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Friday scent of the day 9/20

Posted by Robin on 20 September 2024 186 Comments

It's Friday, plus National Pepperoni Pizza Day and Sophia Loren’s birthday. Our community project for today: we're off to Mainland Southeast Asia! Wear a perfume that is named for a place in Mainland Southeast Asia (we'll include Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and West Malaysia), or that reminds you of a (real or imaginary) trip to to the region, or that features a local ingredient, or ?

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

Points for me, in Diptyque Do Son.

Reminder: 9/27 will be Young(ish) Guns Friday...wear a perfume by Jérôme di Marino, Quentin Bisch, Fanny Bal or Dora Baghriche, if you have one. If you don't, see if you can think of another mainstream perfumer aged 45 or under that you can represent.

And for those of you who like to plan ahead, see Scent of the day ~ Friday community projects 2024, where I'll try (but usually fail) to have the next five or six weeks mapped out in advance.

Note: top image is Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam [cropped] by bk at flickr; some rights reserved.

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

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186 Comments

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  1. Lovestosmellgood says:
    20 September 2024 at 9:20 am

    The book Precipice that someone recommended on here is on its way to me. Can’t wait to read.

    I am in Allure today. I have it in the body mist form. Still lemming the Sensuelle version.

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    • Kris says:
      20 September 2024 at 11:56 am

      Did you order the new Shalimar?

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    • tulipani says:
      20 September 2024 at 12:41 pm

      Is this the book by Toby Ord? I happen to pick that up at the Little Library but haven’t read it yet.

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      • Kanuka says:
        20 September 2024 at 2:25 pm

        No, it’s a novel by Robert Harris. It’s set in England 1914-1916 and focuses on the real-life love affair between 60 year old then prime minister Henry Asquith and 26 aristocrat Venetia Stanley. The PM used to write up to three love letters a day to her but also included official government and military documents concerning WW1 plans/ movements so he could hear her opinion on war matters. All his letters were kept and so the novel includes the actual letters he wrote…which are pretty mind blowing. The police latched on and so we’re intercepting the letters before sending them on ( one of the characters is a fictional police officer) It’s a plot based novel, very well constructed with good characters.

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        • tulipani says:
          20 September 2024 at 4:34 pm

          Ooh, that one looks good! I was thinking to myself, it can’t be the Toby Ord book that you’re looking forward to! 😝

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  2. Holly says:
    20 September 2024 at 9:52 am

    Hi everyone! It’s been ages and I have really missed this lovely community.

    I’m wearing Shalimar Millésime Jasmin for the second day. I hope some of you have received it as well – I can’t wait to read your take on it! I’ll definitely share my thoughts later after I’ve given it a full wear.

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    • lillyjo says:
      20 September 2024 at 11:37 am

      I’m expecting mine to come today. It’s nice to see you!

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      • Holly says:
        20 September 2024 at 4:11 pm

        Hi lillyjo! Thank you, it’s nice to see you too! It makes me happy to know we’ll both be sharing this perfume experience together.

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    • springpansy says:
      20 September 2024 at 11:40 am

      Hi Holly – nice to see you!

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      • Holly says:
        20 September 2024 at 4:13 pm

        Hi springpansy! Thank you, it’s nice to see you too!

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    • Kris says:
      20 September 2024 at 11:57 am

      Mine doesn’t come until Tuesday. I would love to hear your first impressions.

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      • Holly says:
        20 September 2024 at 5:23 pm

        Hi Kris, happy to share my first impressions with you!

        Initially when I learned that the next Shalimar Millésime would feature jasmine, I thought that was an odd choice but was intrigued. Even though it’s supposed to be a note in the guerlinade accord, I haven’t actually smelled it in any Shalimar. For reference, I love jasmine, but usually find Shalimar challenging. I like MVP and MT, but MI has a musk that doesn’t work for me as I am hyperosmic to many musks.

        On me, this opens with a big dose of bergamot and a hit of green which rapidly opens up to reveal a clean jasmine with a hint of the familiar base notes of Shalimar. The jasmine remains until the far drydown and doesn’t go into indolic territory, but it mellows from fresh to almost powdery on me. The gasoline and balsamic notes I usually get from Shalimar are present but very tame which works well here as otherwise they’d dominate the blend. This lasts all day on me and the far drydown is a mild, slightly sweet and powdery scent with a whisper of jasmine. Of note, I get some Juicy Fruit vibes from where it got on my shirt. I wore it yesterday and got less jasmine and more Shalimar and liked it enough to try it out again today and I used four targeted sprays instead of two. Do I love it? No. I enjoy it a lot, and I appreciate what Guerlain has done with it, but it doesn’t excite me. I think if the jasmine was more voluptuous and indolic it would suit my tastes more, but then it would be far less likely to be a commercial success. Altogether, it’s definitely very well-done and beautifully blended.

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        • Kris says:
          20 September 2024 at 7:13 pm

          Thanks so much Holly. I am very interested to see how it is on me. Musks can either work or not work for me, so I have been a little worried about that. However, I loved MI so am hopeful. I love jasmine so am excited to try it. I will let everyone know my thoughts next week. It’s funny that I have never been a Shalimar fan until I purchased the Shalimar MI and then I got hooked😉

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          • Holly says:
            20 September 2024 at 7:23 pm

            You’re welcome! I was worried about the musk too as it’s listed in the notes, but I don’t detect it.

