A quick question: do we want to hold another splitmeet? There did not seem to be much interest last spring. Do vote.
Meanwhile, it's the weekend, and we've got our usual open thread poll. Talk about anything you like — the fragrance you’re wearing today, the fragrance you're reaching for the most lately, whatever.
Or, ask a question about fragrance, then see if anyone else has asked a question that you can answer…
Note: top image is Aurora at Porteau Cove [cropped] by David Zhang at flickr; some rights reserved.
It’s a beautiful fall morning here in LA. I’m wearing some vintage Pierre Cardin Pour Monsieur EdT – such warm and spicy stuff.
We had a gorgeous warm fall weekend here too 🙂
I’m currently in Astier Villatte Grand Chalet.
Grand Chalet is gorgeous!
Yes on the Splitmeet!
SOTD = Lush Sticky Dates
… from my body spray bottle and no, I won’t be running out anytime soon! I had been searching high and low for this for oh, maybe 2 years? My patience was rewarded!
https://www.instagram.com/p/DBB_lIwxZih/?igsh=MWVuazczN2M0eWlmNw==
In other news, let’s just say the HYBRID work schedule is falling on hard times …
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/12/business/dealbook/executives-and-research-disagree-about-hybrid-work.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Rk4.7c0a.ovML-AYcjJql&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare&ngrp=mnp
Sometimes it’s hard for execs (in general, a VERY homogenous group with a lot of help at home) to understand the reality of life for the rest of us. (I have no complaints about having that 2 hours a day back that I used to spend on the train and bus.) Also it’s a lot easier to demand everyone in the office in a talent-rich geography like Seattle or the Bay Area. My company is not in one of those and so has had to stand up small offices across the country to bring talent in.
Remote is definitely out at my company (I’m possibly the last to get a request through before the policy changed), but we still have hybrid. But even when I’m home I’m basically remote as the rest of my team is based 5 hours away, so there’s not much point in commuting 2 hours to take meetings online in a cubicle all day. I was hybrid before the pandemic due to lack of office space, and I’ll continue being hybrid well into the future, I guess.
Yes to split 🗳️
Thanks for voting 🙂
SOTD OJ Royal Elixir
What is everyone’s favorite OJ (Ormonde Jayne) Fragrance?
Ta’if is my fave. I think OJ Woman would be tops if it weren’t for the hazelnut note (maybe from the Vetiver?). Otherwise, I’d be all over it.
I would agree with you on Ta’if.
Woman. Hands down fave.
OJ Woman closely followed by OJ Man. I haven’t tried any new OJ’s in the last 10 years or so, so I’m only familiar with the “original lineup”. I also enjoy Frangipani.
I thought it was Ta’if until I tried Damask and that one has a huge dent in the bottle.
I was dissapointed with Kashmir and Vanille des Afriques. They lacked any sort of performance for me.
Another vote for Woman, with Ta’if a close second. Tolu is also very beautiful.
I am perusing Jomashop this morning and noticed they have Encens Mythique for $89.99 and thought of you. 🥰That’s probably the cheapest I have seen it. 🧐
Wow..😮
I have never ordered off this site but now I am tempted. Is it reliable?
I have ordered from them tons of times and have never had any issues.
I’m in Caleche edt this morning — lovely soapy scent. Battling a headache that came on yesterday and just won’t go away. But the sun is shining, our new furnace/heat pump combo is working beautifully, and I have a new pumpkin bread recipe to try, so all in all I’m feeling pretty good.
Congrats again on your new heat pump! I wish I had known more about them before we put in AC.
Hey, could you post that pumpkin bread recipe? I haven’t found the perfect one yet. 😉
I hope your headache has gone away.
Sure, but remember that I haven’t tried it yet!
https://alexandracooks.com/2011/10/13/pumpkin-bread/
On the same website there’s a recipe for no-knead peasant bread that I’ve made several times and highly recommend. Have fun!
Thanks, SheriG! I will check it out.
A geographic No – I’ve noticed that most post are for within the US only, so I just end up feeling sad.
Aw, sorry.
Happy weekend y’all!
I’m in Kyoto from SMN.
