It's Tuesday, plus International Nurses Day (aka Florence Nightingale’s birthday) — thank you, nurses! It’s also Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) International Awareness Day and National Limerick Day (aka Edward Lear's birthday). What fragrance are you wearing?
I overslept and have an appointment later this morning...I am commando and will pick something this afternoon from what ya'll are wearing. Tea at the moment is random black from Upton, brewed with cacao husk.
Reminder: on 5/15 we're doing the Picture challenge, edition 11. The subject is the Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck.* As usual, you are free to be as farfetched as you like in your fragrance choice...or go literal: her dress is green, they are both wearing animal fur, there are oranges on the chest and windowsill, and cherries on the tree outside the window, etc etc. Thank you to Calypso for the suggestion! (In the fall, we'll do a more modern piece by Sonia Delaunay, suggested by Kanuka.)
And for those of you who like to plan ahead, see Scent of the day ~ Friday community projects 2026, where I'll try (but usually fail) to have the next five or six weeks mapped out in advance.
Note: top image shows the Fleur teapot by Villeroy & Boch is $113 at Selfridges in the UK. Bottom image is detail from the Arnolfini Portrait, good image of full painting here.
*Extra reading: The many questions surrounding Jan Van Eyck’s Arnolfini Portrait at JSTOR (this article has many useful close ups of the painting); The Arnolfini Portrait: Theories, Interpretations, and Analysis at The Collector; Hannah Gadsby: why I love the Arnolfini Portrait, one of art history’s greatest riddles at The Guardian.
Robin I absolutely LOVE this week’s CP, so much to choose from and a masterpiece of a painting that I could stare at for hours, finding new revelations each time.
So…I had meant to wear my vintage Vent Vert in honor of the Missus’s opulent dress, but before I found it in my cabinet, my hand stumbled and tumbled across Lorenzo Villoresi Piper Nigrum, that odd Italian herbal, medicinal, minty anise vanillic black pepper elixir, so that’s what I’m wearing and it is definitely the right fragrance for me this morning. I *do* have a soft spot for Italian perfumery and its unique traditions.
I am so glad! These are like music & color cps, some people love them and some people hate them.
Lorenzo Villoresi is underappreciated…
I agree that LV is under-appreciated. There are so many I’ve not yet tried, but the ones I have, I really like.
I appreciate the thought and care this community takes in its scent projects-think my favourite was the week with all the gorgeous horse images. This picture is beautiful and I
m accidentally CP adjacent-I am in FM Dries van Noten scent. There’s lots of wood in the picture and lots of wood in this fragrance. The slight sour notes of the wood contrasts with the sweetness of the vanilla. It’s a stretch lol.
Looking forward to seeing what everyone else is wearing 🙂
You smell great!
Plus the Belgium connection! Plus, no rules. So I think you get points.
Been a busy few days. On Mother’s day, it wore Infusion d’iris and yesterday’s SOTD was Amouage Dia. I find that Dia is a little difficult to wear. I view it as a too intense version of no 22. Dia is just too much. Since I have to work today, I will wear Cheirosa 62. I need cheap, cheerful and easy to wear.
A little depressed that Call the Midwife is over. Watched the last episode on Sunday and cried because it was sad. For 15 seasons, Call the Midwife was part of my Sunday.
I thought it had been renewed again?
There is supposed to be a movie and a prequel but I am hearing some conflicting things.
I started watching this in Jan of 2013-I’m behind a few seasons but I think I cried through a lot of them. I also find it a bit heartbreaking that Vanessa Redgrave’s voice is changing so much.
So wonderful this series has been.
I wore Iris Pallida extrait yesterday, today is DSL White Lilac. A few more days of glacial wind and cold damp weather and then hopefully we’ll turn the corner!!
Well you’re making cold wet days smell fantastic. I think extrait of anything is to die for, and an iris extrait sound very elegant. It’s four degrees here with a cold wet rain blowing sideways lol. Hopefully long weekend weather will be much better.
I have a head cold, so commando. Hopefully well enough by Friday to participate in the CP.
Oh no, get well soon!
Thank you, Calypso. After showering and changing into pyjamas, I actually felt like wearing something light. 4711 Acqua Colonia Lavender & Thyme.
Perfect antidote to a head cold-feel better soon 🙂
Thank you!
Oh yuck!! Speedy recovery to you!
Thanks, Jalapeno!
I’m spending the morning in the lovely Cristalle edt. I can imagine either of the people in the painting wearing this as a refreshing cologne. They look too wealthy to need something stronger to … well, you know, cover “other” odors.
You chose a crisp and elegant scent today, SheriG 🙂
Just reading up on the painting – so many details I had never noticed!
