It's World Aids Day and it's Giving Tuesday. What fragrance are you wearing?
I'm in Tauer Perfumes Incense extrême.
Reminder: this Friday, 12/4, wear an incense fragrance. (suggested by Janice)
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.
I am going with Ubar today, psyching myself up to face 3 days of cold rainy weather. Wish it were snow instead!
Ubar is good in nasty weather, isn’t it? Warming, but in a sunny sort of way instead of a cozy-blanket way.
I am probably in the minority when I admit I really love snow ????
Oh, I do too. My husband thinks I’m crazy.
I need to move to Key West! LOL #NoSnow I’m ready for SUMMER already! 🙂
tell your hubby you are not alone 🙂
I envy you! I hardly ever get to experience snow! Is there a perfect snow perfume, do you think?
I also love snow – so pretty!
Once you have to shovel a driveway full of snow several times in one week the enjoyment of snow comes to an end 🙁
LOL!
I enjoy shoveling snow the first time each season, after that NO MORE !! 😉
I really hate mowing the lawn, despite the warm weather.
YMMV
I live in a condo, so no shoveling or lawn mowing. I also don’t own a car. So just the pure pleasure of walking in a winter wonderland. 🙂
A well chosen antidote!
I agree – snow is way better than really cold rain! People think I’m crazy for thinking that, but I love snow.
Hey AnnS and other no 19 devotees: Chanel’s now offering no 19 bath soap as a Chanel.com exclusive. An opportunity to get something Chanel-scented for less than $30! I hope it smells like the frag–I find the no 5 soap, while nice, doesn’t smell a lot like no 5.
Thanks for posting this!
This would make a great gift for somebody I know actually.
I can just imagine how fantastic a bath would smell when using No 19 soap! I’ll have to check this out ☺
Wow!! Thanks! Good to know.
I love the No.19 shower gel. I got mine at Saks but I believe Bergdorf has it as well. I will check out the soap because… I am a soap and shower gel junkie.
Thought I was getting sick yesterday, turns out I’m just fine. Probably a little aftermath from getting the flu shot.
Perfume of the day today is Shalimar Soufflé on one wrist and Petit Guerlain on the other. I feel like I have had these samples forever!
I’m glad you’re feeling better today.
Lovely combo and good way to use up samples. 🙂
Stay healthy! How are you feeling, baby-wise?
Baby is good! He is kicking up a storm. I am huge and eating a lot of chocolate as if their was a shortage coming up! Thank you for asking, I appreciate it!
Aww – hope you’re getting sleep! And enjoy the chocolatey goodness. You’re due soon, right?
I still have a little bit to go-35 weeks this week
It’s cold. It’s rainy. It’s reports week in the office.
I’m bathed in 31 Rue Cambon- thanks to Annikky! It’s been a while since I’ve had any of this lovely fragrance and it’s decided, I need a FB of this.
That’s quite a trio…at least you smell good!
Indeed. First week of each month is reports. I should make that my default power-scents week.
You smell lovely dear!
Thank you. I really missed this one!
I am becoming addicted to 31RC as well. Let us know when you get your FB! It’s at the top of my wish list too.
I received mine last week, but I feel like I should save it for some reason. (Maybe the price.)
Please do wear it!
What other ones would you recommend from the Les Exclusifs that would be good for work? The only other one I have is tried Misia and I like it, but found it to be too much like Love, Chloe. Have you tried the body cream with the perfumes? It is expensive, but I am sure it is good.
Personally, I wear them all (the ones I like, at least) to work, but Cuir de Russie and possibly Coromandel and Sycomore might be considered too much by some. Rue Cambon is in my view the best office scent of the lot, but I’d say most of them would work. Beige, 1932 and Gardenia are very well-behaved florals, but a bit boring. Bel Respiro and the Cologne would be my top picks after the ones mentioned in the beginning, or Bois des Iles if you prefer woody scents – the EDT is light enough. I adore La Pausa and it’s not problematic for the office, but the lasting power is miserable.
And the body cream is good, but I’m too lazy for body creams.
Thanks so much. I appreciate your advice.
Good perfume for a week like that. Hope the week goes as smoothly as possible.
So glad you like it! I adore 31RC and I especially appreciate the fact that they’ve managed to create something so beautiful and interesting that’s also great for work. I love my big perfumes, but I spend a lot of my time in the office…
I’d completely forgotten how gorgeous it is. Thank you so much for sending me some! This may hold me over until Christmas so I can drop huge not-so-subtle hints that I want a bottle 🙂
Sampling An Air of Despair from Imaginary Authors. I smell like an antique store
Do you like it? I won a bottle of that. I love that antique-y smell but I’ve taken to using it as a closet spray. Would love to have it as a candle.
