Happy Almost-Friday! It’s also the International Day for the Universal Access to Information and World Rabies Day. Watch out for the Harvest Supermoon tonight! What fragrance are you wearing?
I was going to wear a Hermessence for the deliciously ludicrous quote "Why don't you...have an elk hide trunk for the back of your car? Hermès of Paris will make this". Instead, I'm in bed recovering from a COVID shot last night, and it isn't likely I'll bother with perfume. Hopefully I will be back tomorrow!
Reminder: 9/29 is Diana Vreeland's birthday. Wear one of her favorite perfumes (reportedly YSL Opium and Chanel No. 5), or wear something equally bold, or wear something from her posthumous perfume line, or take inspiration from a Diana Vreeland quote (more here), or ?
And for those of you who like to plan ahead, see Scent of the day ~ Friday community projects 2023, where I'll try (but usually fail) to have the next five or six weeks mapped out in advance.
Note: the Herbag Zip Cabine ("Travel bag in military canvas and Hunter cowhide with shoulder strap, collapsible handle, exterior pocket and palladium-plated Clou de Selle closure") runs about $3700-$5000 at Hermès, depending on materials, and if that seems like a lot, bear in mind that it's probably cheaper than an elk hide trunk.
Sorry about your covid shot reaction Robin. Hope you feel better soon. I’m getting mine tomorrow morning. SOTD is Safari.
Thank you PriscillaE, and hope yours goes trouble-free!
Today I felt like nineties-era Old Spice. Carnations and gasoline — such a great combo.
Yay.
I think that’s why I like Fahrenheit- violet leaf and gasoline.
Feel better soon, Robin!
Wearing Chanel Cuir de Russie EdT.
Happy Thursday! ☕️
You smell great, and I’m sure I will!
Thank you, Robin!
Hope you feel better soon Robin!
Sotd is EL Knowing.
I can’t believe how absent minded I was. I went to the mall intending to go to Jo Malone to ask about their advent calendar, but when I past by the supermarket, I went right in for groceries and forgot all about it!
That sounds like something I would do!
I’ve done that too! So annoying.
Well, money saved, probably!
Okay, I laughed at “World Rabies Day”. Truly there is a day for everything. I’m wearing Rochas Absolu. This smells older than 2002 to me, that age of the fruity floral. It’s a rich resin-y amber.
Absolu is great stuff. I like the retro bottle, too.
Love everyone’s SOTD – lots of good smelling people here! I’m in L’eau d’Hiver, just a small spritz-I needed something beautiful that won’t get in my way-I have to think a lot today, for work, and I don’t want to be distracted. Hope everyone’s day is fine, and Robin, I hope the effects of the shot wear off soon.
I’m sure I will be better tomorrow. And you smell fantastic!
I hope you feel better soon, Robin. That quote and pairing are so much fun!
I am wearing VC&A First just because. However, a quick google search told me that Vreeland had VC&A jewelry in her collection. Source: https://www.nickharvilllibraries.com/store/p97/The_Diana_Vreeland_Collection_of_Fashion_Jewelry_.html
So here you go.
Unrelated to my SOTD, here is an interesting essay about Vreeland by Colm Tóibín – https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v26/n03/colm-toibin/rinse-it-in-dead-champagne
I quite enjoyed reading it. Sorry if someone already posted it this week and I missed this link.
Now how on earth did Colm Tóibín get that assignment??? Thank you for the link.
Very fun read. Thanks for the link.
I have the HR/EA book, and love it-totally worth a read. HR didn’t see the potential for perfume-she loathed it, and Apple Blossom was her most successful fragrance. EA made a fortune from Blue Grass. Glannys thank you for the link!
I thought one of the most ludicrous quotes was “Why don’t you…turn your old ermine coat into a bathrobe?”
Oh sure, let me just dig that out. I think I last saw it in the second closet of the third-best guestroom, between the year before last’s
sable and that ratty old chinchilla that great-aunt Margaret gave me for my eighteenth birthday.
I got to wondering what would embody the idea of an ermine bathrobe, with ermine being a *very* expensive fur, once the province of royalty, and a bathrobe being one of the most plebeian items of clothing. I went with a few dabs from my vintage bottle of Jovan Frankincense and Myrrh. Both frankincense and myrrh were (and still are) very costly, whereas Jovan is very much a downmarket brand. Whenever I wear one of these vintage “drugstore” perfumes, I am struck by just how good so many of them were.
Other than Ariana Grande body sprays I can’t think of any current drugstore offerings being really much better than their price
Vreeland was not known for making good financial decisions. In fact, she was fired from Vogue for spending too much.