    • Vee says:
      20 September 2024 at 5:27 pm

      Hi Holly! Looking forward to your thoughts on the Jasmin. Mine should arrive sometime next week.

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      • Holly says:
        20 September 2024 at 5:55 pm

        Hi Vee! I just posted my thoughts in response to Kris. I’m looking forward to hearing what everyone else thinks! It’s fun to have a group chiming in on the same perfume release.

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    • Jalapeno says:
      20 September 2024 at 8:18 pm

      Hiya Holly! It sounds like you like the Shalimar Millesime Jamin quite a bit.

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      • Holly says:
        21 September 2024 at 3:42 am

        Hi Jalapeno! I’m glad it came off that way as I didn’t want to influence anyone else’s experience!

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  3. carole says:
    20 September 2024 at 10:07 am

    Hello, and happy Friday! I’m in Safran Troublement, which has saffron and sandlewood-might count for partial CP points.

    Have a haircut and pedicure for tomorrow, in another town-so nice to get away even for a day. And it’s Sophia Loren’s 90th birthday-I admire her so much. Her beauty, with, comedic charm, and the way she never really has anything bad to say about her costars-except Marlon Brando. I just think she’s amazing. I read her autobiography when I was about ten and it stayed with me. Remember walking into a cool drug store when I was about six and I remember the stacks of her perfume, complete with bath powder and after bath splash. The stack was about as tall as I was.

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    • Laila says:
      20 September 2024 at 4:22 pm

      I ❤️ Sophia, too!

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  4. happy888cat says:
    20 September 2024 at 10:07 am

    Hello and tgif!
    CP sotd is a Thai perfume I got from my trip to Bangkok. It’s called Viroopaksa from SIAM1928. It contains Thai oud and it smells rich and bold, which I prefer.
    I purchased my Shalimar Jasmin! Sneaky Guerlain did not make it easy to find. I had to click into Shalimar’s page to see it.

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    • Laila says:
      20 September 2024 at 8:06 pm

      Just got caught up with yesterday’s posts and wanted to offer my condolences on your loss.🤗

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      • happy888cat says:
        20 September 2024 at 10:45 pm

        Thank you 🙂

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  5. PriscillaE says:
    20 September 2024 at 10:11 am

    I am wearing Inlé, because I realized that I had a sample from a discovery set, after Robin wore it this week. Quite pretty.

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  6. SheriG says:
    20 September 2024 at 10:35 am

    I chose Indochine for the CP, and I expect I’ll be in good company today. Had my eyes lasered yesterday to remedy “secondary cataracts” and am feeling like somebody turned the brightness and contrast settings in my vision WAY up. Funny how you don’t notice a change that happens over four years nearly as much as one that only takes five minutes. 👁️

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    • Glannys says:
      20 September 2024 at 11:31 am

      Twins!

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    • austenfan says:
      20 September 2024 at 1:32 pm

      Another member of the Indochine club.

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    • hajusuuri says:
      20 September 2024 at 4:31 pm

      Another scent twin for me!

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    • Jalapeno says:
      20 September 2024 at 8:16 pm

      What exactly are “secondary cataracts”?

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      • SheriG says:
        20 September 2024 at 9:56 pm

        Oh, well, they happen to about 25% of people who have the kind of cataract surgery where they dissolve your natural lenses and insert artificial lenses. In some people, the replacement lenses develop a cloudy layer that, over time, obscures more and more of one’s vision. I’ve heard it described as being like a layer of dust over a window screen. The treatment uses a “cold” laser that sort of chips away the cloudy layer to allow light in again. It’s non-invasive, and is much like a regular eye exam where you rest your chin and forehead against supports and look steadily at a fixed point, like the eye doctor’s ear while he (or she, of course) shines a light in your eye.

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        • Jalapeno says:
          20 September 2024 at 10:52 pm

          Thank you for the explanation. I’d never heard of them before.

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  7. AnnieA says:
    20 September 2024 at 10:37 am

    Wearing Dusita’s pretty and well-behaved Douceur de la Siam. I could have gone with their Oudh Infini, except I am planning to leave the house today.

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    • Kris says:
      20 September 2024 at 12:02 pm

      I almost wore that today. That is a lovely perfume. I found that Dusita has very pretty fragrances.

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      • AnnieA says:
        20 September 2024 at 12:17 pm

        Agreed – even Oudh Infini, which is very barnyard for the first hour, it turns into something beautiful for hours and hours after that.

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    • tulipani says:
      20 September 2024 at 2:01 pm

      House twins!

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    • Vee says:
      20 September 2024 at 5:30 pm

      Kicking myself for not thinking to wear that today. I guess will be continuing the CP into tomorrow. 😊

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  8. Jks says:
    20 September 2024 at 11:05 am

    Scent twins in Do Son, Robin.

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    • Kris says:
      20 September 2024 at 12:03 pm

      Great scent!

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  9. allo says:
    20 September 2024 at 11:22 am

    In Songes, capping off my week of jasmine fragrances. Jasmine is commonly grown in Malaysia and holds special cultural significance, often being used in weddings and other celebrations.

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    • Jalapeno says:
      20 September 2024 at 8:14 pm

      Enjoyed the sample of Songes that I had very much!

