Yep, it's that time again! Donatella Versace, Our Lady of Scented Extravagance,1 wants to know what you bought in the 1st quarter (January, February and March) of 2010.
Update: the poll is now closed, thanks to everyone who voted!
My purchases? Same as last time...
Once again, I spent nothing. Last year, I spent a total of $465, but I spent it all in the first 3 quarters of the year. Going for a few months without buying perfume had a kind of odd — and entirely unexpected — effect: I keep thinking that I can buy something if I want, because hey, I've been so good! But having waited so long makes any new purchase feel oddly momentous, and having relied on my existing collection for 6 months has made it pretty clear that I really don't need anything new other than samples.
So, if you're having trouble keeping your spending under control, I highly recommend a 3 month spending moratorium as a kind of "palate cleanser". You might be surprised to find you're pretty happy with your collection as it now stands. Or you might go insane with longing, what do I know?
As always, report your purchases in the comments if you dare! And as always, we don't include samples, and you can count miniatures, decants and bottle-splits howsoever you like (I usually count them as half bottles).
1. Why does Donatella host (against her will, mind you) the damage polls? There is no real reason other than the picture of her perfume collection, which shows that she indulges regularly at the perfume counter. The image, by the way, is originally from Allure magazine and appears here courtesy of Blogdorf Goodman.
I was pretty good this quarter, only 2 bottles. I finally bought Attrape Coeur, which I’ve been wanting for ages, and a backup bottle of Shalimar Light since it seems to be disappearing from the discounters.
Oh, gosh, I should get some Shalimar Light too…
Can you tell me exactly which one to look for? Is it the one in the clear bottle that is shaped like the traditional bottle with a blue label? I’ve seen the regular Shalimar EdP in the new “charms” bottle, and I recently saw somthing else in the charms bottle that was clear and maybe Shalimar Light?
J- it is the new charms bottle.
What you really want, if you can find it, is Shalimar Eau Legere. If you read through the comments here:
https://freebox.it.com/2008/04/01/guerlain-eau-de-shalimar-shalimar-light-perfume-review/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
you can find clues as to how to tell Eau Legere from Light.
If you can’t find Eau Legere, you want light. Avoid Eau de Shalimar unless you like fresh notes.
It is getting really hard to find – I bought two bottles last year and am glad I did.
I can never remember which one it is that is good: the eau Legere, or Shalimar light??? Help!
I think you’re after the Eau legere.
Thanks!
Sorry to speak too soon. I see my question already answered. Thanks you guys!
Most people liked the Eau Legere (straw colored liquid) better as it’s closer to Shalimar. Also has a slightly nicer citrus topnote and a really beautiful jasmine. It would be quite a coup at this point in time to come up with a bottle of this, as it’s been dctd longer. I searched and searched for several months until I found a slightly-used bottle on ebay.
I confess, though, that I personally love Shalimar Light (blue liquid) more. You can occasionally still find it at the discounters. I did a couple of head-to-head tests between the two before I finally admitted to myself that I really liked the second version, good taste be thrown to the winds.
I think Eau de Shalimar is a lot like watered-down lemon oil, but I’ll bet you there’s somebody who loves it.
I think Eau de Shalimar is what I saw in the pretty LE bottle. Bummer it is the “bad” one.
Thanks for the tip C. It would be nice if I could smell them all side by side!
I haven’t smelled Eau Legere or Shalimar Light but love Eau de Shalimar. To me it has a weightless quality, like lemonflavored meringue crumbles floating in the air (f that makes any sense). It’s one of my favourite summer scents. For the rest of the year I get a similar uplifting feeling from Habit Rouge.
I’ve bought just one bottle this quarter, but went a ittle crazy with decants and splits. It’s funny, I’ll wait and wait to buy a full bottle of something, but binge regularly on decants, which end up costing more anyway. Not logical.
Donatella is the perfect hostess for these polls. She’s so unapologetically over-the-top. 🙂
Yes she is!
(Nobody ever wants to go first.)
I’m not where I can access my spending data but will post that reply later. Just had a question: no decants for you this quarter, Robin?
No. New samples (lots!) but no decants. Which is not to say they’re not coming…all this time, my “to buy” list is growing, and I’ll be very surprised if I make it through the whole year without spending (and frankly, that’s not even a goal). But I do think I think much harder before I buy.
The damage for me was around seven full bottles since January and I’m still finding myself debating over what perfume to wear in the morning like a woman with a wardrobe full of clothes and nothing to wear.
I realized that I have a collection of very elaborate, exquisitely crafted perfumes suitable for evening wear or more formal occasions but very few perfumes that I want to wear on a hot day — and we’ve been having plenty of that around here in DC with a week of 80 & 90 degree weather. I’ve been craving Carthusia Mediterraneo and may end up placing an order to Aedes, though Tocca’s Bianca seems like it might be a cheaper alternative that I need to sniff.
I just want something distinctively Italian, citrus-y and fizzy and green.
K: I could go for a drink like that right about now… 😉
Yeah, it’s making me think of mojitos.
You should check out the AG Ninfeo Mio -gets to the citrus and green part for sure! I’ve been lemming some colognes too since it is super hot up here so early! I skippped right over my more delicate spring scents.
Thank you for the suggestion. I’ll have to see if Bloomingdales has it so I can give it a sniff.
You could try Lubin Gin Fizz, or Creative Universe Element of Surprise. (The latter was what I expected from Mediterraneo, which was Lysol on me…maybe due to reformulation, since I never tried pre-reform.)
Lemon-y scents can be so complicated, I’ve learned. Thanks for the suggestions.
You’d like the Bianca, I think – it’s citrus-y and a nice hint of rose in the dry down. I got a number of compliments when I wore my sample, and it’s a good office-friendly scent as well.
A pre-reformulation Diorissimo and AG Mandragore Pourpre. Both under retail.
I also impulse bought a bottle of AG Ninfeo Mio but after trying it again I realised that while I liked it a lot, I didn’t LOVE it. It then dawned on me that for the same price I could get a bottle of Bandit (which I adore) and that pretty much sealed it for me. Thankfully I never used the bottle so it went back to the shop.
So, yeah, put me down for 2 bottles which is the most I’ve bought in a long time. In terms of bottle numbers anyway. I too go for months without buying a thing and I agree that every FB feels more significant somehow. I’ve a fairly short wish list so I’m happy to slowly tick things off it.
Great picks! And yay for Bandit.
I only bought one full bottle this quarter — Fresh Strawberry Flowers, which was only something like $24.50, I think. I did buy a mini of AG Quel Amour, but do minis count? That’s it! This must be my best quarter ever.
I agree with you, Robin, about the moratorium. I’ve halted my buying with perfume and pretty much everything else for the past month or so and now I’ve become very hesitant about what to buy because it will “break” my moratorium, LOL.
Exactly! It has to be something *really* good to break the streak…
I had to play with the numbers a bit to get my total count of 6, with a tabulated expenditure of $233 thanks to mainly purchases from the Bay and Discounters. However, if I were to add all the ancillary products and samples purchases, I’d need to add another $200 to the $$ tally. Here’s my rundown…
FB (2)
MH Jasmin Vert edp
Lanvin Arpege edp
Minis/Decants/Body Products (counts as 4)
MH Noix de Turereuse solid
Nina Ricci collection of 5 minis
Ava Luxe Roses
Patou 1000 edt (5 minis)
Profumo.IT Balsamo della Mecca
AG Passion Body Lotion
Chanel No 19 edt
Jovan Mink & Pearls (vint)
AG Les Orientalistes (sample set)
Hey, how are those Miller Harris solids??
Noix de Tubereuse is really really pretty. I’m waiting for an edp sample from TPC to compare. The solid does wear close to the skin – I have to get really close to smell it, and lasts about 2 hours. The solid has a base of natural oils, is buuttery and smooth. I’m concern it might melt in the really hot weather, so am not sure it’s suitable for the purse although it’s a very compact little container. If you find the Geranium Burbon edt to be too strong, you may want to give the solid a try. It’s less than $20 on FragNet.
Huge thanks! And that’s a bargain.
It IS a bargain at less than half the list price! (And since they’re one of your sponsors, I assume it’s all right to put in a plug for them.) I’ve had very good experience buying from them – they have very fast turnaround. Since they’re located in NY, it’s advantageous to be ordering from the East Coast.
BTW – My edp sample arrived today so am doing a side by side compare. 30 min in and the solid is very soft while the edp is developing into something big with a slight “candied” effect. So that gives you an idea.
Hmm, I bought Le Parfum de Therese and Diptyque Philosykos. I also just discovered Shalimar (I always thought it was an old-lady scent) and snapped a bottle up immediately. I’m wearing it today. But now, here is the problem: I had been avoiding Guerlain because I always associated their hits with some of the more grandmotherly people in my life, and now that I love Shalimar, I feel like I need to try them all. And then I know I will want to try them all in vintage and extrait. It’s a slippery slope… pray for me.
Aaaaaaand another one slips down the rabbit hole…
You can come keep me company. 🙂
Several hundred dollars and two rosebud bottles later, I’m down here with you.
*beckons to Emma*
Come right this way deary…..
*cackles madly*
😀
Oh, Lord, I’m rolling! LOL
bwahaha! she’ll never escape your (kind and generous) clutches!
😀
Ah, yes…the Guerlain cash extraction device! Don’t forget you’ll have to try Chanel too. heh heh heh
I am and always will be a big Shalimar fan!
I find the ‘old lady’ connotation such a misnomer really where Shalimar is concerned.
Some of the classic Guerlain’s are well worth trying, though if you love Shalimar you probably don’t need to bother with Mitsouko which is very similar and in my personal opinion not quite as lovely.
If you’re enjoying Guerlain, I’d definitely recommend trying Caron & Chanel, as well. It is, indeed, a slippery slope.
I second the Caron exploration to Evil Emma!
Thank you for the suggestions. I’m eyeing a massive sample exploration from Perfumed Court to get through some of Guerlain and Chanel classics… which Caron’s shouldn’t I miss?
I’d recommend Tabac Blond, Parfum Sacre, Nuit de Noel — I only wear this around Christmas, but it’s well worth trying because it smells like Christmas, somehow — and if you can by some chance get a hold of vintage Narcisse Noir. I have the reformulation and it’s finally grown on me, but I’ve heard it’s a pale reflection of its vintage formulation.
Nuit is on my list–I love the smell of pine-Christmas, all it evokes. Have you tried Wazamba?
I like Poivre, Narcisse Noir, Parfum Sacre, Tabac Blond. But there are many more that I haven’t tried.
I am surprised how much I like Narciss Noir. It is now on my pending Lemming List.
I’m wondering if concentration of Narcisse Noir makes a big difference? I’m not sure what I’ve got, and it’s *sort of* nice, but to me, VERY soapy-smelling. Can either of you see that reaction?
Well no, not soapy to my nose. But I only have a little bottle of the parfum.
Joe: I got a sample of what is most likely the current edt. I do get a very nice white flowers/narcissus/OB thing, but I do actually think it has a bit of that soapy Caron accord. There is definitely something in common with the clean white flowers soapy drydown of Nocturnes. Really close. I could be that you are reading the OB accord Caron uses as soap.
Vintage Bellodgia extrait was my first major Caron purchase, and still my best to date.
I find Shalimar & Mitsouko pretty different from one another. Do try Mitsouko & give her some quality time… 😀
I guess it smells different on everyone, but for me it was a less citrus-y Shalimar and the citrus zest is one of my favourite facets of Shamilar. I was coming down with a cold the day I sniffed it, though, so that might have affected the way it smelled to me at the time.
OOOh poor darlin’………Although I should really credit Mitsouko with saving me from years of excess bottle buying….
Philosykos is fantastic! I bought it’s younger cousin Eau de Tarocco, a very pleasant addition to my small collection. I finally found a Egoïste that was cheap enough for me too, $20 at a flea market in Copenhagen. Lancome Magnifique got a new home with me too.
Oh, I dunno – you might be ssafe. Shalimar is the only Guerlain I tolerate, it might well be the same for you, right? Well, ok, *and* Vol de Nuit. But not enough to want to own, anywyay. (I hope.)
My only purchases [that count here] were splits of 31 Rue Cambon and Balsama della Mecca and decants of SSS Champagne de Bois & Tabac Aurea, CdG Avignon, CBIHP Black March, Apres l’Ondee and Feminite du Bois. So I checked the 2-4 box. 🙂
You got some gooood stuff.
Ditto, that. Lots of good things there.
I know! Except for the Black March – I loved them all! I swapped the BM away – did not likey one bit.
AND – I forgot a split of OJ Woman, which is crazy!
Nary a one! I was given Borneo 1834, though.
Oh, nice gift!
I’m impressed, SF! Along with Robin, you’re a good example for us all! That Borneo gift is indeed an exciting one!
Very nice!!
I did one “big” and one “little” this qtr…
Big: FB Attrape-Coeur (full price — I couldn’t help myself. Sampled before buying and love it!)
Little: FB (1oz) Prada Infusion d’Iris, discounted. (bought unsniffed, meh. Pretty but lasts about 10 minutes.)
I have itchy fingers about some of those marked down bottles at Luckyscent, especially that Lubin Vetiver. Another unsniffed no-no!!
I love Donatella too…she’s like a female female impersonator.
Here is a great quote from our lady: “I don’t even know what my natural colour is. Natural? What is natural? What is that? I do not believe in totally natural for women. For me, natural has something to do with vegetables.”
That Donatella quote is hilarious!!!
Reminds me of Morgan Fairchild in the 80’s when someone accused her of looking plastic, and she said, “Who wants to look real?”
Donatella looks like Janice, of the Muppets, to me.
SNORT! Yeah! 😉
You are so right!
She says “Terrible” things… unfiltered… but I imagine her saying all those terrrible things in her southern italian accent, and I cannot help thinking of my great aunt… 🙂
I have another.. once she was asked to compare her colorful collections to “rival” Miuccia Prada’s muted and even drab confections.. Her response “What did you expect?? Miuccia é frigida!” LOL!!!
That is so great!
Toooo funny! Thanks for the laugh.
I’m trying to get through the responses so I can leave a comment, but keep snorting and whooping along with the hilarious, darling, just too hilarious, comments. Did any of you ever watch SNL skits with Miss D? OMG, they are so fun!
ROTFL! Huge thanks, kaos.geo! She is out Patron Saint!
Yea on the AC – isn’t it great?!?
Yeah, I noticed that Lubin Vetiver too, but like you, I’ve never smelled it. Hard to resist a sale….
Vegetables! Excellent.
I’ve been pruning my collection and selling perfumes that I just have not touched in a over year. It feels good to let go of those bottles. I’m still in the process of pruning.
Doesn’t mean I have quit buying though. I have become less impulsive and if I put something in an online cart, I make myself wait 24 to 48 hrs. before hitting the buy button. Guess what? I usually never end up hitting that button after the waiting game.
As for my quaterly fess-up:
Full Bottles:
2 bottles of Oiro from Mona d’Orio. My holygrail Jasmine scent. I love it and I don’t want it to disappear because of the IFRA restrictions on jasmine.
1 Bottle of AG Ninfeo mio.
Partial bottles:
Parfums André Gas – Ensoleille moi Eau de Toilette
Cologne pour le Soir by Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Susanne Lang Vanilla Champagne ( for my sister)
No decants at all yet. I usually buy just one in a year. So….stay tuned.
Have a great day everyone.
~Dawn
by Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Full bottle:
Almost forgot – Sonia Rykiel Woman Not for Men! edp. A great everyday scent and cost me less than $35.00.
oh I want to try that! good buy!
Thanks Bloody Frida. 🙂
Someone had sent me a random sample of the Sonia Rykiel Woman and I instantly loved it. Good stuff.
