Happy Hump Day! What fragrance are you wearing?
I'm wearing Stella McCartney Stella.
Reminder: this Friday, 1/1, we're celebrating the New Year...wear the perfume that will bring you luck, health and prosperity in 2016.
And for those of you who like to plan ahead, see Scent of the day ~ Friday community projects 2016, where I'll try to always have the next five or six weeks mapped out in advance.
I’ve been so busy lately and I am THRILLED to have another 4 day work week!
SOTD Box of Eels because I need to feel like I’ve got my @&$# together.
Off topic, T-Rex has taken to hiding kibble pieces behind doors, under rugs, and in other obscure places. I have never had a dog do this and am clueless as to the solution. She does go back and eat the kibble hours later or even the next day. I don’t like this hobby she has developed because I live in a state that is full of bugs- specifically kamikazie palmetto bugs. They can sense anything edible miles away and I don’t want dog food left around that might attract them. She is such an odd dog…
She’s been studying the squirrels outside your window 😉
She does have a big interest in those little critters!
Love that she’s got a quirky personality but definitely understand your concerns about the bugs. Hope you figure out a way to break her of it.
You smell lovely!
“Quirky” is a very nice adjective, and very appropriate!
Look at that *face* – The cuteness!
Maybe your dog wants to hunt for the food?
She may be planning for the zombie apocalypse!!;)
I’ve known dogs to do that and suppose it’s just good instinct kicking in. It’s a better weirdness than hoarding socks and underwear or shredding stuff. Perhaps trying one of those puzzle feeders might make lunch more interesting and engaging and the stash game less important?
Oh she is guilty of all of the things you mention! If I didn’t crate her when I was at work, my house would look like a bomb went off. She’s a very BUSY dog and seems to like perfume, strangely! She likes to nuzzle up to my neck, take a few big whiffs, and then nip my ear!
Aw. She sounds wonderful. I love animals with personality, but it does take extra effort to live with them. I’ve always been glad to be blessed with intelligent pets, even though I’m sure most people would consider them trouble.
I can relate. One of our cats likes to play hockey with some of their food and I find it under furniture and rugs. Maybe pups can be trained out of that. Kitties, not so much. It is kind of cute, though. I’m just vacuuming constantly.
Sounds like she is a little bored – smart dogs are the hardest to keep entertained – they want to DO something, and if you don’t give them something to do, they will think things up on their own!
Course, maybe she is just getting back at you for the name, maybe she wanted to be Pansy Petunia or something. In any case, she sound charming, and she is very lucky to have a such a good home!
She needs a herd of cattle to keep her busy 😉
Ah, is she a Border Collie or some sort of Shepherd?
I grew up with Border Collies, I love them but they can be hyperactive, obsessive creatures.
They think she is a red heeler aka Australian Cattle dog. She’s the kind of dog that would work until she dropped. I am hoping to get her into some dog sport- agility, fly ball or the like. She does need a job and loves to work.
Yes those dogs have boundless strength and energy!
Love the dog name. That’s awesome. Unfortunately I don’t have any advice on how to deal with her new hobby, other than a puzzle feeder.
I had to chime in and second the avoiding palmetto bugs at all cost portion of your post. I HATE those things. They are evil incarnate. My preferred method of dealing with them is screaming until someone else kills it, but if I’m alone, I’ll do it myself. I’m not the screaming type over anything else. I’ve found spiders, bats, snakes, lizards, and flying squirrels in the house at various times, and none of those things illicit screaming (well, in the strictest honesty, one of the flying squirrels did, because it flew out of a bookcase into my face and I didn’t know what it was). But if I even think there’s a palmetto bug in the house, I can’t rest until it is dealt with, or proven to be imaginary.
I’m right there with you. When I was younger I wanted to be a herpotologist and have rescued, rehabbed, and released many snakes. I don’t mind sharing my shower with a spider or two, but those palmettos must DIE!
Today it’s Prada Infusion d’Iris absolue. It smells great with the residual Misia that’s clinging to my sweater!
I bet that does smell great!
Mmmmm. Nice!
You smell lovely, Robin. A decant or bottle of Stella may be in my future.
I hope that everyone that celebrates had a wonderful Christmas.
Despite the fact that the past few weeks have been a bit of a roller coaster and the fact that 2015 was kind of a crap year for so many across the world, I personally had a transformative year. Coming into your own feels pretty good, as it turns out.
I’m wearing some 10 Corso Como massage oil that my mom bought me for Christmas, along with a bit of Santal Carmin. I’m glad it’s finally cool enough to break out some of my sandalwoods, as I missed them.
Also, for those who had asked – the guy from the train texted me before Christmas on a weekend night at about 6, suddenly being interested in what I was doing that evening. For those outside of the New York dating scene, that basically means he was looking for one thing, which I wouldn’t be providing. As satisfying as it was to go up to him and give him my phone number, it’s almost equally satisfying to dismiss him when he’s turned out to be just a pretty face. Onwards and upwards.
Have a good day!
Cheers, sandalwood fellow!
And cheers back at you!
Good for you! Especially on coming into your own. Btw, What he did means the same thing in the midwest:)
I thought there might be more decent men in the midwest (I’m from Michigan originally) but maybe they aren’t any there anymore either. Ah well – their loss!
Dating in NYC is so hard. Don’t give up though.
You smell great!
Thanks!
I’ve honestly been much more happy since I just stopped caring about it – life is better when you just let things happen.
Good for you! Hoping 2016 will be glorious for you and yours 🙂
And for you and T-Rex!!