I have not tried your SOTD, but frankincense and myrrh is a classic combo! I am sure you smell good.
Ooh! I have that Jovan, as well. Mine has only gotten thicker and more pronounced.
I didn’t have it back in the day. My bottle is one I picked up second hand online. I don’t know if it has altered over the years; it doesn’t have a lot of top notes, but maybe it was always like that? In any case, what does remain of it smells good.
Jovan Frankincense and Myrrh! I had a little bottle of that back in my teens. That’s quite some time ago and I can’t remember it, but I’m pretty sure you smell fabulous 🙂 .
I was laughing my head off about you digging out your ermine.
There’s some chilly rain today, so broke out my cheery, apricot-coloured raincoat and Ambra Nera hand cream.
I ‘m in SB Gypsy today as we head out for a little walk about before it gets too hot. Doggo’s front legs are doing a little tippity-tap dance as she waits for me get ready. 😍
Happy almost Friday Day!
My dog would get particularly excited about trips to the sea. She would sniff at the air vent of the car and give me intense looks. Enthousiastic dogs are the best!
Mines the same, like most dogs. When we go out, she stops at the top of the truck camper steps and does a thorough sniffing before she decided to jauntily skip on down to ground level. She’s 99% good doggo and 1% Cujo. That 1% is rare but I’ve seen it and it’s fierce. I don’t know if a dog can be sensitive and scrappy at the same time, but she is. Not the kind to start anything, but she’s definitely the kind to finish it, or go down trying, which is why I’m extra careful of unleashed dogs.
Happy to hear you’re making the most of your vacation. I love hearing about everyone’s travels.
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS4rETNPJq_XXBW1kXOkq6zbrypkW4yWf9u-5bOAy2GJM-KZjzYY34X1mOh&s=10
I’m not sure that this link will open but it’s Vreeland’s memo re. The Gypsy look, with a note that the hair is crazily wonderful. So you’re “In”… a Vreeland hit.
Also notice that one of those copied is “Miss Mirabella,” presumably Grace. I loved Mirabella magazine when it existed.
Ha, yeah, I think my hair is mostly crazy minus the wonderful! I could never pull off the Stevie Nicks style, but I do love it❤️
What is SB Gypsy like?
Here’s a link to the description on Fragrantica:
https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Smell-Bent/Gypsy-32395.html
I get mostly patchouli and sandalwood.
Yikes Robin! Sorry to hear you’re having a rough reaction from your Covid vaccine. I’m scheduled for my booster tomorrow afternoon – guess I should plan to lay low this weekend.
SOTD is FM Noir Épices from a 10 mL bottle. It’s a bit of a spicy floriental powerhouse for a workday but I imagine Diana Vreeland would approve, so I went with it.
I always do, so don’t worry if you haven’t had a rough reaction so far!
Rest up, Robin, and I hope you feel better soon! It’s a gorgeous, perfect fall day here — cool morning, supposed to be in the low eighties later, and just the beginnings of gold and red in the treetops. I’m wearing Bronze Goddess because I feel like one and because I can’t quite let summer go…
Rabies Day! 😂. I get that it’s meant to be educational, but in my juvenile mind I’m hearing Run away! Run away!
SOTD is 2 drops of my Oud oil from the UAE. It’s warm, soothing and brings back good memories.
I did the same thing re: Rabies Day.
Hope you get some rest and feel like yourself soon, Robin.
Wearing Diptique Tempo, perfect for a cool, damp fall day.
Tempo is SO freaking good! But I wish it came in smaller bottles.
I have a decant, it had to come from someone here, so thank you to whomever. Tempo is edging towards love 💕
Adding my best wishes as well Robin!
I visited the Colorado Provençal near Rustrel today. In the 19th and early 20th century there was ochre mining in this part of France. The mist famous site is Roussillon which I visited ages ago. The site near Rustrel offers a 4km hike with explanations about its past. It was interesting and the colours of the rocks were intense.
Just one more day left. I’m determined to make the most of it.
SOTD is Gardens of India from Parle Moi de Parfums, it’s a beautiful white floral.
Enjoy your last day. I wish you had longer to relax and explore.
Michael Gambon, who played Dumbledore in ‘Harry Potter,’ dies at 82
https://www.npr.org/2023/09/28/1202300771/michael-gambon-dead-dumbledore-harry-potter
I’m sorry to hear that, he was such a brilliant actor. Wonderful voice and great sense of humour. He even got a corner of the racetrack in Top Gear named after him.
