It’s almost Thanksgiving and we’re (hopefully) enjoying the calm before the holiday festivities with our usual open thread poll. Talk about anything you like — the fragrance you’re wearing today, any cooking or travel (or perfume shopping? just curling up with a good book?) plans you might have this week, whatever.
Or, ask a question about fragrance, then see if anyone else has asked a question that you can answer…
Note: top image is DSC_0224_v1 [cropped] by Annelieke B at flickr; some rights reserved.
Working my first 8 hour shift since the beginning of the pandemic. It’s always been anywhere between 5 and 7 hours but it’s the holidays. Wearing Infusion d’iris and yesterday I wore Deneuve for the CP.
Hope the day goes quickly for you Dawn.
Sounds like you’re pitching in to help others!💪 Hang tough, Dawn, says this veteran of the 8 hour grind.
Happy weekend!
My Borntostandout Choco Loco arrived and that’s my sotd.
It’s a hyperrealistic milk chocolate scent. Makes me feel like a walking chocolate fountain (not that I’m complaining!). There is however a very potent peppery element in the drydown which I can smell in quite a few chocolate/cocoa scents e.g. Musc Maori. I wonder what that could be because there is nothing remotely spicy in the list of notes. Weird.
Wicked: For Good was pretty great! They did all the songs justice and then some. It’s quite a shift in tone compared to the first film and is sadder/darker at times, but that’s faithful to the original material. I had high hopes and glad it didn’t disappoint.
So glad you loved Wicked!
Can’t tell if you are loving the Choco Loco or not. I do really like Musc Maori…or did, not idea what it is like now.
Oh! I love the beginning but not too much with the dry down. It’d be perfect if it stayed linear.
It is verrry similar to Musc Maori (at least the version I know from more than a decade ago). If you enjoy MM, you will very likely fall for this.
Thanks!
Continuing Vintage Week, I delved into the little gold organza drawstring bag where the really old and revered samples of Perfumes With A Capital P dwell, and pulled out Jardins de Bagatelle. It’s not one I would wear often since white florals don’t really suit me, but it is gorgeous and full of All The Flowers. I sussed out the narcissus for certain, and the gardenia and jasmine, and maaaayyybe the lotv, and now that some time has gone by I notice the cedar a tiny bit. I should be in an elegant ball gown instead of yoga pants and a sweatshirt, but (as Poirot would say) what will you? Hey, happy Saturday!
You smell great! Hey, comfort is key.
Happy Saturday, all!
Cool and cloudy morning in LA. The rains have ceased (for now,) and it feels like autumn is here. I’m luxuriating in Sycomore EdP, which I just love.
I love Sycomore, too. The first vetiver I really liked.
EDT or EDP? Personally, my choice is the EDT.
I’ve sampled the EDT a few times, and it’s truly wonderful. (And now, sadly, discontinued and out of my price range.) But the EDP is fabulous, too. Not quite as dry as the EDT – but I love the plushness of it. Still haven’t had a chance to try the Parfum.
Sycomore is wonderful. I have a bottle of the edt that I got years ago but don’t wear it often.
I just happened to notice my little bottle of L’Aromarine (now Outremer) perfume oil in Mousse de Chêne, aka oakmoss, and am enjoying it right now. It smells surprisingly luxe, especially for the price. I’ve probably had it for 20 years, and I’m wondering why I never thought of using it to boost actual or would-be chypres. I’ll have to do that soon.
Ooo! Do try and report back.
I had an oakmoss soap by an independent soap maker that i found in a FL flea market. I was able to buy it from her a few times until she stopped making it. It was so so good. Plush and magical.
I’m wearing SJP Stash. This truly is the calm before the storm and I am having a super chill day. We’ll have guests starting Monday.
Later today we’ll walk over to the National Nordic Museum for their annual Julefest which features really high quality outdoor vendors, plus an indoor beer hall with music and is always lots of fun.
I hope your guests will include your kids!
Thanks, MossyBerry, kids and grandkids will be with us!
💕
Ooh! I loved that museum when I visited Seattle. By heritage, I am half Nordic and I could recognize some of the expressions my grandfather had. What fun!
Yes, it was fun. Mr SP is half Norwegian and we are members of the museum.
I bet I would like it as I am probably 75% or more Norwegian. Do they have lutefisk and lefse at the festival?
Happy Saturday NST!
