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Friday scent of the day 9/4

Posted by Robin on 4 September 2015 168 Comments

back to school

Happy Back to School Friday! Our community project for today: wear a perfume that says 'back to school' to you, or that says you mean business, or ....?

As always, do chime in with your scent of the day even if you’re not participating in the community project.

I am wearing Chanel Cristalle, which I wore to school for many years. If I had a bottle, I'd be wearing Lauren by Ralph Lauren. I never wore it, but everyone else did — if there is a single fragrance that reminds me of sitting in a classroom, that would be it.

Reminder: next Friday, 9/11, will be Freedom Friday: wear a scent that says "I’m Free!" to you, in whatever context you choose to define it. (Suggested by Laila)

And for those of you who like to plan ahead, see Scent of the day ~ Friday community projects 2015, where I'll try to always have the next five or six weeks mapped out in advance.

Note: top image is [066/365] Back to School [cropped] via Leland Francisco at flickr; some rights reserved.

Filed Under: poll
Tagged With: friday community project, sotd

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168 Comments

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  1. elamo says:
    4 September 2015 at 9:30 am

    I’m wearing Memoir of a Trespasser because it smells of wood smoke and leaves; the perfect smell of fall. And because I’m an English teacher of Junior High students and feel like a trespasser into their weird little culture most days.

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    • mals86 says:
      4 September 2015 at 10:08 am

      Wood smoke and leaves is perfect for fall.

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    • ringthing says:
      4 September 2015 at 10:50 am

      I love Memoirs of a Trespasser, and it is perfect for fall. It has become one of my top ten favorites ever and I am looking forward to wearing it if it ever cools off here, August and September seem to have switched places this year. You’re doing great work, I’ve worked in schools for many years and the junior high level is the hardest imo.

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    • Annikky says:
      4 September 2015 at 1:22 pm

      I gave it to my sister as a gift, so it always reminds me of her. It’s a nice one.

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    • rose pepper says:
      4 September 2015 at 1:48 pm

      Ahhh, that sounds great for fall. Feeling like a trespasser to Jr High culture made me laugh too 🙂

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  2. Lovestosmellgood says:
    4 September 2015 at 9:30 am

    Fragrances that remind me of when I was in school were Debbie Gibson Electric Youth, CK one and all the controversial CK ads!
    When I was in college Tommy Girl was a big hit. I use to love taking my moms Jean Nate body splash and covering myself in it before school. I don’t have of these fragrances now. I am still commando now except my Zensation cherry blossom bath foam smell from Rituals.
    I think I will choose a I mean business fragrance today- the oh-so-commanding No 19.

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    • Elisa says:
      4 September 2015 at 9:31 am

      I wore CK One in junior high! There’s still a bottle in my bedroom at my parents’ house…

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      • Lovestosmellgood says:
        4 September 2015 at 10:16 am

        the CK one scent flooded the hallways when I was young because both boys and girls were wearing it.
        I also enjoyed Escape -I guess Calvin Klein was a big hit during my school years.

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        • Oakland Fresca says:
          4 September 2015 at 3:37 pm

          Ha! This is how I can tell I am decade or so older than you. In my day in junior high school, nothing came between us and our Calvins!

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    • mals86 says:
      4 September 2015 at 10:10 am

      No. 19 is my Invisible Armor scent.

      I didn’t get exposed to Tommy Girl when it was new, so I enjoy it in the summer now without any emotional baggage (not that I don’t HAVE baggage for certain scents, but they were of an earlier era).

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      • Lovestosmellgood says:
        4 September 2015 at 10:17 am

        I know what you mean about scents and baggage

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  3. Elisa says:
    4 September 2015 at 9:30 am

    I’m wearing vintage (but not ancient) Jolie Madame EDT. Something about florals + leather says both “fall” and “getting down to business” to me. I smell awesome.

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    • mals86 says:
      4 September 2015 at 10:11 am

      OH GOSH YES that’s perfect.

      I was thinking of Smell Bent One, because it’s such a pleasant old-books-and-chai-tea scent, but yes, Jolie Madame. Thanks for choosing my frag today.

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      • Elisa says:
        4 September 2015 at 11:49 am

        Your old bottle I believe, so thank YOU! 🙂

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        • mals86 says:
          4 September 2015 at 3:50 pm

          Oh yeah! I forgot. But I wasn’t wearing the edt – seems I only really love the parfum.

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    • Ede97005 says:
      4 September 2015 at 10:57 am

      You smell GREAT.

      This weekend I am breaking out a leather jacket and putting on Cuir de Russie while at Farmer’s market. Last night it got down to 46F, is amazing. Just a few weeks ago it would be in the 70s at night!

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      • Elisa says:
        4 September 2015 at 11:50 am

        Ahh I love when it starts to get chilly at night.

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        • Ede97005 says:
          4 September 2015 at 6:02 pm

          OMG! I slept so deeply last night. For the first time since late winter I went to bed at 10.30! And I had my blanket on the bed for the first time since late spring as well!

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      • Annikky says:
        4 September 2015 at 1:24 pm

        Cuir de Russie one of my absolute favourites and you’ve just reminded me to wear it tomorrow. Thank you!