I actually never saw him as Dumbledore. Probably my favourite role of his was in Wives and Daughters.
Sad news. I loved The Singing Detective.
I only watched bits of it, love the songs!
Was very sorry to hear about Michael Gambon.
Robin, I hope you feel better soon.
My medical appointment yesterday resulted in another vaccination, this one for pneumonia. I had a pneumonia vaccination a few years ago, but apparently this formulation is better. Four vaccinations in a week is a lot. Fortunately no side effects other than another sore arm. I’m wearing Zoologist Civet this morning and waiting for a decant of Tobacco Honey and my bottle of Shalimar Iris to be delivered. I am looking forward to trying both.
Ah, helpful information about the pneumonia vaccine — thank you.
Love Civet.
Now I am going to ask about my physician’s about my last pneumonia vaccination. I didn’t know they had a new one out. Thanks for the information.
That is a lot of shots in a week! OUCH!
I hope you feel better soon! Don’t forget your electrolytes 🙂
Wearing Chanel Boy – my sample is getting low and I am wondering if I will get a bottle for myself or not. I did not care for the EdT when it came out, but the EdP version works for me. It’s not cheap, but it is the gifting season coming up so maybe!
I wish I had a sample of Boy EdP. I tried it in the Soho Chanel boutique and remember kind of liking it but not quite enough to spring for a full bottle. They didn’t have a sample of it there but offered me Gardenia and Jersey, both of which are emphatically not for me
Boy has a lot of similarities to Jersey. Per fragrantica, they both have lavender, white musk, rose, vanilla, and miscellaneous other flowers (Jersey has jasmine and “wildflowers,” Boy has geranium, orange blossom, heliotrope).
The differences are Jersey has tonka bean and grass, while Boy’s other notes are grapefruit, lemon, sandalwood, moss and coumarin.
It might be enough for you to enjoy Boy despite not getting on with Jersey. But it may also be money saved!
The boutique I was in made a sample for me, but my friends and I were also buying lipsticks at the time, so maybe the rep was feeling generous.
Thanks. I’ll re-visit Boy next time I’m in a Chanel boutique
https://visionaireworld.com/products/visionaire-37-vreeland-memos
I’ve been reading some of Vreeland’s memos which she dictated/wrote from the bathroom, prior to heading into the office. Subjects include the Gypsy look, freckles ( good), Acapulco and Mexico ( yes!), pearls ( not enough of them, need more), tote bags ( wonderful), knee length socks ( more), ribbons ( yes, more), $30 dresses ( a thing) , Brigitte Bardot being barefoot at her wedding, the colour white….so, basically, all the essentials. Plus an elk hide trunk of course ( no memo?).
I feel a minimalist day coming on…one where I watch the changes in the weather and listen to the birds and dig the garden. Wearing The Yard Next Door.
I hope you’re over the effects soon, Robin! You’re lucky to even be able to get a shot yet — I was on the provincial site today trying to figure out what’s going on and when I could book an appointment, and they don’t seem to have this winter’s vaccines rolled out yet. I even tried reenrolling in the provincial vaccine registration program because I thought maybe they restarted it every year, but it says I’m already enrolled. Just hoping I can get everyone here vaccinated before we have to go to my niece’s wedding back East in about a month.
SOTD is Zara Leather Jardin. I agree with those who’ve posted so far on this — this is a quality chypré, especially at this price. It does smell quite vintage and has presence without being overwhelming. I think Zara has finally redeemed themselves with this — they owe me for having to repeatedly smell the screech that was Zara Star Wars for girls. (My kid would get it out, and everyone in the house was like, “DON’T SPRAY! PLEASE DON’T SPRAY!)
We should hear something soon! Yes, it always seems to be at travel time that we need our updated shots!
I have friends who are getting the updated COVID shot this weekend.
We got ours last week. I just had a sore arm.
The COVID shots have kicked my butt each time I got one.
Yikes, Robin, feel better fast!
I am back in Stella today. Tomorrow I have a Very Big Work Thing. I’d choose No 5 for the CP but think I need something that will fly under the radar.
Stella is always good.
Feel better, Robin. You’ve got a lot of posters and lurkers rooting you on.
SOTD: A sample from a generous NSTer. It says CdG and there’s a 3 so, I think I caught a lemming. Thanks!!!
Anyone interested in purchasing the exclusive ones from Le Labo or have they already?
I am going to sniff Musc on Sunday I hope… that is on my list. Anyone else?
I’ll cave to something. I’ve heard lovely things about the Iris.
