Happy Library Friday! Our community project for today: honor National Library Month with any sort of fragrance association you can think of.
What fragrance did you pick? As always, do chime in with your scent of the day even if you’re not participating in the community project.
I'm in Diptyque Volutes, because it smells so nice, but also because it has an opopanax note, and the word opopanax features in a vocabulary-oriented chapter of Anne Fadiman's Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader, one of my favorite books about books. Ex Libris came to mind for this project not only because it is, well, bookish, but also because the next book I'm expecting via the wonder of inter-library loan is Fadiman's latest, The Wine Lover's Daughter.
Reminder: 3/2 will be Uncle Serge Day...wear something by Serge Lutens (a repeat from 2014).
And for those of you who like to plan ahead, see Scent of the day ~ Friday community projects 2018, where I'll try to always have the next five or six weeks mapped out in advance.
Note: the Library Card Socks are $10 at Out of Print. "As the landscape of how we read and experience literature continues to change, Out of Print is dedicated to celebrating our favorite stories while promoting literacy in underserved communities. Each purchase helps to fund literacy programs and book donations to communities in need. It also supports the authors, publishers and artists who made these iconic works an integral part of our lives."
Happy Friday all! Once again going on early to work.
I went with Vol de Nuit, which was inspired by a novel with the same name. Sadly I only have the EdT. Vol de Nuit parfum is high on my wish list.
House Cousins! Hope a FB of VdN comes into fruition for you..
I was watching a few that ended this weekend but I forgot! Thank you for the good luck!
That’s a lovely book. (I read it in English. It’s probably even better if you read French.)
I only read English sadly. It’s on my list, though I’ve read that it isn’t a perfect match for the fragrance.
I almost went with that one myself. Never a wrong choice for any day or occasion, including Library Day ????.
It’s truly masteful!
My library pick for today is Guerlain’s Bois d’Armenie
Tea is French Breakfast
Since my baby Buddha started school, he is going through this period of being sick all the time, yesterday he had a fever and all through the night, vomit more fever..good grief..I am still getting over my cold and today I am completely exhausted. My better half travels this weekend so there is no break in sight, thank God for nap time. Sorry to vent..
Oh gosh, vent away! So sorry for baby Budha and you. I didn’t realize he had started school, preschool?
Poor baby Buddha and baby mama! Hope things get better soon✌????
Aw, poor both of you! Hope nap time is loooong today.
Poor little guy. Hope you can get some rest!
Oh, no! So sorry for you both! Hope you can rest.
Sorry you are all feeling under the weather. Rest up this weekend
Hopefully you’ll both enjoy a LONG nap, and wake up 100% better! Pace yourself…today is not the day to do anything extra!
What Jada said! It’s one of those ‘put one foot in front of the other’ kind of days. I hope you both feel better soon!
Oh my goodness. I hope you both feel better soon! The seesawing weather isn’t helping.
The struggle is real..
At least I smell good
It is & you do! Sending healing intentions your way!
Hang in there! It gets better! And look after yourself as best you can.
Hang in there! It will be tough while he builds up his immune system. Virtual hugs to you.
I know how you feel. When my son started daycare it was too month of wash rinse repeat – I think every flu, cold, hand foot and mouth germ attached itself to him. I did not know adults could get hand foot and mouth, but apparently we can – I got it and it was not plrasant
Daycare is not for the faint of stomach! All those adorable little germ-carriers, toddling around and licking each other. My kid used to suck on her fingers, then put them into other kids’ mouths! And they all thought it was hysterical. Needless to say, there were a lot of sick days that year…
There’s a Virginia Wolff quote usually abbreviated to “Anonymous was a woman”, so I’m wearing Rose Anonyme, an unexpectedly dark, angry rose — my favourite kind.
Until now, I’ve never been interested in trying this. I will be seeking it out soon. Your description is tempting.
It’s VERY good, in my opinion the best of the entire Atelier Cologne line (at any rate the only one I’ve tried that I thought was worth owning). It’s right up there with ELdO Rossy de Palma for dark, slightly scary rose scents.
The Rossy de Palma rose is one of the best ELdO frags!
I love that.
Great quote
Great connection!
Robin, Radioman was on Milk Street radio talking about the The Wine Lover’s Daughter recently.
here is the link,I listen to the podcast
https://www.177milkstreet.com/radio/the-man-who-loved-wine-anne-fadiman-on-her-fathers-life-times-and-wine-obsession
Oh lovely, I’ll listen to that this weekend — thanks!
sorry about the auto correct on the name, I swear it sneaks it in when I am not looking
That’s what autocorrect is for
I’m in Anne Pliska today, which is the antithesis of “bookish.” In fact, she’s quite the bimbo, but oh boy! I’m smellin’ fine! Happy Friday????
Hahaha. ????
I had a rough night because reflux, of the choking, projectile kind. Blurgh. So I’m tired today and needed an invigorating scent, so Carnal Flower it is. TGIF!
