It's Tuesday, Data Privacy Day, International Lego Day and Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette’s birthday. What fragrance are you wearing?
Today I'm covering wisdom and patience, in Chanel Bois des Iles. Tea at the moment is Harney Kagoshima Saemidori Sencha.
Reminder: on 1/31, we'll honor the Lunar New Year (coming up on Wednesday) by wearing a fragrance that reflects the qualities of the (Wood) Snake: wisdom, patience, elegance, charm and mystery.*
And for those of you who like to plan ahead, see Scent of the day ~ Friday community projects 2025, where I'll try (but usually fail) to have the next five or six weeks mapped out in advance.
Note: the Spode Creatures of Curiosity Teapot ("... a striking blend of exotic charm and Victorian inspiration. This hand-painted fine china teapot features an array of enchanting details, including exotic snakes, vibrant butterflies, and intricate florals") is $75 at The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse.
Great choice, Robin! Sandalwood definitely gives off wisdom and patience vibes. Most of the perfumes on my wisdom and patience lists are woody and earthy.
Today, I went with charm. At first, I thought of something bright, light, and sparkling, but eventually, I decided that a snake calls for a different kind of charm – something powerful and magnetic.
So, my SOTD is Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady – a strong and beautiful scent with a unique character. I think it radiates charisma.
And I’ve just noticed the snake on the teapot – very much on theme.
Oh perfect choice, I like that!
We were scent twins today.
I was thinking that sandalwood and vetiver could both be options for Friday.
I might copy you later this week.
Elegance , charm and mystery… Shalimar
Hermes lippy on color 40. Not my favorite
Tea is chai spice with coffee
100% agree that Shalimar embodies these qualities!
Do you change lippy to match or coordinate with an outfit? I basically have one that I love that I use all the time. At the moment it’s one in the Dior Rouge range but I forget its name. I’ll look. I seem to pick one that I feel is flattering and then I just stick with it. This line seems to last and not be drying.
I’m in Annick Goutal’s Tubereuse. I have a very small amount left, but I’m going to use it till it’s gone-no point in saving the good stuff, right?
The teapot is beautiful, but I’m not sure I’d appreciate a snake on my teapot. At my office we make tea twice a day-ten and two. We use a pyrex coffee pot, with the glass strainer removed, and it makes a cracking cup of tea. I’ve never had one bad cup of tea here at work. conversely, I’ve never had one good cup of coffee at work, unless we go out and get it lol.
Hope everyone has one good beverage today 🙂
I have had several good cups of tea today, thank you!
I’m wearing Demeter Pomander perfume oil, which was a free gift with purchase from my last order of minis. Very spicy and fruity.
Oh I bet that one’s nice.
I’m stealing Robin’s idea of a sandalwood-heavy perfume and Glannys’ encouragement of sandalwood as promoting patience. Also, it’s in the 30s outside and I’m about to take the dog for a walk, so it’s SL Santal Blanc this morning, one which I wish I’d had the *patience* to stalk and stockpile years ago when it was more affordable and widely available.
Also, Glannys, I made some Ukrainian Lemon Poppyseed Cake last night (Moosewood Cookbook recipe, remember that one, folks? My copy is stained, crusty, battered, and much loved for 30+ years though I do dial down the butter and up the lemon juice) and I thought of you and your beautiful beleaguered country (which I fell in love with when I traversed it it in the early 90s as a reporter) while chomping those yummy poppyseeds.
Poppyseed is indeed very commonly used in Ukrainian baked goods (it becomes especially popular for Makovii/Makoviya celebration), but I confess I’ve never heard of a Lemon Poppyseed Cake. I’m sure it’s delicious! Thank you for your kind words about my country.
Gosh yes I remember that cookbook!
I should still have that Cookbook here somewhere.
Me too and I’ve even been there!
Somehow my Mom and I both missed that particular cookbook.
I’m doing elegance and charm in Carthusia 1681. I probably should be doing patience because I have to meet with the family CPAs later today. 😂
Ha, good luck with that!
Today, I went with Queen by Queen Latifah because I’m getting a nice hit of benzoin. Plus, if you hold the red bottle at the right angle, in the right light, and have a bit of imagination, it COULD possibly resemble snake scales. So, I’m linking it to my old red mangrove snake friend with hopes that he/she lived a productive and prolific life after release.