I think boys like that are spread pretty evenly across the globe.. You’re lucky it was at a civilised 6pm and not at 3am after too many drinks and no luck… 🙂
I’m waiting for my Mr Always Unavailable to contact me again too so I can say ‘sorry- tired of waiting and have better things to do’ and I’m so looking forward to it even if he is gorgeous!
Mr. Always Unavailable is a fool. Forget him! You are far too good for him.
Thanks!
And I think it means just that in many cities!
Heh – I wasn’t sure. Jerks are everywhere I guess!
Hope that 2016 is just as transformative for you!
Haven’t had to date in some time and think it would be a shock to me should I have to. So much has changed in just the last few years.. !
Exciting, nonetheless, to think of who you might meet one day to share your life with.
Thanks Floragal!!
Enjoy not dating – I’d imagine it’s the best!
Ha! I would have been THRILLED with a 6 PM text when I was dating in New York! It’s the 11 PM texts you have to watch out for! 😉
I met my favorite New York boyfriend because I stopped to pet a shop cat named Waffles. He was eating outside at the restaurant next door. (The boyfriend, not Waffles.) So that’s my best New York dating advice: stop to pet the shop cats!
I’m not really looking for anyone right now, so I’m good, but will keep your suggestion in mind. Waffles sounds more my speed.
The Portland equivalent of your train guy texting at 6pm is a Thursday evening email, “how about just be spontaneous and get together tomorrow evening!?” Yee-ah. No.
Keep the faith! There ARE good ones out there! Met my Mr. Spicebomb after YEARS of online dating (which many here were forced to go through with me! 😉 ). I think the trick is finding the balance between finding company when you need it and keeping your standards high so that you stay available for the good ones when they come along.
I’ve actually been so happy doing my own thing this year that I think I’m good continuing to lay off the dating for a while. The guy from the train was just too hot to pass up and I wanted to see if I could actually give him my number – and I did! So now he’s served his purpose for my ego.
Congratulations to you on finding Mr. Spicebomb, and congratulations to him on finding you!
Hoping you have better luck with the dating in 2016. I’m sure the new-found confidence will work in your favor.
Speaking of jerks, we had a guy come to do some work in our apt last week and he spent a lot of time hitting on me, telling dirty jokes, and trying to ask me out. Just, ewwww. He did a crappy job doing what he was supposed to do so I called his boss and they gave me a refund.
There are good ones out there, though. Just takes some weeding.
The good ones can come to me if they want, but I’m not waiting.
So sorry about the creep – hope any damage he did was at least somewhat defrayed by the ego boost!
Here’s to a new year of fresh possibilities! Have you started the new job yet?
So sweet of you to remember! I start Monday. I’m not sure yet how much I’ll be able to comment here, but hopefully I’ll still be able to pop in during the day.
When are you moving?
So happy for you dear!
Thanks honey! Hope it’s not too long into the new year before we get to have another New York fumie hangout.
Email me, I will hook you up for some Stella 🙂 gmail attttt catherineh789.
Awww – thanks dear!
Stella is lovely. I think 2015 was the year of discovering rose for me. Rose Jam, Stella, Ta’if, Rose Argan conditioner, CdM Eau de Cloitre among the main ones.
I think the guy will come along as a surprise and be totally enchanted with you. They are out there. I’m just thankful he texted you in words and not photos!
Ha! Oh, the unsolicited pictures I never wanted to see.
Thanks for the lovely compliment! If someone doesn’t come along, I’m fine with that too. I’ve just stopped caring, and life is much better that way.
2015 was my year of the rose too. Haven’t tried the CdM Eau de Cloitre yet but I plan to.
Hope to see you soon dear!
Santal Majuscule for me today. A bit off topic, would like to share that today I scented the argan oil I use to condition my hair ( argan oil is great for my hair, but I feel on its own it smells somewhat stale) with lemon, grapefruit and blood orange EOs, plus a hint of organic coconut extract, and it was a total success. I feel my EO blending skills have really improved since I started talking with you guys.
Oooh – I bet that smells great!
And your perfume is lovely too. Sandalwood in the winter – mmmmm.
It’s summer here, lol, but cool and very rainy, in my defense.
Well you smell good, whatever the weather.
I’m wearing Chanel Eau Première, inspired by Angela’s post about No.5. It’s very pretty, and very easy to wear.
I’ve never regretted choosing Eau Premiere on the days I’ve worn it. It’s a Baby Bear sort of fragrance – always “just right.”
(Alas, my 10ml decant is almost gone.)
Nicely said!
That is a great description!
I think I shall need to procure a sample of this.
They sell it at Macy’s and other department stores. That’s how I first sampled it–from a tester.
Today I am wearing vintage Cabochard. My newly discovered love. It’s a splash bottle, and boy did I splash! I was wondering if anyone could tell me what other scents might be similar? especially anything that would be easy to find.
Chanel No. 19 EDT is similar, although somewhat more steely and muscular than Cabochard.
Thank you. I do like steely.
It’s related to Bandit, but much easier to wear — still, Bandit might be worth a shot if you haven’t tried it. You could also try Estee Lauder Azuree, Guerlain Chamade, Chanel 19.
Seconding Azuree!
thirding
ok,ok…a thirding has convinced me to try it. my only excuse for resistance is I have not had good luck with Estee Lauder in the past. but I have never tried Azuree.
Fwiw I’m not a big Lauder person either.
Thanks Robin. Bandit has been on my to try list. Along with 19. I just have to get to tryin…
Wearing my last recent splurged of 2015 Angelique Noire.
Yesterday was a great day, spent the afternoon with my god daughter and friends. Chowed down on some NYC pizza-my second favorite pizza, first being the one I had in Naples. Everyone have a great hump day.