My question too…antique store could go either way!
I agree that it would make a great candle or room spray but it doesn’t do much for me as a personal fragrance.
To me it smells exactly like a cedar chest. Basically a pure unadulterated cedar note.
Thanks ladies!
Annick Goutal Nuit Etoilee is what I’m wearing today. It is becoming one of my favorites. It’s so easy to wear and love.
It’s a very versatile scent. I love it!
Today I’m wearing Tom Ford’s new Black Orchid Eau de Toilette.
Think I might haul out my incense samples and use them up this week. Today… I just grabbed Montale Full Incense. Liking the first moments, at least. This is very churchy.
On to the to try list it goes…
I’m wearing Kerosene Copper Skies, and though I would love to have a bottle of it, I should go donate to an AIDS charity instead. (I donate monthly to one, but always find today a good day to top up.)
Which charity if I am not being too nosy? (If I am, ignore!!!)
Not at all! There are many wonderful charities out there, and I try to spread it around, but I donate most regularly to the Stephen Lewis Foundation for HIV/AIDS in Africa.
Finished my sample of Montale Nepal Aoud. Not sure what’s Nepalese about it but it’s a nice oud.
I surprised myself by digging into my boxed of packed spring perfumes for L’ombre Dans L’eau. This morning I needed a break from cozy scents and a burst of fresh cut rose bouquet is refreshing. I’m giving a legal training for 30 managers today, so need all the energy I can muster.
As a side note, the guy on the subway next to me just sneezed twice and now I’m paranoid that it’s because of my perfume. Anyone else have these possibly-irrational worries?
I think I only assume it’s my perfume when I sit down and the person next to me gets up and changes seats 😉
Ha – I am with you on that and even then it would take me a while to think that.
Ha, that would be a sign. 🙂
I do sometimes, but I’m getting better at it! LOL
Last week, on the subway to work, this woman next to me complained that my cologne was bothering her. I politely pointed out that my cologne was not sufficient to cover the lingering smell of her last cigarette.
HA! Are you a New Yorker? That would be a conversation I would here on the subway..
No, Toronto. 🙂
Yup! 😀
Hahahaha! That is really funny!
Zing! Nice one.
Good one! I’m laughing at my desk.
Perfect! That’s the kind of retort I would think of later, while lying in bed.
I think it’s super rude for someone to complain about another’s perfume in such a situation, because there’s no point. It’s not like she has to be around you regularly.
Rock on! I love your reply. Did you just receive an annoyed look in response? Inquiring mind(s) want to know ! 😉
Her face dropped, then she became enraged and through a few colourful words at me. This being Toronto, she then went on to lecture me in some foreign language but I just put my ear buds back in, cranked up the music and smiled. She got off at the next stop.
I didn’t want to be rude, after all she can smoke if she wants to, but I wasn’t going to apologize for wearing cologne which, by the way, was Amouage Silver.
Thanks platinum14! You weren’t being rude in my opinion, just truthful. I don’t think you would have pointed out her cigarette-stink if she hadn’t been initially confrontational.
I applaud you !
I love your response!
Awesome! Love a pithy response. 🙂
Pffft! Too many scents on the train to blame your wee whiff of rose!
Good point! I like to think of my perfume as a welcome respite from the persistent smell of stale piss on the train.
You smell wonderful. Good luck with the legal training!
Thanks! The training went well; I’m glad it’s over.
It’s December, assume it is a mild case of the flu, and protect yourself accordingly. He should be home in bed, not spreading his germs around. IMHO! 🙂
SOTD Perris Monte Carlo Essence de Patchouli. Patchouli-heavy in the top notes, more sweet, powdery amber/benzoin in the dry down. Cozy for this dreary day and even drearier Tuesday AM meeting I have to attend every week. I always leave this meeting feeling slightly depressed.
Aaargh… I have sworn off ANY perfume purchases through the new year, including samples (I have woefully overdone it these past several weeks)… but I am officially creating a list of fragrances to sample in the new year starting with Essence de Patchouli. It sounds like my kind of scent!
It’s cozy ad nice, but not unique. It smells like things I’ve smelled before(I’m a disenabler).
Which is very refreshing. Okay..!
I’m in Azemour les Oranges today. The FB I ordered and thought was the 50ml size arrived yesterday, and turns out to be the 100ml size in the older bottle style. A very happy surprise! I have a largish decant of Azemour, so I’m going to let my husband wrap the FB and put it under the Christmas tree. And will pretend to be amazed at his perceptiveness upon unwrapping. We like stuff like that. 🙂
😉
Ha – so thoughtful of him!