Looking forward to starting a new puzzle I got (Edward Gorey).
https://goo.gl/images/iGDbMa
Haven’t done one in ages and will be gluing this one. I’m afraid the kitties are going to try and help…
Sorry about the rough night, and you smell great.
Thank you!
Feel better Elisa P. Reflux so severe like that is always exhausting. I hope Carnal Flower helps you regain energy.
Thank you! Well, it smells good, but it’s the coffee that I’m hoping will perk me up.
Hope you feel better and rest this weekend.
Thank you DTS! Will do.
Oh, that sounds most unpleasant! I have reflux too, but never that severe. I hope you can rest up this weekend.
It’s actually kind of scary. Doesn’t happen too often but somehow I can’t seem to remember that eating and then drinking lots of water shortly before lying down is a set-up for a bad night ????
Feel better! Yesterday was Gorey’s birthday, and a photo of him with his three cats was making the rounds on social media – if you Google “Edward Gorey and cats photo” it pops up.
Thanks! Yes, that’s what prompted the puzzle purchase!
Feel better..
I had reflux during my last pregnancy and can sympathize with you
Thanks and you too!
Wow what a cool puzzle Elisa P. looks like a perfect puzzle to wear Phoenix Black Alchemy Labs perfumes. They have some incredible stuff!!!!.
Hoping you feel better today. Sounds dreadful
Thanks! Haha, yes to BPAL. I have one they made for a goth-ish jewelry line.
Hope you feel better and have good sleep tonight.
Thanks lillyjo!
HOW horrible, hope you feel better today.
Thanks cazaubon! I feel ok. Throats a little raw and I’m just tired.So gkad it’s Friday and my workday has been fairly quiet so that’s a help.
Poor you. I hope you recover quickly!
Thank you Petunia!
Tough night. Yikes. Here’s hoping tonight is much better. You smell great!
It was and thank you!
Egads! That sounds horrible! Hope it passes at the speed of light!
Thanks Deva!
I hope you feel better soon!
Ugh! Hopefully you will have a better night tonight.
Sampling Grimoire today which smells like herbs and incense and slightly musty old books.
Went to the Morgan Library earlier this week since I’d never been and was pretty thrilled to see an original Gutenberg Bible. Apparently they have 3! and one is always on display
Where is Morgan library ? Love the name of your scent
New York City
oh, I am not likely to get there. I do love old libraries
That is on my must sample list!! How do you feel about it thegodessrena????
I like it. Not likely to go on my buy list but goes well with grey drizzly cold weather.
hmm – thanks.
It’s on my list too, but I suspected it might be a drizzly day kind of scent, and I don’t get many of those.
I know some people who work there. What a cool place!
In Diorissimo. Not season appropriate, but I wanted to wear my librarian friend Amy’s signature perfume. She wears it exclusively for the library. She says it always makes her feel happy, bright, relaxed and gets lots of compliments.
I have given her samples of other perfumes that she wears occasionally, but outside of the library. We will have dinner together tonight and I will spray on a little of Tauer L’Eau so we do not smell the same!
Have a great Friday everyone!
That’s a perfect reason!
Beautiful perfume and nice association. Enjoy your dinner with your good-smelling friend!
Thank you! I have not seen her in a while, so I am sure we will have a nice time.
I love only-for-this perfumes, and even more do I love the idea of a good-smelling librarian!! Great connection for today’s project.
It is interesting because she does not wear Diorissimo outside of the library. Once she gets there she has just 2 spritzes, not to disturb anyone with a huge smell.
Diorissimo is a beautiful scent to have as a signature! Enjoy your evening plans with your friend.
I’m wearing Miller & Bertaux’s A Quiet Morning, because SHHHHHH!
Don’t @ me, librarians, I know it’s an old stereotype but I don’t have a good perfume to represent multimedia teen maker studio. Besides I do like the quiet of libraries
????
LOL!
I’ve already declared ad nauseum that I think being a school librarian is the best job in the world, so my choice for today is Hiram Green Shangrila. Today is “decades day” so I am dressed in the longest jeans I own (though they would have been considered floods in the 70’s), a hair band across my forehead and a peace sign on my cheek. Two kindergartens told me I look like a ninja. Their PARENTS weren’t even born in the 70’s. Omg, when did this happen?
Five thumbs up.
Awesome!!
Great!
yes!
Lol at weren’t even born in the 70’s!
Haha, right?
I overheard a student in my class last week, talking to a classmate about how remarkably active her gran was, what with her 3 boyfriends and all. Turns out gran is – wait for it – all of 60.
Go gran!
Trying out Byredo’s Bibliotheque for the first time in honor of Library Friday! It’s quite fruity (lots of plum, which is the only fruit note I tend to like), with an undercurrent of leather and a sort of waxy floor polish smell that does remind me of libraries.