I’ve been away – no baby yet? Hope you’re feeling good!
Nope. He is nice and comfy and not making a move yet. Whenever he is ready-I am ready!
I don’t blame him for wanting to stay put as long as possible!
Indeed – nothing wrong with being well-cooked!
I remember those just-waiting-on-the-baby days. Hope they pass quickly and you’re rested when he decides it’s time!
Last year my daughter was late, so I went for acupuncture. I don’t mind that he is cooking but would like to avoid being induced.
Wound up being induced with my second and third, given that I had a scary run with pre-eclampsia with the first and they kept watching my blood pressure inch up. So yeah, not fun, but after two long labors and two cesareans, baby #3 responded well to the induction and came right down the baby highway, as they say. Easiest labor of the three.
Wishing you NONE of that! (On the other hand, all three are healthy and well, ages 20, 17 and 15, so I have no real complaints – just war stories. 😉
Lots of walking, that might inspire him to get busy!
Pizza is my favorite food!
Where do you like to go in NYC?
My good friend recently opened a Neopolitan pizza restaurant in the East Village – Bruno. I’ve not been yet, but its gotten good reviews. It’s more fancy than I like my pizza to be, but I’m curious about the crust.
Ah, just looked at the website. Fancy pizza! But I will probably give it a try. We just ordered take-out from Patsy’s, they are 2 blocks away from where we live. Their pizza is not oily which I like. In the summer I like to sit outside and eat pizza at Olio’s across from Jefferson Market Garden (that where I got hitched)
Just looked this up – lovely!
We and a friend used to have “pizza Thursdays” which was a quest to find the best pizza in NYC. The winner was definitely Difara’s but you have to trek out to Midwood, Bklyn for it. It’s old school and pizza is only made to order so the wait is usually long. Worth doing at least once, though.
I am willing to trek for good pie! Thanks for the recommendation!
I love this idea!
It’s a lot of fun. We did it with burgers, too (“Diner” in Williamsburg got my #1). We should make the Bklyn trip one of these days for Pizzapalooza!
Pizza and Angelique Noire sounds pretty good.
Mmmmmmmm, pizza. I prefer Chicago style. 🙂
You smell great!
Deep dish is the best and something I look forward to on trips to Chicago.
Yes! Glad you agree. 😉
In Chicago last year we googled “best deep dish pizza”, went to the two top-rated joints, and were disappointed by both. Honestly, it’s like pizza soup in a biscuit bowl. I just don’t get it.
Hm, I wonder what two places? My favorites are Art of Pizza, Chicago’s Pizza, and Pequods.
Deep dish is also good too! Yum! All this talk I am getting hungry..
Ha, me too. I may have to order pizza tonight.
I was in a rush to get out the door this morning and forgot to anoint myself: lucky I carry seven or eight random samples with me at all times. Therefore I’m in PG Tonkamande, which is basically almond-scented baby powder, nice enough but not worth owning.
The description sounds lovely, sorry to hear it’s boring though!
Some people just LOVE it, and really it’s nice enough, but very very linear to the point of being single-minded. I usually want a little (or a lot) more development, unless it’s a scent that’s completely its own thing, like Yves Rocher Cocoon.
I go into a panic when I realize I’ve (somehow) forgotten to apply perfume before leaving the house!! Like you, however, I’ve always got something in my bag to wear, usually one or two spray decants. They’re not necessarily what I would have chosen to wear that day but, gee, I sure am relieved to be able to reach for them.
I am EXACTLY the same, although sometimes it’s almost a blessing to have just a few things to choose from instead of 100+.
It’s funny how we (perfumistas) always have a stash of samples or decants on hand. I know there was a time when I would turn around and go back home if I forgot to spritz some perfume on. Now, I just keep a bunch of samples in one of my makeup bags. The school that I work at is an hour away, so no time for me to turn around and go back anymore.
I’m off to play in the dusting of snow, which we never have in Texas, and avoid my in-laws at all costs. Apparently, everyone in town has a terribly contagious stomach bug so I’m going to hope no one is offended by my aloofness and refuse as much hospitality as possible.
I’m horribly congested, so I don’t know how much Ambre Russe I’m wearing. Hope I don’t bother anyone who is feeling unwell.
Heard about the snow in Texas.. Stay warm and germ free
Snow! Yay! Congestion! Boo!
SOTD: L’Instant de Guerlain Pour Homme. Yum!
Yum!
Yum indeed! That scent is genuinely an all-time great.
Went out on a limb with Cuir de Russie today. First time wearing it in out in the world, and I’m starting to understand why so many of you love it. When I first tested it a few months ago I did not think I would be able to wear it. It struck me as too masculine, too ‘dirty,’ too dark. I tested again at home during a three-hour present-wrapping session on Christmas Eve and I started to come around. I only have a small dabber, but if all goes well I may be looking for a spray decant. It is quite something.
In other news, I started reading a biography of Coco Chanel and now I know I must try wearing No. 5 sometime very soon. I have never had much interest in it, but for research purposes I feel I should do my due diligence. Are there certain concentrations that would be better than others for an ambivalent No. 5 test-drive?
Below is a good guide to the different iterations of No 5.
Eau Premiere is the gateway, if you’re ambivalent. Go to a department store and make use of those testers!
http://boisdejasmin.com/2011/02/chanel-no-5-perfume-edt-edp-review-and-fragrance-poll.html
I did like Eau Premiere when I tried it recently, but them promptly forgot about it. I need to revisit it. Still don’t like No. 5 though. I must not have a receptors for aldehydes because they just turn me completely off. I like the IDEA of No 5, but the reality is another thing…
I read one coco Chanel biography also. It’s benn over 6 years so I can’t remember. The 2 movies about her are also good, coco before Chanel and coco and igor.