Yes indeed!
I’ve been known to wrap my own gifts to myself (in a different wrapping paper than the one I usually use) and put a card with only my name on it. I act surprised, everyone is mystified, that’s the miracle of Christmas!! Must be Santa!!!
I love it! Now why didn’t I think of that?
I haven’t put on any scent yet, other than bursts bees lotion. I am debating between samples: Passage D’Enfer, Safran Troublant, or Tralala. Choices are hard. Hmmm, I think Passage is out, a little to cool of a scent for today and I think the lily in it might bother my husband when he gets home, poor man can’t take anything floral At All! Which makes finding a fragrance I like and he can take interesting to say the least. Lol. And while I like the warm boozyness of Tralala it has something in it that rubs me the wrong way, many the cedar? I have mild asthma and that note can hit my lungs like sandpaper sometimes, not quite a full reaction but not a nice feeling, might be because I do have an allergic reaction to its cousin juniper. So Safran Troublant it is!
Excellent choice!
This is a perfume I don’t know, but the logic you just used in choosing it and the love it gets in general are making me feel I should bestir myself in its direction.
It’s quite nice, 🙂 I don’t get most of the notes, almost a strait saffron but a hint lighter like a dab of butter was added to soften it, might be the vanilla. Last several hrs on me. Lol, just realized I also have some leftover saffron flavored basmati rice for breakfast yesterday with butter and sugar. I geuss I’m in a saffron mode this week. 🙂
Always a terrific choice 🙂
I have to wear 8 sprays to last 4 hours!
I’m wearing Mitsouko in extrait de parfum. It feels far too glamorous for an ordinary day at work. I’m always amazed at how gorgeous this is.
Oh, how lovely! Live it up, I say.
I totally agree! You should read Anniky’s post on the pleasures of overdressing, on her blog. It’s fun, but there is real wisdom there too. Enjoy today’s glamour, and go for double tomortow, I say!
You smell lovely. I hope it gives a lift to your day.
I’m wearing Angel today. I think I should have gone with something more spicy, less sweet, after wearing DK Gold yesterday, which I find is also quite sweet. Oh well….
OK, I had to scrub Angel off. It was just too sweet. It is still lingering, but much less strong.
1) I was a baby when AIDS got a name and HIV was found to be the causal factor. When I was a little girl, all could be done was hospice care. When I was a teenager amazing yet poisonous cocktails were found to help HIV+ people live longer and help mothers not pass the virus to their children. Now we have PrEP, which can help PREVENT THE TRANSMISSION OF HIV. Amazing. This all within my lifetime.
2) Am wearing Amber+Ginger from Jo Malone, layer with the Smoky Poppy shower gel. Outfit is a deep green cardigan, gray silk blouse, dark gray close fitting pants, and a forest green patterned scarf.
Remarkable, isn’t it? There may be plenty of nastiness still in the world but I never want to forget the tremendous strides we’ve made. Thanks for that reminder.
The nastiness we are seeing (in the politics in the USA, at least) is basically us being dragged, kicking, screaming and spitting, into the 21 century. But there is a lot of incredible advancement in technology and medical science over the last 37 years- and it is wonderful.
I was so preoccupied with family that I didn’t have a chance to post until returning to the office today, but I do want to say that I have been and continue to be grateful for every one of you. Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!
Reached for my Voleur de Roses sample on my desk here earlier today and dabbed a bit of it on one wrist, and I’ve decided that while this is nice, it’s a bit too powdery for my taste. Good, but not my thing. Venezia is in my hair, and I’m tossing it around to get a few wafts. Now deciding what to wear on my other wrist. Maybe another rose….I know you’re all shocked. 🙂
Also – thank you to Robin for highlighting these two VERY important days on the calendar!
I have to ask. Any news from the handsome man you were texting?
Aww – that’s so sweet of you to remember!
We texted the day of our little subway encounter, and when I said something about my lack of a Midwestern accent (I’m originally from Michigan), he said something about needing to find out for himself. Shortly thereafter, we both had to get focused on work, and since then, I haven’t heard from him. It could be because it was right before Thanksgiving, or it could be that he just forgot, and either way, I don’t really mind. The ball is in his court, but even if we never speak again, he served a wonderful purpose and proved to me that I was capable of being brave in that way, and also provided me with a little, much-appreciated ego boost. The situation still makes me smile.
But I promise to report back on any romantic goings on should they arise, with Señor Handsomeface or anyone else.
Aww! <3 Keep us posted!
Definitely let us know!