Photo is for Hiram Green Arbole though.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DBCAAL5o393/?igsh=bmtzamIybGc2Yzlq
Happy weekend lucasai! I’m so late it’s basically over…
i am back from three weeks in France, wafting Halston EdC and feeling autumn vibes.
sadly there are not many NSTlers in Germany, so no chance of a split… but i can do this via Parfumo…
I hope your 3 weeks were all about enjoyable rest and relaxation. 😊
I hope you had a lovely trip!
SOTD is Shalimar EDC.
I rarely do the splitmeet so it doesn’t matter to me.
Thanks for voting Kris!
Lovely photo in the header! Lots of recent posts on IG of the aurora, too. It’s on my bucket list but not sure I will ever be in the right place at the right time.
Wanting something easy and carefree today, so of course I went with CSP! Vanille Café has just the perfect amount of coffee adorned with a bit of sweet Vanilla cream. Yum! ☕️
Robin, (and whoever might be Interested in US medicine) I found this interview of the author of the book “Blind Spots” I mentioned during the reading poll. It’s very laid back but informative (features my all time favorite Vinay Prasad as well) and touches on some topics in the book like: The NIH’s disservice to menopausal woman by discrediting HRT therapy by stating erroneously (and backed by no scientific evidence) that it causes breast cancer. Many other BIG issues touched on that really have been detrimental to the US population. I feel very STRONGLY that people need to be aware of these things so they can successfully advocate for themselves and their loved ones. Stay well, people!
https://youtu.be/H6EZ3EzfKdY?si=NI9Sg3KRisi5muxi
Thanks to everyone for your well wishes regarding my bagel misadventure! If this is the worst that happens to me this year, I think I’ve had an exemplary 365 days. 😊
Also, forgot to add I’m like Switzerland about the split meet.
When are you off to France? Must be soonish.
Yes, next week.
Exciting!
YAY!
So happy for your trip!
So exciting!!
Thank you for the link!
It is shocking how long it is taking for the latest research on HRT to trickle down to how doctors talk to patients about it.
For my morning run I chose Diptyque Oyedo. I did 10k in less than 1h10 so I am happy with my results AND my perfume choice 😊
Now I am resting with my cats, but for the evening I am thinking of wearing Chanel No.19 edt…
Happy weekend everyone!
Well done on the 10K! And you can never go wrong with No 19 edt.
Chanel No. 19 twins, but I am in Poudre, which is a different beast.
Congrats!!
My SOTD is Bvlgari Omnia, the original one. I actually used up all of the first bottle I bought (the first time that’s happened for a very long time) and opened the backup bottle today. I noticed it had a Loehmanns price sticker which makes it, I think, 10 years old at least. I think most of the Goutals I have were also bought at Loehmanns. It was good hunting there for a while!
Same same here with Omnia. My BUB hasn’t been opened just yet but probably will be very soon. Smelling wonderful!
I used to love Loehmann’s! Such a fun treasure hunt.
https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southern-lights-show-truly-spectacular-experience
We’ve had some good displays of the aurora , the first photo ( green curtains) taken just up the hill from me. Didn’t see the comet last day as it was raining. Still gloomy this morning. Wearing Datura Noir.
Ooh, those are beautiful photos! I have enjoyed seeing other ones taken by various Facebook friends in many parts of the country (US) where they don’t usually get to see them, and so many have those intense pinks and reds, which are also rare. Also I wanted to say I love Datura Noir! I don’t think it gets much love on here.
Wow, gorgeous!! FB is filled with fantastic pics taken just near me, I saw NADA.
Happy Saturday! I’m wafting Theorema from decanting a sample. This stuff is amazing.
Yes to the Splitmeet!
I’m yes to ALL meets and would love more swapmeets in particular. It’s the best way to keep languishing fragrances alive and thriving!❤️🏡
Well said, allo, re: ‘meets.
Theorema is the FOMO bottle I never knew I needed, lol!
I would like more swapmeets too.
I vote for more swapmeets, instead of splitmeets 🙂
In Hiram Green Vetiver
I would agree with the swapmeets too.
Given postal limitations, I don’t have a direct interest in splitmeets or swapmeets, but I’d generally encourage folks in the US to take every opportunity 🙂 .
I can still smell yesterday’s perfume on my clothes, another of my FOMO Patou blind buys, Colony. I’m still not sure about this one, I get a plasticky note sometimes.
I washed a shirt I had on the other day and even after the washing I could still smell the Indochine that I had on.
Vintage Samsara today. wowzer.
