It's Tuesday, plus World Hello Day and World Television Day. Birthdays: Voltaire, René Magritte, Coleman Hawkins, Elizabeth George Speare, Marilyn French. What fragrance are you wearing?
I'm trying the very summery L'Artisan Parfumeur Vétiver Écarlate. Tea at the moment is the wintery Christmas Tea from Upton, mixed with some random Assam.
Reminder: on 11/24, pick your Black Friday poison: wear the last fragrance you bought, wear a cheap thrill, or wear a fragrance you love but refuse to buy in a full size because it's too expensive. (We've done this project several times.)
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 Richard Brendon x V&A Dragon Flower Medium Teapot ("British designer Richard Brendon looked to the V&A Museum’s illustration archives for inspiration for the Dragon Flower collection, a series of fine bone china tableware made in homage to the intricate and delicate nature of Georgian ceramics.") is £220 at Harrods.
I’m wearing L’Eau d’Armoise, from a full bottle, which I was able to buy at a good price recently. This is only my second full bottle of a Serge Lutens.
Serge is making a strong showing on NST these days…
I did some test-spritzes of Bas de Soie and Vitriol d’oeillett yesterday. Yes, there is plenty to love there!
This really is an interesting scent! Fun to spritz with abandon when it’s hot out.
It was fun to spritz with abandon this morning, with a cool NW wind blowing. Texas is transitioning (again) from the 70s to the 50s and 40s.
Will that be a nice change for you, or are you not looking forward to it?
In Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan from an old bottle that I forgot I had. The juice has become very dark, and it smells glorious.
I’m almost on my way out to a meeting. I will be around Macy’s 34th Street, so I will try to see the Christmas window displays on my way back. I hope it is not so crowded yet.
Happy Tuesday! 🌻
My favourite amber. You smell ah-mazing!
Thank you, happy888cat!
I hope you get to see the displays!
I did! Not as many people as I was expecting. It was beautiful!
You smell wonderful. The displays were crowded this past Saturday … they were magical but too interactive.
Thank you, Hajusuuri! It was not so crowded. I was able to take pictures of the displays on 6th Ave. All magical! The ones on 34th Street were pretty nice. I loved the Barbie display. There was also a very small group of dancers rehearsing. The Holiday spirit was in the air! 🎅
The Macy’s windows – what fun!
It is always fun to stroll along 5th Avenue during the holidays. I just wish the crowds were less.
You lucked out with the lack of crowds at the Macy’s displays!
Inside Macy’s was insane. I wanted to see the beautiful decorations, but I left after 5 minutes, because it was almost impossible to walk inside. It looks like the crowds were taking advantage of the Black Friday sales.
Hello everyone!
My best friend are in town for the holiday and we are planning to drive to the beach for a few hours since we got another cold front. I love a wintery beach. I was thinking to wear Boxeuses again, since it’s such a warm leather.
Have a great day all.
Enjoy beach trip with your bestie!
Thank you! It was a bit windy for a walk but we got to check out some cute spots.
If you end up wearing Boxeuses, you will smell wonderful. What am I saying? You smell great all the time!
Ah, thank you! Quite a compliment. 🩵 I waffled a long time on Boxeuses but it’s such a great scent. And it lasts really well on me.
Have fun! I love the beach and Boxeuses.
It was a good pair today. 😁
Sounds like the makings of a wonderful day.
Hello!
Sotd is YSL Libre Le Parfum. I purchased this blind after finishing (!! I know! What are the chances of us finishing something with our vast collections!?) the Intense version. It is pretty good but I still think Intense is the best of the line.
My bedroom smells amazing from this new diffuser refill I bought from L’Occitane. The scent is Douceur Immortelle. They have another really nice scent called Cocon de Sérénité (amazing name) which I will be using next.
I had the Harmony scent a while back and liked it, a soft floral pine ( not sure what the notes were listed as) but it was very pleasant.
Wearing Bijan for women today, which was once very expensive but today can be had for a song online. it still smells like money, and the loopy B of the bottle is both a fun design and great branding.
You smell wonderful!