I am not a fan of No5, the eau premiere is beautiful
Oh, I’ll have to seek out the Coco & Igor film… We’re talking Stravinsky, right? One of my top three favorite composers.
And now the DVD is in my hands. #instantgratification #librarianperks
Yes the one about her love affair with Igor Stravinsky. Both films are good in their own way. Let me know what you think!
Have had a similar experience, with recently starting to come round to Cuir de Russie – it feels grown up and edgy and sexy all at once I think (but being pretty new to leathers might have got this totally wrong)!
According to Luca Turin, each of the concentrations of No. 5 is a different formula. I prefer the parfum and EdC; many like the EdP.
Adding to Noz’s comment…..in the Folio columns Turin described the Eau de Parfum as an 80s ‘lack of judgment’, the EDT as soft and peachy, and the Parfum as what you might think of as the original. I don’t know that I agree with that, however.
Mmmm. I sometimes find his comments rather more mannered than helpful, to be honest, more Simon Cowell than considered reviewer.
Couldn’t agree more. I think good reviewers ‘serve’ the thing they are reviewing – they approach with curiosity and a desire to unravel, understand and explain to themselves and others(see Angela’s No. 5 posts – perfect example). Turin writes from the position of the perfume ‘serving’ him…he often uses bold (provocative) statements highlighting how a perfume failed his expectations, met or surpassed them …in other words, the perfume has to come to him, rather than the other way around. There’s little room for uncertainty in his reviews and columns..which turns me off. Just finished Folio and didn’t like it.
You’ve expressed that perfectly! I completely agree. In the past, I’ve gone to Turin for advice, and instead found three minutes of slightly shame-making entertainment. I appreciate the reviews that, as you say, unravel and unpack the perfume, not the reviewer.
I was ambivalent about it as well but wanted it as a reference for the same reason. I initially bought a sample of the current EDT but it smelled nothing at all like the scent as I remembered it. (I actually wondered if I’d been sent a fake.) So I bought a decant of the vintage extrait from TPC and it was a revelation – and a gateway drug. I now own it in all iterations and from various decades and I actually wear it all the time.
My favorite is the spray cologne, perhaps because it’s the scent I remember from my childhood (70s/80s,) and I find it very comforting. It’s also the most powdery version (and lasts longest on my scent-eating skin.) The extrait is like being bathed in golden light and I find it very intimate. I primarily wear it to bed. The EDP is what I wear out of the house and it makes me feel confident and self-assured. It’s more angular and not comforting/cozy like the extrait and cologne. I find the EDT to be the most floral – it’s quite light and more of a spring/summer scent to me. Eau Premiere retains No 5’s intrinsic character while smelling totally modern and is very wearable.
My collection ranges from vintages from the 1940s to today’s versions and there are only minor differences between eras. As a purist, I would seek out some vintage extrait to really get a sense of what Coco created, but that might just be me.
The upside to buying vintage No 5 is that there is a glut of it on the market and it’s ridiculously inexpensive. The downside is that it’s purportedly the most knocked-off and fraudulently sold. That said, I’ve bought 5 bottles, a set of samplers, plus a tester on ebay and all are authentic. And with the exception of a larg(er) bottle of 1970s extrait, they all cost $25 and under.
Happy smelling and I hope you enjoy the book! I read ‘The Secret of Chanel No 5’ and wouldn’t necessarily recommend it, but a few of the Chanel biographies look like good reading.
Another round of “Sampler Roulette”….which I won’t play again! LOL The chances for perfume error are too great! (Roulette = Hubby was asleep, so I reached in my sample basket in the dark.)
SOTD: Vince Camuto’s Amore. Good grief…Terrible! Cloying, and definitely a summer scent. The humidity on my pharmacy’s hygrometer right now is 76%, so I’m putting out a tropical hothouse vibe that is blowing me out. But it won’t last long, I can only hope! (Let’s hope the humidity drops in here too!) 🙂
Hope you can scrub it off
A new meaning to blind sampling…
What do ya know….9 hrs later, Amore has settled in very nicely, and reminds me EXACTLY of Modern Muse Le Rouge! Usually I try to stick it out with a loud fragrance, just to see what will happen… 🙂
SOTD was going to be from my Cuir de Russie decant…only that has gone off-off-off! (Never thought Cuir de Russie would be a scrubber) 🙁 So I’m in vintage Mitsy parfum…from a micro-mini that leaked from the last time I used it, so I only have a teeny bit left. Not a good day perfume-wise!
Oh no! What kind of beast did CdR turn into?
It was…horrible. It honestly smelled a bit like rotten meat / trash that badly needs to be taken out. I should have known better–the decant LOOKed off, all separated with bits floating in it–but since I’ve never had a perfume turn before, I was hoping if I shook it up it would come out all right.
Separated with bits! Ugh – sound like it got a mold growing in it. So sad.
Except now you smell great!
3 S’sOTD today!
– Cristalle au Verte this morn
– Jardin du Poete all afternoon
– Califonia Rêverie now
JdP arrived today in the mail, after wanting it for a couple of years now. Yay! So when my Luckyscent order fiiiinally arrives after ordering in November and waiting, waiting, and I confess my huge sins to Donatella, it is my plan to severely restrict my perfume and product spending for at least 3 months. I have so many that I can make new discoveries within my collection and the products, well, it will be nice to make some space in the bathroom again. LUSH has just released their 2016 range here so I plan to use at least 2 products up before replacing with 1, especially when it comes to shower gels. :-/
3 beautiful choices – and incredibly refreshing too I imagine.