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  10. springpansy says:
    20 September 2024 at 11:47 am

    I’m going to copy allo and wear Songes today once I finish my workout. Thanks, allo ♥ .

    In other news, I received a sample of the new Arquiste Almond Suede. I thought I would love it. This is only the first two hours of wearing it, but here are my thoughts FWIW:
    Bandaids, bandaids, bandaids quite strong for the first 15 minutes. It calms a bit and now I smell a leather (with a dash of honey?) that is finally softening. No almond whatsoever. And not really suede either, at least up until now. I do have trouble with leather fragrances in general but have liked several fragrances with suede notes in the past. And I don’t dislike all leathers. This one is a huge pass for me–even if the far drydown is lovely, I can’t get through the first two hours.

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    • lillyjo says:
      20 September 2024 at 11:55 am

      That’s too bad about the sample. No drydown is worth hours of suffering.

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      • springpansy says:
        20 September 2024 at 1:16 pm

        Money saved! 😀

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    • springpansy says:
      20 September 2024 at 1:16 pm

      Softer now, but still smelling like bandaids and leather. No almond to my nose.

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    • allo says:
      20 September 2024 at 2:29 pm

      Hi Twin!💕

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    • hajusuuri says:
      20 September 2024 at 4:30 pm

      I just remembered that bandaid makes me think of oud.

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    • Vee says:
      20 September 2024 at 5:34 pm

      Ugh! Why are they calling it *Almond* Suede if there is not a prominent almond note? Just make up another name!

      Thank you for the warning, springpansy

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      • springpansy says:
        20 September 2024 at 8:59 pm

        Well, it might be the fault of my nose!

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    • springpansy says:
      20 September 2024 at 6:03 pm

      Final update – I still don’t get almond, but the drydown *is* much more to my taste. It’s now a soft suede and still lightly sweetened to my nose (maybe that’s almond and I just can’t tell) — no bitterness or harshness. The weird bandaid thing is gone. So…I won’t be splurging on a bottle, but it turned out more interesting and likeable than I originally thought. Also, Indigo Perfumery (indigoperfumery.com) has amazing customer service, just FYI. If I lived near Cleveland, I’d be in the brick and mortar store a lot.

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    • Jalapeno says:
      20 September 2024 at 7:28 pm

      “Bandaids, bandaids, bandaids” made me laugh! I love it in a single malt Scotch.

      Quite intrigued by your review of Almond Suede.

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      • springpansy says:
        20 September 2024 at 9:01 pm

        To be completely fair, I did get a whiff of bandaids from Chanel Le Lion at the beginning as well (I know, the sacrilege!!). But that one was much higher quality bandaids. 😀

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    • Gail says:
      20 September 2024 at 8:40 pm

      Oof, bandaids! Sounds like it had potential but waiting til the drydown isn’t a ringing endorsement.

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      • springpansy says:
        20 September 2024 at 9:02 pm

        True. But I am also very particular and it’s all possibly just my nose being wonky.

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  11. Deva says:
    20 September 2024 at 11:56 am

    Going with Fils de Dieu today. No surprises here. Just a wonderful, delicious, warming but fresh, creamy but citrusy perfume that is simultaneously warming and cooling. It’s like molecular magic, with most of the notes originating from ingredients in SE Asia. Love, love, love this perfume!

    Happy Friday to all!

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    • austenfan says:
      20 September 2024 at 1:32 pm

      Great choice Deva!

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    • Jalapeno says:
      20 September 2024 at 7:26 pm

      I think of Fils de Dieu as one of your signature scents.

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  12. lillyjo says:
    20 September 2024 at 12:00 pm

    My daughter came home with a toothache yesterday and I couldn’t get an appointment until next week. I am hoping it doesn’t get really bad for her.
    Thanks to Jalapeno mentioning Mango I am cp appropriate today. I am wearing Mugler Angel eau crosiere 2019 version.

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    • Dawn says:
      20 September 2024 at 12:25 pm

      Worst case scenario, if it gets worse, the ER is probably your best bet.

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    • Aurora says:
      20 September 2024 at 1:15 pm

      Maybe another dentist, next week seems far.

      You’re wearing a unicorn and no doubt smelling great.

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    • hajusuuri says:
      20 September 2024 at 4:28 pm

      I hope the toothache resolves with minimal intervention.

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    • madtowngirl says:
      20 September 2024 at 5:28 pm

      Uh oh, I hope it doesn’t either, heading into the weekend!🤞

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    • Vee says:
      20 September 2024 at 5:34 pm

      You smell yummy, lilljo!

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      • Vee says:
        20 September 2024 at 5:35 pm

        lillyjo!

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    • Jalapeno says:
      20 September 2024 at 7:25 pm

      Aw, sorry to hear your daughter has a toothache. Hopefully she can hold on until her appointment…

      Glad to help with the CP! 🫡

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  13. arabesques says:
    20 September 2024 at 12:11 pm

    Happily, I find myself fitting the theme of the day! I’m wearing a liberal amount of Perfumer H Waterlily. According to Slow Food Foundation, “For centuries it has been cultivated in South-East Asia, especially around temples as an ornamental plant.” That sounds divine. I can use a temple aura around me.

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    • socks says:
      20 September 2024 at 8:09 pm

      That sounds lovely! I could use a temple aura too.