I always loved it on the magazine scent strips — didn’t realize it had become lower in price. Hmmm….
Bijan had one of the best looking bottles of that era. Right up there with the Halston bottle.
SOTD is SL La Fille de Berlin, from a mini I received in a swap a while back, so it counts as “free”. I quite like it so far, but I don’t “need” a FB. The little mini bottle is so cute though; I love minis that are actually miniature versions of the regular bottles (not just generic small bottles).
Those minis are adorable😊
That’s my favorite ‘new” Serge I think.
The SL minis are extremely cute!
In VP London Funk from a generous NSTer swap and really enjoying the juniper and cassis combo.
Re: Black Friday, hankering for a bottle of LL Patchouli 24…
https://youtu.be/U3jgo5ea_zc?feature=shared
I think of this whenever I see/hear the word hanker. Lol.
Yes! Same!😂
🤣
LOL!
LL Patchouli 24! Love this one.
A bottle of Encens Mythique would be lovely-but it’s soooo expensive.
That is my SOTD for the CP!
It’s like God gave me enabler wings today. 👼🏻
Just last night I was perusing FragranceBuy before bed, as one does, for things I might need during the Black Friday sale and specifically was checking Guerlain. They have a tester of Encens Mythique for $103 and regular bottle for $130. It’s like I am telepathically doing research for other NSTers now. 🧠 🔮
https://fragrancebuy.ca/products/guerlainencensmythique-man
I noticed earlier that they have a lot of sale items on there right now. Dusita perfumes are a steal there too. I have purchased Splendiris on sale from this site in the past and now I think it is even about another 1/2 off from what I bought it for. Not that I am trying to enable anyone 😊
Hmmm, I am so relieved to see someone else doing this before bed.
Like clockwork I daresay. 😆 🕰
She-ra, – are you in their Loyalty Program? If so and you want to send me a referral code, I’ll use it to sign up so you get some extra points. You can email me at Vee.Is.Me.8 in the land of gee male. Thanks!
It’s a true November day in my part of the Midwest, cold rain, fog and piles of soggy leaves everywhere. I’m wearing Memoirs of a Trespasser for some warmth while I go run errands.
Does anyone know if Luckyscent does anything for Black Friday, like free shipping? A girl can dream! 🤞
Shipping is actually inexpensive IMHO. The “free” gifts are a better value.
I’m don’t remember luckyscent doing any worthwhile discounts for BF. And I think I’d you spend over $100 you get free shipping anyway, or at least you used to? I think if you’re looking for something specific you might find a better deal on the perfumer’s website, which may also include free shipping…
I’m wearing a tiny spray of Delina as I wait in line at the Passport Office downtown. I need expedited passport renewal for a big trip I’m supposed to take in two weeks. Destination: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia! A big adventure if this works out. I’ve been here an hour and it’s going to be at least another half an hour. At least I get to sit to wait since I have a cane. Updates later!
Good luck! I’m glad you get to sit.
Hope the queue moves quickly. Can’t wait to hear details of your trip.
It wasn’t too bad, just under two hours. I found the staff people there very helpful and polite, which isn’t always the case at government offices. And it looks like my passport will arrive in time for my visa to get approved! Yay!
Love this – so happy for you that your passport looks like a “go.” I think your perfume shopping could be very good?!?!! Not that I would know, but keep an eye out! And, I will look forward to your report when you are back 😀
Wait till you see airport in Riyadh! The company my exhusband worked for built all the airports in the Kingdom. I watched them get built. The royal family has a part of the terminal where their planes go directly into
They are something…
They are really something!!
Ooh wow, can’t wait! Maybe there’ll be some perfume shopping?!
I think the odds are pretty good!
The best perfume shops are in the malls around the city. And you can get samples galore.
Because men and women are normally separate (unless there is a family section) I don’t know about the airport duty free itself.
Exciting times for you for sure!
Yay for a big adventure!
SOTD is Chanel No 5 EdT.
I know it’s early, but does anyone know of deals for Black Friday or Cyber Monday? Not that I need anything else😉
Sephora, Ulta and Macy’s are running some BF sales already.
Thanks Lillyjo.
