It's Tuesday and Alexander Graham Bell Day. Also, Piet Mondrian’s birthday. What fragrance are you wearing?
Me: same as yesterday...I'm out of town helping a family member, and I will probably be commando through Wednesday. Tea at the moment: a nice strong cup made with one bag of Numi Golden Chai and one bag of Numi Chinese Breakfast.
Reminder: 3/10 will be Time Travel Friday...be as creative as you like with the theme. You could wear a perfume that reminds you of a trip you once took, or that brings you back to a prior period of your life for any reason, or that calls to mind a place you'd like to visit in the past or future.
And for those of you who like to plan ahead, see Scent of the day ~ Friday community projects 2023, where I'll try (but obviously sometimes fail) to always have the next five or six weeks mapped out in advance.
Note: top image shows the Black M.u.m. Teapot in glazed ceramic, by Kanz, on markdown for $64 at Ssense.
An oud oil from Marrakech
Sorry I didn’t respond to your questions yesterday…
Our trip, I have no words. It was my dream and the experience there exceeded my expectations.
During the covid shutdown I studied some Moroccan Arabic, and though it was hard for me, in the end it payed off immensely.
Can we talk about gut health? Not a problem in this country!
Also I just had a very strong connection to this country, for reasons I don’t know why. In the end, when we were leaving I cried. No country I have visited thus far has moved me so emotionally.
Wow, that really is incredible.
That trip sounds amazing!!
Thanks for telling us about your impression – I need to learn more about Morocco. Does your fragrant souvenir remind you of any other oud?
How wonderful! I am so envious; I’ve always wanted to visit Morocco. I’ll make it happen in the next few years, I hope 🙂 I’d love to hear more about your trip!
My only travel tips are-I studied Moroccan Arabic and this was very useful before my trip. If you don’t want to, just learn how to do the Salam/Azul (for Berber) greeting. Stay in a traditional Riad and not a hotel for a more authentic experience. Be prepared to haggle in Marrakesh. And be respectful, cover your shoulders and wear conservative clothing, save making out with your significant other for behind close doors. Alcohol is not served everywhere. If you want a party type of vacation Morocco may not be your destination.
If you want to visit a Mosque and you are a non muslim go to Casablanca-they have tours in every language possible and it was a fabulous experience.
I’m in need of some spine stiffening today as my mom’s part time caretaker is sick and the backup caretaker isn’t available so it’s up to me. Paloma Picasso to the rescue! My time travel seems to be returning to the 80s.
Good luck to you! Hopefully it’s just for today (crossing fingers for you).
Hope it goes well – you smell wonderful. A remnant of OG Paloma Picasso in a random lot was a key lure further into the rabbit hole for me.
I know it is not easy. Sending all the strength you need for today. I hope tomorrow is better day.
I hope today goes well!
Oof. Sending you spine-stiffening vibes <3
Hope it went well ringthing!
Oh boy. That’s a rough day. Hope that your SOTD worked its magic for you today.
I hope you both made it through the day calmly, ringthing.
Accidentally left the house commando so I put on one of the eight or ten samples/solids scattered throughout my knapsack: Montale Vanille Absolu, which is very nice, multilayered and not at all boring. I won’t be buying it because I need another vanilla like I need another hole in my head, but if I were going to buy one? This would be high on the list.
I just tried Maison Mataha Escapade Gourmande, which costs $210 USD a bottle and is all the rage on the FB fragrance forums. It smells very nice, but not $210 nice for a plain vanilla.
I’m in vintage VdN edt, from an ‘80s-era bottle. It feels retro and reminds me of something that I can’t quite bring to mind — maybe an era more than a specific time or place. I didn’t wear this when I was in college, but I think that might be the era this is taking me back to.
I can’t imagine anyone I knew in college wearing VdN, but somebody probably did!
Testing out the new Francesca Bianchi Byzantine Amber today. Will report back with my thoughts later.
Looking forward to your report. I really liked her musk.
Report back
I am happy to report that it is very good, if you like an animalic amber. It very much has the Francesca Bianchi DNA. It is not super skanky, just enough to give you that feel of warmth and energy of aliveness. No cumin or BO note.