~D
That “Not for Men!” is definitely a good cheap thrill… even though… well, you know.
Dawn, I’ve been playing the same game with the 24 wait time on my online shopping cart. It’s amazing how often I can’t even remember what I put in the cart 24 hours later. That tactic has saved me a lot of money!
Oh my gosh… exactly! I don’t remember either what I had originally put in cart when I go back, if I even do. Crazy, huh? It’s kind of like, what was I thinking? lol
That’s a good tactic, I will have to try that this quarter. All of your purchases sound wonderful!
Hi Kaylnna!
Thank you. 🙂
I swear, it’s a great tactic and it does help with impulse perfume purchases. Give it a whirl and see if helps.
Have a good day.
Same as last time for me too…in that it was the worst quarter ever. LOL! Counting decants and minis as 1/2 bottle, a quick tally (keep in mind, my brain is fried this week) put me at 14, for $450. Of course, this is my first actual buying year, so I’m building a solid seasonal wardrobe. My remaining “to buy now” list is pretty short, so it should wind down from here.
FBs:
Annick Goutal: Eau d’Hadrien; Narciso Rodriguez: For Her edt;
Tokyomilk: Eden, Ex Libris
Minis/Decants:
Ninfeo Mio, CBIHP Just Breathe, Chanel Eau de Cologne, No. 18, No. 19 parfum, No. 22, Sycomore, Bois d’Ombrie, Sienne L’Hiver, En Passant, Chamade pdt, L’Heure Bleue edc, Eau de Pamplemousse Rose, Un Jardin En Mediterranee, Vanille Galante, Dzongkha, Tea for Two, Timbuktu, Gin Fizz (vintage), Odori Iris (though I then gave it away, so does it count? :D), Ormonde Jayne Woman, and Papyrus de Ciane
I keep saying, “oh, my spending should wind down after this past quarter, and it keeps not happening.” Wouldn’t say it got worse, though. I just keep falling in love with the Discontinued and wanting a backup bottle… that is seriously bad mojo.
Oops, put my ” in the wrong spot up there. It should end the quote after “quarter,” not after “happening.”
LOL! Well, fortunately, I’ve decided to avoid vintage, for the most part. And I think I’m more easily pleased than most, so while I might mourn the loss of a favorite, I’ll easily find something else I like. I know myself well enough to know that once I get one bad quarter for each season, it will wind down.
You got some good stuff!!!
I agree! Boojum, some of those decants are top faves of mine!
Ah, H…and our overlap almost did me in, but I resisted… LS has Royal Palm on (good) sale, but I’ve never smelled it, so… I skipped it. Still biting my nails.
Boojum, I’m considering that Royal Palm. If I give in, I’ll send you a bit!
Thanks! BTW, what did you think of that Tobacco Mucho?
Boojum, I haven’t tried the Tobacco Mucho yet! Thanks for the reminder, and the sample!
Oh!! I forgot the OJ Woman split!! How could I do such a thing?! Sheesh.
Sounds great that you’re building a seasonal wardrobe! You have a nice list there.
Two FB: Parfums de Nicolai Number One; Paul & Joe Blanc (second FB). No decants or samples.
Oh, you were very good!
The equivalent of 6 bottles and for the first time in a while I stayed under $150.00. I snagged a bottle of PdN Eau d’Ete on ebay, got 15 ml of one of my favorite Ava Luxe’s – No. 23, and thanks to Our Lady of Charming Enabling, got in on splits of Ninfeo Mio, SDV, Mamoumalia, Bel Respiro, PdN Le Temps D’une Fete, and vintage Femme – all wonderful! During the worst of our unseasonable cold weather, I came across a bottle of Filles des Iles Floral Solaire at a discounter. $9.00 for a bottle of something sunny and tropical and warm and composed by Celine Ellena? Sure, count me in. 🙂
Manoumalia is just stunning. I love the white flower / earthy combination.
I meant to snag a sample of that one, but forgot. Oh well.
Hey, if I didn’t already give it away, I could send you what’s left of my sample if you want! I’m sure it’s great, but my stupid nose has trouble with a lot of while florals…Manoumalia unfortunately fell into that category. I’ll check tonight and see if I still have it.
That would be great! I’m on MUA and BN and the google group all with the same name… or Daisy knows where to find me. 😀
Rapple my lovely co-enabler! Thank you—I can definitely send Boo a sample—she’ll probably like it just based on the fact that I do not.
Looks like Daisy has it covered, boo — but if not, give a yell (I’m on the Google group or you can get my email address by clicking my profile link and going to the contact me page) and I’ll hunt through my sample bag 🙂
Boo –you meant to snag a sample of which one?
Manoumalia in case Boo doesn’t get back. Must come to the aid of enabling.
I gave myself permission (and budget…sort of, heh) for a crazy quarter. Now that it’s over, I’ve slowed down in preparation for a trip to NYC with friends this December…gonna do stuff like sample my way through the Carons as research for purchasing an urn fragrance (whee!)…but dialing back the overall level of crazy spending until then!
Bottles:
Rochas Femme — there were a few of these: PdT that had turned (fail!), purse atomizer with about 4 sprays left and finally, a decent vintage presentation bottle. Oh, and a mini of the modern EdP.
Tauer Incense Rose
Caron Narcisse Noir parfum
Weil Antilope
La Via del Profumo Mecca Balsam — won it, no spendy!
Guerlain Chamade parfum — mini followed quickly by a 7.5ml bottle
Chanel Bois des Iles parfum
Amouage Homage — tiny but beautiful 3ml bottle that took about a month to arrive
Chanel No. 22 vintage parfum — tragic tale of vintage bottle leakage, even with the baudruchage intact (but I got a refund)
Splits:
Chanel Coromandel
Chanel 28 La Pausa
Frederic Malle Le Parfum de Therese
Chanel Bois des Iles EdT
Chanel Sycomore
Serge Lutens Iris Silver Mist
Frederic Malle Carnal Flower
Hermes Eau de Pamplemousse Rose
Parfumerie Generale Coze
Parfumerie Generale Un Crime Exotique
Chanel No. 22 parfum
Guerlain Chamade EdT
Guerlain Chamade PdT
Serge Lutens Fumerie Turque
Parfums de Nicolai Le Temps D’Une Fete
Chanel No. 22 EdT
Chanel No. 5 Eau Premiere
Thank you… I don’t feel alone anymore. 😀
Like you, I am still in my first year of buying — we are new and enthused, right? *links arms* 😀 I spent over $1000, which should make most people feel better…wow, great idea there, picking the “crazy” quarter as the time to start spreadsheeting my purchases!
Hey, I haven’t put my list up yet, lol. You are NEVER alone!!
Oh thank goodness, now we are getting into my territory! Yep I think my excuse is that I only woke up from the Big Mitsouko Sleep a year or so ago, therefore have a lot of catching up to do!
Hey, Big Mitsouko Sleep sounds good to me. She is definitely a contender for being the only one!
Why would you need the same scent in every possible concentration know to man? lol
Well, I don’t know that any of us *needs* any more anything… 🙂 but particularly with the old Guerlains and Chanels, the scents are different in different concentrations, so I understand the *desire* for various concentrations.
I have a few different partially full bottles of vintage No 5 parfum. One from the 40’s, one from the 60’s and two most likely from the 70s/80s. And I have on from the early 00s. I got all of them dirt cheap on ebay, and one from a swap. What I love about dallying in the vintage corner, is being able so smell some of the really interesting differences and similarities over time. IMHO, the ones that smell the best to me is the one from the 40s b/c of the gorgeous sandalwood, and the one from the 00s b/c it has the most wonderful rose accord. Go figure. It is fun to learn though. It is a shame some of the vintage Guerlains are so spendy.
BECAUSE THEY EXIST. I mean, obviously 😀 Also, layering!
That comeback is a classic!
THIS!
How are you enjoying the Chanel No 22?
I adore Chanel No. 22! That’s one of your favorites, isn’t it? I think my special NYC Chanel purchase this December will be a full bottle of the extrait (I have a little, which I love to layer with the EdT).
Indeed, it is. I’m always so curious to see how others like it. I, alas, only have the EdT. How is the parfum in comparison?
I do the same thing with Shalimar. Layer the vintage parfum with the EdT.
The parfum is gorgeous, very dense…I think the incense is more prominent, too. I’m so bad at describing scents, but I’m really in love with the parfum/EdT pairs of both No. 22 and Bois des Iles. The parfums are richer and sweeter but the EdTs add that fabulous aldehydic sparkle.
Ohhh thank you… that means I can probably skip extraits altogether. 🙂 I have sweet amping skin, so try to avoid sweet altogether, and the aldehydes are the fun part. 🙂
You go, girl.
I have Chamade in both pdt and parfum, and now I’m thinkin’ I need a bit of edt…
That’s the one that I “need” in all strengths. I only have the parfum, so far.
I have the pdt, but it hasn’t charmed me yet. I don’t hate it, which is saying something for me and Guerlain (LHB being the only feminine I’ve cared for), but I guess I don’t “get it” yet.
You DO “need” the EdT! It layers really well with the parfum…I feel like the PdT is kind of its own thing (I don’t regret trying it since it was a split by the fabulous Daisy and I didn’t have to invest in a full bottle, but it’s my least favorite of the three concentrations I’ve tried…still that EdP to sample ;)).
Thanks, ladies! I will watch for the EDT. I would love to have one of those gold canister thingies with the little holes…
Rictor, that’s a good question. Another reason with vintage scents is that one is never sure how well-preserved a particular bottle is. Therefore I tend to want to try more than one. Sometimes a lot more! 😉
Ooh, and I learned a new word today! I’ve only run across actual baudruchage once before, on an old bottle of L’Origan – and I didn’t know the word for it at the time.
I had no idea what it was when I encountered it (bottle of Chanel Bois des lles parfum), either. At least I learned something from this quarter (aside from “nobody needs so much perfume, you fool”).
Total FBs
Bill Blass Nude (2 bottles)
Guerlain LInstant Parfum
Guerlain Linstant Lotion
Samsara Body Cream
Samsara EDP
Hermes Jardin En Mediteranee
AG Songs (the big bottle)
Diptyque Philosykos Gift set
Hermes Kelly Caleche
Hermes Des Merveilles
Hermes 24 Foubourg
Delrae Mythique
Yves Rocher Iris Noir
Guerlain Chamade EDP
Guerlain L’Heure Bleue EDP
Minis-
Amouage Woman Luxury Miniature set
Chanel Fragrance Wardrobe Parfum
Este Lauder Classic Fragrance Collection
Decants-
VC&A Boise d’Iris
Le Labo Iris 39-replaced
Serge Lutens Tubereuse Criminelle
Guerlain Apres L’Ondee
FM Iris Poudre
Robert Piguet Bandit -replaced
I won a 1.7 bottle of Magie Noir yesterday on Evil Bay for $73.00
the bottle is round and it is sealed with a stoper,were any of you bidding on this item? It looks to be very old.
verra nice list! you made some great choices! Nice to see someone else giving some love to Hermes 24, Faubourg—such a pretty bottle too!
I though I was at the very bottom of the post comment, I did’nt need to reply, however I think I’m just as crazy as you are, and I think you got some gorgeous picks.
Baudruchage is a new word for me, too! Wouldn’t that be a great blog user name for a fan of the classics? 🙂
Oh, you seem to have had a fantastic first quarter! I’m jealous, there are quite a few that I want, badly, on that list.
Yes, fantastic! With a pinch of horror and chagrin as a reality check 😀 I’m really wearing the crap out of the stuff I got this quarter, so the new acquisitions are being appreciated!
That’s the thing that matters!
Oh God, and I thought it was Borneo 1834 that I really, really need a full bottle of. Maybe it’s Fumerie Turque after all.
Lots of great stuff on that list! I salute your excellent taste. 🙂
Thank you, ma’am — you have helped to shape said taste! That vintage Mitsy extrait sample is going to send me off on another eBay misadventure, I just know it 😀
😀
As the Empress of Enabling (Daisy) herself says, “My work is done here.”
P. S. I’m emailing you.
i bought two of my all-time faves:
comme des garçons 2
le labe rose 31
also pasteum rose, which i absolutely love, just with it had more lasting power.
and
cdg skai — should be nice for summer
next quarter wish list: perhaps dzing!
And all favorites of mine too! Except the Skai, which I’m not sure I’ve tried. If not, might be about the only CdG I never got to.
Could it be the CdG *Saki*? I swear I tried one called Saki, from Synthetic series, maybe.
yes, that’s it! from the synthetics. it’s not bad. garage wasn’t bad either…
No, it really IS Skai, from the synthetics series. I remember seeing it and wondering what on earth Skai was. Apparently, it’s a synthetic leather (just looked it up to make sure I hadn’t lost my mind).
But there is a Skai, and it is from the Synthetics.
http://www.luckyscent.com/shop/section/1/item/22200/brand/Comme_des_Garcons_Series_6:_Synthetic/Skai.html
Ha! Could be why it didn’t smell like Saki to me….
actually, saki could be a good idea for a fragrance!
LOL! This whole thread cracked me up!
it’s gotta be the coolest bottle i own.
speaking of which, has that topic been addressed on nst already? would be a good one methinks…
Cool packaging? We did a poll once on the subject but we’re probably due for another.
No one will believe this, but I didn’t buy a dang thing. I guess I could count used stuff that I’ve found at thrift stores, but I really don’t. I did order a bottle of Black Afgano, but since it hasn’t shipped and I haven’t been charged for it yet, that will be moved into the next quarter.
Ahem. OJ Woman and Ninfeo Mio ring a bell? 😀
I thought splits didn’t count?
I can never remember from quarter to quarter *how* we count splits!
I somehow glossed over the part where Robin said we can count them however we want to. I think in the past maybe we didn’t count them at all, and this is where I got confused?
Not trying to cheat, I swear! 😉
Well, I did say you could count them however you wanted!
cheater.
What a good girl you’ve been!
LOL! Not good, just broke!
I stumbled out of a personal recession and bought 9 bottles this quarter! I’m sooooo glad to finally own Sel de Vetiver. And the other ones were bargains in comparison 🙂
Annick Goutal – Eau du Sud, Passion
Rochas – Femme (vintage), Eau de Rochas
Nina Ricci – L’air du temps (vintage)
The different company – Sel de vetiver
Parfums de Nicolaï – Cococabana
SJP – Lovely
Sonoma scent studio – Tabac aurea
I absolutely adore Sel de Vetiver!
Yes… it’s amazing!
Helle, congratulations on your FB of Sel de Vetiver! I think you and I discovered it around the same time. I’m holding off on purchasing until I see how I like it in the heat of summer.
Thank you Suzy! I hope it passes the heat test for you! I live in a cold corner of the world, so even if it turns out I don’t want to wear it i July I still have 3/4 of a year to enjoy it. 🙂
Hmmm…. you make a good point: I could wear it half the year now, couldn’t I? I loved it in cold weather but for some odd reason I’ve got it stuck in my head that I want it to be my hot weather scent. I’ll soon find out.
Only three full bottles so far this year- Piguet Fracas, AG Songes, and EL Bronze Goddess. But I also got “discovery sets” from Ineke, Amouage, and Ormonde Jayne. And that’s not including, of course, my many samples from The Perfumed Court.
So why are there still so many more full bottle purchases I want to make this year? Amaranthine, Jardin Sur Le Nil, Kelly Caleche, Shaal Nur, Carnal Flower, L’Air du Desert Morocain, Incense Rose, Mandragore, Matin d’ Orage, Putain des Palaces, Tilda Swinton Like This, Nuit de Tubereuse (I hope)… sigh.
Those are good FB choices! I just discovered Fracas. Can anyone comment on the differences between the formulations? One of the lovely people on here sent me a sample of the extrait, but strangely it doesn’t last very long on me.