15% off at Saks beauty starts tomorrow
Thanks!
Ormonde Jayne is advertising deals at up to 60% off—there are no coupons, just look on their site.
Oh, wow! I will and thanks.
Olfactif has 25% full bottles, plus other discount codes for samples and perfume sprays/decants.
It’s a random assortment, though
Thank you. I will take a peek.
Fzotic/Bruno Fazzolari will have BF specials starting Wednesday.
Thanks. I have tried a few of the fragrances, but haven’t found anything I needed yet. Of course, that could change🙂
I liked Unsettled. And LOVED Au Dela Narcisse!
Have not tried those.
I’m wearing JM Ginger Biscuit from the split. I love the opening! It’s exactly what I wanted SL Five O’Clock au Gingembre to be but that one seemed stale and dusty to me. As for the dry down, it’s the typical JM dry down I get with every single perfume of hers that I’ve tried, which is disappointing, but also good because no need for a FB! It’s working well with my morning toast and tea, which is pumpkin spice coffee. 🎃
More wicked winds and storms overnight and now it’s all sunshine and blue skies again. Does it only storm in NM at night..?
The SL is too Cologne-y smelling for me. I have the Demeter Gingerbread which I like. It doesn’t last very long though.
Stay safe from the storms! It’s probably better at night than in the day when you might be driving.
I can’t remember much about the SL one except it seemed so dry, and I was expecting something else. Plus, I had a decant and it changed color significantly after a week or two so I’m not sure if that had something to do with it. As for the storms, I don’t mind them at night. I just had no warning and all of a sudden the truck and camper are dancing all over. I had to run out in the midst of it to secure my chair so it didn’t go airborne and damage someone’s RV or TV. That meant running out in the pitch black with my pajamas on in the rain…🙄 Your Demeter sounds very good, and I like fun perfumes that don’t last as long as radioactive waste, but I have no access to any of their perfumes. 🤷🏻♀️
Yes, my thoughts re Ginger Biscuit vs SL 5 o’clock exactly. I keep trying to like the SL, but I find it a bit too dusty yet sharp, and at the same time too cologne-y. You have both said it better than I could. It’s too bad because it’s my only actual bottle of SL, although I have a few other decants. I really like the Ginger Biscuit and I’m okay with the drydown, although I don’t feel the need for a bottle either. Thankful for splits!!
Very happy I got in on the split because I’ve been wanting to try it since it came out. I love the opening so much! Fairly certain it will gone by the time winter is over.
Gloomy and raining here. I have the day off so it’s fine with me. I have a turkey thawing in the refrigerator. Fingers crossed that it thaws in time. I will be going to the grocery store later.
My sotd is TF Violet Blonde, since it was mentioned the other day. VB is probably the best deal I ever purchased. I found it from a local private seller for $25.00 dollars. My conscious had to tell her she had under priced it. She said she knew but wanted it out of her house. I say it was a win/win situation.
I hope you have a happy relaxing day . And what a bargain!
Pretty relaxing minus the grocery store. Lol
Did groceries yesterday. Wasn’t too crazy. But I avoided both Costco and Wegmans.
What a bargain! I love win-win.
I know you do!
Great deal! I wish I had gotten a bottle before it got discontinued. The only violet scent I recall liking.
For me it was VB and Balenciaga Paris.
Wow, what a great deal! Lucky you. 🙌🏻
It was a real stroke of good luck.
What a great deal and you smell great.
Thanks Aurora!
LOL the annual will it thaw in time challenge of lillyjo’s turkey!
Congrats on your VB score and kudos to you for being kind to her about the price. You deserved it.
I meant to take it out Sunday night and forgot until Monday morning. Ugh.. I will report back on Thursday. Lol
I suspect there’s a good story there about why she wanted it out of her house, and I’d love to hear it. Should we speculate?
Lol, endless possibilities…
Well… all I know is it was a gift from her step mother..
oof, there is definitely a story then…
Love that you told her about the underpricing; I agree with her that it’s best to get unwanted bottles out of the house – and I’m betting she knew it went to a good home! I got my 1/2-full TF VB 30ml bottle for $6 at Vintage Vogue years ago. I know the manager, and when I checked out, he said he found it inside a purse that had been donated!