Sotd CRA-YON Continental for Grounding & Confidence per the discovery set box. Glannys, were you wearing Cra-Yon recently? I want to give you your Enabler Pin!
Exercising outside today! 🎉 Will be great to be in a park. Hope I will smell much petrichor in the damp earth!
How are you liking the Discovery set? Any favourites?
Kanuka, thank you for the recommendation! Here’s your Enabler Pin! Continental yesterday was a rough wear. The top and middle notes disappeared fast, more like a quick whisper than an identifiable
note on my skin. The dry down was rough, but then after a few hours of errands and exercising outside it turned into something earthy and beautiful. Not sure I’m patient enough to wait that long. I do have a skin chemistry that can change scents, so it may well be me. Onto A Fougère Affair today Sunday!
Happy Monday NST! O to Xra-Yon Caramel Days, which aims to be grounding, carefree and sensual.
Top notes are Italian Mandarin, Coconut and Orange;
middle notes are Frangipani, Heliotrope and Jasmine;
base notes are Ambroxan, Vanilla and Cacao.
Delightful. It reminds me a great deal of Z Gourmand Coffee and Cocoa Bliss.
The Fougere Affair was 180 degrees different. I guess I adore fougères? Although on Fragrantica, I get descriptions of mossy, woody, aromatic, herbal to describe it. Does anyone have a better working definition for me?
Classic, old school fougeres have something of “Eau de Barbershop” to my nose. Sometimes I can even pick out a shaving-cream note in them. YMMV.
I don’t know what a barbershop used to smell like I confess. I never went with my dad.
I’m wearing Kate Walsh Boyfriend, it smells great on a sunny, chilly day.
I have a complicated family dynamic to deal with this week but it will just be a quick visit.
Happy weekend everyone 🍁🍂
You smell great. I think that’s what I’ll wear tomorrow!
Here’s hope for smooth ⛵️ing. Also sending a little oil(olive not crude) if troubled waters are ahead!
Good luck with the visit!
The OG Kate Walsh Boyfriend was really good. Didn’t care for the flanker though.
I’m having a lovely lazy start to Sunday, and I can still smell last night’s Bal à Versailles on my clothes. I have a little bottle that I got in an antique shop a few years ago, it’s definitely quite old, but I don’t know how old.
Post-shower, I’m thinking about AG’s Ninfeo Mio. I was reading about the new Tom Ford on Fragrantica, laughed at the price as did many other commenters, so I’m wearing the fig perfume I’ve already got.
Bal à Versailles’ long dry down is one of my favorite scents! I do like all phases of it and need to wear it again soon.
Tom Ford prices seem pretty outlandish. Hope you have a good Sunday. I’ve been enjoying all your samples
Vintage BaV is awesome. Tom Ford perfumes are notbworth it especially for what they cost.
Yes, Tom Ford’s prices do seem to be pretty steep these days.
My house is chilly today. I have on Uggs and Tabac 28.
That’s a surefire way to beat the chill!
Given the reviews on Fragrantica, I almost hesitate to admit my SotD: Avon Far Away. I started with the body lotion which is a decent quality moisturizer. Then I remembered I have a purse spray and I did find layering it a bit much: spicy peach and coconut that won’t quit. But I am enjoying the warmth of it somehow. I’m looking forward to being treated to Thanksgiving at one of my favorite local venues. The former faculty club dining room offers a grand buffet in its lovely Tudor-themed dining hall. I made the reservation late, so we may be seated in a side room, but it will be fun no matter. Music students perform and families come dressed up and the food choices truly have something for everyone. In other news, a bit of sadness today as my neighbor of 30 years moves on to the next chapter of her life. She said a young family was moving in so that sounds promising but it will be a change and that means a certain amount of apprehension for me.
I looked up the reviews. Gosh, some are pretty harsh. I don’t recall ever trying Far Away.
Your Thanksgiving plans sound good to me. I miss dressing up for the Holidays.
Going to read the reviews too
Tudor and buffet sound perfect.
It is a very pleasing look-woodwork, banners, tall windows with stained glass, and tapestry-like chairs.
Enjoy the Far Away, if you like it, that’s all that matters. I don’t think we should ever be reluctant to say we’re enjoying a particular fragrance because others might not. Your Thanksgiving plans sound wonderful! Yum!
Some people are snobs about Avon. In a blind smell test, they’d probably like them. Or maybe they got bottles that had turned. My faves are Mesmerize and Honeysuckle and Topaze.