There’s a fruit-laden cherry tree outside, which is interpreted as a symbol of love.
With that in mind, I’m in Lost Cherry from Tom Ford, which I like much more than I anticipated. Yes, there’s cherry, but also loads of almond. It’s not as prurient as the name suggests, and, while not profound, it’s actually quite lovely.
You smell lovely, Daniel. Cherries and almonds/marizpan go together in food and perfume, I think.
Wow, good use of detail there!
Lost Cherry surprised me as well when I finally tried it.
I’m not doing the CP yet, because my samples arrived that I just ordered last week of Ormaie Yvonne EdP and Extrait, so I had to wear one of those. I’m doing the EdP today. It’s got black currant whereas the Extrait has plum, and while this is brighter and fresher, I’m leaning toward the darker one, at least right now.
I have seen the Arnolfini Portrait in London and it’s a bit smaller than one might expect, not really life size as I’d somehow imagined it to be. The colors are just incredibly bright in it. Sometimes when you see such a famous painting there’s a huge crowd (Mona Lisa) but magically I was alone in front of this beauty. (Just looked up the size and here are the details: 82.2 cm × 60 cm (32.4 in × 23.6 in); panel 84.5 cm × 62.5 cm (33.3 in × 24.6 in).
I know exactly what you mean—those rare times, magically as you said, you find yourself alone in front of an extraordinary piece of art.
Of course I can’t think of a single example right now, but I remember how it felt.
My other example of such a sublime opportunity was when I was alone in a small alcove with Vermeer’s The Art of Painting in Vienna. I consider it one of the best paintings ever done (just below Velazaquez’s Las Meninas–philosophers like me love both of them for being paintings ABOUT painting)–and it was so unbelievably precious and beautiful!
https://www.khm.at/en/artworks/the-art-of-painting-2574
Those experiences are almost transcendental
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/feb/18/the-taste-of-things-review-juliette-binoche-tran-anh-hung-benoit-magimel-deliciously-subversive-tale-of-later-life-love?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
I watched a film last night which I suspect you will know, called The Taste of Things. It’s made by the director of The Scent of Green Papaya but this time the setting is C19 France. Its focus is cooking, and the kitchen and is quiet and immersive, and the meals incredible. I really enjoyed it.enjoy your sample testing!
The Scent of Green Papaya was a wonderful movie.
I didn’t know about this movie but am glad to find out about it!
It’s really good. Not much dialogue
I am a HUGE fan of Juliette Binoche and always love seeing her films. In The Taste of Things, she expresses so much with so few words.
I remember seeing a beautiful Georgia O’Keefe piece in Philadelphia and being surprised at how small it was. But so incredibly vibrant!
Ambre Premier! 🚂
I am tired today with very low work motivation so I am day dreaming about Future Ambers. 😉 I have a sample of Le Galion Ferveur on the way and am going to pull the trigger on a sample of Reflets d’Ambre soon.
One could have daydreams about lesser things–dream on!
To smell, perchance to dream! (apologies to Shakespeare)
A rose by any other name would smell as sweet!
🌹🥰🌹
My hand reached for African Leather this morning, before I could think of anything for the CP. I think someone wore this last week for last week’s CP, so I’m one week off!
Can’t argue with the hand!
Hadn’t a clue what perfume to wear today and so logged on for some NST-ular inspiration. Ding ding ding! Now in Divine’s Orange Rouge, a nod to the oranges on the sill in the Arnolfini portrait.
Finally caved and purchased a bottle of Hera. Its a beaut, but not something I can wear every day.
I was just thinking of you the other day while listening to the London Review of Books Podcast on my commute to New York Public Library. Ever since you recommended the episode on Mary Renault, all those years ago, I’ve become such a devoted listener — and I’m not even usually a podcast person! Some of the episodes have even helped shape my commentary at the library. I’m truly so grateful for the recommendation.
Just took a look at LROB and downloaded some episodes-thank you both so much for the recommendation. I drive a lot and really enjoy podcasts.
I am not a podcast person but I enjoy the LRB
I need to get back to non-political podcasts. I seem only to listen to news analysis and true crime these days. I am definitely losing more brain cells than growing new ones!
LRB had a little politics (thought UK mostly) but the discussions about books and authors are amazing
For the CP I matching the new formulation of N°5 EdT with the painting. I stopped in Sephora and I gave myself a few sprays of this.
Tea is French Breakfast by Mariage Freres
Volunteering today at NYPL and I am wearing Hermes bronzer and a chanel lippy
We just made some Marco Polo Tea at work-it’s a cold dark day here.
Is it the new Hermes bronzer? I think that’s a pretty perfect product.
Mine is not new, I have had it for a year or so…
Are you liking yours?