That’s an awesome deal!
I wish my thrift stores had perfume.
Wonderful! And you accrued at least a billion points of good perfume karma.
Gloomy weather twins with you today.
And good for you, telling the seller about underpricing her stuff! Even better, you got the perfume at that crazy price anyway. You deserved something like that after your day yesterday.
I’m in ERIS Belle de Jour…I finally purchased a bottle this fall, after using up my travel spray. For some reason, BdJ has really suited my mood and my chemistry recently!
I’m at the office but looking forward to being cozy at home tonight. We finished watching the latest episodes of The Crown so we’ll have to find something else to watch, or else we’ll just read. I can recommend Marta McDowell’s Gardening Can Be Murder for any mystery and/or garden-history fans!
I’m in my sample of Ma Bete! It was almost shocking when I first tried it, but after several wearings I *must* secure a bottle.
Thank you, just finished Annika and Pursuit of Love and need new things to watch!
Oh, it’s a book! Well that’s good too.
I am watching a blackbird feed its young fledgling from an apple I have put out. The junior bird is as big, if not bigger, than the adult, and scoffs up all the bits the adult gives it and then, when the adult turns away, it helps itself to the apple, stabbing it with its beak. As the adult turns back, the fledgling trembles its wings and opens its beak for more. The poor adult can barely keep up with demand. There are a few sparrow chicks around too, who fluff themselves up like pom poms . Seems exhausting. Wearing Dune and listening to the dogs snore, much more my pace this morning.
Someone here has cats and lets them run around outside. One of them almost became a coyote snack yesterday evening. It (the coyote) was skulking right behind the restroom just watching and waiting, until I came along. Then it moseyed nonchalantly away. Doggo was very interested. 🐶 + 🐺 = ☠️
I always think bird parenting looks very exhausting.
I read recently that robins have multiple broods each year and build a new next every time. They take maybe two weeks off in between — I hope they do nothing but sleep during those two weeks!
I believe cardinals do the same thing–multiple broods per year and a new nest each time. Twice I have had the experience of watching a pair that built a nest right near a window, so I got to watch the whole process. In both cases, they abandoned the nest after the fledglings were out of it, and did not return to it.
Isn’t that interesting.
I’m wearing Heure Exquise both the EDP and the late lamented body oil. I bought the body oil from an American etailer and when it failed to arrive after a month or so, I got in touch with them and got a refund. Weeks later I was very pleasantly surprised by the arrival of a very tattered package from the US with the HE oil in it. I didn’t even have to pay import tax. So in the end I got a bargain.
Nice! And do you ever smell beautiful!
I woke up to a sky completely suffused by gorgeous peachy orange-cream light. It didn’t last much longer (and Mr. G says I missed the best part of the sunrise, darn it), but somehow it made me feel wintery-festive. So I’m spending the morning in 24 Faubourg, my most festive-feeling scent. Not sure what exactly makes it feel like a winter festival to me — maybe its baroque quality, or the filigree etching on the bottle?
24 Faubourg is rather opulent. Maybe that’s it?
I have every day off since I can’t find a job!
Slept 10 hours.
Pashm was lovely all through the day and evening yesterday. And not cloying in the least.
Today I will test autumn. It’s warm and sunny out but my house is chillier inside.
This is the best time of year for getting in some good sleep, while it also can be hard to find a job since it’s holiday season and end of the fiscal year. I hope something pops up for you soon. 🤞🏼
Thanks Deva. I hope so, too.
On the other hand, my sister the NP got 60 texts for one shift. Last Friday she started at 7am and left at midnight, no CNAs showed up. Good grief, the woman is 72.
I can’t believe your sister puts in time like that! She definitely ate her Wheaties!
Special place in heaven for nurses.
Your sister is Wonder Woman, pulling those hours!
She won’t leave a patient without care.
Wearing Eau Premiere today. Working a short shift at work today and tomorrow. I think that tomorrow will be Infusion d’Iris.