Woohoo! I have a large sample!
There’s something about that teapot that I like…the stark geometry of it, I guess.
Jil Sander for me today, in keeping with the CP. I wore this when I was in university in Germany.
Yes, the teapot is fascinating.
Is that Jil Sander No. 4 or another?
Sorry, yes, Jil Sander No. 4.
Chanel Coromandel EDP for me today. It’s become a favorite for chilly days. I still remember the first time I sampled it, sitting on the floor of my rented bedroom of my early 20s. The floor was wooden parquet, but old enough to be missing a few tiles, some loose enough that my feet would pull them off if the weather made them humid and sticky enough. I had a mattress on a rattan mat and a dresser, but nothing else much by way of furniture. And yet I made it cozy with jade-green linens and occasional bunches of white chrysanthemums from the local florist. I had one bottle of perfume bought with my own money, which I kept in its box on my dresser.
Back then, a delivery of samples from Surrender To Chance was like being transported to a candy store full of new flavors to explore. I remember having picked up Coromandel after reading rave reviews of the white chocolate note on Fragrantica. The contradicting negative comments about the dirtiness of its patchouli only cemented my desire to smell it for myself. I remember being quite taken aback at Coromandel. There was so much going on, and I definitely did not get any of the revered white chocolate. I remember being fascinated by how the scent transformed so drastically over time. From sparkly bergamot to sweet resins to an earthy patchouli, all from this tiny little vial. It was too much for me to wear back then, not that I could afford it anyway.
Fast forward a number of years, Coromandel still holds my interest like no other. I love how it transforms, taking me on a roller coaster ride through an antique furniture shop, with sweet incense burning, a piece of white chocolate melting on my tongue as I walk past a trove of patchouli-scented lacquered treasures. I am grateful to have so easily brought a full bottle of Coromandel into my vast perfume collection of today.
I think my early 20-something year old self would have been so pleased to know how I have built a life where perfume and pleasure is so easily had every day.
Cheers to our beautifully fragrant lives!
Coromandel is a lovely perfume.
Beautiful post. It’s not always that a perfume continues its fascination through the decades. You are lucky–or you chose well!
Thank you for such a beautiful post. I love Coromandel and it is also a staple in my collection!
I love it as well in all its iterations.
I’m in another Beautypie scent, Une Balade En Foret. A woody scent that leans a little masculine imo. These perfumes all have the same “gauzy” dna and remind me a bit of JCE’s scents.
My teenager is taking the ACT today. She was up early, calculator charged, pencils sharpened and snacks packed. She’s my only kid that actually bought a study guide and did some prep, so at least she’s got that going for her. I’ve told her not to stress. It’s just a test, and just a number. Kids have enough stress these days.
Best luck to her
Thanks ltsg!
Sending good luck her way!
Thanks lillyjo!
Best wishes of success to your daughter.
Thanks Aurora!
Good luck to your daughter!
Thanks ockeghem!
I hope your daughter does well on the test!
Thanks pl67!
Hope she aces it, but you’re right, it’s just a number.
Thanks Robin! (I’m secretly hoping she beats her brothers near perfect score😈)
Argh, those tests were SO stressful! Hope that madtownteen did well.
They are! Thanks Jalapeño!
Chanel Coco EDT and a large cup of Earl Grey tea.
I am so jet lagged, I need a large cup of anything with caffeine. Pass me a cuppa
I’d like to wear an old favorite from the 90’s from Victoria’s Secret. I was in love with their Vanilla Lace line even though it turned me a bit orange. It was great time in my life where I was surrounded with friends and family and absolutely enjoying the hell out of life. I was old enough to have some sense but young enough to push the envelope. Sadly, it was discontinued for quite a long time, then reformulated so many times it was a shadow of its former self. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one turning orange with the original formula. I don’t know if it’s even available anymore… *big sigh*
My fall down the rabbit hole initially was to find a dupe for Vanilla Lace, but I never did.
Wearing Omnia because it works with anything, any time, any where.
I love that stout little teapot. 🥰
So you mean this was a perfume that actually turned your skin orange?