Ooh, tell us about the Lush 2016 range!
Yes! Tell!!
Use up 2 before buying 1 — great plan! A couple of days ago I thought I’d have a fun little organizing moment (yes I am that strange) and I would collect all my bath gels etc into one bin. Only to find out exactly what an absurdly large collection of bath gels etc I actually have. gulp (one bin couldn’t hold them all) Must go on a bath gels etc diet this coming year….
Narciso edp for me again today. I’m loving this one more and more. Will this be my 2016 scent? Hmmm…
Still no blue sky in NYC 🙁
But I am grateful for no floods, tornadoes and other serious weather such as currently being experienced throughout the country.
I tested it yesterday and bought a bottle today 🙂 Today on my to-try list were Iris cendré and alaia, not a good combination, even on separate wrists, prefer IC
Nice!!SAs at Lord & Taylor gave me a generous sample.
I also got a couple of spray sampled of the edt (black square bottle) from Bloomies but not as impressed by that one.
I’m seriously thinking about a small bottle as that gorgeous white/beige glass square alone is worth it.
My Macys doesn’t have the edt, but would like to try it. I really love Narciso edp. The shower gel and body cream are very nice as well.
Shower gel, hmm…
I wonder. I tried a few perfume shower gels this year and not all perfume translates well in that form. Bottega Veneta, one of my top 5 scents was downright nasty as a shower gel.
I’m currently in Rose Jam heaven. Santa was VERY generous with this favorite of mine.
The Narciso bottle is beautiful indeed! (btw normally I don’t care about bottles at all), and the scent has a very long staying power on me (we’re talking about daylong, i.e. over 12 hours), strange how this can change from person to person
Iris Cendré is my strong preference of those two, too. Admit to being baffled by love for Alaia. I feel like there must be something in it I literally can’t smell but others can…
Narciso’s a good one. You smell great!
That is a lovely one. I am also relieved that London has so far been spared the floods in some other areas of the UK – although there were fairly high winds keeping me awake last night. Fingers crossed we all escape severe weather.
Yes, we’re so lucky in the south east, it’s grim up north thats for sure!, the wind was awful here the last couple of nights too.
These gray days in NYC are making me unmotivated to do much. Though, we may go see the tree later this evening, hopefully the crowds have died down a bit.
Narciso didn’t work for me on skin, but was beautiful on paper. You smell lovely
Lots of tourists still out there. Was just at Rock Center Monday and it was insane. Sales were more insane, hence my willingness to battle the crowds 😉
Crazy tourist activity out there! The line to go up to the Empire State Building was wrapped around the block yesterday.
Oh man! Well, I will still try to make it
I was surprised that I loved my sample of Narciso, but unfortunately after less than two hours, I could smell absolutely nothing on my skin. Such a shame.
The lasting power on me is extremely good, which makes me like it even more.
That’s good! Maybe there’s something in there that I can’t smell after a while. One of his others I can’t smell at all.
The musk, perhaps?
So odd when that happens.
You smell nice! It’s funny, I tried Narciso when it first came out and didn’t care for it. Just sprayed it on again recently on a walk through Bloomies and was quite taken with it. Funny how that happens. Maybe my taste has changed over the past year, what with a lot more sniffing and trying. I found it harsh earlier in the year. I still find it that way at first, but it softened up nicely in a way I found quite lovely.
But…Santa got me my Guerlain Gourmand Coquin (on sale!), so the purse strings have tightened up.
And I have you all to thank for the Lush intro. Finally got Rose Jam. Also Olive Branch. And Snowflake for my husband’s stocking. He liked it so much we went back for the bogo sale for more – and also picked up the Baked Alaska…. I’m set on my cleanliness for the year…
I put on No 5 EDT this morning, and while I normally like it, today it’s not agreeing with me AT ALL (I think I put on too much). I had to wash it off, and since I don’t have any backups in my purse at the moment, I guess I’ll be smelling like Desert Essence Spicy Vanilla Chai lotion today.
Spicy Vanilla Chai sounds great to me!
It never occurred to me that I needed backups in my purse until I started reading perfume blogs. Just made up my EBP this morning. Samples of Bois des Isles, and L’eau d’Hiver should cover my bases.
Backups are very important! Don’t be like me and put them in your TSA-approved quart sized bag, but forget to put them back in your purse when you get home from your trip. 🙂
The curse of changing purses has doomed me so many times!
I’m in Dior Cuir Cannage today, inspired by Erin’s mention of it in the Best of 2015 post.
That’s nice stuff.
It is indeed – right now it’s at my favorite moment, when it gets soft and a little bit sweet and feels like jammies. 🙂
Envious! Looking forward to trying this some day…
Lyric again – I rushed out super early and had the sample in my bag. I have felt not quite ‘together’ today and certainly not together enough for Lyric but it’s beautiful in any event.
Hi all! I was traveling for about 10 days and missed the polls. Today I’m wearing the last of my Passage d’Enfer decant. Easy come, easy go.
So far I’ve gotten a lot accomplished during this vacation, so today I’m staying home doing nothing. I put on Natori because I haven’t worn it in awhile.