Short shifts are the best. You’re still getting some income, but a shorter day! And you smell wonderful.
It’s a beautiful morning here, such a change from the cold groggy day yesterday. I’m wearing Scherrer, a cheap recent purchase and lovely. I’ve been a bit reckless lately and bought a few cheaper things unsniffed. They’ve all been successful, and now I’m worrying that I’ve given myself an incentive for more recklessness!
the Scherrer is a fantastic scent, so elegant and green
Scherrer is gorgeous, and I’ve been doing the same with cheapies lately. I’m surprised how often I really like vintage things, which I can usually get for a song.
Love Scherrer!
I’m playing along with the CP today in a “too expensive for a FB version”: Xerjoff Richwood. It’s gorgeous, but what is it now, something like $600? As if. 🤣
$600?!? That’s ridiculous!
Paradoxe de Cardin, one of the old age chypres, still smells nice in the reformulation and great for winter. Could not sleep anymore, so got up at 4am and had breakfast. The boyfriend thinks i am crazy, hopefully will get more sleep tonight
Good luck tonight tannina!
I’m wearing 4160 Tuesdays Both Sides of Clouds parfum and bracing myself to take a friend to the airport in the Thanksgiving crush. Grateful I am not the one flying.
Sadly the cleaning woman was a no-show today, Hoping she doesn’t ask to come tomorrow as I need the kitchen to bake pies. It annoys me she is so unreliable but it’s too hard to find someone else trustworthy.
Oh, that stinks! I can’t believe you can’t get another cleaning lady that is more reliable.
You smell good! I refuse to go to the airport to do drop-off or pick-up. I’ll gladly pay the cost for the ride, even for the person I’m supposed to pick-up.
Well I won’t be doing it again! It was very stressful.
Apples, pears and yogurt smoothie
Lush Shade today, very woody and smooth and tonight it’s vintage Aromatics Elixir.
I bet those play together nicely too!
You’re right, the drydown of Shade is a light sandalwood which layered with the patchouli and oakmoss of AE.
I’m at the office today, so I’m wearing the very office-safe but still intersting Oolong Infini. Work has been a slog of unexpected, not-good things the past few weeks, so I’m looking forward to the long weekend and mini-marathon of The Crown. Almost there.
Tea today is a variety of delicious bagged christmas teas from a NST swap. Between that and the OI, my office smells lovely today.
Some of the LE holiday teas out there are SO good!
The extra spice in the holiday teas is what does it for me, I think. A boost of yum!
Wearing a spritz from both my Profumum Sorriso and Patchouly samples. I like both of these and love those big chunky Profumum bottles, but won’t spend the money. Maybe someday the smaller 18 ml travel spray…but probably I’ll just be happy with the samples for now and then.
Even 18 ml seems like a lot to me these days!
I had an 8 am dental appointment so I am just getting around to fragrance. I’m wearing Tihota, smelling like I’ve been baking something delicious. But I haven’t 🙂
Tihota is in my sample cue – I’ve heard others say how good it is!
I just ordered a sample of Tihota as well
I love this CP! I am going to think carefully for Friday, but today I realized I can get points for most recent buy and cheap thrill with SotD Lattafa Nebras. Word to fans of Angel Muse – this is not the same as Muse, but I bet you’d like it; and Ebayers: there is a cute 20ml, credit card-like Nebra sample sprayer that’s been popping up occasionally for <$15! BTW, I got my FB through Jomashop and that was the first time I've used Jomashop. The shipping notices were slow to come, but once they said it was shipped, it got to me in just three days, pristine and well-packaged. Full disclosure, I used Mugler Aura body cream post-shower, and a spritz of the edt. But Nebras still made its presence known. 🙂
I’ll second your Jomashop experience. I’ve used them a few times and have been happy
I will blame Kris if I end up buying for the first time from jomashop!
Hey now! I have used them a lot and haven’t had any trouble. They usually ship within 1-2 weeks. All the fragrances I have bought have been great. Remember, I have no affiliation with them. I found out about Jomashop from someone on here. I thought it was you, but apparently not.
Lalalalalalalala! I can’t hear you re: Jomashop!
