Welcome to another week...what fragrance are you wearing?
I'm wearing Robert Piguet Gardenia. Don't forget that our giveaway is still open!
Reminder: this Friday, 3 October, is Purgatory Basket Friday...find a sample you haven't been able to make up your mind about, give it a second chance.
And for those of you who like to plan ahead, see Scent of the day ~ Friday community projects 2014, where I'll try to always have the next six or seven weeks mapped out in advance.
Just now received my (three days early) birthday gift to myself – the Ormonde Jayne discovery set!! Aaaaaah!
I am soooo excited. I don’t even know what to play with first – taking suggestions! Ta’if? Osmanthus? I may choose several. Who knows. Today will be fun!
Have a lovely day, my smelly friends!
I got the Discovery Set a few years ago and loved it. Ta’if is stunning, a really amazing warm rose with a date accent; I’d totally try that one first.
Two of you have suggested it – sold!
What fun!
Your reviews pushed me towards it – you get an enablers pin.
Oooh, I wouldn’t know which to start with either 😉 What a great self-birthday present.
I never used to do this self-gift thing until recently, but I really am liking it. I choose the best stuff.
Self- gifting makes so much sense; you don’t have to hint around to get exactly what you want
Exactly!
How are you doin honey?
Lousy– see below
Congrats! I’d start with the one you think you’ll like the least!! Ta’if is my fav of hers! Enjoy!
Two of you voted to that one, so it’s going on now!
I have Ta’if on one arm and Tolu on another. Wheeee….
😀
*wafts at you*
Mmmmmm!!!
Oh I love Tolu too. I’ve thought about getting a bottle a few times…. I’m still milking my sample!
Loving them both right now. Excellent recommendation with the Ta’if!
And that deserves a (three days early) happy birthday to you!
Fun gift. I actually should be receiving a sample of Ta’if this week — very excited about that.
Happy sniffing!
Thank you Floragal!
I am loving the Ta’if. Loving it. I just had a coworker smell that wrist and she said she felt like it was hugging her. I don’t share that specific experience per se, but I love that she did. It’s very elegant and warm – I could wear this all the time.
Ta’if is my fave of the line, followed by Orris Noir
Champaca is great, too. It’s a great set – enjoy!
Thank you! I’ll try that next!
Happy Birthday! Enjoy your lovely perfume!
Right now I just have on some Pecksniff’s Grapefruit and Citron hand and body lotion, as it is nice and refreshing and will wake me up. When it fades, I might put on L’Antichambre Le Speculoos.
I need to borrow your lotion, I’m still dragging here.
I’m in La Traversée du Bosphore, after a day in Fracas and a day in Amouage Gold, this one feels very light. It’s gray and rainy here today, although still very mild.
I like TdB – I haven’t worn mine in a while. Maybe later this week! I get quite a bit of leather when I wear it.
Twins! I am about to put this on, my first selection for purgatory week.
I love TdB. I don’t usually think of it as light, but it’s all relative, isn’t it. 🙂
Compared to Fracas it most certainly is!
Yesterday I got samples of Invictus by Paco Rabanne and the newish Bleu de Chanel EDP. Today I tried Invictus and it is really bad, cheap and obvious and synthetic. Post-shower I’m going to try to forget it by putting on something decent, probably Mugler B*Men.
I did not even try Invictus…took Kevin’s word for it. I’ll give the Bleu a shot although I didn’t care for the EdT all that much.
I read a couple of reviews that suggested the EDP was quite different from the EDT (which I hated), so I’m willing to give it a shot tomorrow.
Robin, I envy your perfume collection! How do you like Gardenia? It sounds really nice – gardenia, vanilla, and leather! yum!!
SOTD is The Different Company Bois d’Iris. I like it. It is soft, pretty, and powdery.
Oh, this isn’t in my collection…it’s a bottle sent by a PR company, that’s why I’m giving it away! Review will be finished tomorrow, hopefully.
I have a cold and rose is my comfort scent so I’m in Cinabre, a nice spicy rose with powdery incense and vanilla.
Feel better soon!