The mangroves in Florida have seen a terrible decline, with loss habitat for many species. Even the old fishermen (hardly any left nowadays) shake their heads in dismay because these mangroves are what protected the coastal areas from high seas and hurricanes. 50% lost in the Tampa Bay Area and 60% throughout the rest of the state. The Red Mangrove is a water snake, although it does spend time on land. I made a pond in the aquarium and would add gold fish when it was feeding time and that snake was fast as lightning. Splish! Splash! Five goldfish gone…This wasn’t a snake that liked to be handled, not docile at all! The strike was fast as the speed of light and the tail vibrated like a rattlesnake in warning if it felt threatened. But such a gorgeous brick red color…🐍
Excellent cp association Deva!
That’s a shame about Florida’s mangroves.
I’ll go with charm in OJ Osmanthus. Can anyone compare Osmanthus to Prive?
Ah, that is indeed charming!
I continued my deep dive into old-school “masculines” over the weekend. Gotta say, it’s been a really fun, and often eye-opening trip.
(These are all older bottles, where one ingredient is simply “fragrance,” instead of a lengthy list of chemicals.)
Two from Jovan that warrant attention:
Musk For Men, a spicy, soft, ambery, floral. There’s musk, for sure, but nothing too dirty, and to my nose, it’s less musky than Kiehl’s Original. (Side note: the current version is okay – more citrusy brightness, and cleaner still.) Definitely unisex, as is the equally lovely version made for women.
Sex Appeal. Ah, the seventies. The copy on the box is mighty cringy, but fairly typical of the era: “This provocative stimulating blend of rare spices and herbs was created by man for the sole purpose of attracting women. At will. It will do what it’s supposed to do. Because it’s more than the usual promise in a bottle. It’s more like a guarantee.” (One can only hope that they had their tongue planted firmly in their cheek.) Honestly, as silly as the name is, it’s not inaccurate! There IS something sexy about it. And elegant. Sweet, spicy, warm, gently musky – nothing crude about it whatsoever. Completely unisex, I’d say. This and Stetson are probably my two favorite “cheapies” from the era.
Going way back, I also wore vintage English Leather Cologne, which reminded me so much of my dad. He wasn’t a big cologne guy, but he wore this more than any other fragrance. (And he loved the English Leather Soap-On-A-Rope.) According to the company website, it was called Russian Leather when first created in the thirties, but when introduced to the U.S. in 1949, they thought it wise to rename it. It’s got a lovely citrusy/spicy opening, then lots of leather, woods, and some floral notes – carnation? Rose? In the dry down, you get (believe it or not) subtle reminders of Knize Ten.
Happy Tuesday, everyone!
“It will do what it’s supposed to do”, that is unintentionally hilarious. And the “ At will” is the chefs kiss.
I’ve always liked English Leather, my dad wore it too. He alternated with Canoe. Both can instantly take me back, thank you for the reminder.
Yes, the ultimate mating superpower, courtesy of Jovan.🙄
My early-eighties Jovan kick was Andron, which supposedly contained pheromones — sounds like nonsense to me, but oh was it ever sexy! Bright citrus cologne up top and then ALL the animalics. My grandmother thought it smelled like sweat and she was probably right, but it was good clean sexy sweat.
Ooh, that sounds right up my alley!
English Leather soap-on-a-rope! I used to buy that as a Christmas gift for my dad. I’m not sure he ever used it, but my mother told me it would be a good gift to get. 🙂
I did the same as a kid! It was kind of a cool thing, (and I could afford it with my allowance.) My dad also had a bottle of Tabac in the medicine cabinet, but English Leather is the one that he wore the most. (Aftershave, not cologne, I’m sure.)
I confess that some time back I wrote an article on perfume ads, mostly with an emphasis on how they represented gender and race, and the one ad that I could not get over (many were outrageous of course, and many highly expensive and well-crafted) was for “Mandom” featuring Charles Bronson. Here is one version of the ad (there were several): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA_RvR6BGXM. Warning: You won’t be able to get the stupid song out of your mind. The image of him simply pouring the entire bottle, it appears, over his naked torso is also one that won’t leave you soon. Regrettably (?) I’ve never gotten to smell it.
OMG. This is everything. I am in Mandom.
Thank you, that commercial was epic
I have vague memories of my Dad having at least one soap on a rope when I was very little. Couldn’t tell you if the darn thing was even scented or not.