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    • therabbitsflower says:
      23 September 2024 at 3:50 am

      I’m reading this days late as I’m catching up, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on the Perfumer H Waterlily. I’m quite taken with a few in the line so I’m always on the lookout for other gems.

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  14. Kris says:
    20 September 2024 at 12:12 pm

    I didn’t know for sure what I wanted to put on today, but after seeing Robin wearing Do Son I decided to go with a tuberose. SOTD is Rogue Champs Lunaires. It is a beautiful scent and something I should wear more often.

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    • Jalapeno says:
      20 September 2024 at 7:22 pm

      Have you ever tried wearing tuberose in the middle of Winter?

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      • Kris says:
        20 September 2024 at 7:56 pm

        Sure.

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        • Jalapeno says:
          20 September 2024 at 9:36 pm

          I find it can be a wonderful pick me up for the Winter Blahs.

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          • Kris says:
            21 September 2024 at 12:45 am

            I would agree with you.

  15. Dawn says:
    20 September 2024 at 12:27 pm

    About to walk out the door for a few doctors appointments for my mother. Then it’s off to see Les Miserable. Decided on Infusion d’Iris for the whole day.

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    • Kris says:
      20 September 2024 at 1:01 pm

      Have fun and you smell wonderful!

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    • madtowngirl says:
      20 September 2024 at 5:26 pm

      I love Les Miserables! Enjoy.

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      • Kris says:
        20 September 2024 at 7:16 pm

        I loved it too.

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  16. akimon says:
    20 September 2024 at 12:38 pm

    I wanted to wear Providence Perfume Vientiane, a beautiful sandalwood perfume named after the capitol of Laos, but I can’t find my sample. While I was rummaging in my sample box, I found Diptique Tam Dao, “a memory of the holy forests of Vietnam”, which will do nicely. I never wore this one, but I can see why it’s so popular. Very interesting blend of woody notes.

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  17. apsara says:
    20 September 2024 at 12:38 pm

    My sister and I were at Rome airport when Sofia Loren walked past us with four very large men and more LV luggage than a store. She is much shorter in person, but looked so elegant.

    On the other hand, our luggage was lost for six weeks and returned finally to Los Angeles post trip.

    SOTD will be Vientiene. Forgot I had this little beauty until Robin wore it the other day. I love visiting Laos and Vientiene and Luang Prabang especially.

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    • Kanuka says:
      20 September 2024 at 2:40 pm

      The pleasures of travel!

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  18. KellyC says:
    20 September 2024 at 12:42 pm

    Tam Dao yesterday and today I’m in Chameleon. It has mango, ylang-ylang, jasmine, star fruit and more from SE Asia.

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    • Jalapeno says:
      20 September 2024 at 7:20 pm

      Do you like Chameleon?

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      • KellyC says:
        20 September 2024 at 9:31 pm

        I love it! I have a full bottle. I admittedly wear it more in the summer but spray occasionally when I need a tropical pick me up in cool weather.

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  19. meredifay says:
    20 September 2024 at 1:01 pm

    Oops, Casablanca today! Wrong continent, but I smell pretty!

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    • Daniel says:
      20 September 2024 at 1:24 pm

      Yes, you do!

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    • allo says:
      20 September 2024 at 1:48 pm

      You smell divine, in fact!

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  20. Aurora says:
    20 September 2024 at 1:26 pm

    Banana, clementine and yogurt smoothie.

    I wanted a light perfume this morning but with the note of benzoin for the CP so it was White Linen which smelled terrific, it’s an oldish bottle. Tonight still for the CP it’s Amour Parfum with rice and benzoin, it’s very rich that one.

    Leaving tomorrow for Provence, the flight is not something I look forward to but I’ll be glad to be on holidays.

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    • tulipani says:
      20 September 2024 at 2:05 pm

      Have a safe journey!

      I never knew of benzoin’s SE Asian origins, glad I learned something today!

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      • Aurora says:
        21 September 2024 at 2:25 am

        Thank you Tulipani, yes benzoin is from south-east Asia.

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    • galbanumgal says:
      20 September 2024 at 2:28 pm

      Hope your holidays provide a nice respite–you can’t go wrong with Provence! Will you bring decants along?

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      • Aurora says:
        21 September 2024 at 2:27 am

        I have two bottles of perfume in Provence, so that’s what I’ll wear.

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    • Kanuka says:
      20 September 2024 at 2:38 pm

      Have a happy holiday. Hope the airport passes without hassles.

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      • Aurora says:
        21 September 2024 at 2:27 am

        Thank you Kanuka, I hope so too.

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    • hajusuuri says:
      20 September 2024 at 4:26 pm

      Best wishes for a safe flight and a wonderful holiday!

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      • Aurora says:
        21 September 2024 at 2:28 am

        Thank you very much.

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    • Laila says:
      20 September 2024 at 4:26 pm

      Ooh, Provence! I envy you, was there once and would love to go again. Have a wonderful time!

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      • Aurora says:
        21 September 2024 at 2:29 am

        Thank you Laila.

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    • madtowngirl says:
      20 September 2024 at 5:24 pm

      Safe travels Aurora!

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      • Aurora says:
        21 September 2024 at 2:29 am

        Thank you very much.

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    • Jalapeno says:
      20 September 2024 at 7:19 pm

      Bon voyage, Aurora! A month in Provence sounds magical.

      Benzoin is a favorite perfume note of mine.