Have never participated in split meet so like Deva, will stay neutral.
Wowzer, you smell amazing!
Are you in the edt? It’s my go-to Samsara. I finally got to try some vintage parfum and it was just more of a good thing, though I love them all.
EDT today. I found a small EDP hiding behind it. Is that exciting or what?
So exciting! (Once I found a vintage mini of No. 19 in my medicine cabinet that I totally forgot I had!) You smell wonderful – those red shoulder bottles of Samsara edt are always a *don’t pass it up* if seen for a good price while thrifting or on Ebay.
I’ll vote yes for the splitmeet.
I started my day in Retrospect, the new fragrance from Merit. I got a sample in the mail yesterday, Fanny Bal is the perfumer. I got notes of pear and ambrette in the opening which turned into an iris/violet lipstick scent on my skin. I saw one person on fragrantica compare it to MMMs lipstick perfume from a few years ago. They call this an extract de Parfum and it only lasted a few hours on my skin. Pretty, but I probably don’t need more than my 2 ml sample.
I also got my bottle of glossier you doux in the mail yesterday. I was so excited to try it. Reviews on fragrantica are mixed, many comparing it to Santal 33. When I first smelled the sprayer it did immediately remind me of 33, definitely the same dna. When spraying it on my skin at first it disappeared and I thought I might be anosmic to it, then slowly the watered down version of 33 appeared. I reallly like Santal 33 but it is too powerful for me to wear to work so I thought maybe this would be a nice safe work friendly version. But then, a few hours in…the ambroxan appeared.☹️ It was listed in the ingredients so I should have known better. This will be a no go for me. Fortunately glossier has a great return policy. I filled out an online request and they are going to credit my purchase but told me to just keep the perfume to donate, sooooo…..I’d like to pass it on to another NSTer. If you are a fan of Santal 33 and don’t mind ambroxan, call dibs here and email me at p k wisdom (one word) in the yahooland.
Happy Saturday.😎
I tried the new Glossiers today. I am anosmic to the one you have. I could smell the purple one, which was nice but definitely had the ambroxan drydown. I’m off to check out Merit. I loved Lipstick On but waited too long to get it. That is a great return policy Glossier has!
Happy Saturday! I’m in Dior Mitzah and enjoying the warm and sunny autumn weather we’re having.
Voting yes for splitmeet.
It was a lovely weekend here too. Almost summer temps!
I hope the US readers continue with split and swapmeets. I always check if by any chance someone from Europe is willing to swap or split. It’s always fun to read what people want to get rid off or acquire.
Wearing L’Inspiratrice by Divine today. Gorgeous. I think this may have been one of the first Divines I actually bought in Dinard, in 2010 or 2011.
I almost never swap but I like reading what people are trading too 🙂
I”m in favor of the split meet, as I have benefited from opportunities from it several times. (But I’m generally one to go in on, and not to sponsor, a split.)
My SOTD is Cuir Russie, which kind of reminds me of the fact that I’m just not generally a big fan of the Chanel house vibe in perfumes. (Coco is the one I love most–oh and of course, Coromandel).
I am one to go in on but not host as well..
I bought my dog a treat puzzle toy thinking it would be hours of fun for him. He figured it out in 90 seconds! Smarty pants.
For something different I picked Mitsouko to wear today. I have no clue what year or formulation it is, but I am really not enjoying it.
Ha ha, never discount the motivation provided by appetite! I’ve gotten some of these toys for cats and it’s actually surprising how they vary. Inevitably there are some who give up immediately and others who figure it out and then spend time fiddling in the cubicles with their paws to pull out every single treat. Interestingly the females are always better at it than the boys!
Sorry your Mitsouko is not pleasing you!
I want to get a really difficult one for our neighbor dog. He is quite the barker, but even after almost 5 years of living next door to us and playing happily with our dog, he still barks like crazy at us when we go in the yard. Woof.
I took a few trys with different formulations of Mitsouko, but none ever got beyond “this is interesting.” So you’re not alone
I have Mitsouko, but rarely wear it. Mine is edt. Still trying to figure it out.
Mine is edt too and I wear it off and on. Sometimes is just seems like a Mitsouko day and I love it. Other times it sits there for long periods waiting to be used again.
My doggo vacuums food. Nothing, no matter what size, texture, type will last no more than a minute around her. I got her those maze-looking slow feeding bowls, still she finishes her dinner under 2 minutes.