Went with Mon Precieux Nectar. , the pretty end of all those good words, since I had a little medical procedure to endure this morning. Recovering nicely but slowly- takes a while for this old body to process all the numbing agents! The days are getting a little longer already! Love the teapot!
I hope you are feeling better!
You smell lovely and I hope you are resting comfortably post procedure😊
Love the teapot also! But then, many things in my home are asian.
SOTD is Chinatown.
Doctor appt later so I may actually finish A Little Life in car then on to Harry Bosch.
Let me know your thoughts on A Little Life. I can’t seem to get myself to take it off the shelf.
Felt like YSL Nu EDP, the one in the metal hockey puck: I’m rarely in the mood for it but today I was and holy cow was it ever the right choice. You can tell it’s the precursor to Tom Ford Black Orchid — same DNA — but it’s sort of friendly and free-spirited.
Oh, that’s a good one. I should wear it soon.
Good morning! I am going to feel elegant today in Le Galion’s Sortilège.
Le Galion is a classy outfit, I find.
Spending the day in no 5 edp today. Tomorrow I am going to start binging Vienna Blood.
I have never seen it, do report back!
I went for elegance in 31 rue Cambon today. I’m going to an annual general meeting tonight to get elected to a non-profit board, so I figured I should dress up a bit.
Yesterday I wore Leather Jardin, which I hadn’t worn since before we went to Germany. I forgot what a comforting pleasure it is, and how it lingers — still was smelling it when I woke up this morning.
I love 31 Rue Cambon and kind of forgot about that but may have to take it out this week.
I am in Leather Jardin today. It definitely lingers.
Leather Jardin has some impressive longevity. It’s up there with TM Angel for me.
Wearing Amouage Dia, as an every-dia scent.
😀
Dia isn’t something that is mentioned too often here as a SOTD. It’s also something that I don’t wear that often.
Frozen mango and yogurt smoothie
I chose Neroli blanc this morning and tonight RP Visa which is often compared to Angel, Visa is strong too but less bombastic I find.
I am pretty sure I have RP Visa but just like CdG Sticky Dates, I have to find the bottle. I should start a list so I can check them off as I find them!
Hope you found your bottle😀. I too have a missing bottle, Diva EDP.
I have never tried or even seen any Robert Piguet perfumes. It sounds like I might like Visa.
Back around 2016-ish, I think I saw some Robert Piguet perfumes at Neiman Marcus. IDK if they are still sold there.
Yes, I think they are and Saks and some of the fragrance websites.
Not even Fracas?
My bet is that you would love it. I also have Visa extrait😀
My version of elegance was 3 sprays of Aromatics Elixir…
Interesting. It is on my wisdom and patience lists, but I can see why you chose it as elegance.
Many intriguing comments but I only got 4.75 hrs of sleep last night. So no energy.
Sotd The Harmonist’s Moon Glory in honor of upcoming Lunar New Year.
From its copy: Moon Glory celebrates the poetry of the moon, a force that shapes every movement, pattern and rhythm on earth. The fragrance is rooted in the intoxicating scent of flowers at dusk. The delicacy of Hawaiian Jasmine, Queen of the Night and Passionflower is paired with the sweetness of Lychee, Honey and Ylang-Ylang. It’s a graceful fragrance that embraces the wearer.
Feeling this embraced, it’s time for a nap.
Right there with you on feeling ready for a nap — hope you sleep well tonight!
Got a solid 20 minutes. Ideally 7 hrs tonight. Hope you get a restorative snooze as well.
Under 5 hours of sleep? Ew. That’s rough.
You smell good, Robin!
In a mixture of Yog Nog, Sticky Dates and some perfume I found today, lol. It gets hard to decipher, but everything layers so good.
Everyone ok?
I should ask YOU how you’re doing? Hope you’re well!
I was replying and my hairstylist came over to wash my hair, sorry!
I’m doing ok and wearing some perfume.
Hey there! How have things been for you? Teflon kitty says Hiya.
Hi!!!
Things are always interesting. I’m wearing perfume!
Give Teflon some scratches and snuggles. I may be getting another little friend. I’ll have to see how this gal gets along with my guy.
What’s up with you?
It’s been over a year since I moved back to Colorado. Been able to connect with some of my cousins, which feels really good.