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      • Aurora says:
        21 September 2024 at 2:30 am

        Thank you Jalapeno. I love benzoin too.

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    • Gail says:
      20 September 2024 at 7:29 pm

      I hope you have a great vacation! You smell(ed) great all day. I was twins with you in Kenzo Amour.

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      • Aurora says:
        21 September 2024 at 2:31 am

        Thank you twin!

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    • lillyjo says:
      20 September 2024 at 8:09 pm

      Have a wonderful vacation!

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      • Aurora says:
        21 September 2024 at 2:31 am

        Thank you Lillijo.

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  21. austenfan says:
    20 September 2024 at 1:34 pm

    PG Indochine, a soft, reticent scent.
    Leaving for a week’s holiday tomorrow. Nothing spectacular, just another week in Alsace. It will be nice, autumn there is gorgeous.

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    • Kanuka says:
      20 September 2024 at 2:37 pm

      Sounds blissful. Unrelated, I have started reading Benjamin Constant’s Adolphe after coming across it via Anita Brookner’s novel Providence ( the protagonist lectures on Romanticism) and thought that you would probably know it. Wonder if you do as I am enjoying it.
      I hope the vineyards look lovely . One of the things I miss about Germany/ France are the sounds of woodpeckers and cuckoos in the forests.

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      • austenfan says:
        20 September 2024 at 4:07 pm

        Gosh, the good news is that I have read Adolphe. The bad news is I can’t remember it at all. I know I read it in 1986/87, as part of the curriculum. I’ve read some Brookner as well, but not in recent years. I remember reading Hotel du Lac.
        One of the downsides of translating, at least for me, is that reading (any serious reading) is not so pleasurable. I kind of read for a living now, so it is not as relaxing.

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        • Kanuka says:
          20 September 2024 at 5:01 pm

          https://blogs.bl.uk/european/2016/06/benjamin-constants-adolphe-1816.html
          From the British library. I liked Brookner’s Providence better than Hotel du Lac ( though a similar kind of protagonist, in this case a sad academic ). I was really drawn in to the discussions about Adolphe and reason/ alienation/ love…which is why I’m now reading Adolphe. I know what you mean about reading for work. It’s like looking out for faults rather than pleasures.

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    • hajusuuri says:
      20 September 2024 at 4:25 pm

      We are scent twins and this may be the very first time ever!

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      • austenfan says:
        20 September 2024 at 4:33 pm

        That is good to know, and don’t we smell gorgeous!

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    • Jalapeno says:
      20 September 2024 at 7:18 pm

      Safe travels, and enjoy Alsace!

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  22. tulipani says:
    20 September 2024 at 1:39 pm

    I spent most of yesterday morning at the doctor’s/hospital. I had had a painful night after weeks of low-level lower back pain which (some of you might remember) I thought was sciatica. A CT scan and some blood work revealed that I have a couple of small kidney stones. I’m just so relieved to finally know what’s causing the pain. My doctor hasn’t reached out to discuss next steps yet, but if any of you have advice, I’d love to hear it.

    SOTD is Dusita’s Melodie de l’Amour. It’s going slightly moth balls on me, but I hope that disappears when it settles.

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    • Kanuka says:
      20 September 2024 at 2:32 pm

      I’m glad you have an answer to what was causing pain and I really hope you can get treatment before too long. Good luck with the next steps…at least the problem has been identified now.

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    • hajusuuri says:
      20 September 2024 at 4:24 pm

      Ouch on the kidney stones! The only advice I can give you (third hand knowledge) is to be kind to yourself regardless of the next steps.

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    • Laila says:
      20 September 2024 at 4:28 pm

      Hope you find relief soon!🤞

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    • hajusuuri says:
      20 September 2024 at 4:34 pm

      Forgot to mention … jasmine goes mothballs on me too. I don’t know if your SOTD has it.

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    • Vee says:
      20 September 2024 at 5:46 pm

      I’m glad you figured out the source of the pain, but I am sorry to hear that it is kidney stones. I have a friend who gets them often and hs advice is drink as much water as you can possibly stand, and then some more. And I’ll echo hajusuuri — take it easy on yourself.

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    • Jalapeno says:
      20 September 2024 at 7:17 pm

      Ow ow ow! My Mom had kidney stones, and it made her miserable. But now you know what the heck is going on.

      Echoing Vee’s advice to drink lots and lots of water. It will help in the future.

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    • Gail says:
      20 September 2024 at 7:40 pm

      I had a kidney stone years ago. I had lots of water plus teas of all kinds just to keep it interesting. They seem to move around in your body, finally working to dislodge itself. I remember getting severe back pain in different spots as it worked its way out; almost winding me. I hope yours passes soon!

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    • Kris says:
      20 September 2024 at 8:07 pm

      My husband and I have both had them. My husband will be on his third surgery next month for it. I have had one surgery. If they get too large, there can be blockage, which happened to my husband. Hopefully, you will get recommendations for a urologist, who specializes in this. That person will have the best options for you.

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    • Aurora says:
      21 September 2024 at 2:34 am

      Kidney stones must be very painful but glad you have a diagnosis.