My current read is T.C. Boyle’s The Terranauts. I have mixed feelings about Boyle – I LOVED Water Music and Drop City, could’t finish The Road to Wellville and The Inner Circle, and thought Riven Rock and A Friend of the Earth were okay. Still too early to tell which category Terranauts will wind up in.
Happy Weekend all!
Yay, so glad to see someone wearing this! I stupidly gave away my sample, but want to smell it again, layered over their suede lotion.
Probably it’s the plum, but this reminds me of Serge Lutens generally, and Feminite du Bois in particular. Enjoying it . . .
Going to be in vintage 2002 Dior Addict shortly compliments of a generous NSTer and will weigh in later…
A very blech week at work…hello weekend!
The Addict is lovely.
I was racking my brain to think of what it reminds me of and I think it is Chanel Allure. Haven’t smelled that one in forever so not sure how accurate the comparison is.
Wearing Smell Bent One: old books and chai tea.
Thinking of the time I got lost in the largest of the University of Virginia’s twelve libraries (>5 million books, 20 million manuscripts and archives, >200 staff members, 10 floors in the “stacks” of Alderman Library, and 2 ghosts, neither of which I ever encountered there). And of the time a friend fell asleep in a deep armchair at Clemons Library and woke up at 4 a.m. with no way to leave other than to call University police to let her out!
Lovely memories!
Twins! You (and I) smell great!
Happy FriYAY! What a terribly long week! Very glad to see the weekend in sight at last….
Wearing Guerlain Chamade….as cozy as a good book!
The hope of Spring in a bottle; you smell wonderful!
Glad you are enjoying that Guerlain so much
I’m wearing Carven Le Parfum, because I love it, and it’s very springy.
It is really springy and happy smelling!
I love that one too.
Good morning! I’m in Mitzah, courtesy of pixel and the splitmeet, and it is lovely for this cool, damp and overcast day.
Splitmeet PSA: I still have a 4ml decant of Maria Candida Gentile Rrose Selavy available if anyone is interested.
Breakfast is Two Leaves and a Bud Assam tea and bone broth, chicken with ginger. Yum.
I am waiting for mine to come in, how do you find Mitzah?
I like it a lot! It’s a soft, easy to wear oriental, vanilla in the base. Spices are soft, not really dry or sweet to me. There’s a plushness about it that’s luurvely. This is destined to be a new note in my favorite fragrance, Eau de Robe. ????
Nancyleandros, if you are out there, I’m still offering you a little sample of Ummagumma.
Thank you so much, and sorry for the delay. Emailing you now!
I’m in Bruno Fazzolari’s Lampblack. Take that and rewind it back.
Checking out the Milan Fashion Shows. Inspired me to pull out an old bottle of Alessandro Dell’Acqua for weekend use.
Reading How to Survive A Plague which was a great documentary and an even better book.
Have a great weekend. ????????
Putting this book down on my to read list
Right now I am reading How Proust can change your life
I sure hope you enjoy it.
I have used the film How to survive a Plague in my class in conjunction with the movie “the normal heart” – I think Mark Ruffalo is really good in this. It covers roughly the same time period and is based on some of the people who also appear in how to survive a plague.
Two outstanding films. Glad you are using these in a classroom context.
I love Alessandro dell’Aqua!
He is doing some nice work for Rochas and I’m anxious to see the Rochas show (video). The No. 21 bags are definitely becoming It bags.
Wowzers! Those bags are ????.
Continuing the so-obvious theme with Amouage Library Collection Opus III today. It’s not yet rocking my boat, but I’ve learned to wait. The drydown on Opus II yesterday was quite nice, and I also underestimated Beloved originally. It’s a nice floral so far but I’m not sure what I’m smelling. Jessica said the opening note is “broom flowers” which I never have even known about much less smelled!
https://nstperfume.com/2010/11/05/amouage-library-collection-opus-iii-perfume-review/
Broom grows on the hill where I live and walk. I would probably describe it as having a honeyed creaminess ( like mimosa or furze) but mixed with an almost mild mintiness, like garden mint rather than peppermint. The mint comes through more strongly on hot days. It’s not strong smelling as a single bloom ( so not like a rose or a lily) but has a nice soft drape in the air. Much less strong than gorse or linden.
Thank you for the explanation! I love the ‘soft drape in the air’ – very evocative!!
Where does one go to sniff Amouage perfumes? I never see them anywhere. I’m in NYC and I prefer to go to stores rather than buying samples where possible.
Osswald, Bergdorf, Twisted Lily (has some).
Aedes de Venustas carries this line as well although since I have not been there in a while, it’s best to check the website first or call them.
Bois des Iles today – it’s mentioned in a mystery I read long ago by M. M. Kaye. BdI is wafted by a dramatic character named Persis Halliday who writes romantic novels(!).
So anyway, my real point was that BdI was mentioned in a book I checked out from the library and read several times, way before I was a perfumista.
I will check it out. I think L’heure bleu was mentioned in the first Outlander book, it made me try it!
Fun to see fragrances we love mentioned in books.