I know what you mean about having so many unrequited full bottle purchases. I have a list going, and actually panicked when I couldn’t find it yesterday. I think I can reconstruct it from memory, but geez, it’s a long list! I think I totaled it all up at one point and figured it would run me about $2,000 to buy everything, which I didn’t think was so bad. Not possible on my salary, but not bad. Reminds me, I need to check my lottery numbers…
It is hard to keep up with FB desires! There are some I want so bad right now, and I am trying to hold off until I can have my sniffa in PDX!
See, where I look at the sheer number of them and know I’ll never use that many FBs… so I buy decants instead. All my FB purchases were dirt cheap at discounters, or they’d have been splits too (except the Eden, which would probably have been a pass).
I am so glad you’re going to be here, Ann. 🙂 Hopefully we will have time to shop together.
It’s been so long since I’ve actually sniffed at a shop rather than at home that I am really looking forward to ditching the husband and toddler with MIL and going out with you too!!!
i bought two:
Eau de Italie – Sienne L’Hiver :$120/100ml
Lacoste – Style In Play:$28/75ml
The juxtaposition of prices in these lists always cracks me up! Congrats on your 2 bottles 🙂
Mmmm… and isn’t Sienne l’Hiver worth every penny? Love that one!
A full bottle of Parfum Sacré in EdP, heavily discounted, and a tiny little bottle of vintage Bandit extrait. My conscience is clear, actually, neither cost me very much and both were great buys. The vintage Bandit is glorious beyond words.
DROOLING over the vintage Bandit!
Me too…but perhaps ignorance is bliss. I’m perfectly happy w/what you sent (that was current formulation, yes?).
Current formulation, yes. I do recall reading in the Guide that it isn’t that far off from the original. That said, I am going through my bottle at an alarming rate and may consider hunting down the vintage as my replacement bottle. Great, now that I’ve gotten the idea in my head, I feel the need to start my search now.
So am I. Already hoarding and planning how to get my paws on more. 😀
Vintage Bandit! I’m green with envy 🙂
It’s worth haunting Ebay over. 🙂
Just echoing the sighs over VINTAGE BANDIT EXTRAIT! Gaaaahhhh. I need to try that (but shouldn’t because that’s how trouble starts). And Parfum Sacre EdP ain’t too shabby, either 😉
It really is how trouble starts, but the current formulation really isn’t bad at all. I have only smelled it in EdT, I think, but it’s a very respectable reformulation, close to the original.
I’m still new to the perfume magic and so far have been able to maintain financial sanity. My count varies between 3 and 4 – not sure if I should count the Diorissimo bottle that USPS claims to have delivered to me, which I never received. I’m still arguing with them and have my fingers crossed that it would reappear on my doorstep.
I’m impressed–a lot of us racked up the *most* perfume debt when we were new to the dangerous world that is perfume obsession.
I bought almost nothing the first year…I was too busy sampling to find “the best”, and was always afraid I’d find something “better”. Now I’m building a wardrobe of bits of the ones I liked best (almost no FBs at all)… and then sanity should return. 🙂
“…and then sanity should return.”
Optimism is good, Boo. 😉
Boojum,
I applaude your methodical approach and self-control. I, on the other hand, have none. That’s how I ended up spending $$$$ last year and it appears I’m on track again this year. The CEO is shaking his head in resignation….
Oh, you give me too much credit. I was a sig scent girl previously, and I was looking for the new One. Didn’t find it, but tallied up a list of things I liked, and got a feel for what was merely “nice” and what was “no, I really like it!” But along the way, I also grabbed a number of unsniffed wonders (ha) and stupid blunders…so it really hasn’t been that methodical. Getting there, though.
Somehow – I’m a lot more interested in trying different things and find it difficult to commit to a full bottle. So I’m spending freely on samples, haven’t dipped my toes into splits, and am certainly building a long wish list!
That was exactly my first year….beware next year! 😀
Haha – I’ll remember that!
Oh, I do hope it turns up!
Thank you Robin!
I admire how you are able to reply to almost every comment.
This is the first time I’ve been able to participated in the poll because last quarter I didn’t buy any bottles. I use my credit card points to offset big purchases and I buy from discounters mostly. We don’t have upscale department stores and boutiques in my city. Maybe that’s a good thing! I spent either $155 or $255 depending on whether or not you count credit card rewards. (And I’m not counting the many samples I purchased.)
Full bottles
Chanel No. 5 Eau Premiere big honkin’ bottle!
Bill Blass Nude–two small bottles (thanks, Angela, for the review!)
Paco Rabanne Calandre–small back up bottle
Diptyque Philosykos five-piece coffret (I got this for $88!)
Fendi Theorema–two minis
Oh, what a deal on that Philosykos — congrats! I’m jealous.
You’ve got some good stuff, too. Congrats!
Bought a big bottle of Rose poivree from The Different Company…A dirty,physical rose…It’s wonderfull stuff…
It IS wonderful! Congrats on that purchase!
I bought three Serge Lutens, two of which I thought were being discontinued: Douce Amere and Miel de Bois. I also bought the irresistible Un Bois Vanille with one of those orders. I think they were $110 each. Worth it!
As well, I had the (*smirk*) misfortune of discovering a private seller who had a half-ounce bottle of the astonishing Parfum d’Hermes in extrait. It was probably the first extrait I ever owned, and I had to have it. Of course I did! A bargain at $135.
Then a few weeks later, having established a correspondence with her, I discovered that she also had quarter-ounce extraits of Amazone (the original chypre formulation) and Panthere by Cartier (big-ass eighties floral oriental) for the ludicrously reasonable price of $40 and $50, respectively, so I had to have those, too. And I took a chance on a long-gone Molyneux called Fete, an ounce of EDT for $40; it is in perfect condition, no degradation whatever, and a SPECTACULAR chypre, incredibly heavy on the oakmoss. I wish all you chypre fans could try some.
So, the total damage: six bottles, $460. I am very happy. I am also declaring a three-month (minimum) moratorium, I think. I just discovered that I have well over 100 samples ordered over the last year or so that I haven’t even tried yet. It’s madness.
Oops. Need to clarify the second paragraph. The Parfum d’Hermes was (I think) the first extrait I ever owned, back when it was launched in 1984 or ’85, and I had fond memories of it, so I ordered it; it was exactly as I remembered it. So good! The reinvention as Hermes Rouge, and the reconstruction as the EDP version of Parfum d’Hermes now available, are not the same.
The Non-Blonde was about layering Serge scents today. It was pretty good.
http://thenonblonde.blogspot.com/2010/04/hersey-layering-serge-lutens-perfumes.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2Fthenonblonde+%28The+Non-Blonde%29&utm_content=Twitter
Oops, that link might not work. Try this:
http://thenonblonde.blogspot.com/
Oh goodness – 3 bottles of SL in 1 qtr? Did you split them? I’d like to know about this purveyor of fine vintage extraits!
I like Donatella´s smile in that picture.
It is the smile of a woman that is coquettish and certainly feels it is a guiltly pleasure to have as many bottles… (something in the body language or the eyes tells me that she is showing her “collection” and she knows it is over the top… even for her)
Plus with the picture being in B&W and from a distance.. she looks “Natural” (Loved Suzanne941’s quote!)
I keep meaning to buy a copy of that issue so I can get a clearer shot. It really is a great picture.
Full bottles:
Wazamba
Tabac Aurea (with lowered patchouli content)
Balenciaga Michelle vintage and Le Dix (got rid of the latter, unfortunately it smelled like sweaty armpits on me, so that doesn’t really count),
Parfum Sacre vintage,
Narcisse Noir,
Joy edp
and I bought the original Kenzo Woman today (blush).
Bottle splits/large decants: Lubin Idole, Must de Cartier, Galliano edp, Ginestet Le Boise and Chopard Casmir (I’m not proud of this, okay, but I needed a comfort scent badly, it really looked like winter wasn’t ever going to end). I’m pretty sure I left out something.
Neat stuff! I love Parfum Sacre and (low-patchouli) Tabac Aurea and Michelle!
LOL! I’m going to ask Laurie to make me a bottle of Tabac Aurea with the extra patchouli from your all’s bottles!
haha I’m with Rapple! Ive always been a fan – when I was 15 I named my cat Patchouli.
I’m just wondering, do aftershave balsems and showergels also count as bottles? I just realised I spent € 264 only the first three months of this year: Chanelś Antaeus 200ML (biggest bottle they got) the Aftershave Balsem, Chanel pour monsieur showergel, Chanel pour monsieur EDT 100 ml. (not the concentree, got that one already last year. And also because the Antaeus bottle looks so nice next to his green transparant Pour Monsieur ´brother´) and Thierry M. A*man Pure Malt because itś a limited edition and I really had the last one on the shelf. So that was more a good deed, I actually saved that bottle… (-:
Saving bottles – I LOVE that rationalization! lol!
Bottles Bought:
OJ Woman (my first BIG BUY!)
L’A Safran Troublant
Carthusia Aria
Bois de Iles (swap)
Cuir Lancome
Splits:
CS Citrus Paradisi
Ineke Paris
Havana Vanille
DelRae Debut
Chanel 19, 18, 22
Yeah, I’m new. Yeah, I’m addicted!
oh yeah, my SL UBV is on the way…and I keep picking up the phone to call LS for Amaranthine and Bois Blond……argh!
You and me both with the Bois Blond. I really thought I would have more money than I did last month. And this month. Ok, any month really. I’m delusional. Anyway, I would suggest a split but I really want that one all to myself, and I’m guessing you do as well. 🙂
Another fave of mine. I got the whole bottle last year, and I’m glad I did. Bois Blond is especially wonderful in late summer and early fall, IMO.
I’m holding out to re-test it then, because I tried it in late fall/early winter, and it just didn’t quite have the strength to battle the cold… but it seemed like an indian summer scent. As does CBIHP A Room with a View, which I plan to buy (and hopefully split).
I’m liking Bois Blond right now, didn’t care for it that much in the fall but that’s probably my tastes changing. But I think it does great in chilly, sunny spring weather!
Although I have always worn perfume, I haven’t gotten addicted until late in 2009! There are SOO many more I want/need (TDC Bois d’Iris is next on my list). I’m glad i’m not alone!
Congrats on the Aria! I would buy that one if I could find it around here….
Ooooh great purchases! I’m so jealous, I want a FB of the Ineke Field Notes. I also want Evenings Edged in Gold, I’m so confused about which one to buy first…
Ineke is the next line I’m planning to try. They sound so tempting.
Based on my rather limited knowledge of your tastes… I think you’ll like at least a few.
Oh, I think you have a pretty good idea Boo – I will be purchasing their sample set soon.
I haven’t tried that many… but something tells me you might like Evening Edged in Gold.
Think I may be coming close to my first bottle of something from OJ. The credit card is quivering in its sleeve.
I’ve been sticking to decants and small bottles, Bois des Iles and Kelly Caleche are recent buys. I really need to invest in a FB of Theorema. Is ebay the only place I’m going to find one? What are my chances that I’ll get a bottle that’s turned?
You might still be able to find Theorema at Beauty Encounter… but if you do buy from ebay, take heart. I am going to make a gross generalization here, but most orientals age pretty well. I wouldn’t be that worried about a turned bottle of Theorema. I suppose it just depends how much you want to spend on the risk too.
I think I’d agree with Ann here – it’s rare for me to get a bottle that’s turned off ebay. I mean, it’s happened, but if you buy, oh, let’s say… 27 or so “vintage minis” and four of them are not quite right, then that’s pretty good odds. (And I’m talking Really Vintage here, like 70’s or before, way older than any Theorema bottle would be.)
I bought Kelly Caleche, too (EDP)! Lately one of my “go to” scents. Really like it.
My damage this quarter is huge for my pockets… I bought in few months almost as many full bottles as I usually buy in a year. Well, I said almost!
So here are my three guilty indulgences:
1) ninfeo mio (mistake, kind of…I should have bought the shower gel, but it doesn’t exist-yet!!)
2) une fleur de Cassie (huge instant unexpected LOVE)
3) EL PC Tuberose Gardenia (see above)
the worst part is that I have three very hot bottles on my to buy list…
Carnal Flower, OJ frangipani (both samples have been drained), and the new Orange Blossom by Penhaligon’s… Well I suppose I can learn from you and wait, a bit…
Zazie: are you looking to get rid of the Ninfeo Mio? If yes, contact me at anneroosie @ hotmail dot com
Thank you Ann, I’m writing down your email: you know I’m not sure about NM- I am still on the fence! It is very nice, but sometimes I think of it as a scent more suited for the bath/shower or for the house… It’s the fig I suppose. I’ll let you know if I decide to call it quits!!
OK – no pressure…. It is one of my current lemms, but I have a few mls from a split. Sometimes it takes a while to cozy up to Goutals. I find for some of them they really change depending on weather, mood, etc. You may all of the sudden fall madly in love with it! That has happened to me with a few of them. I find repeat testing is a good strategy with Goutals.
Just one for me – Divine L’inspiratrice, and that one only because I was already at Divine buying l’Homme sage for my husband’s birthday.. I didn’t buy much this quarter because for some reason I seemed to be frozen into inaction. My want-to-buy list is so long, I couldn’t make up my mind to buy anything! And like you, Robin, it seems that the next thing I buy should be really special.
Yeah…for some reason, I think it also helps to have a terribly long list so that you’re frozen with indecision. LOL!
oh gees, I’m new to this so I was going on a virginal splurge!
Samples – probably 70 in three months…at least.
Decants: SL Gris Clair, Un Jardin sur le Nil, LadDM, Timbuktu, SL’s Sa Majeste le Rose, Bandit
Full bottles: Coco, Un Rose Chypree,MH’s L’air de Rein and Couer de Fleur, Bond no 9 Chelsea Flowers, L’occitane’s Eau de L’Iparie, and a new bottle of Opium and Shalimar..and in the mail to me as I type Agent Provacateur and MH’s Fleur Oriental.
Oh I’ll need to change my vote! yikes.
How do you like the Jardin Sur le Nil? I’m on the fence about buying a bottle…
hello Elise – there is a part in the drydown where I get yucky mango for a minute or two but other than that, I adore it – so dry and crisp and classy (I’m not a classy girl, btw and feel classy when wearing it). I want to get a full bottle, but I have to go through my decant first.
I love JSLN – It is the best of both worlds – somewhere between being an eau de cologne and a regular “green” floral fragrance. It is so tenacious on me and works so well in hot weather. It is one of my favorite summer fragrances. You can occasionally find it at online discounters too.
If you’re not sure about a full bottle, I would suggest getting one of the .5 oz. purse sprays – they can usually be found on ebay and discounters for $20 or less. And I do love Jardin Sur le Nil.
oh (oops) a tiny bottle of Kenzo Jungle L’elephant!
I might have guessed you’d like L’Elephant! After all my hatin’ on Coco and Opium, I was shocked – SHOCKED, I tell you – to find out I liked L’E. I have a 2ml sample that will probably do me until I die, though.
hehee Mals! I’m glad you like L’E!!!
I only remembered a few decants, but when checking the bank statements, I discovered a few other things that had slipped my old memory. But all in all, I’m feeling pretty virtuous. 😉
Two small bottles of vintage Guerlain extrait – Chamade and Vol de Nuit
1/2 bottle of Guerlain 180 Ans (ouch!)
Decants: Mecca Balsam, Coromandel, Angelique Noir, Bois d’Armenie
chamade is on my list too! don’t know much about it…does it come EdP, EdT and which is better?