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  23. Tea Thyme says:
    20 September 2024 at 1:46 pm

    I was going to wear Do Son today for the CP, but so I don’t copy I’ll wear Tam Dao instead.🐘

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  24. foxbins says:
    20 September 2024 at 1:55 pm

    I went to Thailand in 1999, and I had a wonderful time. I ate at every night market I could find, walked everywhere, and consumed so much fruit. I’m wearing Jacomo Art Collection #9 for the juicy mango note. My most fond memory of the trip is of the dogs wearing T-shirts. I asked about it, and if a dog belongs to you, you put a T-shirt on it (because you have old T-shirts and collars are expensive). The front legs go through the armholes and the excess is tied in a knot on the dog’s back. Dogs not wearing t-shirts are fair game to be killed or adopted…hopefully the latter.

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    • Laila says:
      20 September 2024 at 4:29 pm

      Wow, that was interesting! Thank you so much for posting.

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    • Jalapeno says:
      20 September 2024 at 9:34 pm

      Cool story.

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  25. tiffanie says:
    20 September 2024 at 2:06 pm

    sotd = Barbara Bui le Parfum

    I’m CP adjacent as BB’s father is from Vietnam.

    I love this scent. It is musky but airy and softly sweet so it feels gentle. ♥️ It reminds me of La Chasse aux Papillons, another one by Anne Flipo.

    Wishing everyone a soft, calm, fabulously fragrant Friday. 😌

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    • Laila says:
      20 September 2024 at 4:30 pm

      I love this fragrance, too. Got a big bottle for cheap and it’s a soft favorite of mine for yoga in the winter.

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    • Jalapeno says:
      20 September 2024 at 7:13 pm

      Pretty sure I have a sample vial of your SOTD around somewhere…

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  26. Kanuka says:
    20 September 2024 at 2:29 pm

    I’m wearing Dusita Pavillion d’Or by Thai perfumer Pissara Umavijani ( thanks Gaynor!). Her father was a poet and this is a link to a nice memory she wrote about him, and his influence on her starting Dusita.
    https://www.cafleurebon.com/the-scent-of-poetry-a-tribute-to-my-father-montri-umavijani-1941-2006/

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  27. J B says:
    20 September 2024 at 2:38 pm

    Happy Friday!
    Busy busy week,but my 5-day weekend started today!
    SOTD!
    Giardini de Toscana Almafolia.Tuberose,tuberose and more tuberose!Lovely.
    XO’s

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    • J B says:
      20 September 2024 at 2:41 pm

      PSA!
      Vetiver lovers,the new Juliette has a gun Ex Vetiver edp is GREAT!

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      • madtowngirl says:
        20 September 2024 at 5:21 pm

        Gorgeous bottle too! Hopefully my Sephora will get it so I can give it a sniff.

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      • lillyjo says:
        20 September 2024 at 10:41 pm

        Will try it when I see it!

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    • Jalapeno says:
      20 September 2024 at 7:11 pm

      Enjoy that long 5-day weekend!

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  28. scaresbears says:
    20 September 2024 at 4:03 pm

    In Un Matin d’Orage today, as the only remotely SE Asia-related scent I had in a small enough container to pack for the trip to the cabin. I love it but the rollerball doesn’t dispense enough without a tedious amount of rolling so I may have to consider an actual spray bottle. All of you have given me new scents to think about sampling!

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  29. Laila says:
    20 September 2024 at 4:19 pm

    I came of age, was married and briefly became an Army wife during the Vietnam War, so I was drawn to this country for today’s cp. Not surprisingly, despite its current stringent drug laws, Viet Nam has long been a producer of opium poppies and a crossroads for illicit drug trade. But surprisingly to me it is also the second largest exporter of coffee in the world. So, for today’s cp, I’m very pleased with my choice of YSL Black Opium as my SOTD. Lots of dark, smoky coffee in this one that for a coffee lover like me can be as addictive as opium! ☕️

    Really getting tired of hot summer weather and looking forward to the arrival of fall on Sunday with much cooler temps predicted – and autumn perfumes, makeup, clothes and home decor. Yes, I change everything each season and love it! On the weekend agenda is a local Oktoberfest for us tomorrow, and Sunday it’s finally time to bring the summering houseplants in from the outside til next June. They do remarkably well outside with very little care and I enjoy a respite from their care, too.

    Wishing everyone a lovely weekend ahead 🍁🍂

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    • madtowngirl says:
      20 September 2024 at 5:19 pm

      Great choice for the cp then!
      Lol, I’m getting that same weather and loving it.😆 sorry.

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      • Laila says:
        20 September 2024 at 8:09 pm

        Looking forward to temps ‘only’ in the mid-70’s on Sunday. It was 91 here today.🥵

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    • apsara says:
      20 September 2024 at 5:26 pm

      I married a civilian working in Vietnam. He was there for seven years and during Tet.

      Love their coffee. And many things about VN. Have visited a few times over the past few decades, to Hue and Hai Long and Saigonville.

      Bittersweet it is.

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      • Laila says:
        20 September 2024 at 8:10 pm

        I’ve never had their coffee, will have to be on the lookout for some.

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    • Jalapeno says:
      20 September 2024 at 7:10 pm

      YSL Black Opium has a lovely sweet coffee note in it. ☕

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      • Laila says:
        20 September 2024 at 8:11 pm

        As a gourmand lover, I appreciate that note. Yet it’s a strong dark coffee note, and I think the patchouli note init grounds it a little more.

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        • Jalapeno says:
          20 September 2024 at 8:21 pm

          I tend to amp up sweet notes, so that might explain the difference in how you and I describe the OG Black Opium.