Mesmerize is excellent!
You like what YOU like, and the perfume snobs can go soak their collective heads.
Hope that your new neighbors turn out to be just as lovely as the one who is moving out. 🤞🤞
I forgot about vintage week, so reporting back now! I mostly wore:
Nina Ricci Farouche
Rumba (of course)
Rabanne La Nuit
K de Krizia
and Etro Palais Jamais, which I was surprised to learn came out in 1989. I think it’s my all-time favorite green fragrance. I remember hating it when I first tried it, thinking it smelled like rotting flowers in a vase of dirty water. This is now why I love it 😆
I’ve been trying to nap all day and recover from my covid jab yesterday, but it’s sunny out and I just can’t fall asleep ugh. Early to bed tonight.
K de Krizia is so special.
Sleep well tonight!
Agree-K de Krizia is wonderful.
What a lovely list, hope you will have no I’ll effect from the vaccine.
*ill
I love K de Krizia too!
Wearing Monoscent G. This is SO faint, I over-sprayed and can barely smell anything.
Is there a “pink tax” on fragrance? I have been enjoying a sample of PDM Herod. I was looking at full bottles for 2026 and I noticed that the male-directed fragrances seem to be less costly than the female ones. 75 ml of Delina is $410 and yet 75 ml of Herod is $290.
Went to the local Chinese specialty grocery store. I just love going into specialty ethnic markets. I got the black Chinese vinegar I have been wanting to get for months, along with some Hawaiian soy sauce and a few other specialty ingredients. I was mesmerized by all the products. I did buy some candies as well, one was a berry cream Kit Kat. And I picked up some tiny handle-less tea cups with cat pattern on them as a future stocking suffer for my daughter. I am making dan dan noodles tonight, seeing if I can match the Chinese take out.
I will be working Thanksgiving. In a way, that will be less stressful than cooking a meal. Husband bought a spiral cut ham but it will be a challenge to get that eaten with only the 2 of us with adult daughter in and out for meals.
Zephyr2, there was a cartoon years ago that told a joke. It goes like this-what’s the definition of eternity? Answer: two people and a ham 🙂
😂
Ha! True, sadly.
LOL so true. And I like ham!!
I enjoyed your Chinese grocery store visit. My son and family love Asian food, went with them once to an Asian supermarket, and was amazed at the variety of products they carried, most of which I had no idea what they were. And multitudes of variations of each product – I’ll bet they had 100 kinds of soy sauce alone!
I always have a list running for the next trip to the Asian supermarket here in L.A. For things I can’t get anywhere else, like sweet rice flour (which I use to make Hawaiian mochi cake, always a crowd pleaser), fresh noodles of many kinds, dark soy sauce and yes, black vinegar and so many other things. Our kids have also explored the world of flavored Kit-Kat bars from Japan.
My next door neighbour started mowing his lawn at 7.25 this morning which struck me as pretty eager given it’s a Sunday. Not sure that the other neighbours would have appreciated the early morning roar . Later I’m going to collect elderflowers. I will dry them, then infuse them in oil for a few weeks, filter and then blend the infused oil with beeswax to make an elderflower balm. Wearing Cra-yon Art Life as it’s easy. Lots of lily of the valley in flower at the moment which made me think of Robin in her Dioressence.
Very creative to make a balm from scratch.
7:25 on a Sunday! I hope he had some unusual reason and isn’t going to make it a habit.
The house next to me is being gutted and renovated and I’ve been thrilled to find their workers don’t start until 8:30 or 9 most days.
I continued vintage week today as well. I generously applied Fidji (from a pour bottle); I received this gem in a fantastic swap from an amazing NST’er. Thanks again!
Nice 🙂
Vintage: No 5 from the 90’s. This is part of the mini perfume wardrobe set
I wish Chanel would mar those again..
*make
I love the no 5 extrait. Have an unopened bottles from the 50’s or 60’s.
Today marks one year since the students’ protest in my country began. A year of demonstrations, marches, fight for justice and free media, political and police repression, violence, and constant struggle. For today’s march, I chose Diptyque Tam Dao. I hadn’t worn it in a long time, and on this cold day it felt like the perfect choice.
Perfect choice. Stay safe NinaV.
