probably say no.
Congrats to you and what a great destination (I’m here now) and kind of wished we came in winter to escape the cold- but city heat can be oppressive so I’m perfectly happy to be here now.
I brought OJ Frangipani and Carnal Flower with me (as well as others) and both are really beautiful in the tropical heat and humidity. I’ve been wearing the OJ the most, actually.
Have fun! I always wear Kai and Monyette Paris in Hawaii.
I wear the plumeria and ginger body lotions from the hotels and from ABC stores.
Island Soap & Candleworks (no connection) makes a gorgeous Plumeria floral mister and various candles, soap and body products that smell beautiful.
Morning, all. I’m peering out blearily from under the bed clothes, having surfaced from deep, deep sleep only twenty minutes ago. What on earth is happening to me me? My older sisters say that even when I was a baby, I never slept past five o’clock, (my cheerful voice apparently woke everyone–“Wakey, wakey! Daylight come again!) but here it is, rising eight on this cold Sunday, and all I’ve achieved is to make a pot of tea. Obviously, I haven’t yet chosen a SOTD, but I am playing with the lake of samples that Foxbins gave me. I have Micallef Twenty Years on one wrist — yes, pretty, I could happily buy this rounded green freshness if it came my way, but it won’t here Downunder — and Atelier Lune Feline on the other. Can’t smell that one at all, except as a faint whiff of something sharp. Foxbin’s samples are eclectic: I’ve been learning the most interesting notes and ttypes of perfume, plus being able to spend time with some famous names.
Gaynor, these samples were supposed to come down to you in Wellington, but both Angelique and I got so busy with the presentations that neither of us remembered, and then I didn’t attend the conference. Sorry! I’ll email you soon.
Happy Saturday! Having a relaxing day here. Planning to go to Hanalei beach in a bit and then ukelele shopping, followed by the requisite luau tonight. Have to do one, right?
Yesterday we did the Na Pali coast via boat. Stunning! The grandeur of the cliffs and the colors are amazing. Saw lots of dolphins, a few sea turtles, and a monk seal. Did some snorkeling along a reef. The downside is I got really queasy about 3 hours into the 5.5 hour boat ride despite doubling up on Bonine. But, fortunately that was mostly the way back. For Monday we scheduled a 2.5 hour zip line tour. I’m really psyched for some aerial views.
Today I’m wearing LL Ylang 49.
Sounds like your having a blast (except for motion sickness-ugh!). Have you come across any interesting locally made perfumes or body products?
Oddly, CVS is the only place I’ve seen any, though we haven’t done much shopping (everything is so danged expensive here. A large bag of Lay’s is $5.50 at CVS!) They have a Hawaiin line of oils that comes in a pretty ceramic bottle. Don’t love any of the scents that much, though.
The best snack we had in Hawaii (available at grocery stores) were sour cream and onion flavored MACADAMIA nuts. Dear heavens, those were addictive, and probably cost less than the chips.
Your trip sounds great!
Oh, I know the macnuts of which you speak! They’re the best. My sister used to mule them over when she visited, or we received them from her in Christmas packages.
My waistline knows of these nuts. the last time brought home the gifts I kept them and at them.
I had the Maui Onion flavor which are very tasty. There’s something so decadent about eating almost an entire bag like it’s popcorn.
You might be able to find local scents at one of the farmer’s markets. There are also a lot of shops in downtown Hanalei that have perfumed oils. Glad you’re having fun. Eat an apple banana for me!
Also didn’t stop to shop in Hanalei yesterday, but what a cute town! And the drive there was stunning.
You smell great! Love that Ylang.
Thanks! The cashier at the convenient store store just complimented me on it ????(after my husband told me in the car that I have too much sillage, lol).
did he use those words “too much sillage”? If so , you have trained him well
Ha! Yes. He gets a kick out of using The Language.
I’m so glad you’re having a great time! Have fun zip lining!