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  30. hajusuuri says:
    20 September 2024 at 4:20 pm

    SOTD = Parfumerie Generale Indochine

    I was copying deva and apsara this week. I am sure they count for the CP 🤣.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/DAJtdanxsGO/?igsh=MXhrc2hmMTMxbW85OQ==

    Remember my civil mediation class that was rescheduled from the spring? It is happening and I am looking forward to it! I start on Monday and it’s for 5 full days within the next week and a half. I will share the experience next week.

    I have been doing walkabouts as the weather has turned and is a little nicer than the H-A-H we’ve had in the northeast over the summer. ANYWAY, around this time of the year, I have my eyes peeled for fall and / or halloween 🎃 decors and will be featuring them besides the ones I take inside of stores. Here’s a giant one within walking distance:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/DAJuGznxNUl/?igsh=Z3lhZ3B1ZmVzd2hr

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    • Jalapeno says:
      20 September 2024 at 7:09 pm

      Glad to hear that your civil mediation class is getting underway!

      Re: Halloween decor, the vet I go to has a fake Great Dane skeleton standing outside the door to its office.

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      • hajusuuri says:
        21 September 2024 at 1:32 pm

        Decorations-wise, I think halloween has the most inventive and colorful ones.

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    • lillyjo says:
      20 September 2024 at 10:41 pm

      I wonder how they store those giant decorations! There is one house here that has just the giant head sticking out of the lawn.

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      • hajusuuri says:
        21 September 2024 at 1:34 pm

        Cute about the giant head! As to where the giant ones are stored, if you have a big enough garage or if your decor can be broken down, you’re golden. I don’t really like keeping the skeletons out and just changing the outfits.

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  31. thegoddessrena says:
    20 September 2024 at 4:48 pm

    Hue from Anna Zworykina, named after the city in Vietnam

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    • apsara says:
      20 September 2024 at 5:29 pm

      Hue and the Perfume River.
      I biked from Hue to Saigon in very humid weather.
      And younger legs.

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  32. MossyBerry says:
    20 September 2024 at 5:13 pm

    Triplets with Akimon and Tea Thyme in Tam Dao. I got it for the fun elephant bottle, though the notes sounded good. I’ve never worn it much, so today is a day of discovery.

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    • madtowngirl says:
      20 September 2024 at 5:16 pm

      Ooh, I’m quadruplets then! Tam Dao is one I’ve repurchased. Report back on your thoughts.

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  33. madtowngirl says:
    20 September 2024 at 5:15 pm

    I’m in Tam Dao.
    It’s another gorgeous summer day here. It was 65 when I left the house this morning and currently 83 and sunny.
    I’d never know it’s actually fall by the weather, but Whole Foods has tons of pumpkin themed products lining the shelves, so I guess it’s coming. I picked up some of their brown butter apple cookies today and they are delish.

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    • Jalapeno says:
      20 September 2024 at 7:07 pm

      Brown butter apple cookies sound wicked tasty! 😋

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  34. Calypso says:
    20 September 2024 at 5:59 pm

    I’m wearing Volutes for the second time this week. I switched from the EdP to the EdT since I have both. I prefer the EdP as it seems somehow sweeter, richer, deeper. The EdT has sharper edges and more tobacco.

    This afternoon I stopped into Kuhl Linscomb, not really for perfumes but I couldn’t resist visiting that area. They have BDK perfumes now and the guy said they’re only one of six boutiques to have them in the country. I sniffed bottles and liked two a lot. I’ll have to go back for a better look. Houston peeps, do we need another gathering? The one I loved was Gris Charnel, especially the extrait!

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  35. Vee says:
    20 September 2024 at 6:22 pm

    I learned this week (thanks to the CP) that Malaysia has thousands of orchid species, so I’m in To Yo Ran from Demeter’s Orchid Collection. I get, in order of strength: lemon oil, green notes like the snapped stem of a tulip, and an indistinct floral note. I’ve resprayed a few times because Demeter, but it is an easy pick-me-up scent.

    Tea today is again a mix of a Sugar Cookie Oolong and an Assam, with milk.

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    • Jalapeno says:
      20 September 2024 at 7:03 pm

      Orchid notes in perfumes have always been indistinct for me.

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      • Vee says:
        20 September 2024 at 9:24 pm

        I think a lot them tend to be fantasy notes, so they end up in the indistinct category either by the perfumer’s design or my nose’s lack of a reference point

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        • Jalapeno says:
          20 September 2024 at 9:32 pm

          Most real orchids I have smelled have no scent. There are a few Cattleya and some Dendrobium that do. One Dendrobium I especially remember smelled of chocolate!

          I used to keep orchids as houseplants back in the early to mid 2000’s. They are cat safe, if someone decides to take a nibble…

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          • Vee says:
            20 September 2024 at 11:05 pm

            Cat-safe as in the cats won’t croak if they eat the orchids. No such such luck for the orchids that that eaten by my cats 🫣

          • Jalapeno says:
            21 September 2024 at 12:21 am

            So you have a bunch of salad eaters? 😼😼😼

    • socks says:
      21 September 2024 at 12:45 am

      Hi Vee! 😊

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  36. Gaynor says:
    20 September 2024 at 6:27 pm

    Good morning! I’m way behind on NST, my mother is visiting and I’m completely out of my normal routine.
    I’ve popped by just in time to see the CP, and I can join in with Indochine. I bet I’ll see that it’s been popular this week when I catch up on the comments.