Ugh, so sorry! Get better.
Thanks both! Took two 4-hour plane flights late last week, I blame them entirely.
That’s enough to make anyone sick. Feel better soon!
Hot whiskey with lemon? Feel better soon!
Mmmm, tempting
Don’t forget the honey!
Premier Figuier Extreme. It’s a nice warm sunny day.
Perfect scent!
I need some spine straightening power today. SOTD is Chanel No 19 extrait.
That should do it.
The parfum is fabulous, isn’t it? It is a spine straightening scent.
If all else fails that will do the trick!
I am wearing Hermes Un Jardin sur le Toit, which is an easy “don’t have to think about it” pick for me. I have a row of these kinds of scents in my cabinet that I grab, almost randomly, if I am stuck or too hurried to make a choice (including three Hermes Jardins–sur le Nil and en Mediterranee). Does anyone else? If so, what are they?
At the moment, mine is Infusion d’Iris, but I need more variety in this area. I tried Lovely by SJP for this, but it didn’t quite take.
What other scents are your go-tos?
Lately my “don’t have to think” favorites are Chanel No. 5 EP, Esprit d’Oscar and the new Balmain Ivoire. In fact I am wearing the Esprit today – so pretty but could never offend anyone here in the office.
Ditto on No 5 Eau Premeire and Esprit d’Oscar. I’ll add Bottega Veneta or BV Eau Legere, and then also agree with Baiser Vole below!
My row is currently Infusion d’Iris, Baiser Vole and Sensuous.
Infusion d’Iris, JLo Still, the new Balmain Ivoire.
Depending on if I feel powdery/sweet tea/clean.
Whoops – knew I was forgetting one: CK Reveal. Awesome for fall, it’s for when I feel like a salted caramel latte.
I have a rollerball I carry around in my purse for when my morning scent didn’t quite make it through the work day.
Oooh – will have to smell this one.
My go to scents are Infusion d’Iris, Cuir de Lancome, and Cristalle. I would probably add No 19 if I owned a bottle, but I don’t 🙁
So much love for Infusion d’Iris!
It depends on the season to some extent. Most of the year it’s Chanel 28 la Pausa, AG Vetiver and TDC Osmanthus.
When it’s too cold for these, I turn to Guerlain Vol de Nuit EdT or Chanel Bois des Iles. When it’s too hot, I like Guerlain Vetiver and Mary Greenwell Plum.
SL Ambre Sultan in the winter, Infusion d’Iris Absolue in spring and fall, Voyage Hermes in the summer :).
I’m wearing the Palimpsest extrait de parfum I was so lucky to win in your draw. It’s amazing. Ripe peaches dripping in honey, with something decidedly animalic lurking in the foliage. Who knew such a tiny bottle could contain such intensity? The sillage is quite radiant, in all senses of that word. I think I will have to investigate the edp for wear in public places. The extrait might attract a little too much attention for someone who likes to travel incognito,
Wow, she got that to you quickly! So glad you like it.
Thanks so much, again, Robin, for making it possible for me to sniff this. A truly wonderful thing about blogs, and draws especially, is the introduction of scents that one never imagined might exist. This one is certainly a departure from my usual rose/incense/sandalwood/vanilla comfort zone, but I really like it. Mandy Aftel’s skill and artistry (as well as her speed in delivery!) are really impressive.
I’ve been meaning to order a sample and your description pushed me over the edge–it sound wonderful.
Oh, so great, I was just wondering how that turned out. So glad you’re enjoying, and thanks for the update!
Ooh that sounds like something I’d like. Must sample one of these days
Wearing Hermes Caleche again. Antique store finds are like difficult crosswords: they may take a few tries.
I was helping a guest at my work on Saturday, a very sprightly septuagenarian, and was overcome by how good she smelled. And it was Caleche! How funny! I wish it smelled so good on me. I might need to decant it into an atomizer for more effect.
Which version of Caleche is it?
Original, and vintage. I think from the 80’s or 90’s.