Thanks! It’s great so far. Looming forward to zip-lining, although I’m sure I’ll be slightly terrified when I get there. Thanks for the closed shoe rec. Need those for that.
Glad to help. ????
You might try Island Soaps & Candleworks. They have a place in Princeville and then near the lighthouse. Always found them to be nice folks. Soaps, scents, etc. they’re local to Kauai as far as I know.
We passed through Princeville but didn’t stop ????
Elisa, that sounds like a wonderful trip!
Dramamine has always worked well for me. I’m not sure why Bonine is easier to find now; perhaps is it supposed to be non-drowsy? Definitely worth trying Dramamine, if you haven’t already.
Next time… It’s what they sold at the boat depot. It may be the less drowsy-making of the antihistamines but I’m not sure since none of them make me drowsy.
It’s Caribbean Day here at chez Foxbins. I woke up this morning to a gorgeous sunny, breezy day reminiscent of a vacation I took in the Cayman Islands. I’ve made a mango salsa to go with sea scallops for dinner this evening, and I’m wearing Virgin Island Water.
Sounds like an excellent day at the Chez!
Your dinner menu made my mouth water. Yum!
Ooh, nice! (on all fronts
)
Question: Has anyone else found that fragrancenet discount codes are browser-dependent? I’m currently seeing 30 % off on Chrome and only 20 % off on Safari, which seems…absurd? What are you seeing?
Huh. 35% on Firefox. That makes no sense. And now I’m going to have to buy something, because who can pass that up?
I’ve got 30% on Firefox, so now I’m feeling deprived.
Uh, me too. It’s not just you! Weeeeeird.
I have noticed a difference between browsers also.
It’s a shell game over there…
I go to my cart and put in the code:
BYPE6
that always applies the 35% off coupon and overrides smaller coupons.
I read that on basenotes
Omg!!! I wish I had known about this sooner! Thanks for sharing this code!
Yes!!! Thank you for sharing this.
Oh, cool! Thanks!
Thank you for sharing!
STOD- Black Flower Mexican Vanilla + Orange Sanguine= YUM
OMG!!!!! SOTD….NOT “STOD”….what the heck is wrong with me? More tea…pronto!
Maybe switch to coffee? ????
I might just do that , Deva
http://www.finecooking.com/article/hemingway-goes-to-mexico
and this is why I picked the fragrances…getting ready for Hemingway week
Wow, I want that drink. Would probably knock me out though.
Orange creamsicle!
Yes! and not only does it smell good but it lasted about five hours on my scent eating skin! (usually I am lucky if I get two hours tops)
I have scent eating skin too!
But a very apropos scent combo you are wearing today because it’s National Ice Cream day!
Cheers!
Formerly known as TheDistractedPhD btw : )
SOTD so far is the remnants of PdE Tabac Tabou. Lovely stuff!
I have stuff to do, but feel like throwing a 2 year old type temper tantrum by stomping my feet and screaming “I don’t WANT to!”
Sometimes, I really miss being two ????
I feel like that nearly every day.
Yep.
Hothouse Flower SOTD courtesy of the generous Nancyleandros. This is a gorgeous floral that hit all of my loves. FB in my future. I am determined to use all of my samples/decants. Lofty goal this. Have a great Sunday!
Good luck, that really is a lofty goal!
Glad ya liked it. ????
I like Hothouse Flower. And the bottle looks very attractive (just saying;) ).
If you decide to go for a bottle, if you haven’t tried other perfumes from the line you might want to buy a sample set for $25 including S&H, and you’ll get $15 coupon towards your FB purchase. This way you’ll end up paying just $10 for a cute set of 8 2 ml samples.
I completely second this recommendation because the sampler set is gorgeous….definitely gift worthy if you decide you don’t like the other fragrances-
http://www.ineke.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=41
beautiful presentation, right? and the full bottles are stunning…I have drained four
Lazy Sunday coming to an end very soon = I need to switch from shorts to long trousers and call the taxi to the airport.
SOTD is Hermes “Vetiver Tonka”.