Get whichever you find the best price on – there is a negligible difference between edt and edp of Chamade. The edt really puts most of its effort into the gorgeous galbanum floral opening and is more diffuse. I like all of the Chamade – and sometimes like the edt better than the parfum which is tighter but essentially the same. You should try and find an older bottle – look for ones in the black and gold chevron pattern box, not the gold box with the line running down the middle.
Ann – I know you’re the Chamade expert, so could you describe the PdT as well? I’ve had my eye on a bottle of that forever and just haven’t pulled the trigger.
BTW, I still regret that we didn’t get that bottle of vintage extrait!
Why don’t I send you a bit? Everyone hailed it as the ultimate spring green scent, so I risked the Guerlain factor and jumped on Daisy’s split. I don’t hate it, but certainly don’t get the love for it, either.
Gak – no expert! I’ve only smelled the current and vintage edt, the current edp, and then vintage and pre-reformulation early 00s extrait. I’ve not smelled the pdt so ask Boo! But IMHO, aside from differences in long vintage stuff, Chamade pretty much keeps it together for all it’s versions, though I’ve not smelled the most recent incarnation. The vintage has a little more something something going on in the greens, but essentially it smells the same. I’d say if you know of a pdt bottle you want, just go for it. I doubt you’d be disappointed.
Oy, D, let me send you a dribblet of the few dribbles I have of some vintate extrait…. Someday another bottle will show up!
Boo – a sniff would be terrific! Thank you.
Ann – no need, but a big thank you for the offer. See my list for this quarter – I bought a *small* bottle of older extrait.
Balsalmo della Mecca (split)
L’Heure Bleue EDP to go with my treasured EDT (discounted)
Paris (discounted)
And I went a little crazy at Marshalls and at a great TJ Maxx that I discovered between shows on the Great St. Pat’s Nursing Home Tour (I’m an Irish dancer). I’ve decided that buying unsniffed at Marshall’s is what I do instead of buying lottery tickets. I usually at least break even and sometimes win big:
Eau de Star (like the trace of mint)
Donna Karan Gold (jackpot!)
Badgeley Mischka (TS calls this a really good fruity floral and I can pick out a fruit that I think is mango, but I perceive a relationship to the Angel family)
LL Fleur de Corail (nice but not me; great bottle)
Angel Violette (I’ve decided to explore violets, and this doesn’t have much)
Lanvin Vetyver (meh. Not much to it, but I can keep it in the refrigerator and wear it to dance class without my scent-sensitive teacher objecting.)
Gold is wonderful…. L’HB and Paris as well.
Aimiliona, I love your lottery ticket analogy! If only my local T.J. Maxx would get such interesting selections.
The top three were not from Marshall’s. I’ve had very good luck there lately, but sometimes all they have is White Diamonds and Curves. I just look at Marshall’s whenever I have to go to Petsmart or Lowe’s in the same shopping center.
I’ve only had luck at Marshall’s once…and it wasn’t even luck for myself, but for our Miss Kitty.
Yes A! Your Marshall’s and TJ’s are awesome! Lucky, lucky.
Hmmm… my count this time is 7 full bottles.
First, I H A D to buy a backup of my beloved Attrape-coeur (rip).
Then came Tobacco vanille, Jubilation 25, Shaal nur, Ambre sultan, Knize Ten (but after smelling the old and real thing at the Osmothèque counter at the Esxence I think I’ll soon join the vintage party) and Tubéreuse couture, which was some sort of a an impulse buy after wearing it just a couple of times. I’m not regretting it, though, because it’s so goooooooooooood
Wear did you buy Attrape Couer?
I wrote to the Guerlain Champs Elysées store in Paris and they shipped it to me.
Thanks, Delfina.
I was thinking I’d been very bad: there was that travel set of Vanille Galante and a Thierry Mugler A Travers le Miroir before they discontinued it, and then some discount bottles and Donna Karan Gold, Coco EdP and.. mumble…. mumble mumble…. (inaudible listing)
But then I realized that was all *last* quarter, before Christmas!! All is forgiven. I had been doing well, then, just a Chamade EDP (we all seemed to get that, must have been Angela’s darned, inticing review), Cote D’Amour (which I decanted for others) and a teeny, sample-sized travel thing of Costes. But then I bought Arabie yesterday. Damn! Why couldn’t we have had the poll Tuesday, as originally planned 🙂
Yesterday’s purchase goes in the second fiscal quarter…. 🙂
Exactly!
I feel so much better! Enablers 🙂
I really want some Cote d’Amour, and I want the whole bottle to sit beside my beloved L’Eau de Jatamansi. But aren’t the bottles HUGE?! I should probably officially join the splits group and host a couple.
It *is* huge, 200 ml I think. The strange thing is that the longevity and sillage are quite surprising for a organic/cologne/”splash”-type thing, so I’ll never use it all. If you re-send me your email through NST, we could definitely make sure you get some of mine!
Thanks, Erin! Perhaps we could do a little trade, if I have something that appeals to you. That would help me decide if I “need” a bottle or not. I am “kolea (at) att (dot) net”.
I was surprised at the longevity and strength of the Jatamansi. It just blooms on my skin in warmer weather!
H – I’d be up for a split of either of these. Just sayin…
Wait now, Rapple…how can that be??? Are you threatening to abandon your EST status?
Hehehehehee – why – do you love them? These will just be our summer versions of SDV. A little overlap will just keep things interesting. 🙂
I remember liking Jatamansi…though it was SO early on in my adventures that I can’t remember if it was love, or just like. Cote, I think is a fun beachy summer scent, of which I’d like a little decant, but no more. So maybe our summer SDV indeed. 🙂
Yep, that’s second quarter. And I can blame you for my most recent purchase (which really shouldn’t count), just moments ago: a mini of A Travers le Miroir.
b/E: I hope you enjoy it, then! It is an usual scent, but I find the base additictive. Too bad it was discontinued!
I can’t lose, really… either I’ll love it, or it will be added to my Alice in Wonderland collection. 😉 And then it doesn’t count, right?
Travel size of Costes?? Like a decant, or a branded thing?
A branded 15 ml bottle in red glass – I guess I should have called it “decant-sized” since 15 ml would be an awful large sample. My local niche store just got them in. They’re cute!
Way cool — thanks Erin, will look for those!
I did pretty well NOT spending as much as I had at any time the past few years. All hail online discounters! All hail the split! All hail the swap!!
FB:
Tom Ford BO Viole de Fleur
No 5 vintage parfum (mixed lot from ebay)
Rosine Une Zeste de Rose
Ombre Rose
AG Heure Exquise edp
Stella Rose Absolute
Splits:
Coromandel
Bel Respiro
Diptyque Eau Lente
L’AP Osmanthus Yunnan
Fifi Chachnil ( my super new fav perfume)
Rosine Rose d’Homme
AG Songes edp
AG Ninfeo Mio
LV Donna
AT Le Maroc Pour Elle
Fifi Chachnil is just great, isn’t it? I love that stuff too.
Yes! I just about fell over in a full swoon after Our Lady of the Enabling sent me a sample. I think it is the most gorgeous powdery oriental ever – kind of similar to Shalimar but all jazzed up with that coriander. I could smell myself all day long and it lasts forever! It is so thoroughly enjoyable to wear and not as silly or sweet as the bottle makes it appear. I’d seen it before online, but totally ignored it b/c of that super girly pink bottle. Just gorgeous!
Stop! Stop! I have a sample of this too and tried so hard not to fall in love! 🙂
I am going to save up my pennies for the fall to get a bottle of this as a combo anniversary-birthday-Xmas gift!
She just sent me a sample as well…and I put it on, and phew! I thought the toxic chemical blast would kill me. And then about 20 mins later I found myself wondering what that fantastic smell was… but then I went to sleep, so will have to try it again another day. 🙂
Toxic chemical? Wha?? Are you sure your nose is on right? Maybe you have a problem with coriander?
Ha! (toxic chemical blast? ) with very few exceptions—we may be evil scent twins—-and from now on : I send you the samples of things I hate…..got a couple from Luckyscent today and now they are practically screaming SEND US TO BOO! 😉
Wait wait, you didn’t read the rest! It started off bad, but redeemed itself. Something in the top notes definitely did not agree with my nose (or skin, or both), but after that, it definitely was worth further exploration (when I’m not about to go to sleep).
sorry—it’s TOO LATE! I plan to start sending you some real doozies.
***insert evil laughter here***
Can’t be worse than those Memoire Liquide samples I sent you… I actually had to learn to use the self-service postage machine for that one, bc it was SO obvious what was in that package, they’d have confiscated all my split portions and sent me away.
Daisy – Boo and I are definitely evil scent twins, and as similar as you and I are, it makes sense that you would be an EST with her too.
you make an excellent point Rapple….dont’ know why I didn’t see it before!
Now you’re making me doubt my memory…I did try 2 samples, one on each hand…maybe the chemical blast was a different one.
Fifi opens with a bit of citrus and turns a little smoky….but that’s on me…..a second test on it’s own wouldn’t be a bad thing….but then I love SDV….
a powdery oriental? Oh, Fifi, want you!
allow me to entice you with some Fifi…..
Daisyloo82 at gmail dot com
although I’m slightly backlogged in the shipping department right now….but by next week I’ll be back to filling sample and swap requests. Darn, when did I start coming with a disclaimer?
I got 7-8 I think – but all are too mainstream for y’all I think. =p
Full bottles:
Hugo XX Summer Edition
EA Green Tea
Banana Rep W
Lanvin Eclat D’Arpege
Lacoste Pour Femme
Versace Bright Crystal
Lacoste Touch of Pink (I later gave to my sister post opening of the box),
I am waiting though for my Mitsuoko and Ylang & Vanille (Or is it the other way around? Lol) from the States. I am really really hoping that my cousin can get it for me. =)
Niche or not, you like what you like! THat’s always allowed here. Glad you’re happy with your stash.
I got to know this supplier who sells perfume at 50% of the mall price. 🙂 She’s only got mainstream stuff though.
I’ve been itching to try all the lovely scents I have been reading here however can’t find them locally. (At least in the malls nearby). I got sent to a provincial station so that kinda makes it harder for me. I am still working on getting enough courage to try purchasing scents on e-bay though.
Few of us can find the neat, niche, gorgeous stuff locally. Hence the frenzied comments about us sitting like dogs next to our mailboxes, waiting for those amazing little packages…. Visit a few decanting sites, and get on a split group. It will help a lot. You will eventually make a few fragrance friends, and then begin swapping like mad!
Ah. Overseas shipping can be a challenge. But I will not lose faith! *starts chanting prayers to Our Lady of Scented Extravagance*
Love Lacoste pour Femme!
Oh dear…I have been building my fragrance wardrobe, so my quarter was pretty damaging. I think I have pretty much everything I need for winter (hah, yeah right), so now I’m moving into spring and summer. Well, here we go…
Bottles:
Fico di Amalfi (steal on ebay)
Le Labo Jasmin 17
SDV (split half of it away)
SL Douce Amere
Decants/Minis:
MFK Pour le Soir, Orchidee Vanille, VCA Bois d’Iris, Tubereuse 44, Jub XXV, 28 La Pausa, Ninfeo Mio, Mandragore Pourpre, Vanille Galante, Mecca Balsam, CB Just Breathe, Fleures des Comores, Amarantine, Guerlain Tokyo, Flora Numphea, Back to Black, Liaisons Dangereuse, IdI mini, Prada No. 9
FB wishlist: Chamaca, Nuit de Tubereuse (hopefully!), VCA Bois d’Iris, AG Ninfeo Mio, Chane No. 22
Oh! Liaisons Dangereuse is on my wish list! Love that one!
I love it 🙂 It smells just like this purple sunscreen my mom used on me when I was little!
LOL! Don’t let the ByK folk hear you say that…they may refuse to sell to you anymore. TOO funny!
Perhaps Mr. Killian will cut me with those beautiful cheekbones!!
I surprised myself with only 4 FB:
Le Parfum de Therese (bought it as a b-day gift for myself)
Incense Rose (I am in love with Andy Tauer after viewing that interview … is that so wrong?)
L’Artisan Drole de Rose
Backup bottle of Monsieur Balmain
BUT – I have a backup bottle of Dzing and a bottle of Ananas Fizz on order from Luckyscent, but those won’t count until next quarter.
Whew! (flicks sweat from brow)
I’m with you re: being in love with Tauer! I want full bottles of his entire line
So jealous of your Incense Rose!
Started the year off with Ormonde Jayne’s Discovery Set, along with a Diptyque sampler set (from Luckyscent).
Finally got what all the No5 hoo-ha was about in January and succumbed to the EDP (with Hair Mist too).
Got stuck in Gatwick Airport after a business trip and was forced to spend far, far too long in Duty Free. Came out the other side with Prada l’eau Ambree, Dior Escale a Pondichery and Hermes Un Jardin Apres La Mousson body lotion.
Got a phone call from one of the SA’s in the big department store in Glasgow just to let me know the new Serge and Annick Goutal were in town. So curiosity got the better of me and so did L’eau and Ninfeo Mio.
Decants a-plenty with a 25xGrab Bag from TPC.
OK that’s it, no more until the summer hols…
Wow, all good stuff. I think I like L’eau Ambree. I keep trying it in department stores but I’ve usually tried something else as well, so my nose gets mixed up!
I haven’t bought anything, perfumewise, since 12/31/09. I put myself on embargo (snowcrocus’ term) until March 1. . .but then decided to wait a bit longer, through Lent. Strangely, when Easter rolled by, I was excited that I *could* order something, but reluctant to break my streak.
2009 was a painfully huge spending spree on perfume for me, and I closed out the year with some extravagant purchases. (Don’t ask, it was really extreme) I purchased so many fragrances in 2009, several that I don’t like at all on further wearings.
I agree with Robin, that it was a great palate cleanser to stop for a while. I went back and re-discovered my samples, and have loved them. Now there is a set limit for total perfume expendituresfor the year, and a four FB purchase limit (within that total budget). The idea is to only purchase FB of things that I *adore* and want to wear nearly daily. I’m eyeing Bel Respiro, but we’ll see how it fares in the crazy summers where I live before I jump to purchase it. I’d love to have a year with no FB purchases, and just love the ones I’ve got. . .along with a whole bunch of samples, so I can enjoy the conversations here at NST (and other blogs).
This all sounds preachy, but I didn’t intend it to be so! My time on perfume embargo has been great. Thanks, Robin, for the encouragement to take a step back. I enjoy my collection all the more for doing so. Be well.
GOOD FOR YOU. I’m seriously considering it now.
But I’ll get pulled into some split or other (what? somebody’s splitting that new thing? I’m IN, baybee!)…
Ditto that! Good job! I should try an “embargo” some time.
Hemlock – you didn’t sound preachy at all, but wise and sane! Buy less, enjoy more – great philosophy!
Yes…one thing I’ve learned is I get as much enjoyment out of samples as I do from FBs.
Oh, this was a very very bad quarter (or very good, at least for my perfume wardrobe!). I spent $390 (egads!) total on perfume, but that was almost all splits. I need to remove myself from that group- it is so dangerous!
Full bottles:
Givenchy Organza Indecence
Estee Lauder Brasil Dream
Demeter Gingerale, Wet Garden and Hot Toddy
Mauboissin & Kelly Caleche purse sprays (counted as 1)
Splits:
Guerlain SDV (twice!), Coromandel, TM AMen Pure Coffee & Pure Malt, TM Angel Liquer, PdE Ambre Russe, Osmanthus Yunnan, Bond No. 9 New Haarlem, AG Ninfeo Meo and Diptyque Philosykos
I do believe it is time for a moratorium for me. At least I loved most of the purchases (other than the AMens and the Mauboissin), since almost all of these were unsniffed.
Hey, how is that Hot Toddy? I’ve been looking at that one.
It wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, but then I guess there are many ways to make a hot toddy! It is sweet and slightly boozy, but I am terrrible at describing fragrances well. I would be more than happy to send you some as I have a huge 4 oz bottle I will ever never get through (I’m jasouza9 at MUA if you want to message me there)!
That’s really kind! Might take you up on it eventually, but am making a big push right now to get my list of untried samples cut WAY back, so will wait until I make more progress 🙂
Lost track of the splits there were so many. Bottles:
• 1 Cdg Hinoki
• Atelier Orange Sanguine
• Serge Lutens Chypre Rouge
• Serge Lutens L’eau Serge
• Cdg Daphne
• Le Labo
• Ed Hardy Love & Luck
• Ed Hardy Hearts & Daggers
• Le Labo Iris 39
• Bvlgari Au the Blanc
• Montale Bois Vanille
• Tom Ford Private Blend Bois Marocain
• Thierry Mugler Angel Liquer de Parfum
• Costume National Homme
The only majorly discounted bottle was the Bvlgari 77ml for 18 bucks.
You are the Duke of Splits, man.
I might need a split of that Atelier…
Just shoot me an e mail Robin. 🙂
Are you doing one already? Ok, I might.
Mmm – love that Daphne. What do you think of it Carlos?
I really like it. Certainly is different than anything else in my collection.
1/month, not that bad:
-preF Diorissimo
-Un jardin sur le Nil
-Cristalle edt
thanks girls and boys for all your help for finding them
Where are you people getting your pre-reformulation Diorissimo?????
Haha, notice no one is speaking up… 😉
It does pop up on eBay…put in an automatic search.
I did better than I thought, but I did have an end of year buying spree Christmas bonus time, so that probably limited my Q1 purchases.
Officially, 3 1/2. 2 1/2 for me -FB’s of L’Artisan Drole de Rose and Les Nez The Unicorn Spell and a cute little mini of Hermes Elixer des Merveilles. Also got a great deal on a gift set of AG Mandragore to give as a gift, so I’m counting that since I spent the dough. Total damage, about $250.00 (yikes!)
No no, gifts never count!
Yes, gifts don’t count! I really need to start writing out all the rules. I mean, presumably you’d buy a gift anyway even if it wasn’t perfume, so…
Hmm, yes, I’ve traditionally done separate accounting for gifts to myself, lol. I am so generous and they don’t count!
Ha…that is some fancy accounting.
Well, hooray then, I did even better than I thought!
I bought:
Czech & Speake Cuba travel cologne -60mL
Fendi Theorema – 100mL
Narciso Rodriguez for her EDP intense -50mL
and a tiny 1/4 oz bottle of vintage Emeraude parfum.
I was given SL Muscs Koublai Khan for my birthday
that’s it!
You were virtuous.
How’s that vtg Emeraude?
I’m amazed that there’s still any out there! 🙂 I would think you would have bought it all up by now!
Oh, HA… I got to looking at my six bottles (pdt and parfum) and decided that I can’t rescue them ALL. I’m done!
Those vintage Emeraude’s are like kittens – they show up everywhere!
Not turned thankfully! I’ve only done a tiny dab once, so I need to go at it again.
Let’s see what the damage has been so far:
*Jicky EDT (yes, I’m very late to the Jicky party!)
*Vetiver by Guerlain
*Vetiver by Santa Maria Novella
*Azzaro Pour Homme
*YSL Rive Gauche Pour Homme
*Synthesized Musk perfume oil from Malin + Goetz
*Kiehl’s Musk edt
*Annick Goutal’s Hadrien Absolu
Must. Stop. Now.
Forgot one: Chanel’s Pour Monsieur (original, not the overly sweet ‘concentree’).
Oh, one can NEVER be too late to the Jicky party!
Cuir de Lancome, unsniffed, a real beauty
Nu de YSL, EDP
a mini of AA Winter Délice
No. 19 parfum, vapo de sac
Not my worst (or best) quarter. But if one compares the amount spent on high grade eyeshadows… well, that’s a different story.
Cuir is gorgeous.
I’ve been lemming that Cuir…though have never sniffed it!
I’ve never sniffed that Cuir either, but my mom bought a bottle a few months ago. I’ll be visitng her next month and can’t wait to sample it then.
No full bottles for me this quarter, but I did go a touch decant-crazy:
Olivier Durbano Black Tourmaline
MFK Cologne pour le Soir
Theo Fennell Scent
SMN Nostalgia
AG Eau de Fier
Balsamo della Mecca
SL Tubereuse Criminelle
SL Iris Silver Mist
Diorling
Except for the Black Tourmaline (20ml), they were all 5 or 10ml, so I didn’t break the bank. But why is it that 5 or 10ml is always either way too much or way too little?
On the list for this quarter are FM Bigarade Concentree and Cartier XIIIeme Heure — I’ve been waiting for money to fall from the sky like so much manna, and lo and behold, a mysterious uncle I’d never met died and left me a little chunk of moolah. Thanks for the perfume fund, Uncle X!
OMG, who did a split of Diorling??? Where was I???
Google Scent Splits. But it totally didn’t work on me — liked the beginning and end, hated the fetid-pond-water middle — so if you’re interested in 5ml minus 1 spritz, let me know!
I did not purchase even a sample of fragrance from April 2009 through October 2009. First quarter 2010, I have purchase 8 full bottles:
Amouage: Jubilation 25
Inneke: Chemcial Bonding and Balmy Days and Sundays
Diptyque: Do Son and Philosykos
Balmain: Paris
Prada: L’eau d’Ambree
Antonia’s Flowers: Sogni del Mare
I love Balmy Days and Sundays – considering a full bottle of that one. At least I can get $25 off from the sample set purchase, which makes it easier to justify!
Balmy Days and Sundays is perfect for spring/summer. 8 bottles FB are a lot, but with the exception of the Jubiliation 25, the rest were reasonably priced. (I’m trying to justify my purchases to myself!)
Well, I was bad again too.
FB’s:
Cuir de Lancome 75ml
Crown Perfumery Crown Bouquet 50ml (I love it and it’s so long-gone and HTF that I bought another bottle…)
Le Prince Jardinier Labyrinthe Libertin 100ml (this is going to be my “summer cologne”)
AG Grand Amour edt 1oz, cheap on BE
No. 19 vtg edt, slightly-used 50ml for cheeep
Jacomo Silences, another vtg slightly-used 50ml (pdt)
And an impulse TJ Maxx buy, Clarins Par Amour 1oz
(Oh, I almost forgot!): Lancome La Collection set with Magie, Climat, Sikkim and Mille et une Roses. (Sikkim was a bust but Climat was worth every penny of the entire set.)
Decants/splits/minis:
Parfum Sacre extrait, vtg Baghari, Carnal Flower, Mandragore, AG Eau du Ciel, vtg L’Air du Temps edt
It all adds up to… $352. Gulp. (I did finally take down my running autosearch on ebay for “vintage parfum,” though.)
What’s the vintage Baghari like compared to the current one?
Vtg is surprisingly skanky for about half an hour in the middle . I caused the grocery clerk to lean back from me at that point – and you know my 3-foot sillage rule. Other than that, relatively similar. Vtg is deeper in the base, of course, but it’s edc and doesn’t last more than 3 hours.
Mandragore – just got a sample, want more!!!
It’s really cheap on ebay, especially if you get the men’s bottle.
And the men’s bottle is way more fabulous anyway. I have a mini… will need more juice eventually, but love LOVE that bottle. (Refillable, too, such practical bottles!)
and now you just made me break my moratorium (maybe) by bidding on a bottle on ebay! whoops.
LOL!
Daaaiiiiissy – send Boo another stone for her enablers’ pin!
LOL —we’re a sick bunch aren’t we? I’ll meet you all out in the alley with our paper bags of sniffies…..(and then we can compare our shiny enablers pins….)
Oh, I don’t think I get the blame – er, credit – for that one. I think SuddenlyInexplicably was to blame, pointing out the almost-free pricing!
Yeah, it was me. Do I get my first stone? (Really I’ve seen such good deals on several of the Annick Goutal fragrances–cover your eyes if you’re on a moratorium–like Hadrien, Sud, all the Orientalists–that I just wanted to share.)
I haven’t even bothered checking the bay for them, since I tend to find them readily at discounters for a reasonable cost. Oh… I guess the exception being Mandragore, which I DID get there.
Of course! Daaaaiiiiissssy – a new enabler’s pin with its very first stone for Suddeninexplicably.
LOL yes indeedy, we have another enabler folks! You know, I’m rather surprised that we can all read our monitors…what with all the collective glare from our shiny stone encrusted enabler pins! 😉
Hey, suddenly, emails I have sent you about the SF Sniff have been bouncing – can you email me again to make sure I have the right thing? matadecoco2001 at hotmail dot com.
I bought myself a bottle of China White, which is so amazing. Then I got, just a few weeks ago, about 200ml of some vintage perfume that is unidentifiable but smells so pretty and woodsy. And it was cheap, as it was sans identifiers.
Love the idea of the unknown vintage perfume!
I spent too much this quarter. Here they are:
Coriolan, Guerlain
Pour un Homme de Caron
Mitsouko, Guerlain EDT
Mitsouko, Guerlain Parfum
Jicky, Guerlain
All good classic stuff you’re probably going to wear the heck out of. So you can call it an *investment*!
Thanks that is true! Actually, these are all refills except Coriolan, but you are right, they are good investments.
ahhhhh, Mitsy in parfum….so glorious!!!
Other than quite a few samples, a few decants, and a freebie mini of Calandre, here is my list:
Santa Maria Novella Ginestra (full retail)
Caron Pour Un Homme (discount)
Bond No. 9 Fire Island (good sale price)
Jean Patou Ma Liberte (from a Basenoter)
Sisley Eau de Campagne (from a Basenoter)
Micallef Gaiac (bottle split with some of you!)
I guess my total is about five and a half. Not too bad, and I’m happy!
Not too bad at all!
Mmmm, Eau de Campagne will be good to have in the summer. I either need to get a *big* decant, or take the plunge.
For what it’s worth, I don’t know if the stock was old or not, but my local Saks had a tester of EdCampagne that smelled just as good as ever, so I’m not sure if the “new” formulation has supplanted the old yummy one everywhere yet.
Not that I’ve smelled the new, reportedly very inferior, formulation though.
Gosh, I’m not even sure which formulation I have! I like it very much.
another oops! I also got a full bottle of L’Artisan La Chasse aux Papillons. I’m not changing my vote again, though!
First quarter tally:
31 Rue Cambon, 1/2 bottle split, so counted as 1, $100
Kelly Caleche EDP, FB, $47
Honore des Pres Sexy Angelic, FB, $67
Escale a Portofino, FB, $11 (supplemented with credit card miles)
Moulin Rouge, 20ml split, $33
Total: $258
Not bad! Though I did also purchase about $50+ in samples from Luckyscent, so $300 is more like it. Guess I’m averaging $100/month. Sounds really high. And even with that EaP purchase – looks like a great deal, but I bought it unsniffed, and don’t really care for it! Must try in the summer…hopefully it will grow on me…or I’ll definitely swap it away.
Like your idea of holding off on purchases, Robin. I’ve tried to focus on my current collection, and am also trying samples, of which I have loads. Learning also to avoid unsniffed purchases. I just haven’t had much luck with them…though I purchased the Moulin Rouge split unsniffed and it’s become an HG scent for me. LOVE IT.
I’m also loving Sexy Angelic. I douse myself and my clothes in it, and it seems to last longer this way than just a couple of sprays. Still soft, but delicious. I use it as a non-offensive scent whenever I have to go somewhere where I’ll be in close quarters with people – doc appt, work meeting, etc. Perfect for that, yet it’s still enough to make me happy.
And 31 RC…ahhhh…. 🙂
Oh, and a strange one that I’ve been really liking – sample of Sinfonia di Note Saveur d’Artichaut! Has anyone else tried this one? Wondering if I need a bottle…
Do give Portofino a chance in warmer weather! I like it because it’s kind of carefree, but it’s not really all that special. How would you describe Moulin Rouge?
I have a sample of Portofino I am not so patiently waiting to test now that it is warmer. I almost forgot I had it!
Has been warm enough here to wear it but it just doesn’t last on me. Two hours and poof! it’s gone. Yummy while it lasts, though.
I’m aiming for restraint as well, and not buying a FB of anything unless I really love it (I’ve done a serious cull of my FB’s) … but I do keep laying down backup bottles of my absolute favorites just in case.
Fragrancenet has little mini bottles of Theorema EDP for about $8 … think I will get a similar mini of Eau de Rochas. So much for restraint and willpower! Buying perfume is like buying antiques: “The time to buy an antique is when you see it!”
I bought two of the Theorema minis from them when they had free shipping a few weeks ago. They’re cute and the size is right for me.
I also purchased that little Theorema mini a while back and that cap was SO hard to get off the first time – I had to try several times before succeeding! The juice inside taunted me and I worried that I would never get the damn thing off! Finally did and all was right with the world again. 😉
Clarins Par Amour Toujours (Winners)
Carthusia Mediterraneo (Holt Renfrew sale)
Guerlain Vetiver Pour Elle (in Montreal — the most expensive perfume purchase ever)
New York trip:
refill of Bond no. 9 Chinatown solid perfume
Demeter Paperback, Holy Smoke, Black Pepper and Tomato for $5 apiece! Yay for the Fragrance Warehouse Outlet, where I also got for crazy prices:
mini bottle of Fragile
purse spray of Omnia for a friend
Cachet for my hairdresser, who now thinks I’m the bee’s knees
Will now take a nap…
Hey, you got some great deals to make up for the Guerlain!
Thanks Robin, needed to hear this! I’m going to take a 3 month break, and see what I can’t live without.
Yes, going to take a break, after the last batch of samples arrive — getting Rose Prailine, Bois de Violette, Novella Hay, Musgo Real Água-de-Colónia No. 2 Oak Moss, and some SSS stuff! Wee!
Hey — the break does NOT include samples! One has to live, after all.
OIY! It’s that time again….well, I’d like to preface my list with a disclaimer: only a few of the following are “all-for-me” –I’ve been having a split-fest for the last few months ….Maybe I should start the list with things I kept for me then progess to bottles where I split away all but the last 10-15ml….so those qualify as decants ? So this list really isn’t as bad as it looks.
1. OJ Tolu
2. OJ Ta’if –replacement bottle
3. Fifi Chachnil Edp
4. Prada L’eau Ambree
5. VC&A Lys Carmin
6. Mazzolari Alessandro –partial
7. Divine by Divine –30ml
8. Rosine Rose d’Homme —completely AnnS’s fault!
9. Chamade Edt (2 vintage)
10. Chamade extrait (sort of vintage)
11. the Pink Room #1
12. the Pink Room Pour Toi —terrific sale, no willpower!
13. Montale Highness Rose 40ml for me.
14. Kilian Rose Oud —the sample was sent to me and it would have been RUDE to not test it….but I did split the bottle in half.
15. SL Clair de Musk –back up bottle.
and now the bottles I split up …
Chamade Pdt
Apres l’Ondee
Bel Respiro
Chanel no22
Balsamo della Mecca
Lorenzo Villoresi Donna
Papyrus de Ciane
PG Coze
PG Un Crime Exotique
Manoumalia
HdP Moulin Rouge
Fifi Chachnil Edt
Attrape Coeur
Iris Ganache
Angelique Noire
A men Pure Coffee
A total?? Are you out of your mind? I refuse to even think about it! It’s like you all think I’m organized enough to keep a spreadsheet or something! Besides, if I added it up I’d just pass out and what good does that do anyone?