I’m in a confection cloud of Shalimar Parfum Initial L’Eau. The sprayer on this bottle creates a such a fine mist… it’s like what you’d see in a cartoon when someone sprays perfume. It’s saturated my olfactory system so I can’t really detect it. Next time, I’m holding my breath and keeping my mouth closed while spraying.
Morning everyone, wearing Vetiver Fatal today, just bought it yesterday. Truly lovely.
On other news, I’m on Amazon downloading Dior or Die 🙂 Angela is just a brilliant writer, and I discovered here on this website!
Yay! For anyone who missed the excerpt she posted here:
https://freebox.it.com/2014/09/28/dior-or-die-by-angela-m-sanders-book-announcement-and-excerpt/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Safran Troublant again today. I’m trying to settle on an everyday, work appropriate sort of scent that I’m nonetheless excited about. This one might be too sweet for everyday, but it’s so delicious!
Love this! For me, it’s not “everyday,” but still good for work.
Scent twins! I haven’t worn Safran Troublant in quite awhile and had forgotten how pretty it is. I did remember, though, that it doesn’t last very long, so brought my decant to work with me.
Time to respray!
Good planning, bringing the decant to work! I have good and bad days with Safran Troublant. It’s been five hours and the scent is still going strong (well, on one wrist, at least). Other days, though, I can’t tell it was ever there after two hours.
Hi! I’m wearing the underrated Keiko Mecheri Iris d’Argent today. I never see anyone wearing this, and it’s so good!
I’m surprised to see how little that brand is mentioned, but every time I’ve stopped at MiN (the only place in New York I’ve seen them), they have all smelled so good. I haven’t sampled yet, but I plan to.
I wonder why the lack of love?
I should clarify – I haven’t sampled *many* yet.
I think KM used to get more attention a few years ago. More competition, maybe? But I also like the earlier ones better.
I’ll have to figure out which are the earlier ones then :).
I do love those bottles.
The scents I have smelled from KM have been beautiful but very well behaved and low key.
SOTD is Wazamba by PdE from a sample.
I’m still on the fence about incense based perfumes. I find them intriguing but not sure if they are for me. I prefer really warm rounded scents and I don’t have the incense/church memories as a reference point, so that probably doesn’t help.
But I am continually on the search for “cooling” fragrances as the voluptuous orientals that I love so much can be too heavy in the heat and humidity here in the south.
Hope everyone has a fragrant day!
Oh, I love Wazamba! I find it to be on the warm side for incense, with a lot of labdanum.
I think so too. It reminds me of dried grass or straw, which to me is a warm smell.
Do you like vetiver Deva?Our summers are really long and hot, so I’m always looking for cooling scents. As much as i like the idea of incense perfumes, the ones i have dont get much wear as i cant seem to find what season they fit best in…
Anything green and gardeny and vetivers I enjoy as a change from citrus or white florals or Hermes. (Hermes do summer well I think 🙂 )
Hi Perthgirl,
I have embarked recently on a “green” journey and have been exploring- I have a sample of Parfum di Nocoli Vetyver which I am really enjoying. Also sampled and loved the new PdE Corsica Furiosa, which is really not a vetiver but I love the bludgeoning blast of green up front. I like the dry down as well, but its quite mellow and golden. I think I would be very tempted to get a bottle if they still offered the 50 ml. Also have tried Encre Noir, but I seem to be anosmic to this one.
I’m not a floral fan at all, although I just sampled EnVoyage’s Zelda and fell head over heels- but it’s a warmish, orientalish, waxy beauty.
I have discovered there is no rhyme or reason to my likes and dislikes, although most of the full bottles are quite warm, voluptuous, golden scents. I have a sample of HIRIS by Hermes coming soon, and am eager try it out since I know I like iris and I have heard this one is a light cooling scent that’s great for summer. Do you have any feedback on HIRIS?
Deva, I bought a small bottle of Hiris at the start of winter so I haven’t worn it much, but am looking forward to wearing it more as the weather warms up. I just tried it side by side with Dzongkha (l’artisan), which I LOVE in summer, and find Dzongkha to be a little drier and less sweet which I prefer in summer.