Still attempting to declutter and downsize. Except for perfume, it seems. 🤣
And happy to hear that you are wearing perfume again!
Sticky Dates layers so well as a shower gel, I really should get the body spray too.
I went a little wild with Sticky Dates and have a few.
I’d be happy to send one to you.
AnniePerfumes that is too much, really…I am actually planning a Lush visit in the next couple weeks because I want to get the new cherry and chocolate shower gels. But huge thanks for the offer, that is so kind!
SOTD = Jo Malone Scarlet Poppy Cologne Intense
So good! In the red bottles! ❤️
https://www.instagram.com/p/DFYkAr2R7rf/?igsh=YTdvbzk5aXhpODlk
I am waiting with bated breath for my scent of the day tomorrow. It was a blind buy and I really did not care what it smelled like. So I did a test run last night. Not great but not bad either. The bottle is gorgeousness personified!
Smelling good!
Is tomorrow’s frag from Guerlain?
Yes! Guerlain knows how to do red!
I can’t wait to see the pic!
Neither can I!
I’m dying. Gotta cheat and check.
How’s the Guerlain Patchouli?
The little face thing you have in your Insta pic looks like a daruma to me.
I’m taking partial points with Yardley Iris. It’s categorized as a floral woody musk on fragrantica.
This bottle is on my tray to finish sometime this year. It’s more of a “light” iris scent; might be good for layering other things.
Good luck finishing it off Gail!
I’m going with Nez Ambre a Levres today for the quality of patience. I find it so smooth and soothing that I think it encourages patience in me.
Nice!
I have partial sunshine here today and I am soaking it in.
The other day I tried the new Jo Malone T’aif Rose perfume. I think some other people here said it was pretty but nothing special. It was a total scrubber for me. I realized that the rose chemical is the same one in all of the newer Tom Ford roses. I wish I knew what it is called because it’s becoming my second most hated perfume note.
My scent of the day is Gucci Accenti.
Yeah sunshine 🌞🌞🌞 even partial ⛅️ I’m with you on the some of the rose fragrances. If you figure out which formulation it is, I’ll be avoiding it too.
I will report back if I figure it out. I hate whatever it is so much.
Glad to hear that you’ve been enjoying a bit of sun! I know how gloomy Winter can be back East.
The Sun just makes so much difference.
Yep. 🌞🌞🌞
I am doing “charm” today for the CP by wearing Rosine LeSnob 1 which is “Gothic Rose.” It’s charming because it’s a pretty rose that takes a sort of spritely turn with some nice juicy orange notes. It’s on the young and buoyant side. It makes me feel happy and bright (and maybe, I hope, charming?).
Sounds perfect for charming!
I had an inadvertent Laundry Day today. This morning Teflon kitty had a really disgusting sneeze while snuggling on the bed with me which resulted in me stripping the bed and washing almost everything to get rid of cat boogers. At least tonight I will enjoy a fresh bed.
SOTD = Woman in Gold EdP. Decided to change it up a bit from the Prada Candy I had been wearing. Both scents would fall into the “charm” category.
Oof poor Teflon but it’s worse for you!
Prada Candy is very charming.
At least Teflon didn’t sneeze in my face this morning. That has happened in the past. Gross.
Fresh linens are the best. I hope TK is feeling better now.
Tef has had a bit of a snotty nose recently. Not sure if it’s a kitty cold.
Sorry, but that was funny. The noises, fluids, body parts things they roll in and these beloved babies are still perfect.
I missed your Prada Candy phase. I love that perfume.
Candy was for last week’s CP featuring benzoin. It smelled pretty darn good to me!
Funny, I don’t recall my cat Schnooky ever sneezing, do you think Teflon might have a cat cold? A fresh bed is always nice.
A kitty cold is one possibility. Allergies is another.
I can recall all of the cats I have ever had sneezing. Usually, they (the sneezes) are petite little things that do not require a load or two of laundry to be done afterward. 🤧
🤣😂
Sorry, but as AnniePerfumes said, this is too funny. I hope Teflon is healthy.
No need to apologize. I can appreciate the humor in that situation.
Teflon seems to be acting normal enough. She definitely has her “run around the apartment like a maniac moments” that would be affected if she were ill.
Tonight I’m in Eres Night Flower, for the jungle I imagine a snake slithering through + a dash of mystery.
12 hour workday today. Not much else to report. 😩