💕
Finally, a bit of bright sunshine this morning that lasted a couple of hours but then lapsed into clouds again. We got our screened porch all tucked in for the winter and all outside furniture tucked in as well so it was a good day to be home.
Spent the day in Dame’s Chocolate+Milk and really enjoyed it. It’s gourmand-ish, but the rose and jasmine notes and bit of spice, all smoothly blended, seem to take it somewhere else. Very, very nice!
Hope you’re all enjoying the weekend!🍁🍂🦃
I have not done a thing about my outdoor furniture yet and maybe I should…frost on the windshields this morning means perhaps I am behind schedule 🙂
So good for you for getting it done!
Sunday morning and I’m in Barbara Bui, after doing some reading trying to figure out what it is in Heure Exquise EDP that disagrees with me. I had to go spelunking to find the little bottle of BB — I had put it away because it gave me a similar oogie reaction years ago when I first bought it, but I thought maybe my appreciation of slightly offbeat fragrances might improve over time. Sure enough, this morning I’m loving it. Will have to re-test HE EDP versus EDT to see if anything’s changed there.
That Barbara Bui was all the rage on MakeUpAlley some years ago. I remember trying it and finding it a bit like Casmir. Sweet, woody, ambery, vanillic, spicy. But it’s been years.
I missed the MUA era completely, and iirc came across BB via boisdejasmin. BB is a tiny bit sweeter than I normally go, but combined with its powderiness it’s really nice. Haven’t run across Casmir yet (or any of the Chopards), but from the notes listed it sounds like it’s got some fruitiness that BB doesn’t. I do enjoy a couple of Michel Almairac’s other compositions very much (Jil Sander No. 4, Armani Cuir Amethyste) so there might be a tiny sample of Casmir in my future.
Perhaps it’s the fruitiness in Casmir, but I don’t find it comparable. I have a large bottle of Barbara Bui and love its woody/ambery softness with just a touch of incense. It wears like a skin sent on me, I love to wear it to bed. Casmir was also widely popular, but as much as I love sweet and gourmand scents, Casmir on me is very heavy and cloying, nowhere near anything like a skin scent.
PSA-I see Zara has Romance d’Iris back however, the price is twice as much as it was. That’s still not a bad price for 3.4 oz. Not affiliated.
The new Romance d’Iris is a different concentration that the previous one. It’s a parfum instead of an EdP.
Had to check it out after you mentioned it.
That one is a different concentration, but some of Jo Malones’s other ones at Zara, like Fleur de Patchouli which is the same, went up in price too.
Gotta wonder if part of that is tariffs?
From what I can tell, the only ones that went up were the ones that are by Jo Malone. All the other scents seem to be at the lower rates.
It has come to my attention that I don’t have enough patchouli scents and so I must remedy that. I’m thinking of Etro Patchouly and also the Bois 1920 one and maybe Reminiscence or Les Nereides, something with amber and woods and spice and cocoa and maybe some vanilla added to warm me up over winter. I though I had the Bois 1920 but either it’s hiding or I swapped it away or sold it. Now comes swapper’s/seller’s regret. But maybe it will turn up.
Yesterday in pawing through the bottles, I did turn up one very decorous patchouli, Patchouli Patch from L’Artisan. I was meeting my sister and I know she doesn’t like patchouli so I went easy. And lo and behold she asked, what are you wearing, it smells really nice. (She tends to like soliflores and light florals and is a fan of the old L’Occitanes, Goutals, Body Shops, etc). Boy was she surprised when I told her. She is now rethinking her patchouli opinion and I’ll make her a decant from my bottle so she can ponder it further. She said he hates the ‘headshop patchouli.” I told her there is a world of others these days.
I really enjoy Etro Patchouly. I find it very head shop and dry/woody/a bit fusty. But I do also get some vanilla and labdanum. I have the older bottle in the Etro print fabric case. Let me know if (don’t remember if you are CONUS) you’d like a sample, but I’d say unless you’d seek older bottles you should try the current one because mine smells like one of those scents that would be reformulated!😹😹. In general I am one who does not wear patch well, but loves smelling it. Stash is a favorite Chez Mossy.
Hi Mossy, I am indeed in CONUS and will email you thank you very kindly for your generous offer. I know those paisley bottles well!. With Etro I do like to go back as far as I can to the originals.
Have you tried Moonlight Patchouli ( Van Cleef and Arpels) ? I think it’s a nice perfume
That’s another really good one-more stylish. FragranceNet has a mini of it. Hint, hint.