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        • Ede97005 says:
          4 September 2015 at 6:02 pm

          Hey no problem! I love it!

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    • C.H. says:
      4 September 2015 at 11:24 am

      Ahh now I’m wishing I had packed that one!

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  4. Katrina says:
    4 September 2015 at 9:33 am

    I am interpreting this to be my back to business/ time to get serious scent. So, I am wearing Chanel Coromandel, which I automatically grab when I want to make a good impression. I think it would be a good job interview scent; interesting, different without being odd/weird and powerful.

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    • Nick says:
      4 September 2015 at 11:09 am

      Chanel has a touch of restraint about everything. Even the patchouli-benzoin in Coromandel is never overpowering 🙂

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    • SunnyDay says:
      4 September 2015 at 11:54 am

      Love Coromandel!

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    • Kristine says:
      4 September 2015 at 12:03 pm

      Wore Coromandel at bedtime last night. So lovely.

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    • ringthing says:
      4 September 2015 at 12:31 pm

      Wore a drop of Coromandel the other day because I’m so ready for fall. Gorgeous stuff.

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    • scentfromabove says:
      4 September 2015 at 9:33 pm

      Such a nice fragrance!

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  5. Perfume Sniffer says:
    4 September 2015 at 9:33 am

    So, I actually thought for a bit on this one…. interesting that what you are wearing, Chanel Cristalle, was on my short list!

    I decided upon Dior Gris Montaigne, so that’s my SOTD.

    Others on my potential list were: 31 Rue, Samsara, No 5 Eau Premiere and Cristalle. Clearly I think Chanel is rather ‘no nonsense!’

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    • Nick says:
      4 September 2015 at 11:10 am

      No nonsense indeed!

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    • C.H. says:
      4 September 2015 at 11:25 am

      31RC occurred to me immediately too. One of my best “I’m grown” scents 🙂

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  6. perthgirl says:
    4 September 2015 at 9:39 am

    In the spirit of my back at school rebelliousness, I chose to not wear anything even remotely related to the theme, and wore La Myrrhe. I wasnt deliberately obstinate, I just felt like wearing it! 😉

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    • mals86 says:
      4 September 2015 at 10:12 am

      You smell fabulous.

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      • Annikky says:
        4 September 2015 at 1:25 pm

        Yes.

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  7. Barqs says:
    4 September 2015 at 9:52 am

    I am wearing Bvlgari Au the Bleue. I mean business — in a soft iris, lavender sort of way !

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    • Nick says:
      4 September 2015 at 11:11 am

      I would have to try this one. Whenever ‘business’ comes to mind, I think iris and lavender!

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    • ringthing says:
      4 September 2015 at 12:32 pm

      Can’t wait to try this one.

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  8. SheriG says:
    4 September 2015 at 10:00 am

    For me it’s Back to Old School Perfume day, in Caron Tabac Blond. I never wore fragrance when I was in high school, and I don’t remember being aware of anyone else’s perfume there either. It’s sort of surprising, now that I think about it, because about half of the student body were spoiled rich kids who should have been overdosing themselves with whatever was popular at a the time (the early 70s – does anybody know what that would have been?).

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    • SicilianaNM says:
      4 September 2015 at 11:20 am

      Oh, those were the hippie days – perfume was for society matrons, out-of-touch rich people. Patchouli oil, maybe. More likely weed smoke and incense.

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      • SicilianaNM says:
        4 September 2015 at 11:27 am

        Oh, Jovan Musk and Love’s Baby Soft. God help us.

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        • SheriG says:
          4 September 2015 at 2:32 pm

          God help us indeed! Sounds like I lucked out after all that my fellow students actually showed restraint. 🙂

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  9. lillyjo says:
    4 September 2015 at 10:03 am

    I bought a Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy for my 12 year old for back to school. She really wants J’dore though. I can’t think of a back to business scent that I would have. Today I put on Angel from a sample, because I am still trying to talk myself into the new red bottle. I’m awful.

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    • Robin says:
      4 September 2015 at 11:43 am

      I notice very little perfume on middle & high school girls these days — the boys seem more highly scented!

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      • leathermountain says:
        4 September 2015 at 1:09 pm

        My experience is similar in that HS boys seem to be wearing louder scent (mostly aromatic). But I see girls with bottles as well (usually VS and sometimes JC) and catch the occasional waft. Mainly fruity or ambery, not much floral that I’ve noticed. On another note, I think young people are often aware of the retail prices of their various brands.

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        • Robin says:
          4 September 2015 at 3:16 pm

          Maybe that’s it — the boys are just louder!

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          • Oakland Fresca says:
            4 September 2015 at 3:46 pm

            Definitely when it comes to scent these days. Many of the Axe and Old Spice scents are more like mushroom clouds than sillage…. my 14 year old has internalized some of my snobbery about these fragrances so now insists on shower gels from Lush. I figure the double/triple price serves me right! I created the monster….

    • Elisa says:
      4 September 2015 at 11:51 am

      J’adore on a 12-year-old would be kind of great.