I adore M. M. Kaye! What is the title of the book, please? “Murder in (somewhere)”?
Death in Cyprus! Fun reading. (FearsMice: I knew we’d get along based on your other posts. And I don’t like mice, either.)
Thanks so much! Our posts crossed in the ether, I guess. And of course we’d get along!
Ooh I haven’t run across M.M. Kaye before and I live mysteries. Adding that to my (Virtual) Kindle “to be read” pile.
Doh! I looked it up! It’s “Death in Cyprus” and that’s one of the few Kayes I haven’t read. I’ll get on it.
Let me know if you can’t find it – I eventually found most of her books at used bookstores and I do have that one and could loan it to you.
You are even BEING a library, not just smelling like one.
Ha! That was my high school job – working at our town library and I loved it.
Me too! I just bought this a few days ago on a blue day, and it’s making me smile already. Thanks to all the positive mentions here that led me to it!
OMG, I *must* have those socks!
I pulled out an unusual one from DSH for today’s theme: Paradise Lost. This was Dawn’s entry in the Clarimonde Project, a 2011 challenge to several indie perfumers to interpret Theophile Gautier’s “Le Morte Amoreuse” in perfume. (In the story, a priest falls in love with a woman who turns out to be rather ‘otherworldly.’) Apparently Gautier was inspired by the vivid colors of the painter Delacroix, and makes many references to color in the story. According to Dawn, she was drawn to the phrase “a twilight- blue oriental perfume,” which occurs in the last scenes of the story, and this was the inspiration for the perfume. Dawn says “the colors always flickering and wafting about my mind were cool periwinkle blue, the rich cobalt of “the blue hour”, faded terre verte earth & faded pinks, golden naples yellow, vermillion, deepest black velvet and oxblood.”
There are a number of facets to this perfume, but the notes that persist most prominently for me are the top notes of Champaca, tinged with the lightest touch of immortelle; dusty whispers of orris; and a gorgeously resinous myrrh and benzoin. The name of the perfume is a nod to the doomed lovers of both Milton’s and Gautier’s stories, and also to Delacroix’s paintings (one of which depicts the blind Milton dictating Paradise Lost to his daughters as he composes it). The many nuances of these stories mirror the complexities of this fragrance, which is both stunning and utterly different from any fragrance I’ve ever smelled.
Happy Library Friday!
Do you know if your SOTD was discontinued? Sounds lovely and I enjoyed your summary!
It’s no longer on her current site, but Dawn has resurrected some of her d/c scents for me a few times. As long as she still has access to the raw ingredients, she seems to be able to reproduce the Perfumes.
I bought this one as a 5 ml Extrait, and am almost at the end of the bottle ????. Let me ping her today, because I would like to get more myself! I’ll post back with what I find out ????.
Thank you!
I want those socks too, and they come in several colors.
Great interpretation of the theme!
I am wearing Amouage Beloved as my CP SOTD. Beloved is the title of a book written by Toni Morrison.
Great choice!
I thought about Silences for today but wasn’t feeling it this AM.
OK my SOTD is: Winter Nights a collaboration by John Meyer & Sam Rader, which fits the Library theme because (stay with me now, this was a difficult topic for me) Josh Meyer is the nose behind Imaginary Authors, and by extension is a ‘Library Scent’ and also because I LOVE THIS Perfume!!!
It fits the weather & season too.
You smell fabulous, and I love the train of thought.
Nice link there!
I returned home last night to a copy of Jennifer Potter’s “The Rose: A True History” in my mailbox (hat tip to Jessica M. for the recommendation!), so today I’m wearing Amouroud Midnight Rose in honor.
Oh, that looks like a fun book!
Tea for Two. It smells like reading to me, and sitting reading with someone can be such a lovely, intimate way to spend time together.
I agree..
Great choice.
My library SOTD is Dior Dune – in honor of the sci-fi series by Frank Herbert.
Enjoy your Friday, folks!
Another great choice! I love Dune perfume.
And Dune is on my Top Five Books of All Time – so I second the thumbs up.
Fantastic!
Love it! I read that book at a very formative moment, after we’d been having a drought for 2 summers in a row. It blew my mind!
Great pick. Hubby & My BiL loved that book.
OK, I’ve got a good one for this challenge. Caswell Massey Rosewater…in the musical The Music Man, there is a love song that speaks of “wonderful roses” sung to and with Marion the Librarian, and given the time period and the character, I think this is what Marion wore.
I think that is one of the happiest movies ever made!!
My entire family can sing every song.
Which reminds me, I am going to have to get the grandkids started on the tradition.
Fun Fact. That song, “Til There Was You”, was recorded by the Beatles on one of their early albums.
Love this show, have performed and directed it several times, and have even had the pleasure of meeting Robert Preston, the original Music Man! Perfect for your grandkids.
My favorite musical!
Love your interpretation!
Not so much a library scent, but when I was in university many years ago I wore Ivoire by Balmain – the original.
