New at escentual (UK): Guerlain Lys Soleia.
New at first-in-fragrance (Germany): Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud.
New at luckyscent: Parfumerie Generale Corps et Ames 2012.
New at selfridges (UK): Armani Prive Nacre.
Cabris and Art et Parfum ~ part one
For a perfume lover, Grasse is Mecca. For a lover of Rochas Femme and the classic Diors, Art et Parfum in nearby Cabris is its Kaaba. Earlier this week, Denyse from Grain de Musc and I spent an idyllic day at Sainte Blanche, home of Art et Parfum and the estate of the late Edmond Roudnitska and now his son, nose Michel Roudnitska.
Before visiting Cabris, my visions of the hills rising off the Côte d’Azur came from To Catch a Thief. I didn’t see roadsters with gloved Grace Kellys and neckerchief-sporting Cary Grants, but the Grassois hillside was almost Disney-perfect. The view from our hotel encompassed clipped olive trees, cypresses, and red tile roofs rolling down to the Mediterranean miles in the distance. Flirtatious cats lounged everywhere. At night, frogs sang.
Sainte Blanche occupies a stretch of steep hillside just off one of the small, winding roads leading from Cabris. After Denyse leapt from the car and said something into an intercom, and the gates to the estate slowly swung open. I eased the rented Twingo down a narrow driveway and around to the rear of one of the two large, white stucco houses. One of the houses is Art et Parfum’s offices and laboratories, and the other is Michel Roudnitska’s private residence…
Online fragrance shopping
Deal at fresh: get free 2nd day shipping and an oval soap with any $100 order using coupon code MOM2, expiration date unknown.
New at luckyscent: Xerjoff Oud Stars Discovery set.
New at selfridges (UK): Jo Malone Plum Blossom.
The Monday Mail ~ help Aliza find a new perfume
Today we’re helping Aliza, who is searching for a signature scent she won’t get bored with. It should be an interesting, grown-up scent she can wear around campus (she’s a college student) in a pair of jeans and boots or a summer dress. Her fragrance should be beautiful and versatile, express her creativity and sensuality, and not cost more than $80. Here is what we know about Aliza:
She’s an anthropology major in her early 20s. She describes herself as quirky, musical, creative and artistic.
She plays percussion, and also loves painting, drawing and collage.
She has a funky style…lots of loud colors and tribal patterns. Her favorite color is red, and her signature accessories are brightly-colored scarves and belts.
Her favorite real-life smells are grapefruit rind, fresh-cut grass and campfire. She also loves incense, cardamom, exotic woods and the smell of turpentine.
Aliza’s might like something a little woodsy or musky if it isn’t too sweet…
The number 7
Cayetano Rivera for the new 7 Loewe Natural.