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      • lillyjo says:
        4 September 2015 at 2:44 pm

        especially her, she thinks she is fabulous, and she is right!

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  10. Petrichor says:
    4 September 2015 at 10:06 am

    I went with the perfume that most makes me think of fall- Chergui. It also happens to remind me of a dear friend, who I met many, many years ago on the first day of third grade. So I’m surrounded by a lovely fragrance with wonderful associations- I can’t think of a better state to be in to start the school year!

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    • Robin says:
      4 September 2015 at 11:43 am

      Perfect!

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  11. annawilde says:
    4 September 2015 at 10:16 am

    I’m wearing Atelier Trefle Pur. It doesn’t really remind me of school, but it’s a crisp citrusy, herbal get up and get stuff done scent.

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    • missionista says:
      4 September 2015 at 2:36 pm

      Love this one, but it always makes me think Spring/Summer.

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  12. Dawn says:
    4 September 2015 at 10:18 am

    I chose Feminite Du Bois today since I haven’t worn it in a while and it speaks fall and going back to school.

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    • C.H. says:
      4 September 2015 at 11:26 am

      Gorgeous.

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  13. MikasMinion says:
    4 September 2015 at 10:30 am

    I didn’t bring anything suitable with me to Mom’s except No. 5, which I wasn’t in the mood for. I had planned to wear either Bobbi or N by Nicole Miller since they were two of my college scents but I forgot. I awoke in the mood for MKK but didn’t think of it until I had sprayed some Poivre 23 so I layered. Not bad, actually.

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    • Ari says:
      4 September 2015 at 10:47 am

      Ooh, Poivre 23 is very nice. And you’ve reminded me that I need to retry Gaiac 10 sometime this month so I can decide whether to hand over my life savings to Le Labo.

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  14. monkeytoe says:
    4 September 2015 at 10:30 am

    I am wearing Vintage Polo–can anything smell more back to school to those of us of a certain age? I had barely spritzed it on before I started dreading fourth period social studies.

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    • C.H. says:
      4 September 2015 at 11:28 am

      Ha! Perfection.

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    • SunnyDay says:
      4 September 2015 at 11:37 am

      Yes good memories. In my high school there was a haze of Polo, Lauren and smoke.

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      • mals86 says:
        4 September 2015 at 3:58 pm

        Smoke. In my day (the mid-80s), you could still smoke at the high school, but you had to go to the designated outside area to do it – only during your lunch period, and only if you had written permission from your parents (!). There really weren’t that many kids who were willing to get that permission form signed… and it was sort of social death anyway, none of the popular kids smoked.

        Other than that, the halls wafted tons of Giorgio Beverly Hills and Exclamation!, with the occasion hit of Vanderbilt. I don’t remember smelling much on the guys until I hit college – and THEN it was Polo and Drakkar Noir. At college, you could practically float through the girls’ dorm halls on a wave of Poison.

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  15. PriscillaE says:
    4 September 2015 at 10:37 am

    I was running late, and didn’t think of the theme. I was torn between Donna Karan Gold and Silences. I chose Silences. I am hoping for a very quiet week next week since I will be on vacation.

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    • Robin says:
      4 September 2015 at 3:17 pm

      Nice — hope it is a lovely vacation!

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  16. Deva says:
    4 September 2015 at 10:43 am

    This was a tough one for me. I ended up going with Tauer’s Vanilla Flash because it’s a seriously non-cupcake vanilla with a lot of good spiciness that whispers “fall” in my ear. Although, sometimes I like cupcakes too 😉

    Looking forward to some new fall releases too! Have a great weekend all! For those in the U.S. make the most of those three free days! WooHoo!

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    • Robin says:
      4 September 2015 at 3:17 pm

      And of course you smell great!

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  17. Ari says:
    4 September 2015 at 10:44 am

    My entire high school wore B&BW Warm Vanilla Sugar- I think I’ll opt for some L’Artisan Fleur de Carotte instead!

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    • mals86 says:
      4 September 2015 at 4:00 pm

      I think my sister once bought me a shower gel of WVS. I asked her to trade it for something else. (embarrassed. but there it is… I’m not above B&BW, but I don’t like that one.)

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  18. missionista says:
    4 September 2015 at 10:47 am

    It’s still way too hot and summer-y here to even think of going back to school. I want to laze around just a bit more. So I wore the only get things done scent I own that is still tolerable in summer–Caleche. I’m enjoying the soapy goodness.

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    • Nick says:
      4 September 2015 at 10:56 am

      I like that good old-fashioned soapy seriousness. I am thinking of layering Calèche with something to make it less feminine, yet maintain that serious facet.

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      • missionista says:
        4 September 2015 at 2:37 pm

        Drop of vetiver essential oil?

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      • Nick says:
        4 September 2015 at 5:33 pm

        Vetiver à la Guerlain! Trying it NOW.

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  19. Ede97005 says:
    4 September 2015 at 10:49 am

    1) For me, school was all about ck One, Joop and Angel. I ‘rebeled’ by wearing Vanilla Fields spray and soap.