I’m pretty sure I would have worn it to the University library as well (when my good friend and I were checking out the guys)..lol
It is very sad, but true, that I cannot remember the library at my undergrad school at all. Nope, not a bit.
My graduate school library, on the other hand, I remember like it was yesterday.
SotD = L’Heure Bleue EdT
Chose this one because I can wear it to school and make the kids smile. They think it smells like flowers and donuts, LOL. Also because Claire in Outlander wears it, and that’s the only literary-perfume connection I can come up with this morning.
Have a great Friday! I LOVE libraries. My favorite is here: cerritoslibrary.us Thank you to everyone who serves, supports, and loves libraries, too!
I just mentioned the Outlander connection too, I should have read more first
Perfumed minds think alike!
Outlander is such a great show!
Think I will wear L’Heure Bleue tomorrow
I just may wear L’heure Bleue again on Saturday too. It’s such a good one.
I’m wearing Aromatics Elixir as it’s one of the best scents to help me clear my mind and be focused. Other than that it doesn’t remind me of libraries at all!
Still, that’s good enough!
Wearing One again today, as it smells of old books. Love this one -I should get a bigger bottle. I have a few of those small travel sprays. Smell Bent is best with smaller sizes!
Both my parents were librarians and worked at the Library of Congress. Instead of notepads for lists, we had old card catalog cards to use, that had the holes in the middle for the rods.
Oh, what fun! Despite growing up in DC I was only in the LOC once. I used to volunteer at the National Archives, though.
They were catalogers, and worked in one of the newer buildings when I was a kid, so never got to go into the “real” building – except on a field trip!
That’s so cool about your scrap-cards. I’m learning to love the LoC.
Great One Odonota9 ! – HaHa!
Thanks for the enabler pin, I now have 3 new ones 4mls from Smell Bent heading my way.
Woo hoo! They are fun and interesting and free by perfumista standards!
I wasn’t planning to take part in the project, as my first Parfums de Nicolai samples arrived yesterday and I’ve been busy trying – BUT (here comes the tenuous connection): Trying out L’eau d’ete today. It smells exactly like my oldest friend’s house smelled (and the inhabitants) – and to this day, when I see my friend, I detect that scent on her clothes. So – drumroll – my friend actually has a degree in library studies!
that being said, l’eau d’ete is probably not for me. It’s odd to smell like someone else.
Ha, the more tenuous the better, I say! Sorry you don’t like EdE though.
I’m in Caron’s N’aimez que Moi.
Funny, because perfumistas are well-known for polyamory (in ‘fumes, anyway)!
I’ve failed completely at this week’s theme, sad to say. I worked as a reference librarian in public and academic libraries in the 90s, and didn’t wear perfume at the time. In retrospect, I wish I had done the same as perfumelover67’s friend, and selected a “library” fragrance to wear. That would have made for a lovely scent memory of those days…
Ok, here goes my stretch of a library association. This project made me think of an episode of Married with Children, when Al had a overdue library book. It’s one of my favorite episodes. Anyway, I thought Peggy, surely would have worn Bon Bon. Lol, so there you go… laugh with me, not at me????
Smiling with you, and applauding your creative interpretation. Happy Friday!
Love your interpretation!
HA, that could be a post: 5 perfumes Peggy Would Have Worn. Bon Bon would make the list for sure.
My runner up was Juicy Couture, any of them☺
Ha! Juicy Couture was the first thing that came to my mind. ????
tooooooooo clever lillyjo!!!!
Very cute ???? And perfect Peg scent!
I’m remembering with fondness and gratefulness the libraries of my childhood. They entertained, educated, and enlightened me, kept me safe and comfortable and enthralled. For a six year old kid living in the middle of nowhere, they opened up the world. Here’s to all the libraries and wonderful librarians!
Wearing Frapin’s Nevermore in honor of one of those enthralling library books I remember well.
Long live libraries, especially small town libraries!
Ours was in a wonderful 19th century mansion next to the high school. I also took a drawing class in the attic, or maybe it was the servants’ quarters. I’m told the library has long since relocated to a modern building, which is no doubt more functional, but what a loss of magic!
nozknoz, Did you grow up in South Euclid, OH?
Temporarily in Dior Homme for yoga class, will switch to something library appropriate later.
Wearing Kenzo Flower Oriental on one arm and DC Oriental Lounge on the other. This reminds me of the first time I ever tried to read two books at once – they were both Nancy Drews and I became quite muddled. Going forward, I made sure to always read books in different genres at the same time. Anyway, the two perfumes are similar, but not causing confusion.
Oh, those Nancy Drew days! I don’t think I ever read two at once, but I do remember a sense of great urgency to read more and more of them!
Never read two at once, but I did read all of them. Back-to-back when I lived overseas and a library was attached to the American church. I’d ride my bike through a giant park twice a week to stock up.