(I’m also trying Corsica Furiosa which might have to come live with me despite it’s size 🙂 )
Wazamba is really high on my lists of scents to try. I also love warm orientals, and incense seems like a great cool alternative, which is something I’ve been trying to find for myself, too. Of course, I say that and then always complain that the incense isn’t warm enough. 🙂
I DO like Wazamba, and also Avignon and LdDM by Tauer, but they are all linked (to my nose) with a sharp biting dry down that is like a steak knife in my sinus cavity. Love the first half hour or so, then feel like I just need to get it OFF OF ME!
I have the a similar problem with Avignon, which I like a lot, but it makes me slightly nauseous sometimes. Similar and very church incense-y, but minus the nausea for me was Heeley Cardinal.
It’s really hard to find the right perfume for hot humid weather! Ann Gerard Rose Cut is an interesting light rose incense – worth a try – and the other scents in that line are light, so it might be worth getting the sample set.
Many Chanels are cool; 28 la Pausa is one of my hot weather favs. Also TDC Osmanthus and Mary Greenwell Plum. On hottest days, I like Prada Infusion d’Iris (which I find boring any other time).
Good luck and let us know what you find that works! I’m always looking for ideas for horrible DC summers.
I have heard Plum mentioned a lot and just kind of wrote it off as I am not much of a floral lover, especially if its the dominant note, but I may have to track down a sample of this and give it a try because it seems to have an appeal for a wide variety of tastes. Thanks for your suggestions =)
I’m not a big fan of fruity florals, but Plum is useful.
This year was not quite as hot or humid as the Southeastern United States can be but I found myself reaching for Thierry Mugler Cologne, Issey Miyake A Scent and Shalimar Parfum Initial. All of these are very citrusy up top which is so refreshing!
Some favorites when it is hot/humid include Eau de Rochas (wearing it today), Christalle Eau de Verte (lemon tea)…
Actually I just go crazy for citrus! 😀
And most cool iris scents work too – e.g. Infusion d’Iris, iris Silver Mist, and I would think Hiris, but I have only tested it a few times…
I have a decant of PdE Equistrius which is a beautiful iris but a little on the sweet powdery side, so I have to be in the right mood. Also have ELdO Putain des Palaces which I think is also an iris/violet combo, but also sweet and powdery and a bit cloying in the heat. I’m hoping Hiris is a rather fresher more brisk take in iris.
Hey, Robin–
Remember Fifi Chachnil? That’s what I’m wearing!
I wore that last week! Love it so much and really want a bottle.
The bottle itself is a huge part of the draw! Although I do have my atomizer wrapped in ugly plastic so it doesn’t evaporate. 😛
Ha, yes, I was just saying that used to be a big hit on MakeupAlley 🙂
SOTD is Diana Vreeland Perfectly Marvelous (got a sample this weekend). Anyone else tried these new scents? I was a bit underwhelmed. The Perfectly Marvelous (jasmine and sandalwood) is nice and pretty on me, but nothing that special, and not long lasting.
I have not tried them yet, but “underwhelmed” seems to be the consensus so far.
coco noir parfum-
love it more and more then the EDP
I am debating on no 19 and Cuir de Russie. With no 19, it’s either the parfum version or the edp and CdR, parfum of edt.
Hello Lovelies!
Been having an intense weekend here, having to make some big emotional decisions that feel like all options are disappointing, so have been wearing either BIG brightening scents, or bright, clearing ones.
Today for work was Odalisque
After work I rearranged my collection (Italian, French, English and U.S. houses..lol) and dabbed on some vintage Poison esprit de parfum.
When that died down (amazing that it did!) I gave myself 4 sprays of vintage Opium- and it’s all been a fabulous distraction! 🙂
Wow, Poison and Opium both in one day! You are very brave. I hope that your options turn out better in the long run.
Bastet, crazy isn’t it?! I hardly ever wear them because they follow me wherever I go, but today they’ve been rather comforting, and fun!
And thankyou. Yes, as difficult as things seem now, it’s all for the greater good.
So sorry you’re going through so much!