    2) But now, with the change in weather (it was 46F last night!) I am back to wearing something comforting, yet clean. So it’s Chanel 5- not the Eau Premiere, which I will put away for spring, but the eau du toilette, which is wonderful and makes the 5 into a skin scent, which makes it perfect for the (tech) office.

    3) I will break out a leather jacket this weekend and put on Cuir du Russie.

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    • Elisa says:
      4 September 2015 at 11:52 am

      I remember when all the popular girls wore Vanilla Fields, then it switched to Sunflowers.

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      • Ede97005 says:
        4 September 2015 at 6:08 pm

        Oh, I remember Sunflowers! Very prettyish. I would not actually mind buying that for my goddaughters!

        I was very AfroPunk- leather jacket, Calvin Klein jeans, rock and rap t shirts, gold jewelry, Doc Martens and DGAF hair. And then people would get close to me and remark “You smell very sweet!

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  20. Nick says:
    4 September 2015 at 10:54 am

    5 sprays of Hermès Hiris. 2 sprays of Un Jardin Sur Le Toit.

    Soft sillage of the crisp iris that lasts. Veiled by a soft chiffon of neroli. I accent the green vibes of neroli with Un Jardin Sur Le Toit’s cut grass, rounded apple and pear to emphasise the veiled iris.

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    • perthgirl says:
      4 September 2015 at 11:46 am

      Hmmm.. that sounds like a good balance actually, I might have to try that.

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      • perthgirl says:
        4 September 2015 at 11:46 am

        (and 7 sprays sounds like my kind of application!) 🙂

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      • Nick says:
        4 September 2015 at 12:09 pm

        Only for these Jean-Claude Ellena’s creations. They are so delicate, no?

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        • missionista says:
          4 September 2015 at 2:38 pm

          Soooooooo delicate.

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  21. ringthing says:
    4 September 2015 at 11:02 am

    I’m cleaning and being domestic today – ahem, once I stop wasting time on the Internet – so I’m not out in the heat, therefore I chose Kiehls Musk. High school scents were Cabot musk oil, patchouli oil, those waxy solid trio things (can’t remember the name, mine was woods), Heaven Scent, Rive Gauche and Chanel 19; my taste improved as the years progressed, but I’ve also always liked choices. Enjoy the weekend everyone!

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    • SunnyDay says:
      4 September 2015 at 11:41 am

      Heaven Scent was my very first fragrance!

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      • ringthing says:
        4 September 2015 at 12:34 pm

        I used to rinse my hair with it, undoubtedly some tip from Seventeen magazine way back in the day!

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        • Oakland Fresca says:
          4 September 2015 at 3:49 pm

          🙂

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    • Lindaloo says:
      4 September 2015 at 2:50 pm

      Those “waxy solid trio things” were Coty’s Sweet Earth Line. My favourite was the floral one of jasmine, honeysuckle and hyacinth. I had one of the oils too. Those little oil bottles are on evilbay and vintage perfume sites for around $80-100. Ah, the sweet cost of nostalgia.

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  22. Annikky says:
    4 September 2015 at 11:06 am

    I would wear No 19, if I wasn’t still without a bottle after the stupid incident of buying one and then letting it be stolen from me while browsing in Zara. I think it’s the strictest scent I know, but as it isn’t an option at the moment, I’m also wearing Cristalle 🙂

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    • leathermountain says:
      4 September 2015 at 11:13 am

      Sorry to hear you were robbed.

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      • Annikky says:
        4 September 2015 at 11:16 am

        This is kind of you to say, but it was purely my own fault. If you leave a nice Chanel (paper) bag with nice Chanel goodies on the floor in a shopping mall and busy yourself with other stuff for a considerable amount of time, you should not be surprised if said bag is gone when you finally remember it.

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        • SicilianaNM says:
          4 September 2015 at 11:29 am

          I did this once in a mall at Christmas – Swarovski pin, some software. Busy lives….

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        • lillyjo says:
          4 September 2015 at 11:40 am

          you shouldn’t be surprised, but the blame still is on the awful person who stole from you.

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          • Annikky says:
            4 September 2015 at 12:26 pm

            This is true, of course. But I mentioned it not because I wanted to rant about the thief, but because I felt like I had to explain why I don’t own a bottle of No 19 🙂

          • leathermountain says:
            4 September 2015 at 1:14 pm

            That might require explanation, now that you mention it. I’ve been making do with Silences. 😉

    • Nick says:
      4 September 2015 at 11:14 am

      I sniffed the EdP the other day; the galbanum was so strong — and serious! I am surprised that it was marketed to women in those days. So gutsy! I will have to sniff the extrait and decide.

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    • Robin says:
      4 September 2015 at 11:44 am

      Yuck! But hey, twin.

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  23. leathermountain says:
    4 September 2015 at 11:13 am

    I went with Impromptu, from Roxana Illuminated. I think I ended up smearing some solid over the EdP, but my samples are not so thoroughly labeled, so I’m not sure. I’m in the mothballs stage, but something growly is lurking.

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    • leathermountain says:
      4 September 2015 at 11:35 am

      Retroactive theme participation: it’s like opening a trunk of clothes from summer storage: must, mothballs, wood, and some animal bits from the leather and furs and the possibility of mammalian nesting activity.