Try getting an appropriate sized Kong toy (they’re made for aggressive chewers) and throw some peanut butter mixed with some kibble inside, freeze it overnight, then give it. It usually lasts a while and very much keeps doggo occupied. You can wash them or thrown them in the dishwasher to clean it in between treat times. Or you can buy a couple and rotate them. 🐶❤️
https://www.chewy.com/kong-extreme-dog-toy-large/dp/38416
Agnostic on the splitmeet. I hardly never participate, but was quite happy to have the opportunity when there was something I “needed.”
Wore AA Pamplelune, a good fit for a day of sportiness.
hardly Ever
Hope it was a fun sporty day spiderplant!
Feeling comfy-cozy in No. 19 Poudre. Did a morning of veggie garden clean-up and found quite a few tomatoes still have some fruit to ripen.
Fitbit thinks I did not get enough steps today, but it did not see me weeding, and digging and pulling up spent plants and garden hardware! I hope everyone is well, and am thinking especially of those affected by the hurricanes. Though I have yet to offer a split, I sure do appreciate everyone who does, so I say yes. I have gotten some real gems, and I do want to offer one, one of these days.
You need to swing your arms more while gardening! I swing my arms while on the exercise bike and it always makes me happy to see the extra steps, since after all I *was* moving!
I’m in Safran Troublant, one of the few decants I brought on our trip to DC. Had a great day walking the National mall — I never get tired of seeing the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument and any museum, etc nearby. Today we spent the afternoon at the National Gallery of Art. Got to see the special Impressionist exhibit (Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment). Highly recommended.
Yes to split meets and yes to more swapmeets. Or whatever works! I do love the connections we can make via these as well as sharing the perfume love.
Ooo jealous of your trip. I was in DC once in 1981 and have so many good memories that I would love to go again!
Yes, it’s great to visit.
I love DC too! Have a great time.
Thanks, Kris!
Sampled Saskia today. I agree with Luca Turin on this one- is enchanting and keeps changing and every change is good! I see more of this in my future ehen this sample is gone!
That does sound lovely.
It’s supposed to be Gardenia. Not “photorealistic ” but it dies smell good.
Tabac Blond. Nice and powder-y.
You smell fabulous and classic.
😀
I wore Shalimar MI this morning (one of my FOMO scents). I got back home yesterday so enjoyed the week’s cp vicariously. This afternoon I did some yard work, mostly cleanup of annuals and some weeding. Now I’m in Vitabath Spring Green lotion after my shower. I may have to pull out Clinique Wrappings as it may share some notes with the Vitabath (to my untrained nose, anyways). Another FOMO purchase!
I don’t participate in the splits due to geographic limitations (same as AnnieA).
I love your scent😉
Testing two samples today, DSH Café Noir, and 4160 Black Velvet Café. For the 4160, the oud overpowered the coffee, and there was also something suspiciously like a big slug of Iso E Super. Not for me.
The DSH was a deep coffee blended with what smelled like chocolate. This is as close as I’ve come in years to loving a gourmand. Voluptuous, sweet, and rich. This will need more testing. I can’t help looking up the notes on Fragrantica, and I think my nose must be broken. No chocolate, but spice. Hmm. Oh well. I still like it!
p.s. Yes on the splitmeets! I’ve joined several and offered a couple, too. Both sides are fun. Since they’re usually new releases, it’s a good way to try them in a more economical decant than online.
(Maybe it was just a weak season last spring?)
Thanks for voting!
Hello and happy weekend!
Sotd is Ginger Biscuit.
I have officially been bitten by the festive bug. I am browsing for Christmas gifts, playing Christmas music and burning holiday candles/essential oils.
Wow, good for you! I am not even thinking about Halloween yet…
Yes to the split / swap meets, though I too have geographic restrictions (but I am usually close to the border so have a way to get US packages). Though I also am one to participate, not host.
One of these days the Canadians should band together and do our own splits / swaps…assuming the few of us here have overlapping loves, of course.
I haven’t decided on SOTD here yet, but yesterday I bathed in Paestum Rose for my arrival in Venice (my dabber bottle disgorged a lot more than expected). I brought my Eau d’Italie samples with me to Italy and will likely be wearing them a lot. I’ve already worn Paestum Rose in Paestum (9 years ago), and so my plan is to wear Sienne l’hiver in Siena this time. 🙂 I’m looking forward to visiting the SMN shop later in the trip, too.