I really love it! I think the colours suit me, and while it’s expensive there’s a lot of product in it.
I love it too. Also the terracotta by Guerlain is lovely
I also wanted to say good luck to Montreal tonight in the Stanley Cup playoffs. If you get a chance, watch highlights from their last game on YouTube — the Bell Centre crowd was absolutely electric, maybe the loudest I’ve heard these playoffs. And what a story with Jakub Dobeš: nine years ago he left Czechia alone to live with a friend in St. Louis to chase his hockey dream. He’s becoming a legend in Montreal already.
2-2 at the moment. Go Habs!
Have a nice time volunteering and good luck to your team tonight
Thank you! I have a private tour to lead around
I was shocked to see that the Philadelphia Flyers have been eliminated in Round 2 of the NHL playoffs. Still keeping an eye on my local team, though.
I had a similar experience to Calypso when I first viewed this painting. One of the drawbacks of studying an art history degree in NZ back in the 80s ( and now) is the lack of opportunity to see original artworks. The only shows that came here were a Van Gogh exhibition, a Monet show and an exhibition from the Thyssen Bornemizsa collection. It’s so special to see a work you know through reproductions in the flesh; the experience is so moving and intense and profound. For the absolute beauty and richness, and warmth of this work I’m matching with Shalimar….another love story.
Shalimar is a beauty! I didn’t think of that one as a pairing. Points for you
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/mar/05/patrick-bingley-all-beauty-world-museum-guard-moma-interview?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
The book All the Beauty in the World is written by a museum guard at the Met, about the connection he forms with certain art works and the institution. It’s a good memoir , told from an interesting perspective
What an interesting book. I’ve added it to my library list.
That IS a good book! My friend who is a museum docent gave it to me. She has tried to create some museum tours based on this book.
Winter has definitely arrived, and I’m wearing thick tights and knee-high boots to work today – it’s the first time I’ve felt the need for that level of protection from the weather this year.
I’m wearing Miss Dior, I feel that the people in the painting would go for classics, rather than something avant garde.
I think that’s a sure bet! Keep warm!
Miss Dior- classic for a reason and perfect for any occasion. Stay warm!
My condolences Gaynor.
At first glance I wasn’t sure about this CP… I am generally not into the scents/pictures combining. And the painting looked so dark at first. But at second glance, I found it fascinating. The detail! The colors! Their robes, the mirror and chandelier and fruit and pup! The sliver of window and detailed sliver of rug on the floor. I’m already wearing Chanel Comète. I could possibly make some kind of case for that, but will be fun to do some thinking for the rest of the week.
You smell lovely!
Thank you!
And adding that I love the tea set, Robin.
Isn’t that cheerful?
Thank you for so many birthday wishes over the weekend 🥰
SOTD is Vanille 44.
Forked over 9.99 to watch The Other Bennet Sister episodes later today.
Busy listing stuff on eBay this afternoon.
Let us know how you like the show. I was skeptical, but I’ve seen some clips of it that made it look interesting.
SOTD = Francesca Bianchi Sticky Lips
Very nice! I believe this was one of the limited editions, but what do I know 🤷🏻♀️.
I am also pretty positive that I may be skipping my nephew’s wedding in Chicago. Just the thought of all of the travel arrangements, packing preparations and possibly hotter than hades temps is making me melt just thinking about it. I will let them know soon.
In other news, this article provides 5 questions that can help determine if you are ready to stop thinking about finances. I got 2 out of 5 which means I either need to go back to “school” or I can ignore the results and continue on as is, with some adjustments of course because I don’t have any of the debts mentioned. It is a Wall Street Journal article so there may be a pay wall.
https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/five-questions-to-help-you-make-better-financial-decisions-53abb760?st=iNNsBe&reflink=article_copyURL_share
That one is a beauty, hajusuuri, & you smell wonderful.
Thank you!
IIRC, you are right that Sticky Fingers was very much a limited edition.
Sticky Lips, maybe?
Yes, Sticky Fingers was in the regular collection, Sticky Lips was LE.
Our warmest day this week with temps in the 70’s but what that means lately is rain. Another cold front comes in tonight for the next 2 days with clear skies and 🌞 and then much warmer temps for the weekend but, again, that means rain. That’s our crazy pattern!
SOTD is EL Pleasures. I rarely wear florals but I was captivated by this scent years ago when I was at a meeting and smelled it ever so softly on a colleague and asked her what it was. I don’t remember what the meeting was about nor even her name but I remember the occasion! With many floral notes including my beloved lilac, this sheer floral is said to evoke a dewy garden after the rain, so I’ll have to step outside once the rain stops and see if my garden smells like this. The perfumers are Annie Buzantian and Alberto Morillas, two of my favorites, so perhaps that’s why Pleasures is so pleasurable to me?