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      • ringthing says:
        4 September 2015 at 12:36 pm

        Lol! Love the real time development!

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        • leathermountain says:
          4 September 2015 at 5:21 pm

          🙂 me too, in the server that the longevity is outstanding for a natural. This solid over liquid application seems to work very well. The evolution has been seamless, from camphor to labdanum, without my noticing it had changed until many hours had gone by. It’s odder than I’d realized, and oddly compelling. I wouldn’t reach for it often, but that’s probably a mistake.

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          • leathermountain says:
            4 September 2015 at 5:21 pm

            In the sense that. .. not server

  24. Gi says:
    4 September 2015 at 11:14 am

    My back to school days are long behind me, but I miss them! There was something I loved about the yearly rhythm of school years and the first day of school was exciting; new clothes, pens/pencils, binders and classes. Day 1 was always reserved for shiny new things and the best stuff to try and make a good impression.

    In that spirit, I’m going with Mohur which feels like Autumn and is one of the finest I have.

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    • meredifay says:
      4 September 2015 at 11:30 am

      Scent twins! I chose Mohur because I like it better than anything else! And somehow it reminds me of my Grandmother who was the Superintendent of all the schools in my county when I was little bitty. I loved that woman!

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    • mals86 says:
      4 September 2015 at 4:03 pm

      Oh yes, I always loved going back to school! Have always been/am still puzzled by my kids’ pouty acceptance of that which must be.

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  25. Filomena says:
    4 September 2015 at 11:30 am

    During my high school days, I wore Faberge fragrances…Aphrodisia and Tigress are the names I remember most. However, I no longer have any Faberge perfumes as my high school days have been gone for decades. Today I was running late for work and my big bottle of Chanel Misia was staring me in the face and I just grabbed it and spritzed. Misia doesn’t remind me of my high school days but I really like it and it is office friendly.

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  26. SicilianaNM says:
    4 September 2015 at 11:39 am

    For back to school (in current day frame of reference) I guess I’d go with TF Santal Blush, the cedarwood being reminiscent of pencil shavings and all.

    Being out of an office environment for over 20 years, I’ve been puzzled by the “all business” references to perfumes like No. 19. Is it that greens have no sexual inference, like florals or orientals might? I need to sniff this when next in New Orleans (Christmas?). Guess there I’d go with Nasomatto Absinth.

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    • SicilianaNM says:
      4 September 2015 at 11:40 am

      No final decision made yet, unshowered, and still hot in Raleigh.

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    • perthgirl says:
      4 September 2015 at 11:52 am

      In my opinion, I think that’s pretty much it, in a nutshell.

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    • Nick says:
      4 September 2015 at 12:29 pm

      I think it differs from person to person. I could wear perfumes marketed to women and still think of them of them as comfort scents 😉

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    • leathermountain says:
      4 September 2015 at 1:50 pm

      Great question! I’m thinking it’s a matter of temperature associations, i.e. warm=intimate, personal and cold=distant, public. If true this begs the question of why some things smell warm or cold. I think there are warm and cold greens, florals, woods, smoke, maybe even spices. But I can’t say what gives them their temperatures. I’m also pondering hard/soft and other tactile associations but not quite grasping the ideas firmly enough yet. I can say that none of this maps onto gender for me.

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      • Kanuka says:
        4 September 2015 at 3:17 pm

        Maybe it’s an animal vs. vegetable thing too. Animal scents being sweaty, sexual, territorial and vegetable scents being non-threatening, non-territorial. If that makes sense? Probably not.

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        • Oakland Fresca says:
          4 September 2015 at 3:55 pm

          Cain and Abel… I have an entire thesis running through my head on vegetable vs animal and humans’ instincts about procreation… but I’ll leave it at that and you all can insert the missing profound and pretentious!

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          • leathermountain says:
            4 September 2015 at 5:23 pm

            Ok, but I like reading that kind of thing!

  27. Mary Carol says:
    4 September 2015 at 12:02 pm

    I’m wearing Harajuku Lovers G, something I imagine junior high and senior high kids wore back when it was released. I have to admit, I like G, too! It smells good in warm weather.

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  28. vintage78 says:
    4 September 2015 at 12:11 pm

    I wasn’t sure what to wear for today’s project so I’m wearing my latest purchase, Thierry Mugler Cologne. I must say it does have the clean and preppy back-to-school vibe about it.

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    • leathermountain says:
      4 September 2015 at 1:52 pm

      Clean and new to the extreme, I think it’s a perfect choice for the theme.

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  29. thegoddessrena says:
    4 September 2015 at 12:15 pm

    Wearing L’Heure Convoitee which is the scent I bought once I was finally enrolled in grad school. Not in school this semester but JAR Shadow will eventually be my graduation gift to myself

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  30. Holly says:
    4 September 2015 at 12:34 pm

    I have been reluctantly but necessarily business-like all week, and the thought of back-to-school makes me shudder! So like perthgirl, I will enjoy playing hooky from it all in Kenzo’s Summer which is a recently discovery. It’s not my usual style in the least – it’s clean and shrill and vaguely chemical … but it conjures up a very familiar and comforting scent from childhood: the neighborhood pool. Cut grass, clean sun-kissed skin, the warm vinyl of pool toys, the freedom of summer days.