Enjoy your trip in Italy!
What fun to wear Sienne l’Hiver in Siena! Or to be in Siena at all…I was only there once and would love to go again.
Re: the Splitmeet conversation/vote, I’m curious what NSTers are thinking of splitting and/or what is on your split wish list?
I wish that Grandiflora’s latest, Sakura Bloom🌸 was available so that I could split it or purchase a decant from someone else🌸
Fall is definitely here in the Midwest today.
SOTD is Rose of No Man’s Land by Byredo. I love this scent!
After the discussion about our OJ favorites, I spritzed on some Woman this morning. So perfect for the sunny but cool fall weather we’re having today. 💕
I don’t know what it is but I don’t know why I keep forgetting about Jubilation 25. Every time I pull it out, I keep wondering why I don’t wear this more often.
I got to see the northern lights 2 days ago. The last time they were going on, the news people didn’t say anything about using a camera to see them. I managed to get some pictures on my cellphone. I will probably put a couple on my blog tonight.
That’s so cool, Dawn! I would like to see them. Did you get more pink or green?
It was more pink but did get some purples and greens.
I’ve read about using a camera to see the colors but I don’t understand the science behind that. I saw them many years ago in Alaska—no camera. And it was not just color but also sound, like a vibrating, crackling noise. I’m glad you got to see them!
Oh just read about why a camera works and makes sense. “Our phones see a wider spectrum of color than our eyes do And With night-mode on, your camera is taking a longer exposure, collecting light and colors for longer, which the human eye is not capable of.”
I started the morning with my beloved L’Artisan La Haie Fleurie. I lucked into an almost new bottle at the beginning of summer, and I’ve already gone through a fourth of it at least. Why was this ever discontinued? As the last bit of summer sweeps through my area, I keep pulling it out. I love these old L’Artisan florals. Back in the aughts, I thought they were too light. Now they feel perfect. (Maybe maturating for so long makes a difference.)
Then, as that faded, I just sprayed Perfumer H’s Waterlily, a beautifully watery fragrance that feels cooling as much as it feels lush—but in that light-handed Lyn Harris way.
I say yes to the splitmeet. I keep hoping some of my longings will wind up being offered—and if they aren’t this time, then I might try hosting a split myself.
Ohhhh you are so lucky! La Haie Fleurie is the most beautiful, ethereal jasmine I’ve ever smelled. I have a little bit and love to just smell it. Sounds like you are enjoying it 😊
You understand! Yes, this is perfume love. I had a bottle so long ago, and the scent of this particular jasmine with all that beautiful honeysuckle and green stayed with me for years. I hesitated (only momentarily!) when I saw the bottle listed for a reasonable amount because, what if the reality didn’t stand up to the memory? But it does. It’s gorgeous. If I drain the bottle inside two or three summers, I’ll find it a beautiful way to say goodbye to a treasure.
Thank you for replying!!!
Happy Sunday, all! It’s finally a blissfully cool fall day here and the color is starting to fire up in the gorgeous maple trees (my little town is nicknamed Maple City). The best time of year. I’m wearing hajusuuri level sprays of Montale Ristretto, the dark coffee note smells great in the cool air.
I’ve participated in split meets and enjoy them, they’ve been opportunities to try perfumes I couldn’t afford otherwise, like Epic (swoon). I was trying to think of ways to combine the swap meet with the split meet but it’s probably too confusing.
A rich coffee scent sounds delicious for fall. I imagine Montale’s to be incredible.
It smells better as it develops on skin, the drydown is the best and, true to Montale, it lasts forever.
Rainy day off for me. I got some much needed housework done.
I say yes to the Splitmeet.
Sotd is La Danza Delle Libellule.
Moved a bit south but about 5300ft. Temps are still outrageously warm for this location and time of year. Looks like a cool front is going to arrive the day I leave. 🙄
Wearing Volutes edt by default since I made a decant to post tomorrow. Hope everyone is wrapping up their weekend with some well deserved R&R. Cheers!
Stopping by to waft some Aromatics Elixir, the edt. A savy NST’er recommended it over the edp for overall wearability, and I agree. I nabbed it on FragranceNet for chump change.
I didn’t even know there was 2 versions!