No, it was a body wash/body lotion/body spray line in this particular scent. It was the lotion that turned me “orange.” I wasn’t OompaLoompa orange, but orange enough that a physician came up to me at work and asked me if I had carotinemia. See photo here for comparison of “normal”’skin and “orange” skin. It was especially noticeable on my hands, forearms, and chest because this is where I applied the bulk of the lotion.
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/carotenoderma
How interesting! I wonder what ingredient did that. Whatever it was, not surprising I guess that you can’t get it anymore.
Probably one of the coloring agents? Anyway, it transferred to my clothes as well, especially my bras, but never stained anything. The discoloration came out in the wash cycle. 🤷🏻♀️
Looks like I might be going to California in May. Instead of wondering on what clothes to take, I am wondering on what perfume to take. Currently in no 5 edp.
Oh yay! Where in California?
The Temecula/San Diego area. My sister and nephews live in that area.
Ah, so could be warm in May & could still be chilly at night. I love that time of year in SoCal.
😄I’m like that when I’m packing.
Sounds like a fun trip
Love California
Wearing Reine du Volcan for timetravel Tuesday!It reminds me of the excitement when I first discovered this brand(Wick).
I’ve been under the weather since Saturday afternoon,so much so that I had to do a covid test yesterday which was thankfully negative.Off from work until Thursday
XO’s!
Feel better soon J B!
Sending healing vibes, J B!
Hope you will have time to get better and enjoy the time off.
I hope you’re feeling better soon!
Glad you were negative, and hope you feel better- stat!
Glad that your COVID test was negative. Hope you are feeling more like yourself soon!
I’m wearing Annick Goutal’s Ninfeo Mio. It feels like time travel, as it takes me back to when I bought about 10 years ago 🙂
Ninfeo Mio is such a great summer-time perfume.
Love this one!
Wearing Gallivant Bukhara.
Cold and windy day, but at least it is very sunny with no clouds in the sky, which I appreciate a lot!
Happy Tuesday! 🌞
Happy Tuesday back atcha!
How’s your Mom doing?
Thank you, Jalapeno.
And thanks also for asking for my mother. Unfortunately, her lung cancer is very advanced. She might be discharged from the hospital this weekend. I hope she can stay home for while and rest from the long staying in the hospital. God will provide!
Cancer? Oh no! I am so sorry to hear that her prognosis was that dire.
Thank goodness she was able to take that trip to Italy while she still could.
We were very grateful that we could fulfill her wish to be back to Italy to visit her family for the last time. She was so happy! Now, we are just trying our best to keep her comfortable and surrounded by love and company.
Back to work today after a delightfully irresponsible few days down in LA, and wearing Black V from Widian from a sample that goes into the to-pass-along pile. It’s fine. I’d like it more if I had fewer perfumes.
Yesterday I performed an accidental caffeine experiment on myself that tells me that all I need is a few sips of coffee to avoid a caffeine withdrawal headache, but if I don’t get at least one cup, my energy flags ALL DAY. So all those people trying to sell me their reishi mushrooms because they say caffeine gives you an energy spike + crash? I can now definitively say that I am not their target market.
Anyway, this morning I had a really lovely black tea (Low Country by August Tea), which means I’ll be needing a tea or coffee boost imminently.
Ha! Coincidence! I overheard someone mentioning mushroom coffee in a very hifalutin’ way the other day. I had no clue what she was talking about but apparently, it’s a thing!
Oh yes, it seems to be quite a bustling business! I’ve tried a couple and been…unsure of the results. But now I know there’s no real reason to try to replace coffee 🙂 (except, you know, no addiction is good when the apocalypse comes, but neither is near-sightedness, and you don’t see me running off to get LASIK)
So many good comments today! A breezy, cool day with a winter-clear blue sky and a hint of the sun’s warmth. SotD, JP Heritage L’Heure Attendue. Very much my style, but does not have full-day power. I am happy to respray. I will have some decants for the swap meet, if anyone is interested. I’d especially like to trade for decants of Chaldee and Vacances in the Heritage collection.
It was a lovely day in DC, although I spent much of it indoors 🙂
Smoothie is clementines, apples and yogurt
Molton Brown Rosa Absolute EDT, a spicy rose with a POAL vibe but fresher, and tonight vintage BaV.