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  31. hajusuuri says:
    4 September 2015 at 12:41 pm

    SOTD = Puredistance White

    I was going to wear my staple Chanel No.19 but I got my Puredistance package yesterday and wanted to break out my new acquisition. It fits the “I mean business” theme as it declares “I’m here” and in business, you have to be visible and be noticed.

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    • hajusuuri says:
      4 September 2015 at 12:43 pm

      Ah, and I wanted to mention that I may stop by Twisted Lily today as we’re supposed to be dismissed earlier. I have a coupon burning a hole in my pocket.

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      • meredifay says:
        4 September 2015 at 12:51 pm

        Cool! What are you thinking of picking up there?

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        • hajusuuri says:
          4 September 2015 at 2:37 pm

          Maybe Tauerville Incense Flash but we’ll see.

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  32. Bexca says:
    4 September 2015 at 12:53 pm

    I’m wearing Tam Dao, because it smells like pencil shavings on me.

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    • leathermountain says:
      4 September 2015 at 1:55 pm

      On me too! So does the new one I tried last night: Precious Woods from April Aromatics.

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    • Robin says:
      4 September 2015 at 3:18 pm

      Good point!

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      • karen B says:
        4 September 2015 at 8:45 pm

        Was that a pun on pencil shavings?

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  33. sweetgrass says:
    4 September 2015 at 12:54 pm

    I went with Parfum d’Empire Cuir Ottoman today. Leather scents say fall to me, but also I think it is stern enough to be an “I mean business” scent.

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    • Deva says:
      4 September 2015 at 4:15 pm

      Oh, that’s a beautiful one! You smell fab 🙂

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  34. rose pepper says:
    4 September 2015 at 1:20 pm

    CdG Avignon for me today. Although my high school smelled like Polo, CK1, and Eternity I didn’t wear any of them. I did, however, go to a Catholic high school and incense feels very fall like to me 😉

    Yesterday I got a book from the library – The Baking Bible by Rose Levy Barenbaum. She mentions Aftlelier’s Chef Essences – I love seeing two of my favorite things together. I have now seen them mentioned in two cookbooks! Has anyone ever used them?

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    • Robin says:
      4 September 2015 at 3:22 pm

      Yes, but I am not nearly as creative with them as I should be, and I also tend to forget that I have them at all. I have Basil, Ginger & Citron, and would recommend any of them.

      Would like to have the Rose for cocktails, and the Cepes, which I think would be great with meats. Of course those 2 are way more expensive! But the ones I bought were very reasonably priced, btw.

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      • rose pepper says:
        4 September 2015 at 4:25 pm

        I think the basil would be amazing in cocktails too …

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        • Robin says:
          4 September 2015 at 5:46 pm

          Yes, works beautifully, although so far have only tried it w/ Genepy des Alpes. It’s also nice in salad dressing, and I have actually sprayed it right on tomato and mozzarella when I wanted a caprese but our basil had bolted. The Citron works with almost anything.

          I’ve been very remiss w/ the ginger, which is weird because I do love ginger, but I also always have ginger in the house so not sure why I bought that one — makes more sense to keep flavors that you otherwise couldn’t have “fresh”.

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    • Oakland Fresca says:
      4 September 2015 at 3:59 pm

      I bought the saffron for my father, but he’s been stuck on Singapore/Penang cooking which surprisingly does not include saffron. So I re-appropriated it and use it on fish frequently… Lovely, but you have to be careful to use it (the saffron at least) sparingly. Considering the cost of good saffron, I think the essence is a complete bargain.

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      • rose pepper says:
        4 September 2015 at 4:26 pm

        Ooh, saffron! Good point about it being a bargain. I really want to incorporate saffron into my baking. I’m starting to make desserts inspired by perfumes 🙂

        Saffron and seafood is also wonderful!

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    • mals86 says:
      4 September 2015 at 4:06 pm

      Ooh, I haven’t seen the Baking Bible… my (23-year-old) copy of RLB’s Cake Bible is besmeared with all kinds of things, though.

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      • mals86 says:
        4 September 2015 at 4:06 pm

        No, no, good things. Like butter. And Cordon Rose Raspberry Conserve. 🙂

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        • rose pepper says:
          4 September 2015 at 4:30 pm

          Haha! My copy is about that old and not in the greatest of shape either. The Baking Bible has some cakes but also pies, cookies, and some pastries. Definitely worth a look if you can get to a bookstore or library! Her recipes are very clear and specific and she provides the weights for ingredients as well (I love my kitchen scale).

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    • galbanumgal says:
      4 September 2015 at 5:27 pm

      Love The Baking Bible! Can’t wait till it’s actually cool enough to bake (def not this weekend). Also have the Back in the Day Bakery cookbook in my Amazon cart.

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      • rose pepper says:
        4 September 2015 at 5:46 pm

        I have the back in the day made with love cookbook and it is amazing – so worth it! I’ve made the chocolate cream cake twice and it gets rave reviews!