Notes: vetiver, sandalwood, tonka, tobacco, lily-of-the-valley, hazelnut, praline and caramel. 10 or 12 sprays are enough to give it some legs. :^)
Ooooh, that hazelnut, praline, and caramel! Reminds me of my splurge on Pierre Hermé’s famous 2000 MILLEfeuilles!
Been meaning to sample the Vetiver Tonka at the flagship Hermes store in Toronto but they have been out of that particular scent each time.
Hmmm….Hermé and Hermes collaboration has potential!
Yesterday was my husband’s birthday. A few days ago, when I asked him what he wanted to do for his birthday, he said that he wanted to go to Yosemite, stop at several places on the way back, and have ice cream on the way home.
So, we spent Friday night in a hotel in Oakdale and then left early in the morning and drove to Yosemite. We spent the morning in Yosemite, and and spent the rest of the day heading home, making stops at Mono Lake, National Forests, etc.
Apart from the mind-blowing topography, there were beetles and flies resplendent in metallic rainbow hues, wildflowers, marmots, and birds (of course
). Ice cream consisted of a chocolate shake (him) and root beer float (me) 
I’m going to wear Diptyque Essences Insensées 2016 solid (a rose soliflore) to my book club meeting today. It should bloom nicely in the triple-digit heat we are expecting (not that I plan to spend much time outside. Ugh). At least it’s a dry heat!
What a wonderful birthday!
Yes!
I’m not a big nature person (I’m actually kind of anti-nature to some degree), but after seeing Ken Burns’ series on the national parks, I really want to go to Yosemite. Your trip sounds like it was a grand success!
Kind of off topic, but have you seen the previews on pbs for Ken Burns’ Vietnam documentary that starts in September? It looks like it will be incredible, he spent over 10 years making it!
I want to watch it, but it will be hard.
kpaint, seeing Yosemite Valley for the first time will take your breath away. I hope that you get there.
Breathtaking indeed – so many of our national parks and monuments are awe-inspiring.
Indeed
What a perfect day
And so nice to see you pop in , kindcrow!
Yes, it was lovely. Nice to “see” you, too.
Hello, kindcrow! Nice to hear from you.
Hi Jalapeno!
Fiori di Capri today.
Gads, watching the Tour de France makes me want to spend a year just traveling around those towns. Today was fascinating. I watch for scenery, as my husband argues with and barks at the announcers. Always entertaining.
Same at my house. Often the announcers get so annoying I just mute it and watch the pretty pictures.
Mmmmm, there is a lovely carnation note in Fiori di Capri. Nice!
SOTD is SL fumerie turque. Omg I smell great!
You do smell great!
It is such a fantastic scent! I was thinking about ordering a bottle, but decided against it-I wont be wearing it often as it is not versatile ,plus I heard some horrible stories about fragrance evaporating from Lutens cloche bottles.
I haven’t had any problems with evaporation from the cloches.
I do have a problem with how fast I can go through them.
Oh, goodness, I love that one, too.
Hot and humid here, lazing around with the dogs under the AC in Copal Azur.
Sounds perfect, and you smell perfect!
Testing out Carnivale d’Havana from Sultan Pasha this afternoon to meet a friend at a restaurant called Havana. It must be the right choice (and smells fabulous btw).
Tried Carner Barcelona D600 this morning and that really is beautiful stuff. Might just be me but seemed quite Chanel-like.
On my way to a high school graduation party. Wearing Irisss right now. I like it but ISM is much better in my opinion. Now I wish I wore that instead.
Comme des Garçons Eau de Parfum (original). I could be mistaken, but I think it is reminding me somewhat of Shiseido Féminité du Bois, but very streamlined and simplified. I even checked to see if it was the same perfumer, but Mark Buxton did the CdG and Chrisopher Sheldrake the Shiseido. FYI, last night I saw the most beautiful parfum version of FdB in it’s original packaging on ebay (no affiliation). If I loved FdB, I would be tempted.