Ok! I will
Check it out
I’ve heard it may soon be discontinued which is a shame
I’m seriously thinking of getting the new Myrrhe 55. I bought a packaged sample and really love it, plus it has elicited some compliments.
Hurray for catching a lemming!
I know. Now its retail therapy. Lol.
I got Baie Rose for a really good price on FB.
Mugler Miroir des Majestes.A favorite amber,almost medicinal.
One hell of a week,we were without power for 3 days straight this week!My battery/inverter-backup can only do so much,also!
Hope everyone is well!
Feel better soon Robin!
XO’s
Oh wow — was the outage due to rolling blackouts or weather issues?
You probably heard the term “loadshedding” when you were in Cape Town last year,but yeah,the loadshedding caused extensive damage to the cable systems in my neighborhood,so they had to dig out and replace most of them.There’s also an ongoing wage-strike so engineers/electricians that are not striking are in the minority,and they have to work under police guard as there is also a prominent political feud surrounding all these issues…it’s basically a $@*t-storm over here currently!Nevermind the worldwide energy crisis….and then indeed(!!!)we had a wonderful Highveld thunderstorm two days ago which hampered the repairs,lightning struck one of the fixed cables and it went up in flames…these are just the higlights of the last 4 days here…haha!
XO’s
Oh, for heaven’s sakes! Yeah, the load shedding was a new thing for us when we got to Cape Town and suddenly the power went out…then I figured out there was a schedule and what area we were in on the map and at least then we knew it was coming. And we had a gas stove so could cook in the morning with the power out. But load shedding damage + strikes + weather…ugh!
Yikes, what an insane week you have had! 🙃😵💫
You can’t make this stuff up! That’s a crazy week!
I woke up this morning thinking it was Saturday, and was a bit crushed when my beloved pointed out that it was Friday – I haven’t woken up in that state of confusion for years.
It’s still cold, but we have a clear blue sky, which is a big improvement. I’m wearing Armani Privé Encens Satin.
Feel better soon Robin!
SOTD is many sprays of Chanel No 5 L’Eau.
We are scent twins! Including many sprays!
Yay 😀
You and lillyjo both smell wonderful today!
Thank you my dear!
Feel better Robin
I am under the weather too, but for different reasons
Hope you’re better soon!
Feel better soon 💕
Made an effort to set myself ahead with bills today with that larger paycheck and not game to spend any more money today since I just went grocery shopping. I am in Tobacco Vanille right now and just relaxing.
Grocery shopping, in and of itself, is traumatizing. 😱
I hope you feel better soon, Robin.
In honor of the harvest supermoon, I feel like I should be wearing something with moon or night in the name (Midnight in Paris?) but I don’t have MiP and can’t think of anything I own that would work. So I’ve stuck with 1 spray of a FM Synthetic Jungle sample (hello 70s galbanum-heavy frags!). Instead of paying the hefty FM price I’ll hunt down online the vintage antecedents that inspired Anne Flipo when I’m feeling ‘green.’ But overpowering the Malle is my *real* scent of the day, molecules of an epoisses cheese I ate at lunch, which mows down every other scent for a mile around and gets my dog and cat very excited and sniffing the air. I didn’t get any on my fingers, mind you, but just opening the container released a cascade of molecules. Good thing I’m not going anywhere for awhile.
Hope you feel better soon, Robin! I got my COVID shot today and so far, so good. Waiting a few weeks to get the flu shot rather than tempt fate. A day of errands. Got my mammogram this morning, too. Ashamed to say how long it had been since the prior one. Mailed a couple of swaps (check out my list, I was late posting!). I picked up the pretty but safe pair of new glasses that were husband-approved. And decided to go for the fun pair he wouldn’t care for but that I love. Stroke of luck in that the frame has been discontinued, so the optometrist office gave me a deep discount on it! I have a few manufacturer’s samples of the Vreeland scents and might choose one of those for SOTD. Otherwise, it will be Atelier des Ors Iris Fauve.
Glad to hear that you got a mammogram today! One of my favorite cousins is a breast cancer survivor.
Me too. 24 years 😉
YAY you! Keep on trucking!
Score on the eyeglasses! I love fun frames.
I went grand with Amouage Gold today, though it keeps me company nicely and is pretty well-behaved.
I definitely want to explore more of these Vreeland quotes!
Amouage Gold is one of the best aldehydic florals that I have tried. 👍
I’m sampling the new Cafe Rose today. I can’t compare it to the previous iteration since I only sniffed it once on a blotter, but I find this rose very wearable. Not special but I wouldn’t say no to a decant or travel spray. Tomorrow, something more challenging and oomph-y for DV!