I’m with you Priscilla. I’ve gotten a lot done during this 2- week vacation. I’m doing nothing today and will pick back up tomorrow with car maintenance (oil change, tire rotation, and inspection sticker). So, cheers to you and I , my well-scented friend, on doing NOTHING! 🙂
Fan of doing nothing 🙂
Inspired by today’s post of the new EL flanker, I am wearing “the old flanker that was released………a few days ago (lol)” Modern Muse Le Rouge. This isn’t one of my favorites of 2015, but it was released this year. It’s an okay scent, wearable but not FB worthy IMO. I actually like the original MM and own a bottle of this. I’m surprised with Estee Lauder. They are usually more concerned with quality over quantity, but I guess business is business. Happy Hump Day Everyone!
I’m wearing Tauer’s Une Rose Vermeille, because I had the good fortune to be chosen with a discovery set during his advent calendar this year. (Yay! I love his advent calendar every year — he seems like such a great guy.) This one is interesting but so far not my favourite of his roses. I did get a sample of Sotto la Luna Tuberose in the set, and that one is going on the buy list…I’m generally not a tuberose person but Sotto la Luna works for me.
Wow, “the perfume that will bring you luck, health and prosperity in 2016” is a tall order! This poll challenge, while well-timed, will take some thought and study, and I’d best get cracking! 😉
Yesterday I ended up wearing AG Heure Exquise. It was both warm enough and light enough for a gray and gloomy but not yet seasonably cold day. AG was my first niche line, back in the 1980s, and those older AGs remain my enduring favorites. I also appreciate some of the more recent ones, including Mon Parfum Cherie par Camille, Ninfeo Mio, and Nuit Etoilee.
No perfume until later today; may stick with Heure Exquise of test a sample.
Yeah, I’m having trouble with this week’s challenge too.
Heure Exquise is lovely, though.
I also love AG, although I’ve gotten to know the line only recently. So many beauties.
PHI for me today. Have a good day everyone!
Dear PHI…how we love thee.
🙂
Let us count the ways….
Phi was me yesterday. Yay!
PHI is beautiful! It is one of the very few scents that I can still smell at the end of my work day so great quality too!
I sampled PHI yesterday and had to physically restrain my hand from pushing the “BUY FULL BOTTLE RIGHT NOW” button.
Not to be a shameless enabler but on the Tauer website Andy offers the explorer sets. They’re about 15 mls of three scents from his line. You get to choose which three for about $144 US. It’s a really good deal. Just sayin….
Gorgeous!
No SOTM, yet. Not sure which direction to go in. I have about 3 appointments today and then dinner reservations and the symphony tonight with Mr. Spicebomb. I will want to wear something appropriately symphonic tonight, but in the mean time, I need to blend well enough with the hair salon, doctor’s office, etc. I’m thinking maybe Beloved would be good–not too big for the doctor’s office and doesn’t last long enough on me to interact with whatever I wear tonight.
I am feeling better today. The sun is shining (which must surely mean it is barely above freezing outside, but I don’t care), and while I will be busy, I have things to look forward to. Yay!
So glad you are feeling better. I haven’t seen the sun here in over a week. Sometimes, it makes all the difference. Enjoy your day!
Beloved would be a beautiful choice! Did you say you bought your bottle from Fragrancenet? I’m eyeing it on Lily Direct, which is the lowest price, but I’ve never bought anything from the site before, while I have a good history with Fragrancenet.
Yeah, bought it on a pretty steep discount. I’ve ordered several bottles from FN over the years, and I’ve never had a problem. I don’t know Lily Direct, so can’t speak to their reliability.
I bought a bottle of Fat Woman from Lily Direct and had a great experience- Great price and lickity split delivery
FATE!!! OMG-second time spellcheck has turned FATE FAT lol
lol, I thought you did that on purpose. I figured that was going to be what we called it now! btw, like your new pic.
Oh yes, how’s that Beloved bottle working out for you?
Not regretting my purchase. Not sure I’d have bought it with sampling beforehand, but it is versitile and pretty. Actually, it’s been a surprising sort of shape-shifter on me, which I guess shouldn’t be a surprise from Amouage, but its many facets are always interesting, if a bit surprising (I get this strong, herbal, thing sometimes).
Oh I’m so happy it worked out so well! I feel like it’s some kind of good New Year’s resolution-y life lesson: take chances on high-quality prospects. Or something 🙂
I’m also re-testing Chanel No 5 Eau Premiere — liking it better this time. Agreed it could be a gateway No 5 🙂
Remember how clever me gave my MIL 3 bottles of Chanel No 5 for the holidays? One each of the parfum, EdT, and EdP. Thinking she’d keep one, return two, and have some pocket money to buy whatever she really wanted/needed from Macy’s. Emmm…. she was so thrilled she’s keeping them ALL! So +2 points for me for an inadvertently good gift, and -1 for the fail on my clever plan re: pocket money. Will have to come up with another scheme there.
Good job on the MIL gift! I like Eau Premiere, but it disappears on me after two hours or so.
I’m already working my way through the OJ Discovery Set – thanks again!
Glad they’ve found a good home!
I think you should be very proud of yourself for generating so much happiness. Congratulations!
I’m at home today, still on holiday break from work (yay!). Wearing OJ Frangapani from the Discovery Set. The scent is undeniably beautiful, but for some reason pretty florals fail to capture me, no matter how well done. In this way, Frangapani reminds me of Chanel Beige, although I like the former a bit more.
On another note, I finally tried JM Mimosa and Cardamon last night from a friend’s bottle and may have to buy a small bottle myself (which would be my only JM). Such an interesting scent!
How are you feeling these days?
Did you ever find the rose lipstick from Guerlain that they sold out of?
Beige was my wedding scent, it was good for that day but after that it found another home. I will have to try OJ Frangipani.