Absolutely the right way to look at it – it’s quite amazing what an ego boost realising one has the ability to make things happen can be. Plus you smell super.
I’m in vinty Balmain Jolie Madame today.
Received my split of PdE Tabac Tabou last night. Yuck. It wasn’t anything like what I had imagined….oh well. PdE Musc Tonkin and Ambre Russe will forever be my faves from the line.
It’s sad how often a split of something I thought I’d be sure to love doesn’t work out for me. Sigh.
Oof sorry about the Tabac Tabou. At least you smell great today 🙂
I’m sure you’ll be able to swap that Tabac Tabou away. I know I’d step up for it!
I’m wearing J. Crew No. 57. Nice and cozy for this gray, drizzly day. The boozy note strikes me as slightly subversive for a Tuesday morning, which makes me smile.
It’s a cozy, almost blanket like scent! And the boozy note does not hurt! You smell great! 🙂
Wearing a sample of Burberry Brit….it’s simply MEH on me. Not my style, but luckily it’s fading away fast.
Computer is down at work….which means a lot of sitting around this morning while IT dept works on it. BUT…my FAVORITE seed catalog came yesterday, and I brought it with me! Baker Creek’s catalog is worthy of coffee table display! And now I can dream of my 2016 garden! 🙂
That was fortuitous – dreaming of your next garden sounds wonderful!
That Baker’s Creek catalog is beloved among gardeners. This is the second mention I have heard in the last 24 hours. I may need to check it out……
Day 2 in my personal quest. (each day dedicated to a fragrance that I absolutely LOVE but that somehow, I don’t wear often. You know, the ones that are “too special”, “too chic for a trip to the grocery store”, “too loud for the office”, “too warm for the season”, etc…)
Today’s selection is Dior Homme Parfum. (I really have been on a Leather thing since september) I love it. Warmer and less powdery than CD Homme, less gourmand than CD Homme Intense, the parfum version is a winner for this grey, wet “Scottish mist” kind of a day.
I’ve been trying to enjoy fragrance more often too! The other day I was doing deep cleaning in the house…but smelled awesome doing it! Anytime is a good time to enjoy perfume….
Accidentally sprayed Sotto La Luna Gardenia this morning when I meant to spray Amber Flash. It’s cool and rainy here, so gardenia didn’t feel right. Fortunately, Amber Flash is strong enough to cover up any remnants after scrubbing.
Ha yes those are VERY different!
Wearing Bottega Veneta Eau Legere today. Another cold and snowy day in the Midwest.
I chose PHI Une Rose de Kandahar to counter the first in a series of gray rainy days in New England. I’m just happy it’s rain because I am not ready for snow.
I have a spray sample of this given to me by a wonderful NST-er during the spring Swapmeet. I had given up finding an Andy Tauer that I could love, until I smelled this one. You have reminded me to try it in the cold weather. Oh, and btw, you smell amazing!
Thanks Suzy Q. I really love both PHI and LdDM. I’m also very curious to try Rose Chypre and the flash scents. I may order a sample set. Have you tried any of those? I wasn’t crazy about his gardenia or tuberose frags. I thought Noontide Petals was pretty but not a wow for me.
Rose Chypre is one of those I haven’t smelled yet. Noontime Petals and others are nice but not a wow, as you say. Lonestar Memories was an epic fail. I haven’t tried the flash scents yet. Enjoy yourself–it’s really fun to work your way through a house.
I’m going to wear incense for the rest of the week, starting today with Copal Azur.
It’s sort of a calming scent, which was a good thing this morning. I stepped outside to get the paper and pulled the door shut behind me to keep the cat from getting out—and locked myself out. And my husband is on a flight to Washington this morning. So I had to stop a passing dog-walker to borrow a cell phone, and wait for a locksmith, and 45 minutes and $95 later I was finally on my way to work. The day can only get better from here.
I read a few reviews that said it was on the masculine side. What do you think?
I think that’s true in the initial stages–there is a very mineral-y or flinty note in there. But after an hour or so it gets sweeter and has, at least to my nose, quite a lot of vanilla.
Having done that two too many times, I finally set up a hidden key… and have never once needed to use it. The amazing power of a back up system on the psyche.
That’s an excellent idea!
Ooh, hope the rest of your day makes up for it.
Hope the day has improved – and hopefully incense was appropriately calming.
Oh, man. What a way to start your day. Wakes you right up I bet! Hope your day’s uphill from there. Fortunately my door doesn’t lock without a key otherwise I’m sure I’d have had a few of those days myself.
OOF. I have certainly been there. Hope your day is improving rapidly!!