May the perfumes be fortifying, cheering, and all other manner of good things.
Be well, Perthgirl!
Opium (the real deal back in the 80’s) was my first love! It was the only perfume that my mother and I had in common. In my memory, can still see the bottle I got her sitting on the shelf in her dressing room. We were completely different in every way (which made for a contentious relationship!) but that perfume fit us both to a “T”
Hope the cloud passes quickly and sun comes out again for you soon!
Yep, some days are just DOWN kind of days. But knowing that it WILL pass and things WILL get better always seems to help a bit.
Hoping things start to look up for you soon, and in the meantime, be gentle with yourself =)
oops! wrong spot! lol!
Being mopey today. Don’t want to be unemployed, don’t want my long time friend to be deceased 3 months this week, don’t want to go to school and be around people. Everything is just blergh today. Wearing Jardins d’Armide since that never annoys me.
It’s ok to be mopey sometimes. Sometimes, taking the time to be upset is part of the process of dealing with, and working through things. Just be careful not to isolate yourself completely if isolating yourself will make you feel worse and focus on too much negativity. The people who care about you will always be happy to be there for you, even if you don’t feel totally ready for them!
Oh honey….I am so sorry. I hope the Jardins d’Armide helps.
I know you’ll be back with a vengeance when you’re ready.
Jardins d’Armide certainly won’t hurt….Received my blind-buy purchase today of Indigo from Magnetic Scent ( bought before I lost my job) but am not up to the challenge of something new. Suspect I’ll really like the random samples that got thrown in: Moon Bloom, Christopher St, and Ciel d’Opale. My samples keep multiplying — try one acquire 3….
Oh, so sorry. Hope things look better tomorrow.
I always feel better if I do something constructive and visible, such as tidying up, or after an endorphin-producing long walk. Of course, some moping is essential, too.
It helped a little yesterday to try and tidy and move, but dealing with well-meaning folks who were telling me to go file for unemployment first thing this morning (I am not feeling peppy and go-get-them) just deflated me even more.
I totally understand – Its great that people want the best for – but sometimes one just wants to be accepted as is. Hope the scent is helpful 🙂
Meant to say ‘its great people want the best for you – but…’
I know what you mean when people trying to (very actively) help can make you feel worse…it happens to me a lot, sadly! They mean well though. I hope taking time to yourself (and your perfume!) helps you regroup, and I hope you feel better soon.
Yep, some days are just DOWN kind of days. But knowing that it WILL pass and things WILL get better always seems to help a bit.
Hoping things start to look up for you soon, and in the meantime, be gentle with yourself =)
(And look, be thankful you are not an idiot like me who posts comments under the wrong heading! Sheesh! I may need an intellectual intervention over here! ;))
I missed your post the other day in time to comment. I’m so sorry. It would be nice if life gave us only good surprises. My husband had a surprise unemployment this spring which turned out to be really great for him (after the shock wore off and he had stopped wanting to club all the well-meaning helpful folks) so I hope the same happens for you.
Unemployment is a really difficult and not just for the obvious reasons. I found my entire sense of self definition and purpose was completely tied to my job so when my position was eliminated this past Spring I became completely depressed and unmotivated. We know intellectually that we should not take these things to heart but I know I sure did. I am just now coming out of the deep sense of loss I experienced when I left the bookstore. Allow yourself time to absorb it and mourn. Wear spectacular perfume to compensate! Embrace the notion that the Universe gives us everything we need, Goddess Rena, if we allow it to.
I totally agree about being supported by the Universe — it never lets me go splat. Something always comes through
Went for No.5 EDP this morning. Good choice for this cool and not crisp morning.
I’m wearing Chanel Cuir de Russie today. It was a gift from my husband for our 25th wedding anniversary. It is perfect!!
I’m celebrating National Coffee Day with L’Or de Torrente, my favorite coffee-note scent. I adore L’Or – the bottle is as gorgeous on my dressing table as the scent is on my skin.