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  35. Kate says:
    4 September 2015 at 1:24 pm

    Your Cristalle article was among the first fragrance reviews I ever read. It led to me blind-buying some Cristalle EDT, which I adored, and which was my gateway down this wonderful rabbit hole.

    Today I’m playing hooky and wearing Armani Code for women and steaming some black tea on the stove just for the scent, while I lie draped across my couch watching trashy TV.

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    • Robin says:
      4 September 2015 at 3:23 pm

      Oh fun! And jealous, sounds like a perfect afternoon.

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  36. foxbins says:
    4 September 2015 at 1:57 pm

    I’m wearing Amouage Gold extrait as the anti-school and business scent. When I was in school I was too poor to afford it, and when I was working it would have been too, too much. Now I wear it for me (and I think the dog likes it, too).

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    • Deva says:
      4 September 2015 at 4:17 pm

      One must always consider the dog 😉

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  37. odonata9 says:
    4 September 2015 at 2:08 pm

    Haven’t had a chance to read through yet since it’s been a busy morning – I’m curious to see what people picked. Back to school means fall, but it’s still summery here so didn’t want to wear something fall-ish, like Burning Leaves. Can’t wait to wear that one. And my smellbent One, which smells like books is elsewhere. Didn’t think to wear something that was popular when I was in school. Hmm, probably Eternity, One, or something like that. So I went with Jardin en Med. The cedar woodiness makes me think of fall. I know figs are summery for most folks, but I never ate figs growing up, so have no idea when fig season is, so no associations there. Happy Friday all!

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  38. jjlook says:
    4 September 2015 at 2:35 pm

    Le Labo Santal since I drained my favourite pencil shavings sample, SL Chene! (And if anyone ever wants to do a split of that one…)

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    • mals86 says:
      4 September 2015 at 4:07 pm

      Chene is really great.

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    • leathermountain says:
      4 September 2015 at 6:21 pm

      I’ve got a bottle already; I could split it. I haven’t done a split before. Is there a nifty post on splittibg somewhere, the equivalent of Robin’s ever helpful piece on swapping?

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      • Robin says:
        4 September 2015 at 9:16 pm

        https://freebox.it.com/2008/07/14/perfumista-tip-how-to-do-a-bottle-split/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E

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        • leathermountain says:
          4 September 2015 at 10:20 pm

          Thank you!

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  39. nozknoz says:
    4 September 2015 at 2:49 pm

    It’s WAY too hot here today to think about fall scents! I usually wouldn’t wear any perfume to go out in this heat but couldn’t resist a spritz of 1999 Ines de la Fressange by Calice Becker.

    She obviously didn’t have the budget for this that she later had for the BK L’Oeuvre Noire and Oud Collections, or even 1999 J’Adore, but IdlF is lovely, discreet and elegant, and adapts perfectly to the office. Moreover, anyone who’s ever been trapped with an overdose of J’Adore might well wish that Ines de la Fressange had benefitted from Dior’s promotional budget.

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    • mals86 says:
      4 September 2015 at 4:08 pm

      I really love the Becker IdlF. So gorgeous.

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      • mals86 says:
        4 September 2015 at 4:12 pm

        I think that the original purchase price of the IdlF was comparable to that of J’Adore (you’re right, the Kilians clearly have some good raw materials in them) – but by the time I bought my bottles in 2009 it had been discontinued for at least five years, so it was dirt cheap while the discounters were clearing out old stock.

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        • nozknoz says:
          4 September 2015 at 10:51 pm

          That’s possible. I bought mine the same time as you and hadn’t heard of it before. I like the bottle, too.

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  40. Kanuka says:
    4 September 2015 at 3:01 pm

    A couple of years ago I had to sit an oral exam for my PhD. I was feeling very worried as one of the examiners was incredibly intimidating so I wore my dad’s Dior Eau Sauvage. My dad had been dead for several years but I wanted him in the room with me. The exam room was tiny, in an old villa and it was very stuffy. For three hours I was bashed with questions…it was awful…but as my mood and confidence slumped the scent of Eau Sauvage increased and filled the air. Passed the exam, was congratulated…felt utterly exhausted. I haven’t needed to wear Eau Sauvage again ….it’s almost empty….but will wear it today as September is my fathers birth month, and spring is finally here.

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    • Robin says:
      4 September 2015 at 3:24 pm

      What a great story, and what a great scent memory of your dad.

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    • ihadanidea says:
      6 September 2015 at 10:26 pm

      Kanuka, I’m just reading this now, so I apologize for the delay in responding, but this is a lovely story. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  41. poodle says:
    4 September 2015 at 3:29 pm

    I never looked forward to the start of school. I would always dread it to the point I’d get sick to my stomach. I liked learning things but hated the rest of it.
    School memories as far as scents go would have to be Impulse body sprays, Polo, Drakkar, Designer Imposters scents, but I was wearing Poison. I forgot about this earlier today so for the evening I will be wafting Poison. You’ve been warned.