I loved Nancy Drew! And sometimes found myself reading more than one at the same time…
I’m wearing Kenzo UFO, mostly because today I’m in a “scent-reduced” environment, so I wanted to wear one of my close-to-the-skin, persistent but quiet favourites. Also persistent right now: big snowflakes and a grey sky, so it all kind of fits with a cool metallic vanilla
I’ve been reading The Allure of Chanel a few pages at a time. Nominally by the French author Paul Morand, the book consists of some of his notes of Coco Chanel talking in 1946 about her life, her friends (including Picasso, Stravinsky, Diaghilev, Misia Sert, Boy Capel, the Duke of Westminster), her work, and her views on women, fashion, society, and more. It could be condensed into a book of aphorisms:
“I love buying; the dreadful thing is that once you have bought, you possess.”
“Almost all our emotional, social and moral troubles stem from the fact that we don’t know how to give anything up.”
“People talk about physical care: but where is the moral care? Beauty treatments should begin with the heart and soul, otherwise cosmetics are pointless.”
(Never mind that Chanel and her friends — generally more like frenemies, especially Misia — sound heartless, at best.)
“I have made dresses. I could easily have done something else. It was an accident. I didn’t like dresses, but I liked work. I have sacrificed everything to it, even love. Work has consumed my life.
Gradually, rather than be surrounded with friends, I have found it more convenient to surround myself with regular visitors to whom I can freely say: “go away now.”
This reviewer came away with a more positive impression than I did. Perhaps because he had the charming illustrated version while I have the plain text edition? In any case, it’s an extraordinary glimpse of another time, place, and personality.
https://www.nyjournalofbooks.com/book-review/allure-chanel-pushkin-collection
I was planning to wear Roja Dove Diaghilev today, but awoke craving the weird leather Cognoscenti 16 (Tomato Leather, as in tomato leaf rather than the fruit).
Also, I meant to post this for Robin:
https://twitter.com/Steampunk_T/status/966858407616663552
This account has many photos of fantastic libraries, too.
Oh fun, thank you! Looks like I’ve found my Saturday morning thing to do while having my first cup of tea
And as payment in kind:
https://moco-choco.com/2012/10/12/teapot-shaped-museum-of-tea-culture-meitan-china/
That’s wonderful! It would make a great apartment building, too.
CB In the Library! I wasn’t feeling very creative this morning, but I smell nice
You do!
Joining the CBIHP In the Library crowd. I fell in love with this one the first time I tried it, and often wear it as an office scent
Once again I forgot about the Friday theme. It’s amazing that I even have perfume on today as I was really running late this morning. I have been on an Uncle Serge theme all week but this morning I grabbed my bottle of Papillon’s Angelique and sprayed before running out the door.
Hello and Happy Friday!
1) SOTD: Cuir de Lancome, which is perfect for reading in a library or browsing in a bookstore.
2) Brrr! Very cold in Portland OR. I am gonna go see Black Panther (finally!) because I finished up my Oscar films.
Last one: I Tonya. I have to say this was excellent; a mostly cleaned up, Rashomon-ish version of the Tonya Harding story. It’s tragi-comedy, more tragedy than comedy.
I, Tonya is on my list to see. I love a good tragedy.
Timbuktu today. I think it has a papyrus note, so that’s my tenuous connection. Going out to dinner and the Symphony tonight (Bruckner) so I’m reviewing my collection for something bracing but not too loud for the “big” music.
Have you read The Bad Ass Librarians of Timbuktu?
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/01/books/review/the-bad-ass-librarians-of-timbuktu-by-joshua-hammer.html
I’m wearing Songes today, just because. I am sure I could come up with a library connection but my brain is too foggy right now.
Ex Libris sounds like a good book. I will get it from the library.
We have a lot of lilliput libraries around my neighbourhood. I’m guessimg they are an American or British invention? Small cabinets that act as a kind of community, free book exchange, often filled with crime novels , Wilbur Smith and children’s books, but also some real treats. So, for crime, I am wearing Ys-uzac Dragon Tattoo from a free sample. This perfume is not for me at all…almost a perfume rage scent. Later, I’ll switch. Happy weekend!
When one of those little wooden library boxes popped up in my neighborhood a few years ago, I assumed it was something the neighbors thought up, but apparently it’s a not-for-profit organization that started in the US state of Wisconsin.
https://www.shareable.net/blog/so-you-want-to-build-a-little-free-library
There’s more on their website, too:
https://littlefreelibrary.org/
Having liked Pohadka very much, I was disappointed in the later Ys Uzacs that I tried. None had the delicacy and grace of the original set.
Thanks for the information. I would have liked to try Ys Uzac’s Paul Klee scent but it is so expensive.
You might know….I was trying to find information about the favourite scents worn by American authors but I didn’t get anywhere with my search. I thought you might have already done a search?
I haven’t done research on that, but it would be interesting to learn about!
Hooray for Wisconsin! I have several in my neighborhood.
We have those in Montreal too. I usually leave my discarded books by the mailboxes in my apartment complex though, and it seems to have inspired others to do the same.