And she’s failing to mention that several of those splits were multi-bottle endeavors of the same frag. Up to, what was it for Balsamo… 7 bottles? Or just 5? 😀
LOL –Boo: you’ve split the gap —6 bottles! Let’s not even talk about the 2 or 3ml that went straight down the front of my sweater! A thousand years from now some archeologists will dig it out of an ancient landfill and say “do you all smell incense??” That’s some industrial strength stuff —on a side note: Laurie’s (SSS) new Incense reminded me a bit of BdM only Laurie’s is much more refined and “finished” smelling, dries down to a smoother, rounder incense and still has great lasting power. The Balsamo della Mecca had such a “raw-ness”, almost harshness to it….but that’s on ME.
I think I get credit for those two vintage Chamades too, he hee heee!!! 😉
well, you are certainly responsible for this 100ml oval-ish bottle with the frosted glass stopper shaped like a dome! ( I just got it out to look at—purty!) my other vintage is one of those black recharge cans…wonderful smelling but oogli to look at. You know, I’ve never smelled the current version….but this older stuff is just glorious!
Member in Good Standing of the Guerlie-Girl Club 🙂
yeah, and you sending me samples of Rose and Jasmine EVERYTHING has inspired plenty of spending and planned spending for the future…..serves you right that I dangled that Fifi in front of your very willing nostrils!
Do I get a Guerlie-Girl bedazzled badge with that membership? The old stuff sure is pretty to smell!!! Especially when it’s a vintage bargain!
😉 😉 😉
LOL –of course Ann! You are Vice-Chair and Second in Command to Rapple…..in the event that Rapple is unable to execute any of her Guerlie-Girl Commander in Chief duties….you’ll be called into service ……oh, didn’t you notice that fire-engine red phone we had installed in your den? That’s the Guerlie-Girl Emergency Hotline….
😀 Just doing my patriotic duty.
Oh I forgot to place blame….er, credit for the 2 bottles of the Pink Room squarely where it belongs —on BogsC who told me they were on sale and then went to the brick and mortar store to pick them up for me. Talk about enabling! (thank you dear, they are wonderful and so are you!)
Awww Daisy. Glad you liked the Pink Room. Always happy to enable the enabler. Most of what I’ve bought this first quarter has been splits. About 1/2 of the splits I purchased are probably from Daisy. Take a look at the bottles she bought to split and chances are I have 5-10ML of all of them now! ‘Cause she’s the splitting queen!! As far as full bottles, I bought SL’s Douce Amere, Shalimar, Habanita, Worth Courtesan, Bill Blass Nude, Joy, Feminite du Bois, Parfum Sacre and a bunch of mini bottles I’m too tired to remember (with exception of Fracas, which I’m still struggling with a bit). Also hosted my own first splits of Eau d’Italie’s Sienne L’Hiver, Bois d’Ombrie and Pink Room #1 and Pour Toi.
oh drat, I forgot something…
16. Guerlain 180 Ans –partial (Rapple has the other half!) 🙂
oh …and naturally this purchase—I blame on Rapple! She keeps sending me the most wonderfully delicious samples!
Keep right on blaming Rapple because I think you also forgot the Bois d’Armenie split! LOL!
yeah, yeah, yeah…..I’ve just been sittin here waitin for you to confess my “forgotten sins” for me……you know of course, that you are EVIL.
😉
But you love me anyway…. 😀
Of course! BTW –I got a surprise box from you today! So pretty! thank you! and Horse related too—takes me back to my growing up years spent mostly on horseback! Funny how hours on a horse was wonderful back then…..now an hour on a horse makes me wish for new hip joints and a couple new vertebrae….
Hip joint replacements were too big to fit in the Priority Mail box! lol!
oiy! a ‘flat-rate’ hip joint replacement! …..maybe I’ll just stay off horses….. 😉
Hahaha you ladies crack me up! But wait, I think I’m responsible for AnnS’s foray into Rose d’Homme (if I’m not mistaken), which means as far as RdH goes, all roads lead back to me! 🙂
Yes, if you want to start a perfume pusher pyramid scheme, your surest bets are Daisy and Ann. Don’t know how many people wound up with Mauboussin after I sent Ann a sample of that one…LOL!
Guilty as charged 😉
Ohmigosh! You’re right! —I recall Ann saying she got some from YOU! and how lovely it was etc etc until my tongue was hanging out…..and I had to have some…. So blame/credit for that one is on you! AND it was ANN who influenced me to get Mauboussin (which is fabulous) ……so that one goes back to Boo….
Which just elucidates the fact that so much of my spending can be convincingly blamed on others….
LOL! So you got yourself some RdH? Isn’t it fantastic – pitch perfect unisex, imho, and a sleeper hit for the Rosine line.
Now you’ve even convinced me to try RdH. I’m a borderline rose fan and unisex sounds possibly less sweet, which would be right up my alley.
hey Rapple –gotcha covered on the Rose d’Homme .
MJR–it IS gorgeous! definitely unisex but still quite sensual in nature. I’m considering the need for a back up bottle.
I’m also considering a backup bottle because I wear it so much! 🙂 Rapple – do let me know what you think of it! Also…wasn’t there something else you were going to try…Cabaret? Did you test it?
Now you’re really starting to worry me, Rapple…
Yes, M – all roads lead back to you – I’ve hooked up 4 different swap pals with samples from my poor dwindling decant. I must share the beauty! I’m even wearing it today b/c I got it all over myself making a sample for someone.
Ann, you are so generous! I would have hoarded the decant for myself. I assume you have a full bottle in the works? If not, I think we could arrange for another decant from my bottle (especially since I’m already angling for a back up!)
M – I still think I have enough to last me until fall, when it will definitely be on my to buy list!!! But I will keep you in mind if you end up with your back up bottle(s)! 😉
Love your List, and yes I am a fan of those Hermes.
I think your list is wonderful…as I’m sure do the rest of the folks who have benefited from the Patron Saint of Splits 😀
Hi Daisy! How are you liking the Highness Rose? Do you wear it solo or as an “enhancer” to other frags?
oooops!!! I forgot I did get some Fifi, thanks to Daisy, and the bottle is sooo…beautiful.
Most of these were the “new free” price, so they hardly count!
Lalique Encre Noir 40
DK BCashmere 3.4 40
SSS Incense Pure
EL Bronze Goddess
Caron Bellodgia 30
CDG Original 35
Gap Grass original 10
SL Filles
Theorema Esprit D’Ete 25
Olivier Durbano Rock Crystal
Diptyque Tam Dao 50
Probably some more, but I can’t remember without being in front of the Cabinet Of Horrors.
Posting next to Daisy makes me look restrained! 🙂
Go, Daisy, go!
OOOOO— you got some of the new Incense Pure —I have a sample and an FB is in my future for this fall. mmmmm…..
Oh yeah, I’m the Queen of the Unrestrained….the Queen of the Perfume Jellyfish….it’s true….I love getting boxes in the mail… 🙂
Mmmm Encre Noir…..
How does the Theorema Esprit D’Ete compare to the original, I’ve only tried the original. The Esprite D’Ete seems to be much easier to find.
Lighter on the cedar and sweeter—recognizable, but not a real substitute.
“Cabinet of Horrors” – LOL!
Crowflower – isn’t Incense Pure great?!? So happy you love it too.
I bought IP unsniffed and loved it. It is in my bike bag and it’s spritzing time!
Oh, I’ve been really naughty…
FM Lipstick Rose 10ml
Rasasi Arba Wardat (Amazingly inexpensive for how fantastic it smells)
NR Musk Collection for Her Intense
SL Daim Blond (I had a sweet coupon that day)
SL Clair de Musc (thinking of a back-up bottle and also with good coupon)
YR Fleur de Oranger (half off)
Laura Mercier Nuits Enchantees
L’Occitane Neroli (half off and both The CEO and I are addicted)
By Kilian discovery set (what fun)
Clean EDP gift set (dirt cheap on QVC’s site)
Replaced Shalimar Light
Replaced Monyette Paris
Ghost Deepest Night
4 Body Time oils (again, sweet sale)
Guerlain L’Instant EDP (got it for an awesome price and can’t stop wearing it)
And lastly, the Natori line (perfume, candle, lotion, etc.) to take on our tenth anniversary. It is definitely one of my fave purchases if only the perfume itself lasted longer.
And then there’s all the decants and samples, both bought and swapped… And of course there are now bottles via samples I’d love to split. I got a sample of OJ’s Seraphim and am positively in love. But yes, the first quarter definitely found me spent in all the good ways except for the bank account. lol
What a romantic 10th anniversary you’ve got planned! Congratulations.
Aw thanks. I wore VS’s Rapture for dinner since it was the first perfume he bought me when we were dating, what I wore for our simple wedding and what he ran out to get me for a Valentine’s Day/anniversary gift only making it back to the hospital with minutes to spare before we had our first children. So there’s a lot of scentimental value there even if I don’t reach for it often.
Natori is just so romantic and gorgeous that layering and wearing it is a really lovely experience that earned me many neck nibbles. *blushes* We tried the bed and breakfast bit and got the lovely French-themed room, and while we discovered we’re even more introverted than we thought, just snuggling sipping wine together and enjoying the atypically balmy winter night wrapped in a gentle cloud of Natori was perfect. I’m sure I’ll continue to buy it as long as it is still available for the memories as well as the beauty it is.
Oh my goodness! You literally brought a tear to my eye your story is so beautiful.
Thanks. 🙂 I remember being so annoyed when he left “to go get some dinner” as I was having contractions from hell, but when he came running back with a VS bag and put it in my arms before running off to get in scrubs for the birth, I couldn’t stop smiling. He definitely got me that time and was so worried I’d be mad at him for leaving. Now I have a beautiful Natori memory, too. I feel so fortunate to have such wonderful memories tied up in my collection. It only gets to be a problem when frags get discontinued…
I’m so sentimental. lol
Which body time oils did you get, and did you like them? (always on the lookout for more good stuff from BT).
Robin, I got more Egyptian Musk (I just can’t run out of that one; it has got to be a crime somewhere)lol, China Rain (there’s an odd creaminess at first but it goes away quickly and leaves a gorgeous green floral drydown that lasts), Grapefruit (one of the truest and most mouth-watering grapefruits I’ve tried that really perks me up and is a marithon citrus on my skin), Almond, and Pineapple and Caramel for layering possibilities. The Pineapple works well under Bahiana or some of the CSPs while the caramel is intriguing under Nuits Enchantees or any coffee-based frag. The Almond works well with Lea Extreme and Lady Evangeline, too.
I was so torn since there are so many others I wanted to try like their Civet Musk, Black Poppy and Black Rose, Gold Dust, Dark Musk and so many others… I’m sure I’ll be back again especially if they have another 25% off sale. The quality, longevity and accuracy of the oils I’ve tried is excellent. 🙂
Thank you so much! You’ve talked me into some grapefruit lotion. I have them use the green fig to scent lotion and do love it, but want something new. Wish they’d do free shipping more often.
My total was 12, but I wasn’t that extravagant. Only one was above $100, and most of them were ones I’ve been wanting for a while. The expensive one was Douce Amère, which is quickly disappearing, and my favorite of the bunch. It may seem that I’m constantly looking for the next great scent, but I’m happy with everything I’ve collected, and only regret I can only wear one or two a day. I could give up buying new ones and be perfectly happy, but since I can afford it, why not?
Totally agree — why not.
When you split a bottle, who decides who gets the actual bottle?
typically, if you host the split, you keep the bottle.
thanks!
It’s really up to the host. Most of the time the host just keeps their portion in the original bottle. The exceptions are times like when I split two or more of the same thing—then I offer a participant buying a large split the bottle if they want it (and they pay the extra shipping because a big bottle and it’s box is a lot heavier than a split atomizer.) No host is ever required to give up the bottle if they want to keep it.
When I host a (filled) split—and I’m only keeping 10ml: I usually just keep a decant and send the bottle to someone who likes bottles. I don’t have the room for stacks of mostly empty bottles.
Does that help? Oh, I should also mention that it is considered rude to ask the host if you can have the bottle unless you know them pretty well. 🙂
Thanks Daisy – I have been wondering how that works.
I’ve never hosted a split, so this was useful info for me, too. Thanks!
Reading through the lists is like a ‘whodunit’ — I can’t believe all the stuff I want to buy and ‘who’ will be next? I’ve been good this year, only one fb of Bal A Versailles and that is because it’s memory in a bottle for me. But as to samples….well, at least it’s not like the first year where I went crazy. Every time I think I have enough to last forever greed rears its ugly head and I start craving. I’ve been on a Chanel binge and Sycomore is divine, not to mention Coromandel. But until I decide who owns my heart I shall remain without a fb. I will humbly accept anything anyone throws my way, esp if it’s Mangradore.
well, I happen to have some extra Mandragore if you are suffering from the lack of some….
Daisy, you are truly the Queen of All Enablers. I’ve packed a small valise. I think you need to be relieved of your duties asap. I will bring my nanny, butler, chef and driver to ensure that you relax while I take over. If you have any requests for food, liquor or other sundries, other than perfume, please let me know, otherwise I shall be on my way.
do any foot massages come with this vacation plan? just asking……
Forget the foot massages – after all of the splitting you need a HAND massage! lol!
I used to do hand massages for musician friends. Hand massages.
but if my hands are being massaged, how ever will I get the bon-bons to my mouth??
I showed remarkable self-restraint, and bought only 2 bottles last quarter: an 8ml decant of Farnesiana parfum, and Femme Jolie from Sonoma Scent Studios. Who knows if my restraint will last though? I think I smell some Paloma Picasso in my future…
Paloma Picasso turns up at Marshall’s regularly, though not constantly. Try TJ Maxx too; it’s the same company.
Thanks for the tip, I’ll check it out! I’m suspicious of the really cheap bottles I see on eBay, and worry that they’re knockoffs.
I’ve only once had an encounter with a knock-off, and it was a line that apparently is well known (just not to me at the time) to have a big problem with knock-offs (Creed). Everything else has been good.
I had *no idea* what I bought this quarter & that freaked me out. So, totaling up two bottles is a real relief:
Vintage Guerlain Mitsouko EDT
Guerlain Chamade EDP
Whistling idly, gazing off, cannot hear anyone asking about decants or splits or lotions… I do think I’m regaining self-control (which is, of course, overrated in our culture).
LOL at “overrated in our culture”…but hey, you did great!
Here is the damage for Q1
Splits:
SL Tuberose Criminelle
Caron Tabac Blond extrait
Caron Parfum Sacre extrait
OJ Tiare
Chanel Bel Respiro
Chanel 28 La Pausa
Chanel Sycomore
Chanel N18
Amouage Lyric W
PdN Sacrebleu
Laurent Dumont Lychee Mousse
L’Heure Bleue EDC vintage
LA Havanna Vanille
Cruel Gardenia
FB (half price on ebay)
Prada L’eau ambree
Chanel N5 Eau Premiere
And a couple of samples, but I did not even include them in the total of $450. I have to say I was a bit surprised when I added it all up. I should really be a bit more careful. That being said, I am already participating in a DelRae split and I am begging for some Le Maroc pour Elle split leftovers.
But you got some wonderful things…imagine a world without bottle splits!
I just casually mentioned my total quarterly spending to my husband. He concluded that my ‘hobby’ will run me about $1800 per year. It sounds aweful when you put it like that.
Ah, go easy on youself, it’s still cheaper than a motorcycle. Which is what my hubby would spend money on. 😉
I found that giving up about 2/3rds of my chocolate habit slimmed me down just a tad and freed up fragrance funds! Just go ahead and add up how much you spend on gourmet chocolate, wine, good coffee, etc etc all year, and then you’ll see. I calculated that I used to spend about $600 on chocolate every year! The horror! The fat! There is always a place to find money you don’t *really* need to spend somewhere else to keep up your fragrance habit. I think Daisy and Joe are wearing burlap these days, lol.