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    • mals86 says:
      4 September 2015 at 4:09 pm

      Heh, I just posted above here somewhere about those very scents. We’re probably about the same age. 🙂

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      • poodle says:
        5 September 2015 at 7:30 am

        I just went back and read your post. Lol. I forgot about the smoke.
        We’re aging like fine wines, Mals86. 😉

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  42. Kris says:
    4 September 2015 at 3:59 pm

    I am not sure why I picked this, but maybe I mean business. I chose Narciso Rodriquez for Her.

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  43. Oakland Fresca says:
    4 September 2015 at 4:09 pm

    I cannot recall what I put on this morning, it has been such an annoying morning!

    First I got to the day hospital at 7:30 AM with my younger son, waited an hour for a bed, and then was told that the doctor called in and said she now doesn’t think the tests need to be run, at least not yet…! So I rushed my son to school, and he was still late…

    AND THEN I took one of our cats to the vet who has completely stopped eating–after paying nearly $1300 on Wed for several of his teeth to be extracted–and was asked in the waiting room what my limit was for spending money on his care so that they could call me if they were getting close to the limit!!! Actually, I am laughing now, but what a crazy and horrible thing to ask someone as they hand over their pet! Poor kitty!!!

    So then I went to Whole Foods to buy dinner and wound up engaging in shopping therapy in the wine section as they are having a one-day 30% off sale on everything. Sprayed some scent on myself while I was looking at the fancy face creams, which I think had “lotus” in the title… and now smell most assuredly like a head shop.

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    • Deva says:
      4 September 2015 at 4:20 pm

      Wow. Hope kitty is ok and you definitely earned that wine-enjoy!

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    • Laura says:
      4 September 2015 at 4:26 pm

      That sounds like my kind of shopping therapy! Almost 20 yrs ago, our cat escaped and went missing. When we found her, her vet bill was close to yours. But on the bright side, she lived another 10 years! Hope your’s has a happy ending. Who knew a cat could live to be 23! 80

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  44. Lindaloo says:
    4 September 2015 at 4:20 pm

    Even though I read this post in the morning I completely forgot it when I went to put on some perfume. What jumped out at me was Samsara (edt). After a week of much-needed rain, and a totally un-needed windstorm, today is clear blue skies and cool crisp air, sandalwood seemed called for and I love the burst of ylang-ylang at the top.

    As for school days, I am of the era when Love’s Baby Soft (okay) and Love’s Fresh Lemon (yum) came out and bit later Cachet. Meanwhile one of the most common scents in senior high school was patchouli oil — often worn to cover the scent of something else 😉 .

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  45. Laura says:
    4 September 2015 at 4:33 pm

    Vintage Coco which was one of the first perfumes I bought as a newly employed college grad. 🙂 I’m wearing the parfum which is in a black spray dispenser. It has held up phenomenally, given it’s close to 30 yrs old! Yikes 😮

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    • Nick says:
      4 September 2015 at 5:41 pm

      I have never sniffed Coco, but your suggestion of the roses has sent me digging for rose-featured fragrances. I will add Coco to the list of sniffing mission 😀

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      • Laura says:
        7 September 2015 at 2:12 pm

        I’m not a fan of the current formulation of Coco. I have undying love for the original. 😉

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  46. Gaynor says:
    4 September 2015 at 4:40 pm

    I can’t recall any perfume wafting around the classrooms from my now distant school days. I certainly had some little cheap bottles myself, but I can’t remember when I wore them. I’m guessing weekends.
    Interesting to see the difference in holidays in different countries. Our school summer holidays are over Christmas, and the warmest weather is yet to come when everyone goes back to school at the end of January.

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    • Kanuka says:
      4 September 2015 at 8:34 pm

      My school scent memories would be things like Tropical Blend sun tan oil. I was in Christchurch and all the girls plastered themselves with baby oil or Tropical Blend …late 1970s. The other would be Meadowsong.

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  47. Pamela says:
    4 September 2015 at 4:59 pm

    I was planning on something more Fall-appropriate, but it’s really hot today, so I went with Carven EdP. To me it says “back to school” because it’s charming and mostly fits in but has a little interest as well. Fitting in is definitely overrated, but overall it’s not a bad first impression for someone shy like me on the first day of school. 🙂

    When I was in high school in southern California, the scent to have was Ralph, in that turquoise bottle!

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    • Parley says:
      4 September 2015 at 6:34 pm

      Ha! I had that one in middle school and loved it until my brother thought I smelled like snuff (snus) when I’d applied it ): crushing! I think I still have an old bottle somewhere…

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  48. AnnieA says:
    4 September 2015 at 5:57 pm

    Since it does seem to be a change in the seasons I tried DC’s Oriental Lounge. It does seem like a better fit for fall than when I acquired it a couple of months ago, but it’s still quite fleeting. Sometimes it is really annoying to have perfume-eating skin…

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  49. Parley says:
    4 September 2015 at 6:31 pm

    I’m in kerbside violet! Probably more of a springtime back-to-business, but its relentless, long-lasting, unsweetened violets with stem and leaf and probably a bit of the kerbside in general mashed in there certainly worked well to combat my 3pm laziness.

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