Wishing all a lovely evening ahead!
Pleasures first captivated me in a similar way. I was in Bosnia of all places when I met a woman and felt compelled to ask about her beautiful fragrance, expecting something exotic from the Balkans. Nope, it was the inimitable Pleasures.
Wow, Bosnia! The power of Pleasures reaches far and wide! Neat story!
Crazy weather patterns here as well, but nothing like yours. But I did have another late night rain shower over the weekend!
I’ll be happy to send you more rain over the weekend; we’re expecting up to 80 degrees but, as usual, accompanied by rain.
My larger than life and very nice mother-in-law wore Beautiful so I have never even tried it. That was so long ago (and she is now gone) that I probably could try it, at least.
Beautiful is another of EL’s popular scents, but it was too strong and too much tuberose for me so I never wore it. But like you, I also had a very nice MIL whose quiet strength saw me through some very difficult times and was my model when it was my turn at MIL-ing.
1 Clementine and a pear. This morning, Noa l’Eau, a stellar flanker, fruity with the cuddly, clean musk of the original. Tonight, Rose Chérie because it’s been mentioned several times by some of you about Shalimar rose. I like it very much, it has real classicism and I’d better wear it more often because my bottle is 200ml.
Rose Cherie is just beautiful.
I bought Noa for someone as a gift when it came out. I chose it because because it was clean and sophisticated smelling. I never saw any of the flankers here.
Noa is perfect for gifting, well done Lillyjo,. RC is still detectable this morning, lovely drydown with no nasties. Do you know some other Guerlains from their more expensive line? I have two others Spiritueuse double vanille and Fève délicieuse.
I have tried some from the more expensive line. My favorite is Angelique Noire. There is a musc one that I liked, but I don’t recall the name.
The OG Noa was one of the few perfumes that I bought more than one bottle of, and thunked them. IKR if I ever saw any flankers to it or not.
Me too, I finished a 30ml quickly and bought a larger 50ml, half empty now. They brought out LE flankers of three of their OG fragrances around 2015 I think, Noa l’Eau was the most successful I believe, they brought it back in different colored bottles for the following three years, then discontinued it.
You smell great, love Rose Chérie.
Thank you Cazaubon, I find it both elegant and easy to wear.
Late to the party today. The tea set is fun! I’m familiar with the painting above. My favorite part is the mirror, in which you see the whole picture rather than just the perspective of an onlooker. Brings your smack dab into the middle of scene and suddenly, you’re time traveling into the room…
Sotd to is Sarah Horowitz Perfect Vanilla.
Later to the party! Wearing La Fille de Berlin because maybe this woman in the painting is actually from Berlin. One never knows.
Oooo nice choice.
Latest to the party!
I’m wearing Wonder Bouquet by Mugler today.
I’m watching Dumb and Dumber to, and literally laughing out loud. Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels are hilarious! I didn’t know this sequel was so funny.
I thought the first one was pretty darn funny, too. I thought it would be totally stupid and it kind of is, but it’s also really funny. My family (Mr. SP and 3 SP sons) all use multiple lines from that movie regularly –like: “Senior citizens (which both Mr. SP and I are), although slow and dangerous behind the wheel, can still serve a purpose.” You have to see it to get the humor.
I love the first one, and will stop to watch it when it’s on. For some reason I never gave this second one a chance until tonight.
I’m pretty sure I watched the first one but will see how I can get the 2.0!
I have Deva, allo and lillyjo beat! 🤣
It was 87 degrees here yesterday. That’s 30 degrees C for the folks on the metric system. Too hot too soon! Thankfully it’s only in the upper 70’s here today.
BTW, very cute teapot today Robin!
SOTD = still in No. 19 Poudre. Fits in with this weather beautifully.
You win! ( unless there’s a late entry)
87 is too hot to soon. I saw on my news that my average May temperature has been 48 degrees. The warm up is coming though.
Sheesh. I think the average temperature here back in March wasn’t as low as 48 degrees.
You can beat them anytime 🤣
I kind of have a built in cheat code by living the the time zone that I do. Plus I am not exactly a morning person.
I don’t want to see 87 until my park district pool is open.
I hope you get your wish!
That is hot! Smelling lovely, you reminded me that I have a 50ml bottle somewhere.
It was even warmer on Wednesday. My apartment got up to 77 degrees before I turned the A/C on for the night. Heaven help me if this is what Summer 2026 is going to be like.
I wore a few sprays of 4160 Tuesdays New York 1955 today. It ended up not getting as hot as predicted, but it was a great afternoon at the beach.
We’re supposed to be in for a cool-down period; I’ll take it. Rain is in the forecast – woohoo!