I’m feeling good! The next two weeks may be a bit stressful, as I finish up at work and move to North Carolina. I’ll feel much better when we’re settled and I can start setting up a nursery.
I gave up on the Guerlain Rouge G, but may pick up the liquid lipstick that’s still in stock. At least it’s less expensive. 🙂
Both Beige and Frangipani would be gorgeous wedding scents. I think I wore Burberry Brit Sheer on my wedding day. It was a long time ago – certainly not what I’d pick today!
Welcome back to Raleigh (though I’m not from here). It took me 2 years to finally decide to make the move from NM, and 6 months or so of packing and moving basically on my own – except movers putting furniture in storage. Can’t even imagine doing it while pregnant. Best of luck.
Thank you! You’ll have to let me know about the local perfume-shopping scene, to the extent there is one. 🙂
So grateful for my 3 day work week this week. Wearing my latest find: Organza Indecence dry oil layered with the EDP and loving the coziness of it all! I find such random goodies at this store. I’ve never see the body oil before. It doesn’t have the heft of the edp but still smells pretty yummy 🙂
What store?
Enjoy your extra days off!
It’s this small wholesale/retail store on 30th between 5th and 6th. They have cabinets of used, dusty testers so you kinda gotta be willing to search. I got my 90’s bottle of Samsara and a full Shalimar edp there. I debated over Bulgaria Black yesterday but didn’t take it in the end. I also passed up a pretty full bottle of TF Sahara Noir there this past summer because the thought of that one in the heat turned my stomach. I probably should have rescued it even if to pass it along since it was only $30 and I know it has its fans and is harder to find.
Don’t laugh. I love OI but couldn’t find it so I bought the next best thing which is Kate Walsh Boyfriend. It’s pretty close.
This is no laughing matter 😉 I’ll have to look that one up. Though, I hear Roberto Cavalli Oro is close, too. Haven’t tried it. (I’m going through a phase of exploring mainstream wonders). I actually think L de Lolita works well for the same spiced-orange-vanilla. OI is milkier.
I just bought a 5ml splash of Oro. I’ve been wearing it at night and thinking I need a bigger bottle before it disappears from the discount website. I did’t notice its similarity to OI but maybe the vanilla note. Hmmm………Interesting
Things like this make me sad about living in Germany (or Vancouver, where I usually am except this year). No great stores like that in either place, though they’re great places otherwise.
Actually I think most of us are in the same boat.
The most exciting thing that I found in an antique store was a mini splash bottle of Le Dix. My cousin once scored a vintage bottle of No. 19 though.
I’d trade the perfume to live somewhere else for awhile. NYC is definitely a fantastic place to be, but sometimes I’m kind of over it
That’s for sharing this store! Will make a note to visit.
Yeah, I lived in NYC for a summer on an MBA internship, and the first six weeks were amazing, and by the second six weeks I was kind of over it…but that probably had as much to do with the insane heat (NW girls like me aren’t used to that!) and not really knowing anyone well in the city. I do love the amazing little stores you can find there, though, when you look. I wish I visited more often!
enjoy your time off!
Thanks! Keep us posted on Lovestosmellgood, Jr.’s debut! Excited for you 🙂
I will! 🙂
Wearing Fate from my little decant that a generous NSTer sent me! I like this alot. Need to try some of the other Amouages that get so much love here, like Beloved. That one sounds nice to me.
Very very slow day at work today, which is nice on one level, but also a bit boring – there are other things I would rather being doing.
I’m tired of having a real job – I need to figure out a way I can support myself without being a cog in the corporate machine, which is basically what this very large hospital system functions as….
My goal for 2016 is to be financially independent somehow…
If you don’t mind, may I recommend Gold & Jubliation to add to your Amouage testing list.
Second that. Love both!
Thanks to the very generous hajasuuri, I am wearing No 19 for the very first time. It is the perfect thing for a miserable, rainy day that started off with insomnia and a headache. I can see why everyone loves this fragrances so much.
Saturdays work out best in mailing things. I’m glad you’re enjoying No.19!
Wearing Jo Malone Dark Amber and Ginger Lily today.
Such a nice one.
Test driving Bottega Veneta for SOTD status. Really need to lug myself out of this chair and hopefully get out of the house today. It’s pouring here and grey, but if I don’t get these joints moving they’re gonna freeze in place. 🙂
Hola from Madrid! Free wi-fi rocks as does a Starbucks across the street.
SOTD = Aftelier Bergamoss EDP
It has a refreshing heft to it but wears very close to skin. Love it lots. Tonight, we will be going to a flamenco show after dinner. I am probably going to switch to Chanel No. 5 EDT.
I am staying at NH Collection Paseo del Prado which is central to the popular museums. The toiletries are branded NH Collection but I am happy to note that they smell just like the discontinued L’Occitane The Vert. I think my luggage will be a little heavier going home due to some fragrant “souvenirs”.
What a lovely postcard post. Wish we were there!
Hope you have a super duper trip(I’m sooo envious)!
A city I’m very eager to see. Enjoy!!
I love real live traditional flamenco! Have lots of fun!
Hajusuuri, what a great place to spend New Years! I was there too many years ago – especially loved the Thyssen-Bornemisza. ¡Feliz Año Nuevo!