Speaking of literary efforts, there is a twitter account PerfumeAdsForSale @PerfumeAds that parodies celebrity perfume ads. Here’s an example:
Eric Bana is skiing in nothing but leather trousers.
His own giant face appears opaquely in the sky:
“Listen Eric. Listen with the ears of your heart”
He stops.
Thinks.
Plunges his hand deep into the snow.
And pulls out a signed photo of himself.
Title: ‘Yes You Be’
https://twitter.com/PerfumeAds/status/964483210775269376
This almost made me guffaw out loud at work! Thank you for sharing!
Hahha oh that is a great twitter account. Thanks for the link! ????
No library association for me today… just continuing samples with Insolence on one arm and My Insolence on the other.
Wow…the three women skaters who medaled last night were lovely. Hard to pick a favorite.
I lost interest in figure skating after they started the point system that rewards jumps so heavily, leading to less interesting programs, but Medvedeva brought me back this year.
I don’t follow the sport at all… I just happened to tune in last night. I saw the final for ice dancing also, which was good (and has never interested me in the past).
The ice dancers this year were astonishing!
Very. Glad I tuned in.
They are so, so talented. A pleasure to watch.
Great podium, and so happy to see a Canadian up there.
I used to figure skate as a kid. I remember getting my 8 or 10 badges way back then so I am always mesmerized by the skaters. Yes, the Canadians are shining this year. And so happy the 2 ladies got gold and silver in the Cross event yesterday; that sport is such a rush!
SotD is Le Labo Gaiac 10, because: Wood. Wood=paper, paper=books and books=library, right?
This is lovely but I think for the price I can replicate this woody vibe with something much cheaper, say Molecule 01 for example. Any other suggestions?
While I haven’t tried it myself, people here love Diptyque Tam Dao for woodiness. Or perhaps some of the CDGs, like Wonderwood?
Not cheap, but much cheaper than Le Labo! I also tried Gaiac 10 and was similarly underwhelmed. Hermes Voyage also seemed similar to me.
SOTD = Guerlain Iris Ganache
I am participating reflexively:
I got detention held at the library because I did not wear a perfume that has something to do with the library theme.
Do I get at least half a point?
Oh, detention gets you double points I think
I’m wearing Mitsouko this morning in honour of the work colleague who really introduced me perfume – she told me about The Perfumed Court and I sniffed her sample of Mitsouko and I’ve never looked back.
The library connection – we were working at the National Library of New Zealand. Neither of us was a librarian, we were on the administrative side, but having worked at the National Library for three years, I feel a strong link to libraries and librarians
You smell elegant!
I have a small vintage mini of Mitsouko and I always appreciated it, but it was never a big love. But I am starting to warm up to it…..
Hey hey, it’s Friday!
Did we all survive Margarita Day yesterday?????
For today’s project I’m in SSS Lieu de Reves, as libraries are often places of dreams—metaphorically and literally. I mean, c’mon, I know I’m not the only one to end up face-down in some academic text!☺️????
Have a great weekend!
One of my all time favorite SSS…you smell divine…..
Thanks! It actually comes out *really* sweet on me and not at all powdery as intended, but I like it anyway.????
It’s particularly embarrasing if yiu drool in your sleep…or snore… not that I would know…
No, of course not!????????
Undergreen’s Gold
I’m being as literal as possible wearing CBIHP In the Library from my boyfriend’s bottle.
I’ll wear DSH Route d’Iris after this fades so I can get in an iris perfume. Last night I wore L’Instant d’Iris from a sample I’ve had for many years. It’s a less sweet more powdery sophisticated version of L’Instant.
Oops just looked it up and the proper name is L’Instant Eau de Noel Iris Millesime. The name was shortened on my sample vial to fit on the small vial.
I have that one too, it’s my favourite version of L’Instant.
Greetings from Berlin! I am on a short city trip and loving it!
I visited KaDeWe today, a huge department store where the perfume section is gigantic and also quite overwhelming.
They have almost every mainstream AND ‘niche’ brand from Europe and the bigger american brands, including lots of private/exclusive lines. Check out their brand list https://www.kadewe.de/en/brands/#/beauty
Impressive right? sounds like heaven for a perfumista…..but no.
I tried a few things then I started to feel uncomfortable and stressed out.
I guess I am not a department store perfume shopper, because I always give up browsing after 15 minutes and I seldom make perfume purchases in stores like that.
A lot of those brands do nothing for me and/or are waaaay overpriced, there is always loud and obnoxious music, lights are too bright oh and those sale persons….make them go away. Haha.
These stores are perfect though when you know exactly what fragrance you want to sample and you know in what aisle to find them haha.
So what did I try?
Palais Jamais (first phase was not bad, drydown is a bit dull and flat though),
Dont tell jasmine (lovely, but so expensive)
Hallucinogenic Pearl by A lab on fire. (What a mess, burned the insides of my nose and triggered a headache).