Laugh if you will, but my husband and I get allowances. Each paycheck, a certain amount is transferred into a separate checking account we each have just for “play” money. All unnecessary stuff comes out of it, so I can choose to spend it on perfume, or chocolate, or books, or save it all up and take a trip…and he can’t say a word (and vice versa). It works great (except that I always have 2 transactions at Target…”ours” and “mine”).
Hey, I am a rank amateur compared to Daisy. Not that I’m not wearing burlap (or the warm-weather equivalent: cotton floursack).
If memory serves me, I have purchased three FBs for a total of approx $130 (one was a purchase + swap deal). They are: Escale a Portofino, Cashmere Mist and a AG Musc Nomade. Oh and Shaal Nur body milk (does that count?)
However, I have totally caught the split bug! I can’t recall what kind/devious soul posted the link the the Scent Splits Google Group, but it has changed my game significantly.
Splits this quarter include: Ormonde Frangipani, Carnal Flower, AG Ninfeo & Mandragore Pourpre, Iris Nobile EDP, Different Company Bois d’Iris & Osmanthus.
I’m wearing the Musc Nomade today and it just might be my holy grail scent for work.
Oh, and splits of Diorling and Iris Silver Mist that just arrived!
Oh happy day!
I don’t count body products. And I want some Shaal Nur body milk!!
One of the discounters…Rei Rien, maybe? Or was it BE? One of those has had it recently at a good price.
Aha, thanks much! Or not, LOL…
How is the Musc Nomade at work?
Musc Nomade is just what I was looking for for the office. Something that stays close to the skin, but still has decent lasting power. Something that’s quiet and inoffensive but not boring or pedestrian. It has a subtle complexity and quiet sensuality that’s more for the wearer than anyone but those at very close range. For me it is like listening to my favorite tunes on my iPod when I’m working. I can enjoy what I love without infringing on my co-workers. I think it’s a great going to bed scent too. But I’ll have to choose one or the other or risk more insomnia 😉
For me six bottles — which sounds like a lot, but they’re all minis.
I did a big Yves Rocher order and got tiny amounts of Iris Noir (lovely), Rose Absolue (pretty and easy to wear), Voile d’Ambre (too sweet and candyish for me), Comme Une Evidence (smells cheap), and Souffle/Breath (also smells cheap, but still knd of nice in hot weather). And they included some skincare and perfume samples, but they’re those stupid little plastic envelopes and perfume-soaked towlettes, so not actually usable.
And in a little perfume store, I found a lone mini of L’Heure Bleue — for $10! So I got that and they also threw in a bunch of carded samples.
Total expenditure: $35.
You deserve a prize for most different scents for the lowest price!
I’m choosing not to try very hard to make a full inventory of what I bought this quarter. I think it might be in Daisy territory, but I’m not hosting any splits right now. I’ll just say that I’m waiting on packages via FedEx and UPS today and my newfound love of rose fragrances hit me pretty hard the last month or so. If Rapple is in charge of the Guerlie Girl hotline, who do I call for wallet ICU?
ARG! there’s no help for that! You just have to do your best to resuscitate the wallet on your own….oh don’t worry, your wallet may lay there completely unresponsive for a while but at least that annoying crying and moaning has stopped. 😉
Robin maybe? Otherwise, I’d say it’s the blind leading the blind. 🙂
HA. Yes, please everybody send their wallets to me. That would work. Very well.
Must we report every 3 months?
This is getting embarrassing… I’ve bought more than I did in a long time: Kisu, Un Crime Exotique, Seve Exquise (that was a decant, but still), and 1000 de Patou. I have a feeling I’m forgetting something… So I ticked the 5-9 box just in case.
But think how cathartic it is. And once we confess our sins, then the slate is wiped clean and we’re free to go out and buy some more! 😀
Think of how much more embarrassing it would be if we reported once a year!
HA! unfortunately, Robin…..they’re all EMPTY!
Rappleyea,
You are so right. That’s probably what’s been going on through our heads subconsciously all along. As long as we overlook the fiscal damage I think we’ll be ok (though not our banks).
OH BOY!
I should delete this for you, ‘cept I kind of like it.
I kind of like it too. It sums up my state of mind at the end of every quarter. 😀
A good and succinct, “Nuff Said”!
when I first saw it….and the “rest of your comment” hadn’t shown up yet—I couldn’t decide if it was an expression of excitement or distress….so I was sitting here saying it with different intonations to see which worked better…..frankly: they both worked !! LOL
I only bought a few minis and decants this quarter because they’re easier to travel with. When we head north (or south) it’s too hard to decide who gets left behind when full bottles are involved. They lose out as there just isn’t room for them and the cat with his gear.
Theorema
Eau de Cartier
Jil Sander No. 4
Note Vanillee (Micallef)
Mon Parfum (Micallef)
I am waiting for the day when the world finally runs out of Theorema. Actually, it’s sort of amazing how long it takes to sell all the stock after something is discontinued.
I bought it unsniffed because of the love it gets here! Don’t do that too often but for a mini, what the heck. As someone mentioned above, it’s almost like buying a lottery ticket except that in this case I actually won!
Hmm.. that was weird. Accident. Anyway…
OH BOY! I’ve been super busy at work, so late commenting:
Total bottles: about 9, but a lot of decants made me choose 10+. However, all the bottles were at least partially split, so the math is fuzzy.
Dollar total? I’m not even going there, but I started an accounting spreadsheet and plan to enter every single purchase for at least the coming quarter. And here are the details:
BOTTLES (every single one of these I split some or most of):
EL Brasil Dream for Him
Grossmith Shem-el-Nessim
Diptyque Eau Lente
SL Miel de Bois
Micallef Gaïac
Mona di Orio Amyitis
Infusion Organique Buddha’s Fig
Rochas Femme vintage EdC
F. Malle Musc Ravageur
DECANTS– too many for a complete list, but the major ones included:
Dzongkha (replacement)
PG Cuir Venenum
Guerlain Tonka Imperiale
FM Carnal Flower
Chanel Beige
Chanel No. 18
PG Aomassaï
SL Cuir Mauresque
Le Labo Poivre 23
Chanel No. 19 parfum
Tauer Le Maroc Pour Elle
AG Ninfeo Mio
Love that Shem el Nessim, even though I never spell it right, lol!!
funny how I helped ease a little of that perfume responsibility off your shoulders (or wallet) and yet none of the decants showed up on my list……but then; I am very forgetful…. 😉
Three bottles for me
:Il Profumo Vanille Bourbon- to replace my previous vanilla which was used up and I have to have a vanilla!
Lanvin Arpege- from a discounter so not too expensive.
Bill Blass Nude- also not too expensive.
All up about $AUD 240. Could be better ,could be worse I guess…
Could be way worse!
Hey Robin, longtime lurker and first time commenter. I love your site and all its contributors, you guys are fabulous and have been very helpful to me! Thank you so much. 🙂
I started this little exercise about a half hour ago and was shocked to see my spending so far this year! Especially since falling down the vintage rabbit hole this past quarter.:-( It is too embarrassing to list and I am going to take your advice and cleanse my palate for the next 3 months (I promise, really!). 🙂
But boy did I receive a lovely surprise today … I’m over the moon! On evil bay I had bid on an unopened, wrapped (with Lanvin paper, seals and red ribbon) box of Arpege. I couldn’t find information on the Number on the bottom of the box — the seller advised me that all it said was 2 fl oz after a number. I was hoping it would be extrait but would have been OK with Eau d’Arpege. (I’ve been on a vintage Arpege/My Sin kick lately… tee hee!). Well, after carefully unwrapping the box and then 2 more boxes and tissue paper wrapping the presentation box, I discover the baudruchage intact, raspberry petaled stopper cap, metallic gold tassled ribbon around the neck of a boule noire vintage Arpege! And it smells divine! I have no idea if this is more valuable than the rectangular extrait bottles or not but it is so beautiful. What a happy way to start my self-imposed moratorium. 🙂
Wow, Connie! What a fabulous purchase! Enjoy!
Thank you, Rappleyea. You don’t know the half of it. I think it was meant to be mine. About a week after I lost to a higher bidder on this item I was offered a 2nd chance sale (highest bidder went awol) but I had already bid on and paid for others. She understood and was very nice and went ahead and re-listed the item. In the meantime, the other seller I had won from did not respond or ship. On a whim, I decide to contact her to see if she had sold it since my seller was awol, too … she says the second time she sells it the buyer goes missing again so she said ” IT IS YOURS! It is meant to be yours.” We agreed to a time on a buy-it-now and she was happy that I was the one to finally get it. I never knew it was the boule noire! I’ve since received the other vintage extrait but it is the rectangular glass bottle one. Some things are meant to be, I guess … and it was a steal! I wish you a lovely evening!
Great story, and I think you’re right – it WAS meant to be yours! Enjoy!
Thanks, Aparatchick (love your name!) I AM currently enjoying it and smelling so wonderful I may ask myself out on a date (since no one else appears to be asking). :-))
Connie – your story just gets better and better. I LOVE that kind of synchronicity.
Welcome Connie, and thanks for the nice words!
And ditto — what a lovely purchase, congrats. So nice when it works out better than you expect.
Thanks for the welcome, Robin. Yes, it did work out much better than expected and it doesn’t always, that’s true. I think we’ve all had those experiences. Have a wonderful eve!
Welcome, Connie. Great purchase and definitely meant for you!!!
Thank you, Meadowbliss … perfume people are so welcoming. Well, that’s my story (meant to be mine) and I’m sticking to it!
Hi Connie! Thank you for sharing your story of that little treasure that’s definitely meant to be yours! 😉
Connie – Welcome! And what a way to start – with a bang! You’re so very lucky. I’ve wanted one of those black orbed stopper bottles for a long time. They really are hard to come by. Arpege is very lovely, so congratulations to you.
Only 1 for me but an expensive one though, after using up my second decant of l’artisans fleur d’oranger I snapped and bought a full bottle. Its worth it but used up all my perfume budget for a while!
ooohhh niiiiiiice…..but what a way for your budget to go! Lucky, lucky.
Gorgeous bottle, too…I’m jealous.
Oh yes – and perfect time of year for it too. Nice.
I haven’t bought anything but tiny samples for two years! I have been so good! (presents doesn’t count :P)
I’m trying to finish some bottles before buying new perfumes. ELDO Nombril Immense is on top of my list now.
Oh my, good for you!
Okay I kicked off the year with En Passant and Rossy de Palma, followed closely by Attrape Couer (oh oh oh), then I had to get another bottle of L Heure Bleue parfum (current, and lovely), then a “Y” vintage, a Replique (the first ‘fume I ever smelled), a little Ambre Narguile. Then Spiriteuse DV, vintage Cabochard, and to finish January, the stunning Isabey Fleur Nocturne, and the glorious Mythique.
Anyway I wont go into Feb, and March! I slowed down, a bit…and forced myself to get decants… and to sample…
Now I’ve discovered That Group, maybe will save me from running out of full-bottle space in my wardrobe!
A couple of weeks ago I gave into..I think it is the gambling instinct!…unsampled buys of Armani Ambre Soie and Alahine, both absolutely beautiful (thanks to all your expertise I’m getting better)
I bought Dzongha for Autumn, then suddenly was overcome by the need for green, got a little parfum of Vent Vert, followed by a hopefully 1990 EDP on its way, to be followed by what I think may be the Cellier version of parfum.
My daughter got Iris Ganache in Sydney for me last week.
Then a couple of days ago I was being good and put in a sample order for greens at TPC.
But then went ahead and ordered Yohji and Silences from a great Aussie etailer before the samples even left USA.
I’ve got Cristalle au Verte coming for hopefully my first split…
Yesterday my Soivohle kit arrived. Alessandro should be winging its way from Germany, along with samples of the Indult line.
And I just know I’m agunna fall hard for Tihota…
Yep, tragic.
However, I justify it because I don’t buy clothes and makeup with the mad zeal of my younger days, and…
what the hell, you only live once!
I’ve been thinking about getting a decant of Cristalle Eau Verte – I’ll look for it in That Group!
yep, the ‘fume will be here pronto from Strawberry, but the bottles from AFF will be slower – I’m guessing probably a couple of weeks…
Isn’t Alahine wonderful? I’m wearing it now. Ditto for vintage Cabochard and Ambre Narguile. I’m hesitant about the Mythique-is that the one with the peachy essence? I need to smell the Attrape Couer. Sounds as if you’ve done quite nicely over there.
Mythique – a particularly plush rich yet subtle dryish iris, super high quality, its one of my four iris holies since I added Dzongha…the others being Iris Silver Mist and Iris Ganache.
Mind you a year ago I was – what the heck is iris??!!!
I think the joy of discovery, the learning curve, then the downright sensuousness is what makes perfumism so darn addictive!
Here I am forgetting Apres L Ondee….
Forget Apres l’Ondee? Is that possible?
I wore it for Easter. It went well with a green linen dress and an altar full of lilies.
Love Alahine!
ahhhh, Alahine —very good stuff…..did I remember to blame Mals for that one? Well, yes–my Alahine purchase was completely due to Mals’s poetic love affair with it…….Whew, another purchase that wasn’t my fault…. 😉
Hi Winifrieda! Which etailer do you use in Australia? I’m new to all of this and would be interested in a recommendation.
PS I’m totally jealous of your collection- mine consists of about 5 bottles and some samples at the moment but I’m heading down to Melbourne next weekend and will check out Peony, the boutique perfumery which looks great!
dear god. i refuse to total up the amount of money i spent this quarter because it will simply make me cry. but i’ll see if i can tackle the rest of it.
FB/Splits I hosted (Right now I like hosting splits of perfumes that I personally want a lot of (btw 30-100ml), which therefore counts as a FB in my book:
Kelly Caleche EDP mini
Bill Blass Nude
Chloe original
H&M by Comme des Garcons (evil bay score!)
Grès Cabaret
Hermès Eau de Pamplemousse Rose
Atelier Trèfle Pur
Bois 1920 Sutra Ylang
Rosine Rose d’Homme
Chanel No. 5 Eau Première
Voyage d’Hermes (small bottle, kept 15ml)
Splits/decants…oh geez I started to type these up and I just can’t do it. At least 30 splits this quarter. The big ones are:
Amouage Epic Woman & Jubilation XXV
Angel Liqueur & Pure Malt & Pure Coffee
Bois 1920 Vetiver Ambrato (2 splits!)
CDG Daphne
Creed Windsor
Ineke Field Notes
Chanel LEs (Beige, No. 18, No. 22, Cuir de Russie)
Chanel No. 19 Pure Parfum
Guerlain Après l’Ondee & Sous le Vent & Angelique Noire & L’Heure Bleue
SL Fumerie Turque & Feminite du Bois
Fendi Theorema
and so on and so forth…
Um yeah. You get the picture… 🙁
A very impressive list! And I appreciate the fact that you’re making *that* campus smell so good! 😉
haha! yeah but it seems like nobody ever notices how amazing i smell! 😉
and i think i just put myself on notice for a moratorium…starting uh…next week. 🙂 And I also realized that I forgot that I also hosted a bottle of PdN Le Temps d’Une Fete…wow it just keeps getting worse.
Wascally Wabbit!!
More than the amount of perfume I’ve acquired this quarter, I’m most shocked by how many splits I hosted (7), all in one month!! Now I know I have an illness!
Oh come on… it’s fun! 😀 If I didn’t have children to deal with, I’d probably do more.
How did this happen? I swore after last quarters 10 bottle extravaganza that I would not take my credit card out on so many field trips. It’s that Perfume Shoppe I tell ya! I should be ordered to live farther away from it.