Just looked. It appears to be sold out, darn it. A mini would be perfect. I will also check the evilbay.
No I have not but thanks for the tip, Kanuka.
I have the Reminiscence Patchouli. It’s not for the patch-averse. Sample first, if you don’t have it already.
Thanks for the warning, Jalapeno. I don’t mind a truckload of patch! Just not around my sister, haha.
Don’t know if it’s still available, but an inexpensive patchouli-laden fragrance is Jessica Simpson Fancy Nights (dark green bottle).
That’s another good one, Laila.
I’ve never tried that one. Thanks Laila. Making a list!
Ooooooh, good recommendation!
I really liked Reminiscence Elixir Patchouli, but that was many years ago, no idea if they still make it, plus I am not really a patch person so doubt I am a good judge!
I’m very careful with patch as I really really don’t like some (those that literally smell like a moldy basement to me), while others are fine and there are even a couple that I love:
Profumum Patchouly
Bois 1920 Real Patchouly
And since I do love those two, I am guessing they may be less patchy and more ambery or something that makes them acceptable to my nose.
I’m continuing the weekend theme in the current version of Diorling.
You smell wonderful!
Excellent!
SotD Etro Patchouly because DeniseH mentioned it. It is delightful and reminds me of the problem of a large collection. Need I say more?
🤣
Wearing Number One Intense today. Wanted something a little louder. I love the tuberose and moss of this one. I used up the last of my Ulta rewards points today. Got another bottle of no 5 edt, vitamin gummies and a few stocking stuffers.
Nice! I need an Ulta run soon.
Finally, a day filled with 🌞 ☀️! Got some much-needed vitamin D in the hot tub this morning. SOTD for its last fall wearing is Coty L’Origan before it’s replaced by Emeraude for the winter months.
We took advantage of the good weather to put up our outside lights but won’t turn them on or put up the other holiday decorations til after Thanksgiving.
Wishing all a great last November week ahead!🍂🍁🦃
I got out in the sun today but I’m sure it was better in the hot tub 🙂
I’ve been busy with some writing projects and haven’t put much thought into either Thanksgiving or perfume (or gift-giving) for awhile. I did go to Ulta to pick up some things I wanted and sniffed various perfumes on offer there. One I liked quite a bit was Prada Paradoxe, the Virtual Flower one. The nice young SA made me a sample of it. It’s a floral amber. I like it more than the other ones, of which there seem to be too many! Has anyone else tried them?
Maybe lillyjo has?
I have only tried the original, which I thought was nice. I don’t think the Virtual Flower came to the store’s around here.
Interesting, thanks. The stores here seem to have five or six versions! I found many of the versions far too sweet, but VF is not.
Happy Monday!
Wearing a cheapie – Berdoues 1902 Violettes.
I came back from my trip to Lviv yesterday – it was a lot of fun! Once I organize my photos, I will post them on my instagram (it’s mostly churches and museums).
Happy Monday and welcome home, Glannys! So glad you had a good trip.
Welcome home, Glannys!
I’m continuing with last week’s CP, and I’m wearing the latest version of Jean Patou’s Adieu Sagesse.
It’s hard to believe it’s the last week in November already, so I’m working my way through the last of my November fragrances I haven’t worn this month. My SOTD is EL Sensuous edp for its last wearing this season. I love its honeyed warmth in the fall but it will now be replaced with Sensuous Noir; its honeyed warmth deepened and darkened with patchouli and pine and nicely suited to the upcoming holidays and winter’s cold.
Closing up the sunporch and changing seasonal home decor has added various linens and multiple pillows to my laundry load, so that’s my focus for today.
Happy Monday!🍁🍂🦃
SotD Diorling because Gaynor mentioned it. I have the Les Creations version and it is very complex and lingering. The jasmine and patchouly pair so nicely here. I don’t get leather so much as a woody turn to the otherwise green patchouly.
Jasmine + Patchouli? Sounds great!
I’ve worn my Boyfriend spray oil for the last couple of days because ringthing mentioned Boyfriend a couple of days ago. Softly woodsy. It’s just really nice.
Thank you for mentioning Detectorists as a show to watch a few weeks ago. I just rewatched the series again over the weekend; it’s that good.
I’ll also have my sister watch it when I go to see her over Christmas! I know she’ll love it too.
Wore Shalimar l’essence today.