I hope your day got better. Twice in my lifetime, I’ve managed to lock myself INSIDE a bathroom, once at home when I was perhaps 5 years old and then the 2nd time as an adult at my grandparent’s house. Sounds crazy, right? And the 2nd time around, I had an audience since my grandparents’ house was like Grand Central for my humongous extended family!
Going commando at the moment, until the wash is completed and I can shower and dress. Think I’ll go for Jaisalmer or Incense Flash. Or, hey, layer them both for extra incense! Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend – didn’t get to check on the threads because I was working so much. Shelter dogs and cats need care every single day of the year, and I was very thankful to at least have Thursday off, so I could celebrate with family.
wearing Benjoin 19 today.
Forgot to put on fragrance this morning and pulled out Iris Cendre from a sample in my purse. I’m in agreement with others about its rooty goodness. Very nice!
Hi Farouche. Is Iris Cendre woody, too? Or mostly rooty?
Rooty woody – it is very nice!
That’s a lovely one.
Akkinny/Ykkinna did a great post on this fragrance….it was very tempting!
Huh, validation!
I have been wearing pretty much the same thing for the past few weeks: Byredo 1996. I love the faint incense note in it during the cool weather.
that’s a good one.
I just broke into my sample of Cartier Les Heures de Parfum IV L’Heure Fougueuse. It’s been a while since I was last so immediately smitten. I’m adding it to the top of my FB list.
Fougeuse is amazing – congrats on getting together with it!
Lacking liquidity, I have made a short list for Giving Tuesday–it will be Giving Thursday in this household.
I’m in Hindu Kush, which I have already reapplied several times this morning… so 1) I obviously like it, but 2) it is not a long-lasting scent. Guess this sample goes into the “pretty while it lasts” category…
Hello! I have been out of town; got to spend the holiday in NYC. Did a little sniffing at Bergdorf’s, which was so glamorous! Today I am in Amouage Sunshine, which is perfect for this cold but very autumn like day. Note to all: Target online has B1G1 half off on fragrances PLUS 25% off beauty PLUS 10% off fragrance! They carry the old Guerlains, so I may finally buy Mitsouko! They have some Diors, some YSL, Estée Lauders, too.
In other fragrance related items I was busted as the tooth fairy because my daughter said the money smelled good! Ha!
Happy Tuesday to all!!
And thank you to the generous Hajusuuri for the Sunshine sample!!!
:-). Your daughter is so sophisticated!
That’s a cute story, Katrina, and thanks for the Target tips.
Sadly, offers not combinable but still B1G1 half off is pretty good. It also gave me my RX rewards discounts, so that’s a plus!
Awwww! Cute! You should have told your daughter that the tooth-fairy is a perfumista also.
Or that she delivers perfume to good parents!
Learning young about the smell of money 😉 Sounds like a nice trip to BGs.
AH! I heard about Target! I was thinking of mitsouko too after I saw the ad. Its been so long since I smelled it I couldn’t remember if I like it or not.
Hahaha that’s a fantastic tooth fairy story! And thank you so much for the Target head’s up, I wouldn’t have even thought to check their fragrance offerings for holiday sales (which is dumb, I did notice in store recently that they had some interesting things.)
I used to worry that my daughter would detect the Strawberry Shortcake dolls I’d stashed in my bedroom closet for Christmas. Never did, though.
My birthday was last week, and I requested five decants instead of a full bottle from my bf – less money and more options. So, today I’m wearing TF Shanghai Lily from my decant and couldn’t be happier 🙂
Fantastic present and perfume.
Happy belated birthday! Nice gift and I like Shanghai Lily, too.
Happy Birthday and happy sniffing.
I sprayed my sample of Rose of No Man’s Land this morning before I realized I was getting a headache. I got some samples last night and I’m really thankful I didn’t spray anything I hadn’t sniffed before.
I’ve been busy and haven’t posted for a week, although I have tried to skim posts so as not to miss anything. Happy belated Thanksgiving to everyone! Hope everyone who is having a rough time feels better.
Yes, new fragrances when you’re not feeling 100% are the worst! I hope your headache goes away soon!
Gucci Bamboo – i got myself a purse spray, and it hits the spot.
I’m wearing Coromandel, which hasn’t lasted too well on me. I thought it was one of the longer lasting Chanel’s, but I’m happy with what was, at least. Should have brought my sample for a refresher.
NST is one of the gifts I am most grateful for this year, right up there with perfume.
How nice!