I purchased 9 bottles this quarter:
SL Un Lys
L’A Bois Farine
PG Musc Maori
Montale Roses Musk
Gucce L’arte di Gucci
Ines de la Fressange
Kai perfume oil
Cartier Eau de Cartier – but purchased with Shoppers Optimum Points
Rossy de Palma – also purchased with Shoppers Optimum Points (yes I spend a lot of money at Shoppers!)
And for decants – it’s even worse! That Group! That terrible, wonderful Group! That is all I’m going to say.
I think I’m going to try this moratorium idea. After all, my shoe collection is feeling unappreciated 😉
Wuuut? Eau de Cartier at Shopper’s Drugmart you say? Cashing in Optimum points you say??
*drops laptop and runs for the door hoping to get there before it closes at 11…*
You got a lot of great stuff! Bois Farine is my SOTD. 🙂
OOOO–you scored a bottle of L’Arte di Gucci –clever girl! That must have taken some digging….it is very hard to find (unless you are willing to sell a kidney)
I was sooo excited to get a bottle of L’Arte! I love it! I do try to avoid falling for anything discontinued but you know how that goes.
Just the one, really, by my personal form of accounting. I bought a bottle of Incense Rose. Samples don’t count, as long as I spend less on them than my husband spends on coffee. A decant is really just a big sample. I may be forgetting a bottle, but if I don’t remember, it certainly can’t count, can it? I don’t need to speak of this Fall’s Festival of Full Bottles, because thank God I missed the previous inventory.
LOL at “by my personal form of accounting”. Works for me!
This is kind of terrifying, actually …
Acquired through gift or swap:
Caron Parfum Sacre 15 ml
Chanel Coromandel 5 ml
Hermes Un Jardin Sur Le Nil 10 ml
Blvgari Black 5ml swap
EL Brasil Dream (for him) 10ml
Chloe Chloe (vintage parfum) 7.5ml gift
Dior Dune (vintage edp) 30ml gift
Guerlain Shalimar (vintage pdt) 7.5ml gift
Avon In Bloom 50ml gift
Hermes Eau des Merveilles 50ml
Decants:
Bvlgari Jasmin Noir 10 ml
Chanel Coromandel 20ml
Lutens Iris Silver Mist 5ml
Piguet Baghari EDC Vintage 15ml
Chanel 28 La Pausa 20ml
Chanel Bel Respiro 20ml
Chanel No. 5 Extrait Vintage 5ml
Malle Angeliques Sous La Pluie 10ml
Malle Le Parfum de Therese 10ml
Guerlain Philtre d’Amour 20ml
Guerlain Derby 10ml
Guerlain Tonka Imperial 10ml
Guerlain 180 Ans de Creations 10ml
Le Labo Tuberoeuse 40 10ml
Chanel No. 18 20ml
Chanel Beige 20ml
Goutal Ninfeo Mio 15ml
Full-bottles – only Bronze Goddess bought at retail. Decants above 30ml counted as FBs
Chanel No. 5 Eau Premiere 150ml
Chanel Coco edp 30ml
Chanel No. 5 edp 30ml
Chanel Cristalle edp 30ml
Halle Pure Orchid 15ml
Lauder Bronze Goddess 100ml
OJ OJ Woman 10ml
Hermes Pamplemousse Rose 50ml
Goutal Un Matin d’Orage 50ml
Karan Gold 50ml
Guerlain Meteorites 30ml
OJ Tolu 10ml
Le Labo Fleur d’Oranger 27 30ml (backup)
Chanel No. 19
I have some other stuff in the works, but it hasn’t been paid for or received, so umm… that will go on next quarter.
That’s some fine work Cynthia! I love your choices.
Just think how much you saved by not getting FBs of all of these 🙂 It’s a bargain really…
That’s what I keep trying to tell my husband – I’m *saving* us money, lol. I wish that I could “blame” Daisy for my extravagance, but I really just have no restraint whatsoever. I keep saying that I’m going on a buying moratorium, but then a new split comes up and that goes out the window.
Someday, I’m either going to run out of space to store everything or I’ll just have to settle down with what I have. That’s the problem with sampling – I’m way behind on testing my samples, but to catch up, I have to not wear the stuff that I already have. Sigh.
Ditto. And you reminded me that a couple of my splits were swaps, and therefore shouldn’t really have counted. 😉
I think I just calculated that I have about 150 years worth of fragrance. I need to step up my wearing habits or sell some off! That really puts the light on collecting for sure. Decants look better and better all the time as Boo says.
Cynthia, What do you think of the Meteorites? I read somewhere that it is along the same lines as Balenciaga Paris (which I haven’t smelled either), but the Meterorites is cheap cheap at the discounters.
I haven’t really been thrilled with it – I think that maybe I just don’t like violet. I’ll have to give it another few samplings, but it might be going on the swap list….
Thanks for the heads up.
Ditto. It’s a very, very powdery violet, so if that sounds like your thing, and you tend to like Guerlains, you’d probably like it. What ever possessed me (when I don’t like Guerlain OR powder) to buy it…
I love Guerlain and can enjoy some powder – but I haven’t liked a single violet scent yet.
wooohooo! your list is longer than my list, your list is longer than my list! (you have to sing it for the full effect…) I just wanted to say: your list is longer than my list! And so many fabulous selections (except for that yucky B2B) 😉
which I don’t see on the list …..was that last quarter? hmm still icky.
Now Cruel Intentions—I could get behind some of that….
sigh – that was part of last quarter’s disaster.
And I might have a longer list – but none of mine were multiple bottle, international purchases. Just saying. 😉
Love that List!!!!!
I’m intrigued by Hermes Pamplemousse Rose – are you enjoying it (well that’s a dumb question as you purchased a bottle)
Ooh… I love it – I finally found a grapefruit that I could love. Most of them turn straight to the dread eau d’cat pee, but the Hermes is just yummy. Only downside is that it doesn’t last all day – I’m going to try spritzing my clothes to see if that helps.
This has been a bad quarter for me. I put it down to stress / attempts to self medicate with fragrance! My poor husband is totally bewildered (he buys food instead!).
So:
LAP – Verte Violette (15ml) – $25
Comptoir sud Pacifique – Coeur de Raisin – $25
Anne Klein – Blazer (30ml) $24.50
Guerlain – Precious Heart $40 which I regret
Guerlain – Mitsouko $25
SL – Rousse $150 but two arrived!! I wondered if I should be good and honest and return one but decided to let myself be spoilt. I can easily use up two. Love the stuff. I’m a bad person 🙁
DKNY – Gold Sparkling $60 to add to my hoard of Gold
So about $350NZD but then I went mad with samples…
Tauer sample set
Ormonde Jayne sample set
TDC miniature set (the shipping was more than the product! Ouch!!)
Far too many TPC samples
I know samples etc are not meant to count here but our finances are certainly suffering for it all. And April is so far not going any better: I’ve already spent half my monthly budget for all personal expenses and it’s all gone on perfume. But at least the self medicating helps!
What’s the Anne Klein like? I’ve only just noticed that she produced perfume (no more?). I had an AK watch once; very elegant.
It smells green and full of stems to me but is surprisingly soft. I didn’t think I’d like it as much as I do. It seems very weak though, I have no idea what the concentration is but it seems hard to over do it from the splash bottle.
self-medicating with perfume- I love it! Now if only we could get a legitimate prescription for same. “You are definitely having some anxiety. I’m going to go ahead and write you a prescription for some Attrape Couer.”
Oh, there’s no harm in self-prescribing, is there?
“Take two spritzes of Parfum Sacre and get some rest.”
EL Youth Dew
EL White Linen Pink Coral
Obsession Night
Burberry Brit
Not bad at all! I am not a huge Youth Dew fan but dying to have one of those blue bottles.
I’ve been a busy bee! I started shopping for vintage perfumes on ebay only about six months ago and have been making up for lost time, although I have slowed down recently after snagging many wonderful things. In other words, I basically have no idea how many vintage bottles I bought this quarter!
I also bought a number of travel size bottles of FMs and Hermes on ebay.
In terms of new FBs, I think it was only Ineke’s Field Notes from Paris and Andy Tauer’s Une Rose Chypree. I also bought the By Killian sample set. I am seriously lemming an FB of Beyond Love, but I’ve also sampled BK Pure Oudh and Rose Oudh so I’m paralyzed between olfactory lust and horror at the prices. Must. Find. Splits. I’m also trying to hold out until I can also sample the new Duchaufour orange blossom and tuberose scents, not to mention the ELdO Tilda Swinton.
I got a split of Mecca Balsam, thanks to our beloved Empress of Enabling, which I adore. I may ultimately require an FB of that. I also ordered dozens of samples, mainly ones recommended by NST commenters (thanks to all!). Still need to sample SSS and Liz Zorn.
Nozknoz – I have a bunch of Liz Zorn samples, which I would be happy to pass on once I sniff. If you’d like them, email me at rappleyea11 at yahoo dot com.
Rapple, thank you, I’ll contact you!
I wasn’t as good this quarter-I found a couple of vintage fragrances on evil bay.
My quarter 1 total was $690.
Purchases were: TF Oud Wood (split), SSS Champagne de Bois, SSS Femme Jolie, Shiseido Feminite du Bois in extrait, Feminite du Bois in EDP, Vintage Hermes Amazone edt and extrait, TF Moss Breches, SL Borneo 1834.
I spent more than I wanted to, but several were frags I knew would be hard to find, esp the Feminite du Bois in extrait, and the Femme Jolie was a repurchase, I totally fell in love with it.
Oooh – some real nice ones there Smokey!
Thanks! I made the mistake of falling for the Tom Ford Private Blends…..
Already in Q2 I’ve purchased TF Noir de Noir and Moss Breches.
There is something that just agrees with my skin chemistry-love his stuff….. not crazy about the musk series though.
ooo – you listed Moss Breches for Q1, so does that mean you bought something else or were a better girl so far this Q than you thought?
Oh, wow… but you did get some great stuff, and some of it was chance-of-a-lifetime.
I would be sooo much better if I didn’t keep falling for discontinued.
Mals-I totally love the FdB perfume bottle too. I’ve wanted to have that for my bottle collection for a while now…..
Chamade is my big discovery this quarter and I got a nearly full 30mls of vintage EDT for about $20 (Australian), and also new FB of the EDP from a discounter.
Apart from that I got a little clutch of minis, including a few mls of Aromatics Elixir which I’m loving. My best bargain was a partly used mini of vintage Miss Dior (one of those big minis they used to produce) for 50c in an ‘antique’ (junk) shop.
The vintage Chamade is the treasure of my collection now. How did I live without it?
Congrats, that’s a great vintage find!
Lancome Chrysalide, bought unsniffed from ebay. But it went for cheap and the scent is pretty good, so no regrets. It’s more of a collection piece anyways, as it was a one-time limited edition more than 10 years ago.
I don’t know that one, but love the name! Hope the bottle is gorgeous.
No, actually the bottle is really simple:)
The new Balenciaga Paris. It smells awesome on me.
Oh good, nice choice!
I snagged a Shiseido White Rose on Ebay for less than $300. It is lovely.
Congrats, that’s hard to find!
I can only remember four…
JAR Golconda (24th Anniversary Edition)
JAR Jardenia
PG Papyrus de Ciane
Amouage Badir al Badour
Two JARS! Congratulations. I’m almost scared to try them…
I couldn’t do this from memory from the office yesterday but I was thinking, maybe 3 or 4… and boy was I off. I think I must have hypnotized myself to believe that ebay doesn’t count…. On the bright side, I got a few rarities I absolutely love, like Vacances, Rumeur extrait and PS extrait, so as part of my justifying exercise, these should come out of this quarter and go under “purchases of a lifetime…! ” Ok, here goes…
Divine edp
Lanvin Rumeur extrait (vintage)
Lanvin Pretexte edp & extrait (vintage)
Lanvin My Sin extrait (vintage)
Mitsouko extrait
Lyric Woman travel set
Rosine Rosa Flamenca
Attrape-Coeur
Patou Vacances
Patou Moment Supreme
SL Iris Silver Mist
Diorling
KM Loukhoum eau Poudree
Caron Parfum Sacre extrait
Caron Tabac Blond extrait
Plus loads of those money-saving decants!
Gosh, if ebay didn’t count, my spending would be WAAAY down! And you’re right, AMEN on decants. I snagged some PS extrait too, and just smelled Vacances recently – both are so beautiful.
I have been on diet except the gift from my freind, AMARANTHINE which I am really happy about, and I swapped a bottle of Chanel Allure Sensuelle which is surprisingly pleasant and nice on my skin.
I am still lemming the usual Hermès stuff, but I discover the mainstreamer from Chanel… not bad! I can get them alos a tiny bit cheaper.
Lack of money for this year has cut my perfume budget; also a lack of something really special. And re-buying stuff is simply no fun!
Nice gift, congrats!
Hello, everyone!
I’m new to perfume (shame on me). In January 2010 I felt like I needed a perfume (didn’t happen to me before) and I tried 2 Man from CdG and I couldn’t believe that a perfume can play with my senses like this and now I’m crazy about perfume and it makes me so happy.
So this is what a total newbie got since January. Please don’t judge too hard, I’m still learning and where I live it’s not easy to get all the interesting niche brands 🙂
CdG 2 Man (love it!)
Paloma Picasso (vintage)
Kelly Caleche Hermes
AG Mandragore
Hermes Eau des Merveilles (I use it for the bed sheets because I don’t like it on me anymore)
PG 13 Brulure de Rose
LouLou Cacharel (vintage)
Daphne CdG
And I got a lot of samples but need time to smell them.
For me, this is just the beginning. Probably I’ll go bankrupt this year.
Did I mention how happy I am?
Thank you for this blog!
Welcome, Rosa! And no, not “shame on you” – many of us, including me, are relatively new (within the last few years) to this interest. Glad you’re here and commenting, and you’ve got some wonderful stuff.
Thank you very much!
You are off to a really great start – nice collection!
And welcome!
Thank you, I can’t wait to discover more!
Hi and welcome! And hey, your taste as a newbie is WAY better than mine was!
“If I don’t remember it, it doesn’t count” – I am loving your logic!!
None, but I got two bottles for my birthday: Joop Le Bain and Havanna Vanille from L’Artisan.
Nice, lucky you!
Very late to this party!
I split a bottle of TF Oud Wood, but it was with Christmas cash, so doesn’t count.
I did buy 200 mls of LeLabo Rose 31 ($200) and fell for the Bill Blass Nude ($10). Bought one of the Smell Bents ($20). Otherwise, no TJ Maxx or Ross finds or anything else. I am saving up for the SF Sniff, and plan to go as crazy as possible! lol
Staying out of TJMaxx and Ross is probably a good thing – for every one true find that I get from there (Tocade), I end up with 2 – 3 things that I really don’t care for (LL Forbidden Flower, Nanette Lepore). Then comes the inevitable wringing of hands and thinking about the lovely decants I could have bought for the same money.
You found Nanette Lapore? I tested that recently and was rather intrigued. I’ll have to keep an eye out.
It’s not the new Nanette by Nanette Lepore – I have both the Shanghai Butterfly and the original 2004 Nanette Lepore in the pink bottle with the floral pattern on it (I actually have the whole gift set of that one).
Neither one of them really work for me – I think that they might have a common base that doesn’t agree with me. I’m certainly open to swapping them if you’re interested. I’m historyguru on MUA or you can email me at historyguru at hotmail dot com.
very late for this, but thanks Robin for the new expression, I’ve been cleansing my palate too… 🙂 many disappointing samples and / or new releases, no full bottles, but happily enjoying what I have already, with 31 rC. as my default setting.
ps: one sample makes me quite happy, I’ve discovered “beyond love” thanks to you NST-tubey-fans: – it’s on my wish list, but I’m waiting to try HdP and AP tuberoses first