Bois d’iris vc&a
(very nice, but vanilla seems to drown the other notes, want to try it again though…)
Oh connection to the theme: that floor filled with fragrances was almost like a library! Ha ????
It’s usually the desperate SAs who ruin it for me. I like to browse quietly and take my time, but they keep interrupting me. I also feel bad for them; I imagine their salaries and job security aren’t great.
That said, I do occasionally visit Saks Fifth Avenue here, especially the wonderful Chanel Espace Parfums. The other SAs there are also nice and usually have samples to offer.
I’ve been there! The first time was probably 10 years ago (pre rabbit hole so I was there for the food.). I was there most recently 3 years ago. I went with a friend and we agreed to meet in an hour. I spent the entire time on the perfume floor and actually got a few samples!
Not far from KaDeWe ist a local perfumer who sells perfume by weight – Harry Lehmann on Kantstraße, I think. It’s the opposite of fancy -half the store is perfumes, the other half sells artificial flowers. It’s been around forever and might be fun to poke around in…
It looks like their website has been here forever as well ????
http://www.parfum-individual.de/
Thanks for the tip though!
We have plans to visit another area today, but I’ll remember it for a next visit.
The food floor is amazing!
Most brands are to be found in Netherlands as well but its the vastness and quality of the collection on one floor that is so entertaining.
We ended up buying some Lakrids (liquorice coated in chocolate, my favourite sweets) and Niederegger marzipan.
Oh and I also bought a new bag, so no money saved after all hahahaha. ????
Okay, so you’re going to laugh, but of course I’ve already read “The Wine Lover’s Daughter”. Anne Fadiman is yet another wonderful pleasure that I believe I owe entirely to your recommendation. (Or had I read “The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down” before you recommended the essays? Hmm, can’t remember, but in any case, I owe “Ex Libris” and “At Large and At Small” to you.) I don’t know how I felt about the latest one, very mixed feelings. In one sense, it was a very loving tribute to Clifton Fadiman, that incorrigible reader, and gives you quite an excellent sense of what he was like — though all her writing does that, I find. But somehow I felt it was a little hollow or lacked a bit of the magic of her essays. Almost too close to the subject, maybe? The last years of his life, though, will be interesting to you, I imagine.
HA, and I would be disappointed if you hadn’t!
I know I read Ex Libris first and The Spirit Catches You second, and then did her other non-fiction (At Large, Re-readings). Good to know, I will adjust my expectations, but I am sure I will enjoy it anyway just because I like her so much.
THE COOL CHANGE BLEW IN OVERNIGHT! Sorry for shouting but possibly I am slightly excited about some cooler weather. Some samples arrived yesterday from Goldfields & Banks who are an Australian indie house so I’m afraid the library project got the boot this morning in favour of trying Desert Rosewood on one arm and Ble Cypress on the other.
Desert Rosewood is gorgeous so far, rich and a little spicy with a hint of fruit and vanilla.
Blue Cypress is…unexpected…there’s an aquatic note amongst the forest trees. Waiting to see how it develops.
I have a decant of Wood Infusion from the lovely Portia of Australian Perfume Junkies and I adore it. Wish an American online retailer carried this brand.
Yes it was Portia’s review of Desert Rosewood that inspired me to get the sample set. Must try Wood Infusion next!
Chergui for me today. Funny enough I stopped in the library today to review my library card. I so appreciate their e-loans technology and all the books I have taken out to read on my Kindle. Brilliant!
Love those socks. So fun and amusing, and such a great, cheap gift to give.
Mmmm…chergui…so good!
Wearing Reve d’Ossian today, as it’s the most literary perfume I have at the moment. Also, I must have those socks, they’re fantastic.
That one smells like candy to me.
Really, candy? Amazing! Is that on skin, or in the bottle?
On me is is a linear scent, pure frankincense from start to finish (still going, and it’s been a good 10 hours or so). I rarely want to smell this much like the inside of a church…pity, because the other Oriza LeGrands I’ve tried have really worked for me. This one is not bad, but it’s just a bit too much.
Yes, on skin! Weird, right? But my skin has a tendency to amp up sweetness in perfumes. And yes, it is a powerhouse!
I just looked up the notes…must be the cinnamon, tonka, oppoponax, amber, guiacwood and labdanum that are registering as sweet on me….some commenters on fragrantica get what I get (sweet) and others get what you get (incense)…..
I’ve switched to Messe de Minuit, the original vintage version, which smells like mouldy books in a basement.
SOTD for Library Friday is Fancy Nights by Jessica Simpson.
It has papyrus, which was one of the original book materials, and vanilla, which is what old books can smell like sometimes. Bonus points for it being a good scent for cool rainy weather. ☔
Glad you showed it some love.
Papyrus is a great connection to the library theme. You smelled good!
For Library Friday I selected Byredo’s M/Mink. Quirky inky on me and it suits me to a T. Libraries are my favorite places. I have spent most of my life hanging out in them
M/Mink smells fabulous on the right person; so glad it works for you!