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  37. Jalapeno says:
    20 September 2024 at 7:00 pm

    A lot more clouds and less blue in the sky here today. But it is still quite temperate. I’ve been turning off the A/C in the afternoons.

    Teflon kitty is dealing with a stubborn ear infection right now. She had a follow up appointment this afternoon. Unfortunately for her, she has another week of ear drops to deal with. But her cytology was quite a bit improved from the initial one. After this course, she goes back again to the vet (not a favorite trip).

    SOTD = Calvin Klein Truth, for the bamboo note. Thanks to Barqs for reminding me about this one! Perfect pick for a vet appointment, too.

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    • Laila says:
      20 September 2024 at 8:13 pm

      😻😻and 😻all send get well wishes and kitty hugs to Teflon Kitty.

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      • Jalapeno says:
        20 September 2024 at 8:25 pm

        Appreciate the purrs and kitteh hugs! Teflon herself is a little grumpy from the vet trip, as per usual.

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    • socks says:
      20 September 2024 at 8:16 pm

      Poor Teflon kitty! I hope her ear infection clears up quickly.

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      • Jalapeno says:
        20 September 2024 at 8:24 pm

        Thanks socks! Tef is improving, albeit slowly. She’s a lot less itchy and isn’t shaking her head as much as before the first vet trip.

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    • Gail says:
      20 September 2024 at 8:25 pm

      Aww, poor Teflon kitty having to endure more drops but good news that her numbers are better. Hopefully all will be well next week.

      When our cat was recovering from a broken jaw, he seemed to know I was trying to help him even though the pain pills were a challenge to get down each time. Plus the cone of shame!

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      • Jalapeno says:
        20 September 2024 at 9:30 pm

        Thanks Gail!

        Teflon was hiding under the couch after her vet appointment. We shall see how well she deals with Week 2 of her ear goop.

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    • Kris says:
      20 September 2024 at 8:39 pm

      Hope Teflon gets well soon! Are you going to get the Shalimar Jasmine?

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      • Jalapeno says:
        20 September 2024 at 9:28 pm

        Thank you Kris!

        As of now, I have no plans to get the Shalimar Jasmin. Each time I have tested the OG perfume, it goes rather fecal on me. Plus, vet bills.

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        • Kris says:
          21 September 2024 at 12:48 am

          It’s funny as I never cared for Shalimar and then I ended up buying the MI and loved it. I wonder if it’s my age that made me change my mind on it or what. If it has been a long time since you tried it, maybe you would like it now. Of course, I am going by the MI and maybe I still wouldn’t care for the original. Who knows.

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    • Vee says:
      20 September 2024 at 9:21 pm

      Oh, poor Tef! I’m glad she’s improving

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      • Jalapeno says:
        20 September 2024 at 9:26 pm

        Thanks Vee!

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    • lillyjo says:
      20 September 2024 at 10:37 pm

      Hopefully the next round of medicine knocks out the infection.
      One of these days I should buy Truth again.

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      • Jalapeno says:
        20 September 2024 at 10:41 pm

        Thanks lillyjo!

        The bottle I have is easily 15 years old now. IDK what the current version smells like.

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    • Aurora says:
      21 September 2024 at 2:40 am

      Poor Teflon, she’ll be glad when it’s over.

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  38. AnnE says:
    20 September 2024 at 7:53 pm

    I’ve been so distracted this week and haven’t been here much, but I did remember what the CP is. . Whenever I think of Vietnam I think of Vietnamese coffee, so I chose TF Café Rose. Not very original, I’m afraid, but I’ve never been to that country and know hardly anything about it.
    Hope everyone enjoys the weekend!

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    • lillyjo says:
      20 September 2024 at 10:35 pm

      You smell beautiful AnnE.

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  39. socks says:
    20 September 2024 at 8:05 pm

    Hi everyone! Long time no post, but I’ve been trying to keep up with the comments.

    I am CP-compliant today in Jo Loves Mango Thai Lime, which I got in a splitmeet here. It’s fun, and I’d love a tea that smelled like this too.

    Last Friday, for the oldest bottle in my collection that I’d bought new CP, I wore China Rain from Garden of Eden, a Minnesota-based company. I bought it (a rollerball scented oil) when I was in high school, so sometime in the early ’90s. It really takes me back!!

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    • Jalapeno says:
      20 September 2024 at 8:22 pm

      Hey, nice to see you here today!

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    • Vee says:
      20 September 2024 at 9:20 pm

      Hi socks!

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  40. Gail says:
    20 September 2024 at 8:36 pm

    I was in Kenzo Amour for the rice note. Thanks to Jalapeno for mentioning a few notes so I could play along!

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    • Jalapeno says:
      20 September 2024 at 9:25 pm

      You’re welcome! 😁

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  41. therabbitsflower says:
    20 September 2024 at 11:47 pm

    Soooo late, it’s been a day. I’m in Vientiane for the cp. I love this one, but it’s very rich so a big commitment. I’m heading to a sold out concert at a midsize venue and put on more perfume right before I left home to try and counteract any stinky people I’m stuck near. 🤞 I’ll have a mask on, but I can still often smell people through it at shows.

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