When I wear this, I envision visiting an old Italian piazza for the first time. As I walk across the terra cotta bricks, a softly-spraying fountain behind me, I feel a sense of peace and unity in joining the untold pairs of feet that have done so before me. When I stop and rest, the warm sunshine enhances not only the beauty of my surroundings but also the exquisite fragrance of the heirloom roses in the antique vase in front of me, the very essence of the many-seasons’ weathered cedar table at which I sit, and the unlike-any-other comforting smell – and taste – of the cappuccino I sip. History + nature (+ coffee!) = La bella vita!
WIshing La bella vita to all this week, especially those of you who have had a difficult beginning thus far.
What a great description – I need to try L’Or de Torrente. Also seconding your good wishes.
What a coincidence: I wore this yesterday! And I know nothing of National Coffee Day.
Laila, if any blogs call out for guest writers I hope you’ll apply- I love reading your posts! 🙂
Oh, thank you, you are very kind! And I hope you find the strength and comfort you need to get you thru your tough time.
Going commando right now, due to an intense sinus headache, compounded by the noise of my kitchen floor being refinished. But I always love coming here and reading what everyone else is wearing.
I’m wearing Xerjoff Richwood today, from a sample. The reviews all talk about the sandalwood, but I am not getting that at all. On me it smells like a creamy fruit concoction of some sort, quite sweet. Bois des Iles’ position as my #1 woody scent is safe for the moment!
I’m wearing Ninfeo Mio, for Southern California it’s a great fall scent.
AG Eau du Sud – I just love it at this time of year.
You smell great!
I’m wearing Vetiver Tonka, it feels perfect today. I have a little bottle on the way from the Splitmeet so I don’t feel like I have to conserve the tiny bit I have left.
L’Occitane Eau Spontanee for me today. It’s pink and cheerful. Needed something to perk me up after a few nights of very little sleep. Two 13-month old girls with colds and getting molars in make getting a decent amount of sleep very difficult. Hoping for a less eventful night today.
What a fun name for a perfume! I hope it helped perk you up AND helped your girls sleep, all at the same time.
Parfums De Nicolai Eau d’ete today from a sample I had neglected. For some reason I just decided I wouldn’t like it (perhaps I thought it was a different fragrance) and never tried it. I am enjoying it much more than I expected and could see it going on my easy to reach for list.
I’m wearing Paco Rabanne Metal today.
So I got two Amazon gift cards for my b-day, totaling $100, and I’m almost certainly going to spend it on perfume, but I’m torn on what to buy. There is a 10-piece Amouage travel coffret that looks tempting, but it’s not clear to me from Amazon’s description or Beauty Encounter (the actual seller) how big the vials are. Does anybody know? For 10 vials at $75 I imagine they’re going to be pretty small, but nothing I’ve seen gives the size, unless I’m missing it.
I have looked at that one too. I think they are 2ml like this one http://minnewyork.com/amouage-sampler-fragrance-set
I have the set and they are 2 ml. The perfect size to determine your favorites as there is enough in each sprayer for a number of wearings.
Ok thanks. I’m going to think about it. It seems like a pretty good way to familiarize myself with more of their perfumes.
CdG Series Red: Harissa today but it disappeared very quickly. Usually it sticks around for ages bringing some stamina to my day.
I’m wearing my vintage Ombre Rose again today. It’s elegant and comfy, both. A difficult set of attributes to pull of simultaneously.
Wearing Shelley Kyle De Ma Mere today. This fragrance is the most credible Linden Blossom I have tried and has mimosa and honey notes as well. It is sweet and tart and might be on the shelf at your local Marshalls or TJMaxx. I scored two bottles for 15.00 a piece. Shelley Kyle is a niche perfumer from Atlanta, and if her other fragrances are as good as this one they are probably worth checking out.
That sounds really pretty. I’ve never heard of Shelley Kyle, but since you mention Marshall’s and TJ Maxx, I’ll be on the lookout when I’m there.
Burberry Brit Rhythm for Her- I got my first ScentBird shipment today. I’m not sure what I thought this was going to smell like, but this wasn’t it, in a good way. I can’t put my finger on what I’m smelling, but I like it.