Good morning, good morning! Today I’m leaping happily into various arguments and stoushes at work, so I decided to wear one of my most colourful summer dresses. Simple shape; complicated colours. I love it with stupid love but I have actually seen one of my staff members glance at me, blink, look away, glance back….pained expression ensued. I suspect it polarises people, this dress. In fact, it may be that I am the only one at my end of the pole (as it were), and that the whole rest of the world is at the other! Too bad. So. I need a brave, colourful perfume, something that refracts light. It’s not quite right, but I’ve chosen Silences, because it does seem to offer smooth, hard surfaces and sharp edges. Summer is coming in here and the season of Silences has arrived. Yay!
Go for colour! Much better to be polarising in a fabulous dress than not noticed because of an excess of subtlety (in my opinion, anyway) 🙂
Oh, you darling! Thank you! I love colour, even black when I get organised to do it right, but I think the young tend to be more conservative than I am. I suppose the have more to lose if people form bad opinions of them.
I love Silences.
And would probably die of color-hunger if I wore only neutral colors.
I moved away from color over the years, and really need to veer back.
I sent my manuscript in to the publisher yesterday which is always a bittersweet moment…and one that leaves me feeling a bit vulnerable and out of sorts for a day or two. It’s a muggy, warm morning and I will go down to the botanic gardens and walk through the rose garden . At this time of year the scent is heady and velvety lush. Think I will wear Terre de Hermes for its grounded earthiness.
That sounds like a gentle morning, and what you need. I’ve seen a sort of grief for the finished thesis among my students: writers feel it too, obviously. Is it the Janus thing, perhaps, looking back over what has been; looking forward to what is yet unknown? Only, a student once said that even though the thesis was the hardest and loneliest thing she had ever done, and that towards the end I had behaved like an evil old trollop, it was a familiar and therefore safe territory. Her problems, her fight, her triumph, all bounded by this one activity. Is finishing a novel a title like that?
I think part of the anxiety is knowing that there is far greater emphasis on ‘ the market’ and what sells than there was five or ten years ago. So it is more difficult to feel confident about what you have written…as the publisher might just come back and say, Your work is too grim, or We want something more plot driven…and that’s very disheartening if you’re someone who has tended to have critical rather than commercial success. It tends to take the magic out of the experience. But I am a pessimist so I may be painting a bleak picture. Also there’s that problem of showing something for the first time and not knowing what the reaction will be…and all that empty nest stuff, like what now? I’m sure it will be okay in the end.
We’ve noticed this “marketisation” of creativity in the scholarship and we’re teaching it furiously now, but I’m not sure students get it, exactly. I think they believe it will All be Different For Them. Kanuka, you would be a splendid guest lecturer….
I think the culture has changed in every area of work. It used to be that the employee would give their best and the employer would invest in their career as a whole, ride the highs and low – so there was a real sense of partnership and commitment. Now, everything is so ‘performance’ based – whether its monthly quotas, sales figures, peer reviewed papers, or the arts – that if you don’t reach the target you get knocked back or replaced. There’s been a shift away from partnership towards market worth. But – the roses were divine! And they bloom regardless … so life is good.
And in perfume too – the mediocre smelling bestseller may be better received (by the company) than the brilliant experimental scent that fails to sell…
I think I understand the feeling, on a much smaller scale. Something that has been so dominant is suddenly gone, but not finished with – it’s now in someone else’s hands for better or worse.
Definitely!
Chanel No5 EDC. Mainly because I have a vintage splash bottle I decant into a sprayer and I was afraid of it would evaporate 😀
It is very much ‘starched shirt’ and dry and lasts through a gym shower which is great. I’m note getting much anything else out of it at the moment but then again scents smell different (almost) every time I wear them.
And then I sprayed Dior Addict at Boots on my way home. It reminds me a lot of CK Truth in the beginning stages before turning a bit meh. Funny how frgrances with a totally different branding/marketing spiel can smell so alike.
*missing link between Truth and Addict being, of course, Thierry Wasser who created both (with a lil help from his friends in Truth’s case).
Also interdasting how according to some damning reviews Truth smells like ‘watered down Addict’ although Truth was created in 2000 and Addict in 2002. So there.
I heard that Addict was reformulated poorly. The tiny bit of older stuff I smelled was lovely; I haven’t smelled the new version.
I am only familiar with the original versions of both Truth and Addict….loved them both but did not recollect any similarities…I am sure they have been reformulated several times over! ( I bought both in full bottles when they first came out)
I reckon. Reviews on the original speak of an extremely long lasting dry bourbon vanilla with jasmine or somesuch but that’s not the current version at all.
Bardot – Addict’s top notes (silk tree flower whatsit) are similar to Truth except whereas Addict peters out in about 20 minutes, those top notes form Truth’s core.