Hello, all. I’m deep in holiday mode, doing nothing but what I absolutely must (washing, ironing) and what seems fun (baking, seeing friends, taking the ferry across the harbour for coffee). My posts are getting later and later as I settle deeper and deeper into utter laziness. SOTM is the crisp Narcisse Bleu for some quick housework and slow cooking; this afternoon, after a cool shower, I’ll shift to gorgeous Cristalle to sit in the heat outside a cafe on the waterfront and talk idly with friends while we watch the world happen by. The dear man is not coming with me this afternoon–too much glare, too much noise, too much effort–which is the only cloud on the otherwise blue horizon. Although I am relishing our summer down here, I have serious scent envy for all your gorgeous winter wear! Every time I read sandalwood, leather, incense, gourmand, my heart does a little flip, but I am pretty sure that they wouldn’t be so glorious in the heat.
Might be worth a gentle experiment?
You’re right, of course. Oddly, the perfumes I think of as heavier often don’t have as much projection as the greens and florals, which seems counter-intuitive. I dare say I wouldn’t asphyxiate the good citizens of Auckland if I dabbled in winter scents a little. Maybe I’ll start with an in-between-seasons chypre, like 31 Rue Cambon.
I find chypres to be even better in the heat. Try Jubi 25! I loved it even more on summer evenings. Sounds like a lovely day ahead.
Maybe this afternoon– I’ll be outside, so perfume presence shouldn’t be too overwhelming.
I agree. I wore Lyric several times last summer. The incense bloomed beautifully in the heat.
Searching the posts for sotd ideas, I perked up at Sophie C’s mention of Lyric, and also thought I wished I could think of a ginger scent in my possession, inspired by Elizabeth’s choice. Opening the rose samples box iso Lyric, a vial popped out labeled AetherArts Ginger Rose.
I accepted the volunteer, and now I smell of rosy ginger/turmeric tanning oil. Are these the European-style ‘solar’ scents? Or am I having US-style coconut tanning associations? My olfactory thought feels rusty!
I smell a bit odd, and surprisingly soapy. This is in an oil base, but it projects plenty. It’s fairly pleasant. I wonder what other people get from it. ..?
Glad you found something that is holding your interest and had some ginger-and also glad the thought of Lyric perked you up! Have you ever tried the Origins ginger? It seems to have got some good reviews and is on my to try list.
My reply got lost in a subway tunnel. In case it turns up later, I’ll be brief: origins ginger is lovely.
SOTD is Musc Ravageur today. It’s a spicy vanilla on me, with a bit of powderiness later on. Skiing tomorrow and it’s supposed to be sunny!
Oh yum, that sounds perfect to wear by the ski slopes. Enjoy, hope you get some fresh powder!
You smelly ravishing!
Trying out various samples again. Mastenbroek Eau de Polder, which is so spring-like (grass and fresh hay) + the sun coming through the window, a person could fool herself that it wasn’t 3 degrees out. Earthquake last night kept me up for a while after the impact.
That was quite the shake last night, wasn’t it? I took some Vetiver Tonka this morning to both soothe my jangled nerves and to wake me up after a fitful night.
Good idea. I should put that sample out for such emergencies.
I have been talking about earthquake preparedness all week prior to this, but we obviously need to be better ready here!
Yikes!
So unnerving! I grew up in LA and never got used to it.
Was awake most of the night listening to hubbie’s snoring, so I caught up on yesterday’s NST comments until about 3:30 am. A far away 4.3 earthquake was what woke me though. I didn’t notice any shaking, but the doors were rattling like crazy. So a late start to the day.
Testing Hermes Eau d’Orange Verte on left arm and Eau d’Hadrien on right arm. The EdOV is elegantly spicy, but so fleeting I had to respritz. EdH is lemony clean but in a natural way.
Ah, I don’t miss those days when I lived in San Francisco and I would wake up to shaking doors.
Eau d’Hadrien is beautiful isn’t it?
Wow, that must be terribly frightening! At least we have plenty of notice here for hurricanes and can prepare or evacuate. Earthquakes are a whole other level.
Natori for me today. I was in a rush, and the bottle is right in front. And I do love it.
I’m trying to figure out if this is a cold or if it’s allergies… Went home early on Monday and slept for 1.5 hours and then zonked out at night also. My cheeks are pink anyway, and they’ve been kind of flushed all week, which is irritating. I’ve managed to be working but not getting enough done such that I’ll end up trying to get it all done tomorrow. Not good planning on my part!
I’m just getting here late in the afternoon. I was running around like a crazy woman all day. I’d put on Les Mythiques Givenchy III this morning, but was feeling a bit dowdy in the afternoon. So I put on some Stella McCartney to lighten things up! How funny – we both wore Stella today. I also needed to clean out the decants in my handbag which were getting out of control. I think I had about 30 in my purse! Happy New Year to everyone if I don’t make it on NST the next few days while I’m traveling! Cheers!!!
I’ve been using a brother Ptouch label maker for my decants and samples since about August. I always took the 6 Duracell batteries out after each use, except yesterday I left them in over night with the machine Off. Today the batteries are already dead! I’ve probably only made about 30 labels in total since I bought the machine. Has anyone else experienced this problem with the batteries?
I don’t know about the label maker but I’ve noticed lately that batteries aren’t lasting well at all. I guess they want everyone to buy the quantum batteries for twice the price. I’ve put brand new batteries in remotes, etc. , and they don’t work. The batteries weren’t t old either.
Reached into the surprise sample box again and am enjoying Bamboo Harmony from By Kilian. It is not earth-shattering but very pleasant. I am finding the feel of it reminds me of the Hermes jardins.
Totally agree–I like it, but it also reminds me of other things I’ve gotten at considerably lower than Kilian prices (like the 2012 Burberry Brit summer flanker.)
Back from a bibulous holiday lunch. Will not need to eat again today (or drink). Wearing Beige, which is nice and low-key.
Excellent word, had to look that one up! 🙂
Me too. Hey, let’s go for drinks!