I tried it too and thought it was ok, but didn’t feel a need to add to my collection. I have quite a few rose scents already.
No shot at seeing the Harvest Moon for me tonight. As promised, the clouds rolled in overnight, and there is a thick grey blanket of them in the sky right now. Teflon kitty misses her sunny spot! 😾
At least it isn’t raining today.
SOTD = commando, except for Korres’ Grecian Gardenia body butter on my shins.
PS. Hope that you feel like yourself again soon Robin.
N as close to the yucky cloudy day and rain later tonight and tomorrow.
OMG 😱! So weird! I swear I checked the message before I hit Post Comment! “Another “ instead of what came before yucky.
This stuff is just like the weather we had last winter. Gloomy, cloudy and wet.
The sun really does make such a difference. I hope it comes back soon.
Sotd is Maison Trudon Médie because what’s not to love about citrus and jasmine?
And I’m sorry for Robin and all of you who are laid low by various vaccines. I try to get my shots on Fridays because I usually need the weekend to recover so suffice to say, I’m not looking forward to it😬
I’m also joining Sapphire in mailing swap packages and reminding NSTers that there’s more to swap, including more perfumes than are on my list of 15…😋
I always get my vaccinations on Friday or Saturday too just in case I have a reaction. One of the Covid vaccines a while back gave me a pretty bad headache and chills. Better than getting Covid though. I have missed it so far.
I’m so glad you’ve missed getting Covid😊
Blah, sorry about your COVID shot side effects, Robin. I need to get my own vaccination scheduled and expect to also be worthless for 24 hours if my last few experiences hold true.
I went with Shalimar Millesime Iris today for an easy, pretty companion to a sleep deprived day.
Ugh, sorry to hear that you are dealing with sleep dep.
Thanks. I’ve had worse but it definitely wasn’t my plan to wake up more than an hour before my alarm. My stupid brain started working overtime. Hopefully, tonight is better.
I hope you sleep better tonight.
Thank you so much. Me too.
SOTD = Providence Perfume Co. Lapsang Lover
Woot! When I first wore this big sample, I was lukewarm about it. I let the bottle sit for a few months and decided to wear it again. Holy moly – 🥰! Tea, resins, incense and honey!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CxwFOmAxphE/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
After being on hold and on the phone with a Verizon technician, I FINALLY was able to get my text working. I was ok with personal text but anything coming from businesses or anything commercial just went into text lala land!
Ugh, sorry to hear about your tech issues. I’m really missing the “no tech” or “lo tech” days when you actually interacted with people instead of machines. Some businesses make it impossible to connect with a live person. Personally, if I never got another text, I’d be fine with it.
I probably should clarify that things are now back to normal. I kept getting passed along to the next tech person and I was determined to get it resolved and thank goodness it was!
Are your tech issues resolved now?
Your SOTD sounds yummy!
They are all resolved! Except now I have to figure out why my account has a balance due – I will do this tomorrow.
I’m glad it has been resolved.
I didn’t get a chance to take a shower before work this morning. I wanted to wear something clean smelling, and went with No.5 L’eau.
I came home to aggravating mail regarding my health insurance. I am going to sit and stew tonight and call in the morning.
I posted some things for the swapmeet.
I hope you feel better soon Robin!
Oy! I find that insurance companies always say No first and make you jump through hoops to make them approve something. Whatever it is, I wish you well on the insurance discussion.
Thank you hajusuuri.
Good luck with the insurance company tomorrow.
Thanks Jalapeno.
Ugh, sorry to hear you got bad news about your health insurance.
Unscented today as we’ve been super busy the last few weeks! Yup, we’re moving! We get possession tomorrow but won’t be in full time for awhile. You know the drill, packing and purging more stuff.
My ‘fumes are mostly packed up do I’ve been using my Oil Perfumery things or completely skipping scent altogether.
GAH! Packing and moving is not fun at all.
But congratulations on taking possession!
Thank you, Jalapeno! I know that you know!
Congratulations!
Did you move far?
Thanks lillyjo! An hour south of us. It’s a way smaller place; much too busy here. We’ve been looking for awhile.
Oh that sounds nice! I would love to live in a smaller area. Good luck with the move 😊
Sounds wonderful! I love your area of the world. 🙂 I know a lot of people who’ve moved out that way in the last few years, though, so I can imagine the real estate hunt is not easy.
Good luck with the move!