Truth’s sweet/fresh with a vetiver note that makes it both lush/dry, whereas Addict turned nondescript blah with possibly a hint of vanilla. Truth’s also very long lasting on me. I get 8-9 hours no problemo. It’s very much the winner out of the two.
thanks, schneeze! (love your name, btw!). I haven’t smelled either one in years but what I remember from the original Addict was that boozy bourbon vanilla that lasted FOREVER on my skin…what I remember of Truth was the dry/austere/ greenness (vetiver??)
Yeah, I never smelled original Addict; my thoughts are based on the current reformulation which is decidedly non-boozy-vanilla. It resembles Truth, somewhat, for about ten minutes. Then it’s gonzo.
I’m not sure if Truth’s been reformulated but on me it smells ‘sweet’ as in fresh, dewy cut-grass (clover), not sugar. And then it has dry bits (vetiver). I’m actually amazed something that’s so ‘fresh’ can be so long lasting.
Anyway, if I’d gone by brand, notes or reviews only I’d never tried Truth and loved it. Good thing my friend pushed a random mini on me 😀
Thanks to Ykinna and her mention of “Winter Whites” on her blog I was inspired to wear my vintage Chloe perfume….the most glorious tuberose I have ever encountered…..I can’t stop sniffing my wrist!!! And a big thanks to the Black Narcissus for gifting it to me!
It’s a great term as well – winter whites somehow appeals more to me than big white florals. I don’t know the original Chloe but it sounds wonderful.
The original Chloe is gorgeous!!! It was considered “mainstream” (bought my first bottle in the early 80s in a local dept store) but by today’s standards might be considered “niche”…..on my wrist it is this creamy, heady white floral…even as I type this I am huffing away at my wrist!!!! (thank goodness no one is watching-LOL!)
Chloe, the original, was my first Real Perfume, and yes, I think it might have been available in a drugstore at the time. I had a 1-oz dabber bottle of edt, and I wore it for about a dozen years, through my teens.
Gorgeous stuff. I can’t actually wear it now, given its personal associations, but I’ve smelled the vintage again recently and it really was a lovely thing.
I’m wearing Cuir Mauresque today for errand-running. I bought a “mini” (the manufacturer claimed) stereo on Black Friday so I could hear Adele through big speakers. It arrived yesterday and perhaps it would be “mini” in Hagrid’s hut, but in my house it’s too tall to fit on the bookshelf. It’s going back to the store this morning.
Well, you’ll smell marvelous at the returns counter. If that helps any.
I seem to have hit a rather tired week and so am struggling to think properly about perfume choices early in the morning. Molecule 01 is today’s, it feels pleasant and easy but helpful in getting through the mounds of work sat looking at me.
In others news apparently the Malle Coffrets are now available in London. Which may or may not be a good thing…
I’m late today and not wearing anything, as I’ve not been feeling great. But I’m burning Byredo’s Bibliotheque candle, one of my all-time favourites. And I’m making Estonian blood sausages, a traditional December/Christmas dish. The sausages come pre-prepared, so it’s not as gruesome as it sounds, they just need some time in the oven.
Oh, rotten luck. Feel better soon.
Ummm, a species of semi-demi maternal anxiety is floating around me here, and I feel constrained to ask: is blood sausage a, you know, OK thing to eat if you feel down pin? Only, they sound as though they would be rich and spicy, which might be a strain on a system that’s turned temporarily delicate.
Oh if they’re anything like Finnish blood pancakes or black sausages she’ll be right. The ‘blood’ comes in a tidy sanitised carton you buy in the supermarket. And it’s plenty iron to keep you strong.
Oh, good. I’m not a mother, but I sometimes get these random rushes of motherly concern. It’s most odd. I actually have to stop myself sometimes asking my great niece if she’s warm enough…wearing enough clothes? She’s 13! She’s been dressing herself for years, without any input from me or any other full adult! Why would I suddenly worry about this, as though it’s any of my business?
You worry about it because you’re kind…and kindness extends waaaaay beyond motherhood!
Schneeze, are you in Finland? Or just knowlegeable about the foods of the world?
Dear waterdragon, thank you for your concern, this is very sweet of you 🙂 These sausages are quite innocent, I think, and I was mostly feeling less than perfect because I couldn’t sleep during the night. I’m completely alright now, although still scentless.
I’m always bewildered by my own gut reaction to eating certain animal parts: tongue, sweet breads, liver(pate only) are all fine and delicious in my book. Marrow, kidney, tripe are on the “do not ingest” list. I’ve tried blood sausage before(black pudding) and was fine before I knew what it was. Nothing rational about it. All that to say: I hope you feel better and maybe the iron boost from the sausage will help 🙂
Thank you! As I’ve said above, I’m feeling fine now and a bit embarrassed for having caused all this concern.