I love a good spicy rose
In office-friendly Prada iris absolue. I must say that a trip to work does not count as travel!
No, but you did smell great!
Yesterday I had lunch with my cousin. She gifted me an old mini of Avon Cotillion. It is roughly half full, and belonged to our departed Aunt. She told me to give her the bottle back after I used up the perfume. I told her to just keep it because I wouldn’t be using it up. In the end she didn’t take it back. Idk.. it made me laugh.
Today I am wearing Coco Noir for no particular reason.
is the juice inside that mini still good? You knew that someone here was going to ask.
It doesn’t smell off to me. It’s very soapy. I was immediately transported back in time.
It’s a very strange conversation, at least to me. I used to “worry about” what someone is doing with what I’ve swapped with them but I came to the realization that they can do whatever they want with it.
It was strange. I know her heart was in the right place thinking I would appreciate it, and I do.
I am starting my time travel journey with Rahat Loukhoum.
That was the fragrance I discovered in Paris at the Palais Royal boutique, it takes me there to this time in my life when I was young, starting a new life in a new city (Montréal) and married life.
I still love it and wear it often.
What a beautiful memory!
That’s such a beautiful, evocative memory. I’ve walked by the Palais Royal boutique but never visited. Looking forward to a long awaited visit this summer.
Lovely!
SotD is a plumeria fragrance spray that I bought here (on Maui, last day of our trip.) It’s very pretty and light, and I can spay away like Hajusuuri. 😄
I’m sad to end our trip, but it’s also time to get home. 🐩
Yesterday, I wore its brother scent, a sandalwood and vanilla scent called Ponokane, which translates literally as “righteous man.” I was bummed to have missed joining in on the dude talk, lol!
Glad to hear that you found a plumeria perfume there after all!
Thanks, jalapeno. 🤗
So glad you enjoyed your trip and found your plumeria perfume😊
Thank you so much, allo!
Now you can wear that Friday and time travel back the few days 🙂
Bright and sunny here today, but with a cold wind that’s been gusting steadily all day. A good day to stay inside.
SOTD = Smell Bent Bollywood or Bust EdT. Still hanging out in florals.
Cold here too. I’m glad I did not bother to scrape the snow from my car because it all melted and / or got blown away by the nasty wind.
Yeah, it just sliced thru warm clothes like they were nothing.
You smell great 🙂 that’s my favorite smell bent!
Thanks Koyel!
I’ve time traveled back to 2010 when one of my best friends and I lived in the same city for the last time. I’m in Infusion d’Iris Absolue since the regular IdI used to be her signature scent (thanks to a sniffathon at my house). I miss her a lot since we live so far from each other now (I’m in Seattle and she’s in Chicago), but it’s nice to be reminded of her physical presence through scent.
Awwwwwww. This post has all the feels. I’m sorry that you’re missing your friend so much.
It’s such a gift when a fragrance evokes a loved one, especially one who is far away. And you smell fabulous😊
SOTD = Parfumerie Generale Indochine 25
Nice! It is sweet spicy and incensey. Love it. 8 sprays today because I worked from home when I saw snow this morning. I also noticed that Indochine and Felanilla smell quite different but yet they seem related and not because of a common dry down.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CpgaaONOvDr/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
I read a NY Times article today on a weekend baking class held at Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright’s estate in Wisconsin. There are other classes available from August to December. The cost is $1,200 with some meals included and the freedom to explore the estate. I think the cost is very reasonable. There were a good number of naysayers in the comments but I say who cares? I will investigate further for a future trip. If you are looking to read the article, Google “How to get behind the scenes at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin? Take a baking class.”
Taliesin is about a half an hour from me! Do report back if you decide to make a trip!😀
I sure will!
That sounds like an awesome trip! I say go for it. 😉
No snow at all down here. But sure felt cold enough for it. 🥶
That Taliesin trip sounds like it’s well worth it!
I love Felanilla, though have never tried Indochine. And I would totally think about spending some money to see Taliesin. I went to university near an iconic FLW home, but there weren’t any tours, you could just drive by and see it.
Wearing L’Artisan Santal, my first signature scent way back in the day.
Nice.