Trying Scents of Wood Vanilla In Armagnac today…getting citrus, vanilla and chocolate.
I did not do the 2024 Subscription but Luckyscent had the 10 ml. Curious what others think of this one or any other new ones from the 2024 Subscription so far please?
I had a bad experience with the subscription. They shipped the first month on time, then nothing the second month. I emailed them 3 times with no response. Finally I sent another email threatening to file a chargeback on my CC (I had paid in full up front to get the extra 13th month). Only then did I get a mail saying they had packaging issues with the labels which caused the delay. They hastily shipped the second month’s bottle to avoid having to refund me and deducted the full monthly price for the two months instead of the discounted amount you get charged for prepaying. I’m disgusted and will not ever use their subscription service again.
I’ e had no problems with them except for when I tried to use a discount code and it did not work for me – I had to go back and forth several times but got it to work in the end.
I liked it but not enough for a FB purchase.
I’ll go with Eris Ma Bête, which is a bit expensive and difficult to find at a discount. I’m going through my sample rapidly… super sexy dirty jasmine.
Apple cake is cooling. Turkey breast is brining. Stuffing balls will be prepped tonight, and cranberry sauce made tomorrow. Then I will be ready!
You are on pointe for Thanksgiving! So organized! 🙌
A super sexy dirty jasmine sounds totally up my street!
Yucky weather today. Plenty of cold November rain and temps that are more fitting for December. Glad that I am not traveling!
I spent a good chunk of the day packing more of my stuff. I’m a long way from done, alas. More purging to be done, too.
Got a look at my credit card balance and got a shock. And that’s before any moving expenses. It’s gonna get ugly by year’s end.
SOTD = commando, except for Dame Perfumery Orange Flower Body Butter. I incorrectly called it Orange Blossom a while back.
Ugh, I wish you had a little packing friend to help you out. Will you spend Christmas there or in the new apartment?
IDK where Xmas will be. I’m still trying to figure out logistics.
Glad that I am not decorating this year! That would be too much crazy.
Oy! That’s a lot of work to do! Are you able to get help from Taskrabbit or use one of those services that will haul away the stuff you don’t need/want anymore (for a fee) so you’ll be done?
I will be getting in touch with someone about hauling away the furniture I won’t be taking to Colorado.
And there’s also some heavy stuff that needs to be junked.
On the plus side, the buyer is interested in some things I that didn’t want to take, so that works out for both of us.
I hope you get some relaxing time in between packing.
I did chill out after about 4 hours of packing. If I tackle it in intervals like that, it’s a lot easier to face.
I’ve packed a LOT already…
I hear you on the CC bills. Even though it cost me $$ I paid to have the movers pack everything, I just could not face that stress. It was bad enough getting rid of the excess stuff.
Since I have some furniture I want to move, paying someone to move it for me is making a lot of sense.
But I have to move some things myself, too. Like Teflon kitty.
SOTD = Parfums de Marly Althair
Non-sweet musky cinnamon bourbon vanilla gourmand! 😍
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz7b2VuR4NU/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
I got my package today from Bergdorfs! It will be my SOTD for Friday.
I am so tempted by:
https://www.swatch.com/en-us/wondrous-winter-wonderland-suoz361/SUOZ361.html
(I’ll wait until Friday / Monday to see if there’s anything special going on …)
That is a really fun watch.
I got a big grin on my face seeing the Swatch! That is a fun one!
Really disappointed BG was not allowed to sell Fève Gourmande until after the gift card was over, even though it’s already available online and at Bellagio. Saks was able to sell the extraits right away during their gift card event. Feh.
I LOVE Swatch!
We made it to the auntie’s condo in Florida, and have parked TR (short for trailer, because none of the other names I suggested rang a bell for adorable hubby!) in the vacant land the condo owns next door! Cheap camp site for a self enclosed travel trailer!
My travel perfume is Iris, appropriate in moderate amounts for any occasion, and purchased in decant sized aliquots because a whole bottle doesn’t work on my retirement budget. I see myself looking for part-time work, or starting a crafty site on Etsy or something!