What you said about our reactions to food is interesting. I can eat most things, but while I love liver, I’m suspicious of kidneys. As you say, nothing rational about it.
feel better !
I already am, thank you!
I’ll be in Jour d’Hermès today, courtesy of a fabulous gift from Kanuka of some of her unwanted perfumes. Kanuka says I’ve done her a favour by helping her make some space, but I do feel that I’ve got the better deal 🙂
I hear from my team member that a fascinating box from Dunedin has arrived at her place (she’s kind enough to accept deliveries for me: don’t start me on damn bloody courier services and apartment buildings in the inner city!) so a wonderful surprise awaits me today. Kanuka, you’re a gem! I will get back to you shortly.
You are both doing me a massive favour…seriously. New start – and all that! Waterdragon – I sent you one perfume that I loathe with a passion (generous, eh) so will be interested to see if you can pick it.
Late to the party today because I just got back from the doctor. Well, it’s official. Not only do I have strep throat, but I also have the flu and can’t go back to work this week. And, I took the stupid flu shot!!!! We were out all of last week for Thanksgiving. I guess I am getting an extended holiday break.
Not that I could smell it anyway, but my SOTD is Chloe. Even though I can’t smell it, I’m just so used to spraying something on. Weird, huh?
Oh, no. Well, feel better soon. Get plenty of fluids and sleep. You can always read a good book too.
I always got the flu shot but then twice I got the flu….so I stopped getting the shot!
I hope you feel better soon!
I thought I was coming down with something yesterday after I got my flu shot but I am ok. Sorry you are not feeling good!
Thanks everyone!
Ugh that’s no fun. There are much better ways to get a few days off work. 😉 Hope you feel better soon.
Thanks!
Commando right now and waiting for my paycheck. Last night, I used Beauty Encounter’s 25% Cyber Monday deal to get a couple gifts and STC’s 20% last night. So now, I have money only to pays bills for the next few days. So that means I can load up my Amazon account with gifts and wait until Amex and my bank account say that I can checkout. I’m debating on if I should wear Nuda or Havana Vanille.
Mohur extrait! Mmmmmmm!
I’m in Iris Silver Mist. My sample arrived on Saturday, and I’ve already almost used it up. Why did I wait so long to try this?!
Ooh, so glad you love it! One of my favorites as well… though it doesn’t get nearly as much wear as it should.
Yum!
I’m in a decluttering mood today, so I used up a sample of EL Tuberose Gardenia. Not really seasonal, but enjoyable!
And of topic, but does anyone remember if Luckyscent did a free shipping deal last December?
just glanced at the latest email from LuckyScent–free ground shipping on orders over $75 with code winter15 (through 12/31)
Maybe later they’ll send an offer code without a minimum amt…dunno
You are a lifesaver! Thanks so much!
Their free gifts with purchase were much nicer in previous years.
SOTD is a bottle of Musc Ravageur that a perfume mule picked up for me–I was flying a little bit blind when I put in the request, as I had, naturally, misplaced my sample… but it’s worked out swimmingly, and I’ve worn it with only increasing affection three days in the past week. Winter perfume wardrobes, the silver lining to weather turning colder and grosser!
After a very rough day at work I am putting on vintage Jolie Madame, which apparently is my comfort scent? because I also wore it on my 18-hour drive when I moved this summer. I think I just find it very solid and dry and grounding. Unfortunate that my comfort scent is not something I own more than 5 ml of!
I’m a little late to the party, but I’m wearing SL Fille en Aiguilles today. The mix of pine and fruity notes makes it feel a bit Christmassy to me. I have a decent size decant, but I’ve been back and forth on whether I will need a bottle of this one. Sometimes (like today), it works really well, but I’ve had other days where the woody notes were really harsh.
Chiming in late with my SOTD.
SOTD = Le Labo Vanille 44
I am continuing my incense week. I LOVE Vanille 44! It is so easy to wear and layers well. It is very cozy and office safe!
Wore Woodcut last night, love it before bed, but on my sweater today it was annoying. (So much tougher to imagine a campfire in daylight.) Finally changed, and wearing Mon Parfum Cheri par Camille. Much better.
(Does anyone watch Death in Paradise on PBS? I can just hear Catherine saying “Camille” in her beautiful accent.)
yes! I love that show…binge watched all seasons in an extremely short time period….agreeing on Catherine’s beautiful accent!